Chapter 54 - Chapter 54 The Magic Otaku Is Lost in Thought
The journey in the Haste-accelerated carriage was, surprisingly, much more comfortable than a regular ride.
The Air Screen spell cast on the four wheels of the carriage protected them from vibrations. The spell acted like an air cushion, preventing the wheels from being damaged by excessive vibrations as the carriage sped along at an extraordinary pace.
This also meant that the vibrations were significantly reduced for us passengers. The Northern Highway we were traveling on was one of the better-maintained roads in the kingdom, but it still had countless small bumps and the occasional large rock that would make you say, "Eh?" Despite this, the ride was smooth and steady. The speed and comfort were on a whole new level compared to any carriage ride we had experienced before, and our excitement was palpable.
"Professor, this is amazing! It doesn't shake at all!!"
"Of course, of course. I was quite taken aback the first time I tried it myself."
The professor answered with evident delight, stroking his chin beard with satisfaction.
"Wow, the scenery is flying by so fast!"
"Devora, don't get so close to the window. I can't see anything from here. Let me have a good look too."
Noam and Devora seemed thoroughly captivated by the unprecedented speed. In this world, such a speed could only be experienced by riding a swift horse at full gallop. Eli was also gazing intently at the passing scenery without a word.
Among us, only Ruria wasn't as excited... or so I thought. But even Ruria was looking out the window! Even she, who was usually so composed, must have felt a sense of wonder. However, she soon left the window and leaned against my arm. She gets bored so quickly.
As we were all captivated by the outside view, the line of carriages glided smoothly along the road. The sensation was similar to being in a car. I suddenly thought of something and asked the professor.
"Professor, wouldn't the Air Screen spell alone be enough without using Haste? If it improves the ride this much, long journeys wouldn't be as tiring, and nobles would be very pleased to use it in their carriages."
"Hmm... That's an interesting point. The military doesn't prioritize comfort, so I hadn't considered it. However, using it outside the military and the academy would be challenging. Perhaps it could be used in the royal carriage during the king's travels. I'll mention it to Levi later."
The professor pondered carefully before answering. It seemed that the need for a second-tier mage was the main obstacle. Indeed, it might only be practical for the carriages of royals and high-ranking nobles with their own mages and military escorts. There might be demand, but the supply would be limited.
"Well, let's start the lecture. First, could you close the windows? It's getting warmer, but the wind at this time of year can still be harsh on an old man like me."
All the windows of the carriage were currently open. It was already spring, but the wind still carried a chill. With the carriage moving at car-like speeds, the wind was quite strong. We, being young and excited, didn't mind, but the professor had been feeling quite cold. We left the rear window open for light and closed the driver's side and four side windows, settling in to listen to the professor.
"Let's talk about our destination, Metula Fortress. We will travel north along the Northern Highway to the Marquisate of Shamir, located in the northwest of the kingdom. The Marquisate of Shamir is vast, and Metula Fortress stands at its northernmost point. Beyond it lies the Central Plains."
The professor continued, looking around at us.
"Metula Fortress is garrisoned with about a hundred knights and soldiers. The Marquisate of Shamir maintains these forces, but the royal family also provides support. The fortress is seen as a key defense for not just the Marquisate but the entire kingdom. A third-tier mage from the Royal Magic Corps is also stationed there, highlighting how seriously the kingdom views the Central Plains as a potential threat."
The professor's face seemed to glow with pride. Perhaps it was because the Magic Corps was involved in the fortress's defense. Even though he now teaches at the academy, he clearly still has a deep affection for his former position as corps commander.
"The Central Plains stretch between the Eastern Mountain Region and the Pillar of Heaven mountain range, covering the northern part of our country. To the south of these plains, numerous orc tribes have made their homes, causing problems for the region for a long time. Noam, tell me what you know about orcs."
The professor paused his lecture and turned to Noam, who was surprised but seemed to recall the lesson, his gaze wandering as he answered.
"Well, orcs are a humanoid species larger than humans, primarily living in the Central Plains. They are a very violent race and have invaded the kingdom, causing chaos in the northern regions."
"Hmm, that's a good start. Eli, is there anything you'd like to add?"
The professor nodded at Noam's answer but then turned to Eli, who was sitting huddled next to him. Eli looked surprised, thought for a moment, and then answered hesitantly.
"...Orcs often fight among themselves, despite being a threat to the kingdom. They are stronger and more aggressive than humans, but they tend to fight each other more than they do the kingdom. Therefore, they don't pose as significant a threat."
The professor nodded deeply, praising her, "Well done, you've studied well." Then, he glanced at me with a slightly amused tone.
"Both of you seem to have a good grasp of the basics. Saki, why don't you give us the model answer?"
...Hold on, old man. Why are you calling me out like that, trying to rile me up? I'm not a kid who gets excited by showing off my knowledge... Well, technically, I am a seven-year-old, but still.
But since he specifically called me out, there must be a reason. I recalled what I had learned in class and from the library, trying to understand the professor's intent as I answered.
"Orcs are a humanoid species closely related to humans, with both males and females being significantly larger. They live in tribes, which are often connected by a shared ancestry. Their lifestyle is primarily based on hunting and gathering, with little to no agriculture. They move within their tribal territories in search of prey and resources. When resources are scarce due to the movement of prey or poor harvests, they engage in barter trade with other tribes and humans, but they often resort to raids and plunder. As a result, most adult male orcs are both hunters and warriors.
Due to their lifestyle, conflicts over prey and hunting grounds are common among tribes, and they don't constantly attack humans. The tribes are not large, and when they invade the kingdom's northern regions, they usually come in groups of a few dozen to a few hundred. Since Metula Fortress was built twenty years ago, these incursions have been manageable. However, if a powerful leader were to emerge and unite multiple tribes, forming a large army, it could pose a significant threat to the northern regions. Therefore, constant vigilance is necessary."
After finishing my explanation, I looked around and saw Noam and Devora gazing at me with admiring eyes. Eli also nodded repeatedly, clearly impressed. Their sparkling gazes made me feel embarrassed and almost melt. Hey, stop looking at me like that. I just happened to read a detailed book about orcs.
Actually, when I studied magic in my previous life, I couldn't avoid delving into folklore and comparative cultural studies. I found the ecology and culture of different races fascinating and did a lot of research on my own. That's how I happened to have the information to answer the professor's question.
Ruria, meanwhile, lifted her face from my chest and looked at me with her usual sleepy eyes. It was hard to tell, but she probably meant, "Well done, excellent." She then turned to the other students and gave them a smug look. Why is she smirking when I answered the question?
The professor, on the other hand, was holding his forehead and shaking his head. Hey, you asked for a model answer, so I gave it my best shot. You should at least give some feedback, right? And now he's sighing. This old man...
"You've covered everything I wanted to explain. As Saki said, the orc tribes in the Central Plains are not to be underestimated. Some nobles and knights look down on orcs and consider them insignificant, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Orcs are not the only threat; the occasional appearance of magical beasts is also a serious concern. I want you to experience the front lines at Metula Fortress and understand the responsibility and tension of defending this country in times of need. This is one of the main goals of our field trip."
The professor spoke earnestly, looking at each of us. Indeed, this is very much in line with Professor Azadh's character. He must have been concerned about the northern defenses even when he was the corps commander. I recalled a conversation from about three and a half years ago, when I first met the corps commander at my family's home in the capital. He mentioned that some nobles were plotting a war with the orcs, but such a war never happened. It's likely that the professor and my father, who was also a corps commander, worked to prevent it. However, the professor's tone suggests he is worried about the resurgence of northward expansionist ideas within the kingdom. Perhaps he wants us to see the reality of the situation.
But really, was it necessary to conduct a field trip all the way to Metula Fortress? Transporting this many people from the heart of the kingdom to the border must have cost an astronomical amount. Add to that the luxurious carriages and the mobilization of over ten professors, and the cost must be astronomical. The academy might be wealthy, but couldn't they have been more lenient about the repair costs for my lab accident?
Oh, right, those repair costs of five hundred gold coins were a matter of principle. Paying them off would restore my credibility with the academy and my family. I should start thinking about how to earn money after graduation. As I pondered this, I stroked Ruria's head, who was still clinging to me, and listened to the professor's lecture.
The line of carriages continued northward and eventually stopped for a lunch break. The ten carriages pulled into a rest area along the road, forming a semicircle. We students, after hours of travel, stepped onto solid ground, stretching and rotating our shoulders, enjoying a brief sense of freedom.
Professor Azadh instructed the drivers to let the horses rest properly. The Haste spell can increase speed, but it doesn't enhance the horses' stamina. Proper rest is essential for a long journey. The horses would need to transport us from the center of the kingdom to the northern border, covering about half the kingdom's length. Overworking them was out of the question.
The attendants from the cargo carriages brought out large cloths and distributed them to the students. Our group received one, which turned out to be a felt-like material made from animal fur. It was large enough for all five of us to sit comfortably, with geometric patterns. We were supposed to spread it on the ground and sit on it.
The ten carriages formed a semicircle, and the professors gathered near the apex. We students arranged our cloths around them, sitting in our groups. Once everyone was seated, Professor Azadh stepped forward and addressed us.
"Everyone, how was the journey? I hope no one is tired. When you travel by carriage after graduating, remember that it won't always be this comfortable. Carriages usually shake and jolt, and it can take a long time to reach your destination. Keep that in mind."
He paused, looking around at the students, and continued.
"We will take a lunch break here. Each group will have one or two professors joining them. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. You might learn something you wouldn't normally hear while eating. Let's start the break now. Remember not to wander too far from this rest area."
As the professor finished speaking, the attendants began distributing lunch baskets to each group. The baskets contained white bread, cheese, and smoked meat. A short distance away, an attendant was heating a large pot, from which we could receive soup. I thought it was highly unlikely that such a lavish lunch would be available during a regular carriage journey. The academy must have invested a significant amount of money in this field trip.
However, a lavish meal is always better than a meager one. We eagerly joined the queue for the soup, returning to our space with wooden bowls filled with root vegetables. There, we found four professors silently glaring at each other.
Two of them were familiar: Professor Azadh and Professor Hazza. Both had stern expressions and were glaring at the other two professors. One of the two being glared at was familiar. It was Professor Batya Gitai, a young female professor I had met at the academy and the Great Library. She had platinum blonde hair in a very short cut and a model-like figure. Despite the intense gaze from Professors Azadh and Hazza, she maintained a cool demeanor.
The other professor was unfamiliar. He appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties, with a slender build and neatly combed back, slightly faded blonde hair. He had a nervous expression and a thin smile. He looked like he would fit perfectly with a pair of thin-rimmed glasses and a lab coat, likely a chemistry teacher or a doctor. Well, he is a professor, so that's not far off.
When they saw us return from the soup line, the four professors turned away and began whispering to each other. Soon, Professor Azadh, still frowning, and Professor Hazza, scratching his hair as usual, left. Professors Gitai and the other man remained, and the older male professor spoke to us.
"Hello, the two of us will be joining your group. Let's sit down and introduce ourselves while we eat."
The professor, despite his stern appearance, was quite friendly. We sat down around him and the other professor, and he introduced himself as we began to eat.
"I am Avishai Neri. I primarily teach third-year students, and my specialty is magical combat. You first-year students haven't yet taken classes on using magic in combat, but during this field trip, you will learn the basics in a practical setting. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Of course, you can ask about other subjects as well."
"I'm Batya Gitai. I've met Saki and Ruria before, but this is the first time for the others. Like Professor Neri, I teach third-year students. My specialty is magical theory, so you'll likely see me in lectures. However, I'm also skilled in practical magic, so don't hesitate to ask for help. Looking forward to working with you all."
After Professor Gitai introduced herself, we each introduced ourselves in turn. Once we finished, the professors encouraged us to eat, and we began our (mostly) first-time conversation with them, albeit a bit awkwardly.
"I've never heard of a class on magical combat. What exactly do you teach in that class?"
At my question, Professor Neri stopped tearing his bread and answered.
"Well, the class on magical combat focuses on preparing for and handling various combat situations a mage might face. Whether leading soldiers on a battlefield, being ambushed alone outdoors, or working with other mages to defeat a magical beast. We learn how to prepare and use spells in each scenario. However, the most important aspect is preparing for combat between mages."
Professor Neri wrapped a piece of cheese in the torn bread and took a bite, savoring it. After swallowing, he looked around at all of us and continued.
"We mages are all alumni of the same academy. However, due to the alliances we join after graduation or personal disputes, we sometimes find ourselves in conflict with our fellow mages. Mages are powerful. Apart from the occasional magical beast, they are rarely outmatched by soldiers or knights. But what happens when mages fight each other? It's a very dangerous situation where even a small mistake can lead to defeat. Knowing what spells your opponent might use and how to counter them is essential. Without this knowledge, you cannot call yourself a fully-fledged mage."
I listened intently, scooping a spoonful of vegetable-rich soup from my wooden bowl. The class on magical combat seemed more practical and useful than I expected. If such a class existed, I would have loved to take it before experiencing a real magical battle. I doubt anyone else has been targeted by a second-tier mage in their first year of college, but I managed to overcome it with my ability to see the Sigils and the spell gesture omission. Mages are powerful. As my father once said, a single Magic Missile from a first-tier mage can instantly kill a fully-armored knight. A confrontation between such powerful beings would be intense and potentially deadly. This class is definitely worth taking.
Looking around, I saw Noam, Devora, and Eli listening intently to Professor Neri. Ruria, on the other hand, was feeding a piece of smoked meat to Isis, who was perched on her shoulder. Hey, just because Isis is invisible to others doesn't mean you can do that without drawing suspicion. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice Ruria's actions, but I should mention it to her later.
Thinking about the practical nature of the magical combat class, I wondered what the class on magical theory entailed. As I looked at Professor Gitai, our eyes met. She smiled warmly and said, "Since you're looking at me, I'll talk about my specialty next."
I appreciate the warm smile, but I might suffer at the hands of my childhood friend. She's casually leaning against me, and I can feel her hand reaching under my robe to pinch my side. I gritted my teeth to avoid crying out and listened to Professor Gitai.
"Magical theory is a relatively new field. We take spells for granted, but we know very little about the spells themselves. For example, why are there only five types of Sigils? What do they mean? We form hypotheses and test them to understand the nature of spells. Our knowledge of spells is so limited that each professor researching them focuses on different aspects. I, for instance, study offensive spells."
"To add to that, when we try to learn new spells, we practice them relentlessly until we master them. Magical theory aims to help with this by increasing our understanding of spells, not just through practice but also through theoretical knowledge. So far, there haven't been significant results, but it's an exciting field with potential."
As Professor Gitai spoke, Professor Neri interjected with a critique. She shot him a stern look but quickly returned to her warm smile. Hmm, a bit intimidating. But Professor Neri's point was valid: magical theory is still in its early stages. It's understandable that it might irk her.
The rest of the lunch break was spent with Noam, Devora, and Eli asking the professors questions about their specialties, creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Eventually, Professor Azadh called for us to get ready to depart. We thanked Professors Neri and Gitai, returned the dishes and cloths to the attendants, and boarded the carriages. After a short wait, Professor Azadh joined us, and we resumed our journey.
The horses, well-rested and re-enchanted with Haste, glided smoothly along the road. The post-lunch relaxation made the carriage ride quiet, and the warm, spring-like sunlight created a lazy, peaceful atmosphere.
Ruria, sitting next to me, leaned against me with half-closed eyes. Despite her unchanged expression, I could tell from her gaze that she was asking, "Why are you being so quiet?" Indeed, during the lunch break, I had fallen silent, lost in thought.
I had always had a vague sense that something was off about the academy. But after listening to Professors Gitai and Neri during the lunch break, my suspicions became clearer.
The Talgum Magic Academy teaches us how to use spells but not how they are formed. It's not that they don't teach it; they can't. The spells we use were not developed through trial and error by past mages but have been passed down in their current form from the beginning. Otherwise, why would professors still be researching the nature of spells?
If I were a professor, I would start my lectures by explaining how spells came to be. That would be the first step, from which we could explore the properties and mechanisms of spells in greater detail. Why is there no such foundational knowledge in the curriculum?
After some thought, I have a vague idea of why. It's just a theory, so I can't be certain, but I have two people in mind who might know the truth. One of them, Ruria, seems to have had enough of the smoked meat and cheese and is now dozing off on her shoulder.
It's not always wise to immediately seek answers to everything. It might be more interesting to explore the nature of spells myself. If I gain any insights, I could share them with Professor Gitai, potentially advancing her research and, in turn, helping students learn spells more effectively. That would benefit us all. Yes, it might be fun to delve into magical theory when we return to the academy.
With these thoughts in mind, the line of carriages continued its journey, making good progress toward the first town where we would spend the night.
The update pace will slow down for a while, but I will continue writing. Thank you for your support.