As usual,it's a bright morning, and the sunlight is painfully dazzling.
I sit at my desk, listening to another long lecture about magic, while my hand automatically scribbles down whatever reaches my ears.
Different types of magic, mage ranking systems, basic formulas, and so many things.
It's only been five days since I transmigrated into this world, and my brain is already stuffed with magical theories I invented myself.
"What a confusing and exhausting five days..."
If this keeps up, I might collapse soon. Even now, I can feel the heat building up in my body.
"So when mana is channeled, each type of blood vessel is responsible for sending, transforming, and releasing different forms of energy, which are all required to manifest magic."
That's right.I created that mana system myself.
Here, mana flows through the body via the bloodstream, much like oxygen, going through a long process before becoming usable energy.
I don't even know why I designed it this way, but that's how the world of mana and aether works.
"In a sense, it's like breathing…" I thought.
Fortunately, in this class, I don't have to worry about chaos like in Class S.
Why? Because all the important people are there constantly watching each other like hawks.It might sound tense, but honestly, they can be childish too. They love shopping, sweets, and some are training maniacs… like Ethan.
Speaking of training...
It seems we'll have a field combat practice in a few days.
It's probably meant to test how ready the cadets are to face monsters and measure their combat ability.
I really shouldn't waste more time studying my own theories. I haven't even awakened my mana yet, so physical training is what I need most right now.
After the magic lecture ended, I headed straight to the library to find some simple martial arts manuals.
And I found a few... though they were all Imperial martial techniques, sword, spear, unarmed, and so on.
"What's with this empire propaganda?!"
Was there nothing other than Imperial techniques?
Apparently not.
There were no manuals from independent families or tribes, probably because they don't want their secret techniques stolen or misused. Makes sense, I suppose.
Still, even if they're just Imperial techniques, they'll have to do for now.
"Oh, looks like we're dismissed early today since the teachers are preparing the training field and the student order? Great. More time to train."
Edward went back to his dorm room, carrying the martial arts books. He wanted to study them first before trying anything.
"First... straighten your back... feet shoulder-width apart... what the....uh...?"
He didn't understand a thing.
"Do I really have to go to the cadet training grounds?"
He still felt too embarrassed to show up there, especially since most people came in pairs or groups for sparring.
And Edward... had no friends. The only person he knew was the dorm guard.
"Hmm... maybe the quiet garden will do," he muttered, recalling a secluded place.
He changed into casual clothes and jogged toward that area, trying to recall the martial stances.
Along the way, he saw many beautiful sights, the small lake with a ten-meter statue in the middle, the lamp posts near public benches glowing faintly.
No one else was around; most cadets were busy preparing for club recruitment or their final exams.
Besides, the spot he was heading to was far from the main academy and not as well-maintained. The grass was overgrown, and the paths were cracked.
"Guess this part of the academy hasn't been renovated yet."
Edward decided to make use of the empty place for training.
Without hesitation, he laid down his books and towel, reading while imitating the movements.
Slowly, the Imperial techniques started to make more sense, the body understanding what the mind couldn't.
Even though his movements were still stiff, it was progress.
Meanwhile, not far away, a blue-haired girl watched him train intently.
Behind her stood two figures dressed in dark cloaks, wearing masks shaped like a peacock and a swan.
"How's the information gathering on the scholarship cadet?" she asked softly.
"Everything went smoothly. Name: Yuno Asteria. Born into a common family. Possesses a strong affinity with nature magic and close ties to spirits. Also has an impressive mana capacity for a cadet."
The girl listened in silence, her eyes still fixed on Edward.
"Based on witness reports and the data we've collected, the compatibility rate with the missing daughter of House Slyvius is around 80%."
"And what's preventing full confirmation?"
"The genetic markers. House Slyvius members are known for their black hair and green eyes. Yuno's features don't match."
"Hmm~"
The blue-haired girl seemed intrigued.
Still, she wasn't satisfied.
"Search deeper. I want a full report, but send it as a letter."
"As you command."
The two figures vanished into the shadows, leaving the blue-haired girl alone, watching Edward's clumsy practice.
"Yuno Asteria..." she whispered, a smile curling on her lips.
That smile promised that something interesting was about to unfold in the academy.
Edward, oblivious to all of this, continued struggling to perfect the first move of the Imperial martial art.