Inside Class 1-D, the classroom was quiet and still, bathed in the soft golden light of the morning sun filtering through enchanted glass windows.
Leon sat near the back, one hand on his chin as he watched the empty seats gradually fill.
He had arrived early—mostly out of habit, partly out of curiosity.
His eyes scanned every corner of the room, noting the layout, the glowing rune-lanterns that floated just above the ceiling, and the elegant chalkboard enchanted to erase itself after every class.
Soon, the quiet was replaced by the growing buzz of voices.
Students poured into the room, most of them human, with the occasional face betraying different lineage.
Two beastkin—a boy with feline ears and a girl with wolf-like features—took their seats near the middle.
Three dwarves clustered together toward the front, already whispering animatedly.
An Male elf—tall and elegant, with silver hair and unreadable eyes—walked in last and chose the window seat in the corner, away from the crowd.
The atmosphere shifted the moment the door opened once more.
With a composed stride and air of calm authority, a woman entered the classroom.
She was tall, her long silver robe trailing behind her, and her eyes sharp as steel. Her presence alone was enough to silence the room.
"I'm glad to see you're all on time," she said, her voice smooth but firm.
She glanced across the classroom briefly before offering a small nod.
"I am Professor Sylvia. Your homeroom teacher for the next several years… until the day you graduate."
A wave of silent surprise moved through the class.
"All the way till graduation?" Leon thought, raising an eyebrow.
Professor Sylvia continued, placing a hand gently forward.
"I am a Master Mage—an advanced level that takes years of dedication to reach.
While I am far from the peak of magic in the continent, within our Empire, this tier places me among the respected few.
My primary specialization is Summoning Magic, and I believe that will become quite clear."
Without a chant or wand, she raised a finger.
Fwump.
A small splash of water appeared midair—and from it emerged a translucent blue ball of water, no larger than a melon.
It had big, wobbly eyes and a tiny smiling mouth. With a happy blop, it bounced onto her shoulder and then onto the desk.
"Say hello," she said dryly.
The creature gave a bubbly chirp that made the class erupt into chuckles and murmurs of awe.
"It's so cute!" someone whispered.
Leon blinked. "That thing's a summoned creature? It looks like it belongs in a pet store."
"Don't be fooled by appearances," Sylvia added with a smirk. "This little one can drown a room if I let it."
The smiles quickly stiffened.
She clapped her hands once. "Now then. Let's not overwhelm you on the first day. This class will be mostly introductory. I'll explain the curriculum, your subjects, and what's expected of you this year."
She folded her arms behind her back.
"For your first year, there will be no field training."
A chorus of groans echoed through the classroom.
"What?!"
"You're kidding…"
Leon didn't react. He was still trying to understand how a ball of water could be dangerous.
Professor Sylvia held up her hand. "However, you will begin practicing magic very soon. You must first understand it before you can control it."
The groans turned into cheers almost instantly.
"That's more like it!"
"We get to cast spells?"
Smiling slightly, Sylvia continued. "Your academic path is structured like this: You will have three permanent subjects that everyone must attend.
The rest are optional, but you must choose at least five to support your magical development."
She waved her hand, and a stack of parchment floated from her desk into the air.
With a flick of her fingers, the forms distributed themselves, landing neatly on each student's desk.
Leon caught his before it hit the surface.
"Your permanent subjects are:
1. Introduction to Magic :
A foundational course that explains the nature of mana, the origin of magic, and its presence across the world. Covers basic terminology, history, and how different races interact with magical forces.
2. Basics of the Magic World :
An overview of the structure of the magical world: major academies, magical guilds, notable figures in magical history, and how magic influences politics, trade, and society.
3. Elements and Affinity Studies :
Explores the primary elemental categories (fire, water, wind, earth, etc.), rare elements (light, dark, space, etc.), and how to discover and develop one's affinity. Includes simple exercises to feel elemental mana.
"These will form the foundation of your magical education."
Leon scanned his parchment. Below the permanent subjects was a list of optional ones, each with a short description. His eyes flicked across the names:
Optional Subjects (Sub-Subjects)
Combat & Martial Arts:
Fundamentals of Swordsmanship
Shield and Spear Techniques
Knight's Code and Combat Discipline
Dual Wielding Practice
Unarmed Combat and Mana Reinforcement
Magic Combat & Spellcasting:
Elemental Spellcraft: Beginner Tier
Mana Control and Spell Efficiency
Rune Drawing and Enchantment
Practical Combat Magic
Support & Utility Magic:
Alchemy and Potion Brewing
Healing Magic Fundamentals
Barrier Magic and Defensive Wards
Item Appraisal and Mana Imbuement
Familiar Bonding and Control
Summoning and Creature Studies:
Introduction to Summoning Circles
Monster Biology and Weakness Analysis
Contract Magic and Ethics
Handling Magical Creatures
Spirit and Elemental Companions
Theory and World Knowledge:
Magical History and Relics
Comparative Magic Systems of Other Races
Magic Laws and Regulations
Continental Geography and Magical Zones
Ancient Languages and Lost Spells
Miscellaneous & Rare:
Art of Silent Casting
Shadow Movement and Stealth
Tactical Strategy and Team Formations
Magic-Smithing and Gear Creation
Meditation and Mana Recovery Techniques
Each subject had a brief but intriguing line beneath it. Leon paused at several, considering. He tapped his quill thoughtfully against the desk.
"Swordmanship could be good… maybe summoning too. Not sure about Ethics though."
He noticed a few students already writing eagerly, while others looked like they'd rather run out of the room.
Leon finally circled his choices after several minutes of contemplation.
"Alright. Let's see where this takes me."
As the rest of the class filled in their forms, Professor Sylvia moved behind her desk and began recording each name on a floating scroll.
"Once you've filled in your form," she said, "you may leave for the day. Your official schedules will be handed out tomorrow. Make sure you're ready."
Leon stretched, letting out a quiet sigh of satisfaction.
Day one wasn't so bad after all.