As time flew by, Professor Grave continued his lecture.
"We talked about the Fundamentals of Mana. Now, let's move on to the next topic, which is…"
"Affinity Classification and Hierarchy."
As Professor Grave continued his lecture, he moved his hand in the air.
The lecture hall hummed with mana as a series of glowing sigils formed in the air, each glowing with distinct elemental energy.
The students watched in anticipation, they were eager to learn about it.
"Mana is a neutral force, but when channeled through an Esper. It aligns with their unique Affinity. This determines how they interact with the world. Affinities are classified into three categories. Such as Normal, Advanced, and Special."
With a wave of Professor Grave's hand, four sigils floated in front of the students glowing red, blue, brown, and green.
"These four elements Fire, Water, Earth and Wind. These are the foundation of all magic. Every Esper, unless they are an anomaly, possesses at least one of these affinities."
Every student, including Ryker and the main cast watched Professor Grave with anticipation.
"These four basic elements are mostly used in the following ways"
"Fire for destruction and energy. Water for adaptability, healing, and control. Earth for resilience and stability. Finally, Wind for speed, precision and mobility."
Professor Grave paused for a moment. "These affinities are the most common, making up nearly 80% of all recorded Espers."
With another wave of Professor Grave's hand, the sigils changed. Now, they glowed purple, dark blue, dark brown and light green.
"When an Esper refines their control, their affinity may evolve. However, not all can achieve this. It requires immense talent, training and in some cases, a natural predisposition."
"When affinities evolve, they change from basic elements to advanced elements. Fire evolves into Lightning. Water evolves into Ice. Earth evolves into Gravity. Finally, Wind evolves into Sound."
"Advanced affinities are proof of mastery but they are far from the peak of one's full potential."
The floating sigils vanished and two new sigils appeared. One glowed radiant gold the other abyssal black.
"Some affinities exist outside the elemental spectrum. Light and Darkness do not evolve from normal elements. They are unique forces existing independently."
"While we know what other elements can do, Light and Darkness are very unique."
"Light Affinity you can say is the essence of purification, restoration and divine radiance. Water Affinity is used for healing but Light Affinity is far superior."
"In history, the top Sanctorum Espers had Light Affinity. It is capable of mending wounds, dispelling curses and even destroying demonic mana."
Professor Grave's tone rose.
"However"
"Even though it's used for healing, it does have offensive applications piercing barriers, purging the undead and disrupting illusions."
"Now, let's move on to the second special affinity"
"Which is Darkness."
"If Light Affinity can be said to represent purity, creation and healing then Darkness Affinity, on the other hand is the embodiment of concealment, entropy and destruction."
"People often misunderstand Darkness as 'evil.' The Darkness element excels in erasing presence, consuming energy and breaking down matter. Its users are feared for their ability to manipulate shadows, disrupt minds and unravel magical constructs."
Professor Grave's voice dropped slightly.
"Light and Darkness Espers are rare and those who wield them are often either worshiped or feared. History has shown that those who master them walk a dangerous path."
Ryker narrowed his eyes. He had Light Affinity, which automatically made him a target. Ryker, being a Sanctorum, his presence could turn the tide of any battle. That made him both a valuable asset and a target.
*****
"Now, we will talk about Affinity Strength & Compatibility."
"Not all Espers are equal. Even within the same affinity, strength and efficiency vary."
"Some are stronger than the rest, while others are weak."
"You will all either have High Compatibility or Low Compatibility."
"Your affinity is determined at birth but through rigorous training, one can increase their compatibility. However, there are limits that one cannot cross."
A student raised his hand.
"Professor, what about dual affinities?"
Silence fell over the room. Grave's expression turned serious.
"Dual affinities are rare, occurring in less than 5% of Espers. While some are born with them, others awaken them through unique circumstances."
Professor Grave glanced across the room.
"However, those who attempt to wield opposing forces such as Light and Darkness or Fire and Water, face unpredictable consequences."
Clap!
Professor Grave clapped, breaking the students out of their seriousness.
"Enough theory. Let's witness the elements in action."
Professor Grave raised one of his hands, and the four normal affinities manifested before him.
Fire flickered in his palm. Water swirled around his wrist. Earth formed solid platforms in the air. Wind created currents that rippled across the hall.
"Observe how these elements move. Fire dances, Water flows, Earth holds firm, and Wind shifts unpredictably. Each affinity has its own behavior and to master it, you must understand its nature."
Then, the advanced affinities came.
Lightning crackled. Ice crystallized instantly. Gravity distorted the air. Sound caused an audible hum.
Finally, he conjured Light and Darkness.
Light manifested as radiant energy, warm and stable.
Meanwhile, Darkness coiled like mist, silent and consuming.
"Affinity is not just about power. It's about control. Even the strongest Espers are useless if they cannot harmonize with their element."
With a flick of Professor Grave's wrist, the elements vanished.
"This concludes today's lecture. Next time, we will explore the practical applications of mana and its connection to skills."
As students murmured, one of them asked,
"Professor, has anyone ever mastered both Light and Darkness?"
A long silence followed.
"There are legends. But history tells us that those who walk that path either vanish from existence or become something beyond human comprehension."
******
Damn!!!
"That was a very big lecture." Ryker sighed as he got up from his seat.
Hearing Ryker's tired voice, Lia laughed a little.
"Yeah, it was a big lecture compared to others."
"But"
"Professor Grave did teach a lot of things."
"You wouldn't expect anything else from the number one academy."
"True," Ryker answered as he looked for Arthur.
"Yo, Arthur and Dean, wanna go for lunch?"
As Ryker asked Arthur and Dean, Lia spoke in a disappointed voice.
"Ryker, you invited Arthur and Dean for lunch but you wouldn't invite me?"
"I am very hurt, Ryker."
Haaah!!!
Hearing Lia's cheeky voice, Ryker simply laughed.
"You also wanna go to lunch with us?"
"Sure," Lia replied with a smirk as she got up from her seat.
"Let's go then."
Lucas was still in a comatose state. He would wake up soon. Until then, Ryker would follow the story as it was getting to know the other main cast and becoming their friend.
'After Lucas wakes up, the second event will start.'
'As soon as Lucas wakes up, I will start my plan.'
'I hope you won't disappoint me, Lucas.'
Ryker smirked as he thought about his future plans. He left the hall with the other main characters to get lunch.
"This is fun!!!"