Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Another Genius

Sirone advanced to Class Five, and Sienna became his dedicated professor. Fortunately, she understood and appreciated his unique study methods. Despite the increased difficulty of theoretical classes at this higher level, Sirone’s dedication to his learning approach never wavered.

Weekly written exams were essential for monitoring student progress with rankings updated after each midterm. In a class of forty students, Sirone’s initial scores were the lowest.

Although Sienna was concerned about these results, she noted the even distribution of Sirone’s scores. His average score across the eleven subjects was thirty-two, and scores on each subject varied slightly between thirty to thirty-three. He doesn’t concentrate on just one subject. Maybe it’s an intentional strategy...

By the second exam, his average had risen to thirty-four points. A two-point increase might seem minor, but an improvement across all subjects was indeed significant. The trend continued in the third exam with scores ranging from thirty-six to thirty-nine, hinting at even faster progress.

Sienna could see Sirone’s determination. He has a definite goal, and it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication. Theoretical exams, while not the sole indicator of competence, were crucial as they related to mastery of the Spirit Zone. Professors typically viewed scores of sixty or above as the minimum for proficient spellcasting.

If he continues to improve by ten points each month, he’ll be able to perform basic magic three months from now. And if he continues to advance like this...

Sirone would eventually be able to master all officially registered fields of magic. Of course, this is just theoretical. Each student had unique traits, and preferences in subjects also deviated individually. Nonetheless, the pattern of steady improvement across all areas offered a glimmer of hope and warranted close observation. After all, even within Class Five, it was unwise to underestimate someone who consistently improved their average score.

Their ultimate aim was graduation, which required choosing a major—a critical decision since expertise was what mages needed most. Royal families invested enormous amounts of money in maintaining the highest standards of magical systems. As a result, mages who exhibited excellence in their fields were regarded as experts within society.

The funding for mages was immense, covering everything from research labs to magical devices and rare materials. The profits generated by advanced magic far outweighed the costs. These students were likely well aware of the political landscape within mage society. Therefore, despite being in the advanced class, they devoted significant effort to finding their optimal specialization.

In this respect, Sirone was comfortable. His peers envied how he had refined his teleportation magic to an expert level. Sirone likely felt his talent for manipulating photons through magic was well-matched to his abilities as well.

The theory of photonization isn’t just about knowledge. It encompasses many unverified aspects. In that regard, Sirone’s insights are invaluable.

Unlike those in Class Seven, who were focused on graduating, students in Class Five had to consider becoming mages as a profession. Factors like these kept his peers from looking down on Sirone.

And so, a month passed. Sirone, who had smoothly adapted to school life, now enjoyed better social relations than before. During integrated classes, his underclassmen, including Mark, who had finished his disciplinary period, would greet him warmly.

“Mister Sirone, I saved you a seat.”

“Thanks, Mark.”

While it was somewhat embarrassing that Mark had reserved a seat for him, he consistently chose to sit next to Sirone. As Class Seven’s leader, Mark might have aimed to demonstrate solidarity, but since he had ceased bullying others, Sirone saw it as a positive change.

Then Seryel approached. “Found you. Can I sit here too?”

Breathless, Mark greeted her. “Hello, Miss Seryel!”

Upon seeing Seryel from Class Four, who was high in the class hierarchy, Mark immediately stood and bowed respectfully.

Seryel sat beside Sirone, gesturing dismissively with a wave. “You seem tired these days, Sirone. Missing Amy, perhaps?”

“No, it’s nothing like that,” he chuckled.

Amy had successfully passed her advancement exam the previous week and joined the graduating class. She made light of it, claiming it was easy, but it was evident she had dedicated herself to rigorous study.

“You must feel lonelier without her than I do. You two were inseparable,” Sirone commented.

“Yeah, I guess so. But it’s fine. I plan to move up to the graduating class soon as well.”

“What? Really?”

If anyone, Seryel was more than capable. Despite the many talented individuals in Class Four, she excelled in healing magic. Given the emphasis on majors in the graduating class, she could have an edge.

“Well, the graduating class isn’t somewhere you go just to be with a friend, but watching you and Amy has inspired me. I had plans to enjoy a modest life after graduation, but now it seems like a waste of youth to settle for just that.”

Mark frowned slightly. “How can someone as talented as you only want a modest life, Miss Seryel? Then what am I supposed to do?”

Seryel laughed lightly. “Don’t stress too much, Mark. I didn’t make it this far because I’m exceptionally talented at something. Anyone can graduate with enough hard work. Sirone’s the exception, not the rule.”

Sirone, surprised by the comment, waved his hands in denial. “No, I... actually...”

“You don’t have to be modest. I’m sure you’ll be in the graduating class soon too. Amy is determined not to be in the same class as you, but give it your best,” Seryel said with a laugh.

But that sounded like Amy. As Sirone recalled how hard Amy must have trained, his heart raced too. Then a sudden thought crossed his mind. “Oh, yeah. What major did Amy choose?”

“What? She didn’t tell you either? Your dating style is so weird.”

“Well, that’s how it has always been.”

“I’m not sure yet either. It’s just the beginning, and considering her specialization in flame magic and her proficiency in target form, I think she’s considering a sniper major.”

“Isn’t that a military position? Does that mean she plans to become a soldier?”

Seryel, understanding Sirone’s feelings, smiled. “Well, there’s no choice. You have to choose a profession based on your talents. And Amy has her family’s reputation to consider.”

“But it’s a dangerous profession. Depending on the situation, she might even have to harm people.”

“Well, when it comes to an actual war, our specialization won’t really matter. Anyone with the profession of a mage will be deployed to the front lines for sure. Having highly-skilled individuals like Amy actually strengthens the deterrent against wars.”

“Well, that’s true, but...”

Preventing war required a strong force, and the Kingdom of Tormia was considered a formidable nation in its own right. However, it was still a worrisome matter. Wars continued elsewhere on the continent, and the diplomatic climate could necessitate Amy’s presence on the battlefield.

Yet, Mark’s thoughts wandered elsewhere, diverging from Sirone’s concerns. “If Miss Amy becomes a military officer, she’ll be incredibly popular in the unit. Having said that, it’s still difficult to picture her in the military.”

Seryel let out a laugh. “That’s because you don’t understand Amy’s personality. I think it will suit her well. Sirone, don’t worry too much. After all, mages aren’t out there swinging swords on the battlefield. Snipers primarily focus on espionage. Doesn’t it sound cool? Amy, the beautiful intelligence agent.”

“I guess so,” Sirone replied with a smirk, releasing his unwarranted concerns.

After all, she was the genius who had never missed finishing top of her class. He acknowledged that she had made the best possible decision for herself.

As the integrated theory class concluded and it was time for practical training, the students scattered to their respective areas according to their classes. Sirone exchanged farewells with Mark and Seryel before joining his group. His class was lively with peers his age who were never short on playfulness or conversation during practical sessions.

“Hey, Sirone. You’re still shining bright today,” Nade greeted, initiating conversation.

With his flowing light green hair, he was the same age as Sirone and exuded a playful aura. From the very first day of Sirone’s promotion to Class Five, Nade was the first one to strike up a conversation with him.

He’s such a friendly guy, Sirone thought.

After observing him for about a month, it became evident that Nade got along well with everyone. While he seemed like a great person to befriend, Sirone couldn’t shake the concern that it might leave him with insufficient time for studying.

In reality, Nade’s grades fell within the upper-middle-range, and he was neither exceptionally good nor bad at his studies. His distinctive feature was his ability to manipulate electric magic. There was truly no easy form of magic, but harnessing electrical energy was particularly challenging. It’s not a property that comes naturally to humans.

Listening to his explanation, it all made sense. Nade had always dreamed of inventing magic tools. His childhood was filled with tinkering and experimenting with machinery and electricity, which made mastering electric magic much more intuitive for him.

“Bright? I would have to disagree. I’m actually having a hard time.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Nade teased with a grin. “Isn’t it better to face challenges together than alone?”

He had a way of making people feel at ease. Perhaps that was why, whenever there was small talk, the other students would seek out Nade first. Even during training, the male students would pass by him as if he were a place of relaxation.

The two budding students were approached by two peers engaged in a heated argument.

“Hey, hey! Sironade, listen to this.”

The fusion of their names into a new term caught Sirone’s attention. He retracted his Spirit Zone and opened his eyes.

One of the classmates leaned in and asked, “Who would you pick, Professor Etala or Professor Sienna? Oh, Sirone! You have Miss Amy, so you probably don’t care, right? What about you, Nade?”

“Hmm, I definitely prefer Professor Etala. That’s not to say that Professor Sienna isn’t attractive.”

“Same! I knew it. Professor Etala is the best. She looks young. And her figure? Sheesh!”

Sirone was reminded once again of how different Class Five was from Class Seven. In Class Five, the most prevalent topic of interest, regardless of gender, was romance and the opposite sex.

Of course, Sirone was also a boy. I think both of them are attractive. If Sienna radiated a cosmopolitan aura, Etala possessed a demeanor that stirred protective instincts. Perhaps it was because of her large glasses, full figure, and pure, almost childlike, demeanor. If they were to ask me, I’d choose...

Just as Sirone pondered this hypothetical question, his fellow students suddenly dispersed.

“Huh?” Sirone turned his head, puzzled by the sudden departure, to see an eccentric-looking boy approaching.

It was Iruki Mercodyne, who was known as the maverick of Class Five. In a way, he was an outcast, but in Sirone’s view, he genuinely seemed to dislike socializing. Yet, even this oddball had someone reaching out to him—none other than the amiable Nade.

“What’s all the commotion about?” Iruki asked.

Nade shrugged and replied nonchalantly, “Just the usual. It’s the age-old debate about who’s prettier: Professor Sienna or Professor Etala.”

Sirone was surprised to witness the playful banter. He recognized Nade’s considerate attitude toward Iruki even after all the excitement. He’s so adaptable...

Nade, as if suddenly remembering, said, “Oh, Sirone, let me introduce you. This is Iruki. He’s the maverick of Class Five.