"There are two parts to this answer. Technically, 65% is considered a passing grade in individual classes, but you must maintain a 70% average across all your classes to be considered passing."
He glances at the student who asked the question, and then centered himself to continue speaking.
"And other than getting no weekly allowance, what other punishments are there if we fail our classes?"
The instructor slowly turned his head at interrupted intervals, and his eyes flared.
"If you get anything less than a 90 in my class, your stipend will be cut."
His eyes closed and reopened.
"You would have to fail all your academic subjects to be expelled,"
"but if you fail any of your Magic classes this semester, your spot will be nullified, it will be as if you never stepped foot into this Academy."
Arthur felt his chest tighten, his feet pushed into the ground, and his hands latched on to the edges of the desk as if he was thrown in the air, searching desperately for stability. With great effort, he was able to press his head down into his desk to hide.
"Now that introductions are done, we will move on to our first unit, 'The Definition of Magic'. Magic is the manipulation of mana. This is the simplest and only definition of Magic that Magic society decided as a whole, that cannot be contradicted. It is extremely important to recognize that everything is made of mana. It is the form of energy that gives life, but is also what makes up the earth, seas, and skies as well. But that does not mean that because you have the ability to manipulate mana, you can manipulate matter that has taken on stable forms, no, most mages can only manipulate the invisible mana that has yet to take form, to imitate an element as it exists in the natural world. Only the most skilled mages, like our Headmaster can manipulate the terrain, and only one, the progenitor of magic, has been known to have the ability to manipulate life."
He looks back at the students, and pretends to fix his tie.
"You will learn more about the Human God in your history classes." He said as he turned to the last of the two pages he had in front of him.
"This manipulation of mana can take an infinite number of forms, but the most common applications of it, such as Elemental spells, Magic Shields, Sword and Body-Aura, are in the category called General Practice. More of this will be discussed once you make it into your second year, but to relieve the concerns of my priesthood students, you are free to take Divinity classes instead when the time comes."
…
"That will be all for today, please make your way to the next class on your schedule. Take your homework on my desk on your way out."
"You." He says as the person in front of Arthur leaves the room.
"Don't think that you'll be able to pass if you continue sleeping, Arthur. This is your first warning. Let it be your last."
"Of course, sir. I won't let it happen again"
He tried to look sincere, but he was not used to using the muscles in his face. He looked the way he always looked, brown-eyes turned void-black under the shadow his hair casted. Eyes that seemed to pierce through everything, and let nothing pierce it.
"Insolent. If you ever get anything less than perfect in my class, I will make sure the only food you eat will be that which is provided at no cost for the rest of your time here."
Arthur lowered his head slightly and continued through the door.
My first day, and I've made an enemy of a professor already.
He pulled his face.
Why won't you move the way I want you to?
He returned his arms to his side as he noticed a group of people approaching.
He acted strict, but sounded really passionate about his work. I really wanted to have a good relationship with him so we could discuss Magic Theory together. Well I guess the only thing I can do now is show him how dedicated I am about his class. If he wants me to get a perfect score on everything, then that's exactly what I'll give him!
His smile continued through all his classes until 16:00.
This is fun! Everything here is so fun–
"THUD!" That was the sound his body made as it hit the sand-covered earth of the Training Grounds, followed by the sound of rapid breaths.
"Finally", an unfamiliar voice said. "You know I wouldn't have hit you that hard if you didn't keep scurrying around like a rat, making this duel take so long. Making me chase you for two minutes. I'm never picking you as my dueling partner again."
Arthur picks himself off the ground, still trying to catch his breath as the Sword instructor dismisses the students for the day.
"Are you ok?" A firm hand grabs onto him. It nearly spans the width of his entire shoulder without the fingers parting.
"I'm fine." Arthur said as a stinging pain began to pulsate in his back.
"You know- there are other classes you can take for your required Magic Combat course credit, right?"
"My parents were not people of faith-I have no divinity, or divine blessing. By rare chance, I have awakened mana, but beyond that, I can do nothing. I can't maintain a spell for more than ten seconds, I have no Elemental blessing to make my life any easier. The only thing I can do is train. The sword is all I have. I must learn how to use it and pass this class so I don't let my parents' sacrifices go to waste. I must accomplish something with my life!" This is what he wanted to say, but instead, all he could muster was "I'm fine."
He carried himself back to his room, the Northern dormitory, closest residence hall to the education facilities.