——As the bronze bell was about to chime, signaling the start of the morning lessons, the students of Silverridge Academy had already filled the classroom with a soft bustle.
Kaito and Zack almost ran through the cold stone corridor, their shadows stretching across the floor. They managed to enter just one minute before the first chime echoed from the academy tower.
Upon entering the classroom, filled with long wooden desks and large iron-framed windows, Kaito intended to head straight to his seat. But his steps halted abruptly.
His eyes were fixed.
Not on the teacher.
Not on the crowd of other students.
But on someone sitting near the eastern window—the place where the morning sunlight shone the brightest.
Lyria.
The warm glint of sunlight passing through the thick glass fell on her hair, making the strands look like fine copper fibers. Her hair was neatly arranged today, unlike usual, when it tended to be a bit messy from the academy's courtyard wind. Thin bronze-framed glasses—rare and expensive in this era—rested delicately on her face, making her sky-blue eyes look even more vivid.
Kaito was frozen as if struck by a spell.
Is… this really Lyria?
There was something about her today. Her simple academy uniform looked neater, the small ribbon around her neck perfectly tied, and the light hitting her cheek made her seem almost… radiant.
Lyria appeared far more beautiful than usual. Different, but not in a way words could capture.
Kaito even forgot to breathe.
"Oi," Zack tapped his shoulder, his voice half-whisper. "Don't just stare. You're standing like a royal statue."
Kaito flinched, his face heating up.
"I-I was just… seeing something," he murmured, trying to stay calm though his voice wavered.
He forced himself to walk to his desk, but before sitting down, curiosity overtook logic. He turned once more.
And at that moment, Lyria lifted her head.
Her sky-blue eyes met Kaito's.
Silence fell instantly.
It was as if the whole room vanished, leaving only that brief gaze.
Kaito froze.
Why… did she look so different today?
Lyria simply blinked slowly, saying nothing. Yet the faint smile at the corner of her lips made Kaito's heart feel like it had been struck from within.
Then the academy bell rang, signaling the start of practical magic class.
"Hmm… Today we have practice too..? I hope it's not group practice… Please, let it not be," he whispered to himself, hoping it wouldn't happen.
The professor entered the classroom.
The entire class fell silent, focusing on Professor Helix De Ryaka's lesson.
"Huff… Alright, students. Before the lesson begins, I will be rearranging your seats with partners you haven't sat with before."
Immediately, the class became slightly noisy, questioning the reason for the seating change. One student from their batch raised his hand and asked the professor.
"Professor, I, Lerk Le Vantaquis, wish to ask. Why must we change seats now? Weren't the seats already assigned when we first entered this class?"
The professor looked at Lerk and replied to his question.
"Very well, Lerk. I will answer your question. This year, your teaching system has begun to change. Spell casting for mages will now begin with direct practice while simultaneously understanding the theory behind it. You also need partners you can trust, beyond the same usual classmates. Furthermore, it encourages interaction with one another. Of course, I do not approve of discrimination against students from non-noble backgrounds. Does anyone object? Or wish to oppose?"
The class fell silent, unable to dispute the professor's decision. Lerk merely nodded and said, "Thank you for your answer, Professor," before returning to his seat.
"Very well. Any questions? Or shall we begin the seating changes?" the professor asked, facing the class.
Zack raised his hand and asked a question.
"Yes, Zack. What is your question?"
Zack, nervous, asked, "Professor Helix, for those who choose the swordman type, who cannot use magic at all like mages, can they still participate in this class?"
Professor Helix paused, thinking over Zack's question. After a moment, he answered.
"Very well, Zack. Those who are not mages and cannot use magic can still participate in this class. This practice tests how much you care about your future partners and also evaluates teamwork.
Zack, I understand why you asked. Are you still unable to use your magic?"
Zack swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face.
"Yes… I still cannot use it, Professor."
The professor observed Zack's disappointed expression. Yet Professor Helix calmed him.
"Zack, don't be so disheartened. For now, focus on your swordsmanship skills and take an additional class with Professor Yauna after my lesson."
Zack perked up a little and nodded enthusiastically.
Kaito felt a twinge of sadness, knowing Zack had never unlocked his magical core.
Afterward, Professor Helix began calling out the names of students who would move from their old seats to the new ones, starting from now until all first-year students were settled.
After the 28th student, Zack's name was called.
"Zack Le Tarthue, and Treca Le Yarthala. You two will sit at the desk directly in front of me."
Zack stood, preparing to move.
"Don't miss me, Kai," Zack teased.
Kaito smiled wryly.
"Hey… If your head isn't injured, maybe I can give it to you for free," he joked.
They laughed as Zack moved to his new seat.
The list continued until the 42nd student.
"Kaito Asakura… and Lyria Kisaragi. Lyria, please move to Kai's seat, which happens to be empty. From now until the end of the year, you two will be partners."
Once Lyria sat beside Kaito, Professor Helix began explaining a bit of the theory behind spell casting.
Kaito thought to himself,
"Ugh… awkward again! Come on, gather your courage!"
"Um… well…"
Kaito flinched, looking toward Lyria.
"Please take care of me for the next year… Kai," she said, smiling shyly.
Kaito froze, surprised that Lyria had spoken first.
"I didn't expect Lyria to talk to me first…" he thought.
He stammered, "Y-yes… I'll take care of you too, Lyria!"
Though awkward, they laughed quietly together.
By now, it was almost 8:30 AM.
All students gathered in the practice room.
"Alright, everyone. Today, we will continue spell casting beyond the basics. You have studied it for two months already. Or would you like to start from scratch?"
The class was silent. One student spoke up.
"Professor, we don't know the new teaching method yet, but it's better to start from the basics again, Professor."
Professor Helix considered the answer, then asked the other students, "Do you all agree to start over from the beginning?"
Kaito nodded in agreement.
"I agree, Professor. We have a new student who doesn't know the basics yet, and it might differ from future lessons."
All students agreed with Kaito, and Professor Helix decided,
"Very well. We will go through the basics briefly, alright?"
All nodded.
"Now, Lyria, I will explain a few things first. In this world, there are Six Elements: Two Special Elements, Lux and Tenebra, and Four Natural Elements: Ignis, Aqua, Fulga, and Ventus.
Although these elements may seem simple, not everyone can master all Four Natural Elements perfectly. Take Kai, for example—he can use all four elements well. Outwardly, it seems he has complete control.
But in reality, it isn't that perfect. Achieving 'perfection' even with a basic element is extremely difficult. That is why most people focus on only one or two elements, not three or even four."
"So, which Element will you choose as your Main Element, Lyria?"
Lyria hesitated, answering nervously,
"I-I can use the Aqua Element, Professor… Perhaps this will be my basic element."
Professor Helix nodded.
"Good. Ideally, don't focus on just one element, but it's fine if you master Aqua well. Kaito, how many basic elements do you intend to use?"
Kaito confidently replied,
"I will use all four, Professor!"
The professor shook his head at Kaito's enthusiasm.
"You… seriously want to use all four elements? Have you considered the consequences, Kai? Using all elements at once is essentially suicidal. In battle, you could run out of mana much faster."
Kaito, initially confident, began to doubt himself.
"Hmm… using four elements is too risky… Should I just use two elements? Wait! I can still use a sword… should I choose the Combat Mage class?" he thought.
Finally, Kaito decided,
"Alright, Professor. I will choose two basic elements. But…"
The professor, curious, asked,
"But what, Kai?"
"…I also plan to choose the Combat Mage class," Kaito said seriously.
Everyone, including Professor Helix, was shocked. According to the professor, this was an extremely risky decision.
"Kai… choosing these two paths might conflict. Are you sure?"
Kaito firmly replied,
"People say these paths might clash. I will correct the path myself, sacrificing myself if needed to master both."
Everyone was stunned. Professor Helix remained silent.
"Very well, Kai. After my lesson, meet me in my private office."
Kaito nodded. The practical training began.
"Kai, which two basic elements will you use?" Professor Helix asked.
"Ignis and Ventus, Professor," Kaito replied.
"Alright. Before practice starts, come here and demonstrate how to properly chant the basic Elemental spell."
Kaito stepped forward and began chanting the basic Ignis spell.
"Ignis!"
Fire started forming in Kaito's palm.
"Flammae Volare!"
A fireball appeared and flew toward the target Kaito aimed at. Upon hitting the target, it exploded, causing a medium-sized blast in the training area.
Everyone was shocked at the power of Kaito's fireball.
"See? If Kaito can do this without using all four basic elements, imagine the strength. He seems to have reached the Core stage of a mage: Veil Core," the professor said proudly.
Everyone admired Kaito. When he looked at Lyria, she smiled at him with pride. Kaito returned the smile.
Lyria, realizing Kaito understood her feelings, blushed and looked away.
"Now, pair up with your desk partner and practice the basics. If anyone doesn't understand or struggles, call me for assistance."
Kaito and Lyria focused, teaching each other.
Kaito noticed that Lyria could summon her element without speaking a single word. Curious, he finally asked,
"Lyria… how can you cast magic without chanting? Have you… discovered the answer? Ah! Don't answer if it's uncomfortable!"
Lyria hesitated.
"Maybe… I discovered it in my dreams… But when I think about it, it's déjà vu… If I recall that dream… Ahh!" Suddenly, a jolt above her head prevented her from discussing it further.
Kaito worriedly asked, "Lyria! Are you okay?!"
"I-I'm fine… I can give you two answers. One, I can cast spells without speaking by visualizing how the element flows. Second, you must channel your mana consistently and calmly, with intense focus."
Kaito was surprised but still concerned for her. He suggested she visit the girls' infirmary and call Professor Helix, keeping their conversation secret to avoid suspicion.
Professor Helix then summoned three female students to escort Lyria to the girls' infirmary.
"It seems Lyria overexerted herself… Kai, are you done with your training?"
"Yes, Professor. Shall we go now?"
Professor Helix was pleased that Kaito recognized her intention immediately, thinking he was eager to become a Combat Mage.
He assigned all students to practice spell casting and mana efficiency. In three weeks, there would be a group ability test. The students were excited and continued training.
Before leaving, Professor Helix assigned Assistant Professor Jenica Le Javelin to supervise the students.
Helix and Kaito left the practice room.
"Are you sure you want to become a Combat Mage, Kai?"
Kaito answered firmly, leaving the professor without objection.
"Very well. Follow me to Professor Yauna's office, Kai."
Kaito was surprised.
"Professor, why must we go to Professor Yauna's office?"
"Can you properly wield a sword, Kai?" Helix asked.
Kaito was confused and embarrassed.
"Um, Professor… I haven't and cannot yet," he admitted.
Professor Helix shook his head.
They arrived at Professor Yauna's office.
"What brings you here, Professor Helix?" Yauna asked.
Kaito was stunned by Professor Yauna's beauty: perfect pink eyes like cherry blossoms and reddish hair like a blooming rose.
Yauna glanced at Kaito.
"Hmm? A first-year student? And a Mage Grade Wielder of Sparks?" Rarely does a first-year have such talent, Professor Helix.
"Yes. He almost perfectly casts all four basic elements without consequence," Helix explained.
Yauna was shocked.
"What's his name? He said he wants to become a Combat Mage?"
Kaito was surprised that Yauna knew his true intention.
"Well, it seems he wants to destroy himself, doesn't he? Isn't that so, Professor Helix?" she said, doubting Kaito's abilities.
Helix frowned.
"Do not insult his decision. Do not doubt their strength. You could crush their spirit with such words, Yauna."
Yauna fell silent. Finally, she apologized and asked Kaito if he was prepared to accept all risks of choosing a self-destructive path.
Kaito reaffirmed his decision.
Yauna then instructed Kaito to develop a swordman core within himself.
Kaito replied that it was unnecessary, as he already had another core besides his mage core.
Both professors were shocked. How could he have another core without ever wielding a sword?
Kaito explained briefly:
"Before entering the academy and following Zack, I trained with an axe. Chopping wood and other activities… Perhaps this core formed then."
The professors were astonished but relieved that the core was still unrefined and safe.
"Your theory… makes sense. You were diligent and helped your parents with woodwork. But when did you realize this, Kai?" Yauna asked.
Kaito recalled a few days ago.
Yauna was pleased, seeing Kaito's bright future.
"Alright, Kai. Since you have a new core, train until Level 2 to merge both cores and reduce risk."
Kaito was excited to enter the Combat Mage class and went to the swordman practice room.
He saw Zack training with his sword.
He wanted to call Zack but was stopped by Yauna, who said Zack should not be disturbed as he was about to reach Edge Wielder grade, the third swordman grade. Zack was a prodigy, the youngest in his batch.
Kaito silently supported his friend. He then learned basic swordsmanship, practicing stances with Yauna's guidance.
Soon, Kaito mastered all stances, recalling how he had used stances when chopping wood and hunting with his parents.
Yauna was pleased and instructed Kai to train alone until he reached Swordman Core Grade 2: Steel Vein Core.
After Yauna left, Kaito trained seriously, unaware that Zack was watching.
"So, my friend chose the path of a Combat Mage?" Zack observed.
Kaito was not surprised.
"This is the only way to pursue my dream. I don't know the limits of my dream, but I won't become a target. I'll get stronger, whatever it takes."
Zack silently encouraged him.
"Oh, where's your fiancée, Kai?" Zack teased.
"If you want your head, I can give it a free lesson," Kaito joked back.
They laughed but Kaito remained focused on his stances.
Zack chose not to disturb him further and left to rest.
Kaito continued training to reach Swordman Core Grade 2.
Two hours later…
To be continued~
Some additional info
Swordman Ranks
1. Novice of Steel
2. Breaker of Steel
3. Edge-wielder
4. Moonblade
5. Sunblade
6. Starforged
7. Kingsblade
8. Sovereign of Blades
Mage Ranks
1. Initiate of the Veil
2. Wielder of Sparks
3. Binder of Elements
4. Arcane Weaver
5. Astral Conduit
6. Eclipse Sage
7. Archon of Realms
8. Eternal Luminary
Combat Mage Ranks
1. Arclight Initiate
2. Mana-Bound Striker
3. Spellforged Adept
4. Arcblade Adept
5. Aether Strider
6. Starbreaker
7. Arclight Ascendant
8. Chosen of Aetherion
Core Levels for Mage
1. Mist Core
Lv 1 — Core is still vague, unstable.
2. Veil Core
Lv 2 — Energy begins to form clearly, like controlled mist.
3. Gleam Core
Lv 3 — Faint light appears, indicating tighter control.
4. Radiant Core
Lv 4 — Magic aura radiates brightly and stably.
5. Prism Core
Lv 5 — Energy branches like a prism; elemental power drastically increases.
6. Aether Core
Lv 6 — Core merges with the world's energy; larger mana access.
7. Astral Core
Lv 7 — Core glows like a star; considered the peak of an Archmage.
8. Origin Core
Lv 8 (max) — Core returns to purest form; wielder can bend magical laws.
Core Levels for Swordman
1. Iron Step
Lv 1 — Basic foundation, body begins strengthening.
2. Steel Vein
Lv 2 — Muscles, bones, and reflexes harden like steel.
3. Edge Form
Lv 3 — Attacks start to have an "edge aura."
4. Blade Heart
Lv 4 — Mind and sword synchronize; aura control precise.
5. Warbrand
Lv 5 — Sword aura can cut at a distance.
6. Soulblade
Lv 6 — Aura merges with the soul; sword feels alive.
7. Mythic Edge
Lv 7 — Attacks carve space; legendary hero stage.
8. Dominion Blade
Lv 8 (max) — Sword and wielder dominate world energy; each strike like absolute law.
Core Levels for Combat Mage
1. Sync Core
Lv 1 — Two cores synchronize for the first time. Very fragile; miscontrol may cause cores to repel.
Traits: Faint mixed aura; user tires quickly.
2. Dual Link Core
Lv 2 — Cores connect via a thin "energy pathway." Highly dangerous; many fail at this stage.
Risks: Severe pain, mana backlash, permanent energy vessel damage.
3. Fusion Pulse Core
Lv 3 — Cores can borrow energy from each other briefly. User can combine sword and magic techniques simultaneously.
Traits: Physical attacks emit small magical effects.
4. Arcane Edge Core
Lv 4 — Magic flows into the sword and sword channels aura to magic. Dual cores work almost as one.
Traits: User can perform "blade casting" — releasing magic through sword slashes.
5. Riftbond Core
Lv 5 — Cores reach high synchronization, creating a small "energy space" between them.
Uses: Short teleportation, extreme augmentations, or dual-energy attacks.
Risks: Losing focus may collapse the energy space and damage internal organs.
6. Zenith Duality Core
Lv 6 (max) — Peak Combat Mage. Cores not only synchronize but complement and amplify each other.
Duality Mode: Physical, magic, and aura increase manifold.
Traits:
– Body glows two colors (reflecting user's elements/energy)
– Physical attacks have high-level magic effects
– Spells are faster and denser
– Slashes can break pure mage barriers
Risks: If core cracks, user can die instantly. Only a few humans in history reached this level.
Elements
Lux – Light
Tenebra – Darkness
Ignis – Fire
Aqua – Water
Fulga – Earth
Ventus – Wind