Magic in this world functions in a dual manner. On one hand, you have the mages' theorization regarding a primordial force in the universe called Aether, which was popularized as Mana.
This system is basically the standard of the original game, and practically all combat and other aspects involve the use of Mana for the creation of spells through magic circles. The circles are created by words and gestures followed by a basic formulation of the magic's concept, which is configured through these aspects and thus generates an effect.
In short, if you want to use a fireball, you need two specific gestures, one for the element and one for the form, then a chant to shape the magic's intention, for example, to make it travel in a straight line. Phrases like "Flame that burns all, go and burn my enemies" would be an example of this, however, magic is not necessarily just that.
I previously didn't need chants to use my magic, and that's due to a specific condition of the Elves. This race has plenty of reason to be proud, because they are literally blessed by Mother Nature. Elves have a natural harmony with the forces of the world, so they can come into contact with spiritual creatures, which are part of this primordial force.
Through the help of the spirits, it is possible to conjure spells, and that's how most Elves usually do it. It's no coincidence that they are quite powerful and decimate any other race in the magical field, especially considering how long they live. It's normal for spirits to be floating around even in spaces like this, maybe slapping the professor on the butt while she writes on the board or simply messing with the world.
The problem is that I can't see them.
I don't know the exact reason, perhaps because I reincarnated and am kind of sharing consciousness with Aubry, so this prevents me from seeing the little ghosts. On the other hand, Elandor must certainly see them, considering he's holding back laughter with great effort next to me, which means one of the spirits must be pulling some prank.
The first professor entered, an elderly woman with a heavy robe, a crystal staff, and a permanently exhausted expression, causing the room to slowly fall silent. While she organized papers and Mana circles on the board, I took this moment to remember what the hell I was doing there.
Hydralix organized the curriculum into three major blocks: Theoretical Magic, Conjuration Practice and Advanced Applications
Within this, there were electives, specializations, and laboratories, but the basics were this three-phase structure. Sometimes, this pattern was interrupted by other activities outside the standard curriculum, such as dungeon interception or even tournaments, but this happened mostly because the Magistra's Oath game needed gameplay to entertain whoever was playing.
Thus, it is very interesting content for humans, and it might even be for me, who would find it interesting to see all the content firsthand instead of the fragmented way it was presented in the source material, but there is one problem.
Elves didn't need any of this.
They are born breathing magic, they live with spirits hanging on their ears, and they literally learn to create arcane phenomena just by listening to the sound of the wind in a forest. The existence of an Elf studying "Fundamentals of Conjuration I" was as absurd as having a fish attend a class on "How to Swim".
However, precisely because of this, important Elves were sent here, not to learn new things, but to sustain a political alliance. Their lifespan is very long, so staying at this institute for five years or more is like a month-long summer trip.
In other words, it's as if we are on vacation from any duty in our forest community.
I look around and find about five Elves scattered throughout the class. All with that posture of someone listening to the professor, but who is actually analyzing the ideal angle to prune an oak branch under the desk.
"How useless" I murmur under my breath.
Elandor turns his face slowly, like someone savoring the moment they catch someone stating the obvious.
"For you, perhaps, miss. Some of us appreciate diplomacy."
Translation: I'm here for nothing, just like you, I'm just pretending to like it.
I return to staring at the board where the professor was beginning to draw a circle and explain the flow of Mana. There were very few differences from the original system, except for appearing more rigorous and technical, but my problem was different: I don't need any of this.
In the training room the day before, when I scared Lysette away to practice alone, Aubry almost chanted. I held my tongue, of course, because ultimately it's not necessary to put on a Madonna show just because I'm alone.
However, I discovered a very important detail because of this, which is the fact that I can still conjure magic even without seeing them through my muscle memory. I don't need to hear the orders or word of a spirit for it to help me, which is great on its own.
It gives the impression that being from the Lillacuria clan makes you carry a strong enough brand for the spirits to help you, even without the visual part.
While I was reflecting on this, something nudges my shoulder. Is that a cockroach?!
Ah, no, it's just Elandor holding back laughter, about to burst. I bet a spirit is messing around. Those little scoundrels love to bother Elves who don't react with mystical serenity but with a "I'm going to kill someone" face.
"Look, you have an admirer."
"He can throw himself into a well of demonic magic..."
He chuckled softly.
The professor continued her talk about "basic forms of Aether manipulation", while my brain tried to connect the dots on how to pass the time in such a redundant activity.
That's without mentioning Lysette, who was sitting two rows in front of me, playing with her hair in a way that made me want to bury my head in my bag and disappear forever.
Hah. I just want to go back to sleep. I may have the body of an Elf, but my mind is human, I swear I will go crazy spending too much time having to listen to something I don't need. Maybe I should find an oak branch to prune, it's a way to pass the time.