Chapter 97

"Does that mean the incantation has no meaning?"

"No, it's necessary to give directionality and characteristics to the magic. However, it can be omitted and made more efficient."

"Efficiency means achieving the same power and scale with less magic, right?"

"Yes, that's right. Depending on the magic, it can produce a stronger effect while using even less magic."

As I answered the questions, Hineku nodded several times and took notes.

Some of the faculty members watched this with a stunned expression.

When I actually demonstrated the magic, Hineku was the first to change. His eyes changed color as he tried to absorb my knowledge, and the other faculty members were also taken aback.

"Hineku may be arrogant, proud, and unpleasant, but his passion for magic is genuine. Rather than stubbornly complaining, his curiosity about the new knowledge of magic must have won out."

As I answered Hineku's questions, Balbrea provided such an explanation. After that, Balbrea also joined in with questions, and gradually the other faculty members began to listen to my words.

"Why is that flame blue? Is there any difference other than appearance?"

"The color changes due to the amount of oxygen. Blue flames are hotter."

"Is it possible to fly through the air with wind magic?"

"Yes, it is. Like this."

"Wh-What...!?"

At first, I thought I would only be able to explain, but before I knew it, the study session lasted over two hours.

With just one persuasion, the faculty members were convinced and promised to attend the study sessions every day.

In Mapleleaf, I was able to spread the knowledge of magic more smoothly than I expected. Moreover, forming a cooperative relationship with the highest-level healing magic users, who are called Holy Maidens and Saints, was a significant achievement.

This way, I should be able to study the magic of at least Balbrea, Auard, and Crown.

It's a satisfying result. Even after returning to the castle, the topic of conversation centered around Strass and Eliza.

"However, for Mapleleaf to allow the study of healing magic..."

"Well, it felt like I almost had to threaten them to get permission."

When we gathered in the dining hall to talk, the two of them expressed their surprise at the results.

"I wish I could have seen it."

Ayl said, wishing she could have been present during my negotiations with the king.

"It's an important discussion between adults, so it might be difficult to attend."

When I answered, the others looked at each other and spoke.

"Discussion?"

"It might not be the kind of discussion we imagine."

Strass and Eliza, who had heard a bit of the content, looked exasperated and said as much.

I felt there was something more to it, but there was something else that caught my attention.

Shenli wasn't speaking at all. She wasn't focused on her meal; she was just staring at a point on the table, motionless.

As I watched Shenli, Ayl and the others sitting around noticed.

"Shenli?"

"What's wrong?"

Ayl and Liz called out to her. Shenli opened her eyes in surprise and panicked when she realized everyone was looking at her.

"Oh, no... nothing..."

She said, hurriedly finished her meal, and left with a bow.

Something is off. It's as if she's reverted to how she was when we first met.

"...What happened?"

I said this to no one in particular, and everyone looked at each other.

"Was she normal this morning?"

"...I think so."

"What happened?"

Ayl and the others tilted their heads in confusion. I remember she was supposed to attend a lecture at the Holy Capital Magic Academy today.

"What kind of magic did you study today?"

When I asked, Coate turned around.

"Healing magic. We thought about it and decided to attend different lectures because the time was short. So, I don't know what happened in the lecture Shenli attended..."

Coate explained with a troubled look, and I nodded silently in response. Since the lectures are not the same every day, it would be efficient to gather information on each type of magic.

However, if we consider the goal of training mages, it might result in a superficial and incomplete understanding. But for a top student like Coate, it should be understandable.

However, maybe it was different for Shenli.

There's a possibility that she fell behind in the lecture and couldn't understand it, leading to frustration.

"I'll go talk to her."

Leaving this message, I left the dining hall.