Chapter 10

“The subject of Mana Design, as the name suggests, teaches the method of ‘designing’ magic circles using mana as a ‘material.’ Originally intended for freshmen not yet proficient in magic circles. However, the students seated in Primus’s vast lecture hall were elites who had been walking the path of magic for several years. Basics like components and formation processes of magic circles were learned long ago.”

“Thus, teaching textbook content was meaningless; re-explaining concepts already deeply rooted in their minds wouldn’t yield anything new. So, Leter made a choice—reestablishing the basics instead of repeating them.”

“Wind and Earth magic have completely different attributes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t complement each other.”

The fundamental principles underlying all the students’ thinking were being redefined, showing them the ultimate goal to achieve. This was both an introduction to Leter’s teaching style and objectives for the advanced class.

“For instance, vibration—the medium of each magic. The atmospheric vibrations creating storms versus the earth vibrations causing earthquakes share one commonality: they both start at a single point and spread outward. The difference lies in intensity and range.”

“Earth magic increased its intensity to penetrate the solid ground, while wind magic expanded its range to cover vast atmospheres.”

“But must one abandon either intensity or range?”

Shaking the very foundations of what was considered the start of magical studies, the girl cleanly combined the core aspects of both magics. What appeared was a high-level magic akin to ‘Meteo,’ though its destructive power seemed far greater. Even without activation, its immense power could be sensed—a spell that didn’t just drop massive rocks but also spread atmospheric pressure and heat friction akin to meteor impacts.

“Whew…”

At this sight defying common sense, one of the students let out a breath. The foundational concepts of magic, which had become fixed ideas, were now transforming into something pursuing supreme power and efficiency.

Things unseen before because the students were confined within their own conceptual frameworks. Limits unreachable because they hadn’t sought to transcend their self-established boundaries.

“This is what I will teach in ‘Mana Design’ moving forward.”

There wasn’t a single element among what the girl demonstrated that the students didn’t already know. All diagrams and principles were familiar, but they had never thought to use them in her manner.

“How… how could she…”

Unknowingly sighing, the unshakable concepts they believed in crumbled away, opening up a new horizon. The possibilities shown by the girl earlier spread across all the magics they had studied. The imagination of turning fantasy into reality through deconstruction and recombination of magic circles continued endlessly.

Though whether these combinations were actually possible remained unknown, it was worth attempting—especially since the person standing before them as a professor had succeeded where no one else dared to try.

Mana Design, once a basic subject of magical studies, now overturned established truths, erasing the limits of possibility.

As the lesson simply denied common sense, the flow of time lost its meaning. Every student in the lecture hall stared entranced at the girl, engraving her composed voice into their minds.

Eventually…

“Hmm, we have a little time left.”

Realizing she had finished all prepared material, Leter tilted her head upward. She met eyes filled with clear enthusiasm.

It seemed unfitting to end the class here. It felt necessary to show something more to satisfy the students’ expectant gazes.

Thus, Leter moved her mana again, beginning to draw another magic circle in the air—not part of the regular curriculum, but to demonstrate other possibilities.

“Magic, simply defined, is the manifestation of will. Using mana as a medium to turn the unreal into reality is magic itself.”

The grand circle began with geometric arrangements. Perfectly uniform circles and pentagrams connected by hexagons followed.

“Then, if instead of manifesting a specific phenomenon, the will is merely to use a stronger magic—is that impossible?”

Next came the patterns on the edges of the magic circle, stabilizing the flow of mana. Lines extending from the center to the periphery gradually formed a massive star.

This meant drawing the caster’s mana inexorably toward the center of the circle, then accelerating the flow through divided rings back to the exterior.

“The answer is ‘no.’ Even a personal will to enhance the power and effect of magic can indeed become magic.”

The key was the small magic circle drawn centrally among numerous symbols and formulas. With such heightened efficiency, whatever circle was inscribed would unleash unimaginable power.

“A simple breeze-level wind magic would become a storm capable of swallowing a village. A candle-level fire magic would transform into a colossal inferno capable of burning entire forests.”

“I call this Reinforcement Magic. Though preparation is required and the mana consumption is enormous, I believe it will certainly fulfill its role in critical moments.”

Presenting the concept of magic for magic’s sake—an idea unknown to the students—the girl concluded and left the lecture hall.

But less than ten seconds later, she returned, hesitantly glancing around before speaking softly.

“I’m currently recruiting teaching assistants… If anyone’s interested, please visit my office. Rest assured, I’ll compensate you properly.”

She mentioned she was looking for someone to assist her lessons and added she’d teach some interesting things, then finally left with soft footsteps.

Only then did the students realize the lecture had ended. Despite lasting nearly an hour, it felt fleeting, leaving no sense of boredom.

By the time the next class started, the students had reached a unanimous conclusion: enrolling in the new professor’s class was absolutely worthwhile, thanks to Leter revealing the various possibilities even in paths they had already traversed.

“Professor’s last demonstration… does anyone remember it?” “I should apply as a TA.”

Students who found joy in learning magic retained the memory of the first lecture for quite a while. This led to another paperwork explosion in Leter Yurt’s office.

“Is this… all students wanting to be TAs…?”

Questioning whether reading through all the applications was even possible, Leter briefly entertained the notion of a hidden-camera prank. Then, she wondered if everything was part of a Great Dragon’s Truman Show.

Despite current issues, Leter’s biggest problem was Princess Irina’s inclusion among the applicants. Having previously unintentionally offended the princess, ignoring her application wasn’t an option.

“Why don’t concepts like extenuating circumstances exist when there’s magic and dragons…?”

Ultimately, Princess Irina was chosen as one of two TAs. Though selecting her purely for personal reasons might cause controversy, there was no alternative.

“At least she’s kind… She’ll understand if I explain carefully.”

Leter planned to grow closer to Princess Irina, reveal the secrets of the Primus train attack, and seek forgiveness.

However…

“Professor… I apologize for last time.”

-Bow.

“…?”

Why was Princess Irina apologizing first? Why was a princess concerned about a mere baroness’s feelings?

“I will make sure not to waste the opportunity you’ve given me. Definitely.”

“A-ah, yes…”

Clutching her fist determinedly, Princess Irina left Leter bewildered. Meanwhile, Isabel, entering the office, stumbled upon the princess and fell into a state of panic.

“I-I’ll come back next time…”