On the first day of the lecture at the Academy of Magical Arts, I was treated by the lecturer in a manner similar to discrimination.

　This was a situation that I had thought about beforehand, so I did not feel as if I had been treated badly.
　It was not that I had been treated badly for years.
　Of course, it was not a pleasant experience, but it was still tolerable.


　Well, this is what happened to me as soon as I entered the school, but my case is a special case.
　This kind of discrimination is rare in a magical academy, even if it's because of likes and dislikes, and as is often the case in novels and other stories, the image of nobles looking down on commoners does not apply to this community.
　This used to be the case, but nowadays, parents seem to be instructing their children to take good care of them and build a good relationship with them by telling them to spit on the capable commoners.
　Basically, commoners who can come to the Academy are competent. The commoners who can come to the academy are basically competent, and they have been recommended by the staff of the Mage Guild and have passed the examinations.


　For the commoners as well, it would be advantageous for their future employment if they can connect with the noble families, so they try to be friendly with them. Therefore, unless there is someone who is crazy, there seems to be no trouble between nobles and commoners.


It's peaceful.


　There is also the issue of etiquette, but that is only a matter of providing the necessary education.
　If they are taught manners properly, they will be able to do so, and their way of thinking will change as they interact with each other. This was also true of the nobles.
　Some of the squires of the higher nobility are commoners.
　Rich people don't fight. It is the poor who look down on the poor.
　Even the rogue Marquis was not overly arrogant to the mercenary heads under his command, and respected their opinions.


　A month before entering the academy, those who came from commoner backgrounds were required to undergo a minimum training course on how to treat the nobility. The rest is hands-on. By interacting with the children of the nobility, they learn how to keep their distance from them.


　...... I wonder what is the reason why Kazi's civility is not well-behaved in such an environment.
　In the event that you are a commoner and you look down on someone because they are a commoner, you may be labeled as a fool who has no need for human resources.


　If that's the case, don't look down on the children of aristocrats who have less magic power, but that's because they are also aristocrats.
　In fact, in this case, it is more obvious that it is the aristocracy versus the nobility.


　--The haves are sometimes looked down upon more than the have-nots.


　If they are aristocrats, they are in the same category. Those who are not even comparable do not exist in the community in the first place. Then, the bottom of the pile is the lowest of the haves. That is the true nature of the discrimination done to you. Psychologically, too. Rather than going out of your way to bully those who are far away, it takes much less effort to bully those who are close to you.
　Anyway, it happened, but since the class already knew that I had a medal for measuring magic power, I was not ridiculed after that.


　The next day, as Mercurial had told me, I wore the medal on the chest of my uniform.


Was she telling the truth?

Hey, I've seen that medal before: ......!

I thought you had to be third class or above to get one of those.


　I've seen that medal before ......!
　I'm not sure if it's because I'm not a great person or talented, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm not a great person or talented.


　The only one who has spoken to me is Kane.


"That's the Silver Cross, right?

"Yeah. Yeah. I've been working like a fiend and I got one of these.

...... Oh, yeah.

What's going on?

No, I just thought it was cool.

"......?


　And just like that, Kane left me with an attitude I didn't understand.


　It's been a few days since then.
　This time, I'm taking a practical class for new students who can already use magic.
It is the basic chanting of "Basic Chanting Practice 1".
　The content of the lecture is that the lecturer will first give a lecture on how to vocalize and how to put magic power into your body, and then move on to the practice and give advice tailored to each student.


　It is a good opportunity to practice and learn how not to bite your tongue while chanting, and also a chance for you to observe how others chant. Knowing other people's chanting habits may be useful in the event of a magic battle in the future, and I am interested in the advice the instructor gives for improvement.


I'm also interested in the advice the instructor gives to improve.


　Many people joke that it is not necessary to go to a magic academy, but there are many things to learn.
　Many people joke that it is not necessary to go to a magic academy, but there are many things to learn. Simply being able to use magic or create spells is not enough to master magic.


　In addition to students who are capable of using magic, there were also students who are called non-mage students who gathered at the ...... training ground.
　They can hardly use magic. Since they have less opportunity to participate in magic-related lectures and their knowledge is skewed, they are made to be present when other students use magic.


　After the instructor gave a lecture on the basic points of spell chanting.
　He then took the students to the training grounds.
　He then said


"Now, I'm going to ask you to form pairs.


　I don't know why we have to make pairs ......, but we have to do as we are told.
　I look around for a student who might be willing to form a pair.


(Oh, this is bad. I'm going to be a loner.


　I still don't have any friends, and word of my disinheritance has already spread. My classmates are distancing themselves from me, and Lisha is in a different class, so she can't help me.
　The children of noble families basically have friends and acquaintances from before they entered the school.
　The commoners usually want to join the commoners.
　That's why you don't have the option of waiting for someone to call you.
　It's like waiting for something to roll downhill.
　In the meantime, time will just pass by.


　However, even if you try to call out to them, they will quickly form groups before you can call out to them.
　Looking around, there was no one left to talk to.
　At this rate, I would be left alone.
　I was driven by such a sense of frustration.


"You're Arx, right?



"Yes?


　The person who approached me was a girl. She had dark blue hair in a fluffy medium bob, with a hairpin hair clip or two in the front. Her eyes were big and round, and her face was quite pretty.
　Her eyes are large, and her face is quite pretty. In addition, there is a certain part of her that is large, though I think it is unnecessary. At her age, her development should be visible by now, but even so, the fact that she has grown so much at this height is astonishing. It was a pressure just to get close to it.


　Anyway, anyway.


"How did you know my name?

You said a lot of things about me when you measured me the other day.

"Oh, yeah. We were in the same class, weren't we?

Yeah. My name is Setsuro. Would you like to work with me?

With me?

Yeah.


　Even though there were rumors of disinheritance and the last incident, you still approached me like this.
　I was moved by the fact that there are good girls like her.
　The girl who called herself Setsura smiled strangely with an undertone.


"Look, Mr. Arx, there doesn't seem to be anyone who would work with you, does there?

"Ugh.

"Right?　It's perfect for the lonely Arx-san.　Here, here, what do you want to do?


　I'm not sure what you mean by that. And what does she think she's doing? I don't know what he's thinking, but he's emphasizing his own breasts. I want to curse myself for thinking he was a nice guy earlier and being so impressed.
　His face is cute. His behavior is mocking. That's why his annoyance stands out so much.
　Then, I had no choice but to defend myself.


"No thanks. I'll find someone else.

"That's right. I'm the only one, aren't I?　Huh?　Huh?

That's it then.

No, no, no, no!　Wait a minute!　That's the part where you say, "Okay. That's the part where you say, "Okay, let's work together.　Why do you give up at that point?　If you give up, that's the end of the negotiation!

"Because you look ...... annoying.

I was trying to say it again, so please rephrase it properly!

No, I'm an honest man.

No, I'm honest. - Don't show your saintliness there!　And besides, I'm a bargain, you know?　I don't think there's anyone else here, so why not?　Besides, I might even be able to offer you some services now.

"Service?


　Is this girl using that word in the sense of service?


Oh!　Did you get a bite?　Didn't you just get a bite?　Yes, I did. When a girl like me says something like this to you, of course you'll react. You're such a b*tc*.

"...... is good. Don't ever touch me again. Goodbye.

I'm sorry, not now!　It's just a little joke to lighten the mood.

No, no, no. Let's not do this. It's good for both of us.

Please, please, please, please, I'm a loner too!　Join me, please!


　Setsula bows her head and begs.
　You can't say no to that if you're going to go that far.


"All right. You should have said so from the beginning. ......


　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.


"Hmmm, I guess you still need me. But I said no once, so no service, okay?


　I could have punched him.




I'm surprised that ...... doesn't work on you. You don't think I'm into that?　You do have a girlish face, though.

Hey, hey, hey!　I can hear you!

It's okay, it's okay, it's just a little bit of my heart leaking out.

There's nothing okay about that!　You're supposed to keep that voice inside your heart for the rest of your life!


　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　First, those who could use magic would perform the actual exercise, receive advice from the instructor, and then engage in a discussion with their partner.


Hmmm. What should I say in the discussion?

"Well, I guess. What should I say?

Huh?　Isn't Arx the mage supposed to take the lead and lead us there?

Even so, what we're going to do today is just the basics.

So, did you feel anything from the instructor's explanation?

The explanation in advance was easy to understand. The explanation was crisp and clear, and I thought it was exactly right. I would like to imitate this lecturer's explanation if I were to teach it to someone.

"Anything in particular?

Like the use of the tongue?

That sounds perverted.　It's rather perverted.

That's because you've got a dirty mind.

No, it's not. My heart is as clear, clean and transparent as the melting snow in the Cross Mountains.

A lot of people like to use that phrase. Only people who say things like that smell fishy.


　While talking with Setsura about such useless things, I looked sideways at the practical skills of those who can use magic.
　This time, he was going to perform several kinds of magic ten times in total.
　In addition, the length of the spells and the amount of magic power to be handled are small, making them quite simple.
　It's easy for me to give advice, and it's easy for the students to recognize their own shortcomings.


"- Wind up, wind down. The wind is graceful. Guided by a high-pitched voice, cut through the blade.


　One of the students casts a spell, but the spell doesn't work.
　Chanting failure.
　There was no stagnation or error in the chanting, so the magic must have been poorly applied.
　Since I came to the academy, I've been seeing chanting malfunctions a lot.
　And so the magic practice continued.


"Five successes!

"Excellent, student!


　The instructor shouts with delight and claps.
　On the other hand, there are shouts of surprise from the people around.


(What?　What's going on here?


　I'm sure you did well, but I don't think great is great.
　I can't help but think that this is the wrong place to give praise.
　No, I can't throw away the fact that this lecturer is the type who stretches his students with praise. It has been scientifically proven that successful experiences contribute to the improvement of one's ability. I feel that to deny this method is to fight against what I believe in.


I need to be able to move my magic more smoothly. You need to practice more and more thoroughly.

"Yes!


　The instructor gives his advice, and the student happily returns to his original position.
　He seems to be very motivated. The instructor's praise must have worked.


　...... After that, the students continued to cast their spells, but none of them failed to chant.
　If you bite your tongue and mess up your spell, or if you're just not good at manipulating magic and can't get the magic to work consistently, you're in luck.
　As long as I'm in this class, I should be able to use magic.
　Apparently, it is normal to fail a few times.
　Setsula, who was watching the practice next to me, groaned.


You guys have averaged about six attempts. That's amazing.

"As I thought during the practical test, everyone fails quite a few times.

"......?　I think it's natural for chanting to fail when using magic, but isn't that the case with you, Arx?

I can use it just fine as long as I don't botch the spell. I can usually use spells as long as I don't mess them up, and they're not too long and hard to say.

"What?


　I'm not sure why Setsura is staring at me with a strange look on her face.


I'm sure you've heard of it.

I'm sure you're right.

I'm not sure if that's true or not, but it's a good idea. ......


　In addition to the guidance of my uncle Crabbe, I also have a magic meter, and more importantly, I have been working on refining magic, so I am the best at manipulating magic.
　Most of his students fail because of their inability to control magic. However, this is why the instructors put so much emphasis on this kind of lesson.


　Afterwards, the instructor explains how to improve the situation in an easy-to-understand manner. This is as expected of an instructor at a magic academy.


　Eventually, it will be your turn.


"Now, student Arx. Please use your magic.

"Yes.


　Under the direction of the instructor, you will use the designated magic.



The spirit that burns. Drifting through Okutsu Castle. Wobbling. It shimmers and flickers. The light of her gown beckons. Wander out and rush in. Homura's Group Dance.


Soul Ignis.


Water rising in the hills. Flowing water. Rising and falling, flooding everywhere. Take the waves by the chin, eat them up and swallow them.


[Waves on land]


A whirlpool that runs dry. A small frenzy. The wind rises, the wind breaks, the wind is graceful. Guided by a high-pitched voice, cut through it, blade.


Cutterwind.


The great arm of the earth. No sword. No spear. Only your hand shows your will. The one who can create chaos, now raise your fist!


Land Uppers.


　That's nothing.
　I already know the magic words in the text and the amount of magic power needed for each word.
　If anything, it was I who figured out the amount of magic power needed for the spells written in the text.
　I have succeeded in spells with many spells.
　The instructor's eyes rolled back in his head at the fact that he had succeeded in all the tasks.


"What do you think?

No, no, you're the head of the admissions committee. ...... You were perfect. Well done, sir. I don't think I have anything to say.


　Apparently, this lecturer is different from the last one. I mean, I'd hate to have to deal with a bunch of them like that, and I can't help but wonder about their teaching style.


　Suddenly, the lecturer smiles bitterly.


"This doesn't mean my lecture was useful, does it?

"No, not at all. No, not at all. The explanation was easy to understand, and I learned a lot about how to hold the tongue in the mouth. I'll try to keep it in mind from now on.

I'll try to be more conscious of it in the future.


　This time, I learned once again that I still have a lot to learn.
　That alone is a big gain.
　I will not become a frog in a well. I think the content of the lecture made me feel that way again.
　When I returned to my original position, Kane called out to me.


That's great. You did it all.

"At least this much.

"Well, ......, yeah. I think it's a shame you don't have more magic.

"Mm. .......


　For a moment, I thought he was being sarcastic,......, but he didn't seem to be. He seems to be naturally sympathetic.
　The slightest hint of pity in his eyes is evidence of this.


...... I agree. It's not only the amount of magic power that makes magic work.

But magic isn't just about having a lot of magic. I think you're right. ...... Yeah, I'm as good as you.


　I'm not going to be able to beat you," Kane said as he left.


　I'm not sure if it's because I'm not a fan of his, or because I'm not a fan of his. Perhaps that was the case before.
　As Kane steps forward, the instructor looks a little distressed and opens his mouth.


"Kane, you're a student at ......, and I'm going to give you an additional assignment.


　When I heard that, I thought, "Oops. It seems that Kane is being treated a little differently.


"Show me ten of your most powerful spells here.

Yes.


　He nodded at the instructor's words and, as if blowing up an internal combustion engine, boosted the magic power in his body.
　The excess magic will blow the air and dust away and eventually stabilize.
　Kane began to cast a spell, a different spell from the one that had been assigned to him.
　The spell he chose was more difficult than the one he had just been assigned. However, it is also a standard spell like the one in the text.
　I have not adjusted the composition of the spell to make it more efficient when chanting.
　No, you don't have to do that. He doesn't need to do that, because he has a lot of magic, and he doesn't need to make such improvements as he does.


　Kane finishes wielding the spell.


"Still eight successes? That's what I call a Kane student. ......


　The instructor looks at Kane with awe.


"I would have liked to have succeeded in all of them. ......

No, the more powerful the spell, the more difficult it is to cast. The more powerful the spell, the more difficult it is to cast. Of course, I have nothing to say about that.

Thank you very much.


　Finally, we moved on to the discussion with the non-mages.


So what do you have to say about it, Mr. Setsuro?

No, sir. Of course not. I'd rather know how you were able to succeed at everything. Do you have any tips?

Hmm. I guess there's only one reason, but I can't talk about it.

What?　That's meaningless!

I mean, it's normal not to tell a mage's secret in the first place.

Oh, that's true too. ......


　Setsula didn't particularly bite back, but backed down.
　I've been doing magic manipulation for a long time, and the magic meter is a big part of that. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.
　Once again, I could understand why there were fewer chanting failures in the national army's mage troops.
　In the spare time after the lecture was over.


"Kane Razrael!


　Suddenly, a voice came from somewhere.
　The voice sounded as if it was calling out to me roughly. It was clear that the voice was hostile.


　I remembered that voice.
　Yes, it belonged to the boy from the Count's family I had talked to on the first day of school about the rankings.
　His name was, I think, Aurel. Aurel Mark.
　I turned to see Kane stepping in front of Aurel.


"Mr. Aurel, what's wrong?

Kane, play with me!

...... Oh, no, not again.


　Aurel's recklessness made Kane chuckle in annoyance.


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　A boy with a somewhat tired face. His face is youthful enough to match his age, but he gives off the aura of a middle-aged man who is tired of his work, which makes him look indescribable.


　He seemed to know what was going on, so I asked him about it.


"Mr. Aurel. That's how he often pokes Kane.

Is that so?

Yeah, they're both aristocrats from the South. Is that why Master Aurel is so hostile ...... to Kane?　Something like that.


　In short, Aurel probably sees Kane as a rival.


We often clashed during the Ishikakukai training sessions.

What was the result?

You know what?　It's always Aurel-sama who loses. No matter how much he's the son of a count, there's no way he can beat Kane in magic.

Hmm.


　While we were talking about this, a circle of people formed at the edge of the training ground and it became a simple venue.
　The content of the game seemed to be to compete in the number of successful spells, in accordance with the content of the previous lesson, and both of them immediately began to use magic.
　They were free to use any spell they wanted, but neither of them used simple spells.
　Spells that are difficult to use.
　Magic that consumes a lot of power.
　Aurel's forehead begins to sweat as she watches.
　On the other hand, Kane seems to have no problem in the magic match with Aurel, even though he consumed so much magic in the previous exercise.
　He continues to use magic that consumes as much as the magic he used in the lecture.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help.


　...... However, the power was obvious.
　Aurel has failed the same number of times with lesser magic than Kane used.


"Stick with .......

"Mr. Aurel. Are you sure you want me to win?

"No, I just had a bad day!　Next time it won't be like this!


　That's a bit of a cliché. The student next to me who told me about their relationship also shrugged his shoulders, saying, "It happens every time.
　While Aurel looks frustrated, Kane still looks comfortable. He doesn't show any of the tiredness that comes with low magic power, as if he had fought a strong opponent.


The amount of magic power: ......


　I am often reminded of this when I see someone using magic with a lot of power.
　There is a clear difference between you and them.
　It is a fact that cannot be filled by tricks. What would happen if I were in the position of the current two? If it's a pure contest of magic, there's no way I can win. If I ran out of magic first, I wouldn't be able to compete in chanting skills, and I wouldn't even be able to talk.


　Sooner or later, they'll become more proficient in the use of magic.
　What would happen if they were to stand in front of me when that happened?
　I couldn't help but think about it.