–
The class sat silent as the chalk struck the board, with slight pauses in between. Mutters from around the class sounded with each scrape of the chalk. Dante had been writing on a sheet of paper, murmuring to himself as Iris watched the board closely. Professor Manor turned to the class before smacking his cane on the chalkboard, grabbing everyone's attention quickly.
"Spells often work well if the caster understands not only the spell itself, but what goes into the spell."
His cane glided across the board above his written words.
"Knowledge + Proficiency = Success."
"I mean, as long as you understand how to repeat a spell, you should be fine…right?" a student bellowed from one of the rows in front of Iris. Her face contorted at the thought.
"There's so much more to it… You'd know that if you studied," she muttered to herself as she began writing down the notes from the board into her book. Dante went about his scribbles alongside her, gathering his understanding of what was being explained. Professor Manor continued with his explanation.
"Knowledge. It's the understanding and study of the many aspects of spellcraft. Arcane theory, the many elemental laws, runes, incantations, you name it. It's all about what information you can gather and retain that helps a mage truly understand what it is they're trying to bring forth. A human with no backbone is like a spell with no knowledge. Baseless."
One of the boys in front of the two commented on the long-winded explanation in a joking manner, waving around his wand absentmindedly.
"I mean, that should be pretty obvious, sir, brainless too if you ask me."
Laughs sputtered through the class as Manor pointed his cane directly at the boy, who seemed proud of his joke. His face was unchanged from before, yet his tone came off as more teasing than anything.
"Well, if you know so much, what would you say about the other step in my explanation?" His eyes were sharp and caused the boy to jump at the request. Some snickers and giggles were heard around the class as the boy stammered a response.
"W-well, it comes down to execution…right?"
"Hmph. It appears you were listening."
"Haha…yeah."
"Why not show us a small demonstration of that in practice?"
"Wha–wait, you want me–"
"Yes, come down and demonstrate the spell I tell you."
"Urgh…yes, sir."