"Students, today marks your first true lesson in this academy—and the first step for every generation into the realms of magic and arcana."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Baylis Lightman, your grade-level director. May our collaboration over the next two years be fruitful." With a flick of his pointer, two words materialized on the blackboard: Magic and Arcana.
"I know that in your general education schools, aside from literacy and mathematics, you've encountered scattered, unsystematic bits of magical and arcane knowledge—primarily in your 'Arcana & Common Knowledge' courses. But!" His voice suddenly sharpened. "Magic and arcana are vast, rigorous, and profound fields. What you've glimpsed so far barely scratches the surface—mere tidbits meant to pique your interest!"
"So pay attention. The focus you devote to your teachers' lessons will determine your future achievements. Now, let us begin."
Bracing his hands on the lectern, he continued: "From childhood, the word 'magic' has surrounded you—household mana devices, newspapers, books, even your elementary curriculum. But tell me: What is magic?" He turned and tapped the board, where four new words appeared: What is Magic?
"Ponder this. Raise your hand if you have an answer."
Silence.
Professor Lightman sighed. "Very well. Here's the conclusion: Magic encompasses all methods of spell-energy application rooted in experience."
"In ancient times, communities of sentient beings independently uncovered magic's secrets. Using rudimentary language, they passed this knowledge down, accumulating wisdom across generations. Gradually, they wrested themselves from nature's clutches and became this planet's masters."
"With ever-strengthening magical prowess, we tamed beasts, cultivated fields, drained swamps, and reshaped mountains and rivers."
"Magic is mighty. Magic is sublime. It granted us survival—and the power to remake the world."
Lanen listened with quiet awe. This world's civilizations leaped from wilderness to modernity on the back of magic—light-years ahead of my old world's struggles.
"Yet magic bestowed not only power, but also shackles."
"Initially, sages studied magic to ensure humanity's survival in a hostile world."
"But magic was too potent. As we advanced, many grew intoxicated by its might. The world plunged into prolonged darkness."
"Monopolies over magic stagnated progress. Mages became scarce. Meanwhile, the ignorant wielded spells for warfare, elevating themselves above magic-less masses. Oppression flourished. Populations dwindled."
"It seemed sentient races were doomed—trapped in ignorance forever."
"Until the Glorious Age dawned, and everything changed."
"Second conclusion: All spell-energy applications rooted in theory belong to arcana."
"In the distant Dark Ages, mathematics was but a mage's idle hobby—a tool for drafting spell circles. Then, decades before the Glorious Age, a revivalist wave swept the continent. Mathematics, alongside music, poetry, painting, and sculpture, became playthings for nobles and mages. Literature and arts flourished. The old order crumbled. A new era beckoned."
"Then the great Sir Isaac penned Mathematical Principles of Magical Philosophy, unveiling the path of rational inquiry. Together with fellow luminaries, he flung open the gates to the Glorious Age."
"Magic and arcana exploded in advancement. Innovations proliferated. It was an electrifying epoch."
"Thereafter, every commoner could harness magic's might. That is true progress."
"Now, mark this: The content just covered will be the focal point of your first-term exams. I trust you've taken notes."
The classroom erupted.
Most students scrambled for notebooks, scribbling frantically. Lanen pulled out his brown leather journal and jotted concise summaries in ink.
Professor Lightman waited, resuming only when pens stilled.
"Magic can be used for combat. But only Dark Age savages did so. It's as barbaric as smashing someone with a beaker mid-experiment. Forget that even mediocre magi-tech weapons outstrip human-cast offensive spells in speed, payload, and lethality. The crux is—"
"Arcana and magic demand seekers of truth. A skilled brawler contributes nothing to enlightenment. Obsession with victory is meaningless—for your true opponent is never mediocrity."
"The path ahead may be lonely and arduous. I hope some of you possess the fortitude to walk it."
Lanen listened, spellbound. These were truths never broached in primary school—not in Social Studies, nor Arcana & Sciences.
Today, he glimpsed the buried chapters of history: how mages and nobles, striving for progress, championed universal education. In a world where knowledge was the ultimate wealth—and power—they had dethroned themselves. Thus, civilization advanced.
"On this path, humility toward knowledge is paramount. Insight and talent pale beside diligence."
"Though your elementary schooling granted basic literacy, arithmetic, and magical rudiments, you remain profoundly ignorant!"
With these parting words, Professor Lightman concluded as the bell rang.
The Schedule's Twist
According to the timetable, the morning held two classes. The second? Physical Education.
Lanen discovered that P.E. was held at yesterday's assembly ground—the so-called "plaza" was, in fact, a sports field.
The track's U-shape divided the area into zones. Nearby, upperclassmen drilled under their own instructors.
Their P.E. teacher was a compact, steel-spined man with bristling hair. Under his guidance, Lanen's class practiced proper running form and basic drills—simple formations.
Before dismissal, the teacher delivered his own mandatory spiel—emphasizing his subject's importance.
His final roar lingered in Lanen's ears:
"Health and stamina are your ultimate capital! Only by living long enough will you ever become archmages!"