In an open area within the Clover Academy campus, a certain class of third-year students had gathered. There were dozens of them present. They were sitting on a grassy patch of land and intently listening to their professor.
"There's a reason why the academy does not teach magic combat to students until they've advanced to a certain level." A professor with a large build walked back and forth with his hands behind his back.
He had a head full of medium-length brown hair and eyes of the same color. The muscles on his body were dense and compact, brimming with power every time they moved.
The professor's fierce gaze ran from one student to another, causing most of them to shrink.
"Can anyone tell me why?" He asked with his deep voice.
Everyone simultaneously looked at a blonde youth with emerald eyes. She was wearing a white dress, and on top of that, she was wearing the olive cloak of the academy.
This beautiful girl was none other than Lisa.
By now, everyone was already used to her answering every question in every class. She nudged her black, round eyeglasses further up her nose bridge and was about to answer. But someone had already raised their hand.
"Me! Me!" A black-haired youth excitedly called out.
The professor looked at him and faintly smiled, "Go ahead, Adam."
WHAT! Everyone was dumbfounded. They couldn't believe that the class clown who was always snoring away during lectures was actually proactively participating in this class.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Well, everyone was shocked except Edward and Lisa. They knew very well just how much of a battle fanatic Adam truly was. Moreover, they'd witnessed firsthand just where his battle prowess lay.
It wasn't surprising to see him attentive in a class related to combat.
Adam cleared his throat and answered with confidence, "When a Magus, especially humans, embark on the path of magic, their bodies are weak. That is why they shouldn't use magic combat techniques as it would be very detrimental to them."
He took a brief pause and his lips involuntarily formed a smirk when he realized everyone was raptly paying attention to him.
"During the initial stages of Rank 1, a human body is constantly nourished by mana and subsequently strengthened. That is why only after a Magus has reached Bones Stage can they truly become efficient while executing magic combat techniques."
"Correct." The professor nodded his head in approval.
He's had a good impression of Adam ever since he had seen his duel against Lisa during the first year.
Moreover, he had also read reports about his team missions and learned that the youth was very good at close combat. Thus, he naturally valued him more than other students.
He continued the lecture, "If a Magus tries to execute magic combat techniques during the initial stages of Mana Foundation, their bodies would not be able to take it and they would severely injure themselves…"
As the professor continued to speak, Adam thought back to how many times he had injured his hands while using the techniques of the Astral Tyrant Manual.
However, the Astral Tyrant Manual was unlike the other magic combat techniques. Not only was it a top-tier manual, but it also constantly strengthened the user's body and built a sturdy foundation.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})That is why the sequela from using those combat techniques wasn't that great for Adam during the earlier stages of Rank 1.
"Now, you may argue that magic spells are already enough for a Magus to fight their opponents. But, as Professor Godfrey says, that is simply flawed thinking!" The professor's voice turned up a notch, causing the students to flinch.
"The Magi of today are not just scholars, but also brave warriors!" He clenched his fist and spoke with vigor. "That is why, not only must you kids focus on your research studies, but you must also hone your fighting skills so that you're always prepared on the battlefield!"
All the students were in a daze. They felt as if they were in an army being instructed by a war general.
"Now, who's going to tell me the reason why Magi pursue the art of magic combat when they can already cast spells?" He asked with a faint smile.
Most of the students could guess the answer to this. But Adam once again raised his hand like an excited little toddler. "Me! Me! Me!"
The professor gestured, "Yes, go ahead."
Adam once again cleared his throat and answered with a smug look, pretending to be a wise sage.
"Ahem, as we all know, a Magus cannot cast spells without its spell components. All spells require at least one component to be cast. While others require two, and some even require all three. However, what if someone disrupts this process?"
All the students rolled their eyes, wondering just why the hell Adam was now asking them questions as if he was the one teaching the class.
"That is where magic combat comes into play. By augmenting their weapons or themselves, the Magus can effectively defend themselves—"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})"Very good, Adam." The professor's lips twitched. He feared that Adam would get carried away if he didn't interrupt him.
"But magic combat is not just for defending oneself." The professor continued after Adam. "After countless experiments, Magi have developed methods that can allow one to execute magic combat techniques whose attack power is comparable to that of even magic spells!"
The class continued for a long time with the professor explaining to them about the fundamentals of magic combat.
Toward the end of the class, he even made the students perform drills where one had to begin preparing their spells, while the other had to interrupt the spellcasting process.
This display showed the students just how important magic combat was. It wasn't something that could be neglected just because one learned a few spells.
After class was over, the students left one by one. This was the last class of the day and these students were now heading home. After a student graduated to the second year, they were no longer allowed to stay on campus.
Thus, all of the students were now heading out of the academy.
Edward, who had now grown into a tall and muscular youth over the past year, approached Adam and asked, "We're still going to Mystic Lane, right?"
Adam nodded. "Of course. But you guys go ahead first."
"Where are you headed?" Lisa asked curiously.
"You remember those elves I told you about?" Adam asked, to which Edward and Lisa nodded.
"Yeah, I'm going to get them to the Lane with me. They've been constantly pestering me since yesterday, saying they were getting bored and whatnot," Adam replied, shaking his head helplessly. He then turned around and got going.
"Okay then, I'll get Johnathan and wait for you at our regular spot," With that said, Edward and Lisa left the academy as well, heading to a mysterious place restricted to only the Clover Academy Magi.
