On the first day of Spring, as the sun rose above the towering trees and buildings within Moon City, a warm and gentle wind breezed through the bustling, cobblestoned streets.
The birds sang in joy and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. The streets of Moon City came alive with color and sound. The markets overflowed with fresh fruits and vegetables, bringing great joy to the residents.
Spring was the season of renewal.
It was the season of growth.
It was the season of transformation.
In the heart of the South Ward, the prestigious magic institution, the Clover Academy, had bloomed in myriad colors. Its expansive campus was like a canvas on which nature had gracefully left its vibrant mark.
Amidst the melodious chirping of birds and the subtle buzzing of bees, young Magi could be seen walking through the beautiful campus, chatting with one another while enjoying the warmth and comfort of the spring season.
Inside one of the buildings on campus, a lecture was being held for the 5th-year students.
The final year academic curriculum was undoubtedly the toughest in the academy. Students were expected to focus their whole attention in class and vigorously jot down notes. This was, after all, the most important year for these young Magi.
But a certain scar-faced youth with long raven hair tied into a ponytail seemed to be paying zero attention in class, seemingly bored out of his mind.
Who else could it be but Adam?
The youth was languidly sitting on the chair, resting his chin on his hand, and looking out of the window, gazing at the butterflies dancing around flowers.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})I wonder how that white butterfly is? I wonder if I'll be able to meet it when I go to the Spirit World next…
The professor was an old man with a shiny bald head and a long white beard that reached to his chest. He was wearing light blue robes and had an amicable smile on his face as he lectured the students.
"In simple terms, manifesting something into the real world using mana… That is the art of magic," the professor spoke with reverence.
"Till now, you all have been learning the basics of magic. But now seeing as most of you have become Organ Stage Magi and are about to step into the threshold of Neural Stage, you must learn the advanced theories of spell-casting.
"Why are the geometrical patterns crucial in a spell model?
"How are magic spells shaped?"
The old professor walked around the classroom and spoke to the students with a kind smile. "You must ask yourselves these important questions. After all, this is the fundamental aspect of a Magus' curiosity and learning—"
Suddenly, the professor paused when his gaze landed on Adam. Seeing him looking outside in a daze, the professor's eyes narrowed.
This kid… I think his name was Adam. I've heard a few things about him from the other professors. I knew he was a rebellious kid by nature, but to think he would actually not pay attention when such an important lesson is going on.
Does this kid not worry about his future? No, this won't do. I must discipline him.
"Student Adam." The old professor walked toward him with the same smile adorning his face. "Is there something interesting going on outside that you would ignore the teachings of this old man?"
"Forgive me, professor," Adam turned to look at him and spoke lazily. "I got bored and my mind drifted outside."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})The professor's lips twitched. "Bored, you say? Shall I take it that you already understand the topic of today's lecture?"
"You were talking about the advanced theories of spell-casting, yes?" Adam asked. "Well, in my opinion, they aren't advanced at all. They are basic theories that every Magus worth their salt should know."
"Oh?" The professor was slightly taken aback by the youth's arrogance. He decided to test him. "You think these are basic theories? Then please explain to the class the principles of magic manifestation."
"And stand up while I'm speaking to you," he added with a frown.
"Apologies." Adam got to his feet and slightly bowed at the professor.
The rest of the class was waiting to see what drama would unfold. They had mixed views on Adam. Some of them greatly admired him for his magical prowess and also for being one of the survivors of the secret place.
While others detested him for the sole reason of his commoner status. More often than not, people didn't like seeing others doing better than them. Especially when they were from a social class that was below them.
However, Adam couldn't care less.
He stayed silent for a moment, thinking of the right words to say. He then began, "As you've already said, professor, magic is the manifestation of something in the real world using mana. This can be categorized into four principles.
"First is Integration, where the Magi learn the principles of the natural phenomenon. Second is Visualization, where we visualize in our minds what we've already learned."
Adam paused for a moment before continuing, "The third is Composition. This is the construction of formulas to manifest the visual image."
"And finally." The youth looked at the professor with a faint smile. "Materialization, where the magic comes to exist in the real world through the formula."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})"Hohoho!" The old professor stroked his long, white beard.
Initially, he wanted to find fault with the youth for ignoring the lecture and then severely reprimand him. But now, he couldn't help but be impressed by Adam's answer.
After all, this wasn't something that was written in the textbooks supplied by the academy to the students. This was the knowledge that was accumulated from the personal experiences of the Magi who had advanced to higher ranks.
Although the terms used by Adam were different, the essence was the same.
That is why the professor was so surprised. It was as if the one that had answered his question wasn't a mere Organ Stage Magus but a greatly experienced high-ranking Magus!
"Not bad, Student Adam, not bad at all." The professor nodded repeatedly. "You may sit down."
"Yes, professor." Adam nodded and took his seat.
"Oh, and one more thing." The professor looked at him with a serious expression. "Refrain from zoning out in class and looking out the window, lest other students follow in your footsteps."
Adam found this old man very amusing. In the end, he nodded. "Yes, I will keep that in mind."
"Hmm, good lad." The professor nodded in gratification and then continued the lecture.
Adam's gaze suddenly landed on Lisa and Edward who were sitting beside him. The former looked at him intently, her eyes shining with fiery competitiveness, wondering where he had come across such knowledge. While the latter was just secretly eating a sweet bun.
Seeing this, Adam couldn't help but chuckle and think to himself,
Some things never change.
