While Martial Arts was an essential aspect of power, it couldn't best Magic in terms of efficiency.
This didn't mean Magic was easier. Some magic spells and discoveries took years to study and perfect. Original Magic took one's entire lifetime to complete.
However, Magic was all about bending the laws of the world as a whole— Martial Arts could never hope to achieve that. That was a reason why people just preferred dedication themselves to Magic.
Still, I didn't disagree that Martial Arts needed a revival. It was extremely useful and even I wished to be very skilled at it since it covered some weaknesses of Magic.
'Well, let's see how it goes. I could educate this boy and mold him to be capable of achieving his dreams...' A smirk appeared on my face.
Once again, I felt many eyes on me. The boy named Edward Karl Leon also stared at me and frowned deeply the moment my smile registered in his eyes. Once again, I had to assume that my expression was a sign of disrespect to his ideal.
The introductions continued and no one else caught my interest. The only two I actually liked were most likely seeing me in the opposite light. One way or the other, I would need to win them over.
'They need me more than I need them anyway...'
Not long after, it was my turn to speak.
The entire first row was empty on both left and right sides. There was a pathway used to walk at the center and the classroom was designed to have elevated seats on step-like platforms.
Since there were five seats in each section (right and left) per row, that made a total of ten. The rows numbered five, giving fifty seats in total.
Of the ten combined seats at the forefront, I was the only one who occupied any— my seat was to the right. The other students sat behind me. I wasn't sure if it was due to the phobia of occupying front seats, or their reverence of me. Still, it was disappointing.
As I arose, everyone's eyes were locked on me. The unflinching gazes of the few dozen that wanted to hear what I would spout. The pressure was enough to unnerve anyone, but this much was nothing.
"My name is Jared Leonard Alphonse Sereth."
I saw many people recoil from my words. Apparently, they all wondered why someone from such an Inept noble household would be studying magic.
Since most of the people in the hall were either Scholars or Martial Artists, they weren't aware of my power yet. Some had a gnawing suspicion and a few whispers concerning me were passed around— but it still came as a surprise that my family was one that hadn't birthed a Magic-User in over two centuries.
"I'm 12 Years Old..."
With a confident grin, I spoke about the reason for enrolling in the Academy. Ainzlark was home to a lot of my experiences in the past. I had achieved so many victories and losses... but one thing was certain— this was the first place where I was acknowledged for the brilliant mind I possessed.
"My goals are simple... it's simply to learn more about Magic and grow as a Magic-User."
Everyone looked surprised, no, underwhelmed by my response. As someone who had spoken out during the assembly and made such a commotion, one would expect that I had a more grandiose ambition.
However, only fools would take what I said lightly.
Learning more about Magic? Grow as a Magic-User? Wasn't that what everyone came to the Academy to do? However, the extent of said learning and growth was dependent on the person.
My true intention was to stock up as much as I could during my short stay here and access all the information available. That would prove to be my stepping stone to the ultimate goal of becoming unparalleled.
'I will rise above a Grand Mage and become the most powerful Magic-User to ever exist!' Saying such a thing would be too conceited of me at this level.
A smile formed on my face as I sat. While I did not have the confidence to say anything of the sort at the moment, a time would come when my actions would speak louder than any word that could be uttered.
'I'll let them see it with their own two eyes... telling them now would be spoiling!'
Plus, blurting those kinds of words out would be cringe.
"Alright, that's all— I think," Neron said after a few seconds of silence.
I was the last to speak, so it was time to move on to the next topic on the agenda.
"My name is Neron Kaelid, your Lecturer for this year. You may be wondering a lot of things, but be at ease. I didn't ask for you to mention your household or mana core grade since none of it matters here. You're all known to be trash and I know this might cause a great deal of temptation to arise amongst you. Thoughts of superiority may begin to arise— that even among trash, you're better. However, I will not tolerate anything of the sort."
His long speech resonated well with me. He certainly expressed the spirit of Ainzlark Academy that I remembered.
"You're all new buds that need to be taken care of. I will not promise anything concerning achieving the reasons you have for enrolling here. Your growth shall be determined by your determination and efforts. However, I will say this..."
He let out a broad grin and stretched his hands as though expecting an embrace— no, it was of admonishment.
"You have all made it to this Academy through pure merit! That much is true... and for that, I can only render one word to you. CONGRATULATIONS!"
My eyes caught many people tearing up as a result of his words. They were certainly moved— I was too. Neron was able to say the one word most had not had the privilege of hearing... and he meant it wholeheartedly.
The fact that everyone here scored enough to enter the greatest Academy in the Eastern Empire meant we were not trash!
"Now then, you should all buckle down like champs! The Lecture begins!"
