Trials and Revelations

"Let's talk in my office," Selene said bluntly, turning on her heels and waiting for me to follow.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel nervous. After all, we were talking about Selene Everhart. Her imposing presence and reputation as one of the brightest minds in the academy had me on edge. Finally, we arrived at her office, filled with ancient books and magical artifacts.

"Sit down," she instructed, gesturing to a chair in front of her desk.

I sat, trying to appear calm despite the storm of thoughts in my head. Selene sat across from me, observing me closely. She stared for a few moments before speaking.

"You're probably wondering why I brought you here, aren't you?" she asked in her usual icy voice.

"I think that's obvious, I don't remember doing anything wrong," I replied.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to punish you," she said in a more relaxed tone. "I just want to discuss a few things with you." With that, Selene placed my exam paper on the table between us.

"The exam?" I feigned curiosity, though it was clear something like this would happen. After all, Selene reviews the exams every year, seeking out great talents.

"Yes, I must say I'm quite impressed. You're the first person to achieve a perfect score in this academy, which is quite a remarkable feat," she praised genuinely.

"Well, I suppose effort pays off, right?" I smiled, playing innocent. Truth be told, I hadn't studied a bit.

"Effort, huh? As if I could believe such a thing," she smirked slightly. Apparently, my comment amused her.

"And what else could it be? I studied a lot, you know. Many sleepless nights went into aiming for a high score," I said somewhat sarcastically. Well, I guess that's enough of a lie.

"Haha, yes, of course, you studied a lot," her lips curled up slightly. It was clearly sarcasm, but still beautiful. "There are five questions that can't be answered just by studying hard, you know?" She smiled playfully.

"Really? And what would those questions be, Professor Selene?" I smiled back.

Selene then pointed out the questions, which were clearly designed for students to answer but perhaps not in the way the academy expected.

"The first one is, what do you think about Nocturna Island? Such questions don't have a right or wrong answer; they aim to assess the student's thinking ability and judgment," Selene leaned in a bit, looking directly into my eyes. "So, Cassian Nightshade, how did you come up with the idea that shadow beings exist on Nocturna Island when even people who have researched it for a long time have never seen anything similar, or rather, have never been able to move forward from a certain point?" Selene looked at me with intensely curious eyes, as if she had found something interesting.

"It's just a theory of mine, or perhaps I made it up to finish the exam quickly," I shrugged.

"So this detailed explanation about the origin of these shadows and both their weaknesses and strengths was because you wanted to finish your exam quickly? Do you think I'll believe that?" she leaned back, arms crossed.

"As I said, it's just a theory or simply made up," I repeated. You might think I'm being foolish, as I could explain this "theory" to gain her support, but what I'm doing is better because she won't know if I'm lying or not, which will raise doubts. And doubts raise questions, and in turn, interest. And that's what I want—her to be interested in what I say and my "guesses." So, when she investigates on her own, connect the threads, then come to me when you connect the dots, looking for more questions, and so I don't need to look for it again.

"Alright, since I see you won't answer me, let's move on to the next one. What do you think a wizard's weakness is? Well, although this question does have an already stipulated answer, you put something completely different."

"Every person who knows a minimum of magic will know that they have many basic weaknesses, such as energy crystals, casting time, physical endurance, environmental interference, and limited knowledge and experience. These would be some of the basics that every aspirant, whether combatant or not, should know. But why did you put that their main weakness is summoning and that it is very inefficient?"I said while I shrugged.

"Because it is. Reciting the spell you are going to cast can be time-consuming. If a wizard faces a swordsman at close range or mid-range, the swordsman would eventually win because the wizard needs time to recite the spell to be cast," I replied.

"Are you saying that the spell-casting method that has been used for all this time is inefficient?" she asked with a puzzled face.

"Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because of the fanaticism of the ancient mages and their magic, people nowadays do not look for a new way to interpret magic, as they think that the one that has already been written is perfect, but in reality, it is not. That's the reason why magicians always have to be long-range because if they fight at close range, they end up dying because of the time of casting. But what would happen if they didn't need that time to cast? They would only need to structure the charm in their minds and then produce it in milliseconds. Long-range magicians would end, and now they would be able to fight at short range," I said, sighing. I was thirsty after talking so much, and I hoped it would end soon.

"Ha, so how would you do that, Mr. genius? Show me the magic without reciting if you do," she said with a touch of humor. Clearly, she believes it is impossible simply because she has not seen anyone do it before when, in reality, it is easier to do magic without reciting than reciting because you save learning each sentence for each charm.

"Professor Selene, can you create a small flame in your hand?" ?"

"Are you going to show me the magic without reciting if I do?"

"Yes."

"Okay, Fulgura flamma." Right after summoning, the palm of Selene's hand was wrapped in flames. "There you go, now explain to me about the magic without reciting."

"Imagine that magic is like a current of water and your mind is the container that contains and directs it. The incantations are like instructions you give your mind to shape and direct that current. But if you have enough control, if you can concentrate and visualize exactly what you want, you can do magic without needing those verbal instructions."

Selene shook her head. "That sounds very theoretical. Recitation has been fundamental for mages for centuries."

"Of course, because it is the way it was taught and learned for centuries," I replied. "The ancient mages started using words because they helped focus their minds. Over time, everyone assumed that words were necessary. But they are not."

Selene seemed to process what I was saying. "So, are you saying that it is possible to do magic without reciting, just by concentrating?"

"Exactly," I nodded. "It's just a matter of concentrating so precisely and deeply that you don't need to recite. It's a matter of training and mental focus. It's like breathing, if I tell you to breathe more slowly and calmly, you will be aware of your breathing, where at that moment, you will be aware of each inhalation and exhalation, but if you stop paying attention and do other things, you will start to breathe unintentionally and automatically because your body needs it. That's how magic works."

Selene looked at me with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "Alright, Cassian. Show me that you can do it. If you can really do magic without reciting, maybe, just maybe, you're onto something."

"Sure." An instant later, a small flame sprouted from my index finger.

"Impossible!" Selene couldn't believe what she was seeing. Magic without reciting. Everyone, including her, considered it impossible. Now she was witnessing it firsthand, and she would know if she were using some magical tool.

"Do you believe me now?" I asked with a triumphant smile.

"I believe you. Well, I can't refute this fact. Do you even know what this means? This will absolutely change everything we knew about magic. Ah, my head hurts." She touched her forehead between her eyes.

"Any other questions, Professor Selene?" I really wanted to leave. I was thirsty.

"No, you can go. I'll ask you about the rest later. I have a lot to think about," she said.

"Alright. Well, I'm out," I replied and left her office.

It seems like the mission to capture Selene's interest had been a success.

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Night had fallen, and as Professor Selene mentioned, I scored the highest on the written exam. Seraphina came in second place. In this academy, campuses are assigned based on students' performance on the exam, following a meritocratic system where the strongest or smartest have priority.

I was granted a beautiful room, quite spacious. I guess getting a perfect score wasn't trivial. I like this academy.

Then I headed to bed and threw myself on it. Oh my God, how soft. It seems like I'm lying on the clouds. But leaving that aside, I have to become strong. I don't just say that for future events, but also for my vow.

Oh, I forgot to mention that, aside from magic, there's something called runes.

In Elaria, runes manifest as magical tattoos on users' bodies. Each rune has a unique design and specific writing that encapsulates its purpose and power. These tattoos act as channels for magic, allowing the user to access specific abilities or energies once activated through a vow. However, due to the significant risks associated with breaking these vows, few venture to use them, reserving them for circumstances where the benefit far outweighs the danger.

"You see, I decided to make a rather serious vow," I began, staring at the new rune on my arm. "I promised to change the course of this world. I know it sounds grand, almost unreal, but it was the only way to get the magic I need here. The runes work like this, you can't get power without assuming a responsibility equally large. But well, now my name is linked to this promise, so I suppose there is no turning back. Sometimes, to get what you need, you have to risk everything."

Because my level of magic is a beginner, I decided not to enter the magic department for that reason. That was my first step. Now, the next is to strengthen my physique, so I decided to go to the academy gym.

With that said, I changed clothes and headed to the gym.

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When I arrived at the gym, I couldn't help but be amazed by how immense it was. Easily more than a hundred people fit here and still had space left. After showing my student ID to the receptionist and checking in, I went to lift a pair of dumbbells. However, I was in for a surprise, this time perhaps not so pleasant.

"Hey, I was going to use those dumbbells, can you leave them there?" A somewhat brusque voice spoke to me.

"You know, there are many dumbbells over there," I said, pointing to another set that was a few meters away.

"But I want those, so you're going to give them to me," she replied insistently. Are you a kid or what? I met another girl, but this time she wasn't part of the harem of the protagonist. Because of his personality, he never got along with him.

Her name is Lysandra Wildfang, a fascinating figure that merges human grace with the ferocity of a fox. His dark purple hair falls in silky waves to the middle of his back, in perfect harmony with his cat's eyes of the same tone, which flash with an almost hypnotic intensity. His appearance is exquisitely beautiful, with fine features and slightly tanned skin that highlights his unique lineage.

Despite her beauty, Lysandra exudes a wild and dangerous aura. Her gaze is piercing, and her posture always alert, as if constantly weighing the possibilities around her. Her movements are agile and precise, reflecting the skill of her fox-like side that is always ready to act swiftly if needed.

She dresses in clothing that blends elegance and functionality, suitable for both courtly settings and ventures into the wild. Her presence in any place is hard to ignore, an intriguing mix of serene beauty and lethal potential.

"Fine, they're all yours," I decided to concede. "Don't think of me as a coward; I just know her personality, and I know she's stubborn as a mule. I'd rather avoid a confrontation."

"That's what I thought, weakling," she said as she grabbed the dumbbells and walked away.

I sighed deeply. It seems like my evenings at the gym are going to be quite tedious.