Chapter 7: Future Star
In the Nasuverse, magecraft is categorized into Age of Gods Magecraft and Modern Magecraft. Modern Magecraft operates by deceiving the world for a short period, while Age of Gods Magecraft connects directly to the Root or divine beings, altering reality by divine authority. However, with the decline of Mystery, the Age of Gods ended, leaving only the fragmented remnants of that era.
Modern Runes, for example, were known as Primordial Runes during the Age of Gods. The strength of Runes depended on the user's divine heritage, much like Scáthach, the ruler of the Land of Shadows. This purple-haired beauty excelled in Primordial Runes and possessed clairvoyance, even modifying her spiritual foundation freely in the FGO summer events.
Of course, the Yin Qi Bomb Li Xiang learned was not a Primordial Rune, but its operation was somewhat similar. It involved arranging and vocalizing specific syllables, and though it required only a short chant, its power could increase significantly with more magical energy output.
Li Xiang spent the entire morning repeatedly practicing the Yin Qi Bomb. Just as he began to wonder if he'd been forgotten, he finally saw someone—Waver Velvet.
No wonder he felt like he was forgetting something.
Yesterday, Krische had told him to find Waver in the morning, hinting that there might be other matters to attend to.
"Teacher, I didn't mean to... skip coming," Li Xiang said with a grimace.
"...Let's go."
Waver's expression was difficult to read. He seemed to want to say something but ultimately only uttered two words.
Li Xiang glanced at Waver curiously but quickly smiled. If they didn't leave soon, he'd be bored to death.
However, he found it odd that Kaya Ruri, known as the "Snake of the Department of Law and Politics," had let him off so easily. Could it be that his EX-ranked Luck had come into play? It was strange not to see her as he was leaving.
Waver remained silent, so Li Xiang felt it inappropriate to speak as well. In this awkward atmosphere, they returned to Sla Street.
After passing through the dormitory area, they continued along the road. As they climbed a rising slope to a crossroads, Li Xiang looked up and saw a large building—the main building of the Department of Modern Magecraft.
Following Waver inside, Li Xiang was greeted by the sounds of chatter and noise as they ascended the spiral staircase. For a moment, he felt a sense of déjà vu.
It was almost like being back in his senior year classroom, where students were hunched over their exam papers. Outside the window, the world was full of life, but if you looked up, you'd see the homeroom teacher sneaking peeks through the glass, scaring everyone into focusing again.
Li Xiang's pace slowed as memories came rushing back. Although he hadn't read the original novel before transmigrating, he had watched the anime Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note. He was somewhat familiar with Waver's disciples, who were now to be his classmates.
The three most notable ones were Gray, Flat Escardos, and Svin Glascheit.
Gray was the custodian of the Blackmore Graveyard and a descendant of King Arthur, possessing the bloodline of Artoria Pendragon. Flat and Svin were Clock Tower prodigies, known as the "Twin Pillars" of the El-Melloi classroom.
But Li Xiang had no intention of competing with these geniuses. His goal was simply to quietly improve his rank, increasing his chances of survival in the upcoming Holy Grail War.
Keeping a low profile and surviving was the way to go.
When Waver entered the classroom, the room fell silent, and almost everyone turned to look at him, then at Li Xiang.
Li Xiang blinked awkwardly, feeling that something was off.
"Teacher!"
From the first row of seats, directly facing the podium, a boy with short blonde hair and blue eyes jumped up excitedly. He pointed at Li Xiang and shouted, "Is this the future star of the El-Melloi classroom?"
"?"
What the heck? Future star? Do you think I'm some kind of kids' milk brand?
"Flat!" Waver frowned. "Stop giving people nicknames."
Meanwhile, the handsome boy with curly blond hair sitting next to Flat stood up.
"Teacher, you can't blame Flat. After all, he's the first student in the history of the El-Melloi classroom to dare skip the entrance ceremony, especially in front of all the Lords and lecturers. It's just too..."
He paused, as if struggling to find the right word.
"Doggy! A future star!" Flat, thrilled that Svin was agreeing with him for once, became even more excited.
"Shut up! Don't call me doggy! How many times do I have to tell you?!"
"Well, a dog is a dog. Just like how Teacher is the Star of London, Li Xiang is the future star!"
"Shut up!"
Svin's roar was infused with sharp magical energy, and white vapor, like clouds, floated between the two.
Waver finally lost his patience and shouted, "What do you think you're doing? Both of you, sit down!"
"Sorry!"
The two bowed their heads and apologized in perfect unison.
Someone in the room couldn't help but snicker, and soon the classroom was filled with cheerful laughter.
"Alright!"
Waver took several deep breaths, clutching his stomach as he felt his ulcer acting up again. After taking a few sips of water, he said, "Li Xiang, find a seat."
"Yes."
Li Xiang looked at the long rows of seats in the tiered classroom. Many were empty.
Flat enthusiastically waved at him, whispering, "Future star, sit here with me."
Li Xiang's face darkened, and he bypassed Flat, looking toward Gray on the left.
The hooded girl with gray hair had her face hidden, her eyes fixed on Waver, not noticing him.
After considering it, he decided that sitting next to Gray might make him stand out too much and could offend Svin. He chose a seat in the middle of the fourth row, where no one else was sitting.
"This is Li Xiang, who missed the entrance ceremony this morning due to some circumstances. I've already explained the situation to the other Lords, and it was not Li Xiang's intention to skip it. Now that he has joined the Department of Modern Magecraft, everyone should work together and support each other."
Waver finished his introduction with a standard speech, then pulled a book from his drawer. "Li Xiang, your textbooks for the semester are in my office. You can pick them up after this class. For now, use this book."
"Thank you."
Li Xiang quickly got up, walked to the podium, and took the book from Waver.
"Today's class is on Practical Modern Magecraft Based on Electric Currents and Magic Circuits." Waver tapped the blackboard and began his lecture.
Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to be doing?
Li Xiang sat there in a daze, his mind a muddled mess by the end of the lecture.
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Waver Velvet (Adept) has taught you Electric Current Magecraft. Progress: 1%.
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Li Xiang checked the system log.
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Electric Current Magecraft (1/100)
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So, if I fully study this book, I can master Electric Current Magecraft?
This is something I'm good at!
Back in high school, I studied day and night, memorizing all kinds of knowledge. I've got this—though it's going to be tough.
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Ding! Side Quest 3 generated: Finish in the top three in the end-of-term exam.
Quest Description: Theory is the foundation of practice. Only by truly mastering the knowledge can you build a solid foundation for learning magecraft. Please thoroughly understand this semester's content and place in the top three in the theory exam.
Quest Duration: One semester (four months).
Quest Reward: Relic clue.
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