Chapter V: When Rumours Become Reality (2)

The sight of the overcrowded hall was truly unexpected. As I glanced across the sea of eager faces, I realized that the rumors surrounding my lecture had spread far and wide. The students seemed both excited and anxious, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to meet their expectations. This was a challenging start, but it also presented a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the students.

I maintained my cold demeanour. This was the first opportunity for me to establish my image. I took a deep breath and began

"Good morning, students. My name is Oliver Starweaver, and I will be teaching be teaching you magic theory this semester. Today is the first class, so I'II let it go. However, from tomorrow, you shall all be in the class by the appointed time. The gates will be closed at 7:30 AM sharp, and no one will be allowed in. Those who do not attend the class once they've registered for it will be negatively marked. I shall give you points for giving the correct answers to my questions, should I put one up. No one shall interrupt me in the middle of the lecture. I will keep a certain window for any queries, so ask all your questions then. My teaching method will be different than others. I will not be teaching you.magic from your curriculum, neither from your books. Yours ears shall always be open, eyes toward the board, and pens and notebooks open. The notes that you will take in class is what will help you during examinations, not any books. So you must always be attentive. Is that understood?"

The atmosphere in the classroom grew palpably tense as my stern words settled among the students. The profound silence enveloped the room, allowing even the faintest sounds to be heard. It was as if a heavy weight hung in the air, and the students sat with rapt attention.

In this pivotal moment, I had effectively cemented my image as a strict, no-nonsense professor who demanded the utmost dedication from his students. With a determined nod, I was ready to embark on our first lecture, setting the tone for the semester.

With the chalk in hand, I began my lecture by elucidating the foundational concepts that most students would have encountered before. This approach was deliberate, as I aimed to gauge their familiarity with the subject matter before delving into more advanced topics.

As I wrapped up the introductory part, I set the chalk aside, allowing myself a subtle, inaudible sigh, hidden from the watchful eyes of the students. Then, with unwavering focus, I addressed the room.

"Today's lecture will center on a critical topic: 'The Structure of Magic Circles.' Your full attention is essential."

By commencing with a familiar topic, I had laid the groundwork for a seamless transition into the more complex aspects of magical theory.

Continuing the lecture, I planned to gradually introduce the students to various designs of magic circles, ensuring a structured progression in their learning. My intention was to refrain from introducing the Grid Matrix immediately, easing them into the topic.

I began with circular designs, emphasizing that they were constructed with only minimal alterations. The reaction in the room was palpable, as gasps of astonishment rippled through the students. It was evident that they had never fully comprehended the extent to which minute adjustments in the calculations of magic circles could impact the output, range, distance, or direction of a magical spell.

To make a profound impression, I provided demonstrations using spells that encompassed all four primary elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. I selected these elements deliberately, as mages in the Veridia Empire, myself included, could wield only three of these basic elements. The revelation of these demonstrations must have left the students pondering whether I possessed any of the rarer elemental abilities, which, indeed, I did.

Having invested an hour in their theoretical understanding, I decided it was time for the students to put their newfound knowledge to the test. Throughout this period, they had diligently scribbled notes into their notebooks, creating a constant undertone in the lecture hall alongside the sound of my voice.

With an air of anticipation, I declared, "The rest of the lecture will be a practical exercise. Apply the concepts you've just learned to alter your own magic circles."

The students exchanged glances and immediately set to work, embarking on their practical application. The room buzzed with focused energy as they sought to implement what they had gleaned from the lecture.

An artistic scene unfolded within the lecture hall, a testament to the students' budding magical abilities. A symphony of power resonated as their hands began to emit the radiant energy of various elements. With determination in their eyes, they diligently attempted to modify their magic circles, a process that often included a fair share of failures and retries.

I approached the group of students and couldn't help but notice their excited chatter, all directed toward one individual. My lips formed a suppressed smile as I identified the center of their attention – Riven, the Hidden Guard of the Empress and one of the prominent female characters in the story.

Riven was an imposing figure, her height rivaling my own, or perhaps just slightly shorter. Her appearance was striking, with cold, piercing, icy-blue eyes that held a depth of mystery, hair as dark as the night, and fair, porcelain-like skin that beautifully framed her captivating features. It was undeniable – she possessed all the qualities of a true heroine.

I noticed Riven among the students, her presence raising questions in my mind. Did Seraphina send her here? While I knew she was a skilled undercover agent, capable of impersonating a third-year academy student, seeing her in my lecture was unexpected. I kept my composure but locked eyes with her and said, "Congratulations on your progress, Miss Riven. You get five points."

Riven, respectfully bowing her head, spoke with a measured tone, but her voice betrayed a hint of pride in her accomplishment, "Thank you, Professor Oliver."

As the lecture continued, the students found it challenging to successfully alter their magic Circles, with no one else managing to achieve the task.

Riven's exceptional aptitude for magic set her apart, but her reputation preceded her, and her success wasn't entirely unexpected by her peers. The rest of the class, however, grappled with the intricate concepts and applications I had introduced, realizing that mastering magic was a complex and demanding journey.

The air in the lecture hall was thick with a mixture of determination and frustration as students scribbled notes and attempted to apply what they had learned.

As the resounding chime of the clock marked the culmination of two hours of intense learning, I stood before the expectant students. The lecture had flowed with purpose, and the anticipation in the room was palpable as I took the moment to make a crisp announcement.

With measured authority in my voice, I declared, "This lecture concludes for today. Remember to utilize your time wisely for revision. Tomorrow, we shall venture deeper into the same topic, and you will engage in a practical exercise to put your newfound knowledge to the test."

My words resonated through the hall, the weight of my expectations pressing upon the students. With my statement delivered, I pivoted with a brisk and determined pace, striding purposefully as I exited the lecture hall.