The Dark arts and Curses(3)

"Humans are feeble creatures."

In this world of magic and myth, where dragons ruled the skies and dangerous monsters roamed the earth, humans were seen as feeble creatures.

We lacked the brute strength of the Giants, the endurance of the dwarves, and the agility of the elves.

But what we lacked in physical prowess, they made up for in our adaptability.

Unlike the elves who coped up in the forests, humans were able to create tools and weapons to help them survive in their harsh environment.

Unlike the dwarves who isolated themselves from the world, humans learned to harness the elements of fire and water to cook their food and irrigate their crops.

And unlike the giants who were foolish, Humans built shelters to protect themselves from the elements and invented medicines to heal their illnesses.

As the other creatures of the world waged wars and battles with each other, humans found ways to negotiate and form alliances. They traded goods and services with one another, building a network of communities and societies.

Though they may be seen as feeble and weak compared to other creatures, humans have proven time and time again that they are capable of overcoming adversity and thriving in a world of magic and myth.

"Then I'll ask you all. If we have to fight and survive against other races, what would be more helpful? A barbarian who foolishly fights while incurring injuries or a dark mage who can kill the enemy while keeping the damages to the minimum?"

The answer was obvious, the students just nodded at the professor's words.

"Some of you might even ask me, wouldn't Divine arts and healing would be better than dark arts."

Divine arts were capable of healing and buffing an individual so they indeed seemed more advantageous than the Dark arts and curses.

"A Dark mage has a 'Curse', A Holy mage has a 'Blessing'. "

Instructor Llyod chuckled and asked once again.

"Is there any student who can explain what makes a curse better than a blessing?"

All voices were hushed.

While the students stole glances at one another, one raised a hand.

It was Raymond Penin, one of Babel's henchmen, it seemed like he too chose the dark arts class.

"Raymond Penin, sir. Curses have a faster casting speed than Blessings! You can stack up debuffs faster, even on the same opponent!"

"Interesting opinion."

Instructor Llyod folded his arms.

"But you're wrong. In terms of casting speed alone, It's the general opinion of the scholars that the blessing of a the holy mages is slightly faster than a curse that has to be cast through the opponent's resistance."

Raymond bit his lips frustratedly and sat back down at professor's words.

"Anyone else with a different opinion?"

Then there was a person who raised his arm.

It was a female student with petite body, round glasses and pitch black hair.

One look at her and image was screaming the word 'nerd'.

"Esmeralda, sir."

Seeing that she didn't even had the last name, she was probably a commoner.

"Please go on."

Now that explained her appearance, although the Freljord Academy accepted commoners with talent, the same could not be said for the noble children.

The nobles always bullied the common children and looked down on them, Esmerald was probably also suffering the same fate.

'It doesn't have anything to do with me.'

There were goals that I need to reach in this life, I couldn't sit here trying to correct everything while poking my nose in other's bussiness.

'Let's concentrate.'

Ignoring her appearance, I concentrated at her answer.

"There is almost no one who trains themselves in a weakened state."

It was an enigmatic answer, but a deep smile crept on Professor Llyod's lips.

"Dear, what was your name again?"

"....It's Esmeralda."

"I'll remember that."

Woah…

Voices full of envy resounded all around.

There were a thousand freshmen. The chances of surviving to the next year increased if you were somehow favored by professor, so it was great merit to have your name remembered.

"You can sit down now. Esmeralda is right. It's because weakening magic can't be stopped by training."

He looked at the students.

"Everyone trains on the premise that they're in a normal condition. The measure of your ability is the level of performance you can pull off when all environments are within your control."

The students nodded.

"Humans are much more delicate animals than they look, and even the smallest change can break them. Cutting out the arm of the archer who pointed the bow at me isn't the only answer. Obstructing their vision by eye inflammation, giving him motion sickness, confusing the sense of distance, or distracting him by other means. The arrow that should've hit me may miss."

Professor Llyod raised the corner of his lips.

"We, Dark mages have a variety of means to lower the enemy's condition. But think about it. There's no one who'd train for a curse when they're tired or have a bad tummy that feels like their intestines are breaking, right? They'd just take a day off."

Small laughter from the students could be heard.

"To survive in midst of races who have naturally abilities like their agility, strength, endurance, etc. we need something that would put at an advantage.", he said.

"So remember. Rather than strengthening ourselves, we need to figure out how to weaken them."

The students nodded and moved their quills. They started taking notes since it sounded like it would definitely appear on the exam.

"And now, we'll learn how to use such curses in next class."

Professor Llyod picked up his book and put on his hat.

"Try to learn by yourself. At the end of the day, what you do yourself is what keeps you ahead of everyone."

Saying so he disappeared from the class.

It was the short-range teleportation magic.

'He sure is flashy for a dark mage.'

I though packing my books. It was time to head to the training grounds.

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