Choosing the first spell

Teacher: "Who knows why the speed of mana absorption from the air varies between individuals?"

One of the students raised his hand. The teacher pointed to him to answer.

The student stood up and said, "Sir, the speed of mana absorption varies between mages due to their natural talent. Unlike warriors, who can enhance their ability to absorb mana through rare herbs or treasures that help purify their bodies, a mage's ability remains fixed and defined by their inherent talent. Therefore, when someone aspires to become a mage, their natural talent is the most crucial factor."

The teacher nodded and smiled. "Well done, Rami. Your answer is accurate. It seems you're studying hard."

---

Rami's Perspective:

A week had passed since my first day at this school. Over the past week, I focused on catching up on the material I missed since the start of the school year and read some history books. Now, I can say that I am somewhat knowledgeable.

"Well done, Rami! I can't believe you knew nothing about the basics just a week ago."

I turned to see my new friend, Kristoff, standing behind me and smiling.

I smiled in return.

---

We were discussing the academic subjects. I said, " studying here is easy; I don't find it difficult."

Kristoff replied with a helpless smile, "If it were that easy, the other students wouldn't struggle, especially with arithmetic. I don't understand how you're so talented in this field, despite lacking knowledge in much simpler matters."

I laughed and said, "Didn't I tell you before? When I was younger, I loved arithmetic and neglected studying history and other subjects."

He nodded. "Yes, you mentioned that before. Anyway, when are you going to try your first spell?" he asked with evident enthusiasm.

"Why are you more excited than I am?" I laughed, but I knew he was right. I had postponed trying the spell for a week to catch up with the lessons.

He answered with a hint of sadness, "I can't help myself; I love the Fire element, and my biggest regret is not having it."

I raised an eyebrow in surprise and said, "Don't start complaining; if someone hears you, they'll think you have a weak element. Who would believe you have a composite element?"

"But the Earth element isn't as exciting as you might think. It seems weak and unexciting," he said with a bit of frustration.

I shook my head and said, "That's because you don't know how to use it effectively. You could learn to create clay golems or throw mud waves. The possibilities are endless."

He replied with a small smile, "Maybe. Anyway, let's drop this for now. Shall we head to the cafeteria? I'm hungry."

"No, I'm going to the library to choose a spell. Will you come with me?" I said with a smile, knowing his answer.

---

After a quarter of an hour, Kristoff and I arrived at the library. We asked the librarian about the Fire element spell section.

We headed to a long shelf filled with books on Fire element spells.

Kristoff, looking wistfully at the shelf full of spells, said, "You know, Rami, besides my love for the Fire element, I also envy you. You have the basic elements. Look at this shelf full of spells you can choose from. As for me, my Earth element shelf only has twenty first-level spells."

Rami, smiling flexibly: "I understand your feelings, but did you forget that composite element users are much stronger than basic element users? Is it too much for us to have a few more spells than you?". 

Ignoring him, I began examining the spells on the shelf.

- Fire Snake

- Fire Dragon

- Salamander's Breath

- Fire Arrow

After half an hour of searching, I settled on a spell that I felt strangely drawn to, even though I didn't know why. Its name was Dragon's Claw.

"Dragon's Claw? It's a close-combat spell. Why would you choose something like this when you're a mage?" Kristoff asked in surprise.

I laughed and said, "This will be my first spell, and I'll have time to pick long-range spells later. But if I can't defend myself from a close-range attack, how will I effectively use long-range spells? I need to be prepared for all kinds of encounters." 

Kristoff considered my words and found no fault in them, but he said, "Well, maybe you should take a look at the other options."

"I've made up my mind," I said firmly.

He shrugged in resignation, but didn't press his opinion further.

---

I approached the librarian, an elderly woman sitting on a chair, looking half-asleep. "Excuse me, I've chosen this spell."

She looked at me, then at the book I had chosen, and said, "Since it's a first-level spell, it's free the first time. But before you take it, I'd advise you to reconsider. I haven't seen anyone succeed in practicing it in my years here. If you want a similar spell, try Fire Claw."

I hesitated for a moment. I didn't have much money to buy a spell in case of failure, but I remembered the mysterious feeling I had when I first saw the spell. I resolved to stick with my choice, and as I was about to say so,

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Kristoff smiling and nodding his head as if he wanted me to choose the spell with confidence. I knew he was offering his support and was ready to buy me another spell if I failed.

I smiled and pushed his hand away, saying with a joke, "Get off me, you rascal! I'm not that kind of person!"

He looked at me in shock, as if he was stunned.

The old woman's patience wore thin. "Have you made up your mind or not?"

I nodded and handed her my ID card. "Yes, I'm sure."

The old woman processed the card through the machine and said, "You have three days to return the book."

I nodded in agreement and left with Kristoff, who still looked somewhat shocked.

---

I looked at Kristoff and said gratefully, "Thank you for your support. I owe you."

Hearing that, he smiled with pride, and his mood brightened. "Don't worry, who else would help you if not me? Also, if I ever need to escape an arranged marriage in the future, you'll owe me help!"

I laughed and replied, "Of course you can count on me."

But internally, I felt guilty. I had lied to Kristoff about my life and realized that I would have to confess the truth someday. However, I wasn't ready to risk Lily's life yet.

I changed the subject and said, "Alright, I'm heading home early today and I'll tell the teacher that I'm taking a break to focus on absorbing the spell. I don't think he'll refuse."

Christoph nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. When someone is about to absorb a spell, they usually get a three-day leave to focus on it. It's a good opportunity to concentrate on training without distractions."

"Well, a three-day leave is better than I expected. I'll make the most of it."

As we left the library together, the evening sun cast long shadows across the campus. The thought of mastering my first spell and becoming a true mage—something that seemed impossible in my previous world—filled me with a mix of excitement and anxiety.