Who do you think you are

"Me? I am noone important" Raphael responded curtly

"That aside. be on your way," Freya chimed in, prompting the duo to give each other one final glare before turning on their heels towards their respective classes.

Freya turned to face Raphael "I will see you around I guess, your new students meeting is about to begin"

"That it is"

"If you need anything feel free to ask, I will be in any of my classes I mentioned the other day"

with that, she spun around headed for the exit, on cue, the president made his way back to the podium to address the small number of students left in the hall.

"Hello again and welcome..."

.....

Raph's POV

I had a lot of thoughts going through my mind about the academy and the people in it in general. But I decided to keep them to myself and play along. 'Things should be more interesting that way'. I made my way out of the hall, checking my schedule.' Mana theory' was my first class. By a certain professor Adelain Rupert. 

I made my way to the theatre assigned to mana theory, seamlessly blending with the flow of students in the hall. Naturally, there were a lot of students in the academy, howvever, the size of the halls made sure there was no congestion whatsoever.

I had memorised the academy's structure and map at first glance. Which made navigating the hallways quite a simple task.

I made it to the theatre in a couple of minutes. A few students around lingered around the door, I assumed we were likely to be in the same class. I effortlessly made my way past them and into the theatre.

the class was already half filled. I immediately took note of Freya, quietly sitting in the middle rows. I made my way towards her and took a seat to her left just, offering a curd nod of acknowledgement.

She responded with a sweet smile. Soon enough A woman in her late twenties, who I guessed to be Adelain made her way into the classroom. Her steps were graceful and measured, and her raven black hair was tied into a bun at the crown of her head. She wore a tight fitting short skirt and a long sleeved white blouse. 

Her presence brought a hushed silence to the room. The students preparing to listen intently.

Her aura was warm and serene. However, a playful glint occasionally flashed through her eyes. She gave a subtle discerning gaze across the room, nodding in approval, seemingly pleased with the students' temperament.

"Welcome, aspiring mages and scholars of the future. Today, we delve into the fundamental concept that governs our magical world: Mana Theory. My name is Adelain Rupert, I will be your professor in mana theory for the duration of your stay in the academy. I have had the pleasure of teaching some of you here for at least a year, 2 for others. We will start off from the basics, for the benefit of new faces. 

However, those who think they know enough about the basics of mana theory, change that sort of mindset now, there are still numerous mysteries about mana theory yet to be solved. Better to polish up on the basics. Now, at ease, and listen carefully, for understanding this principle is crucial to your growth as practitioners of the mystical arts.

Mana, in essence, is the lifeblood of magic itself. It is an ethereal energy that permeates our world, flowing through every living being, every stone, and every gust of wind. Think of it as an invisible river of power, constantly in motion, shaping the very fabric of our reality.

Now, the core of Mana Theory lies in three key principles:

Perception: The ability to sense and understand the flow of mana around you. Absorption: The process of drawing mana into your body and soul. Manipulation: The art of shaping and directing mana to create magical effects.

As cultivators, your journey begins with developing your perception. You must learn to feel the currents of mana, to see with more than just your eyes. Some of you may already sense it—a tingling at the edge of your awareness, a whisper of power in the air. Though I can see there are some already in the intermediae stages. You should be already well versed in the applications mana, in combat and generally.

Moving on!, once you can perceive mana, you'll learn to absorb it. This is not unlike breathing; you'll draw mana into your core, filling your internal reservoirs. The more you practice, the greater your capacity will become. Absorbing mana also tempers your body and mind, helping carry along your body and soul cultivation, though in a subtle sense. In other general classes, you will learn of the ways to cultivate the body and the soul. Though few ever pursue those paths.

Finally, manipulation is where true magic happens. By exerting your will upon the mana you've absorbed, you can shape it into spells, enhance your physical abilities, or even alter the world around you.

But beware! Mana is not without its dangers. Absorb too much too quickly, and you risk magical burnout. Attempt to manipulate forces beyond your current level, and the consequences could be... unfortunate.

Your goal as cultivators is to steadily increase your mana capacity and control. Through meditation, practice, and facing magical challenges, you'll grow stronger. Some may even break through to higher realms of power, where the very laws of nature begin to bend to your will.

Remember, young ones: respect the mana, for it is the source of all magic. Treat it with reverence, and it will reveal its secrets to you. However, as most of you know, there is a talent cap on the extent to which one can cultivate and grow their mana capacity. There are treasures though very rare to increase a person's, in exchange for an unstable foundation.

Now, are there any questions about Mana Theory before we move on to our practical exercises?

.....

Adelain's POV

As I scan the classroom, expecting queries from puzzled novices, a hand rises confidently from the back. It belongs to ..., a new student, No surprise, they are the most likely to be unaware of the prinicples of mana theory. I must say though he is quite a looker.

"Yes?" I give out a light smile of encouragement.

"Professor," he begins, his voice steady, "if I may, I'd like to expand on your explanation." 

'I raise my brows in surprise, after all, its not everyday a student offers to add to an explanation given by a professor of lycoris academy.'

"By all ,means. Your name first."

"Raphael"

"Go ahead Raphael." I took note of his lack omition of a last name

A murmur ripples through the class. I nod, intrigued. "By all means, Raphael. Please, enlighten us."

He stands, his eyes gleaming with an confidence I've not seen before. "Thank you, Professor. While your explanation covers the basics admirably, I believe there's a deeper layer to Mana Theory that's often overlooked."

The class falls silent, all eyes on Raphael.

"Mana, as we know, is more than just energy. It's information," he continues. "Each mana particle carries within it the echoes of its journey through our world. When we absorb mana, we're not just taking in power, but knowledge."

Gasps and whispers erupt among the students. Even I find myself leaning forward, captivated.

"This is why certain locations are more potent for specific types of magic. A forest grove carries mana imbued with centuries of growth and life, making it ideal for nature-based spells. An ancient battlefield resonates with mana charged by conflict and valor, enhancing combat magic."

Raphael's words paint vivid pictures in our minds. I notice several students frantically taking notes.

"Furthermore," he presses on, "the act of casting a spell isn't just about shaping mana with our will. It's a dialogue. We provide the intent, but the mana itself contributes its inherent properties. This is why two mages casting the same spell might produce subtly different effects."

He pauses, looking around the now rapt classroom. "Lastly, I propose that our internal mana channels aren't fixed. Through specific cultivation techniques, we can actually alter our internal mana flow, creating unique magical signatures. This could lead to entirely new schools of magic, tailored to individual practitioners."

As Raphael concludes, the classroom erupts in excited chatter. Students are turning to each other, eyes wide with the implications of what they've just heard. I notice a few of the more advanced students already deep in heated discussion, clearly inspired by these new ideas.

I raise my hands, calling for quiet. "Thank you, Raphael. That was... remarkable." I can't keep the amazement from my voice. "I must admit, in all my years of study, I've never considered mana in quite that way. You've given us all much to ponder."

Turning to address the class, I smile broadly. "Let this be a lesson to you all. Knowledge isn't a fixed thing, passed unchanging from master to student. It's a living, growing entity. Even I, your professor, am learning today."

I gesture towards Raphael, who looks both unbothered by the attention. "This is the true spirit of magical cultivation. Always question, always seek deeper understanding. The moment we think we know everything is the moment we stop growing as mages."

The excitement in the room is palpable. Students who moments ago were passive listeners now buzz with questions and theories.

"Now then," I say, clapping my hands together, "in light of Raphael's insights, let's revisit our understanding of basic spell construction. Who can tell me how we might incorporate the idea of mana as information into a simple light spell?"

Hands shoot up across the classroom, eager faces alight with new possibilities. As the discussion unfolds, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. Today, we've all taken a step forward on the path of magical mastery.

....

As Raphael concludes his profound exposition, I observe a spectrum of reactions rippling through the classroom, each as varied and complex as the mana flows we study. Even though the excitement overrode most of their emotion, I sould sense something more underneath.

In the front row, Lyra's eyes are wide with wonder, her quill forgotten in her hand as she stares at Raphael in undisguised awe. Beside her, Finn nods vigorously, his mind clearly racing with the implications of this new knowledge.

However, not all faces reflect such open admiration. In the corner, Darius's expression darkens, his jaw clenching as he glares at Raphael with barely concealed envy. I noticed his knuckles whitening as he grips his desk, clearly unsettled by being outshone.

Amara, usually the top student, seems torn between fascination and frustration. Her brow furrows as she frantically scribbles notes, stealing glances at Raphael with a mix of respect and competitive fire in her eyes.

A small group near the back, led by the twins Cassius and Celia, whisper furiously amongst themselves, shooting furtive, almost suspicious looks at Raphael. Their body language speaks of disbelief tinged with a hint of fear at the depths of knowledge just revealed.

Yet perhaps most intriguing are those who seem captivated not just by Raphael's words, but by Raphael himself. As my gaze sweeps the room, I notice several students appear almost mesmerized. Beatrice, normally aloof and disinterested, leans forward in hher seat, eyes fixed on Raphael with an intensity that goes beyond mere academic curiosity.

Aria, our resident empath, has a strange, dreamy expression on her face. Her head is slightly tilted, as if listening to music only she can hear. When Raphael shifts his stance, her eyes follow the movement with an almost unnatural synchronicity.

Even Zephyr, who prides herself on her stoic demeanor, seems affected. A faint flush colors her cheeks as she stares at Raphael, looking both confused and entranced.

As I take in these varied reactions, I can't help but wonder about Raphael himself. In the wake of his impromptu lecture, an almost imperceptible shimmer seems to surround him, lending an otherworldly quality to his presence. His eyes, always striking, now seem to hold depths I hadn't noticed before. For a moment, as the afternoon sun slants through the window, I could swear I see patterns of light dancing across his skin, intricate as spell matrices and gone in an instant.

The atmosphere in the classroom has shifted palpably. What began as a routine lesson has transformed into something electric, charged with potential and fraught with unspoken questions. As I call the class back to order, I make a mental note to keep a close eye on young Raphael. Clearly, there's more to this new student than meets the eye – and I suspect this won't be the last surprise he has in store for us.

.....

The mana theory class came to an end with a few practical applications from professor Adelain. we did not get to participate since it was the first day and time was up. The professor bid us goodbye and made her way out of the theatre

I turned to my left and came face to face with Freya. Her face gave nothing away. she was calm and composed. I opened my mouth to speak "Wh...." However, 

"Who do you think you are!..." 

Someone interrupted.

The harsh voice cut through the air like a knife, silencing the chatter of departing students. I whirled around, my unfinished question to Freya dying on my lips.

Standing before us was a tall, lanky student with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes. His face was contorted with anger, fists clenched at his sides. I failed to recognized him. Given ,my short time in the academy, it was understandable.

"Who do you think you are!" Darius repeated, taking a step closer. "Coming in here, showing off like that during the lecture. You think you're better than the rest of us?"

I blinked, confused. "I... what? I didn't even participate in the practical demonstration."

Freya stepped forward, her calm demeanor unruffled. "I believe you're mistaken, Darius. None of the first-years demonstrated anything today."

Darius's eyes narrowed, darting between Freya and me. "Don't play dumb. Your thesis on mana theory, that was clearly you showing off. And I saw the way Professor Adelain looked at you two. You've clearly caught her attention somehow."

The remaining students in the classroom had fallen silent, watching the confrontation with a mix of curiosity and unease. 

"Listen," I began, starting to get annoyed by the situation, I did not come here to babysit a bunch of wannabes "I think there's been a misunderstanding. I do not give two shits about what you think or want—"

"Save it," Darius spat. "I challenge you to a duel. Right here, right now. Let's see how special you really are."

A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. Mana duels were strictly forbidden outside of supervised training sessions. The consequences for engaging in one could be severe.

Before I could formulate a reply, a new voice rang out from the classroom doorway.

"That's quite enough, Mr. Valorwind."

We all turned to see Professor Adelain standing there, her silver hair gleaming in the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Her expression was stern, but there was a glimmer of something else in her eyes—curiosity, perhaps? ' No, amusement' I thought

"Unauthorized dueling is grounds for immediate expulsion, " she continued, stepping into the room. "Now, care to take this to the training grounds?" A gentle smile graced her pink lips. However, it did not extend to her eyes.