"Exchange students?"
"I haven't heard anything about that," Descartes said, pausing his pen and looking up at the group. "But I imagine it likely has something to do with that Dark Guild that's been so much in the news lately."
"Eh?? Why do you say that??"
The others couldn't follow Descartes' train of thought. They had heard of the "Dark Guild making waves recently," but dealing with Dark Guilds had always been the Council's job. They found it hard to link that to the arrival of "exchange students."
"Just an intuition!"
Intuition?
The students exchanged glances, simply concluding that a genius's mind worked differently from theirs, and quickly dropped the subject.
Despite being Magnolia's "King of Backgrounds," Descartes had not become a profligate, pampered waste like the typical "second-generation" rumors suggested. Quite the opposite; thanks to excellent genes and a refined upbringing, he had displayed wisdom and talent far beyond his years since childhood.
He could remember events at one year old, spoke with adult fluency by two, awakened his magic at three, dominated the local children's park by four, became the "King of Kids" in town by five, entered Fairy Academy for advanced study at six, mastered the entire six-year elementary curriculum by seven, was undefeated in the middle school department by eight, and at nine... his legend met its match.
Because in that year, a powerhouse joined the academy, using raw strength to end the "honors" of the first half of Descartes' life. That man was named Gildarts, a genius scouted by Vice-Principal Chris from a defunct magic academy.
Gildarts was only four years older than Descartes and was also a self-awakened genius—specifically, he possessed the high-tier "Crush Magic." Although his personality was somewhat improper—he liked to sneak drinks, flirt with girls, had poor grades in cultural classes, and often hung out with the "delinquents" to lead class-skipping expeditions—his strength was undeniably the best in the academy when he first arrived.
In the eight years since, Descartes and Gildarts had clashed many times, with varying results. Currently, the score stood at: Gildarts 999 wins, Descartes 997 wins.
Unlike Gildarts, Descartes excelled in his studies. Things that took ordinary people six or seven years to master, he could learn and integrate in just one. However, neither the family elders, the academy tutors, the guild partners, nor Descartes himself had any intention of having him skip grades or graduate early.
For the others, they wanted Descartes to stay with his peers as much as possible to avoid the "early burnout" of child prodigies. For Descartes, Fairy Academy housed the largest and most richly stocked magic library in the Kingdom of Fiore; he wouldn't miss out on it for a triviality like "early graduation."
This magic library held the lifelong research of Weston and Precht. The books were as numerous as sweat on an ox, and the knowledge was as vast as the sea—a treasure trove seen once in a century. However, since the academy's founding, the number of students who understood and could unearth its value could be counted on one hand.
Descartes was one of those lucky few. Since the day he accidentally discovered the treasures hidden within, he had been tireless, absorbing magical knowledge with a humble and pious heart. By now, he had mastered up to three thousand spells, with over a hundred reaching true proficiency, yet he still studied diligently every day.
A few days later.
Fairy Academy, University Year 2 Class.
"You've likely all heard that the 'Royal Capital Magic Academy' has sent a group of students to our 'Fairy Academy' for an exchange," the homeroom teacher, Old Rob, announced.
"Since their academic system differs from ours, the Principal assigned them to corresponding grades based on their strength. Two have been assigned to our year. Barring any surprises, they will be studying with you for the next year."
Old Rob turned toward the door and called out, "You may come in."
As soon as he spoke, an orange shadow "zipped" through the doorway and landed with a clack on top of the podium. At the exact moment his feet landed, the classroom suddenly went dark.
"Huh? Why did it get dark?" The students were confused.
Thump, thump, thump!
Three spotlights suddenly dropped, illuminating the figure standing on the podium.
"HELLO, EVERYONE!!"
"I AM... God Serena!"
"Starting today, I will study and progress alongside all of you!"
The man struck an exaggerated, "chuunibyo" pose with every sentence, making everyone feel embarrassed for him. Once he stopped moving, the students finally saw his face. He looked to be about seventeen or eighteen, similar in age to the rest of the class. Interestingly, he had strange, orange twin-tailed hair that looked like a mutated potted plant under the spotlights.
"What's with this guy?!"
"He's the exchange student from the Royal Capital? He looks like an idiot!"
"Are we sure a guy like this belongs in the second year of university? Based on his IQ, shouldn't he be in the second year of middle school?"
The students whispered among themselves. Most had a first impression of this "Serena" as being funny or ridiculous. But not everyone felt that way—at least not Descartes.
Compared to the others, Descartes keenly noticed the undisguised, world-disdaining arrogance in Serena's eyes, and the surging, complex magical power within him that far exceeded his peers. This guy isn't simple.
"Alright, alright, Student Serena! Please get off my podium; that isn't a stage for you to show off!"
Old Rob led the second exchange student through the door. This one was entirely different. She was a woman with short black hair, a refined appearance, and bright eyes full of sunshine and gentleness. She wore a half-smile on her face. Her build wasn't overly curvaceous, and her clothing was simple and practical—a white jacket over a short-sleeved top, blue jeans, and brown boots. Overall, she had the athletic beauty of a snow leopard.
This is better! This is much better!
She looks straightforward, easy-going, and gentle!! the male students cheered internally.
The woman walked to the podium, pulled Serena down, waved, and greeted everyone with a smile.
"My name is Ur. The things I like are ice sculptures and roses. I hate fire and hot things. Please take care of me from now on!"
Her poised and generous personality caused the boys in the class to blush. What a beautiful and unique girl!