The Magic Academy's curriculum was divided into two main tracks: the Magic Track and the Warrior Track.
The Magic Track was further divided into four major categories.
[Arcane System], which used magic power as the key casting attribute, meaning a spell's strength was determined by magic power.
[Divine System], which used faith as the key casting attribute, meaning a spell's strength was determined by the Power of Faith.
[Spiritual System], which used mental power as the key casting attribute, meaning a spell's strength was determined by mental power.
[Alternative System], which used other attributes as the key casting attribute, meaning a spell's strength was determined by those other abilities.
Among them, the [Divine System], which manifested miracles of the gods, was the most popular, represented by Clerics, Missionaries, Priests, and Pastors.
Second came the [Arcane System] professions, represented by Magicians, Wizards, and Arcane Mages.
The [Alternative System], which focused on attributes outside the previous two categories, ranked after that. As for the [Spiritual System], very few showed interest in it.
Most exchange students from the Holy Kingdom, including Neia, admired the path of the Paladin, so they generally chose subjects under the [Alternative System].
The [Alternative System] was mainly divided into six tiers.
Beginners and those who had mastered First-Tier Magic were placed in the first year. Second-Tier Magic corresponded to the second year, Third-Tier Magic to the third year, and so on.
Those who mastered Sixth-Tier Magic had essentially reached the strength of the [Outlier Realm] and could apply for graduation.
Of course, they could also choose to stay and continue their studies, pursuing higher-tier magical knowledge.
The price was serving the Sorcerer Kingdom. They would have to sign a labor contract, though they only needed to work for roughly one hundred years before retiring.
There was no need to worry about lifespan either.
To provide the best possible learning environment, students who chose to sign a contract after graduation could receive a Magic Mark free of charge.
The provider of this magic was Fluder.
It was a ritual magic formed by combining three magical systems, using a forbidden spell to extend one's lifespan.
Originally, the power of this magic should have granted eternal youth and immortality.
However, because it had been forced into use, the spell had not activated completely. Fluder had not fully stopped his own aging, and as a result, his Soul continued to weaken at an extremely slow pace.
Afterward, through Nazarick's improvements, it was optimized and fixed at a certain limit, roughly three hundred years.
For short-lived races such as humans, this was undoubtedly enough to drive people mad with desire.
Not to mention, according to the Sorcerer Kingdom's regulations, as long as one continued raising one's magic tier within those three hundred years, each increase of one tier would extend one's lifespan by roughly fifty years.
And if one ultimately reached the point of mastering Tenth-Tier Magic, they could even attain that illusory immortality.
(PS: Tenth-Tier Magic is level 70, which already counts as mid-tier combat power. In other words, qualified cannon fodder.)
June, Year One of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
[Alternative System] branch, [Blessing Discipline], first-year classroom.
The first-year classroom was extremely large. With the extension provided by spatial magic, it contained several hundred seats.
As time passed, people could be seen entering one after another.
Dwarves, Ghouls, Beastmen, Dragonoids, Nagas, Merfolk, Werewolves, Humans, Frost Giants, Sea Giants, Lizardmen, Dryads…
The Sorcerer Kingdom advocated education without discrimination, so this place included nearly eighty percent of the races on the continent.
"Today, we will continue explaining the essence of magic."
"In the Sorcerer Kingdom's research into magic, we often hear the new term [MP]. It may be easy to assume that magic power is the same thing as MP."
"But in reality, the concept of [magic power] is much broader. It refers to the general term for all magical concepts, meaning magical power itself, while MP is simply a standard unit used to describe a character's spellcasting capacity."
"MP represents magic power, but magic power does not necessarily represent MP."
At the podium, a Dragonoid dressed in pale-white clothing, his entire body carrying an air of nobility, was teaching the class.
Ilsayas, also known as the Clear Light Dragon Lord.
At that moment, this Dragon Lord was explaining the basic knowledge of magic from the Sorcerer Kingdom's provided textbook.
He had to admit, being a teacher was rather fun.
It helped relieve boredom. While searching for the Guild Weapon, he could also obtain new magical knowledge absent from the Eight Greed Kings' Guild, deepening his own foundation in the process.
On top of that, he was mainly responsible for the Magic Track, while that damn ox was mainly responsible for the Warrior Track, so the two of them could even exchange information.
Mm… not bad at all.
The Clear Light Dragon Lord nodded to himself. As he lectured, his eyes occasionally swept over the two humans beneath the podium.
Why did that well-connected girl come here?
And the girl beside her. There seemed to be something in both of their blood that he could not see through.
Although they could not compare to that human named Enri from before, they were still not to be underestimated.
Moreover, compared with the last time he had seen them, the total amount of magic within their bodies had advanced by leaps and bounds.
It was like a sapling suddenly growing into a towering tree.
Interesting.
Was this what one should expect from a nation founded by Players?
Just to be safe, he should try to stay away from those two from now on.
Below the podium, Neia was writing furiously, like a tireless machine, devoting herself entirely to her studies.
Compared with before, she was now wearing a standard JK uniform, which made her look especially fresh and cute.
A clean white shirt paired with a pleated skirt formed the basic outfit, with a bow tie, knee-high socks, a backpack, small leather shoes, and other accessories.
She was like a blooming flower, giving off the air of youth.
Every student who enrolled received a set of school uniforms, with the size adjusted according to race to ensure every student could wear them comfortably.
Furthermore, because the clothing was enchanted with the First-Tier [Clean] spell, it did not need washing and was extremely convenient.
"Big Sister Neia, talk to me. I'm so bored…"
Nemu lay sprawled across her desk, her little face filled with boredom.
She had already learned the basic knowledge being taught in class long ago, so she now had nothing to do.
After all, when Sephis had taught Enri before, she had watched and learned from the side as well. Her knowledge already far surpassed others her age.
"Sorry, Nemu. I came to the Sorcerer Kingdom because I'm pursuing the path of the Paladin. To prove my resolve to my parents, I have to make every second count."
Neia did not stop writing as she explained.
Her gaze was firm and persistent, like a shining star illuminating her determination to pursue the path of the Paladin.
The road of a Paladin was harsh.
Although Paladins were generally considered warriors, they were also Magic Casters in the broad sense.
To explain the difference between warriors and Paladins roughly, warriors were offensive frontliners, while Paladins were defensive frontliners.
Although it was difficult to express in numbers, if a warrior had 11 attack and 9 defense, then a Paladin would have 8 attack and 11 defense.
Of course, Paladins also possessed the ability to use magic, which made them more flexible and adaptable in battle.
For example, they could use Tier Magic from the [Blessing Discipline] of the [Alternative System], as well as flying magic, which was quite high-tier, healing magic, and so on.
These abilities allowed Paladins to better protect themselves and their teammates in combat, creating more chances for victory.
Compared with the Holy Kingdom's standards, the Sorcerer Kingdom's definition of a Paladin was undoubtedly far more advanced and complete.
Even the basics of magic power were explained in exceptional detail, making things suddenly click for her.
Together with all the other considerations, it could be said that Neia was completely overwhelmed. She needed to put in far more effort and sweat than ordinary people.
"It's fine. If it comes to that, I'll take you to Brother Sephis for some private tutoring."
Nemu spoke with a pout.
The only reason she was in this classroom was to accompany Neia.
She had no real ideas about her future plans. Seeing Neia choose the Paladin path, she simply went along with it and chose the same road.
"…Um, maybe we shouldn't trouble Sephis-san."
Neia paused when she heard this, her eyes drifting uncertainly.
"It's fine. Hehe. After observing him for a long time, I've discovered that Brother Sephis is actually the type who's cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He won't mind a little thing like this."
"Oh, right. Because of the celebration, school is out in the afternoons for the next few days. Let's go shopping later."
As Nemu spoke, she invited her to go out and have fun. To her, the Sorcerer Kingdom was undoubtedly a massive treasure trove waiting to be explored.
…
That afternoon, on the commercial street of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Having finished class, Nemu was dragging Neia around to shop.
Because the celebration was about to be held, the streets were hung with colorful flags and flowers, while magical lanterns floated in the air.
All kinds of Demihumans moved through the crowd, their faces filled with happy smiles.
The bustling crowd on the street was like a winding dragon, slowly moving forward.
In the center of the street stood a grand magical plaza, where a huge stage had been built.
On the stage, fire, ice, and all kinds of magic wove together into a dazzling spectacle.
From time to time, the audience let out cries of wonder and bursts of applause.
Students from the Magic Academy were doing their best to show off the magic they had learned in order to earn some extra money.
After all, tuition had to be paid.
Although the Sorcerer Kingdom upheld the idea that "everyone has the right to pursue happiness" and provided subsidies for poor students, under the Sorcerer Kingdom's laws, those subsidies were essentially temporary loans that had to be repaid after graduation.
"Is that senior Zaryusu Rusha, the genius of the Arcane System? I didn't expect him to be performing here. I remember his parents are pretty impressive too."
Nemu and Neia looked over the students performing, and one Lizardman caught their attention.
Nemu tilted her head and took out a magical book that recorded the school's geniuses.
Zaryusu Rusha was an intelligent Lizardman who had inherited both his father's talent as a warrior and his mother's talent for magic.
He majored in the Arcane System as a magic warrior.
It was a close-combat Magic Caster profession that used magical enhancement in battle.
"He seems to be under a lot of pressure."
He reminded Neia of herself, who had once insisted on walking the path of the Paladin despite pressure from her parents. She could sense the heaviness in his heart, though his situation also felt somewhat different.
It was as if something was forcing him forward, as though stopping even once would plunge him into a hopeless situation.
Neia took out her purse, removed several dozen gold coins, and placed them into the tip jar nearby.
I don't know why, but please keep going.
(PS: Because of Sephis's arrangements, Neia was exempt from tuition. Together with the money given by her parents, she had quite a bit left over.)
At that moment, Zaryusu Rusa was directing a multi-headed water serpent in its performance. He nodded gratefully to Neia and Nemu.
The multi-headed water serpent named "Rororo" let out a roar, as if expressing its thanks.
After Neia and Nemu watched the performance for a while longer, they left and prepared to look elsewhere.
Around the plaza, all kinds of food stalls gave off tempting aromas.
Magical candy, magical pastries, and all sorts of unusual foods immersed people's taste buds in wonderful flavors.
Younglings of different races ran happily in front of the stalls, holding delicious food in their hands. Their laughter rang through the entire plaza like strings of silver bells.
In addition, there were all kinds of amusement facilities and game stalls, allowing people to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
"Huh? So cute. Boss, how much is this?"
In front of one stall, Nemu held three badges and asked excitedly.
"Easy, easy. Since you're still a student, I'll give you a discount. Just five gold coins each."
Seeing business come his way, the vendor rubbed his hands together, smiling like a sly fox.
"Huh? Five gold coins!"
"Why don't you just rob someone!"
Neia, standing beside her, froze at once when she heard this. Her eyes widened like copper bells as she spoke in disbelief.
Even she could not help being startled.
Five gold coins. In the Holy Kingdom, that was enough for an ordinary commoner to live comfortably for several months.
Did the two of them really look that easy to fool?
"Er… this badge is different. It's a limited-edition souvenir sold during the founding ceremony of the Sorcerer Kingdom. As the saying goes, rare things are valuable."
"And you've heard of the upcoming game Supreme Summoning, right? They say you can use this badge to claim a rare deck for free. I'm telling you, it's not a bad deal."
"But that's still…"
Looking at the vendor's mysterious expression, Neia did not even know what to say. Her life experience since childhood made it difficult for her to accept this.
"This is the Sorcerer Kingdom. Do you really think I'd dare lie to you? Those Quagoa Patrols are no joke. I'm just running a small business. I don't want to end up in prison."
Anyone who committed extortion in the Sorcerer Kingdom would meet a miserable end.
Having carefully studied the Sorcerer Kingdom's laws, Neia knew he was not lying. It was just that…
Neia had just turned her head, intending to ask Nemu what she planned to do, only to see that Nemu had already begun paying.
It was only fifteen gold coins. Bought!
Nemu happily took the badges from the vendor and examined them carefully in her hand.
"Ah, you bought them just like that?"
Neia watched this scene with a headache. She had originally thought that even if they were going to buy them, they should at least try to haggle first.
"Love is priceless. Brother Sephis once said that hesitation leads to defeat!"
Nemu spoke.
Love was priceless. The value of every item was different in different people's eyes.
At least to her, getting them for fifteen gold coins was a great bargain.
"Here, there are three badges, one for each of us. You pick one first, then I'll pick one, and the last one is for my sister."
As Nemu spoke, she handed the three badges to Neia.
"Sigh, all right."
Seeing this, Neia rubbed her forehead helplessly, but she did not act overly polite. After thinking it over for a moment, she picked up one badge.
The image on the badge was a chibi Dragonoid.
A slight ripple stirred in Neia's heart, as if she saw an adorable little Dragonoid raising its head and roaring before her eyes.
That look… it really was pretty cute!
Just as Neia was examining it, a gaze fell on her from behind.
She instinctively turned around and immediately slammed into an incredibly solid wall.
"Human cub, watch where you're going."
The cold voice swept past like a frigid wind. The Swordmaster Dragon Lord looked at the careless Neia and snorted.
If he had not restrained his ability, this human would likely have been killed by the backlash already.
Tch.
This is why I hate the weak.
The Swordmaster Dragon Lord left with a cold expression, while the Brightness Dragon Lord beside him also withdrew his gaze.
"Sorry. My companion has a poor temper."
Leaving that behind, the Brightness Dragon Lord followed the Swordmaster Dragon Lord.
"He bumped into someone and just ran off. What a rude guy."
Nemu spoke angrily.
She did not care whose fault it was. She only knew that since her friend had fallen, it was the other party's fault.
A typical case of siding with friends over reason.
"It's fine. I wasn't careful."
Neia shook her head and did not take it too seriously. Then she looked at the other party's departing back.
"A dragon half-breed, just like Teacher Ilsayas…"
...
"Brightness, why were you paying attention to that human just now?"
On the street, the Swordmaster Dragon Lord suddenly asked. His voice was like a sharp blade, cutting through the surrounding noise.
If not for the Brightness Dragon Lord just now, he would not have stopped, and that human would not have fallen after bumping into him.
"I saw an excellent human female cub and felt a bit of sexual interest, that's all."
The Brightness Dragon Lord's eyes shifted slightly as he licked his lips and replied.
As a well-known pervert among the True Dragon Lords, his words were undoubtedly convincing.
"…Boring desire."
"Deep Darkness has already found Filth's Guild Base. Once the celebration here begins, he'll make his move."
"When the time comes, you, I, and Heavenly Heaven will intercept Filth halfway and buy time for Deep Darkness. Don't mess this up."
The Swordmaster Dragon Lord warned.
This operation could not tolerate the slightest mistake.
"Don't worry."
...
Elsewhere.
Slane Theocracy, conference room.
"Are they ready to move?"
Surshana leaned casually against his chair, looking at the information sent by the Deep Darkness Dragon Lord.
His bony fingers tapped the armrest in a steady rhythm. After thinking briefly, he gave his order.
"Notify Captain of the Black Scripture and Zesshi Zetsumei. Training time is over. The war with the Elf Country can come to an end."
"Take the Elf King as a gift and have them make a trip to the Sorcerer Kingdom."
"Oh, right. Remember to have Zesshi Zetsumei bring that outfit."
"As you command!"
***
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