Pontiff Allan carried Eluard to a floor several levels lower than Chief Lumina's office. Eluard was designated to a spacious guest room with a bed, shower, and many other necessities.
It proved convenient for him, and he couldn't ask for more.
"My friend here will guard the door outside your room. If you have any requests or questions, you may direct them to him. A servant will come over to give you food. Don't waste a single bit. The League doesn't take kindly for those who waste its resources.", Pontiff Allan reminded him one last time before leaving the premises.
His job as a tour guide was done. He had more pressing matters to attend to and bootlicking Eluard wasn't part of it.
Meanwhile, Eluard walked across the room and checked everything, "This is way more generous than I thought. With this arrangement, I can slip out and continue handing out lessons at the academy."
Several months passed and he diligently studied and offered knowledge to his students day after day. From magic cultivation, spell casting, to their adaptation to nameless spell casting to learning some magic history, and other important concepts, Eluard delivered them all without a problem.
If not for the delay caused by his month-long coma, causing him to miss four important class sessions, he and his students would have progressed further from their current selves.
At some point, he doubted himself due to the smooth progression of his teachings. He asked the system if it had any 'indirect involvement' about that unusual outcome.
Unfortunately, the system didn't bother to send a proper reply, nor did it reprimand him for his inadequacy in teaching. Thus, he was left to study on his own and trust that whatever he taught was sufficient for the students at their current stage.
He sat in front of a wooden table and took out his notes about the current situation of himself and his students.
Eluard learned it the hard way about keeping track of his student's magical cultivation. Long before he started, he skimmed through most of the details and blindly followed the system's teaching requirements.
Now that his students were becoming better and stronger, glancing and guessing their progress was no longer enough. Thus, he had to procure a notebook to remind himself of things. As for using the system panel as a note app, Eluard wasn't confident that he would be able to remember.
He would be distracted by the system panel and forget things instead.
'Jinmu will master all the basic foundations of magic in no time. Although his mana manipulation is a little unique, his magic control is incomparable.'
'Just through plain definition, he won't become an adept wizard since he needed to obtain the partial magical metamorphosis to be labeled as one. He is utilizing external mana without letting it run through his body, so that would be a problem.'
'I'll assign him to learn alchemy, but if I do that, I will exhaust myself to death if I would personally teach him from scratch. Doing it by himself won't do either. It's better to have a good master that he could use as a guide.'
Eluard wrote down something on Jinmu's profile.
'He'll have to assist his classmates for the time being.'
He noted down the need to find a wizard who excelled in alchemy with hopes of poaching that person into the academy.
Then he proceeded to Olivia, whom he regarded as someone who lacked experience and magic control. Her emotions were also unstable, and it could prove disastrous if left undeveloped. Jinmu had long told him about the many opportunities she almost violated the five tenets of the academy, and Eluard couldn't let her doom herself in the future.
As for Emi, she needed to learn a few more spells and engage more in lone battles where she had to depend on herself to increase her self-confidence about her power.
Lucan didn't need any improvements on his magic foundation except for the fact that he had to find a way how to deal with his troublesome magic root.
'Mages born from nobility rarely lack the knowledge and foundation about magic.'
This was Eluard's remark on Lucan's past and present situation. Solordo need not to be mentioned. He was a special case and was currently under the tutelage of Arahon.
'Wait a minute. There's still that Tower of Ascension lurking in the academy. Should I utilize it to point out the weaknesses of my students?'
He ruminated the pros and cons of this decision. The Tower of Ascension was a very mysterious place that suddenly appeared in the academy.
'If it's really able to attack their weaknesses and provide opportunities to fix them... There's no doubting this decision, Eluard. Either the students progress or regress. We're short on time here with the demonic creatures on the move. They're planning something, I can feel it.'
Eluard continued writing his plans until night shadowed.
[ Custom Tasks ]
[ These tasks are custom-made by the host and do not provide any direct rewards. ]
[ 1. Find a suitable alchemy teacher for the academy. The system suggests procuring a non-commissioned wizard from the League. ]
[ 2. Finish Chief Magister Lumina Merrio-Ervetta's daily lessons. ]
[ 3. Set up the task to let the students enter the Tower of Ascension. ]
Chomping on the gracious food given to him by a servant, his thoughts drifted to the discussion tomorrow. He didn't understand the non-commissioned wizard part, but hopefully, he would after Chief Lumina teaches him a thing or two.
'I wonder what type of lessons Chief Lumina will teach me.'
…
Chief Lumina handed over a large stack of papers containing lessons about basic magic cultivation, mana instillation, magic circle conjuration, magic spell activation, various magic spell formulas, and more.
Eluard was rather confused about the addition of some subjects like the magic circle conjuration and magic spell formulas, 'There's such a subject here? I didn't even bother teaching my students about the magic circle conjuration because we don't need to conjure them to cast spells.'
'As for magic spell formulas, they are simply magic circle structures that adhere to a specific magic spell. There's also no need for it since our thoughts drive the formation of our magic spells.'
But he froze on the spot and realized that this was the magic system of Aludia. There was a need for him to undergo this.
[ Please work hard host. Understanding the magic system of various worlds will prove helpful to you later on. ]
'Right…', Eluard inwardly shook his head and attentively listened to Chief Lumina's lectures.
"These aren't in-depth courses about the magic foundations in Aludia. Otherwise, you would be under me for several years."
Eluard nodded and continued listening.
The moment they started with lessons, Eluard realized the huge difference between his teaching methods and a grandmaster wizard, specifically someone who was a chief magister.
It had been thirteen days since Eluard was under her tutelage and found it incredibly eye-opening in experiencing her teaching approach.
Right now, Chief Lumina was holding a long chalk while standing in front of a movable green board.
"The Wiles Mana Theory, also known as the Universal Elemental Mana Theory, states that the mana in our surroundings is as pure as water. The attribute of mana itself changes whenever we force our magical will unto it."
"The concept is similar to adding dirt or other soluble things to water, and the property of the water changes based on what was added. The only difference is that the soluble object in the General Mana Theory is us, magical cultivators. Our affinities can shape the nature of mana itself."
"That is why whenever we sense our surroundings through our special meditation, each person has a different perspective about mana."
Eluard grasped the theory quickly, 'But the mana I sense is transparent. It's like air itself. Is that the color for someone with universal affinity?'
Chief Lumina interrupted his thoughts as she raised her right index finger.
"But here comes an interesting question. It is a famous and known legend that archmages can cast any type of magic that is outside the range of their natural affinities. Why do you think they can do so?"
Chief Lumina awaited Eluard's answer to which he said, "I think it's about understanding how the different magical elements work. Dark magic users can cast dark magic because they have an affinity to it. If someone wanted to do the same without the corresponding affinity, then they need to undergo some sort of… experiments until they can do it."
Chief Lumina's eyes narrowed, "To sum it up, it is the wizard's elemental exposure."
She started drawing a stick figure of a wizard and labeling out some parts, "Tell me, what differentiates a wizard from a mage?"
Eluard thought for a while and replied, "The partial magical metamorphosis?"
"Correct, but what is the process they needed to obtain before achieving it?", she asked again, starting the most anticipated part of the discussion, the question and answer portion.
He knew this was a trick question. If he used textbook knowledge to answer, he would be up for a beating, "Based on my experience, I cast magic spells frequently and I soon noticed that my body could adapt to the pressure. Then one day, it just dawned on me that I can apply magic to the external part of my body, enhancing it one way or another."
Hearing his answer, she went over to the other side of the board and drew another stick figure, labeling it an archmage.
"Then I suppose with these inferences, you can now conclude why archmages can cast different elemental spells, yes?"
Eluard let out a gasp, finally realizing the answer to this confusing question, 'If that is the case… then how is my mana different from the rest?'
He drove the question off his mind and gathered his thoughts, "I think instead of using the elements to expose their body to it, they are exposing their magical senses to understand the nature of the different elements that exist here. Once they can understand its underlying causes, the archmages can then finally obtain affinity to that element."
"This can be achieved by utilizing the concept behind Wiles Mana Theory, where they observe the changes in the nature of mana itself as someone influence it with their magic will."
'It seems like Elder Flock's seed disciple didn't disappoint.', Chief Lumina felt happy inside, but her facial expression remained stern.
Eluard noticed a slight problem, "But, isn't it a bit weird, Chief Lumina? If there was such a thing, shouldn't people of lower cultivation practice this first?"
"Do you think the archmages can do it without the prerequisite knowledge and experience?"
Her answers knocked Eluard out of his daze, 'She's right. What a stupid question that was. There's no point having affinity to many elements if one can't use it properly.', saying those words equated to attacking himself.
Chief Lumina mused about the subject and added, "But of course, that's not the only reason why archmages undergo this tedious process. However, I suggest you seek your answers to your Elder instead. He will have a deeper understanding of this and can clear your doubts in one go."
Eluard raised another question, "Chief Lumina, if the foundation about the archmages is true, why is it that many mages and wizards aren't able to progress further into the magical world?"
She smirked widely and returned, "What do you think?", shrugging her hands while doing so.
"The League is generous as it is when it comes to providing knowledge to any aspiring magical cultivator, assuming that they are worthy of receiving its generosity. Talent is one thing. Perseverance and one's indifference to the materialistic world are another."
Her voice turned cold and her eyes darkened, "Many are blinded by their greed and are simply wishing to become adept wizards or master wizards for the sake of imposing themselves upon the common people and use it to their nonsensical wish. Do you think people like them are worthy to receive this precious knowledge?!"
"If they get a hand on it, who knows what might become of Aludia later on? Even most magisters aren't qualified to know of this knowledge."
Eluard despondently stared at her. He knew what she was trying to imply as he experienced similar things in his previous world.
Seeing his expression, Chief Lumina sighed in her heart, 'What a naive young boy. But it's acceptable. At some point, I was very heroic like him.'
'Reality is as cruel as it gets.', biting her lips without Eluard's attention.
"Alright, that's enough for today. You have already learned a lot of things in the past few days. I think it's time for you to go out and socialize with the others.", Chief Lumina ended the discussion.
"Go out?"
A stalwart figure appeared from the smoky screen that covered the arc.
"Urrell, you're finally here. I heard you will be visiting the Morning Star Academy for a round of assessment?", Chief Lumina asked.
'How the hell did auntie know in advance? Wasn't she preoccupied with this young man over the last few days?', Magister Urrell was at a loss, "Yes, auntie. I am. Do you want me to bring him over for a change?"
"Just don't put him in a troublesome position. I don't want some old fogey charging in my office for some small matters.", Chief Lumina went back to her desk and closed her eyes, "You may go now, young man."
This unfounded behavior stumped the other two.
'Well, there goes my chance. I guess I'll babysit this one for a while.', Magister Urrell sighed in his heart.
"Young man, meet me three days from now. 7 at the entrance of the Tower. We'll do some field trips to broaden your horizons."
Magister Urrell flashed an enigmatic smile as Eluard left the office, "You seem to have grown fond of that boy, auntie."
He sat on a comfortable couch and extended his arms wide.
Chief Lumina snorted, "Heh, I'm simply realigning his views in life. If he becomes another sucker like those wastrels, I'll make sure he'll taste what hell is like."
"Don't be too harsh on him. He's just a wandering genius so there might be some complications in the middle of it all.", Magister Urrell fanned himself, "Also, I wonder why the Elders put you into this position. A magister or even a pontiff wizard could have done the job and the results would be the same."
Chief Lumina's face darkened, wondering when did this nephew of hers turn stupid, "Do you think geniuses like them, with their egoistic selves, will listen to a mere pontiff or magister? He has the backing of an Elder and everyone is concerned that that young man might abuse his identity. A chief magister is more or less competent and daring enough to temporarily look after him until Elder Flock is available."
The joyous atmosphere turned eerie, "I heard they are purifying Chief Norton's daughter in the Tower of Arcanus?", Magister Urrell was curious.
"Yes, her curse has some demonic background in it. The elves were very angry when they learned this and demanded an explanation from Elder Flock. I don't know what happened thereafter but the tension died down after some peaceful talks.", Chief Lumina absent-mindedly talked.
Magister Urrell shook his head in amusement. This woman was never that interested in politics and spent most of her days confined within this office.
If anything, her information was based on rumors from her 'secret intelligence network' and it could be factual or falsified.
"Alright, cut the crap, Urrell. I know you're not here to gossip about some old men shouting at each other.", Chief Lumina sternly probed.
Magister Urrell creased his eyebrows and reported, "The Creed fanatics aren't backing out anytime soon. At this point, they might charge into the hallway and cause wide chaos within the Tower."
"Stubborn, huh? Can't help it. Ants like them bark the most.", Chief Lumina was disgusted by their inappropriate behavior, "I don't care if our public image is stained by this action. Push them out by several kilometers away. If I see another Creed fanatic lurking nearby, I'll personally and publicly execute them!"
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