Time flew by naturally at the academy. Students attended classes. Some enjoyed their lives, while others were slapped by reality.
While Lucas stayed in the infirmary for the following week due to his injury, Ryker continued attending classes. He made friends while revising his lectures.
In the blink of an eye, a week passed by.
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Ryker was making his way toward the lecture hall. Over the past week, everything had settled everyone had received their courses, adjusted to life in the dormitories, and become comfortable with their new home for the next four years.
After navigating through the academy grounds, Ryker arrived in front of the lecture hall door.
Click!
Ryker opened the door and stepped inside. He saw students engaged in conversations about various topics, including strength, love, and politics.
"People have already started forming groups."
There were sixty students in Section 1-A, so it was inevitable that cliques would form.
Ryker's eyes scanned the classroom for familiar faces.
Finally, he spotted the blonde hair he was looking for. Walking up to her, he greeted her.
"Hey, Lia! Good morning!"
Lia looked up and saw a familiar face.
"Hey, Ryker. Good morning."
"Looks like you're early today."
"Yeah, I woke up early. I hope you don't mind if I sit beside you," Ryker said with a smile as he took a seat next to her.
"Of course, you can sit beside me. Why would you think I'd mind?" Lia asked curiously.
"I know you wouldn't mind, but your little boyfriend might think otherwise," Ryker said with a smirk.
"What?!"
"Arthur isn't my boyfriend!!!"
Lia's face turned visibly red. She was clearly embarrassed by Ryker's words.
"I never even mentioned Arthur."
"Anyway, today is supposed to be Mana Theory class," Ryker decided to stop teasing Lia and changed the subject.
Sigh!
"Yeah, it is."
"I'm looking forward to this class," Lia replied in a small voice.
Ryker continued his small talk with Lia. Over the past week, he had gotten somewhat close to the other main characters. At this point, he could consider them acquaintances or even friends.
As Ryker chatted with Lia, the other main characters arrived. Arthur and Dean entered together.
Ryker greeted them both, and finally, Sasha arrived. Even though Ryker greeted her, she remained silent.
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Whoosh!
Some time later, the door of the lecture hall opened.
A figure entered the hall, a tall man with a well built body. His gray eyes were piercingly bright, and his long black hair was tied back in a ponytail.
His presence radiated knowledge and a deep understanding of nature.
If Professor Aria was a venomous snake, he was her polar opposite.
He stood behind the podium at the front of the class, his eyes scanning the students' movements.
Haah!
He exhaled before speaking.
"Good morning, everyone."
"My name is Professor Alden Grave, and I will be your instructor for Mana Theory."
Professor Grave introduced himself. Upon hearing his name, Ryker immediately recalled him.
From what he remembered about Chains of Eternity, Professor Grave was one of the earliest pioneers of the mana circuit and The Fundamentals of Magic.
Professor Grave continued speaking.
"Now, let's not waste time. We'll begin the class immediately."
"As you know, mana is the essence that fuels all supernatural phenomena in our world. Without mana, magic, artifacts, and even certain species wouldn't exist."
"Now, how has mana shaped our civilization?"
Every student focused on Professor Grave's words, including Ryker.
"Mana has been the cornerstone of civilization since the Second Cataclysm. Even before technological advancements, humanity was introduced to mana an untamed force that influenced the world in unpredictable ways."
"The earliest humans had no understanding of mana, but with the help of the other three species, we eventually learned to wield its raw, uncontrolled power."
"Now, I have a question for you all."
"What is mana?"
Hearing Professor Grave's question, some students looked visibly confused. As whispers filled the room, a few students raised their hands.
"Go ahead, tell me your answer," Professor Graves said, pointing to one of them.
"Isn't mana a power supply that we use to fuel our abilities and skills?"
Hmm!
Professor Grave's nodded and responded.
"Okay, good answer."
"You may sit down."
Sigh!
Professor Grave's sighed before continuing.
"It's true that mana serves as a power supply."
"But,"
"It is an invisible yet tangible force that exists within all living beings and the environment."
"There are two sources of mana."
"One is external and the other is internal."
As Professor Grave's continued his lecture, he observed the classroom. He was satisfied with the student's attentive expressions.
"Mana stored within individuals and replenished over time is known as Internal Mana."
"Mana that exists in nature and is drawn in and manipulated by Espers is known as External Mana."
"Now that you understand what mana is and where it comes from, who can tell me how we use it effectively and efficiently?"
After hearing Professor Grave's question, Lia immediately raised her hand.
"Alright, you blonde haired young lady."
Lia stood up.
"To use mana effectively and efficiently, we Espers use Mana Circuits and Mana Cores."
Hearing Lia's answer, Professor Grave smiled.
"Correct."
"We Espers utilize Mana Circuits and Mana Cores to harness mana effectively and efficiently."
"Mana Circuits are special pathways within the body through which mana circulates."
"And the Mana Core serves as a personal reservoir for storing mana."
"Now,"
"Let's move on to the next topic."
"Affinities and Compatibilities."
"All of you should already know that every individual has an Affinity, a natural inclination toward certain elements or forces. Those with an Affinity can wield those elements at will."
"And Compatibility with an element determines an Esper's casting speed, potency, efficiency and control over that element."
"Remember, an Esper with high efficiency and control over an element can defeat another Esper who wields a stronger element but has lower Compatibility."
Professor Graves continued his lecture. The students, including Ryker, listened attentively.
Even though Ryker had knowledge about mana and elements from the novel, hearing it directly from a pioneer was an entirely different experience…