Instructor Zephyr gazed at the new students with sharp eyes before beginning to speak. The academy hall was silent and tense. Every student could feel the pressure emanating from the presence of a high-level mage.
"Before you determine your path—whether to become a mage or a swordsman—I will explain the ranks of magic and swordsmanship in this world. This world does not rely solely on power but also on a deep understanding of the energy you will wield."
Zephyr then raised one hand, and suddenly, the wind swirled around the hall, enveloping the entire room.
The Ranks of a Mage...
"For a mage, they rely on mana that flows within their body and control it through concentration and an understanding of elements. However, not all mages possess the same level of comprehension. Therefore, there are several ranks in this world."
Novice – A beginner mage who has just started understanding the basics of magic and can use simple spells.
Adept – A mage who has begun to master several spells without needing to chant them verbally.
Expert – A mage with good control over their element and can accelerate spell casting.
Grandmaster – A mage capable of accessing advanced levels of magic and has a deep understanding of mana.
Archmage – A mage who can combine multiple elements in one spell and has the power to influence their surroundings.
Sage Primordial – The highest level of a mage, possessing an understanding of the world's mana flow and using it without limitations.
After explaining the magic ranks, Zephyr continued his lecture.
"However, for those of you who wish to reach higher levels, you must understand something important—the source of the mana you use."
Hearing this, some students looked confused, wondering what kind of mana source the instructor was referring to. Zephyr then continued his explanation.
"There are two sources of mana in the human body: mana control using the heart and mana control using the stomach. A mage controls mana from the heart, while mana control using the stomach is only for a swordsman."
The new students were enthusiastic as they listened to the explanation, with many eager to join magic classes as soon as possible. However, some were waiting for an explanation about swordsmanship ranks. Once Zephyr finished explaining the mage ranks, he moved on to the next topic—the ranks of a swordsman.
Zephyr continued, "Alright! Now, we will discuss Swordsmanship."
The Ranks of Swordsmanship...
Instructor Zephyr then drew a short sword from his waist and slowly swung it. The pressure from the sword pushed back some of the students in the front rows due to its intensity.
"Unlike a mage who relies on mana, a swordsman uses aura as the source of their power. Aura is not magic but pure energy that originates from the body and is centered in the stomach, known as the Dantian. A swordsman's aura determines the sharpness of their attacks and the strength of their defense."
The ranks of Swordsmanship in this world are:
Apprentice – A beginner who has just started learning basic sword techniques and movements.
Warrior – Someone who has begun to understand aura and can use it in basic attacks.
Knight – A swordsman who has mastered basic aura techniques and has started reinforcing their body with it.
Swordmaster – A swordsman who can channel aura into their sword to enhance their attack and defense.
Grand Swordmaster – A warrior capable of advanced aura techniques and strengthening their body to its maximum limit.
Sword Saint – The highest level in swordsmanship. A Sword Saint can cut through anything with the sheer pressure of their blade.
"The pinnacle of a swordsman is when they achieve total unity between sword, body, and aura. Those who reach this level can fight on equal footing with high-level mages."
The students grew even more excited as Zephyr explained the Swordsmanship ranks. Some even started comparing who was stronger—a Mage or a Swordsman. Meanwhile, Aria was lost in thought, wondering if he could become both a mage and a swordsman.
"Hmph… can I master one of these abilities? Or maybe I should take both classes to find out which suits me best," Aria mused, feeling excited.
Then, Instructor Zephyr made an announcement.
"Alright, everyone! Since it is now break time, you may rest and get to know each other. After the break, we will continue with a discussion about the elements in this world and the known races besides humans."
Aria and the students went to the academy's cafeteria. There, Aria accidentally encountered several noble students. However, what surprised and captivated him the most was—he met a beautiful woman, akin to an angel. She was also from a very famous noble family.
This encounter piqued Aria's curiosity. In the cafeteria, all the students were mesmerized by her beauty. When Aria tried to introduce himself, he was interrupted by someone who approached her first. That person was Gray Durnhardt, a noble from the Durnhardt family, known as a family of knights with exceptional defense and highly regarded in the city of Valkenholth.
Feeling slightly annoyed and confused, Aria thought to himself,
"Ugh, damn… who is that guy? He confidently introduced himself to that beautiful girl!"
"Hmph… but why am I even mad? I don't even know that girl."
As Aria was muttering to himself, a young man with short black hair and brown eyes approached him and said, "Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Leonhardt Vaelion. I'm from the Vaelion family. If I may ask… what is your name?"
Aria responded, "I am Aria Veridian… I don't belong to any family. I have lived alone in the slums."
Leonhardt, hearing Aria's answer, smiled and replied, "Well, it doesn't matter to me where you come from or what family you belong to. What matters is that we're friends now… hehe…"
Aria was slightly taken aback. In his past life, he had never had a single friend. All he could do was survive alone, doing whatever it took.
Leonhardt's words made him feel a bit happy to have a second chance at life in this world.
"A friend, huh?… Not bad. I had no friends before, but now I do. Living in this world has made me realize what I lacked before."
Aria smiled slightly, feeling a rare sense of joy.
After chatting with Leonhardt, Aria completely forgot about the beautiful girl and returned to the Great Hall to listen to Instructor Zephyr's next lecture. The other students also hurried back to the hall, where Instructor Zephyr was already waiting for them to take their seats again.