Chapter 52

"Whenever you're ready."

"Then, I am also available whenever."

The next day, I faced Orobus in the meadow.

Kurosel and Varak watched from the side.

What we were about to do was a magical battle.

I am not that strong yet, as I have only recently begun to be able to use magic.

I only won the duel with Riegal thanks to Kurosel's intervention, and in the battle with the crater rock dragon the other day, I couldn't do anything.

If Orobus hadn't come to my rescue then, my life would have been in danger.

For that reason, I decided to start combat training with Orobus.

Of course, if Orobus were to go all out like before, he could defeat me with one blow, so I asked him to hold back.

"Earth Giant's Fist"

Saying that, I generated an earth-made fist from the ground and attacked with it.

"Hmph!"

However, Orobus snorted and shattered the earth giant's fist with a single strike.

Then, I tried attacking with fireballs and water blades, but Orobus dodged all of them.

I don't feel like I can win...

Actually, it might just be that Orobus is too strong.

Anyway, I trained with Orobus all day like this.

◆

"Mr. Ludon, I have something I'd like to discuss..."

The next day, I went to school and visited the teacher.

"Hmm, what is it you want to discuss?"

The teacher greeted me with his usual stern face.

"I want to ask how I can become stronger."

"Hmm, Norman asking such a thing...?"

Indeed, it might seem strange for me, who couldn't use magic at all just a short while ago, to ask such a question.

"Have you learned earth magic?"

"Yes, I have."

I answered, recalling that I couldn't use earth magic during the class a while back.

"Hmm, show me."

When asked, I extended my right hand forward and chanted.

"Rise, earth."

Then, sand trickled down from my right hand.

"I see, so Norman has learned all four elemental magics. It's quite a moving moment."

Despite his words, Mr. Ludon's expression didn't change.

By the way, the four elements refer to the four basic magics—fire, wind, water, and earth—that are fundamental for magicians.

"However, these are things that magicians are expected to be able to do. To further master magic, I want to move on to the next step."

"Hmm..."

Mr. Ludon made a thinking gesture.

"Should I learn a unique magic, then?"

Suddenly, I remembered the duel with Riegal.

At that time, I was completely helpless against Riegal's unique magic. I only won the duel thanks to Kurosel's intervention.

I feel that what I lack is the speed at which I can cast magic.

Riegal's unique magic, the Silver World, creates countless knives.

To counter that, I need to be able to handle many magics simultaneously.

It seems that I need to counter with a unique magic.

"It's still too early for Norman to learn unique magic."

"You're right, I suppose."

As Mr. Ludon said, it might be too early for me, who only knows natural magic.

"Right, you should learn alchemy first. If you have time, then astrology and necromancy next."

"Alchemy first, huh."

Indeed, alchemy is considered a fundamental field for magicians. I need to learn it.

With the help of a demon, I might be able to learn alchemy.

"By the way, why do you want to become stronger, Norman?"

Suddenly, Mr. Ludon asked me a question.

I couldn't grasp his intention, but I decided to answer honestly.

"I want to master magic more."

"If you want to master magic, you should aim for a better academy."

A better academy.

Indeed, if I can enter a better academy, I should be able to get closer to the essence of magic.

"For example, how can I enter the Plum Magic Academy?"

The Plum Magic Academy.

The best people in this area can attend this academy.

Everyone aspires to enter this academy and trains in magic.

Well, for me, who is at the bottom of the school, entering the Plum Magic Academy is a dream within a dream.

But if I could enter the Plum Magic Academy, I would want to.

"In that case, it's simple."

Mr. Ludon paused for a moment and then said:

"This school promotes duels among students. Do you know why?"

"No, I don't."

"It's because the Plum Magic Academy is duel-oriented. The strongest in magic is the most respected. That's the Plum Magic Academy."

Duel-oriented.

I found it interesting.

"First, become the strongest in this school. Then, the path to the Plum Magic Academy will naturally open up."

"Thank you for telling me."

I bowed.

Until recently, if I, who couldn't use magic, had asked about the Plum Academy, I would have been told, "You can't make it to the Plum Magic Academy."

However, Mr. Ludon didn't say anything like that and told me.

I am grateful for that.

Become the strongest in the school.

That's clear and good.

Also, I have a new work.

↓If you like, please read it.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n1513hc/