Chapter 25

"Magic is a force inherent in all things, and it is said that we can manipulate and interfere with its form and nature through our will. The formulas and rules we use in casting magic are, in essence, a way to clearly define the vague manipulation of magic."

Travis, the instructor of daily magic, paced slowly back and forth in front of the podium, speaking clearly and loudly.

This was a meticulous lesson for those taking the daily magic course, starting with the basic knowledge of magic.

"However, the issue lies in one's magical aptitude. Just as our body types, hair and eye colors, and facial features differ, the quality and quirks of our magic also vary. Therefore, even with the same formula, the results can differ based on the nature and type of magic. In other words, there are things we are good at and things we are not."

Magical aptitude.

It varies from person to person, with some excelling in certain attributes or types of magic even across different attributes. To put it simply, it's about one's strong attributes, right?

For example, Ashley and Rosetta have very neutral magical aptitudes, making their magic easily compatible with others' bodies and excelling in physical manipulation, such as healing magic, which spans across different attributes.

In my case, I excel in output, so I can generally handle offensive magic. In reality, I've become so accustomed to handling various types of magic that I'm not sure what I'm naturally good at.

During my time in the BFO, I found that the attributes I used frequently improved. Since I was open to using any offensive magic, I experimented with many types.

In Grace's case—her magical aptitude is more of a racial trait. To put it in words, she is suited for the erosion, absorption, transformation, and assimilation of magic.

"Daily magic requires less magical power to activate and is easier to handle due to its simple formula. While you are still unfamiliar with handling magic, it's good to use daily magic to understand your magical aptitude and learn how to handle unfamiliar magic. Of course, we also recommend using these spells actively in daily life as part of their intended use."

The idea of integrating magic into daily life is the mainstream philosophy of the tower mages, the dominant faction of magicians.

After this introduction, Travis encouraged the students to raise their hands and divided them into two groups based on whether they could recognize the magic flowing through their bodies.

If you can recognize your magic, you can generally perform simple manipulations. In fact, the process is more about learning to move magic through formulas and getting a feel for the manipulation.

In short, for something as simple as daily magic, if you can reproduce the correct incantations and movements, the formula will automatically replicate the flow of magic.

Non-verbal casting involves memorizing the flow of magic and reproducing it without incantations or movements.

A magic circle, on the other hand, involves releasing all the incantations and movements through magical manipulation to draw a magic array and activate the formula by linking it with the internal magic.

"Now, I will teach you the incantations for some simple daily magic. Those who can recognize their magic should try using it while paying attention to the flow of magic within their bodies. For those who cannot yet recognize their magic, I will provide individual guidance during this time."

Travis taught three types of daily magic: creating a spark, gathering water, and generating a gentle breeze.

Since the spark creation magic involves handling fire, everyone was taken outside to the courtyard for the practical session.

Travis was providing individual guidance to those who couldn't recognize their magic, so the recognized group was more or less self-studying.

I should also learn properly. Without knowing the correct procedures, I can't cast non-verbally or convert to a magic circle.

"Ah! Look! I did it!"

Ashley happily demonstrated the spark creation magic, lighting a small flame at the tip of her finger. The flame remained stable even when she moved, showing no signs of going out.

Ashley didn't realize it, but this was a bit more advanced than just casting the spell.

"I'll try it too."

I chanted the incantation and lit a flame at my fingertip.

Hmm. The formula does the controlling, so it's very easy. It's much more convenient than trying to light a fire at home, where adjusting the intensity can be quite troublesome.

"Lord Theodore, have you never learned daily magic before?"

"Yes. I only learned offensive magic for a specific reason."

"...Is that so?"

Ashley frowned slightly.

"No, it's not that serious. I just learned it when I had the opportunity."

...It's true that I learned offensive magic from magic textbooks in my father's study because I wanted power. I did manage to form some spells, but most of my magic knowledge comes from the BFO system, so it's not like I had a desperate reason or underwent intense training.

Others have also successfully cast the spells, but since daily magic is beginner-friendly, only a few can maintain them.

Including us, only five others can do it. I'm not sure if that's a lot or a little.

Learning daily magic itself is easy, but it's best to study in a proper place like a school. Because it's simple, people often add their own twists, which can lead to bad habits.

"Hey, you."

Talcott called out in a casual tone.

...Not to me, but to Ashley.

"What is it?"

I pretended to be the one called and stepped forward.

"Not you. The one over there. I heard you're the lord of Sylph."

That's impossible. If he knows you're a lord, he should show proper respect. Talcott is just a young noble from a baron's family, while Ashley is a baroness.

Ashley apologized to me before, but that was a rare case.

"You are—"

"Lord Theodore."

I thought about reprimanding him loudly about etiquette and making him back down. But Ashley gave me a look and stepped forward. She was going to handle it herself.

While I think her education and actions are correct, it depends on whether the other person has common sense.

If necessary, I'll use an air bullet or something to deal with the situation.

I secretly held a magic circle in my hand, ready to activate it if needed.

"Yes, I am Ashley Rodias Sylph. Is there something you need?"

"A while back, my father sent a marriage proposal to your estate. What happened with that?"

...Ah. This fool... Is this the place to bring that up?

Talcott reportedly lost control of his magic a year ago, injuring his fiancée, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and breaking off the engagement. His prospects for a side wife were also ruined.

It was said to be just before the wedding. His father, in a panic, sent marriage proposals to unmarried noblewomen, further tarnishing their reputation.

It's not like quantity guarantees success. Who would agree to a proposal right after such a scandal?

The family's finances were reportedly struggling, so they were trying to secure financial aid through a marriage to a wealthy merchant's daughter.

But with the engagement broken off...

Ashley looked confused. That's understandable. This guy hasn't even introduced himself.

"Wait. Which family are you from?"

"I'm Talcott from the Cardiff baron's family. Don't you know me?"

Ashley probably doesn't. The Kennel wouldn't have heard of such a person.

"I see. I know the name of the Cardiff baron's family, but this is the first I've heard of the marriage proposal. It might have been a misunderstanding. I'll confirm with my estate and give a proper response to the baron's family."

As expected, the Kennel turned him away. They probably responded, but Talcott wasn't told the individual results. If he knew they all rejected him, he might have lashed out with magic.

But Ashley's response was perfect. It was polite, avoided a hasty answer, and didn't give any grounds for further pressure. The Kennel's education, while somewhat overprotective and biased, was thorough.

A formal, well-reasoned rejection will likely be sent to the Cardiff baron's family, and that will be the end of it.

Talcott, realizing the response wasn't favorable, clicked his tongue and glared at me.

"I heard the lord of Sylph doesn't have a fiancé. Who are you?"

"I am Theodore Gartner. I'm a friend of Lady Ashley."

Did he think my presence was the reason for the bad response?

Well, that's easier to understand.

"Gartner... Ah, a baron from the provinces. Are you from the upper or lower class?"

"Neither."

What should I do?

Should I pretend I don't know about the engagement and ask about it, claiming I'm from the provinces and unaware of central scandals?

If he gets angry, I can claim it was self-defense, and he should calm down if he has any self-control.

"What's the matter?"

But before I could act, Travis returned from his guidance. Talcott clicked his tongue and moved away.

Ashley sighed in relief.

"That was a close one, Lady Ashley."

"I'm fine. Are you, Lord Theodore?"

She smiled wryly when our eyes met.

Next, we formed groups, with the advanced students pairing with the beginners to observe each other's daily magic. Travis would then go around and provide guidance.

My group ended up with mostly younger children. Probably because of our similar ages and Ashley's friendly nature. Ashley guided the girls, and I guided the boys.

"Lady Ashley, how do you keep the fire going for so long?"

"Um, you need to release the magic slowly and steadily from your fingertips—"

"Nice job, Theo!"

"Once you get the incantation right, the formula will move the magic for you. It's good to learn the maintenance gradually."

The lesson proceeded like this.

Travis was quite serious, but the atmosphere was relaxed.

"Why can't you do something as simple as this?!"

...One of the students in my group kept complaining about others' magic.

Travis gave him a slightly cold look but decided to ignore him and continue guiding other groups.

Talcott is likely here because he lost control of his magic. The head of the Cardiff family is said to be quite bad, but they couldn't ignore the damage Talcott caused during an important time for the family.

If that's the case, Travis might know the full story. When it's Talcott's turn, he'll probably be scrutinized in front of everyone.

"Why do I have to cast such trivial magic... I, who can handle intermediate magic. Will I be allowed to skip the lecture if I demonstrate it?"

Talcott was still muttering complaints.

But the wind carried his words to my ears, and I was surprised to hear them.

His complaints had turned into something else.

This... Is this the incantation for Firestorm!? What is this fool thinking!?