Chapter 31

It has been a month since I came to the academy.

Having attended most of the classes and observed the various teaching methods of the instructors, I was asked if I would like to try teaching on my own.

"Would you prefer practical lessons? Or should we focus on the concepts and knowledge of magic?"

When I said this, Glen was at a loss.

He made a face as if he had just tasted a plum for the first time and finally replied.

"…I'll go with the concepts and knowledge of magic…!"

"…Why do you say it like you're spitting out blood…?"

Though I didn't understand, I received such a request from Glen, so I decided to conduct a class to deepen the students' understanding of magic.

At this academy, it seems that the basics and knowledge of magic are learned in the elementary division. After confirming that they have acquired sufficient knowledge through various tests for each type of magic, and if they can use basic magic up to the qualifying level, they move on to the middle division.

After that, they basically learn to actually cast and apply various types of magic.

So, while it's not clear if there is a demand, I decided to conduct a general magic theory class for the middle and upper divisions.

At this academy, classes are scheduled according to the free time of each instructor. In other words, the instructors decide the days and times of the classes, and the students attend according to the schedule.

These schedules are posted on the wall as soon as you enter the school building. The elementary division is on the left, the middle division in the center, and the upper division on the right. The schedule is filled by inserting copper plates with the names of the classes into the wooden boards divided into squares.

Incidentally, there are two classes in the morning and two in the afternoon, but there can be two different classes at the same time.

For example, in the first class of the morning, there might be fire magic and water magic, and you can choose which one to attend. The second class in the morning is only wind magic. In the first class of the afternoon, there might be earth magic and non-elemental magic, and the second class in the afternoon is only healing magic.

Classes are held from Monday to Sunday, so students can also choose the days they want to take off. However, they usually concentrate on the magic they are suited for, so their weekly schedule naturally falls into place.

I'll try to fit my class schedule into this and see how many people will participate. At the very least, I think Sheryl will come.

I remember Sheryl saying she was good at water magic.

While thinking about such things, I headed to the entrance of the school building to check the schedule for the week.

I had made the copper plates yesterday. The class names are "Basic Magic Theory" and "Advanced Magic Theory."

The middle division has many classes, and most of the slots are filled. In contrast, the upper division only has two or three classes a day.

"…It would be safer to choose a time slot without any rivals, I guess."

Thinking this, I decided to schedule my classes for the first morning class on Tuesday in the middle division, the second afternoon class on Wednesday in the upper division, and the second morning and second afternoon classes on Thursday in the upper division.

There are only four such slots in a week where the schedules of the middle and upper divisions do not overlap.

However, the problem is not the number of classes but the content.

"…If I'm going to teach the basics of magic, I should probably start with the relationship between magic elements and inanimate objects… No, they might have already learned that in the elementary division. Maybe I should teach methods for developing new magic…?"

While thinking about various things, I turned around. Since I had no plans for today, I thought about looking for Eliza. As I raised my head, I noticed a crowd gathering around.

There were no students or teachers, and most of the people were watching from a distance.

Wondering what was going on, I saw a group of three female students cautiously walking towards me.

"Ah, um! Is this magic theory class taught by Mr. Aoi!?"

"Huh? Yes, that's right. Are you interested in it?"

When I confirmed, the three female students nodded clearly.

"We, we want to be like Mr. Aoi!"

"We'll definitely attend the class!"

"We will!"

Hearing their words, I felt relieved and replied.

"Understood. Please look forward to Tuesday. I'll do my best to make it a good class, so please study hard too."

"Yes!"

The three of them responded enthusiastically to my words.

That's good. With this, I should have at least four students.

Thinking this, I left the spot and went to look for Eliza.

Since I had some free time, I thought I would ask her about the basic knowledge of magic taught in the elementary division. That way, I would know what I should teach.

I searched the dormitory but couldn't find Eliza. Since she didn't have any classes, she probably wasn't at the school building either.

Perhaps she's at a restaurant in town.

Thinking this, I went to the high-end restaurant I had visited before, but she wasn't there. So, I decided to enjoy a high-end lunch by myself.

Back at the academy, I asked where Eliza's laboratory was, but she wasn't there either.

All I found were piles of minerals.

Feeling helpless, I decided to ask a passing instructor.

"Ah, Professor Speyside."

"Ugh… Professor Konomoto, is it."

We both made awkward faces. If it were Strass, I could have asked casually.

"…Is there something you need?"

Speyside asked with a sulky face, and I opened my mouth with a somewhat uncomfortable feeling.

"Do you know where Eliza is?"

When I asked, Speyside blinked once and answered with a slightly surprised tone.

"Behind the square. Didn't you know?"

Hearing this, I furrowed my brow.

Could it be.

That thought crossed my mind, and I thanked Speyside and headed to the back square.

There, I saw two figures.

Strass and Eliza.

They were both looking at the ground and talking about something.

"Because Felter was strengthening his power at the beginning, it was good, but what if he had attacked with enhanced leg strength from the start without being careless?"

"Well, if he had enhanced his leg strength, he would have created a sandstorm and set up walls or pitfalls."

"Hmm… That would be a tough strategy. I would have surrounded myself with a tornado and chanted a high-powered advanced magic."

Hearing their conversation, I nodded.

"That's also a correct approach."

When I answered, the two of them turned around in surprise.

"Ah, Mr. Aoi…"

Eliza called my name and teared up.

Wondering what was going on, I saw her trembling lips and looking down.

"I'm sorry. Even though you went to the trouble of coming up with a strategy for me to win…"

Hearing her sad words, I smiled and shook my head.

On the day of the defeat, we had a fun dinner together, but it seems she was still dwelling on it.

I've seen various people's setbacks, both seniors and juniors. Some use setbacks as a springboard, while others can walk away without a care. However, some people, after experiencing setbacks and realizing the height of the wall, can't recover and break down.

I believe Eliza can use setbacks as a springboard, but if not, that's fine too.

I'll do my best to support her and help her recover.

"…Eliza, you are a researcher and a teacher of magic. You knew you were at a disadvantage against Felter, who specializes in combat magic. However, with the right strategy, your magic can match or even surpass his."

"Still, I…"

I placed my hand on Eliza's shoulder, which was sinking, and lifted her face.

"Would you be able to defeat a knight just because you learned how to use a sword? Experience is important in everything. Compared to before you fought Felter, you have become much stronger. If you want to become a powerful magician, I can teach you about the Demon Forest, where you can gain valuable experience. I'll make sure you can decisively defeat Felter in three months."

Hearing this, Eliza smiled with a twitching cheek.

"…No, I'll pass."

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