Chapter 38

During class, I peeked into the classroom from the hallway.

It was fortunate that today was the day when Foal gave her once-a-week lesson.

Incidentally, since it was a valuable class taught by a senior instructor, it seemed that the students participating were mostly older ones from the higher grades.

She appeared to be teaching water magic, but the content was not particularly difficult. It seemed that today’s lesson would serve as a foundation for more advanced techniques to be taught in the future.

"…In this way, the full incantation for creating a water sphere actually contains the key to advanced magic. It can transform water into ice or release a stream of water in a straight line. In fact, there are also common phrases in fire and earth magic. While wind magic has slight differences, understanding these commonalities correctly can also provide a starting point for creating new magic."

With that, Foal performed the incantation.

"…Freezing fine ice."

The moment she spoke, a mist that reflected light shimmered around the podium. The white mist, swirling around Foal, instantly froze anything it touched.

Amid the murmurs in the classroom, Foal lightly tapped the walls and podium, which had turned completely white, and explained.

"This is a magic spell I developed on my own, a type of water magic. It would be quite difficult to defend against this formless magic, which resembles a mist. Also, while it was activated in a minimal range today, it can freeze the entire classroom at its maximum."

"Everything!?"

"That's water magic…?"

"Indeed, if you were caught off guard, you would freeze before you could think of a way to defend yourself."

The students listened to Foal with great admiration. Hmm, senior instructors get such attentive listeners. For some reason, it made me feel a bit envious.

As I gritted my teeth from the corner of the window, Foal sighed and narrowed her eyes at a pause in her speech.

Then, she began to speak in a casual tone.

"Recently, I've been hearing a lot about the new instructor, Aoi Konominato. It's true that showing advanced magic and incantation abbreviation, which is hard to even notice, is popular. However, it's not the job of an instructor to show things that students can't do."

And then, the topic turned to me. It didn't sound like a good one…

As I listened, Foal continued.

"…To reach that level as a commoner, it must have required blood-soaked training. But, in the end, she is considered a genius. Geniuses generally lack the ability to teach ordinary people. You should think carefully about what you learn and what you gain from your valuable life at the magic academy and take your classes seriously."

With that, Foal returned to the lesson.

"…Could it be because of these words?"

When I turned to check, Strass and Eliza had troubled expressions.

Next to them, Ile looked furious as she spoke.

"Definitely this. She's a senior instructor, the top of the academy. Isn't she essentially telling us not to take her class?"

Ile pouted in anger, and Coat smiled ambiguously.

"However, she didn't explicitly say not to take the class. It's all advice based on her assumptions. Probably without any ill intent…"

Eliza sighed and shook her head.

"Still, it's not something a senior instructor like Foal should say. Especially for students who want to take Foal's class, it has a significant impact. The words 'take your classes seriously' are particularly influential."

As Eliza spoke, everyone fell silent.

While we were discussing, it was almost time for Foal's class to end. If I didn't do something, she would leave.

I shook my head lightly and stood up, opening the classroom door.

"Hey, Aoi-sensei…!?"

I ignored Eliza's cry.

Whether she realized it or not, my class was being affected. I had to let her know.

When I entered the classroom, not only Foal but also the students turned their eyes towards me.

The sound of the bell signaling the end of class rang out like a signal.

"Ms. Foal, I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

"…I'll listen."

When I called her, Foal responded honestly.

Since the students started to make a commotion inside the classroom, I indicated the hallway. Foal followed me out.

Foal looked at Strass and Eliza, then at Coat, after stepping into the hallway.

"…I thought you were a more intelligent child."

At this, Coat chuckled and sighed. I raised an eyebrow at Foal's words.

"…Is taking your class a foolish thing to do?"

When I asked, Foal furrowed her brow slightly.

"I won't say it's foolish, but it's a waste of time. To advance as a magician, you need to engage in intensive studies, research, and training. Have you seen my class?"

I asked, just to confirm. However, Foal shook her head as if it were obvious.

"No. But it's something that can be inferred even without seeing it. The rumors I hear are all about advanced magic and exceptional incantation abbreviation. Such magic is too early for students. I don't recognize as an instructor someone who shows off their skills without considering the students."

Hearing this, I couldn't help but laugh. Foal looked puzzled, which made it even funnier.

"Indeed, I think your class is easy to understand, even for higher-grade students, as it teaches the basics of magic. However, that underestimates the students' talent and potential. They can learn more advanced magic."

When I said this, Foal snorted and gave me a mocking look.

"Just as I thought. You don't understand the feelings of ordinary people. Well, you should try it. Eventually, you'll understand. If you teach thinking everyone can do what you can, you'll get frustrated when you don't see results and progress."

I crossed my arms and glared back.

"Please wait until you see the results of my methods. It's unpleasant to be judged without even seeing my class. First, take my class."

When I said this, Foal's face clearly showed her displeasure.

"…You lack respect for your seniors. Is it because you're a commoner?"

"If you were a noble, I would expect more grace. Looking at you now, who would think you're a noble? You just seem like a commoner who has risen to a higher position…"

"Wait! Wait! I, I'm sorry! Please, both of you, stop!"

Eliza, crying, hugged me, and I paused.

Foal, apparently losing interest, averted her gaze and returned to her usual expression.

"…If you insist, I'll attend your next class. I'll see what kind of class you give."

With that, Foal turned and walked away.

Eliza watched her leave, then sat down weakly.

"It was…scary…"

Eliza whispered, tears in her eyes, and Strass nodded slightly.

"Senior instructors are second only to the principal in this academy. No one criticizes them. It's understandable that Foal would get emotional."

When Strass said this, Ile raised her arm in anger.

"But, that way of speaking is cruel! Aoi-sensei's class is really interesting and educational!"

As we all calmed Ile, I thought about the next class.

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