Chapter 46: Change (1)
“In short, it goes like this.”
Professor Windy May, who was floating lazily in midair, spoke in a languid voice.
“What exactly is practical magic, and which spells should be used to be effective and lethal…… before making such judgments, what one must first think and consider is ‘in what kind of situation, for what purpose, and with what kind of phenomenon should I wield magic, and also, what method should I employ to make it efficient.’”
Still speaking in a roundabout way, she let out a small yawn.
“And of course, in order to do that, one must be well-versed in many fields instead of being buried in only one. This isn’t limited to the study of magic, but is something that must be applied to anything.”
As she spoke, Windy May casually raised her hand.
Soon, a small flame flared up on her palm.
“For example, let’s suppose you need fire right now. Or perhaps purified water clean enough to drink, or sterilized medicine—anything along those lines.”
She paused for a beat before continuing her explanation.
“The things I just mentioned are things that will inevitably be needed at some point anywhere. Of course, if you’ve mastered magic to light fires, purify and refine water, or even healing magic, then it would seem like you’d have nothing to worry about—but life never goes exactly as planned.”
Despite her youthful appearance, her words carried deep experience and years, and the students stayed silent.
Suddenly, they were reminded of the anecdote that she once single-handedly fought against both the summer and winter versions of a nation-destroying calamity for ten days and finally subjugated them.
“Moreover, mana is never infinite. This applies even to dragons. In other words, not only mana, but anything must never be abused or squandered. Sooner or later, the moment when your power runs dry will come, and the moment of downfall from it will strike without warning.”
Above all, it wasn’t efficient.
As if adding an afterthought, she muttered in a small voice, then began with “However.”
“If one has knowledge and techniques to replace it, the story changes. The method of lighting fire with flint and tinder, purifying water with wet cloth, charcoal, and soil, or treatments using herbs, animals, and ores scattered throughout nature……”
As she spoke, she slowly looked around.
At that moment, I could clearly see that her eyes were turned toward me.
“Knowledge and skill are ability itself. Great ability not only substitutes but even surpasses magic and miracles, and when techniques are honed to a high degree, it becomes difficult to distinguish whether it’s merely a skill, or magic, or even a miracle.”
Having finished her words, she let out a deep sigh.
“……I strayed too far off. Anyway, what I meant was not to be too confined by the word and fixed idea of ‘practical magic.’”
She sighed once again.
“Preconceptions are one of the greatest dangers to a mage. Because what a mage cannot imagine can never be realized by magic. This is the most basic of basics, yet many people forget this fact. And they forget it a lot. Truly, a lot.”
In response to Windy May’s lesson, the scratching sound of pens echoed noisily across the classroom.
Her simple words seemed like nothing much, but they contained truths that were condensed and penetrated through many layers.
It was a moment when I was reminded once again that she wasn’t one of the Five Archmages for nothing.
“……”
And I had received an offer from such an Archmage to become her disciple.
That was just yesterday.
From that very person in front of me.
……To be honest, it was still hard to believe.
― Won’t you become my disciple?
Her words had been simple, yet their weight was anything but light.
Archmage’s disciple.
There was no need to explain how heavy that term was.
Its weight, meaning, influence……
Each and every one of them made counting it out seem foolish.
‘Cecilia. And the Third Princess, Mercedes.’
I recalled the names of the two who had been Windy May’s disciples in my previous life.
Both were people of unmatched talent, and in the end, they were praised as part of the Seven Heroes.
To describe them as merely outstanding would be insufficient.
Cecilia Everglenn, who subdued not one but three Spirit Kings—of water, fire, and wind—and commanded them.
Mercedes Latina Bestrang, who not only inherited all of her master Windy May’s advancements but also received Archmage Edas’s legacy, thus being called the youngest Archmage in history.
‘Although the official announcement that she accepted those two as disciples came at least a year later…… it wouldn’t be strange if she had secretly taught them before then.’
Yesterday, Professor Windy May had said that she had already made the same proposal to both Cecilia and Mercedes.
At first, I thought the timing was a bit off, but with that reasoning, it wasn’t strange at all.
The real problem was why she had also extended that offer to me.
To me, who could only use simple spells barely worthy of being called magic.
“……”
When I asked her the reason, she stared at me silently for a while, then answered like this.
― It isn’t something worth hiding, and since I particularly lack eloquence, I might cause unnecessary misunderstandings, so I’ll just tell you everything as it is.
― Lian Gwendil, including you, the total number of people I wanted to accept as disciples was three. And in terms of order, you were the very last one.
― Among those I had already approached, Miss Cecilia Everglenn said something. She said that she had already asked to receive your teaching, so without your permission, she couldn’t accept my offer.
Her characteristically languid expression briefly turned into a startled one, and she quickly added in a rush, as if to excuse herself.
― But please don’t misunderstand.
― It’s true I have business with you regarding Miss Cecilia, but that has nothing to do with the offer I just made.
― If I had come only to resolve Miss Cecilia’s matter, then I would’ve simply proposed a deal, not urged you to become my disciple.
She was right.
She was famous for never having taken a single disciple in over a hundred years, no matter the persuasion or request, aside from those two.
There was even a well-known anecdote that she had flatly refused a man who offered her a dragon’s heart if she would accept his son as her disciple.
Such a person would never lightly say, “Become my disciple.”
But perhaps misinterpreting my silence as hesitation, Professor Windy May spoke again in a serious, whisper-like tone.
― Lian Gwendil.
― I, Windy May Maddown, affirm this.
― You truly have talent.
― So once again, I extend my offer.
― Become my disciple.
……At that time, I couldn’t give her a definite answer.
It was far too enormous to conclude on the spot.
In the end, I asked her for some time to sort out my thoughts, and then I slipped away from there as if fleeing.
Professor Windy May had said she would wait as long as necessary……
“So, once again, what I’m saying is……”
Glance.
“You must first do the work of concretizing the magic you wish to realize, while imagining without being bound by preconceptions. For example……”
Glance, glance.
Even during class, she kept stealing glances at me again and again.
Anyone with eyes would have noticed how blatantly suspicious she looked.
‘You said you wouldn’t make it obvious….’
I forced myself to avoid her gaze and focused only on taking notes diligently.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Before I knew it, the bell rang to signal the end of class.
Professor Windy May let out another small yawn and tilted her head.
“In the next class, we will discuss the difference between practical magic and utilitarian magic. Preparation…… if possible, I’d like you to do it. But at the very least, please do review.”
As soon as her words ended, the students rose from their seats.
I too packed my things and stood up, about to head outside.
[Lian Gwendil.]
Professor Windy May’s voice rang in my ear.
No, it would be more accurate to say it echoed directly inside my head.
[I’d like you to spare me a little of your time.]
She spoke with her characteristic unhurried voice.
[Miss Cecilia is waiting for us as well.]
At the training grounds, Cecilia was already there, waiting for us.
Sitting on a chair and staring blankly into the air, she slowly stood up the moment she saw me.
“Lian.”
“Hello, Cecilia.”
She waved awkwardly at me, and I waved back while scanning our surroundings.
It was a training ground as ordinary as any other.
The only notable thing was that another Windy May was floating beside Cecilia, who had arrived first.
But I wasn’t surprised at all by that sight.
It was already well known that Professor Windy May specialized in duplication magic.
I simply looked calmly at the two Professor Windy Mays.
“So, what is the reason you called us here, Professor?”
“Hmm.”
“Hmm.”
Before answering, the two Professor Windy Mays overlapped into each other and soon became one again.
Then, without a word, she glanced at me, and for some reason, her expression seemed a little sulky.
“Kh! Hm!”
She let out a deliberately loud cough, then looked back and forth between me and Cecilia as she asked.
“I heard that because of me yesterday, your schedules were disrupted.”
“Yes.”
Cecilia nodded in immediate agreement.
I, who had been about to say something, quietly shut my mouth.
“So I plan to make it up to you. Now, take a look.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Professor Windy May lifted both arms with an exaggerated gesture.
It seemed she intended it to look like some grand gesture of a comedic actor……
But given her appearance, it didn’t give off that feeling at all.
If anything, it looked more like a child showing off proudly.
“This training ground is something I put a lot of effort into. It can withstand most mana backflows or rampages, and since it’s also connected to the outside, there’s no inconvenience in sensing the energy of nature.”
Along with her goodwill, I could immediately sense what she had in mind.
“This is purely…… mm, no, let’s say it’s the heart of a professor who wishes to help students with strong will to learn. Anyway, it shouldn’t be bad news for you.”
Professor Windy May shrugged her shoulders.
“To get to the point, I can roughly guess what you two are trying to do. But strictly speaking…… it’s not something two beginners should be attempting without a guide.”
Because it’s dangerous.
One wrong step, and you could die, or end up crippled.
Looking at her casually saying such terrible things, Cecilia nodded.
“You mean we should do it in a safe place if possible.”
“Yes, well.”
Professor Windy May shrugged again.
Then, with a triumphant look, she continued.
“If there’s any blockage or uncertainty, you can ask me anytime. I may not look it, but with half of me being Elf blood, I have considerable knowledge in spirits, mental disciplines, and matters of other worlds as well.”
Professor Windy May displayed her confidence, assuring us to just say the word.
At that, Cecilia, who had been quietly silent until now, opened her mouth softly.
“Then first, could you let us out?”
“Eh, huh? Wh-why? Is there something you don’t like about it?”
Caught completely off guard, Professor Windy May asked back in surprise.
Cecilia shook her head.
“That’s not it.”
“Then why?”
At her question, Cecilia answered bluntly.
“Because class is about to start.”
Saying that it was a common course and she had to attend, she left Windy May only able to show a dumbfounded expression.