The next day, Professor Neville’s magic theory lecture continued.

“The Empire has analyzed and redefined the visions and spells that have been recklessly evolving for decades within the royal and noble families of various countries. They have classified them into two categories: ‘Ranked Magic’ and ‘Special Magic.’”

On the massive blackboard, two illustrations were drawn.

Professor Neville pointed at one of the illustrations shaped like a ladder to explain.

“The characteristic of Ranked Magic is standardization. The required magic capacity, required magic control, and the subsequent results are all clearly organized. Therefore, the dissemination and inheritance of knowledge are relatively easy, and its potential for development is high.”

He moved his hand to the empty space beside the ladder illustration.

“The name of Ranked Magic includes three elements: ‘spell grade,’ ‘spell nature,’ and ‘spell form.’ Let’s go through a few examples of each.”

[Low-Level Fire Sphere]

Spell Grade: Low-Level (consumes 1-9 magic)

Spell Nature: Fire (has properties similar to physical flames)

Spell Form: Sphere (creates an explosion in all directions upon impact)

[Low-Level Healing Touch]

Spell Grade: Low-Level (consumes 1-9 magic)

Spell Nature: Healing (recovers the target’s wounds)

Spell Form: Touch (has an effect on the target that comes into contact with the light flowing from the hand)

[Medium-Level Magic Arrow Rain]

Spell Grade: Medium-Level (consumes 10-90 magic)

Spell Nature: Magic (pure energy without specific properties)

Spell Form: Arrow Rain (unleashes countless arrows in a designated area according to the caster’s will)

[Medium-Level Hardening Imbuement]

Spell Grade: Medium-Level (consumes 10-90 magic)

Spell Nature: Hardening (increases the hardness of a specific material)

Spell Form: Imbuement (the spell cannot exert its effects just by itself and must be imbued onto the target object)

“On the other hand, Special Magic cannot be standardized in such a way and refers to spells that have a complex mix of various elements. Many spells have been independently passed down through generations, but most are defects that cannot match the efficiency of Ranked Magic. However, some among them can be quite useful. Just be aware that the risks are high, so it’s advisable to build your skills with Ranked Magic first—”

After the morning class, I searched for Layla Everblaze Barhart, that is, the ‘Heir of the Red and Blue Blood.’

Initially, I was hesitant after hearing Fiore’s words, but I figured it was a good opportunity to create a connection with her since it was essential to establish some rapport.

It had now been over a week since the academy’s doors opened.

Students were clustered together, chattering away, and at the center of a fairly large group were indeed the offspring of distinguished families from various nations.

‘Well, that’s only natural.’

No matter how much the academy claimed it wouldn’t discriminate based on status, the social influence and power of those families wouldn’t just vanish into thin air.
In such a situation, the ability for them to outwardly refrain from complaining or using their social status as leverage only highlighted how extraordinary the emperor and former emperor’s authority truly was.

Given that, one would expect that the area surrounding Layla, who proudly bore the title of imperial princess, would be swarming with people. Yet, surprisingly, she was quietly reading a book at one corner of the classroom, surrounded by an astonishing stillness.

It wasn’t that Layla lacked popularity, nor was it that other students were hesitant to approach her.

In fact, even at this moment, there were many admiring gazes directed her way.

The reason they weren’t able to approach Layla was due to the complex web of interests tied around her, causing subtle tension and skirmishes among the related parties.

Of course, that wasn’t my concern.

In fact, I needed to make my move before those who were currently hesitating could lay their hands on her.

“Good day, Your Highness. If it’s not too much trouble, could you spare me a moment?”

For a moment, Layla looked taken aback, but soon she smiled softly and closed the book she was reading.

“You’re Chrome Midas, right? Just call me Layla. That’s the spirit of this academy.”

“Well then, I shall call you Layla, though I don’t quite have the courage to refer to you by just your name.”

“Understood, Chrome. Let’s look forward to our future interactions.”

The atmosphere was surprisingly warm, and I could feel a few piercing stares from around us, but I didn’t care.

Ah, here I am, a crass, newly wealthy commoner without noble blood or history, who knows nothing of complicated politics. If you have complaints, feel free to jump in at any moment.

That said, I thought to myself, ‘She’s surprisingly flexible and easy to talk to.’

Unlike the main characters of ‘Planetarium,’ whose personalities and backgrounds I had somewhat grasped through memories of my past life, the members of ‘Template’ could show vastly different traits and appearances, allowing for speculation but no guarantees.

Take Ligret, for example; he was nothing like the ‘Nameless Demon’ I had portrayed.

‘At least outwardly, she doesn’t seem to be one to assert her authority, so this should make things easier.’

With so many ears around me, I shared the story of Rabaul while omitting specific names or traits, and Layla listened calmly.

As I finished explaining, I caught sight of Rabaul and Pino discreetly glancing over here with pricked ears, and then Layla spoke up.

“It’s not uncommon for one’s desires to clash with their inherent qualities. Even if one acknowledges their shortcomings, I believe there is value in the effort to pursue improvement.”

Pino’s expression twisted, while Rabaul’s face lit up.

However, Layla’s words didn’t end there.

“However, before you progress on that path, it is essential to clarify your stance.”

I asked in return, “What do you mean by clarify?”
“Wishing for wisdom and desiring to be hailed as wise are quite different, wouldn’t you agree?” Layla added.

‘Looks like she’s caught on to whose story we’re talking about here.’

I cast a quick glance at the gray-haired young man who appeared to be darkening in countenance, then spoke up.

“Indeed, thank you for the wise words. May I continue to share conversations with you in the future?”

“A good chat with a friend enriches life. I look forward to it, Chrome.”

“I’ll prepare some enjoyable topics that won’t let you down, Layla.”

After class.

In a gathering of four, comprising me, Roto, Pino, and Rabaul, he spoke up.

“I won’t stop learning magic. However, I will cease my obsession with using spells.”

Roto asked cautiously, “Uh… does it even matter if you don’t use spells in magic?”

Pino chimed in. “He seems to mean he’ll focus on the theoretical aspects, like the fundamental principles or structure of spells. Even if he can’t use them himself, being able to quickly understand and analyze what others are using is important. The professor also said it would be fine to continue attending classes after hearing that.”

“I thought about what you all said and Layla’s story. I claimed to want wisdom, yet somehow, I may have become intoxicated by the image of being hailed as wise. I can’t flatly deny that. But I can’t easily abandon the path I’ve reluctantly decided to walk.”

At Rabaul’s words, I shrugged.

It was a kind of compromise; at least he wasn’t stubbornly insisting on using spells like before.

There was no harm in gathering that kind of knowledge.

Even if he later shifted focus to martial arts, understanding the spells an opponent uses and grasping their principles would definitely speed up developing countermeasures.

‘It’s like a meta build for a mage, isn’t it?’

If you ask me whether I want to focus on it, it’s a bit ambiguous, but it wouldn’t be a bad choice for picking off a specific boss.

After all, Ligret was already the versatile universal physical attacker.

“I’d like to express my gratitude once more, Chrome Midas. I feel like I’m just a burden at this point.”

“You have nothing to worry about; I’m just glad it was resolved.”

And with that, our pleasant conversation wrapped up. The next morning, however, I squinted at a message left in front of my private room.

[Stop hovering around noble individuals like a pesky fly. If you ignore this warning, both you and your brother will come to regret it.]

“Ha…”

I let out a hollow laugh.

I expected it, but it seemed the days of a quiet and peaceful school life had sailed away.