Chapter 13: The First Day
The clear morning chime of the bell tower echoed across the campus of the University of Varsovia, signaling the start of the academic year. Robert moved purposefully through the hallways, his steps measured as he hovered just a few centimeters above the ground using “Levitate”. He glanced down at his schedule parchment, noting that his first class of the day was Magic Theory—a compulsory subject for all first-year students.
‘It’s going to be a long hour,’ Robert thought, sighing inwardly. He knew that this class, designed to cater to a broad range of students from diverse backgrounds, would cover elementary concepts that he had long since mastered.
Stepping into the grand lecture hall, Robert was met with the sight of tiered rows of wooden desks, each equipped with an array-engraved surface for channeling and controlling magic particles. The room’s sheer size seemed to amplify the murmurs of conversation and the rustling of parchment as students took their seats.
He chose a desk near the back, preferring a vantage point that allowed him a full view of the class. As he settled in, he glanced around at his peers. Most of them seemed attentive, perhaps even excited—likely those who hadn’t had much formal instruction in magic before coming to the University. For many of them, this class would be a crucial foundation.
A middle-aged professor with a meticulously groomed mustache and a stern gaze stepped up to the podium, his robes flowing as he moved. He cleared his throat, and the room fell silent.
“Good morning, students,” he began, his voice projecting with an authority that immediately commanded attention. “I am Professor Kalson, and I will be teaching you Magic Theory this year. This course is designed to build a strong foundation in the principles of magic, regardless of your prior experience or training. By the end of this course, you will understand the mechanics of every spell you cast and, more importantly, how to refine them.”
Robert adjusted his posture, settling in for what he knew would be a tedious lesson. The professor launched into an explanation of the basic properties of magical energy—MP, or magic particles—how they flowed through the body, and how they were channeled into spells. He spoke at length about the different types of magical circuits, the interaction between MP and physical stamina, and the importance of maintaining a steady MP flow.
Robert sighed quietly, his gaze drifting to the window. He had gone over these concepts countless times under his uncle’s tutelage. MP control, spell structures, equilibrium states—none of this was new to him. He glanced around at his fellow students. Some were scribbling notes furiously, their expressions a mix of fascination and concentration. Others looked more uncertain, perhaps trying to keep up with the professor’s rapid explanations.
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‘A necessary review for them, I suppose,’ Robert mused. But for him, it was little more than a repetition of what he had already mastered.
His gaze shifted downward to his own hands. The soft shimmer of MP danced at his fingertips, almost imperceptible to anyone who wasn’t looking closely. If he was to spend this hour sitting through a review of the basics, he might as well put his time to better use.
Beneath the desk, where it would go unnoticed, Robert began to manipulate the MP in his body, channeling it through his fingertips. He crafted thin tendrils of psychic energy, each one no thicker than a strand of hair. They moved in a delicate pattern, weaving through the air in a display of control that went well beyond what the current lesson covered.
‘Let’s try something new…’
He visualized a small barrier—a construct of psychic energy that would respond to external forces without his direct command. With a subtle pulse of concentration, he directed the tendrils into a series of interlocking shapes, forming a lattice-like structure in his palm. The energy shimmered faintly, each connection stabilizing the others. Robert increased the density of the lattice, adding layers until the entire construct was as small and dense as a marble.
‘It’s stable,’ he thought, suppressing a smile of satisfaction. ‘Now, let’s see if it reacts…’
He extended one of the psychic tendrils outward, letting it brush against the surface of the barrier. Immediately, the lattice pulsed, redirecting the energy back toward the source. Robert’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. The barrier responded exactly as he had envisioned—deflecting the tendril’s force without destabilizing.
Before he could test it further, a faint pressure brushed against his awareness. Robert’s gaze snapped up, meeting Professor Kalson’s eyes for a brief moment.
The professor’s expression remained neutral, but there was a glimmer of something in his gaze—curiosity, perhaps, or a hint of recognition. Whatever it was, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and the professor turned his attention back to the class.
Robert allowed the barrier to dissolve, the MP dissipating silently into the air. He picked up his quill and began copying down the diagrams on the chalkboard, a faint sense of amusement tugging at the corners of his mind.
Professor Kalson continued the lecture, moving on to the basic principles of mana conversion and how different magical schools interacted with various elemental properties. He elaborated on the dangers of improper channeling, the risks of overextending one’s MP reserves, and the importance of balancing magical exertion with physical stamina.
Robert’s mind, however, was already racing with possibilities for further refinement of his psychic constructs. The feedback mechanism in the lattice could be adjusted to reflect or absorb external energy based on specific parameters. If he combined it with a telekinetic field…
The rest of the class passed in a blur of calculations and experimentation. By the time the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the period, Robert had already formed and dissolved several more psychic constructs, each one more complex than the last.
“Rest, a moment if you would,” Professor Kalson’s voice called out as Robert gathered his belongings.
Robert paused, turning to face the professor. “Yes, Professor?”
Kalson’s gaze was calm, yet there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “I trust you found today’s lesson… underwhelming?”
Robert hesitated, then inclined his head slightly. “I appreciate the review, but I’m already familiar with most of the material.”
“Understandable,” Kalson murmured. “Your background suggests as much. Still, I would advise against letting boredom lead to complacency. Even the basics can yield new insights if approached with the right mindset.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Robert replied politely.
The professor nodded thoughtfully. “If you ever wish to discuss more advanced topics, I’d be happy to accommodate. For now, you’re dismissed.”
Robert offered a small bow of respect before turning and leaving the room. As he stepped out into the hallway, he glanced at his schedule again.
The next class was Magic Circle Theory, another compulsory subject. He couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope—perhaps this class would offer something a bit more engaging.
‘One class down,’ he thought, allowing a faint smile to curve his lips as he made his way to the next lecture hall. ‘Let’s see what the rest of the day brings.’