"Okay, now that homeroom is done, let's proceed to our class," Maurice announces, his usual cheerfulness slightly muted by the recent events.

I'm confused, and I can tell my classmates are too. Today is Monday, and the first subject is supposed to be history. Is Maurice going to sub for history?

"Uhm, Professor Maurice, what do you mean by that?" one of my classmates raises her hand and asks, voicing the confusion we all feel.

"Oh, I forgot to announce, didn't I?" Maurice sounds playful. "Mister Potter got sick and can't teach, so I'll temporarily replace history today."

Temporarily replace? Is he even allowed to do that?

"P-Professor, can you even do that?!" another classmate exclaims, echoing the disbelief in the room.

Maurice closes his eyes, smiles, and tilts his head. "Secret!"

Maurice's playful attitude leaves me in disbelief. I glance around and see that my classmates are silent, unsure how to react. I then look at Arthur and Lumi, who are also quiet, their expressions mirroring my disbelief.

"Anyway, let's start the quiz, shall we?" Maurice announces, snapping us out of our thoughts.

Once again, my classmates and I are thrown into confusion.

Maurice raises one eyebrow. "Why are you all confused? Didn't I announce that we'd have a quiz this week?"

Maurice did mention we would have a quiz in Advanced Mana Theory, but I distinctly remember that it was scheduled for Friday.

"B-But… Professor! That's supposed to be on Friday?!" one of my classmates protests.

Maurice smirks, raising an eyebrow. "Friday? What do you mean? I said 'this week,' not Friday."

I can't help but be impressed by how clever Maurice is. Although he technically didn’t lie, his wording has misled us all.

"Ugh!" My classmates groan in unison.

The class is understandably annoyed. This unexpected quiz caught us off guard, and the sudden schedule change threw everyone off. Mondays are already challenging enough without a surprise quiz, especially one we thought we had more time to prepare for.

On the other hand, I can't help but feel nervous because I haven't studied at all. My knowledge is limited to what I've learned from the web novel, and even that is shaky regarding the more complex subjects.

"Hey, Doms, did you study?" Arthur whispers, leaning closer, ignoring Lumi, who sits between us.

"...No," I admit, trying to keep my voice low.

Arthur's eyes widen in surprise. "That's weird, Doms. But even if you didn't study, you'll pass."

I chuckle nervously. I'm not as bright as the original Dominic, and Advanced Mana Theory is one of the subjects I find particularly challenging in Sylvestria. Arthur is going to be confused when he sees my score.

"That's irresponsible, Dominic," Lumi says, her tone cold and disapproving.

Arthur immediately turns to her, a frown on his face. "Lumi, give him a break. Everyone has off days."

Lumi narrows her eyes. "Off days? This isn't just about today, Arthur. Being unprepared isn't something to brush off."

Arthur crosses his arms, clearly ready to argue. "You don't need to lecture him. It's just one quiz."

"It's not about the quiz," Lumi snaps back. "It's about discipline and taking responsibility for your education."

The tension between them is palpable, and I can see this turning into another one of their famous arguments.

"Enough," I interject, cutting them off before things escalate further. "We're about to have a quiz, so let's focus on that."

Arthur and Lumi exchange one last glare before reluctantly falling silent.

"Okay, let's start the quiz, shall we?" Maurice announces as he raises his right hand.

-Flick!

With a casual flick of his fingers, papers materialize in mid-air, floating in front of each of us.

I catch the paper as it hovers in front of me and take a glance. My heart sinks. There are a lot of questions—far more than I expected.

"All of you have an hour to finish the quiz. Begin!" Maurice declares, his voice cheerful, as if he hasn't just dropped a bomb on us.

I fumble in my bag for a pen, my hands slightly trembling as I place the paper on the table.

The first part of the test is labeled "Basic Part." I hope I can manage some of these questions; unfortunately, they're all fill-in-the-blank.

I sigh and look at the first question: What is Mana?

Relief washes over me. At least this one is straightforward.

Mana is a mystical energy produced by a living being's Soul. It serves as the fuel for magical abilities, allowing individuals to cast spells and perform supernatural feats. Mana is generated by the Soul, influenced by the individual's magic attribute, and can be directed and manipulated by the Mind.

I quickly write down the answer and move on to the following question: What is the Magic Attribute, and how does it influence a person's magical abilities?

Once again, I know the answer.

The Magic Attribute is an inherent characteristic of a person's Soul that determines the type or nature of Mana they generate. It influences what kinds of magic an individual can perform most effectively. For example, someone with a Fire attribute will naturally generate Mana, which is suited for fire-based spells. In contrast, someone with a Water attribute will excel in water-related magic. This attribute shapes the affinity and strength of the caster's magic, making certain spells easier or more potent based on alignment with their attribute.

Feeling more confident, I write down the answer and move on to the following question: Describe the Soul's role in generating and managing Mana.

Luckily, I'm still on a roll.

The Soul is the core source of Mana in a living being. It functions like a generator, producing Mana based on the individual's magic attribute. The Soul determines the quality, quantity, and type of Mana produced. The Soul also ensures the Body has enough energy for magical and non-magical functions.

I write down the answer and proceed to the following question: How does the Mind affect the use and control of Mana in spellcasting?

Another easy one.

The Mind acts as the control center for directing and focusing Mana. It determines the intent, precision, and complexity of spellcasting. A focused and disciplined mind can channel Mana more effectively, allowing for more controlled and powerful spells. Conversely, suppose the Mind is distracted, stressed, or weakened. In that case, the Magician or M anaficial may struggle to control their Mana, leading to weak, misdirected, or even dangerous spells. The Mind's state directly impacts the efficiency and safety of Mana usage.

Feeling more at ease, I write down the answer and examine the following question: Explain the interaction between the Body and Mana. How does the physical condition of the Body affect magical performance?

It looks like my lucky streak is still going.

The Body is the vessel that channels and manifests Mana into the physical world. A healthy, well-trained body can handle Mana flow more effectively, allowing for smoother and more powerful spell casting. If the Body is weak, injured, or tired, it may struggle to channel Mana, leading to inefficient or harmful outcomes. In extreme cases, pushing the Body beyond its limits can result in physical damage or Mana burnout, where it can no longer safely channel Mana.

I write down the answer and move on to the following question: How does the Soul's connection to the Magic Attribute influence the overall magical potential of a person?

Another easy one.

The Soul's connection to the Magic Attribute directly influences a person's overall magical potential by determining the type of Mana they produce and their natural affinity for certain types of magic. A strong alignment between the Soul and a particular attribute enhances the individual's ability to perform related magical tasks more effectively and with greater power.

After answering that question, I look at the next one: What is Aether, and how does it function as a power source for Magi-Tech?

I smile, feeling confident.

Aether is a special type of rock that stores Mana, functioning similarly to a battery in the context of Magi-Tech. When connected to Magi-Tech devices, Aether releases its stored Mana, which is converted into usable energy to power the device. This Mana can be used to perform a variety of functions, from powering engines to enhancing appliances with magical properties.

After writing the answer, I see this is the end of the first part. I feel a sense of relief wash over me, but it's short-lived when I see the next section labeled "Hard Part."

I gulp. My lucky streak might be coming to an end.

I look at the first question: Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Mana Sources.

My Mind goes blank. The web novel never detailed this. I am trying to figure out how to answer.

I skip that question and look at the others, hoping for something easier. But my heart sinks as I read through them:

1. Describe how Aether is harvested and prepared for use in Magi-Tech.

2. How does Magi-Tech convert the Mana stored in Aether into usable energy?

3. What are the advantages and potential drawbacks of using Aether as a power source in Magi-Tech?

4. Explain the concept of Aether depletion.

5. What are the signs that an Aether stone is running low on Mana, and how can it be recharged?

6. How do safety protocols ensure the proper use and handling of Aether in Magi-Tech devices?

I swallow hard. This is going to be much more challenging than I thought. My Mind races, trying to recall anything that could help, but the information isn't there.

This is not looking good.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

"Okay, now that all of you have finished the quiz, it's time for me to grade them!" Maurice announces, raising his right hand.

-Flick!

With a flick of his fingers, all our quiz papers disappear from our desks and reappear in a neat stack in Maurice's left hand.

-Flick!

Another flick of his fingers sends red sparkles over the papers.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"I see… I'm disappointed in…some of you…" Maurice says, his voice unusually stern as he glances around the room. When his gaze settles on me, I can't help but shiver under his scrutiny.

I know I struggled with the quiz. I confidently answered maybe six questions; the rest were blank or wild guesses.

"All of you are fifteen; you should be responsible for your studies. Preparing and studying diligently is crucial, especially since you never know when something unexpected might happen." Maurice's voice is calm but carries a weight that makes us all feel the gravity of his words.

-Flick!

With another flick, the quiz papers reappear on our desks.

I pick up mine, flipping it over with dread. My heart sinks when I see the score: 06/100.

This is… bad.

"Doms, what score did you get?" Arthur suddenly asks, leaning over to catch a glimpse.

I quickly turn my paper upside down, hiding the embarrassing score. "I-uhh… what about you?" I deflect.

Arthur sighs, looking down in what I assume is a disappointment. "I only got 91."

Only? 91 is an incredible score!

“That’s incre-“

"Only 91? That's disappointing for someone like you, Arthur," Lumi interjects, her voice as cold and indifferent as ever.

"Tch, then what did you get, Lumi?" Arthur shoots back, irritation creeping into his tone.

"I got 99," she replies coolly, without a hint of arrogance.

Arthur's expression darkens. "Oh, of course, Miss Perfect would get 99."

Lumi narrows her eyes. "It's not about being perfect, Arthur. It's about being prepared. Something you weren't."

Arthur clenches his fists. "Don't act so high and mighty. Not everyone can be a know-it-all like you."

"Maybe if you spent less time slacking off and more time studying, you wouldn't have to make excuses," Lumi retorts, her tone icy.

I can't help but feel relieved that their argument distracts Arthur from pressing me further about my score.

"I'm going to list all the scores on the blackboard," Maurice announces, cutting through the tension.

Wait, list the scores on the blackboard? No, this is the last thing I want!

-Flick!

Maurice flicks his fingers, and the blackboard is suddenly covered in red smoke. As the smoke clears, our scores and rankings are revealed for everyone to see:

1) Lumi Everheart: 99/100

2) Arthur Lyon: 91/100

.

.

.

.

30) Dominic Eñeforte: 06/100

As soon as the names and scores appear, I feel every pair of eyes in the room turn toward me, the surprise and shock palpable.

"Dominic only got six?" I heard one of my classmates whisper.

"Isn't he usually the best in academics? What happened to him?"

"Heh, looks like the Manaless is now a Dumbass," someone mutters with a sneer.

I stare at the ceiling, trying to avoid their judgmental stares.

"Doms, what… happened to you?" Arthur asks, his voice laced with disbelief.

I sigh, forcing myself to look at him. "I told you; I didn't study."

"That’s disappointing, Dominic; I expected you to have a bigger score than this," Lumi interjects, her voice cutting through the air.

Arthur turns to Lumi, irritation evident in his expression. "Give him a break, Lumi! Everyone has an off day."

Lumi remains unfazed. "An off day? This isn't just an off day, Arthur. Dominic is supposed to be one of the top students, and now he's at the bottom. That's more than just an off day; that's negligence."

"Maybe he has a lot on his mind! You don't know what he's going through," Arthur snaps, his frustration boiling.

"And you think coddling him will help? He needs to be held accountable, not babied," Lumi shoots back, her tone harsh.

"Enough!" I finally interject, trying to stop the argument from escalating. "I appreciate you both caring, but let's drop it, okay?"

-Ring!

The school bell rings, signaling the start of recess. The tension in the room eases slightly as everyone gathers their things.

"Class over! It's time for your recess!" Maurice announces, his voice commanding attention. But then he turns to me, his expression serious. "Dominic, I want to talk to you."

I nod silently as my classmates leave the room, feeling the weight of the upcoming conversation with Maurice settle heavily on my shoulders.

"Doms, I'll wait for you outside the room," Arthur says, patting my shoulder as he passes, his concern evident.

"Let's meet again, Dominic," Lumi adds, her usual cold tone softened slightly before she stands up and exits the classroom.

Now, it's just me and Maurice alone.

-Poof!

Maurice appears before me in a cloud of smoke; arms crossed, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced by a stern expression.

"What kind of performance is this, Dominic?" Maurice's voice is firm, his eyes locked onto mine.

I swallow hard. "I just… didn't study, Professor," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maurice sighs deeply, his gaze never wavering. "Dominic, you know the importance of your grades, especially with the upcoming Verdant Arcanum enrollment. Your performance today doesn't just affect your standing in this class—it could impact your future opportunities."

I feel a lump in my throat as Maurice's words sink in. Verdant Arcanum is the most prestigious combat academy in Sylvestria, and getting into a good class there could determine my entire life's path. Collecting the artifacts in the Manaficial ritual and training made me neglect my studies.

And then, a memory stirs. The original Dominic’s promise. His face flashes before my mind—desperate, pleading.

“Please, protect my friends and family,” the original Dominic had said, his eyes brimming with the weight of a burden I hadn't fully understood then. I didn’t make the promise willingly; it wasn’t my choice. And yet, I had no choice but to accept.

I never wanted to make that promise, but now, standing here, facing my failure, I feel the guilt gnawing at me. The original Dominic’s plea wasn’t just some final wish—it was his life’s last desire, and I had inherited it, whether I wanted to or not.

He had trusted me to carry out his promise to protect the people he loved, but here I am, failing at even the most basic responsibility. I wasn’t the original Dominic, but I still feel the guilt of failing him, failing everyone.

"I understand, Professor," I finally reply, feeling the weight of my negligence. "I'll do better next time."

Maurice studies me for a moment, his expression softening slightly. "I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, Dominic. I'm saying it because I know you're capable of more. The Verdant Arcanum doesn't just look at your magical abilities but also your academic performance. Every score counts."

He pauses, letting his words sink in before continuing. "You have the potential to excel, but you need to take this seriously. The world you're stepping into isn't forgiving, and the competition is fierce. You need to be prepared."

"I understand, Professor," I repeat, this time with more conviction. I know he's right, and I can't afford to let myself slip again.

Maurice sighs, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Okay, that's all. You're dismissed. Also, I will train you at the same spot we first trained tomorrow, okay?"

"Yes, Professor."

Maurice then reaches out to ruffle my hair, a gesture meant to comfort me, but his hand freezes, and his eyes widen as if he's just realized something.

“I see… so that’s why…” Maurice mutters under his breath, his tone suddenly distant.

I frown, confused by his reaction. "Professor?"

Maurice quickly withdraws his hand and forces a smile. "Nothing, Dominic. … get out of my classroom."

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

I leave the classroom, feeling the tension slowly ease from my shoulders.

"Haa!" I breathed a breath of relief, stretching my arms upward, trying to shake off the lingering stress.

"Doms."

Arthur's voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to see him standing there, his expression filled with concern.

"Hey," I greet, trying to sound casual.

"What did Professor Maurice say to you?" Arthur asks, his brows furrowing slightly.

I shrug, attempting to downplay the seriousness of the conversation. "Just the usual talk about taking school seriously, you know?"

Arthur nods but doesn't look entirely convinced. "That’s all?"

"Yeah, nothing too intense," I reply, forcing a small smile. "He just reminded me how important grades are, especially with Verdant Arcanum on the horizon."

Arthur sighs, his concern still evident. "Well, he's right, you know. You've always been one of the top students, Doms. It was just surprising to see your score today."

"I know," I admit, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I'll make sure to do better next time."

Arthur places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Good. You've got this, Doms. Anyway, let's eat recess. I heard the canteen is selling Macarons now."

"Macarons…"

-Growl!

The mere mention of those delicate pastries makes my stomach rumble with hunger.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I quickly cover my stomach with my hand, trying to stifle the noise.

"Pft!" Arthur can't hold back his laughter, covering his mouth. "Seriously, Doms, your stomach always growls so loudly."

"Hehehe," I scratch my head, trying to laugh it off.

"May I come?" Lumi's familiar, calm voice cuts through our banter.

Arthur and I turned to the side, and I saw Lumi. Her request takes me aback. In the web novel, Lumi was never the type to ask to join in on anything social. She usually kept her distance, preferring solitude or selective company.

I glance at Arthur, whose smile has turned strained, his right eye twitching slightly. It's obvious he still hasn't warmed up to her presence.

After a moment of tense silence, Arthur sighs in resignation. "Ugh, fine. You can come along."

With that settled, the three of us head to the canteen. The prospect of indulging in some sweet Macarons seems like the perfect way to take a break from the mounting tension of the day.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Théodore stands atop the hill, gazing down at the majestic Académie d'Eñeforte, its spires glistening in the soft morning light. The academy's grandeur, nestled within its lush surroundings, feels almost serene—an odd contrast to the storm of events brewing in his mind. He glances down at his wristwatch, which reads 10:30 AM.

"I guess it's time now, huh?" he mutters, a sense of both anticipation and unease tinging his voice.

Théodore retrieves a large sapphire from his pocket. Its flawless surface is set in an ornate golden frame engraved with intricate runes. The ancient craftsmanship hints at a long-forgotten era, and the stone pulses with a soft, ethereal blue glow.

"How exactly am I supposed to use this thing?" Théodore wonders aloud, frowning as he inspects the artifact.

Suddenly, a cold, indifferent voice interrupts his musings. "That artifact is the Lapis de Portail Étoilé, one of only five in Sylvestria."

Théodore spins around, startled. Standing before him is Luo Minghao, his fellow General in the Umbrascourge. Luo’s sharp, amber eyes and composed demeanor make Théodore tense.

“Luo Minghao… what are you doing here?” Théodore asks, quickly masking his surprise with forced composure.

“Lord Malignor sent me to assist you with the Lapis de Portail Étoilé,” Luo responds in his typically calm, measured tone. “He understands that handling ancient Magi-Tech might not be your specialty.” His eyes glint with a hint of superiority, reminding Théodore of his place in the Umbrascourge’s hierarchy.

Théodore stiffens at the subtle jab but holds back any retort. Arguing with Luo, a higher-ranked General, would be futile and dangerous.

Luo smirks slightly, pleased by Théodore’s restraint, and continues. “Also, Bjorn is here, but he’s currently occupied, trying to locate ‘The Death.’”

The mention of the name sends a chill through Théodore. ‘The Death,’ a [SS] Ranked Magician, is a near-mythical figure in Sylvestria, known for an unmatched Stargate clearance rate and an aura of mystery surrounding his identity. The idea of Bjorn engaging in combat with such a legendary opponent is unsettling, even for Théodore. He makes a mental note to steer clear of that conflict.

“How do I use this?” Théodore asks, redirecting the conversation to the task at hand, holding up the Lapis de Portail Étoilé.

Luo Minghao gives a brief, almost imperceptible nod, then produces a sleek tablet from his cloak. On its screen are lines of text written in an ancient script, their meaning indecipherable to Théodore.

“All you need to do is channel your Mana into the Lapis de Portail Étoilé,” Luo says, his voice impassive. He scrolls through the tablet, then continues, “And follow these instructions.”

Théodore leans in to read the text, but the archaic language is completely foreign. He frowns in frustration, looking back at Luo. “I don’t understand what’s written here.”

Luo sighs, his patience wearing thin. “This is why you’re ranked the lowest, Théodore,” he mutters, though his voice remains formal. “But I’ll translate it for you: ‘By the light of the stars, I summon the heavens. Open the gate, and show me the path. Through the veil of time and space, let the stars align, let the portal shine.’”

“That’s it?” Théodore asks, taken aback by the simplicity of the chant.

“That’s it,” Luo confirms. “Deceptively simple, as ancient artifacts often are.”

Théodore is surprised. He had expected a far more intricate process for activating something as powerful as the Lapis de Portail Étoilé.

Luo seems to sense his surprise and adds, “I was just as baffled when I first learned how it works.”

Luo’s mind briefly wanders to when he first obtained the Lapis de Portail Étoilé. In his arrogance, he had attempted to merge the stone with modern Magi-Tech, certain that combining ancient power with cutting-edge technology would yield incredible results. Instead, every device he tried malfunctioned, either short-circuiting or producing dangerous, unpredictable effects.

Realizing his approach was wrong, Luo had spent weeks poring over forgotten tomes and ancient scrolls. Eventually, he discovered that the key to unlocking the stone’s potential was not modern technology but an ancient ritual. The stone’s true power lay dormant, waiting to be activated by Mana and ancient magic. The chant Théodore now held would open a portal to a distant world known as “Paradisial.”

“The ritual is the key,” Luo says, his tone matter-of-fact. “And it will open a portal to the world known as ‘Paradisial.’”

Théodore’s gaze drifts back to the Académie d'Eñeforte below. "I wonder what Lord Malignor wants with that Manaless boy… why he insists on unleashing chaos in the Eñeforte territory."

A brief silence follows. Luo Minghao, though normally composed, can’t suppress the chill running down his spine. He still vividly remembers Lord Malignor’s eerie smile when he referred to the boy as his "favorite plaything." The words, said so casually, had filled Luo with a deep dread. The idea that such a powerful being would take such a peculiar interest in a boy with no Mana had unsettled him. But what had truly shaken Luo was the revelation that even Lord Malignor hesitated to harm the boy directly—because of her.

‘Who is she?’ Luo wonders silently.

Whoever she is, her mere existence has forced hesitation into Malignor, a being capable of destroying entire worlds. The memory of Malignor speaking of "her" sent a shiver down Luo’s spine again. If she could make Malignor pause, then the boy he was so fixated on must possess some unimaginable significance.

"Théodore," Luo says after a moment, his voice calm but firm. "I understand your confusion. However, as one of the generals of Umbrascourge, it’s not our place to question Lord Malignor’s plans. We are here to obey. His vision is beyond our comprehension."

Théodore frowns, frustration lining his voice. "I am aware, however… why would a Manaless boy be important enough to kill? How does he fit into Lord Malignor’s plan to awaken Erebos and throw Sylvestria into chaos?"

Luo’s gaze hardens. "That is not for us to know. Lord Malignor has his reasons, and it’s not our role to understand them. We are mere instruments of his will."

Théodore sighs, his thoughts swirling with doubt. Yet, as a general of Umbrascourge, he knows he must obey. Orders are orders, and he cannot defy them.

"Very well," Théodore says, his voice resigned. "I’ll do as I’m commanded."

Luo nods, his expression softening slightly. "Remember, Théodore, every piece on the board has its purpose, even if we cannot see the full picture. Trust in Lord Malignor’s strategy. In time, the truth will be revealed."

With one last glance at the sapphire, Théodore focuses his Mana, feeling the ancient power stir within the Lapis. He recites the incantation, his voice steady despite the uncertainty.

The air hums with energy as the sapphire glows brighter, responding to his Mana. A portal begins to form in front of him, a swirling mass of azure light.

Whether he understands it or not, chaos is about to be unleashed.