This led to a test where Professor Idor Giflyn further explained on the various affinities displayed through the magical measurement. His words were filled with authority as he explained each one in detail.

"The balanced affinity" he began "is when your magic is flexible to any form of spell: be it long-range attacks, close range ones, defense or magic spells that could go as wide as the atmosphere itself. These affinities show the most adaptability.

Melch listened closely. Balanced affinity sounded like a good choice, but he wasn't sure where he his own stood yet.

"Dual affinity works similarly." the professor continued. "However, those with dual affinity may struggle with certain types of spells. While they can be proficient in two types of magic, there are limitations to what they can do effectively."

Leif leaned toward Melch and whispered "Sounds like the worst of both worlds. Imagine being good at fire magic but only when you’re cooking and not when fighting."

Melch shook his head but didn’t comment. The professor moved on to unstable affinity.

"This kind is unbalanced. The one with unstable affinity will have immense strength in one aspect but will be extremely weak in another. Some will have great attack power but weak defense, while others will be almost impenetrable but lack any real offense. Handling this kind of magic requires a lot of effort."

Elissa wrote down the words carefully, her brow furrowed in concentration. Edwin looked more skeptical.

"So basically, it's all a gamble Leif" Edwin muttered. "That’s great."

The professor was oblivious to this comment and proceeded. "The grey color’s affinity is an outlier. This type doesn't conform to the usual categories. These mages tend to be more like magic knights, needing a medium like a sword or a staff to channel their abilities. Pure spellcasting is difficult for them."

Melch took that in, his mind committing it to a note. It sounded like something worth checking as that’s his affinity.

"The green affinity" the professor said "is associated with healing magic. It is a rare and highly sought after many but it is not one that is easy to master. Most healing spells can only be fully understood by learning from the Church of the Beginning."

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Just saying the church's name made Melch's face darken ever so slightly. He hadn't found much information about them within the library's walls and that frustrated him.

"Finally." the professor said "we have the brown affinity. It is purely defensive. Some might view it as a lesser form of magic, but I can assure you that those with high defensive capabilities are priceless. Mages from the Earth Magic Tower will instruct students who have this affinity."

As the professor finished, murmurs filled the room. The students looked at each other some with excitement, others with worry. Leif stretched and grinned.

"Well, let's hope we don't become the completely useless ones" he teased.

Melch sighed. "If that was a category, you'd have discovered it first."

Leif pretended to be offended. "Ouch and here I thought we were friends."

"We are" Melch said dryly. "That doesn't mean you're not an idiot."

Before Leif could say a word, the professor clapped his hands. "Now, before you get too worried about your affinity, let me remind you first, this test is not perfect. I created it and I am still refining it. There is a higher margin of error, so if your results seem strange to you, don't be too discouraged."

That statement made the class collectively groan.

"Then why make us do it?!" someone in the back exclaimed.

The professor laughed. "Because even flawed data is useful to me. Besides, it's still a strong indicator of what you might be suited for. Now, moving on."

Melch raised an eyebrow. The man was blunt but at least honest.

"Let's talk about mana. Now, many think mana is the only source of magical power. Not quite true. There are other energies and forces that can be tapped into to cast spells. Even demonic beasts, as much as they seem to be using mana are actually working on a completely different force."

The students leaned in interested. Melch found himself particularly interested in this part. His own experiences told him there was more to magic than just mana, but he lacked proper understanding of it.

"Demonic beasts do not channel mana like humans do." the professor continued. "They use it instinctively. On the other hand, We have to learn to control and refine our magic. There have been rare individuals throughout history who could wield magic naturally, but they are exceptional cases."

Leif nudged Melch. "I bet you’re one of those exceptions."

Melch didn’t answer. Instead, he focused on the professor’s next words.

"The best way to truly understand mana is through experience. That is why apart from theoretical lessons, we will conduct practical training sessions. You will fight in the arena, both in teams and against senior students. That will help you develop your skills more efficiently."

The class buzzed and bumbled with excitement and nervousness. Leif grinned. "Finally! Some real action. I was getting tired of all those explanations."

Elissa sighed. "Pay attention. If you actually listen, you may not embarrass yourself in the arena."

Leif smirked. "Oh, I fully intend to embarrass myself but in style."

Edwin rolled his eyes. "This is gonna be a disaster."

The professor seemingly unmoved by the chatter shut his book. "That is all for today. My experiment took longer than I anticipated, so consider this your introduction."

Immediately he finished speaking, he threw up the book from the desk. As a result of its movement away from the table, the dense mystical shield encasing the classroom broke apart as if made of glass. The locked doors began to swing open.

Instantly, several students leaped from their seats and ran out. The lesson was long and uninterrupted, and many students were keen on leaving.

Melch sat there a moment trying to get it all in. He felt determination growing inside him. He had much to learn about and he was ready for it.

Leif stretched. "Come on, let’s get out of here. I want some food."

"You always want food." Melch said.

"Yes, and that's why I'm living. Let's go."

With a shake of his head, Melch followed Leif and the others out of the classroom, he thought about the strangeness that the professor mentioned and the black color that flickered for him in the test.