Norton's primary focus was on learning the fundamental realities of this world—geography, political structures, cultures, and customs. In addition, he studied the control and application of the magical wind, which was far more potent in this world than the psionic energies of his previous life. While other aspects of this world might be underdeveloped, its mastery of the magical wind and the development of various magical disciplines were unparalleled compared to what Norton knew before.

With just a bit of foundational knowledge, Norton had harnessed his abundant mana to perform the terrifying feats he had accomplished the previous night. If he were to systematically study the magic of this world, his power might rise to a frightening level.

Of course, that's only a possibility.

While contemplating this, Norton walked half a step ahead of Miss Triss, leading her to his study where they both sat down. The study was neatly organized with two comfortable chairs, bookshelves filled with basic knowledge texts, two desks equipped with paper and pens, and a weapon rack by the wall that held a suit of partial plate armor and a matching sword and shield tailored to Norton's size.

Seated directly across from Miss Triss, Norton focused all his attention on her. This was not due to her delicate beauty and charm but because he recalled her parting words after yesterday's lesson:

"Norton, your talent is quite remarkable. It seems you've mastered these basics well. Tomorrow, I'll teach you something more practical."

Seeing the anticipation in Norton's eyes, Miss Triss smiled again, knowing well the eagerness of a diligent student.

"I’ve already taught you the fundamental concepts of magic, basic magical runes, and their arrangement patterns. Do you still remember them?"

"Of course," Norton nodded, recalling with a faint smile how he had pointed out errors in his sister’s magic circle just the night before.

“Excellent. There are several categories of magic in this world, and countless specific spells. New magic is continually being invented. Ultimately, however, both categories and specific spells are applications of the magical wind. Sorcerers, wizards, and mages manipulate, filter, and shape the magical wind surrounding us... and thus, specific spells emerge.

“Thousands of years ago, during the dawn of civilization, the understanding of the world by early wizards was still in its infancy. Their methods of using magic were rudimentary and primitive. They would gather, gather, and gather the magical wind from the air until it couldn't be compressed further, and then blast it at their target. This was a completely crude, inefficient barbaric technique.”

Hearing this, Norton blushed slightly, as it was precisely this crude method he had used to break through the tomb’s barrier the previous night.

Miss Triss didn’t notice his expression and continued:

“Of course, with ongoing civilization development, hardly anyone uses that approach anymore, except for the barbaric green-skinned orcs, the chaos sorcerers of the northern wastelands, and the intellectually challenged ogres and beastmen. Whether high elves, dark elves, wood elves, dwarves, humans, vampires like us, or chaos demons, we all have more refined methods of using magic.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“We can further purify the magical wind, categorizing its inherent powers. This leads to the various schools of magic. As civilizations developed, these magical schools led to an explosive phase of magical advancement during a chaotic, turbulent, yet rapidly advancing era.

“As that era progressed, the major races of the world established their territories. Magic continued to evolve. Skilled wizards harmonized different kinds of pure magical wind, resulting in richer variations in magic.

“Thus, beneath the broad framework of magic schools, various branches emerged. These branches further divided into more specific disciplines. Magic became more complex and diverse, to the point where even some short-lived beings could spend their entire lives without fully understanding one school. Moreover, different countries and races classify these magical disciplines differently.”

At this point, Miss Triss paused, looking at Norton before asking, “So, Norton, which school of magic do you prefer, or what type of magic do you think suits you best?”

“I don’t know,” Norton quickly and honestly responded.

“That’s a very good answer,” Miss Triss nodded, smiling with satisfaction. “You’re still young and haven’t had much exposure to magical knowledge, so saying ‘I don’t know’ is appropriate. I hope you keep this answer for a while. Given your age, you have room to try various things and carefully select the path that best suits you.”

“Yes, I understand your meaning,” Norton agreed with Miss Triss's advice.

“Now, another question. What kind of person do you want to be when you grow up? What profession do you want to pursue?” Triss continued.

“When I grow up, I’ll inherit the Castine family,” Norton replied, feigning confusion—a ploy to ensure Miss Triss wouldn’t become overly suspicious, maintaining the facade of an innocent child.

“No, that’s not what I meant, Norton. You will indeed inherit the Castine family eventually—that’s a given. But being Count Castine is your status, not your profession. Do you understand the difference? Like how I am a teacher, or someone could be a general in the army, or perhaps you wish for a role in the civic assembly?”

Norton showed a look of realization, although still seemingly puzzled. "But how does this relate to the magical schools we’re discussing?"

“It’s definitely related," Miss Triss explained further. "For those without magical talent or for groups where only a few individuals possess it, the two may be unrelated. But for us, where our entire race possesses magical talent, one’s future profession is intertwined with magic.

“If you aim to command in battle, mastering necromancy is essential to control higher numbers of advanced troops. Should you wish to be a civil officer, enhancing mental magic is vital for improving cognitive processing and comprehensive thinking. These aspects complement each other.”

Norton nodded, indicating his understanding, while contemplating his future. He quickly realized, however, that Miss Triss's statements were not entirely accurate.

“So, have you thought about what you want to do?” Miss Triss inquired, noticing Norton’s returning confident smile.

“I think I should still be a Count.”

“I understand your intent,” Miss Triss responded, slightly surprised, then smiled brightly. “However, if that’s your goal, just being a Count isn’t enough. Perhaps you aim for all of Sylvania? It’s been ages since our territory last had a Duke.”

As Norton deliberated over whether to nod and boldly declare “Sylvania is just the beginning” or to continue feigning innocence, Miss Triss leaned in and gently embraced him.

“Poor and dear little fool…” she murmured softly, leaving Norton at a loss. The faint fragrance she exuded made him feel somewhat dazed. After what seemed like ages, she released him, and while Norton displayed a slight blush of shyness, Miss Triss seemed completely composed.

“Alright, now that we’ve settled that, I have a better idea of how to guide you, future Count of Castine.” Miss Triss jokingly addressed Norton with formality.

“I’ll rely on you, then,” Norton replied, also using formal language, but his tone was sincerely earnest, prompting another merry laugh from Miss Triss.

After this conversation, with clarity on both sides, the formal lesson began.

Miss Triss had meticulously planned the curriculum. Norton realized that much of what he’d heard about elemental affinity, suitable schools, and future aspirations was essentially preliminary talk. The basics were still the focus—true advanced content would wait until he formally became a wizard in the years to come.