Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 17 (Part 1)

Although the major was decided, the interview continued.

How was your time at the training institute for the past six months? How are your relationships with your peers? Have you ever fought? Have you ever been bullied? Which classes did you like?

Rodin received several questions. He gave what he thought were the most appropriate answers at the moment.

“Here, take this. It’s your class schedule for the future.”

“Uh… does it repeat every ten days?”

The schedule only listed classes for ten days, most of which were repeated classes.

“That’s right. As you can see, math class is for four days. The Rune class is also for four days. There are one-day classes for magic meditation and magic practice. These classes repeat every ten days. Magic major classes are held in the morning, so don’t be late.”

“I won’t be late.”

“You will attend magic practice classes at the same time as the senior students. Don’t be surprised if you see unfamiliar faces.”

“Yes, understood.”

Instructor Serion waved his hand, signaling him to step aside.

When Rodin moved to the side, Cory sat down in front of Instructor Serion, his posture stiff with tension.

“Number 107. Relax a bit, will you?”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Let’s just say you’re not. Your talent for Spirit Arts is 42 points, and for magic, it’s 17 points. Naturally, you will major in Spirit Arts. Any objections?”

“No, I want to become the greatest spirit mage on the continent.”

“Nobody’s asking for that. Just work hard.”

Cory had already anticipated majoring in Spirit Arts. Just like Rodin, the difference in talent was so significant that there was no need to reconsider.

The interview continued afterward.

Cory was asked similar questions to Rodin, and he stammered through his thoughts. His answers were generally unremarkable.

After the interview, Cory received his schedule.

Rodin glanced at Cory’s schedule from the side.

‘Huh? It’s empty.’

Cory’s schedule also repeated every ten days. However, nine days were completely blank, with only one day marked as “magic practice.”

“Uh, Instructor. I don’t quite understand. Do I also take magic classes?”

“The one marked as magic practice? It’s not for you to learn magic, but to observe it.”

“To observe?”

“The combat methods of spirits have quite a bit in common with magic. Watching how magic majors use magic in different situations will be helpful for you. It’s more of an observation session than a participation class.”

Only then did Cory relax. He had been anxious about having to take difficult magic classes, but he felt relieved.

“Then what about the empty days?”

“Since you haven’t contracted a spirit yet, your classes will be decided based on the type of spirit you contract.”

“Aha! Understood.”

Serion clicked his tongue softly as he looked at the relieved Number 107.

Number 107 had no idea how spirit mages were taught. If he knew, he wouldn’t be so happy.

“Do you like studying?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then shall we add some math classes?”

“I don’t like studying.”

As soon as math was mentioned, Cory’s response changed.

Cory hated math. A few months ago, he had taken math classes, and they had given him a headache and dizziness throughout.

It was fortunate there were no exams for math, or he would have definitely failed.

“Heh!”

“Rejoice. Spirit mages don’t need to use their brains. Your peers who want to become knights have to memorize sword movements, but you don’t need to memorize anything. How does that sound? Isn’t it great?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I hope you can stay that happy.”

The words were ominous. Somehow, Cory’s future seemed quite challenging.

“Today, you will complete your spirit contracts. Follow me.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

Rodin and Cory followed Instructor Serion. Strangely, no other assistants joined them.

‘Is the spirit contract a secret from the assistants?’

Up until now, the instructors always had assistants with them wherever they went. They used the assistants for physical tasks and calling people. Even when there was nothing to be done, at least one assistant always followed.

But this time, Serion was alone. Even the assistants who were watching from a distance didn’t come near.

“The environment for spirit contracts varies depending on the attribute. Trying the contract in an environment suited to the attribute naturally increases the success rate.”

“Is the place we’re going to an environment suited to the attribute?”

“Yes. We’ll try with the fire spirit first.”

The direction they were heading in became more and more remote. No matter how much they turned their heads, not a single assistant was in sight.

It took almost thirty minutes to reach their destination. They didn’t even know such a place existed.

“Huh?”

“Hmm?”

After heading deep into a remote area, they saw an open space where flames were blazing. As they got closer, they saw that flames were soaring up like a furnace on all sides, and in the center, there was a flat stone platform.

‘Who’s that?’

They could briefly see the silhouette of a person beyond the blazing flames. The figure wasn’t very tall, just a little taller than Cory.

“Number 44! Is Number 44 here?”

“Yes! I’m here.”

Someone who had been on the opposite side of the flames came running over. It was a second-year trainee dressed in navy blue. His chest bore the number 2-44.

“What were you doing?”

“Just standing by. But this place…”

“These are those with a talent for Spirit Arts of 10 or more. Introduce yourselves. This is Number 44, a second-year Spirit Arts major. These two are Number 107 and 108 from the third-year.”

“Oh, there are two this time. Nice to meet you. I’m Number 44, a second-year Spirit Arts major. We can share names later.”

Number 44, the second-year senior, had a small build. He was almost as short as Cory.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Number 107 from the third-year.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Number 108.”

“Is it a characteristic of spirit mages? Why are we all so small?”

It wasn’t a question expecting an answer. Instructor Serion just laughed lightly.

“Uh… Senior Number 44.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Where is the spirit…?”

Cory looked around, then stared at Number 44. He seemed eager to see the spirit.

Unlike Cory, Rodin sensed the presence of a spirit. On Senior Number 44’s left shoulder, he felt something emitting heat.

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