Races: Online

It was true that Han Jing left 'himself' on Soul Waves mode for quite some time, but it still stunned him until now on how he was now dealing with classes. He didn't pay much attention before, but he was actually listening and doing well.

As if he had been a different person for the last few days.

It started in the Magical Theory Introduction class of High Mage Ylena Pierce—somehow he finally remembered the old woman's name—wasn't a piece of cake, but he actually raised a hand and volunteered to answer and explain a theory.

"Uh, so I think it was called something like… the Threads of Magic? The shape of mana is formless and shapeless, just a possibility and a chance for creation. And that's where Mages come in. Those who fashion mana and form it akin to a Weaver to specific code, well, lines of magic interwoven with one another. So depending on your ability and prowess—you can actually reverse or unravel threads of magic."

Penelope Primrose sniffed in the front rows.

Perhaps it was because the Lady thought she could explain it more coherently. It was a welcome change? Now she didn't dislike Han because he was close with Timothy, but it was now because she sort of saw him as a 'rival' in class?

Now it made sense on why she was speaking to him, but still not liking him.

—-

After the class, the Basic Combat Spells came up and as much as he wished to say that Professor Carnus loved him as a Student.

Well, there was no magic miracle that occurred where that actually happened… but Han was begrudgingly allowed to stay.

"I hope your [ Mana Control ] is improving, Han," Howard said. "You will need to perform better during the finals. I may have been lenient before, but I expect some progress."

"A-Ah, yes, sir. I will." Han blinked as the Battle Mage passed him and patted his shoulder.

While all of them were being asked to expel their mana into an enshroud of aura, Han and others with lesser mana capacity were asked to not overexert themselves.

It was a task that required superb control and precision, maintaining something like it was rather unnatural for most of the young people who were used to forming mana when they needed to cast spells, and not for aura-purposes.

Howard Carnus clicked his tongue.

"If any of you wish to move on to the second year, then I suggest working on your magical auras." He tapped on his feet and eyed everyone. "It's not often we meet with aura-experts, but if you don't have the advantage of levels and experience, then the least you can do is throw them off by your mana."

"Professor Carnus, do you mean to say that with proper execution… magic can be used to fight against royal auras?" Penelope asked.

There was a wrinkle in her brow as Lady Primrose asked this question.

"Sometimes. There are a lot of factors that one needs to take into account, but having an outstanding aura of magic is also a good deterrent. Only the most arrogant of certain Nobility and even Royalty will think twice of offending a powerful Mage who can send a [ Lightning Storm ] at your castle."

It was something that caused some murmur and whispers in their crowd. While there were some Nobilities in the group of Students, most of them considered themselves Mages and Scholars more than simply their family background.

Battle Mage Carnus rolled his eyes and flicked out his wand. "At the levels you guys are now, that is nothing but wishful thinking. The lowest ranking student will once again go several laps with my  [ Elemental Orb ] if they're not up to my standard."

Penelope Primrose herself was just vaguely disappointed as she nodded along and then continued to pour out her mana and form a coherent flow of it around herself. When she got a little tired, the Lady promptly pulled out a glowing vial of green and took a sip.

Han had to admit that in situations like this one was where money became more important.

Sometimes it couldn't be helped that having more gold gave one a certain advantage in this practice. Heck, even an Adventurer with a metal plate of armor did a lot better than one sparsely dressed!

Not to mention, those with the gold also got to rule.

Han Jing thought about Sir Leon de Harrington's hair and stifled a snicker. Golden locks. Was one's hair color a sign of their heritage? He didn't think it worked that way when both Timothy and Princess Iolanathe both had dark raven locks.

A sudden zap of electricity promptly returned him back to the real world.

—-

Han promptly landed on his back and winced. Once again, Lu Rei waved around her long pole stick apologetically. "Ah, sorry about that… I really thought you would dodge."

"Yeah, I was just, ugh, lost in my thoughts." Han rubbed at the sore spot in stomach and thankfully did not meet his breakfast a second time.

"If you wish to lose in the Final Combat Matches, then be my sword's guest!" Uriel waved around his broadsword and shouted more teacherly 'encouragement' for all of them to get up and work their ass off.

While the Swordsman Uriel was pretty lenient during the earlier lessons and spent a majority of it napping, it was as if he was suddenly invigorated to have each of his Students go on physical combat matches.

"For those in mixed-curriculum, if you must use magic in the spars—then start doing it now. I want to see a hurricane today. Go on, Russel!" Professor Uriel barked, then turned to Calum. "Shoot your arrows and see if he can deflect them."

"I heard there was a little rivalry between Professor Uriel and Owen for some reason." Sir Leon de Harrington told Han when he reappeared beside him.

Han blinked at their appearance before narrowly avoiding Diov's metal fists. "What gives!"

"It's a little cramped." Diov answered.

Professor Uriel called out again. "Less chatter and more battering your spar partner down!"