Chapter- 9

  The hum of quiet conversations filled the lecture hall as students whispered among themselves, some still practicing their sigils, others discussing the results. But the moment Instructor Bernard—Aldric, as he had introduced himself—raised his hand again, the noise died down.

  “Now that you’ve had your first taste of structured magic, it’s time to understand the broader foundation upon which all magic is built.” His voice carried easily across the hall, steady and authoritative. “What you just performed was a simple Tier-1 sigil—structured magic at its most basic. However, the world of magic is far vaster than simple lights and sparks.”

  He turned back to the massive chalkboard and, with a flick of his mana, began drawing several interconnected circles, lines, and symbols. Even before he spoke, Ren recognized the familiar structure of an advanced sigil—complex, layered, nothing like the basic form they had just attempted.

  “To truly grasp the significance of structured magic, you must understand the tiers in which it is classified.” Aldric tapped the board. “Magic is divided into ten primary tiers, each representing an increase in complexity, power, and mastery required. A Tier-1 sigil, such as the light spell you just performed, is rudimentary—barely a fraction of what true magic entails.”

  The sigil on the board shifted as he drew another, more intricate one beside it. “Tier-2 and Tier-3 sigils form the basis of practical magic—combat spells, elemental manipulation, and basic reinforcement techniques. Most soldiers and low-ranked adventurers operate at this level.”

  A student in the middle row hesitantly raised a hand. “Sir, what about Tier-4 and beyond?”

  Aldric’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze sharpened. “Tiers 4 through 6 mark the true distinction between a mere magic user and a sorcerer of value. These sigils require not only knowledge and precision but also significant mana reserves. A Tier-5 caster is considered powerful. A Tier-6 caster is a force to be reckoned with.”

  Leo leaned slightly toward Ren, muttering under his breath, “Sounds like this is where the nobles start separating themselves from the rest of us.”

  Aldric ignored the comment and continued, drawing another sigil—one so complex that even Ren had difficulty following all of its intricacies. “Tiers 7 through 9 are where structured magic approaches the limits of human capability. At this level, sigils require absolute mastery, flawless execution, and enormous mana pools. Few mages ever reach this point.”

  A heavy silence settled over the hall. Most of the students were barely capable of forming a flickering Tier-1 light spell. The idea of reaching Tier-7 or beyond seemed almost impossible.

  “And Tier-10?” someone finally asked.

  Aldric’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Tier-10 sigils are not meant to be discussed casually.”

  That sent a ripple of unease through the room.

  Leo, of course, whispered, “That just makes me want to know more.”

  Ren didn’t respond. He was still staring at the sigil on the board, mind racing.

  Aldric erased the glowing symbols with a flick of his fingers before turning back to face them. “Now, aside from structured sigils, magic is categorized into different schools. These schools define the way magic is understood and applied. The main divisions are as follows.”

  Aldric erased the sigils from the board with a flick of his hand, then wrote several glowing words in neat, precise strokes.

  “These,” he said, “are the four most commonly practiced schools of magic. They are not the only ones—every school has its place—but these form the backbone of magical society. Most mages dedicate themselves to one of these paths.”

  He tapped the first word.

  “The manipulation of natural elements—fire, water, earth, air, lightning, and beyond. It is the most instinctive form of magic, often developing naturally in those with strong mana affinity.” His gaze flickered over the students. “However, instinct alone is not enough. True mastery requires control. Without it, an elemental mage is just as likely to destroy themselves as their enemies.”

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  Ren had read about that before. Elemental magic was famous, but it was also one of the riskiest schools. A single lapse in concentration could mean death.

  “The strengthening of the body through magic,” Aldric continued. “While most mages focus on external forces, those who follow this path turn their magic inward—enhancing speed, strength, endurance, and reflexes. Warriors, knights, and battle mages rely on it to push beyond human limits.”

  A few students straightened at that particularly some of the more brawny kids

  “This,” Aldric said, “is the school of craftsmanship and precision.”

  He traced a new sigil into the air, letting the lines glow softly. “Unlike Elemental or Body Enhancement magic, Runic Magic is structured. It is the art of designing, refining, and constructing magical runes and inscribing them into objects.

  igning, refining, and constructing spells through detailed sigils and formations. Every ward, enchantment, and magical device is the result of Runic mastery.”

  Ren’s interest sharpened. This was the foundation of magical engineering, of lasting spells and enchanted artifacts. While Elemental Magic wielded destruction and Body Enhancement improved the self, Runic Magic built.

  “But understand this,” Aldric warned. “Runic Magic does not reward power. It rewards knowledge and precision. A single misplaced line can render a spell useless—or unstable.”

  Finally, Aldric tapped the last word.

  “The rarest and least understood of the four,” he said. “Empyrean Magic is the manipulation of mana itself. Teleportation, spatial distortion, pure energy projection—all fall under its domain. Few mages pursue this path, and fewer still master it.”

  A pause. Then, with a flick of his hand, Aldric wrote another set of terms

  “These,” he said, “are not as widely practiced, but each holds significant influence.”

  “Summoning Magic allows the caster to call forth creatures, spirits, or magical constructs to fight, serve, or assist. The strength of a summon depends on contracts, mana, and the caster’s skill.”

  “Blood Magic”—his voice hardened—“fuels spells with life force, either from the caster or others. It is not forbidden, but it is closely monitored due to its risks and… moral implications but you must remember blood magic specialists often use their talents for healing and not that.”

  A few students shifted uncomfortably.

  “Force Magic manipulates kinetic energy, gravity, and raw physical power. It does not rely on elements, making it highly adaptable.”

  “Necromancy”—the word alone made a few students tense—“is the control of death and undeath. While often considered a branch of summoning, it has its own principles. Unregulated necromantic practices are strictly outlawed.”

  Finally…

  “Illusions.” Aldric’s expression remained neutral. “A school of deception. Illusions manipulate perception, sight, and sound. A master illusionist can make the impossible seem real—but illusions do not grant true power, only the appearance of it.”

  He folded his arms. “Alchemy governs potion-making, transmutation, and the refinement of magical materials. While not a spellcasting art, it is the backbone of magical society. Underestimate it, and you will find yourself without healing, reinforcements, or resources when you need them most.”

  “Now,” he said, “let us discuss how you will be measured within this Academy.”

  “There are four primary divisions,” Aldric explained. “Students in the Elite Rank are the best of their year, given access to the best resources, private tutors, and the highest level of instruction. High Rank students are competent and skilled, while Standard Rank consists of the majority. Those who fall into Low Rank… struggle.” His voice turned sharp. “And those who continue to struggle will eventually be dismissed.”

  That caused a visible ripple of tension through the room.

  Aldric’s expression didn’t soften. “Make no mistake—this Academy does not tolerate mediocrity.”

  Leo muttered something that sounded suspiciously like an insult.

  Aldric ignored it. “With that, today’s lecture is concluded. Tomorrow, you will begin practical training in your respective disciplines. Dismissed.”

  As students began gathering their things, Leo let out a breath. “Well, that was… intense.”

  Ren was still thinking, his mind cycling through everything they had just learned. The ranking system, the schools of magic, the structure of power within the Academy.

  He was finally starting to understand the true depths of magic.