Chapter 22: Lesson (3)
Even if Luna and Kara's competition is arranged, the lessons continue.
The first lesson was Marlboro's basic combat theory, and the second lesson was Godin's magic theory class.
Magic theory classes were theoretical, so there were no practical lessons. I knew that it was going to happen separately in the afternoon.
"Remember this about magic. The beginning is letters' and the end is speech'. The wand is just a tool to concentrate magic power, our language itself is the essence of magic."
Godin explained it in a way that even someone like me, a layman in magic, could understand easily.
Actual magic didn't stray from the framework he explained. It's not complicated like the magic in other media.
If you write the correct letters and pronounce them correctly, you can use them easily.
"To put it simply, letters are like firewood and speech is like a flint. If either one is lacking, it's difficult to conjure magic."
"Professor, although there is a common language, each country has different languages. Does that not matter?"
A student raised his hand and asked a question. It was a pretty sharp question.
In this world, there is a common language but each country has different languages.
The United Academy is the root, simply using a common language for convenience.
"That's a really good question. In conclusion, it doesn't matter. The roots are the same, even if the letters and languages used are different. Though form and power differ, the essence is the same. No matter what language you call fire in, it's still fire, right?"
"I see. Then, does that mean illiterate people cannot use magic?"
That individual hesitated and Godin shut his mouth, making a peculiar noise. At the same time, he glanced slightly over at me.
I don't know the alphabet and can't speak, so I'm a great example in several ways.
What does that mean, huh?'
In this world, the treatment of illiteracy is not very good. The reason that magic and language are related is thanks to the convenience of the gods.
To be able to respond more easily to demons, they grafted language' which is the alpha and omega of civilization into magic.
Therefore, if you're illiterate, you're taking great pains to fix it any way you can. The treatment of mutes, especially, is not good.
If it's bad enough, they will openly say to stay away from the character who was cursed to silence by the gods.
When the clergy punishes, there are cases where they force silence'.
I suppose that would be why I lost language.'
I could've cursed the gods too much, but I'm not sure.
Living with my nerves on edge every day, I followed instinct.
"It's okay if there's a problem with one of the two. There is a way to compensate."
Meanwhile, Godin, who had only been glancing around, coughed lightly and quietly explained.
According to him, technological advancement has made it possible to use magic as long as you can speak, even if you're illiterate.
"But if there's a problem with both, it's essentially impossible. Especially if you can write but can't speak, the problem becomes serious."
The problem is that no matter what if you can't speak, nothing can be done.
That's why I'm making an effort to acquire language in any way possible.
I need to obtain the defensive magic that Godin would invent in the future, and if I'm illiterate, there is no answer.
"Thus, human language has unlimited potential. It's occupied a large framework from the beginning of civilization up to now."
Godin quickly changed the topic since it could be sensitive.
The magic in this world, as I've said before, is unique. Magic is manifested through a combination of letters and speech.
But it can't be used recklessly. Other than the most basic things, the magician has to create.
I had the fun of figuring things out one by one.'
For instance, let's suppose we express fire through magic.
Fire itself can be expressed as the most basic magic.
Specific combinations are needed to change its form or attack opponents.
What was the combination of Hellfire again? I can't remember.'
To put it more simply, it's something like AI painting, which was popular.
You name it as you add one adjective after another to get satisfactory results.
You have to strive to learn those adjectives, and later, magic is manifested even by writing the language alone.
There are various languages in the world, and the usage differs from person to person, so its infinitely complex.
Magicians needed a microphone.'
There was a voice recognition feature, so many users used microphones.
Instead, if you get flustered and stutter or make the slightest mistake, the game ends right there.
Even so, if there is no microphone, the speed of casting slows down significantly, and it is known to have been used semi-compulsively.
"Professor. Then, isn't it inefficient to use the language of other countries?"
"Of course. I'll tell you one thing since we're on the subject. You all have one misunderstanding. It's the illusion that you can freely use your native language. Is anyone from the West here?"
About half of the people raised their hands in response to Godin's question. Luna next to him did the same.
Kara just watched and kept quiet. Tartars are new countries and it's not clear whether they are western or eastern.
"I have a question for those of you who raised your hands. Can you tell me a word that means the same or similar to look'?"
"Stare at?"
"Yes, like that. Next?"
At first, they hesitated, but they all opened their mouths one by one. Luna came up with the word birdwatch'.
Thus, words with the same or similar meaning to look' poured out one after another, and Godin wrote them all on the blackboard.
Even the nobility occasionally mixed in, so more words appeared than expected.
"Is that it?"
" "
"It seems like it's over. I'm really satisfied. As you can see, there are so many words with the same or similar meaning. But is this the end?"
Godin threw a question and then wrote words on the blackboard.
Despite the students speaking various languages, he wrote down without any hesitation.
Watch. Look over. Aim at. Glare at. Oversee. Look down, and so on.
Even the Easterners have it interpreted one by one into a common language for easy understanding. It's amazing to remember all of that.
"How is it? There are so many, right? That's the language you don't even know all of your native language."
"Oh"
"The important thing here is that despite each different meaning, they don't escape from the framework of looking'. Magic is the same way. It revolves around the essence, and there, flesh and bone are attached. This is the beginning and end of magic."
This explanation is very important for the magic of this world. Regardless of any magic, it doesn't escape from that framework.
Many magicians often fail when using large-scale magic.
In most of these cases, they have deviated from that framework. It's a case of the tail wagging the dog.
"Gradually the class is coming to an end. I'll just finish for today. Is there anyone who has a question?"
Smirk-
As soon as it was question time, Luna raised her hand.
As soon as Luna raised her hand, Godin extended his hand with a vibrant expression.
"Luna, what's your question?"
"It sounds like anyone can use magic, Professor."
"Of course. Anyone can use magic."
"So, is it a good idea for a warrior to learn some simple magic?"
"Um"
Godin seemed to think about Luna's question. It's a difficult part to answer.
This was a matter that had been hotly debated among users.
Whether it is necessary to learn magic even if you are not a wizard, or whether one should single-mindedly dig a single well.
There was no clear conclusion and the consensus was that it depended on one's preference.
While it's true that specialization brings success, it's only applicable when delving deep.
In Soul World, the game is cleared no matter how you play.
Mastering skills is important, but using them appropriately is even more crucial.
"I cannot provide an absolute answer to that. However, I'd suggest that everyone should have at least basic knowledge," Godin said.
"Thank you."
"Alright. Anyone else?"
Shush-
This time, Kara, sitting next to Luna, raised her hand.
Godin's face showed a strange expression at Kara's action, but he promptly pointed at her and spoke.
"You, the student next to Luna. What would you like to ask?"
"I want to ask if one can defy the laws set by heaven with magic."
"Heaven?"
Godin stirred dreadfully at the word Kara had just mentioned. Simultaneously, the atmosphere in the classroom sank in an instant.
It couldn't be helped, for the topic she brought up could be sensitive.
"What did that woman just say? Rebel against heaven?"
"Aren't the Tatars supposed to believe in Lord Gulak?"
"What was she thinking asking that question?"
As expected, the students began to whisper. The classroom was filled with unrest.
Rebelling against heaven, in other words, reversing heaven' holds various meanings.
In familial terms, it is a parricide where a child taunts a parent. In the grand scheme of a nation, it could constitute rebellion.
In nature, it may symbolize defying gravity or, going further, reviving the dead.
This phrase is used in many ways, but ultimately it implies defying God, making it a somewhat dangerous statement.
"Hmm. Hmm."
To remedy the situation, Godin hurriedly cleared his throat.
With a hint of a smile on his face, he answered.
"I am not sure what you intended by asking that question, but its impossible with a humans magic. Theres only one, the demon' who lost its color by rebelling against heaven."
"A demon?"
"Yes. As demons have lost their color, they are deviant beings just by existing. Hence, they can easily ignore the laws set by heaven.
"Mmm"
Kara put on a frustrated expression, apparently displeased with the answer.
However, Godin continued with a renewed smile.
"Of course, this is only true when limited to magic. Rarely, amongst humans like us, there are those who break the laws set by heaven."
"Who are they?"
"Rod Sherman, our Principal. You all know who he is, right?"
A name all too familiar was mentioned by Godin.
At the mention of the Principal's name, Kara blinked.
The frustration on her face disappeared without a trace.
"The Principal's swordsmanship is so refined that it's said to even split space. And it is indeed true.
It was during the climb of the monument.
I had reached the top, but from above, Rod's hand shot out and pulled me up.
When I came to my senses, I was down at the monument. The sword had connected space and space.
"Such beings are not like demons, challenging heaven with their existence. They rather understand the laws that heaven has made, and control that knowledge with their own will."
"The Principal can explain this, right?"
Kara asked in a slightly excited voice. Luna looked at her with a peculiar expression.
However, against Kara's expectations, Godin shook his head and replied in a negative tone.
"No, when I asked, he said he didn't know. He said that it was just a feeling."
"Tsk"
Kara seemed dissatisfied as she smacked her lips.
Being a warrior herself, she would have understood how complex and subtle this feeling' was.
"One thing to remember is that even the Principal hasn't rebelled against the heaven. He has just realized its essence. Please refrain from going against heaven as much as possible."
Godin said and moved on to the next question. There were several questions, but none significant.
During this time, Kara was seen pondering with her chin folded. I had a rough idea of what she was thinking.
She's probably thinking about her father.'
Her biological father was scheduled to watch the upcoming rite.
If I remember correctly, the relationship between the father and daughter was complex and entwined.
A relationship with a father who can't express his love and a child who accepts it as it is.
"You said that you have to state the name to activate the magic. Doesn't that allow the opponent to prepare in advance?"
"According to those who have experienced real battles, it's not very significant. Even if you know the name, you won't know what spell is going to hit you. And most wizards are providing support from the rear, which also has the effect of diverting their attention."
Further, there is also a fake effect. It's about deliberately shouting the name of the magic and not doing anything.
To begin with, there are hardly any wizards who step up to the frontline. When a wizard steps up to the frontline, it's usually a suicide attack.
"That's all for today's class. Have a pleasant lunch everyone."
Godin bowed respectfully as he finished the lecture.
The students responded to his lecture with thunderous applause.
Kara, who had been lost in thought, looked startled when the sudden applause started.
She clapped mechanically, but her face was still blank. In some ways, that kind of side of her was quite cute.
"Where are we going to have lunch?"
As Godin left the room, Elvin asked us from the seat behind. It's now lunchtime.
Luna looked at me at his question and then looked back at Elvin.
"We'll have it at the buffet restaurant. The Principal said that Sivar quite eats a lot."
"The buffet restaurant"
Elvin looked at me with a peculiar expression. That's where I first met him.
It was just a week ago, who would have imagined this turn of events? It's a peculiar fate if you can call it that.
"Going there is suitable. They'll treat you as a student during your adjustment period. But, did the Principal teach you about eating etiquette?"
"I suppose he did, didnt he?"
Indeed, he did teach me.
He advised against picking up food dropped on the ground or eating with hands.
Ah. He also cautioned to eat slowly or I might choke.
Given that he is a primitive, his dining etiquette leaves a lot to be desired.
Anyway, I will only eat at the buffet.'
The buffet is the only option to cover my enormous appetite.
When I hunt a bear, I devour it all in a single meal. Barely anything is left for storage.
"We are going to eat, aren't we?"
"Yes."
"Can I go with you?"
"Thats okay."
So, Kara ended up joining us for the meal. It seems like she will continue to accompany Luna and me in the future.
"What will Elvin do?"
"Sorry. I have other things to do. I have to discuss something with the professor."
That doesn't seem to be the case. It's just uncomfortable for him to be around Kara and me.
He tries his utmost to manage his facial expressions, but seeing him grunting with uneasement around Kara and me, makes it somewhat certain.
Though people don't change easily, it seems that he has not completely changed his heart with the last tournament.
It will get better gradually.'
Thus, when Elvin left, only the three of us remained alone.
Entrance examination top performer, a savage, and a wild man. It's a disastrous combination in many ways.
Though I am not sure why, this combination seems likely to continue in the future.
"Kara, you usually eat at the buffet there, correct?"
"Usually, yes."
"Does the taste suit you? I dont know much about the food culture of the Tatars."
"You can consider it similar to the Easterners."
Tatars is a desert country, precisely closer to ancient Egypt.
Therefore, I know they prefer savory over oily food.
But, they also like sweet food.'
My vague memories say so. They were very happy when I gave them something like candy.
While I was thinking about this, Kara looked at me. Her eyes, shining green, met mine directly.
After staring at me for a while, she turned her gaze and asked Luna.
"Do you know what he likes to eat? Does he eat anything?"
"The Principal said he eats everything without being picky."
"Then will he get angry if I snatch something from him in the middle of a meal?"
" ."
At Kara's absurd question, Luna stared at her with an iced gaze.
Perhaps she felt offended thinking that Kara was messing with my nature. But the childishness of the question remains consistent.
"Um, can you just pretend you didnt hear that? It's embarrassing."
Kara, sensing her folly, scratched her head with an awkward expression. She looked cute being self-aware.
Luna sighed, a mix of emotions, and quietly opened her mouth with a sense of resignation.
"Go ahead and try. I'm also curious about what will happen. Just for your information, there is a saying that you should not bother a dog while it's eating."
"Since a dog is a mutt, it wouldnt be bothered."
"Then you should be even more careful. Sivar is a real kosby."
"That sounds a bit scary."
Look at that. Even then, what are you seeing me as?
Although I would use a fork rather than biting with my mouth'
I feel a bit disappointed.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter