Chapter 129

129.

‘Hero magic already?’

The students wore expressions of shock.

Looking at such students, Ren spoke.

“Is there a student who can explain hero magic?”

At his words, students raised their hands.

Ren pointed at Chloe, who had raised her hand first.

“Student Chloe.”

“Yes. Hero magic refers to the unique magic used by heroes. Normally, such unique magic cannot be learned by others. There are exceptions, like inheritance through family lineages or schools of magic, but learning it is equally difficult.”

Chloe’s explanation was spot on.

Unique magic is akin to a personal symbol for each wizard, hence its individuality was exceedingly powerful.

“However, one can inherit unique magic through the [Hero Skill] reward from the Hero Record. Hero magic is a reinterpreted version of such unique magic, made more universal.”

“Correct. I’ll award five points to Chloe for her explanation.”

“Thank you.”

“In simpler terms, hero magic is the unique magic used by heroes, transformed into a more accessible form. But just because it’s been reinterpreted doesn’t mean it’s easy to learn.”

Ren smirked.

Even though it has been adapted into a more universal form, it still represents the magic that once symbolized a hero.

Its power may not rival the original, yet it remains potent, and the difficulty of comprehending its spell structures is extremely high.

Moreover, if your magical aptitude doesn’t match, it’s impossible to activate the spell even if you fully understand it.

“Also, not everyone can learn it.”

The value of a magic book containing hero magic is astronomical.

Ordinary wizards go their entire lives without ever seeing a [Hero Magic Spellbook].

This was part of what made the Hero Academy, which teaches hero magic to everyone, so extraordinary.

The students from the Department of Magic were excited after Ren’s explanation.

Hero magic is studied theoretically at the end of the first semester for first-year students, and it’s seriously studied from the first semester of the second year.

They were learning it an entire semester earlier.

This showed how much hope the Department of Magic at Lumeran had for the current first-years.

Everyone wore proud expressions, among them, Leo spoke in awe.

“By the way, our upperclassmen in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years always lose to Seirun at the Ruse Tournament.”

The Ruse Tournament.

An annual inter-school competition between Lumeran and Seirun. It wasn’t just a school rivalry; it was an ethnic matter, drawing annual public attention.

Lumeran had been at a disadvantage against Seirun for the last few years, especially in the Department of Magic.

Hearing Leo’s words, Chelsea scowled.

“Yes, our fifth-years, led by Senior Toluah, performed brilliantly over the last five years, but now our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years are lagging far behind Seirun’s wizards.”

“Isn’t Senior Elena in the third year?”

‘She’s one of the top three wizards among the Lumeran Department of Magic students I’ve seen.’

The fact that the third years were getting beaten while someone like her was there was surprising indeed.

Kal crossed his fingers behind his head and said,

“Among the third-year seniors, Senior Elena is the only standout. In short, the lineup supporting Senior Elena is too weak.”

“And what about the second years?”

“The second-year seniors are good on average but lack standout students. It’s quite disappointing in various ways.”

As Kal licked his lips, Chelsea smiled confidently.

“But this year will be the last time the first-year Lumeran wizards lose to Seirun! We’re here!”

“Exactly! We intend to show Lumeran’s true potential!”

With Kal shouting enthusiastically, Chelsea gave him a pitiable glance.

“Kal, will you even survive until then in Lumeran?”

“Too harsh!”

Kal slumped his shoulders.

Interjecting into the conversation, Iliana mentioned,

“Still, the first-year lineup of Seirun isn’t simple either.”

Chelsea, folding her arms, pondered deeply.

“Hmm… Definitely.”

Other students from neighboring classes, hearing this conversation, questioned them.

“Hey, Class 5. Didn’t you attend a shared class with the top Seirun first-years during your field trip? How was it?”

At the query, Kal clicked his tongue.

“It was tough. Especially Lunia El Rundah. She was a prodigy.”

“Prodigy?”

“Huge mana reserves and the power of her spells was no joke. Her understanding of magic was also exceptional.”

“The Rundah family is famous for its summoning techniques, right?”

“I’ve heard their magic is strong, but aren’t their summoning skills superior?”

Curious first-years saw Iliana shake her head.

“Her magic is overwhelming too. She’s probably on par with Abad or Chloe, at the very least.”

Upon hearing Iliana’s statement, the faces of the magic students turned serious.

“In that case, Chloe would have a disadvantage against her in terms of elements, wouldn’t she?”

Fire and ice.

Indeed, the elemental advantage would make things difficult for Chloe.

“Then should Lunia El Rundah be entrusted to Abad?”

The sudden mention of the Ruse Tournament caused the topic among the first-years to shift for a moment.

“Let’s set the Ruse Tournament aside for now and focus on the class.”

“Understood!”

The students replied in unison.

“By the way, the reason you’re learning hero magic from the first year is also due to the influence of your seniors.”

“Senior?”

“Yes. Toluah spoke highly of all of you.”

‘Present first-years will likely surpass our generation. Everyone here is incredibly talented. As such, even introducing hero magic early, they’ll keep up with the curriculum.’

Even with his eccentricity, Toluah’s words, known as the genius of magical theory, held substantial weight among professors.

The first-years wore expressions of touched gratitude upon hearing Ren’s words.

“Senior Toluah…”

“She isn’t just a senior with nasty intentions!”

“We respect you, Senior!”

“Toluah! Toluah!”

First-years who were troubled by Toluah during the preparation for the departmental competition cheered her name.

Toluah, though harsh while upfront, was the type who cared deeply for her juniors behind the scenes.

“Therefore, starting from today, you will be learning hero magic.”

“Wow!”

“We’ll work hard!”

Ren nodded at the enthusiastic students.

“Okay, then, let’s check your magical duel abilities as a preface to class.”

This was the reason Ren chose to hold class in the practical training ground from day one.

It’s impossible to learn numerous spells of hero magic as if it were a general type of magic.

It’s not just about how difficult it is to learn.

“On average, a single wizard can master three hero magic spells.”

This was the average in Lumeran.

For ordinary wizards, even mastering one was overwhelming.

The ability to use hero magic is determined by innate talent.

Hero magic passed down through bloodline or a magic school can be learned more effectively because of their similar properties.

However, trying to learn multiple hero magics with vastly different properties causes the body to reject them.

The most skilled wizard Ren knows who can wield the most hero magic spells is none other than Elena Zeruon.

“She can wield a total of twelve hero magic spells.”

This was undeniably a realm only accessible with extraordinary talent.

Therefore, it’s not enough to learn just any kind that suits you.

“First, you need to thoroughly understand your own strengths and weaknesses.”

Mastering a single hero magic spell can compensate for critical weaknesses that could be considered lethal.

That’s how important hero magic was.

The mention of a magical duel excited the students.

“We need to show off our fruits of hard work during the break!”

“Hehe. Behold my new self!”

The students exuded self-confidence.

Amid them, Ren asked,

“Who do you think should go first?”

“I’ll go!”

“I’ll do it, Professor!”

The students eagerly raised their hands.

Ren chose Iliana, the most enthusiastic girl, who was waving her hand energetically.

“Iliana, step forward.”

“Alright!”

As Iliana stepped forward, jeers erupted.

“Boo~ The traitor who practiced with the Department of Knights during the departmental competition!”

“Bat-girl!”

These were all teasing jeers.

Iliana was friendly and had many friends in the Department of Magic.

“Ohohoho! I can’t hear you! And no matter what you say, I’ve got my classmates supporting me!”

“Who are they?”

“Stop pretending to know me.”

Needless to say, the reaction from Class 5 was icy cold.

“Class president! They’re teasing me again!”

“Yep, yep.”

Leo consoled Iliana, who complained with a sorrowful face.

“Professor Ren is waiting, so go ahead.”

“Yes.”

Encouraged, Iliana stepped onto the duel arena.

“So, who should I face for the magical duel?”

“It’s me.”

“Huh!”

Iliana turned her head toward the voice coming from the entrance of the practice ground and was surprised.

Other students also wore shocked expressions as Professor Alby appeared.

“I’ve brought in the best guest lecturer.”

Ren smiled as he said.

Standing in the middle of the duel arena, Alby addressed Iliana, who was stiff with tension.

“Don’t be so tense. Do you really think I would put my all into fighting first-year students like you?”

“Ahaha! Ha, ha, right!”

Iliana nervously laughed and scratched her head.

Watching her, Alby said,

“Try your best.”

“Understood!”

Iliana, replying with energy, lowered her stance.

Seeing this, the first-years wore expressions of tension.

The most skilled wizard in magical duels among the Lumeran Department of Magic professors was Alby.

There was none among the students who wanted to miss seeing him in action.

Iliana, unlike her usual self, was exceptionally cautious…

“First strike to victory! Shining Blade!”

Flash! Flash! Flash!

A blade of light was created in the air.

The magic students wore expressions of ‘so that’s how it is.’

Given Iliana’s always aggressive nature, it was unlikely for her to approach a duel cautiously.

Blades of light were hurled toward Alby.

At the sight, Alby calmly incanted his spell.

Flash!

A bright light spread around Alby, nullifying Iliana’s magic.

Shards of light scattered in all directions.

“Yahh!”

But Iliana continued without stopping, pouring more spells.

Watching her, Chelsea shook her head.

“She hasn’t changed from last semester.”

Even though her potential as a magic swordsman had grown significantly, as a pure wizard, Iliana’s overly aggressive tendencies kept her from demonstrating advanced dueling skills.

This was true for her as a knight as well.

Everyone anticipated how Iliana would lose.

The pattern was simple: she’d exhaust herself by pouring out relentless attacks.

That’s why, when dueling Iliana, magic students generally adopted a defensive strategy.

However, Leo watched Iliana and his eyes sparkled.

“Seems more complicated than that.”

“What?”

“Look around.”

Broken magic fragments were scattered everywhere.

Originally, they should’ve dissipated in the form of mana, but the magic formulae remained even in their destroyed state.

Impressed, Alby murmured,

“Hmm?”

Smirking, Iliana released her mana.

“Shining Rain!”

Flash! Flash! Flash!

The scattered light shards surrounding her all converged and attacked Alby simultaneously.

Witnessing this combination, Ren let out an impressed exclamation.

‘Until last semester, her overly aggressive tendencies in magical duels were considered as points for deduction, but she’s now compensated for that flaw with even stronger attacks.’

Frankly, it was astonishing.

Iliana, who would lose often due to excessive aggression, was no longer an opponent one could easily counter using a defensive strategy, even if they were at her level or even higher.

‘Impressive. Nevertheless, her aggressive tendencies still merit a deduction.’

Just as Ren was evaluating Iliana,

“Excellent.”

Albi’s bland compliment coincided with his glowing Mage Eye.

Flash!

A bright light obscured his figure.

Together, it blocked Iliana’s magic.

“Ugh!”

As her ultimate move was blocked, Iliana prepared to defend against Alby’s counterattack.

As the light faded, a young girl stood before Alby.

Iliana wore a bemused expression.

“Uh… me?”

The magic students were confused.

Only Leo accurately grasped the situation.

‘Surprising that he could use that spell even in human form.’

Leo knew the identity of the magic Alby had cast.

‘Mirror Force.’

It was none other than the magic of the Fairy King.