Dressed and ready to go to his first day at a formal school, he looked back at the letter of acceptance.

However, since Lisanna and Mathias had long since separated (with her leaving when he took off his pants), he struggled to find the classroom for a long while.

Conveniently, just outside of the dorms, there was a small dirt path with sparse cover by a loose treeline, labelled with a pointed sign to Academy. Of course, it was hard to miss the six towering spires in the distance, but it was certainly helpful. It didn't have strange symbols; rather, it involved plain text. Which was nice.

He had nothing better to do so he left early, taking only several notebooks, writing utensils, and his sole book in the large travel sack. He kept the silver-and-black hood over his face as he tried to dodge the worsening sunlight, but it was a losing battle.

That is until he saw the Academy itself. Previously, he could only see the stone spires - and he was even tested at another facility even if he did a sleepy walkthrough one time - so this was the first time he got a good look at it. Save for the spaced glass windows, the entire structure seemed to be made from a slate-grey stone, with all the ledge hanging below the windows decorated in silver and black paint, with there being four stories at its highest, excluding the spires.

Of course, it, too, was separated into different wings, but the receptionist, a different girl from Elise, mentioned that the years were separated as well.

"First-years! Keep left, and go meet up in the center auditorium and you'll be divvied up into classes!" A voice shouted as Mathias blended into the pack of students making their way down the path.

So he joined the path diverging from the center road to the left, following the beckoning call of a helpful student. He kept between two small crowds of students chatting and pondering about how the splits would be made. It was not because he was unsociable, but it was much too early to strike up a conversation with someone whom he did not know if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

Yawning from underneath his hood, he lazily stretched out. A voice said, "wh-what do you think he's doing...?"

"I-I don't know, but...!"

He blinked. They sounded feminine, but he did not think girls were that easily scared. In fact, he flipped the hood of the cloak off immediately as soon as he entered into more reasonable lighting conditions. That is so to say, that which he could block from hitting his face.

"... W-what i-is he d-doing now...?!"

Mathias sighed. He was not particularly large or overbearing. In fact, his face was somewhat feminine if one discounted his slightly square-jaw and more pronounced cheekbones. He even had dimples! He did not know if he could meet his mothers' expectations and make friends properly.

Sighing, he followed the other group that walked into the auditorium, looking around for a seat that wasn't crowded with noisy students and something that didn't strain his neck. He, naturally, picked the back-row. Or, since he was somewhat delayed feeling dejected, he picked the second-last row.

"Uhhh..."

They walked past him and turned to move to the other side of the aisle with more people.

"Yo," a voice said behind him. "Mathias, right? Man, you've just got to fix up our room!"

Thomas said with a wide grin.

Jebb nodded, adding, "I have the good side, but even then... ah, it's terrible. I can tutor you if you like in return?"

"Huh? Oh. Hi," he said curtly, failing to suppress the yawn. "Uhm... sure? If I need it, maybe?"

"Perfect!" Thomas said with a toothy smile. "I had to get outside three times last night because of the smell! I was talking to the girls across from you this morning and they said they're fine with you two yelling if you can just deal with it."

Mathias lowered his head tiredly. "It's because she stole my bed... I didn't want to deal with it either, but she even slept on my fur..."

"Man, that's an honour!" Thomas said after a brief look around. He confirmed she wasn't present. "She's hot, isn't she? I mean, she's probably a terrible person if the rumours are true, but she's hot! Right, Jebb?"

"... Uh, uhm, not my type..." Jebb said, looking away with a slight blush.

"Nah, even you appreciate it, if nothing else. More importantly-"

"Welcome one-and-all! I am the Headmaster of this Majin Academy, Justatin Rudolf, also known as the Archmage that presides over the city!" An energetic middle-aged man shouted cheerfully, intentionally stroking his beard thoughtfully. "The orientation yesterday should have help you get accustomed to our ways, so I won't go into detail about this. I do have this to say, however: welcome to Majin Academy! If you, like me, are not one to stand on ceremony, then we'll get along well!"

With a bright smile, the man raised his fist, whispering an incantation, and shouted, "Scatter!"

Dozens of balls of light chaotically raged around the auditorium's ceiling, only occasionally dropping within reach of a person, before darting back up. Some even seemed especially violent, bopping on the heads of entire rows of students - just to prove that they could.

"These orbs represent four different classes: Lamia, Scylla, Satyr, and Centaur. I know what you're thinking: why terrible creatures? Well, isn't it much better than numbers One through Four? A to D? The colour of the orbs will be as follows: green for Lamia, blue for Scylla, red for Satyr, and yellow for Centaur. And they'll direct you to your classes so please follow the orb once you do get one!"

Mathias watched the dazzling balls of light with curiosity. Though it hurt his eyes and neck more than he'd like to admit, and the attempt to escape the loud noises failed, he was distracted enough to see an orb plummet towards an excited student who reached out for it, before stopping just out of their reach. It tumbled onto their neighbour's head and hovered above their palm shortly thereafter.

It was an amusing display. One even straddled the seat-backs of the open rows, bouncing over the excited students, but seemingly missing a step and falling into the lap of a student whom wasn't paying attention.

It seemed like there was some mass to them as well.

"Woah!"

Mathias turned around to see two orbs dancing just behind him. They stepped two and fro, occasionally leaping over the other, and shuffling themselves around.

And then one nested itself in Jebb's spiky hair, intentionally ruffling it around as the other jumped above Thomas' head, and slide down the hair he slicked back.

Both flashed emerald, knocking into one another as the one on Thomas' head struggled to stay in place, continuously sliding down his slicked-back, jet-black hair. Before jumping back up to do it all over again.

Mathias' lips curled in a soft smile at the display and said, "looks like you're both in Lamia.

Thomas looked at Jebb's head, and Jebb looked at Thomas'; each broke out into a laugh at the behaviour of the mischievous orbs, but turned their attention forward.

"Oh, looks like there's one for you," Thomas said first, with Jebb adding, "yeah, it's a weird one, too."

Mathias looked forward, noticing one creeping forward from the open rows in front of him, occasionally darting left and right, hopping up onto the chair backs - freezing - and diving under, only to emerge ever closer.

It rolled and dived from his sight, using cover where possible, and moving only when he blinked and a short second after.

However, once it three rows in front of him, another burst into the scene, knocking it back. The two orbs seemed to clash before the defeated orb - which one was impossible to tell as they shifted places so many times - crept into another student's cloak hood, not announcing its colour shift whatsoever.

And then the winner merrily bounced on the chairs before landing on Mathias' lap.

It turned blue.

"Scylla," Jebb said with a sigh. "Well, either way, we're neighbours."

"Yeah! Don't forget about helping us clean that room! I'll even help you train - I'm the best fighter I know!"

"... Except for her," Jebb reminded.

"Shut up! You still get worse grades than her too!"

"Not by much!"

"And I can hold my own!"

"... It seems like you guys have history with someone, huh?" Mathias said, quirking his head, as he lifted up the content looking orb. "Well, whatever. Should we go? Other people already are."

"Yeah, that's fine- hey! Don't pull!" The orb on Thomas' head hovered around his ear, and dragged him forward.

Conversely, Jebb's was content to nest in his spikey hair, and let the other take the lead.

The blue orb in Mathias' palm hovered in front, leading back to the aisle.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Thomas shouted to the orb that forced him to walk past Jebb.

He was not the only one shouting at the orbs. Mathias seemed to get lucky with his and he was walked side-by-side with the other two boys until they reached a split in the western side of the building.

"Ah! I got it!" Thomas complained, turning back to Mathias and saying, "I guess we're splitting up. Hopefully, you get a good class!"

Jebb nodded and departed after Thomas turned around.

He continued to follow the peacefully hovering orb before it brought him to a rather plain door. Considering the lavishness of much of the area, it was odd, but there were others waiting outside with blue orbs.

Since it seemed like they were to wait, he did so. Except Mathias' orb did not.

It charged to the handle, making Mathias flinch, and knocked the door open before returning back to his palm.

"... What the hell?"

"I-is that the g-guy...?!"

He turned to see two girls looking at one another, then him, and then back to each other.

"Y-yep...!"

He sighed.

'I'll make sure to... uh, try to not wear a hood out again...'

Since it seemed like the other students were looking at him expectantly, he walked into the room.

His orb darted forward suddenly, making him stop, but it finally rested a desk in the rear corner near the window.

Taking it as a sign that that was his spot, he sat down. And the next person's orb did the same, and so on and so forth.

So far of those he recognized, on the opposite side, front-corner near the hall, he saw the two girls cheer as they were paired together once more. The boy who came behind him sat in the front corner by the window, and from there on they were just unfamiliar faces.

However, the seat in front of him stayed empty until he saw a familiar near-white braid.

"... Of course it'd be like this," Lisanna said irritably. "Don't say anything that might bring up misunderstandings, got it?"

Mathias snorted and rolled his eyes. They were still not on the best of terms.

Eventually, the entire room filled up and the orbs, once casually sitting on or around their respective targets, appeared to coalesce into the center of the classroom.

And as the light grew unbearable to look at, it disappeared, leaving only a young man in its wake. He seemed completely unfazed with the entrance, not even raising his voice above an even tone. In fact, even his appearance was nothing more than plain: common facial features, dull brown eyes, a slight scruff, and even skin that was neither pale nor tan.

"Hello everyone. My name is Edward Shields. I'm a fourth-rank mage specializing in the earth attribute. I will be teaching you all this year. There will be others coming in for training sessions with your attribute, but the bulk of the theory will come from my lips and the textbooks.

"As such, I would like you all to grab a textbook from the front-corner, and we'll be going through the basics to make sure everyone is on the same page. Understood? Well, grab them."

Since most of the students, Mathias included, thought that the mage would send them out individually, they did not act immediately. However, upon receiving that annoyed stare, they began to move with a little chatter hanging around the air.

After obtaining the textbook, Mathias began flipping through as others settled in.

'... This is the one she was reading, isn't it? No wonder why it looked familiar before.'

He already read through it several times.

It could be said to be a common textbook, so his parents had no issue in getting it early at his request. He could have even just gone to a bookstore himself, but it was a 'work-related' expense.

Thus, he got it for free. Twice.

As Mr. Shields started with a monotonous lesson about the basics of mana, the omnipresence of it, and how to channel and utilize it, Mathias was growing tired.

Setting his head down on the desk for only a moment, he heard a, "Mr. Vandiese, is it? What is the necessary link between a mage and the ability to manipulate mana?"

"... Simply speaking, it would be known as either 'spirits' in one's body, in its first iteration; or, more recently, the pre-frontal cortex that facilitates interactions with the points of contact with mana in a given person's body. Since it is everywhere, that includes our bloodstream as well as the world around us. It is why most humanoids are capable of magic, to some extent, and all animals and monsters that have access to mana, are considered 'intelligent', and thereby 'justified' in being judged according to our ideals.

"More specifically, is the pineal gland which produces chemicals required for control over mana, whereby differences naturally emerge between all who have it, but the general link between why certain incantations work in modified forms seems to suggest intent is more significant than deliberate action in the form of words or runes or what have you. There's a lot of theory about this, but I think this is beyond the scope of the question," Mathias said tiredly.

"... I would add that the presumption of other creatures judged as we are is more philosophical in nature, so it should be considered little more than a potential idea than fact. Either way, I suppose it can't be helped," Mr. Shield said looking at the blue star on Mathias' chest. "I will continue to ask questions if I suspect you are unaware of them so please do not interrupt my class."

Mathias nodded, rested his head down, and struggled to stay awake. He did, but it took a lot of effort. In part, it was due to the sun-light creeping through his interlocked arms, but he would have been fine if the lesson was something he was not aware of. Since he had nothing else to do, he played with a stream of water coiling around his legs, freezing it into various shapes to keep him busy.

As such, he kept his ears open, half-expecting to be called on, but only raised his head as another student seemed to be called out.

"Miss Jessal, the categorical functions of the attributes - why are they important and why is that few can exceed that which they're aligned with?"

Mathias saw on the two girls in the corner stammering for an answer. "Categorical functions...?"

He heard a hoarse mutter in front of him. "... That's easy." So even Lisanna thought so too.

Mathias waited solely because he was wondering if she would bring anything new to his understanding.

"Uh, do you mean, like, fire, water, wind, and earth?"

"... There are more, but those are the most common. Yes. Why can few exceed their natural alignment?"

"... Uhm, it's...-" The 'Ms. Jessal' seemed to freeze for too long - whether by anxiety or ignorance it was hard to say.

"Please stop talking in the middle of class then. O'Clair?"

Lisanna smiled and nodded as she stood up. It seemed like an unnecessary addition, but perhaps she was associated with military customs?

"It is because of the limitations individuals face when their bodies adapt to a specific adaption towards the use of mana. Since they can no longer force themselves outside of the habit of a specific use, consciously or unconsciously, it remains largely outside of their reach."

"... And?"

"... And what?"

"... Thatcher?"

"No idea, sir." A student simply said with a polite smile. It was the student that the girl was talking to.

"At least you're honest. Vandiese."

"... It isn't that they can't, but it takes different forms. It's a trick question."

"Explain."

"Categorization is important because of how the formations are initially set up, but after that, it is largely up to the person to use other aspects - if, admittedly, to a lesser extent. Water being boiled or frozen is an obvious example, as with it levitating. It just helps the person concentrate and they just 'exceed' their alignment naturally. Most effects can be mirrored, but efficacy becomes an issue. Water magic can copy light in function, but its form differs. Fire and dark, as well. And it's possible to mix the role of water and fire in that example, too."

"Again, the philosophy of it matters little to me, but you're correct. It was a trick question as I explicitly said most inflexible beliefs were false. It is, however, time for a break. The only dining hall is back at the dorms. If you're interested in lunch. You'll have an hour so be back in time or you will be quizzed - those who fail will have homework to do."

Mathias stretched his back dramatically while Mr. Shield adjourned class for the moment. While at first he was uninterested in the others' gazes towards him as they, too, got ready to leave, he panicked as he thought he might have ruined his first-impression again.

"Mr. Vandiese," Lisanna said irritably, accentuating each syllable. "Come with me."

Before he had a chance to respond, his wrist was grabbed, and he was dragged out of the room. He barely had time to collect his things before he glared at Lisanna.

"What did I do to piss you off this time?"

"How'd you know the answer?" She said, glaring at him, still dragging him further and faster to avoid the others' eyes on their backs.

"... I worked hard?"

"Liar! You're clearly not working hard!" She stopped and turned to look at his wrist. "What are you wearing?"

The ice formed a series of interlocked seven-pointed stars, but it was just a means to keep himself awake. "... I was playing around. Why do you think I don't work hard?"

"Uh, clearly in class. And you fell asleep in the bath. And then you did nothing except yell at me this morning."

"You started- ah, I'm not having this argument right here," he grumbled.

"Yeah, but you are going to tell me what's going on!"

It seemed that before he knew it, he was already brought back to the dorms, with their large dining area already half-filled with students.

It was good that they rushed as while they asked for the cooks to prepare their lunch and got a table, it was nearly full. Several were just holding tables for their new friends as they got their meals, however.

After pointedly ignoring Lisanna's questions, focusing on the lunch he was not particularly enthused about eating, he finished. He had no other excuse it seemed.

"So why didn't you just study before?"

"I was busy," she said loudly, attracting attention. She huffed, lowered her voice, and reiterated. "I was busy with a lot of things: sword training, learning about business, how to manage people, magic, and, obviously, I had my own life."

"... I did the same thing. So is there really an excuse?" He said tiredly, picking at a discarded seed on his plate.

"Well, you're not part of an enterprise, are you? There is a lot I need to do, more than most people!"

"Uh, does a parlour and a mercenary band count? Hmm, I guess Erin would probably take over from Dad, but...-"

"See!"

"Hey! I worked in that parlour for a good five years now." He said irritably. "I sure don't as hell don't want it, but it was interesting at least. What is so great about this 'enterprise'."

"... Have you never heard of the O'Clairs?"

"Hmmm? Can't remember the name."

"Eh? Really?!"

"Nope."

"We're the fifth wealthiest family in the province, nearly raised nobles, and my uncle even is on the country's Council!"

"... And that's important because...?"

Lisanna stared at him blankly before shaking her head. "You're just an idiot so you wouldn't understand. Anyways, stop sleeping in class - are you even paying attention!?"

Mathias was fiddling with his bracelet, turning the seven-pointed stars into eight, then nine, before running out of room to have the bracelet being able to move with the size of the links.

Once he looked up, he saw a displeased Lisanna talking to two girls. "... I'm sorry if we disturbed you, but I don't know why you're here."

"Huh? Who're they?"

The first girl offered a weary smile and pushed a nervous girl in front of her. "This is Kira Jessal, and I'm Jasmine Thatcher. We're in your class, but I guess we're also neighbours. Thank you for dealing with that horrid smell by the way."

Kira bit her lip and nodded - then looked away and whispered in Jasmine's ear. "Sorry, she just thought you looked a little intimidating before with your h-hood down in broad daylight..."

"Huh? T-that was you then...!" Mathias didn't have the heart to look at the easily frightened lest he scare them more - and ruin his chances at his first-impressions.

Jasmine laughed easily before turning to Lisanna. "Lisanna O'Clair, if it wasn't for it being that room, I wouldn't have guessed you'd room with a guy. Anyways, may we sit?"

She asked Mathias who indifferently shrugged.

Lisanna snorted, stood up, and walked away.

Jasmine smiled easily at that, waving goodbye. With an unchanged face as Lisanna fell out of ear-shot, she added, "I can't stand her," and looked at Mathias. "Sorry. You don't have to accept my opinion of her. Make your own. Anyways, this was one of the few table open-"

"And a way to piss her off, I imagine?" Mathias ventured, quirking his head - finally paying a little more attention to the people around him.

"Yeah, that's not wrong."

Jasmine smiled politely, brushing her flowing, dark brown hair to the side. "What was that I heard about a parlour, anyways? I'm curious if they're like the ones in the capital."

Mathias shrugged. "It is just a commoner's one. We do well enough here."

"Ah! T-that one!" Kira half-shouted before looking wide-eyed at Mathias who looked at her curiously, eyes almost immediately dropping onto the floor. "M-my Mother s-said it was d-dangerous though..."

"... Dangerous?"

"You're a boy so it is different," Jasmine said, seeing his confusion. "I imagine it is well-reputed otherwise since there seem to be many standards and I've heard of only rumours of the quality of those here."

"Oh, maybe?" His brows rose questioningly. "Well, go there on your break with a friend or something?"

"Hmm, but you worked there, right? Isn't it possible to just to get whatever treatments here?"

Kira looked at Jasmine nervously; the former with anxiety, the latter with an impish smile. Jasmine seemed content to test if the statement was true.

"... That's conditional on me wanting to do. There's plenty of other water mages capable of it."

"... Capable enough to be paid? Particularly with parlour magic, specifically?"

"Not really interested in money, but thanks. I'm going to get going before I'm late."

Mathias stood up and left. Since the conversation did not last long, he was able to see Lisanna still glaring at him from the corner, seemingly trying to find some excuse to lean around a wall inconspicuously. It did not really work. Even with her best intentions.

He just sensed something amiss.