The teaching assistants of Bahil appeared and provided each student with a practice set.
On the right side, a plant resembling a cactus was placed on a sand tray, and on the left, a "magic circle frame" reminiscent of a mold was set up.
It was a correction tool for beginner necromancers.
"Using a correction tool is a bit embarrassing for a Kizen student, but since it's the first class, we have no choice," Bahil said.
"It's fine to get a feel for it, but relying too much on the correction tool can lead to bad habits, so be careful. Now, let's start practicing the 'Exhaust' curse!"
Bahil kindly explained how to use the correction tool, and Simon followed the instructions exactly.
He grabbed the two handles attached to the tool and channeled the black energy, letting it flow into the handles.
The black energy flowed through the frame of the correction tool, gradually forming the shape of a magic circle.
"The key is how well you can complete the main rune," Bahil explained.
A "rune" was essentially a character imbued with magical power, and by drawing this character using the black energy, one could create a magical effect.
Simon focused intently on drawing the main rune and began writing the activation formula around the circle's edge.
Of course, since he was using the frame, he didn't need to fully understand the structure in his head to draw the magic circle.
"Now, those who have completed their magic circles, try floating them in the air," Bahil instructed.
Simon swallowed hard and lifted the completed magic circle.
The dark blue-black magic circle detached from the frame and floated in the air.
"Wow!"
It was a real magic circle.
He had created the same technique his father, Richard, had occasionally used.
Though he still had doubts about whether black magic would truly activate, he couldn't help but feel excited.
Looking around, about half the class had successfully floated their magic circles in the air.
"Ah!"
While Simon was momentarily distracted, one side of his magic circle melted like liquid and dripped down.
"Some students often see their magic circles collapse," Bahil said, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"This happens if the black energy isn't properly refined or if the binding force of the magic circle is weak. Try again."
Simon gritted his teeth and started over from the beginning.
"And those who can maintain their magic circles in the air, let's move on to the practical part! Use the curse on the plant in front of your desk!"
The successful students took deep breaths and activated their magic circles in unison.
Whoosh!
A black mist shot out from the magic circles and headed toward the cactus-like plants.
Half of them showed no change, while the other half wilted.
"Congratulations. If there's a significant change in the plant, it means your magic circle worked properly."
"Yes!" The boy next to Simon clenched his fist in triumph.
Simon swallowed his envy and resumed working on his magic circle.
"The gap is already widening. Those who succeeded, practice repeatedly to increase the speed of completing your magic circles. If you think your speed is sufficient, try creating the magic circle in the air without using the correction tool."
Time flew by, and Simon experienced his fourth failure.
While creating the magic circle wasn't a problem, when he tried to float it in the air, it would often melt like jelly and fall to the ground.
"What's the issue?"
As more students succeeded, Simon grew increasingly anxious.
Of course, Kizen was a place where the continent's most talented gathered, and most students had already undergone preparatory training.
It was only natural that Simon, who was just starting to learn black magic, would struggle.
But Simon's mind didn't entertain such rationalizations.
Why did he fail?
"The black energy still has the properties of mana. The fact that it's bubbling like fire means it hasn't fully escaped its gaseous state."
"I need to learn how to use the core more effectively."
At that moment, Simon recalled the voices of Nephtys and Lorraine, whom he had met in Langastin.
He let go of the correction tool's handles, closed his eyes, and focused on the mana within his body.
"Back to basics."
He drew mana into his body through his breath and moved it to the core below his heart.
So far, it was the same.
But this time, Simon didn't send the mana to the core immediately.
Instead, he gathered as much as he could in front of him.
"Ugh!"
His chest ached, but he gritted his teeth and endured.
Then, he shoved the gathered mass of mana into his core all at once.
As a large amount of mana was injected forcefully, the black energy that flowed out of his core became denser.
It was a makeshift solution Simon had come up with, as he hadn't yet learned how to properly utilize his core.
"Here we go!"
Simon opened his eyes wide and grabbed the correction tool's handles.
The purified black energy settled into the frame faster than before.
Simon quickly completed the rune and formula work, then floated the magic circle in the air.
"It worked!"
This time, it didn't collapse.
Simon moved the magic circle and aimed it at the plant on the sand tray.
He wanted to succeed in one clean shot when he felt the moment was right.
"Exhaust!"
As he activated the magic circle, a gray mist shot out from the center of the rune and hit the plant directly.
Simon anxiously checked the plant's condition.
Ssssh.
The stiff plant's body drooped downward.
"It worked!"
Simon clenched his fist.
A tingling thrill ran down his spine.
He was so happy he almost shouted in the middle of the classroom.
This was Simon's first successful black magic.
"Alright, that's enough," Bahil clapped his hands.
"Those who didn't succeed by the end, please practice in your dorm rooms."
Disappointed sighs could be heard from various corners.
Bahil returned to the podium and picked up the attendance sheet.
"Now, for the remaining time, let's have a practical session using the magic we learned today. When I call your name, please come forward."
Suddenly, a tense atmosphere filled the classroom.
The students avoided Bahil's gaze or pretended to be busy.
Bahil smiled and looked at the attendance sheet.
"Oh, the special case number one is in this class?"
The students all turned to look.
"Simon Polentia. Come forward."
"... Yes."
So this was why he had been feeling uneasy.
Simon walked to the podium, trying to steady his nerves.
He had succeeded in the end, so there was no need to be nervous.
He just had to do what he had been doing.
"Now, who would be a good opponent for our outstanding special case number one?"
The students flinched and avoided Bahil's gaze.
Bahil, amused by their reactions, flipped through the attendance sheet.
"There are two students with impressive entrance exam scores."
After pondering between the two, Bahil finally spoke.
"Hector Moore. Come forward."
"Yes."
It was the large male student Bahil had mentioned earlier.
Hector stood up and walked to the podium.
Soon, the two stood facing each other on the stage.
Simon swallowed dryly.
Standing face-to-face like this, Hector seemed even larger than before.
"Now, let me explain the rules."
The teaching assistants brought stand desks in front of Simon and Hector.
On them were the correction tools for Exhaust used during the class.
"The only spell allowed for both students is Exhaust. Complete Exhaust and use it on your opponent! The first one whose knee or butt touches the ground loses."
The rules were simple.
Simon steeled himself.
Since he was standing in front of everyone, he wanted to win.
"Professor."
At that moment, Hector raised his hand.
"Yes, what is it?"
"I will not use the correction tool for this match."
Ooh—whistles could be heard from various corners.
The students, now relaxed, were ready to fully enjoy the match.
"That's an excellent mindset," Bahil said, clearly pleased.
Hector had not only shown confidence in his abilities but also scored points with Bahil by making a suggestion he would like.
Despite his rough, bear-like appearance, Hector was shrewd.
Bahil turned to Simon.
"Simon, what will you do?"
Simon's lips were dry.
Everyone was looking at him with expectant eyes.
Honestly, it was hard to refuse in this atmosphere.
"I will use the correction tool."
It was better to face reality than to indulge in childish pride.
Accepting Hector's proposal here and failing to cast Exhaust even once would be far worse.
Bahil gave a bitter smile and looked at Hector, who responded as if he had been waiting.
"I have no intention of retracting my statement."
"Very well."
Hector had seized the atmosphere of the room.
The petty special case number one and the confident, steadfast Hector had left an impression on everyone.
It was obvious who the crowd would cheer for.
"When I give the signal, the match will begin. I hope both of you show a splendid match in front of your peers."
Hector lowered his stance, and Simon gripped the correction tool's handles.
"Begin!"
Simon channeled the black energy he had prepared into the correction tool.
The black energy quickly spread and filled the magic circle frame.
"I can do this!"
Perhaps due to the tension, the black energy didn't flow as smoothly as during practice, but Simon patiently waited for the magic circle to complete.
As the main rune in the center of the magic circle was drawn, and he was about to connect the detailed formulas—
"......!"
Suddenly, his body felt heavy, and his legs trembled.
"No way!"
Simon looked up.
Hector, who had already completed his first spell, was smiling triumphantly.
"Ooooh!"
"Nice one, Hector!"
"So fast."
Hector, riding on this momentum, immediately prepared his second spell.
Simon gritted his teeth and tried to maintain his pace.
"Even after taking one hit, my body feels so heavy!"
Cold sweat dripped, and his legs trembled uncontrollably.
Simon could feel throughout his entire body why curses were so threatening and why they were such efficient means of attack.
"It's complete. Now, float it!"
As Simon lifted the completed magic circle from the correction tool into the air, one side of the circle collapsed like jelly.
Ah—regretful sighs could be heard from various corners.
Even if he activated it now, the formula was damaged, so it would have no effect.
Simon discarded it without hesitation and prepared a new magic circle.
"Ugh!"
And then Hector's second Exhaust struck.
Simon felt his stamina draining rapidly, and his body grew even heavier.
This was the worst.
He could barely focus on casting the spell, let alone stand straight.
His concentration was bound to waver in this situation.
The match was completely one-sided.
Hector mercilessly cast the third, fourth, and fifth Exhaust spells.
Simon's knees trembled as if they would give out at any moment.
The students, who had been cheering for Hector's fierce attacks, now looked at Simon with pity.
"It's over. He's no match."
"Can't even land a single hit?"
"Is he really the special case number one?"
With his condition and concentration at rock bottom, Simon failed to construct the magic circle twice in a row.
Hector, pouring his sixth Exhaust onto Simon, said, "Just surrender. It's pitiful to watch."
Simon, driven by sheer will, forced strength into his legs.
No way, no way he could back down like this.
"Again!"
Immediately, he made a third attempt.
Hector sighed and prepared his seventh Exhaust.
"...... Hmm."
Meanwhile, Bahil watched the two students' fight with his arms crossed.
Hector was definitely something.
Aside from his talent in curse magic, he had the mindset of a true student.
He was the kind of student who would survive until the third year.
Bahil was determined to take him under his wing.
"As for the special case number one..."
Honestly, he was pathetic.
Students who made it into Kizen usually had preparatory training, and some even had practical experience.
But this special case number one had none of that.
It was as if he was learning black magic for the first time.
"Why did Nephtys choose this boy as the special case number one?"
The special cases number one, two, three, and four, who skipped the grueling entrance exam and were formally invited to Kizen, were supposed to be the geniuses of the century.
Among them, the "top" special case number one was chosen solely by Nephtys, the ruler and headmaster of Kizen, and each had grown into a remarkable figure.
But this boy chosen by Nephtis showed no signs of greatness.
The only special thing about him was his stamina.
Most students would kneel after four Exhaust spells, but Simon had endured nine and was still standing.
He must have been born with strong physical endurance and likely trained his body regularly.
Even in this state where standing was difficult, he was still holding onto his magic, showing considerable mental strength.
But that was it.
Professor Hongpeng of the Martial Arts Department might drool over him, but Bahil wasn't impressed.
"Ugh!"
Simon opened his eyes wide and floated his fourth magic circle onto the frame.
This time, it was properly completed and didn't collapse when floating in the air.
Simon immediately activated the spell.
A gray mist shot out and hit Hector's body.
"......!"
Hector, who had been preparing his spell, staggered heavily.
For a moment, his knees buckled, and he almost lost his balance, but he managed to brace himself with his hands on the ground.
"Finally, it hit!"
Simon clenched his fist.
For the first time, a look of panic appeared on Hector's face as he looked up.
"What the hell, why is this so heavy?"
Hector had experienced Exhaust during his preparatory training.
But had the curse ever been this heavy? He had almost been taken down by a single hit.
Still, the score was 9:1. There was no doubt he was in an overwhelming lead.
But after taking that first hit, Hector felt an inexplicable anxiety.
The opponent, clinging to him like a leech, was incredibly annoying.
"Just fall already!"
Hector gathered all his concentration and activated the tenth magic circle he had floating in the air.
Thud.
Finally, after enduring a whopping ten Exhaust spells, Simon knelt on one knee.
"That's enough, the match is decided," Bahil stepped forward and said.
"The winner is Hector Moore."
Applause erupted from the students.
Hector wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned his gaze.
There, Simon was sitting drenched in sweat.
"......"
He didn't feel like he had won at all.
When he had landed the first Exhaust, Hector had realized his opponent was a beginner.
Someone who had never learned black magic.
The match should have ended there.
It should have.
But Simon wouldn't fall.
After taking nine Exhaust spells, with his legs trembling precariously, he had still managed to complete a spell and land a hit on Hector.
"...... Disgusting brat."
Before he grows any bigger.
Before he becomes so huge that no one can stop him.
It's better to crush him while you still can.
Hector thought seriously.
"Simon, you did well too. You may go."
Bahil flicked his fingers, and the ten-layered Exhaust curse pressing down on Simon was lifted.
The curse was gone, but the fatigue from enduring it remained.
His breath smelled foul.
But still.
"Phew."
Simon had no regrets.
He stood up with a light heart.
"That was fun."
He felt glad he had come to this school.
"Alright, that's it for today's class."
Bahil declared the end of the class.
The students left the classroom like a receding tide, and Bahil sat back in his chair, leaning against it.
He closed his eyes and remained still, as if meditating.
"P-Professor."
A female student who had been watching cautiously approached Bahil.
"I have a question about the class..."
"Wait a moment."
Bahil kept his eyes closed and held out his palm.
"Come to my research room after class today. I'll answer all your questions then."
"R-Really? Th-Thank you!"
What a stroke of luck.
The girl let out a small scream of joy at being invited to Bahil's research room and ran out of the classroom.
Bahil watched her retreating figure with half-closed eyes.
"Must restrain myself."
He almost let out a curse.
This emotion.
This lingering feeling.
He didn't want to waste this moment on such a cheap thrill.
Bahil closed his eyes again and savored the memory of the class.
"...... Simon Polentia."
He was thinking of none other than Simon.
At first, he had thought Simon was just a physically strong kid, but that wasn't the case.
All the students who had watched the class probably thought Simon had been completely crushed 10:1.
But that one Exhaust spell Simon had landed on Hector at the end.
To the professor's eyes, which could read a student's talent and potential, that single Exhaust spell Simon had cast was worth several times, no, dozens of times more than the ten Exhaust spells Hector had cast.
In his mind, Simon's Exhaust spell replayed over and over.
"Amazing!"
Bahil's lips curled into a wide grin.
"That kind of genius must be made to specialize in curse magic, no matter what it takes!"
Bahil's inherent desire began to itch.