070
“Everyone, this is our first time meeting. My name is Tillia Lux.”
After finishing my meal, I followed Lina’s guidance to a certain room.
The room felt more rigid than the space where I had my lessons with Teacher Cedric. It was arranged like a lecture hall, with desks and chairs set in a semicircle.
The teacher stood in the middle.
“I am a scholar from the Tower of Sages, located in Nixor, the capital of the neutral nation of Mondal. I have spent my entire life studying ancient languages.”
The teacher had light green hair styled in an unusual updo, making her look every bit the scholar.
Her robe was long and flowing—just like the ones I’d seen in fairy tale books. Around her waist, she wore a delicate gold chain belt adorned with medals, brooches, and keys, each likely holding some significance.
‘The Tower of Sages? How fascinating!’
But now wasn’t the time to ask about that.
“Does anyone here know what ‘Tillia’ means in the ancient language?”
“……”
“No one? Well, ‘Tillia’ means ‘Linden Tree.’”
“Oh! It matches!”
The words slipped out before I could stop myself.
The teacher turned to me, her eyes the same color as her hair, and smiled faintly.
“Ancient language classes can be dull. Many students drop out before completing the course. Of course, since you were all invited to attend, I will teach diligently—but I have no intention of ‘forcing’ anyone to stay.”
There were twenty-five students seated in the lecture hall.
This class was open to everyone, regardless of direct or collateral lineage, awakened or non-awakened status.
Except for Brother Elzen, none of my other older brothers were here.
However, Angela and Luarel were present.
‘Huh? Is Luarel starting this class today too?’
I tilted my head in confusion for a moment but quickly understood.
Come to think of it, wasn’t I the same?
Still, since I was an Awakened, I was told to start lessons right away.
“Alright, I’ll begin writing on the board now. Pick up the pens on your desks and copy everything onto your papers.”
“Yes!”
“The ancient alphabet consists of 79 characters, which is more than the script we use today.”
Whoa, my head is already spinning!
‘But I have to do my best.’
Teacher Cedric’s economics lessons were difficult too, but thanks to the Spirit Kings’ help, I eventually understood everything.
I can do well this time too.
“Alright, is everyone done writing?”
“Yes—!”
“Now, cover your papers. You won’t remember all of it right now anyway.”
“………?”
Wait… isn’t that a bit radical?
I had been so focused on memorizing everything that I suddenly felt deflated, as if all my tension had just leaked out.
The other students seemed just as puzzled, but Teacher Tillia simply smiled as she looked around the room.
“Now, let’s do something that won’t be boring.”
“Something… not boring?”
“Magic.”
My eyes widened in surprise.
At that moment, Teacher Tillia stretched out both hands and swiftly muttered something in the ancient language.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a light shimmered from the teacher’s palm, and before I knew it, a small tree had sprouted!
The linden tree stretched its branches, and soon, bright red fruits appeared.
“This is magic. By calling upon mana with the ancient language, arranging its structure, and calculating the formulas, we can manifest phenomena.”
“W-Wow!”
“Next—”
The boys who had been dozing off jolted awake and shouted in excitement. The energy in the room had shifted—everyone was fully engaged.
Whoosh!
The fruit hanging from the tree suddenly transformed into flames.
I had no idea how it was even possible. My jaw dropped as I stared in awe.
“Transforming one form into another—that, too, is magic. The more advanced the spell, the more complex the mana arrangement and formula calculations become. Naturally, only those with a strong foundation in the ancient language can even begin to grasp this field.”
Oh, I see!
The ancient language is used in more places than I thought—even the names of the Spirit Kings come from it.
“Magic can be used by non-Awakened individuals as well. While they may not reach the highest levels, it doesn’t mean they can’t become mages.”
At those words, I noticed Angela, who was sitting across from me, suddenly straighten her back.
She must want to be a mage. Her eyes were practically sparkling.
But that excitement didn’t last long.
“However, there’s an inconvenient truth that people don’t like to talk about. Magic is influenced more by innate talent than effort. The world of magic is overflowing with geniuses and prodigies.”
“………”
“In short, those who are ‘loved by mana’ are geniuses. Those who can ‘skillfully control mana’ are prodigies. Unfortunately… none of us here fall into those categories.”
Angela’s face turned pale. She looked deeply disappointed.
On the other hand, Luarel’s expression was… strange.
‘Her lips seem to be slightly curled up… Is she smiling?’
It was such a fleeting moment that I seemed to be the only one who noticed.
“So then, what should we ordinary people do? We weren’t born into magical bloodlines. We weren’t chosen by mana. We live in a world where there are far too many gifted individuals, and yet, what we have seems insignificant in comparison.”
Teacher Tillia’s voice was calm and steady. It was pleasant to listen to, and every word sank deep into my ears.
“That’s why we learn the ancient language.”
“………!”
“The ancient language is something that can be mastered through effort. As long as you study diligently and consistently, even ordinary people can become mages if they learn to use it proficiently.”
Angela’s expressions always reveal everything she’s thinking.
I could see the fire in her eyes reigniting.
“Is a mage only valuable if they make history? Are those who work hard to barely become a mage considered useless?”
“No!”
Angela jumped up and shouted. The teacher gave her a gentle smile.
“Exactly. In fact, isn’t it more admirable to earn that title through daily dedication rather than simply being born with talent?”
“That’s right!”
Angela clenched her fists, trembling with determination.
She was someone you just couldn’t help but cheer for.
“Learning the ancient language opens many doors. You can become a scholar like me, a mage who manages magic circles and scrolls, or even enter the Magic Tower to develop your own spells.”
“Yes!”
“For non-Awakened individuals, learning the ancient language offers new opportunities. For the Awakened, it provides a deeper understanding of the world’s hidden aspects.”
Teacher Tillia never pressured us with a simple ‘Study!’ Instead, she calmly explained why we should do it and what benefits it would bring.
Because of that, not a single student in the class was slouching or dozing off anymore.
“I’ll give you an assignment. Memorize as many ancient language alphabets as you can.”
Teacher Tillia gestured toward the board.
“Even if you only remember one or two, that’s fine. Next time, you’ll remember three or four. What I want to see is gradual progress.”
“……….”
“It’s okay to be slow. It’s okay to struggle. As long as you put in the effort, anyone can achieve something. However, what I dislike seeing is a lack of sincerity.”
Wow. This is really touching.
After only ever seeing Teacher Cedric complain about teaching, watching Teacher Tillia felt like seeing a real educator.
“I’ll be here for about three years. By the time those three years are up, I hope that each of you will be able to perform at least a small spell.”
With those words, the class ended.
My next destination was the Spirit Studies lesson.
“Um… Brother.”
It was then.
“I-I still don’t know my way around very well… Could you, um, take me there?”
Luarel approached Brother Elzen, who had been waiting for me by the door, and hesitantly made her request.
I instinctively raised an eyebrow.
‘No way!’
Brother Elzen had promised to go to Spirit Studies class with me!
“Ah, I suppose that makes sense. You might still be unfamiliar with the place.”
“And we haven’t talked much either, so…”
Still, I had to admit… Brother Elzen and Luarel looked good together.
They both had the same pink hair and deep red eyes—anyone would mistake them for siblings.
‘Wait… He’s not actually going to leave me behind and go with Luarel, is he?’
Just as that thought crossed my mind—
Brother Elzen parted his lips and spoke gently.
