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"First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Jian Trasque, and I was born a commoner."
He paused for several seconds, allowing those words to sink in.
At the same time, he carefully observed the class, taking note of anyone who showed disgust or disapproval at his origins.
"Back in my day, I was rejected by Fire Griffon Academy. I was forced to study through the Mage Association and worked my way up as an adventurer until I earned my specializations."
Trasque crossed his arms.
"My talent was eventually recognized to the point that I was offered a position as a professor in this academy."
A slight grin appeared on his face.
"As for the former Headmaster of Fire Griffon Academy, he was fired for being an incompetent old fool."
Several students chuckled.
"If any of you share his views, feel free to join him."
Trasque pointed toward the door.
The classroom remained silent.
"No one? Good."
He nodded.
"Then let's get to the important part. Theory of Combat Magic."
The professor looked around the room.
"Many of you are probably asking yourselves what that even means. You already know the first three tiers of magic. What exactly can I teach you?"
He paused briefly.
"The answer is simple. I can teach you how to stay alive."
Trasque tapped the desk beside him.
"Specifically, by teaching you the true value of the often-neglected chore magic."
Several students immediately paid closer attention.
"I know the name is terrible. However, since the founding of the academies, it has been one of the best ways to separate talented students from mediocre ones."
He began pacing across the platform.
"Have you ever wondered why it was the first thing you were asked to demonstrate during the entrance examination?"
Nobody answered.
"Because from this day onward, you will learn to respect it by its proper name."
Trasque stopped walking.
"First Magic."
The room became silent.
"First Magic is the reason a mage survives long enough to become an experienced mage."
"Yes, it is weak."
"Yes, it lacks the destructive power of higher-tier spells."
"But tell me something."
His gaze swept across the classroom.
"If someone is standing three steps away and tries to stab you, do you honestly think you'll have enough time to cast a Tier One spell?"
Several students frowned.
"The answer is no."
"You won't."
"You'll die."
Trasque pointed at his chest.
"Without First Magic, all your talent, training, money, and potential become meaningless."
The lesson continued from there.
Trasque described various life-and-death situations and demonstrated how simple applications of First Magic could save a mage's life.
He explained ways to strengthen the body momentarily.
Methods of improving balance.
Techniques for accelerating movement.
Simple tricks that required little mana but could create opportunities during combat.
The explanations were practical and useful.
Unfortunately, Ash found the lesson rather boring.
Most of the techniques being taught were things he had already learned years ago while fighting and training with Saber and the other Emperor Beasts.
In fact, some of the methods Trasque was explaining were less effective than the solutions Ash and Raphael had already developed through experience.
Even so, Ash continued listening.
There was always a chance he might learn something new.
And if there was one thing Raphael constantly reminded him, it was that ignoring knowledge simply because you thought you already knew better was the fastest way to stop improving.
After two hours, the lesson finally came to an end.
"And that's it for today's explanations," Professor Trasque said.
"This material is covered, although far less effectively, in the first twenty pages of your textbook."
Several students immediately groaned.
Trasque ignored them.
"For the next lesson, I expect all of you to know those pages by heart, along with pages twenty through fifty."
The groans became even louder.
The professor smirked.
"The best way to learn the theory behind combat is to experience combat firsthand."
He pointed toward the door.
"Therefore, we won't be meeting in a classroom again."
That immediately got everyone's attention.
"From now on, Theory of Combat Magic will take place exclusively in the training halls."
A few students looked excited.
Many more looked nervous.
"Starting from your first year, you are expected to get your hands dirty."
Trasque folded his arms.
"You can study theory during your free time if you need to."
"The same applies to most of your classes. The first lesson is usually explanatory. After that, practice becomes the priority."
His expression became serious.
"Those who fail to keep up will fail their courses."
"And those who fail too many courses will be expelled."
The classroom became noticeably quieter.
"Remember this well."
"There are no second chances."
"Always give your best."
With those final words, Trasque dismissed the class.
The students remained seated for a few moments.
Most wore worried expressions.
Reading a book and taking an examination every few months was one thing.
Being tested continuously, day after day, was something else entirely.
White Griffon Academy clearly had very different standards from what many of them had expected.
Fortunately, there was a short break before the next lesson.
Since the upcoming class was another mandatory subject attended by all first-year students, nobody needed to change classrooms.
The students simply remained where they were and waited for the next professor to arrive.
Meanwhile, Ash leaned back in his seat.
Unlike most of his classmates, he wasn't particularly worried.
Years of training with six Emperor Beasts had taught him that constant practice and real combat experience were often far more valuable than classroom lectures.
If anything, he was looking forward to the practical lessons.
They sounded far more interesting than sitting through another two-hour lecture.
However, he didn't get much time to relax.
The moment Professor Trasque left the classroom, Ash sensed movement all around him.
Almost every noble student who had been glaring at him throughout the lesson was now getting out of their seats and moving in his direction.
One of the girls at the front of the group crossed her arms and glared at him.
"Let's teach this bastard how to respect nobles."