During class, I peered into the classroom from the hallway.
Fortunately, today was the day Fore held his weekly class.
By the way, since it was a rare magic class taught by a senior teacher, many students, including senior section students, attended it.
He seemed to be teaching water magic, but the content wasn't particularly difficult. Likely, he would teach how to apply this magic in the future based on today's class.
"… In this way, the full chant for the [Water Ball] spell actually holds the key to advanced magic. This means you can transform water into ice or shoot a stream of water in a straight line. In fact, there are similar lines in fire and earth magic chants. Although wind magic has some differences, understanding these commonalities correctly can lead to the creation of new magic."
Fore began his chant. "… [Frozen Ice, Diamond Mist]."
The moment he spoke, a shimmering mist enveloped the podium. The white mist swirling around Fore instantly froze everything it touched.
As the class buzzed excitedly, Fore lightly tapped the completely white walls and podium and continued his explanation. "This is an original spell I developed, a type of water magic. It is quite difficult to defend against such a formless mist. Also, I activated it withinin a small range, but it can freeze an entire classroom if unleashed fully."
"Entire classroom?!"
"That's water magic…?"
"Indeed, if you were caught off guard, you'd be frozen before you could think of a way to defend."
The students listened intently, impressed by Fore’s demonstration. Hmm, so the classes of senior teachers got this much attention, huh? For some reason, it was frustrating.
While I watched from the window, gritting my teeth, Fore sighed and narrowed his eyes at a break in his lecture.
Then he began speaking in a conversational tone. "Recently, I've heard a lot about the new teacher, Aoi Konominato. It’s indeed impressive that she can use advanced magic and shorten chants so much that you can't even tell when she's casting. However, teaching things students can't do is not a teacher's job."
My name came up. It didn’t sound like a compliment…
Fore continued. "… Reaching such a level as a commoner must have involved painstaking training. But in the end, she's the kind of person who’s a so-called genius. Geniuses generally lack the ability to teach ordinary people. You all should think carefully about what you want to learn and gain during your precious time at the academy."
With that, Fore returned to his lesson.
"… Could those words be the cause?" I looked back. Strass and Eliza had difficult expressions.
Beside the groaning pair, Ayle said angrily, "It's definitely this. Fore-sensei, one of the academy's top senior teachers, is practically telling students not to take your classes."
Cote smiled ambiguously at the pouting Ayle. "However, Fore-sensei didn't explicitly say not to attend. It's all his advice based on his assumptions. He probably means no harm…"
Eliza sighed and shook her head. "However, that’s not something a senior teacher like Fore-sensei should say, especially since his words could significantly influence students who want to take his classes."
Everyone fell silent at Eliza’s words.
As we discussed, Fore's class was about to end. If we didn't act, he would leave.
Shaking my head lightly, I stood up and opened the classroom door.
"Wait, Aoi-sensei…?!"
I ignored Eliza's shriek.
Regardless of whether he realized it or not, Fore's comments affected my classes. I needed to let him know that.
I entered the classroom, and all eyes, including Fore's, turned to me.
The bell signaling the end of class rang.
"Fore-sensei, may I have a word?"
"… Go ahead." Fore agreed without resistance.
As the students began to chatter, I gestured toward the hallway. Fore followed me out.
Fore glanced at Strass, Eliza, and Cote, then fixed his gaze on me. "… I thought you were a smarter kid."
Cote chuckled and let out a short sigh, while I raised an eyebrow.
"… Is attending my classes foolish?" I asked.
Fore furrowed his brow slightly. "I wouldn't say it's foolish, but it's a waste of time. Without intensive study, research, and training, you can't rise to the top as a magician."
"… Fore-sensei, have you ever seen my classes?" I asked to make sure.
Fore shook his head as if it were obvious. "No. But it's easy to guess without attending the classes. The rumors alone speak of advanced magic and remarkable methods to shorten chants. Such magic is too early for students. As a teacher, I do not recognize someone who flaunts their skills without considering the learners."
His words made me laugh. Fore looked puzzled, which amused me further.
"Fore-sensei, I agree that your classes are easy to understand, even for senior section students, as you teach the basics of magic. However, you underestimate the talent and potential of students. I'm sure they can grasp more advanced magic."
Fore scoffed and looked at me disdainfully. "It's as I said. You don't understand ordinary people's feelings. Well, try it your way. Eventually, you'll realize that expecting everyone to keep up will lead to frustration when progress is slow."
He folded his arms and glared at me.
"Judge me after seeing the results of my methods. It's unpleasant to be judged without even being observed. Attend one of my classes first."
Fore's expression twisted with clear displeasure at my words. "… You lack respect for your seniors. Is it because you're a commoner?"
"If you're a noble, show more grace. Seeing you now, who would think you're a noble? At best, you seem like nothing more than a small-time upstart…"
"Wait! Wait, please! I-i-it's my fault! So both of you, please stop!"
Eliza hugged me while crying, so I closed my mouth for a moment.
Fore, his interest waning, averted his gaze and resumed his usual expression. "… If you insist, I'll attend your next class. I'll see firsthand what kind of lesson you conduct."
With that, Fore turned his back on us.
Eliza watched him walk away, then slumped to the ground in exhaustion. "Th-that was scary…"
At Eliza’s tearful muttering, Strass nodded lightly. "Senior teachers are second only to the principal here. No one dares to complain about them. It's no wonder Fore-sensei got so emotional."
Ayle raised her arm in anger. "But those were terrible things to say! Aoi-sensei's classes are so interesting, and I learn a lot from them!"
While we calmed the angry Ayle, I began thinking about the next class.