Chapter 15: Classes Begin
In my past life, I had defeated rogue mages, dangerous bandits, lethal assassins, and high-class beasts.
But the terror I felt then was nothing compared to what I felt on the first day of school at the Imperium Magic Academy.
The lecture building looked more like a royal castle than an academic institution. It was about three floors high, with tall arched windows and doors that were elegantly decorated.
At one corner of the building stood a large bell tower, which rang too cheerfully for what was basically an elimination chamber designed as a school.
Inside, the bright hallways were packed with two types of students. The commoners who were just here to improve their magic, and the bright-eyed nobles who made sure the commoners knew not to cross them.
And me. Former grand mage reincarnated as a noble, now surrounded by a bunch of little narcissists.
I sighed. It was only a matter of time before the wrong person found out that I had no magic whatsoever.
*****
The first class of the day was History of Magic.
Professor Long had a long grey beard that reached his belt and the patience of a man who had long stopped caring if his students passed or failed.
"The origin of magic has so many theories," he began. "Some say it was a gift handed down to us by the gods. Others suggest it was always a part of humanity. I say, both are true."
I took down notes, like a dedicated student. Not because I needed them, but because I had to act like I needed them.