Arsia Academy Chronicles: Bonds Beyond Magic

Venustusia, mindful that lengthy speeches could easily bore the young audience, decided to keep hers short. She, too, had been one of those impatient children once. Concluding her address with a kind smile, she handed out papers to the freshmen. These papers allowed students to specify their academic interests or request consultation on their choices.

Aqua received his paper as well, but it wasn't long before the imperial siblings, brimming with curiosity, peered over his shoulder to see what he was writing. They were skeptical about Aqua's claim of not being a mage, especially given the reputation of Ray Rein, who was known as a talented mage.

"Are you deliberately hiding your mana?" Claire asked, her tone a mix of confusion and challenge.

Before Aqua could respond, Casial interjected. "No, it's not that you can't sense it—he has more mana than you do. I noticed it when we were wating outside," Casial said, his eyes widening as if he still couldn't fully comprehend it himself.

Claire, still processing this revelation, asked, "If you're not a mage, then are you a swordsman?"

Aqua nodded slightly. "Yes. I've been interested in swords since I was a child. My brother started teaching me when I was three," he replied with calm certainty.

This statement left Claire and Casial momentarily stunned. The thought that Ray Rein, known for his magical prowess, could also be skilled in swordsmanship seemed almost too extraordinary. Casial, however, was even more astonished to realize that Aqua, who wasn't trained in magic by imperial masters or knights, still possessed more mana than himself—despite Casial's training under the finest imperial knights and his father, the greatest swordsman with an 8th-circle mana heart.

Claire, regaining her composure, asked, "But wasn't Ray Rein a mage? How could he teach you swordsmanship?"

Aqua's reply was simple yet resolute. "He was indeed a mage, but he also excelled in physical combat and weaponry."

The imperial siblings exchanged glances but found no reason to doubt Aqua's words. Though still taken aback, they accepted his explanation.

Casial's expression brightened as he shifted the conversation. "Then we'll be in the same class! What other subjects are you planning to take? Maybe we could share some."

"Business management and politics, most likely," Aqua replied, his tone measured and thoughtful.

Casial grinned. "I'll take those as well."

"I was also planning on choosing those two courses," Claire added.

Casial turned to the others with an excited look. "Then should we all sign up together?"