Chapter 26 (the new nemesis)

"On the spanned mana circle, being

different is related to Aura and the unique

technique practiced by either mages or

warriors. This mana circle bears words

written on them called 'runes'. Which are

in dragon languages. As we all know,

magic originated from the dragon race.

Because we humans can't use dragon

tongues or languages properly, we have

created a medium for proper

spellcasting, which are the runes on the

mana circles. Now, as I mentioned

earlier, each clan has their own unique

techniques just as they have unique

bloodlines. These runes are responsible

for manipulating that specific aura or

mana, and since every family has a

different aura, the runes that appeared

on it also differ. For instance, your family

specialised in frozen aura, and the runes

on your mana circle are designed to

communicate effectively with the aura or

mana released. I hope this explained

your question." Professor Leo said,

crossing his hands behind him.

 "Yes sir. But I have one more question

based on what you have said. If mana

circles spanned to help us through our

magic in replacement of limited

proficiency in dragon languages, what

about mana circles that spanned when

dragons invoked their spells?" She said

and leaned back in her seat.

"Very good question. You see, according

to the dragon history, mana circles that

appeared when dragons invoked spells

emerged naturally as they cast spells,

but their purpose is different compared to

ours. They help in regulating the

dragon's magic output and direct it

towards the caster targets. Anymore

questions before wrapping up for the

day?" He briefly looked at the students.

Drake raises his hand. "I have two

questions. My first question is about

mana circle sizes. I've seen many

occasions where people cast spells and

the different sizes of mana circle

spanned, so my question is why is it so?

And my second question is, since all

major and big clans have their own

specific mana and aura assimilation and

battle techniques, is there a way from

those that don't have the privilege? That

all." He looked expectantly as he seated

back. 

This question makes Professor Leo

looked at Drake in a new light as he

smiled at him. "Hmm, that's an

interesting question. It's one that people

overlook because they only care about

the results." He nodded thoughtfully.

"The size of the mana circle formed

every time techniques or mana is being

cast is directly one's affinity for that

specific element. The larger the circle,

the stronger the affinity and the more

efficient the spell casting." He paused

and turned to Drake.

"Now, about your second question.

There are two privileges available to

students from the minor clans or villages.

The first, which you won't be eligible for

until you're fully fledged students, is the

opportunity to be selected as a personal

student by one of the academy

professors, and only the promising

students can be chosen." Professor Leo

folds his arms. "As for the second

opportunity, there are some books they

can access at the academy library.

They may not provide specific

knowledge about your concern, but they

can offer some helpful guidance."

He glanced at the wall clock at the left

angle of the hall. "Well, it seems we've

run out of time for today. Have a nice day,

class." Professor Leo stepped out of the

lecture hall.

The lecture hall erupted in noise as

students chatted, spilling out of the

hallway. Mark walked towards the back

seat where Drake and Xena are seated.

"Buddy, let's grab some lunch." He said,

patting Drake's back.

"Okay," Drake replied. He turned to

Xena, who had her head rested on his

lap asleep through the entire lecture.

"Hey, Xena, wake up." He said, gently

tapping her shoulder.

"Hmmm. Wa-aa-ah." Xena yawned,

stretching her arms. "Is the class over?"

She glanced around before she turned

back to Drake. "Yes, let's go get lunch."

Drake said, standing up.

The three of them existed in the hall, but

Xena suddenly changed her mind. "You

guys go ahead. I suddenly have

something to do." She darted away

before they could respond. Drake was

secretly relieved to have some time

without Xena.

Drake and Mark headed to the dining

hall. The academy's dining hall is a

massive building, covering 133.45

square meters and accommodating

1000 students, filled with numerous large

tables and benches arranged in a

uniform pattern.

A large, custom-designed concrete table

held several chafing dishes filled with

variety food delicacies on the left side of

the hall. Behind it, are 10 chefs busily

serving food to the students waiting in

line.

They both join the queue for their

lunches. As Drake headed to the dining

table, passing between tables with his

lunch in his hands, he's about to pass

one where Griffin is seated.

Griffin tried to tripping him by placing his

leg on the ground. Drake accidentally

stepped on Griffin's leg harder, causing a

loud scream. Everyone in the dining hall

gets startled and turns to see what

happened.

Griffin instantly jumped to his feet.

"Bastard, can't you see well enough to

avoid stepping on foot?" He exclaimed.

This gets on Drake's nerves, but to avoid

creating unnecessary attention and

drawing interest from prying eyes that

exposed his identity Drake ignored

Griffin and continued moving.

"Hey, stop over there. You're not from the

Kaldris kingdom, but you have their tag.

What have you done to the real owner of

the tag, and who are you?" Griffin

exclaimed.

The atmosphere instantly thickened with

tension, whispering rippled out from

every corner of the hall.

"Did you hear that? He's not from the

Kaldris kingdom." A voice said to her

colleagues

"Then how and why is he with the Kaldris

kingdom tag."One of them replied,

"But Kaldris kingdom can't just be one of

the major kingdoms for no reason,

right?" Another voice interrupted,

"What are you talking about? He might

have attacked the real owner." Said

another colleague.

Drake, caught between anger and

confusion, turned back to Griffin,

nervously glancing around. "I have

nothing to say to someone who relied on

their background with no shame." Drake

restored. "Yes, you're correct. I'm not

part of the Kaldris kingdom's royalty. But

unlike someone with no self-reliance, I

earned this tag through my own

achievement. ." Drake said. He turned

aside and walked towards the table

where Mark sits.

His words struck Griffin hard and left him

speechless. He watched helplessly as

Drake took the seat opposite Mark.