Anti-Magic and Magicians Training

Why is Anti-Magic a Forbidden Spell?

"Yes. Why is anti-magic a forbidden spell? Many wizards are studying it legally."

Ethella nodded as if it was a good question.

"There are two types of anti-magic. One is anti-magic cast by a wizard, and the other is anti-magic imbued into an artifact. Are you aware of this?"

"Yes. I've heard of it."

"In reality, it's better to think of anti-magic as a unique wavelength spirit zone rather than magic itself. It disrupts the opponent's spirit zone with one's own spirit zone. However, unlike artifacts, when two people clash, it turns into a mental seesaw game. This is because, unlike objects, humans have emotions."

"If one tries it recklessly, it could put excessive strain on the mind."

"Exactly. Wizards who specialize in anti-magic devote their entire lives to training in it. They cultivate an emotionless mind, nearly as indifferent as an object. The school does not want to encourage such an approach for students like you."

Shirone finally understood.

Since one person inevitably suffers damage, it was not a subject suitable for student research.

"Now, let's return to our practice. From this point on, we will train in the basics of the Four-Way Formula."

As the students began their exercises, Shirone moved aside to practice the defensive form.

The key was to tighten the mind while simultaneously building a framework to prevent collapse.

Feeling his spirit zone solidify, Shirone's eyes widened.

Since it wasn't an image zone, he couldn't confirm it visually, but he was certain of his success.

'It worked. It really worked.'

Though his innate tendency toward convergence helped, the achievement was still remarkable. Years of training solely in the spirit zone had not been in vain.

At that moment, his classmates pointed toward the image zone.

"Wow! Look at that!"

The upperclassmen from Class Four were training in turn, and now it was Amy's turn to demonstrate her technique.

Her specialty was target-based magic.

A cross shape rotated 90 degrees to the right, then spun 270 degrees to the left, constantly shifting angles while shooting flames.

Her spirit zone had a diameter of about 20 meters—fairly standard for a target-based zone—but its axis rotation speed was beyond imagination.

Despite targets rising from all directions, the number of flames firing from the four sides was rapid, almost like a continuous barrage.

After eliminating 120 targets, Amy took a deep breath and deactivated her spirit zone.

With her beautiful face and exceptional skill, the admiration in the eyes of the younger students watching her was clear.

"That senior, is she Karmis Amy?"

"Ranked first among nobles, stunningly beautiful, and on top of that, the most skilled. If I could even meet a senior like that, life at magic school would be worthwhile."

"Dream on. Over the past four years, more than a hundred guys have confessed to her, but she hasn't spared a single glance."

"Can you blame her? The Karmis family is one of the most prestigious noble families in the kingdom."

Hearing their conversation, Shirone became even more curious.

Why would someone so remarkable associate with a back-alley vagrant?

At that moment, Amy descended from the image zone and locked eyes with Shirone, making his shoulders tense.

Naturally, the other students followed her gaze, turning to Shirone.

"Wait, do they know each other?"

"No way. He just got admitted yesterday."

"Then is she genuinely interested in him? She never even looks at guys."

Amy quickly turned her head away.

Though she had made a mistake with her gaze, she couldn't deny that Shirone was on her mind.

'His eyes... He definitely remembers.'

It would be troublesome if her past actions were exposed, but she wasn't particularly worried.

Her goal was now clear—she was determined to become the best.

'But the problem is...'

She had remembered it—what she had tried to do to Shirone when she was twelve.

'Why did I do that?'

Why, of all people, was it him?

Amy's performance had left a strong impression, and no other students dared to enter the image zone afterward.

Not wanting to be compared to the top student in the advanced class, everyone hesitated.

Seeing the opportunity, Shirone spoke up.

"Teacher, may I use it?"

"Huh? The image zone?"

Ethella tilted her head.

There was no particular reason for a student who had just learned the basics of the Four-Way Formula to use the image zone.

"Hmm, let's see? Normally, upperclassmen have priority..."

She glanced at the zone. No one else seemed willing to step up.

"Alright. Gaining experience early is good. But don't activate the targets—you could get hurt."

"Yes, thank you."

As Shirone stepped into the image zone, the upperclassmen whistled and clapped playfully.

Amy, sipping water, turned her head at the commotion. The moment she saw Shirone, she spat out her water.

"Pffft!"

"Amy, are you okay? What's with you today?"

"What is that kid doing? A Class Seven student in there? What does he think he can do?"

Meanwhile, Shirone entered his spirit zone.

'I see it.'

From the center of his mind, a blue sphere rapidly expanded, taking his breath away.

'Oh... oh?'

Overwhelmed by the image, Shirone instinctively halted his spirit zone's expansion.

All noise vanished, and the students gaped in shock.

"...It's huge."

A spirit zone with a 20-meter diameter.

Considering that the average for Class Seven was 13 meters, he was a giant among newcomers.

"He's got some size, huh?"

"Hah! Just because it's big doesn't mean it's useful. It's nothing but a bubble."

Shirone had no time to listen—he was desperately trying to prevent a collapse.

'Something's wrong.'

The mental framework that had worked just ten minutes ago was bending like taffy.

'Why isn't it working?'

It could have been the visual shock unsettling his mind, but Shirone refused to believe he was that weak.

'There must be a clear reason. What's different? The difference between being outside and now…'

Then, a flash of realization struck him.

'It's the size.'

His assumption that a smaller spirit zone would make the Four-Way Formula easier was completely wrong.

'It's actually the opposite. Changing the shape consumes mental energy. And mental energy ultimately...'

A Magician's Training

Shirone further focused his mind.

By letting go of his attachment to the image, his spirit zone more than doubled in size.

The students' eyes widened as the display panel next to the image zone showed a diameter of 41 meters.

Even Class Four students averaged only 27 meters—his was nearing graduation level.

"W-What the hell? How is his spirit zone so big?"

Ethella was just as surprised.

'He must have spent his life contemplating the truths of the world and exploring his inner conflicts. Still, he's only seventeen. He really is an unusual student.'