Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"My name is Ciara De Versacee Dunroe!"

The lecture hall went dead silent the moment Ciara opened the doors and declared her name to all the students seated inside.

Her loud voice echoed inside, and the reception of everyone who heard her was simply... absolute silence.

Jaws started dropping, and a few eyes bulged in shock. Eyebrows twitched, and several expression warped in surprise.

Serah and Sam were especially amazed by this very shocking news.

However, despite the respective reactions given to Ciara's declaration, none of the students displayed anger.

Their eyes still displayed the warm glow that friends, or at least acquaintances had.

"Welcome back, Ciara. You may return to your seat." Noir nodded soundly.

'That wasn't so hard, was it? Well done.' His thoughts trailed.

Judging from the reaction of her classmates, Noir was confident that Ciara's confession didn't make anyone despise her or anything.

Sure, a few would be disappointed, but he didn't think that would make them antagonize her.

Ultimately, she was capable of patching the effects of hiding her identity for so long.

'And you arrived just in time too. We're done with the introductions.' Noir smiled internally.

Whether that was due to sheer coincidence or premeditation was anyone's guess.

Ciara slowly passed through her classmates and awkwardly went to her seat. Everyone had enough common sense to leave personal matters until after classes, so no one bugged her about it there and then.

A fee distracted glances were passed, but no one said a word.

Their Homeroom Teacher was still around, after all.

"It's been a few months since you started your time here, hasn't it? You've learned a lot about the fundamentals of Spells, Runes, Enhancements, and Enchantments... no doubt about that." Noir said, leaving his elevated stage.

He decided to pass through the hall, acting more like a supervisor than a lecturer. Perhaps he felt more comfortable in motion.

'I'm being observed by Trevor and Denzel. Might as well give them a noteworthy performance.'

"It's common sense that a Tier 1 Mage can only produce Tier 1 Spells, Enhancements, and Enchantments. The same applied to Tier 2, 3, and above. However, as you are well aware, Runes are the exception."

Unlike the other types of Magic, Runes were made using gradual processes—not simply by spontaneous reactions caused by a Mage's Mana.

"You can supplement your Mana with Mana Stones, and you can take as long as you can when creating a Rune. As a result, the most essential thing for making a Rune isn't one's Tier... but their level of knowledge and skill. In theory, what does that mean?"

Noir's face slowly formed a smile as he returned to the front of the class. With his arm stretched wide, he announced something that was obvious for any student to know.

"Anyone can use Magic—any kind of Magic—as long as you can make the right Runes!"

One could enhance themselves with Runes. They could enchant an item, or even create Spell reactions. To be honest, the Runic type of Magic was the most diverse.

It cut through the other types of Magic.

"Students such as yourselves are even capable of reaching the level of the Archmage by knowing the right Rune and utilizing the correct process to make one... wouldn't you agree?"

Knowledge is power—thag saying applied very well to the concept of Runes.

"With the resources and the know-how, you can do anything." Noir restated.

That was the essential principle of Runic Magic!

'Its on this foundation that I developed Code. That's how important this aspect is. Unfortunately, it's also the most difficult.'

Spells were relatively easier to learn, and with enough practice, one could get proficient in them.

Enhancements and Enchantments involved simpler commands, and they only got much more difficult the higher the Tier. It also became difficult to maintain them the more they were stacked with one another.

Noir made sure to explain all of these to the students, who listened in silence and awe.

Sure, their academics hinted these things, but with Noir's clear and straightforward narrative, the students felt like they were being pushed to the realistic dimension of Magic.

"Runes, on the other hand, require knowledge and materials. These aren't things one can obtain with commitment and training—though the skill necessary to quickly or effectively create a Rune requires practice."

What made this unique type of Magic so special was it's free, yet restricted label.

"I believe we've delved enough into the theoretical aspect of this subject for today..." Noir's words pierced the hall, and the sharp hearing of his listeners swiftly picked up the meaning behind his words.

"... Why don't we practice what we've learned?"

Hushed murmurs began circulating among the students, who were mad with curiosity at this point. The way their eyes wandered from their teacher, to one another, showed the level of their excitement.

"It's time you all learned what it means to use Magic that is well beyond your capacity." Noir snapped his fingers, and a huge Magic Circle appeared on the ground.

It covered the entire flooring of the hall, and everyone could see the intricate designs and powerful glow it displayed.

"T-Tier 6?!" Many yelled in both shock and fright.

Most established Mages couldn't reach such a level—and that was especially true for educators. Trevor Netherlore was an exception among exceptions, so it was very surprising to see their young transfer teacher suddenly bring a Tier 6 Spell into existence.

And with a simple snap of his fingers, for that matter!

"We'll be switching locations for the purpose of this class. Stay still."

The orange glow encompassed the hall, and before the students could blink, they all found themselves in a different location.

Many rubbed their eyes or felt a tinge of nausea, considering this was their first time experiencing such a Spell.

However, despite the side effects, they could tell that they were no longer in their lecture hall. The environment looked blank and more spacious.

It begged the question...

"... Where are we?!"

"Welcome to the class training hall. I got the permission to use this place, so..."

As the students slowly got full control of their vision, they witnessed the transition from their classroom to a vast and empty space.

Other than the students and their teacher, nothing occupied the room.

​ "... You'll be practicing what I taught you here." Noir's voice echoed across the large training hall, causing everyone's gaze to focus on him.

For the first time, they noticed him give a genuine smile.

It was bone-chilling.

"Get ready students. Right here and now... each of you will create Tier 6 Magic."

Every student felt their jaws drop at this statement. What was their teacher asking of them—mere Tier 1 nobodies?!

"Nothing more. Nothing less."