I leaned back in my seat, watching as Professor Callen paced across the front of the room, his voice steady as heunched into the day''s lesson.


    "I know you all studied this in your first year, but it''s essential that we solidify our understanding of the fundamentals before we dive into more advanced practices."


    He nced around the room, pausing to let the words sink in before he continued.


    "Today, we''re revisiting the hierarchy of magic circles.


    Specifically, the distinctions between them as we progress from 1st Circle magic up to the highest, the fabled 8th Circle magic."


    He drew a quick diagram on the board with his wand, outlining each circle with practiced precision.


    "The Circles represent the degree ofplexity a mage can handle, and thus, dictate the ranks they can achieve."


    I watched, a half-smile pulling at my lips.


    Circles of magic and mage rankings—basic stuff, sure, but there was nuance here, a fine bnce that defined the true elite from the ordinary.


    I noted the whispers around me, some students craning forward, eager to jot down every word.


    No doubt they had their ambitions set on advancing in rank as quickly as possible.


    The professor gestured to the lowest circle on the board.


    "The 1st Circle marks the beginner''s path—simple spells that manipte only surface aspects of elements.


    Lighting a fire, creating a small breeze, purifying water, and the like.


    Basic elemental maniption, fundamental to any aspiring mage."


    He tapped at the circle and continued.


    "Progressing to the 2nd and 3rd Circles, the spells grow slightly more intricate.


    Mages at these levels, known as Novices and Apprentices, learn tobine elements or add mild enhancements.


    A 2nd Circle fire spell, for instance, might not simply ignite but burn hotter, longer.


    Here, they might also learn basic Healing spells, enough to treat minor wounds."


    The 3rd Circle spells, then—capable of sustaining basic elemental barriers, manipting earth for basic construction or reshaping, even creating small illusions."


    I resisted the urge to sigh aloud.


    The professor wasn''t incorrect, but the lesson was being drawn out in a way that hardly befit the best and brightest of ss A.


    I could practically feel some students'' concentration drifting.


    And then I heard him get to the meat of it, reaching the 4th Circle, which at least started to get mildly interesting.


    "Once a mage has trained to withstand and cast 4th Circle spells..."


    Professor Callen continued.


    "They reach the level of Adept.


    Here, they can create offensive spells that are more than just a bolt of fire or gust of wind.


    Think of 4th Circle spells as having the strength to cut through moderate defenses.


    Here, your average mage''s spellcasting potential is doubled."


    Then he moved his wand along to the next circle.


    "5th Circle spells introduce more advanced maniption andbination.


    These are reserved for truebat practitioners.


    At this stage, mages gain ranks such as Mage or Combat Mage."


    I fought to suppress an eye roll.


    Sure, it was a respectable level, but nothing revolutionary.


    No one worth their salt stopped at the 5th Circle.


    "It is from the 6th Circle that we start to enter rare territory."


    Callen''s voice took on a reverent tone as he moved up.


    "Spells at the 6th Circle, cast by a Master Mage, allow wielders to affect a small area rather than a single target.


    And for the more delicate arts?


    Illusion spells strong enough to cloak an entire room.


    Mages at this rank wield tremendous influence and skill."


    I raised my hand, just enough to make it visible, though I doubted he''d actually call on me.


    And predictably, Callen continued, unaware—or perhaps deliberately choosing to ignore me.


    I could tell he was reaching the peak of his self-reverence as he exined the highest circles of magic.


    "Seventh Circle spells are where true mastery is proven."


    He said, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper.


    "Archmages—there are less than fifty in existence.


    Can devastate entire battlegrounds with a single cast, manipte the flow of time within a limited space, or halt entire armies."


    "Then why aren''t they ruling the continent?"


    I muttered just loud enough to break his flow.


    Several heads snapped in my direction, and Callen stopped, his gaze hardening.


    Perfect.


    "Lord Noah," he addressed me, irritation glimmering in his eyes.


    "Would you like to share your thoughts with the ss?"


    I shrugged, leaning forward with an easy grin.


    "Just that, while your overview is… eptable, Professor, it doesn''t cover the nuances of rank progression that separate true mastery from mere capability.


    Or that the 7th Circle has more than just Archmage status in store."


    Several students stared at me, both apprehensive and intrigued, waiting to see where I''d take this.


    Callen''s frown deepened, but he said nothing, gesturing for me to continue with a wave of his hand.


    I took a deliberate pause, letting the silence stretch out as I surveyed the room.


    "You see..."


    I said, locking my gaze with Callen.


    "Mages don''t simply gain ranks because of power alone.


    The criteria go beyond ''Can you blow up a room'' or ''Can you cast a massive illusion.''


    The higher circles—6th, 7th, and the mythical 8th Circle—require something beyond magical capacity.


    You have to possess full control over your mana and a genuine affinity, not just for your element, but for your chosen path."


    I motioned to the board where he''d written out the types.


    "Attack, Support, Healing, Illusion, Defense, Conjuration, and the rare Alchemy type.


    Each of these paths is rooted in a distinct magic grade, based on the mage''s fundamental mana disposition."


    Callen''s lips tightened.


    I could tell he wasn''t thrilled with my interruption, but I didn''t care.


    "Take Healing, for instance," I continued.


    "It isn''t merely a matter of using a basic spell to stitch up wounds, like the 3rd Circle spells.


    Healers specializing at the 6th Circle can manipte life forces, regenerating tissue in moments, or even stopping mortal wounds from spreading.


    I believe you skipped that part?"


    Several students were nodding now, and I smirked, enjoying Callen''s visible difort.


    "And Illusion isn''t just a parlor trick either."


    I went on, savoring each word.


    "At the 6th Circle and beyond, illusions can be so profound that they affect not just sight, but sound, smell, even a person''s internal perception.


    Mastering illusions is about mastering maniption, the mind itself."


    "Interesting, Lord Noah."


    Callen said, his toneced with cold amusement.


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    "Though I''m certain I was getting to that."


    "Just thought I''d save you some time."


    I replied smoothly.


    "After all, the top student might as well exin the advanced elements."


    A tense silence filled the room as Callen met my gaze, and I could see the frustration simmering in his eyes.


    "So, you believe you know more about the highest circles, Lord Noah?"


    I didn''t miss a beat.


    "Actually, yes. Since you omitted a crucial point—the 8th Circle, which you seemed hesitant to mention.


    The pinnacle, right?


    Reserved for only the most elite mages.


    Those with full mastery over a dual affinity, or the ability to wield two elements or more simultaneously at peak levels.


    An 8th Circle mage doesn''t just devastate armies, Professor.


    They rewrite reality."


    I leaned back, smirking, watching as the other students absorbed my words.


    Callen''s face was stony, and I knew I''d struck a nerve, but I didn''t care.


    After all, I wasn''t just any student.


    I was ''the'' top student, and there was no point in pretending otherwise.


    「Ding!」


    『+5 FEP!』