Research Life of a New Professor at Magic University

Professor Atwell continued his explanation while floating the sword in the air.

“As you know, enchanting a blade is an exceedingly difficult task. The reasons for this should be evident to all.”

The sword, mostly comprised of metal, is a weapon.
However, enchanting metal is remarkably challenging.

Enchanting the small handle is limited, and its magical power often fails to reach the blade’s tip.
Even embedding gems to enhance efficiency yields disappointing results compared to the investment.

Directly inscribing runes onto metal for enchantments isn’t a viable alternative.
Engraving runes onto an already forged sword requires advanced techniques, and achieving satisfactory results is arduous.

Furthermore, the output of enchantments is proportional to their size.
The narrow width of a sword’s blade limits the magnitude of magical effects that can be inscribed.

The ‘magic sword’ embodies masculine romanticism, but the reality is far from romantic; hence, it remains merely a fantasy.

“Though there’s a wide variety of enchantments for weapons, the actual inscriptions on swords are limited. The most common is sharpening and hardening, aptly referred to as ‘Sharpness’ and ‘Hardening.'”

The sword is a warrior’s weapon.
Ultimately, the best one is the one that is wielded well and doesn’t break.

“But let’s think about this. If we’re enchanting it to be sturdy and sharp, does it really need to be made of metal in the first place? Wouldn’t it suffice to enchant a simple wooden stick and carry it around as a weapon?”

The students chuckled at this notion.
Some found the shift in perspective intriguing, but most remained skeptical.

Though they didn’t delve deeply into it, there was a feeling of implausibility.

“The answer, of course, is ‘no.’ The efficiency of magical spells greatly depends on the nature of the target. Moreover, ‘Sharpening’ and ‘Hardening’ are more about enhancing existing qualities rather than imparting new ones. The results would undoubtedly differ between enchanting a wooden stick and a forged blade.”

This time, it was the polite female student who posed the question.

“Are you saying it varies depending on the object’s original form?”

“Yes. A sword, being ‘sharp’ and ‘steel,’ maximizes the effects of those two enchantments. Originally, wood was enchanted far better than steel. However, even wood pales in comparison when it comes to being the target of ‘Sharpening’ and ‘Hardening’ spells.
It’s better to use an ordinary steel sword than enchant a wooden one to wield as a weapon.”

The students had never heard of a ‘magic-enchanted wooden sword’ being wielded in reality.
Attempting to pierce armor or the scales of a serpent with a wooden sword is foolish unless the user was a unique existence.

“That’s why enchanting other ‘sharp but weak items’ or ‘blunt but sturdy items’ doesn’t come close to the performance of a sword. That’s why warriors don’t use ‘magic-enhanced clubs.'”

Professor Atwell illustrated each theoretical point with examples, clarifying with analogies, often returning to the topic of swords.

“And there’s another important point. When crafting or using magical tools, one must distinguish when the tool is the ‘target’ and when it’s the ‘medium’ of magic.”

Some students who had never been interested in such fields began to feel a headache coming on.
The influx of concepts they hadn’t previously considered was overwhelming.

“Let me explain again with the earlier example. A magic sword becomes the target of the ‘Sharpening’ spell, not the medium for the ‘Cutting’ spell. On the other hand, something like a ‘flame wand’ becomes the medium for fire magic. You must understand this difference. Tools used for the same purpose should vary in material according to their operational principles.”

At that moment, the blonde-haired female student at the front raised her hand.
She had been asking questions throughout the previous classes and continued to do so today.
Professor Atwell remembered her and asked for her name.

“Yes, the student up there, what’s your name?”

“I’m Stella Lacton.”

“Alright, Miss Lacton. Please, ask your question.”

Her question preempted the next point Atwell was about to make.

“Isn’t a wand usually an object enchanted with magic itself?”

“Indeed, that’s correct. Wizards use objects like orbs, wands, and staves as both mediums for spells and targets of other spells. They are crafted to be targets for numerous spells and serve as mediums for other magical effects.”

Professor Atwell sheathed the sword, which, with its menacing blade suspended in the air, captured the students’ attention.

“So, creating spell-casting tools is challenging. It involves careful selection and processing of materials, among other things. Even simple items can be costly for this reason.”

Stella Lacton nodded in understanding.
She knew Atwell’s lesson plan would address spell-casting tools later in the semester.
Although she had wanted to omit it altogether, it was included in the syllabus, so she postponed it as much as possible.

“Let’s continue. Tools or materials aren’t explicitly mentioned when discussing the three elements of magic—mana, circulation, and spells. Hence, their importance can be easily overlooked. And I’m not saying this just because I’m teaching this class.”

Most students knew that Professor Atwell himself was a specialist in spellcraft.
Still, his fame came from research unrelated to magical materials.

“What role do magical materials play in the three elements of magic? The answer is all three. Suitable materials influence mana, magical energy circulation, and spells themselves. Depending on the type and properties of mana, the form of wielded magical energy, and the type and formula of spells, the type of magical tools or materials used must vary.”

After catching his breath, Professor Atwell addressed the tense-looking students as if making a declaration.

“This is what you will learn throughout the semester.”

While some students gleamed with academic zeal, most wore expressions of concern.
It seemed impossible to grasp all this information in just one semester.

“You don’t need to worry too much. After all, mastering this would take a lifetime, if not more. Remember what I said earlier about wizards never fully understanding materials? This is more about application than memorization.”

Atwell reassured the anxious students.

“Contrary to the earlier example, you can infer the characteristics of materials based on their usage. Why are wands and staves made of wood and orbs made of minerals? It’s not a coincidence. There’s a reason why expensive parchment is used instead of other types of paper for making magic scrolls. Each ingredient in potions carries significance.”

Professor Atwell listed a few potion ingredients and explained their rough significance, adding more examples.

“However, you should grasp the general characteristics to some extent to be able to utilize them. The name of this course is ‘Utilization of Magical Materials.’ It’s quite straightforward. The goal is not to memorize every material but to awaken your ability to utilize them.”

Atwell checked the time on his pocket watch. It was perfectly timed.

“Yes. That’s it for today.”

***

After speaking for over an hour, my throat feels dry.
Teaching isn’t my strong suit, so I’m a bit worried.

“Were you paying attention to the lecture? How was it?”

“It was okay. Have you taught this subject a lot?”

“Not at all. This is my first time.”

Surprisingly, is teaching in my nature? I never imagined it could be.

“You never tried tutoring when you were a student? I bet you would’ve been popular.”

“Private tutoring, huh? Never did it once.”

“Why not? That’s a shame.”

It’s not that I didn’t do it; I couldn’t.
As an undergraduate, I took on tutoring to earn some extra cash, but I got rejected after just one interview.

I wonder what the issue was.
It must have been my way of speaking.

“What are you thinking about?”

As I reminisced, Arien interrupted me.

“Oh, nothing much. Just pondering what experiment to conduct. You have class right after this meal, don’t you?”

“Yes. Mondays and Wednesdays are always like that.”

“In that case, I don’t need to attend my class. I’ll call you in on the days when I need you.”

“I also want to attend the lectures.”

“Is it necessary? You’ve prepared some of the lecture materials, so you should know enough.”

“I want to learn properly. It seems important.”

I can’t really argue with someone eager to learn.
While I wish I could spend this time conducting experiments instead of listening, I can’t complain if a student comes to study.

“Alright then, I’ll head to class. See you at the lab later.”

“Sure. See you later.”

Arien headed off to the lecture hall. I should head to the lab as well.
Arien tends to submit her reports late, so I haven’t had a chance to read them yet.

As I rose from my seat, a blonde woman approached me.
After Arien left, I initially thought it was a nuisance, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a familiar face.

‘Where have I seen her before?’

“Excuse me, Professor Atwell. I waited because it seemed like you were having a conversation.”

Ah, it’s the student who kept asking questions during class.
What was her name again? I’m sure I asked for it during class, but it would be awkward to ask again immediately.

“Sorry about that. I’m used to addressing people by their last names, so I don’t remember names well.”

“Oh, it’s okay! My name is Stella. Stella Lacton.”

Right, Lacton. Class is over, so I wonder what she wants.

Author’s Note

It’s a part I enjoy writing as well, and since readers seem to enjoy it, lecture parts will continue to appear. However, I’ll try to keep them shorter and not dominate the story too much.

Thank you all for reading.

I’ve modified the middle section. There was a somewhat comedic scene, but it seemed unnecessary and not very understandable, so I cut it out. The overall storyline remains unchanged.

Translator’s Corner

I somehow missed this chapter… Sorry.

-Ruminas