"Now then, today let’s discuss the basic derivatives of magic."
It was morning, and I was in the middle of a common class: Introduction to Sorcery.
The teacher in charge was Instructor Gray. She was dressed quite casually today, and her hair was a mess. I privately suspected she had been drinking the night before.
"Let’s see... White. Explain the basic skills of magic."
"Understood, Instructor Gray."
Having been called upon, I stood up from my seat to answer the prompt.
"Magic is primarily classified into lower-tier magic, mid-tier magic, high-tier magic, and Grand-tier magic. From there, it is further subdivided into Quick Magic, Remote Magic, Chain Magic, Delay Magic, Material Shift, Extensive Magic, and Extensive Chain Magic."
"Exactly as White says. You’ve studied well."
"Yes, Instructor. Thank you."
I sat back down as soon as I finished speaking.
"As he just mentioned, magic has numerous derivatives. For example, let’s say you use the lower-tier magic, Fireball. When activating this, you naturally follow Code Theory, but the method of activation during the processing stage will differ. You could use Quick Magic if you prioritize speed, or you could use Remote Magic to catch your opponent off guard. Additionally, you can use Chain Magic to increase the number of fireballs, or even intentionally postpone the activation with Delay Magic. These techniques were simply unachievable with the magic of the past."
Just as Instructor Gray noted, sorcery had been significantly upgraded through Code Theory. The phenomenon once known as magic—something activated by mere visualization—had been demystified, giving birth to a logical system of sorcery. Humans then added layers of meaning to that process. Even with the same basic activation, a vast number of derivatives could be born.
Quick Magic, as we had practiced before, was used to accelerate activation.
Remote Magic allowed the user to set the activation point further away than usual. This was quite tricky; normally, magic appeared more or less directly in front of the caster without the need to specify coordinates. This was because we unconsciously designated that space by default.
However, Remote Magic required the caster to grasp space three-dimensionally and manifest the magic at an arbitrary location. This required significant skill. Of course, once one became accustomed to it, combining it with Quick Magic was also possible.
Chain Magic, simply put, allowed magic to activate in a sequence by layering Code Theory. The number of chains depended on the sorcerer’s skill. Some were limited to five, while others could produce a hundred or more.
Delay Magic was exactly what the name suggested. In warfare, it fulfilled a role similar to landmines. The conditions for activation depended entirely on the sorcerer’s skill; some activated through vibration, while others incorporated time or other conditions into the code.
High-ranking sorcerers could even combine these techniques. The range of possibilities was massive. Especially when using magic in combat, those variations became vital. One could not be called an excellent sorcerer simply for being able to use high-tier magic. What mattered was variation. There were even those who had attained the rank of Gold Rank sorcerer solely through creative combinations of lower-tier magic.
In this way, the world had literally changed through the systematization of Code Theory. Magic had become indispensable to daily life, leading to the world as it was today.
"Then, let’s do a light practical exercise. Today, we will perform Material Shift."
As Instructor Gray spoke, water appeared before her eyes. One would have expected it to fall to the floor under the pull of gravity... but it did not.
Instead, the water transformed into ice with a series of sharp, cracking sounds. Within moments, a pillar of ice stood atop the instructor’s desk.
I see. Her skill truly was impressive. That speed was likely comparable to Quick Magic. Furthermore, there was no waste in her technique, and the constituent matter showed no signs of instability. When an unskilled sorcerer attempted a Material Shift, they often ended up with a half-baked result—such as a messy mixture of water and ice—but there was none of that here. It was seamless. As expected of an instructor at Arnold Magic Academy.
I found myself privately admiring her mastery.
"As you can see, matter can be transformed if you apply the processing of Material Shift to Code Theory. However, in practice, while subsequent Phenomenon Alteration is possible... it is extremely difficult. To use an analogy, it’s like trying to run two different codes simultaneously. High-ranking sorcerers do it with composure, but for now, that doesn't matter. First, the foundation of running a single code is what's important. Let’s head to the practice grounds for a brief trial."
We relocated to the outdoor practice grounds for the exercise, moving as a group while still in our school uniforms.
"Hey, Ray."
"What is it, Evi?"
"I’m actually really bad at this stuff..."
"It’s fine. Everything comes down to repetition and practice. That is all."
Once we arrived at the grounds, we immediately began our Material Shift practice.
"Alright. Everyone, you may begin."
Upon her command, students began their attempts one after another, though many struggled. This technique required a certain level of finesse to handle correctly. However, there are exceptions to every rule.
Currently, everyone’s eyes were fixed on one particular student.
"Hmm. Rose is as capable as ever."
"Thank you very much."
Everyone was curious to see the skill of Amelia, a member of the Three Great Noble Families. Under the pressure of the crowd's gaze, she accomplished the task with ease. After producing a large volume of water, she instantly subjected it to Material Shift, turning it into ice.
But it wasn't just the shift itself that was noteworthy. The ice in front of her had taken the shape of a small, delicate tree.
No one present could fail to understand the significance of that. It meant Amelia had enough leeway to incorporate the code for forming a tree into the processing stage of her magic.
"...I see. Amelia has an incredible Magic Capacity."
"Hm? Ray, what’s that?"
I had intended it as a monologue, but since Evi reacted, I decided to explain.
"A sorcerer needs to run code, right?"
"Yeah."
"Of course, the Code Theory processed in the brain differs from person to person. The ability to take in a large amount of Prima Materia and incorporate complex information formats into the code is what we call having a large Magic Capacity. Or just a large 'capa' for short."
"Heh. Is that how it works?"
"Indeed."
"You’re quite the know-it-all, Ray."
"Knowledge is never a bad thing to have."
Well, this wasn't the time to be spouting trivia. I needed to try it myself.
I began running the code through my mind.
[Prima Materia = Encoding] [Encoding = Material Code] [Material Code = Decoding] [Material Code = Processing] [Embodiment = Material]
The Prima Materia converted into the liquid state of water, and from there, I attempted to mold it into ice... but I failed. With a splash, the water simply spilled onto the ground and was absorbed by the dirt.
"Ray, I did it! It’s a bit ugly, but look! Wait... huh? What happened to yours?"
"Hmm. It isn't going well."
"Try it again!"
"Yeah. Everything comes down to repetition and effort."
After that, I activated my magic countless times, but only puddles of water formed before me. As the other students gradually succeeded, I was left as the sole failure.
"Hmm. That’s time. White, well... make sure to practice diligently from now on. People have their strengths and weaknesses, but this is a fundamental skill. Be thorough."
"Yes, ma'am. Understood!"
Class ended, and the students began heading back to the school building.
As we walked, I felt eyes on me. Some students were even snickering.
In my current state, even a basic Material Shift is difficult, huh? I suppose I'll make this a task for the future.
As I reached my own conclusion and continued walking, Mr. Alium and a few others suddenly stepped into my path.
"Yo. Ordinary."
"Mr. Alium. It was a good class today, wasn't it?"
"Hahaha! It looks like you couldn't even manage a simple Material Shift, could you?"
"That is true. I intend to devote myself to further study."
"Kukuku, your mask is finally slipping... I hope you can actually manage to advance to the next grade. Right, Ordinary?"
"Hmm. I would also like to avoid repeating a year. Being expelled would be an absolute disaster."
"Kukuku, exactly... So, I have a proposal for you. It’s a good deal, I swear."
"I wonder what it could be?"
"If you become our slave, I might let you into my faction. Our seniors can arrange various conveniences for you. At the very least, you’ll be able to avoid failing your classes."
"I see. That is an attractive proposal, but what exactly do you mean by 'slave'?"
"Hah? It means exactly what it sounds like, obviously."
"I see. Then I must decline. Not just in this Kingdom, but globally, slavery ended several centuries ago. I cannot possibly accept such a proposal."
"Hahaha! Did you hear that, guys? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!"
"Hm? I didn't intend to perform a comedy routine."
"Kukuku, you’re something else. You’ve got a lot of nerve. But let me tell you one thing: the world of magic is built on talent. Blood determines everything. It’s all about lineage. This place isn't meant for an Ordinary. Be a good boy and go back to the countryside."
"I’m afraid that’s impossible. I have duties and a mission to fulfill. Furthermore, while talent is an important factor, I don't believe it is an absolute requirement for success..."
"Hah. Keep telling yourself that, you piece of trash. See ya."
With those words, they walked away.
And so, from the following day, people began to refer to me by a certain name.
The Withered Wizard.
It functioned as a double meaning—one referring to the noun for a sorcerer, the other to the adjective for something dried up and spent. It was the latter meaning, however, that they intended to highlight.
A sorcerer who couldn't even use basic magic; a wizard who had already withered away.
I was to bear that derogatory name on my back from then on.