"Marine City?"
Felix's face changed.
"But that's on the other side of the country. Heck, it'll take a week just to get there by carriage... oh."
"Exactly. You can fly, Felix!"
"Professor, I know I'm incredible, but I can't fly all the way over to Marine. I haven't developed my mana heart enough yet. I'm stuck at six stars."
Six stars? Most students his age are at three or at most four. Even I'm only at nine stars.
The professor thought.
Stars. The grading given to mana hearts that most mages make at ten years old on their navel. Everyone starts at zero, and as they develop it by either training or using elixirs, the mana-containing capacity increases alongside the quality of mana.
The four strongest mages in the world have reached an insane fifteen stars and are considered demi-gods.
"Pay attention to tomorrow's class, and you might get an idea of how to do so. For now, go back home. I've already talked to your father, and we've decided that you'll leave at the end of this week. That means you have three days, including today, to pack your personal belongings."
"Yes, professor."
Felix bowed just a little before stepping out of the room. Back in, however, the professor turned to a shadowy figure that was hidden until now.
"So, headmaster. What did you think of him now?"
The professor said, and got a slightly distorted voice in reply.
"That brat's vocal cords have way too little mana residue. That means either he doesn't use magic all that much, or he can use Incantless chanting."
"Incantless chanting? That's something only ten stars and above can do, and he's only at six!"
"I think you have to reconsider your thoughts on him, Professor. It doesn't matter if he works hard or not- he'll end up at the forefront of the world anyway."
"But that's why I'm scared. Tell me, headmaster. What is a child without a dream?"
No response.
"A goal, much excitement, some reason, a little challenge, these are the things that build character. Without these in their lives, a child may turn to other unorthodox -perhaps even dangerous- means of entertainment. And who knows? With his level of talent, he will become either the greatest gift to the world or the harbinger of catastrophe."
"Big words for a drunk brat, Professor."
"Small words for his future, though."
"That's enough. I understand what you mean to say, professor. Next year, we'll be going forward with the unification with our sister academy and also proceed with the commoners' scouting. Although it's unlikely, maybe then Felix might meet someone of his match."
"I doubt that, headmaster. He may very well be the most talented mage to ever be born, and I believe it's just a matter of time until he realizes that there's more to his life than boredom. Much, much more."
"We'll see. I'll be keeping an eye out for him in Marine, since I'm there anyway."
And with that, the shadowy figure disappeared.
...
Felix ran across the corridor without paying any attention to his surroundings.
Fuck. I forgot that I was supposed to have dinner with my father yesterday. I bet that Sheffield reported to him about what I did last night, too. If I say that I practiced Incantless chanting, I'm pretty sure I'd get out of trouble. Anyways, Marine, huh? Most people go there to make a name for fishing, but that market's already filled to the brim. Rather, I should open up a restaurant or something- somewhere for all that excess fish and aquatic monsters' meat to go to. How difficult could that be? Although I suppose I'll also have to scout for some co-workers to help me. Even one will work out, since I'm confident in my cooking.
Felix often stayed out at night, since he didn't like to follow noble etiquette and whatnot. Instead, his favorite thing to do was just wander the streets at night and also camp out for several days at a time. As a result, his cooking got gradually better till a point where he could make a nice meal with the wildest ingredients.
By the time Felix reached his manor, it was already evening. He quickly went into his room, changed into normal clothes, which included a white shirt and blue pants, and asked a butler where his father, the duke, was.
"The Duke is currently in his study room. He seemed angry, young master, so I hope that you'll be careful."
Well, shit.
Felix made his way over to his father's study and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A thunderous yet silent voice came out. Felix entered the room to see his father standing up against a cabinet filled with both new and old books, holding up a rather crude and ancient notebook.
An eleven-star monster -nearing twelve- in human form. He had blue hair like his son, but his was straight and in a ponytail. His beard was neatly shaved, and his eyes were also bright sea green like Felix, although they were a lot sharper than his son's.
"I heard that you made a fuss in the bar last night. What was all that about, Felix?"
"Father, I was just trying to celebrate!"
"Celebrate what, exactly?"
His aura erupted.
"I can do Incantless chanting now! That already makes me far ahead of everyone in the Royal Academy, and I believe that it's enough reason for me to celebrate."
Although I have been doing Incantless chanting for a few months now.
"Why would you drink over such a trivial matter that's to be expected?"
Ask any other child to do what I can, Father.
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing!"
Felix said with a gleaming face. He hated most of his family. It all started with a small boast his parents made at a major party they hosted when he made his mana heart six years back, which caught the attention of the queen. From there, it became something that was expected of him. It was always perfection, perfection, and perfection. The more disturbing thing is that Felix didn't find it hard to do so.
Now, it was harder for him to fail at anything related to magic, and yet failing at something was his fervent wish. He instinctively knew that he was going to be the greatest mage of his era. To get back at his parents is the sole reason why he doesn't work hard, and yet he ends up doing exactly what they want.
"Anyways,"
Duke Rhein sighed and continued,
"I've talked to your professor about the educational trip. I will send a letter once a week to catch up on your activities. And don't you dare try to lie to me- I've got other methods to find out what exactly you're going to do at Marine."
Is he actually caring about me? No. It's because Marine is under Viscount Lauel's rule. He rules over much of the southern ports and has one of the strongest navies in the world. My father only wants me to get to know the Viscount for his own benefit. Little does he know, I'm only planning on opening a restaurant.
"If you have nothing more to say, go back and have dinner. I'll not be joining you today."
A lonely dinner at a huge table. No matter how tasty the food is, it tastes best when there is someone to share it with. Felix was used to it.
The next morning, Felix arrived in his classroom on time for the first time in a while. He sat on his usual seat in the back by the window, and a couple of minutes later, Felix's professor came in and started the class.
Recalling their conversation, Felix paid attention in class for the first time.
"Today, we'll be going back to the basics. What is magic, where it came from, and how to use it efficiently."