It was a polite morning in the Kingdom of Tarmil. The University of Magical Science and Art was crowded with students. The morning sun shone brightly, and a light, cool breeze made the weather more refreshing. Countless students, professors, and journalists were entering the university's main hall. It was packed with people. They were there after an announcement in the daily newspaper that the renowned professor, Professor Oliver Zeskin, was going to give a lecture on the newly established Block System by the International Board of Magic Education. An unexpected person will be assisting him, Irfika Kartiff, also known as The Devil's Master.
The journalists were busy asking questions to the nobles and other famous professors, and some members of the board.
"This system is a big leap in our understanding of magic. It will revolutionise both education and warfare." A professor replied to a journalist.
"I never expected The Devil's Master to even assist in this research, more like coming here." Another professor said, stroking his moustache.
As the time of the lecture approached, the professor revised what he was going to say and explain. He was wearing a scholarly suit. Black pants, white shirt, and a black robe. He adjusted his monocles and looked at his assistant entering, Irfika. He was in his formal attire. Black pants, a crimson shirt, and a pure black overcoat.
"Professor…" Irfika adjusted his cuffs. "I advise that you don't teach from the papers, but from your own mind. People will understand that more."
The professor gave a thought to his words, but rejected them. "The board prefers to deliver simplicity. Furthermore, it will be taught in the institutes as well. I may use some complex terminology, causing people difficulty in understanding the system."
"As you wish…But I won't be reading from the paper for my part of the lecture."
"Sure, no problem…"
'Ah…I hate these cuffs. Hard to adjust.' Irfika was irritated.
He took off his overcoat, placed away the cuff and folded his sleeves up to his elbow. He was more comfortable than before.
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen," the female assistant professor announced loudly. Silence then spread across the hall. As you all are aware, about the formation of the Block System, some information has been provided, but it was scarce. Many details remain unknown. That is why today, the renowned Professor Oliver Zeskin will deliver a lecture on this system. He will be assisted by none other than the feared Devil's Master of Cerfis, Irfika Kartiff." The female assistant professor paused. "I advise that all of you sit down, as the two gentlemen will take the stage," she said cheerfully and stepped off the stage.
"Gentlemen…It is time…" A senior student told them.
"After you…" Irfika gestured for Oliver to go first.
"Hmm…Courtesy…"
The two of them came from behind the curtains and were welcomed with a round of applause. As the claps and the cheers quieted down, the professor placed the lecture papers on a nearby desk and stared at the vast audience.
I, Professor Oliver Zeskin, and my assistant, Irfika Kartiff, am here to explain the Block System. First, the introduction will take place. We all thank the top members of the board, Resfin Oscar, Perlit Unter, William Yasik, Ingrit Geter, Efrit Hoik, and the chairman, Tortis Saflik. We also thank the administration of this institute, and none other than His Majesty King Hysfreg II, for allowing us to deliver a lecture on a moment which can only be regarded as the pinnacle of understanding of magic." The professor paused and looked at the audience.
Half of them were chatting with each other, and some were sleeping. The only ones attentive were the students in his class and some of his fans.
'They are sleeping! I haven't even started, yet…' As a professor, he found this behaviour disrespectful. His lips and muscles were twitching with anger.
'I told you…' Irfika took a deep breath.
Irfika cleared his throat and looked at the crowd. "Please sit attentively. If you want to sleep and talk, you all may leave. The professor may hesitate to say this as you are all guests, but I won't. I would never. Either listen to us or get out!" He said in a heavy, commanding voice.
The talkers stopped, and the sleeping jolted awake. They couldn't defy the orders of Irfika. Even in a Kingdom like Tarmil.
"Now…Professor, please start. And heed my advice again."
The professor took a glance at Irfika and understood.
'Hmm…Teach in my own way. Fine then…' The professor decided.
"When the magic arrived in this world. The people thought that as a blessing, and the kings used it only for the demise of their adversaries. But the right-thinking men, although few, decided that we need more brains than swords. Even a five-year-old student is better than illiterate and dead brain soldiers." He spoke every word clearly to draw the audience's attention.
"So…After a struggle and research of one and a half centuries. We arrived at a solution. The Block System. A system that will keep improving and help future generations effectively understand magic. So it doesn't transform into a tool of destruction alone, but knowledge as well." He said and pointed at a big black board. People sat attentively and listened keenly.
On the blackboard, the flow chart of the system was drawn. With characteristics of the blocks written on it.
'Now that's good…' Irfika praised the professor.
"Now…I will read the contents on the board."
"The following is written on it:
BLOCK 0: The state of magic where one hasn't awakened his/her magic.
BLOCK I: The beginning stage of magic, where one has a basic or complete grasp of the magic residing in him.
BLOCK II: The second block is the state, in which an individual has some or complete control over the magic in his/her genes and belongs to his/her respective family/clan.
BLOCK III: An individual reaches block 3 if they can control their own magic, their family magic, and can materialise the magical patterns on their respective weapons.
BLOCK IV: Unknown. Research in progress.
BLOCK V: Same status as block 4. Declared as the threshold of an ordinary person.
BLOCK VI: Using or controlling the powers or directly, The Devil itself."
When the professor spoke about the characteristics of block 6, everyone's gaze fell on the Devil's Master.
"BLOCK VII: Using or controlling the powers or directly The Golden Angel.
Remember that the Golden Angel is in the possession of the Falvarian King Larnet. So its properties are unknown. Now, next…
BLOCK VIII: The second-highest form of magic. And the highest block in the system. Only two people have ever achieved it. Emayla Gorbin and Larnet Falva. Those two had direct control over the particles that descended 150 years ago. Larnet Falva still has them."
The audience murmured and looked at each other in amazement as the professor stopped talking.
"From our research. The same person can't have both block 6 and 7. We haven't observed such a state, yet."
The word 'yet' spread unease in the crowd. This didn't mean that such people wouldn't come. They may or may not be present in this world.
"Above the block system is singularity. The highest form of magic ever achievable by all living entities in the universe. Above that…Well, above that is God."
"As the words on the board were written clearly. I think everyone understood. If there are any questions, please ask." The professor said calmly and sat on one of the chairs on the left of the stage.
Seeing that no questions were asked. Irfika stood to deliver some words.
"My purpose here is to tell about a combat magic, the Arts. I made these moves myself and hid them because my pride said so. But now, as all my enemies are a bunch of weaklings, I will tell the world." He said in a heavy and stern voice. The people were dead silent. He was enjoying the moment and deliberately calling his enemies weak.
"The Art technique entails the different forms of magic one can use. For instance, Fire, Water, Air, Soil, Blood, and my very own Devil and Demon art. Only a wielder of the particular type can train the soldiers. You can't use anything of your choice. But the form of magic that is in you. It also depends on the block you are on. But above block V, the block doesn't matter much.
"Well…For me…This is all for today because the Arts are more about physical training than taking notes and memorising. Thank you." Irfika left the stage after a slight bow.
The two gentlemen left the stage, and the lecture came to a conclusion.