Martial Arts.
An elective course that showcases vitality through physical ability.
In the use of Magecraft, Magus typically utilize the Greater Source—the life force of the planet itself—as their source of Mana. Compared to the pitiful amount of Mana that can be converted from human life force, using the Greater Source is clearly far more practical.
However, there are rare situations where a Magus cannot use Mana from the Greater Source and must rely solely on converting their own life force into Mana. In such cases, the physical condition of the Magus greatly affects the amount of Mana they can produce.
The martial arts course aims to train the bodies of Magus, enhance their vitality, and prevent the loss of strength in specific situations.
And currently, this is the course Naoki is attending.
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*BAM!*
A punch landed squarely on his stomach, sending Naoki flying into one of the pillars. The force of the impact even created a large dent in the pillar's surface!
With a slight cough, he freed himself from the pillar, regained his stance, and reinforced his body with strengthening Magecraft. Then, he charged toward his sparring partner—Kayneth, the instructor.
This was the ninth time Naoki had attacked Kayneth. And the previous eight attacks all ended with him being sent flying by a punch made of Mercury, Kayneth's signature artifact.
The Mercury around Kayneth formed a giant fist and shot toward Naoki, who was running straight at him. Naoki raised his right arm to block the attack, then quickly stepped forward, clenched his left fist, and struck Kayneth's chest!
*THUD!*
Just like before, the Mercury enveloping Kayneth easily absorbed the attack, even transforming into a soft substance that immediately wrapped around Naoki's hand. In an instant, Kayneth took advantage of the opening, grabbed Naoki's arm, and executed a perfect shoulder throw, slamming him hard into the ground!
*CRASH!*
Another dent formed in the floor.
On the other side of the arena, the students watching the fight felt relieved that they hadn't been chosen as examples by Kayneth. In fact, most of them were quite satisfied seeing Naoki getting beaten up.
It had been a month since Naoki entered the Clock Tower, and during that time, he had become a target for the nobility. The reason was simple: because he was close to Waver.
It didn't take long for them to investigate his background, and after that, these noble Magus began to show their traditions: ostracizing, slandering, provoking.
"A commoner trying to become a Magus at the Clock Tower? You think you can succeed just by sucking up to Kayneth?"
"No wonder he's close to that third-rate teacher. They're both lowlifes."
"Haha, he's really getting beaten up like a sandbag. Why doesn't Kayneth hit him harder?"
Although their voices weren't loud, Naoki's ears—enhanced by Magecraft—could hear them clearly. So could Kayneth.
While Kayneth pressed Naoki's chest with his knee to keep him from getting up, he said coldly, "You hear that, Naoki? That's your reputation at the Clock Tower right now."
"Of course I hear it. But, Professor Kayneth, why does the Clock Tower resort to such cheap tactics too?"
Naoki tried to move but found his body completely locked, so he gave up and just lay there resignedly.
"Kids forming cliques and ostracizing someone? I've seen that too often in Japan. I thought the Clock Tower would be more classy."
Honestly, to Naoki, this was just boring. In fact, the "political games" of the Clock Tower kids were still less exciting than the dramas in Japanese schools. They might think they've successfully isolated and crushed him, but in reality, he just wasn't interested in playing with them.
"Instead of wasting time planning cheap tricks, wouldn't it be better to memorize some English vocabulary?"
Everyone knew Naoki loved studying.
Seeing Naoki's relaxed expression, Kayneth gave a small nod, "Good. At least you're better than Waver. He's too easily influenced by others' words."
*THUD!*
Naoki was slammed again.
'So why is Waver the one being humiliated, but I'm the one getting beaten up?!'
Using both hands, Naoki pushed himself up, then deftly spun and landed on the ground. He looked at Kayneth, who had resumed his stance, and asked, "Professor, since when did your fighting skills get this good? Don't tell me you've been training as a fighter this whole year?"
"You could say it's thanks to you."
The reason Kayneth took up martial arts was simple: the first night of the Holy Grail War.
Back then, he was easily defeated due to his lack of close combat skills. If he could have put up even a little resistance, the outcome might have been different.
That's why, after returning to the Clock Tower, he began training in martial arts every day, and a year later, the results were as seen now.
*THUD!*
Kayneth unleashed a quick straight punch aimed at Naoki's face. Just as Naoki was about to dodge, his fist suddenly transformed into a knife-hand and struck his shoulder like a whip!
At the same time, the Mercury around Kayneth shot out, wrapping around Naoki's legs and yanking hard—
*CRASH!*
Naoki had lost count of how many times he'd fallen today.
"Do you understand now, Naoki? Physical ability isn't everything."
While pressing Naoki down with his knee, Kayneth explained, "Your body is far stronger than mine. But without proper technique, it's just wasted brute force."
"Of course I know that! But Professor, don't suddenly use Mercury in the middle of a fight—ARGH!!"
It wasn't that Naoki wanted to drag out his words, but Kayneth suddenly pressed harder, causing him to groan in pain.
"Mercury is also part of my strength. This is part of my training too."
Martial arts are just a tool for self-defense. For Kayneth, his main weapon is still Mercury. If he can combine Mercury with close combat, his fighting power will reach the next level.
"Alright, your training is done—next!"