第１６６９堀：魔術を学ぶには (Part1)
Chapter 1669: How to Learn Magic
How to Learn Magic
Side: Hovis
"Um, Comet-sama? What should I be doing?"
For some reason, I find myself in the rare position of participating in a magic class as an assistant to Comet-sama. Yuki-sama is here too, but for some reason, the role fell to me.
"Ah, it’s just the basics. You’ve been taught by Taizo before, haven’t you?"
Comet-sama says this while producing a glass cup and a candle.
"Oh, fire magic, then?"
"Exactly. Of course, Yuki could explain this too, but it’s important that you, Hovis-kun—as his subordinate—can explain and demonstrate it properly. It’s not about being special; it’s about competence."
"Understood."
I understand what she’s getting at, so I move immediately. Actually, Yuki-sama is currently acting as a support staff member, handing out tools to the students, while I’m just standing by Comet-sama’s side. Besides, the content isn't so much about "fire magic" as it is about explaining the nature of fire itself.
As I’m thinking this, Comet-sama begins the lesson.
"Now, first, let’s confirm that everyone has their tools. Is there anyone who doesn't have a cup and a candle?"
After confirming there is no response...
"Then, having finished that tedious introduction to Weed, let’s move on to the fun part: magic class."
"Eh? Comet-sensei, was that previous lecture boring?"
A question arises from the students.
"Well, putting aside the initial explanation of the machinery, after that, it was just watching footage, wasn't it? I answered questions, but at the end of the day, there’s a lot you can’t understand without going to the actual location. I prefer classes like this that double as experiments."
Ah, that sounds just like Comet-sama. She’s more of a practitioner than a theorist.
"Of course, thinking about the observations and theories behind these experiments is important, too. Now, let’s get back to magic class. That said, I’m sure you’re all wondering why we’re using a cup and a candle."
The students nod at her words. Well, it is just a candle, after all. Since we aren't casting magic from our fingertips, the purpose is indeed unclear.
"First, let’s light the candles. Ah, is there anyone here who can’t use fire magic? It doesn't have to be a grand spell. Just lighting the candle is fine."
Comet-sama asks, but there are no replies from students claiming they can't use magic; they light their candles without issue.
"Good. Hovis, light yours too."
"Yes."
I follow Comet-sama’s instructions and light my candle.
"Alright, here is the problem. What do you think happens if we cover the candle with the cup like this?"
Comet-sama says this and places the cup upside down over the candle I lit, trapping it inside. Most of the students tilt their heads. They don't seem to understand what she’s getting at. However, a few students raise their hands.
"Oh, it seems some of you know. Let’s hear the answer."
"Yes. If you trap a flame inside a sealed space, the flame goes out."
"Correct. Watch closely."
Comet-sama praises the student and turns her gaze to the candle. Before long, the flame flickers and dies.
"There, as the answer suggested, the flame has vanished. And yet, the other candles remain lit. What is the reason for that?"
"The reason?"
The student who was asked tilts their head in confusion.
"Yes, the reason. Why did the candle in the cup go out while the others stayed lit? There is a difference, an answer to be found."
"I can only say it happened because it was meant to..."
"Yes, that’s true. The flame goes out. Since it was lit with magic, could it be a difference in magical power?"
"Um, that is a possibility."
"Then, let’s try lighting it with a significant amount of magical power. I’ll exert my power clearly so you can see."
Saying this, Comet-sama picks up the extinguished candle and lights it again while scattering an overwhelming amount of magical power into the surroundings. Naturally, the students who feel that pressure are stunned, and some even collapse. I hope no one had an accident...
The blatant, aggressive intensity of that magical power makes me worry. Comet-sama usually doesn't diffuse her power like this. Even if she wanted to make it clear, I thought there were ways to do it without being so provocative, but I suppose this is her way of delivering a sharp wake-up call. After all, there are more than a few gazes questioning our actual ability.
Setting that aside, Comet-sama doesn't seem to care about the students' reactions and places the cup over the candle again.
"Now, what will the result be?"
As Comet-sama watches the candle, it goes out just as it did before. If anything, did it go out faster because the firepower was greater?
"Well, it went out faster when I infused it with more magical power. In other words, the amount of magical power is not the cause. So, what is it?"
"Umm..."
The students are left pondering the reason. They know that fire goes out in a sealed space, but they don't know *why*. I hadn't thought about it either until I was asked. But how long is she going to drag this out? Usually, one wouldn't know the answer...
"...Does that mean there is something other than magical power involved?"
"Oh, good observation. That is certainly true. Let’s look at it from a different perspective."
"A different perspective?"
"Yes. There’s no reason to limit ourselves to the inside of the cup. For example, can a candle flame burn underwater?"
"No, that’s impossible. The fire would be extinguished by the water."
"Correct. Now, another perspective. You need to put out a campfire. You have no water on hand. How do you extinguish it?"
Oh, as expected of Comet-sama. Her analogies are excellent. If you can't use water, the means are...
"Ah, in that case, you cover it with dirt."
One student answers. That’s right; you cover it with dirt to put out the fire.
"Exactly. Now, why does covering it with dirt extinguish the fire? Is it the moisture in the soil? Or is there some element in common with the inside of this cup?"
As Comet-sama poses this question to the students...
"Ah, now that you mention it, I’ve heard that you shouldn't use fire in a sealed room."