第１６８１堀：ロガリの魔術の学び舎へ (Part2)
"If attending university could serve as a stepping stone for future employment—a bit of prestige, so to speak—that would be ideal. But right now, I suppose only the Magic Kingdom really has anything like that."
"Indeed, Yuki-sama. As you say, while we have adventurer schools, knight academies, magic schools, basic education centers, and noble academies, there is little that exists beyond them. It is standard practice to head straight into the workforce, and that alone provides sufficient prestige."
Magis-dono affirms Yuki-sama’s observation.
It is true; unlike on Earth, in this world, simply having attended any kind of school is already a mark of distinction. The necessity for an institution of higher learning—a university—is, in a sense, quite thin. I, too, believe it is far more efficient to invest in specific, goal-oriented laboratories and demand results. If one truly wishes to pursue further study, one ought to do so on their own initiative...
That said, the concept of a university as Yuki-sama described—a place where individuals can pursue their own interests and begin their own research—does not seem like a bad idea. Rather than maintaining numerous disparate laboratories, housing them all within a university and integrating the students directly into that environment seems like a sound approach.
Well, if this concept fails to gain traction, the university would be rendered meaningless.
"So, the Magic Kingdom solved that problem, then?"
"Yes. The structure is identical to the university concept from Earth that you mentioned, Yuki-san. We established it to provide advanced magical education. We arranged it so that it wouldn't just be about teaching, but also about developing new theories and founding new laboratories. After all, this country is named the Magic Kingdom."
"When we first began, following Nonoa-sama’s proposal, the number of participants was quite small. However, the ability to launch a laboratory starting from the university proved to be an excellent draw for those who were... eccentric—or rather, those who were deeply passionate about their studies. Word spread, and they began to gather."
"Ah, I see. It’s difficult to conduct research entirely on one’s own, isn't it?"
I see. The university acts as a gateway through which one can request research funding. For an independent researcher, one would normally have to seek out a patron—a sponsor—on their own. This system effectively alleviates that burden.
"Precisely. Of course, the President—myself—and the other staff must grant approval, but it is still far better than having to search for support individually."
"I hate to say it, but many people dedicated to research are quite poor at communication."
"Ah, that I can certainly understand."
We all nod at Yuki-sama’s words. I find it a bit questionable that Comet-sama is nodding along as well, but then again, Cleena-san is also somewhat socially awkward, isn't she? And Narjia-sama as well. As for Wasfi... well, let’s leave that aside. Still, it feels a bit peculiar that everyone here seems to be an alumnus of the Lancer Magic Academy on the If Continent.
"Now, if you would follow me. This way is the main building, where we house the classrooms for basic education and the offices for us faculty members."
As Magis-dono leads the way, a magnificent school building comes into view. It is grand enough that this alone could serve as the entirety of a school in Weed.
...As I suspected, building a university truly requires an immense amount of land, budget, and personnel.
As I ponder this and prepare to enter the main building...
*BOOM!*
A massive explosion rings out, followed by tremors and a rising plume of smoke.
"That would be the experimental zone. A usage request had been filed, so there is no cause for alarm."
"Phew. I would have preferred they refrain from that sort of experiment today..."
"Well, it was approved and permitted in advance, so it was unavoidable."
Ah, I see. Since Yuki-sama’s—or rather, Weed’s—visit was decided quite hastily, such things are to be expected.
I cast a glance toward Riel-san, who nods in response. Prol-san and Orelia-san follow suit. It is the signal to ensure Yuki-sama’s protection. I doubt there is anyone here on the level of Comet-sama or Narjia-sama, but one must remain vigilant regardless.
"Now then, once again, welcome to the Magic University."
And so, we stepped into the school building. I feel this is a wonderful opportunity, as we hadn't previously discussed how Nonoa’s country goes about teaching magic.