The Seirei Gensouki Spirit Chronicles
Vol 1 Chapter 8: Failure

Five months had passed since Rio entered the Royal Academy . Right now, Rio has become the target of oppression.

On his first day, he could not read letters or numbers so he became a subject of ridicule. But by reading books in the library, he taught himself how to read letters and was able to catch up with his entire class. At first, he was a University student in his previous life.

With the exception of common sense in this world, as expected, there was almost no problem. Although Rio's development was very fast, he himself faked his learning gradually to avoid attention. Want how else because ever since he realized his circumstances, no one knew his true level of intelligence. By the time he caught up with his classmates, Rio's grades were among the top-ranked students.

None of the students around him were interested in him. Those with childish behavior with pride themselves continued to look down on Rio, while others, who previously saw him as a failed person still saw him like that.

All because he was previously an orphan. However Rio did not intend to interact with the other students, so he had no relationship with anyone in his class. Rio was only using the Academy as a place to acquire knowledge about this world, that was all. Because the surrounding students continued to ignore him, causing his school life to be alone. Not that it mattered because he had gotten used to being alone during his time at the University, in his previous life.

Rio did not make contact with some students because he did not need their help for his school work. He was not bothered by the nickname ‘dumb’ he received from the students. It seemed like there were various slanders made because of their jealousy over the results he obtained. Yet an event that allowed the surrounding students to openly express their irritation occurred in the magic class. When it came time where he could feel magic, Rio was finally allowed to perform ‘Ritual Contract’ The steps to perform ‘Contract’ System are very simple.

TL Note: Contract System, governing which phenomena are carved into the body of the contractor (usually a human)

A geometric pattern called a magic formation was drawn above the contractor's ground, then standing on it he meditated while releasing magic power and reciting spells. If the contract is successful, the magic formation depicted on the ground will disappear and be etched into the contractor's body instead.

The contract formation pattern would increase the complexity in proportion to the magic level.

“I have done it! I can do it!”

“Oh, it's just elementary grade magic [Ignition]. That's gonna work. There has never been a case where someone failed”

Learning about different types of magic is done by different instructors. Since Rio is an all-rounder, he has to learn lessons from both sides. The nearby students raised their voices in excitement as they managed to perform ‘Ritual Contract.’ Unfortunately, Rio has not managed to make the contract.

(Why? I understand the procedure but for some reason.The contract I tried still keeps failing) Rio was confused. When he stood on the magic formation and channeled magic power into it to make a contract, he somehow gained an understanding of the details of magic. However

before the contract could be completed, his body rejected it.

One person, two people, students who successfully completed the contract continued to grow. Until only Rio was left. The shrewd person among them quickly realized it.

“Oi, Rio can't finish his contract!”

Many eyes of students who were practicing magic in high spirits gathered near Rio. There is a big difference between those who can use magic and those who cannot. This became increasingly apparent during the war, where magic users became important roles. Even if they were not at the forefront, magic users still obtained some kind of honor.

Moreover, those who awakened their magic power, gained a long youth. That was why many among the privileged classes learned magic as proof of their status. For that reason also the Royal Academy incorporated magic into their curriculum as a compulsory subject. And

due to the amount of magic power from the parents, noble children are sent to the school to find a potential partner and marry. Therefore for most students, it is necessary for them to attend learning related to magic.

Recently, another student couldn't afford to steal the academic top ranking from a former orphan, but he couldn't complete the ‘Ritual Contract.’ Now there was a reason for them to be able to mock Rio. It must have been good luck for people who tried to hold back their disgust. Magic can only be used by a select few, being an all-rounder kind but after

all of those former orphans are still orphans. They were happy to mock him.

Finally, they thought ‘Spirit Light Crystal’ was not working and Rio was no match for the Royal Academy. Rio's great academic performance was a fraud, so they kept saying evil words. The instructor tried to control the situation, but was ignored and the students continued to whisper criticism towards Rio. Since that day, Rio has not been able to successfully perform ‘Ritual Contract.’

“Excuse” He often chatted with Seria so it was not uncommon for her to come to the Laboratory room. Rio was enjoying the conversation with Seria because somehow there was a similarity between them that allowed them to naturally chat.

“Good, you finally came. I've heard it. You can't do ‘Ritual Contract’ ?” Seria directly spoke on the main topic when Rio entered the room. The reason for that was because Rio often answered his question directly. Somehow she chose the story of Rio failing to make a contract.

“You can feel magic, ‘kan?”

“Ya” Seria put a hand to her chin which made her think seriously after Rio answered.

When he was like that, Rio understood that he would not answer for what he said so he was waiting for him.

“.... For example, the basic magic spells [Ignition] and [Create Water], you cannot complete that contract, ‘kan?”

“Yes, very unfortunate” He shrugged his shoulders when answering Seria's question. Perhaps because magic did not exist in the world he was in before, he did not feel it was absolutely necessary to be able to use it. But there is still a desire to try it. Therefore, he felt disappointed about the current situation.

“.... It's freaky. I guess the cause of your failure...is it because you can't control your magic power? No, because a basic magic spell only requires the understanding of magic to succeed...” Seria muttered to herself while laying her face down.

“I'm sorry. I can't confirm the cause of your failure” After setting her mind up, Seria raised her head and apologized in annoyance.

“I don't mind. Besides we still haven't established the fact that contract is not an impossible thing, so I can take heart in reality for now”

“Well, although I don't really understand, I will still listen to you and give as many suggestions as possible”

“Thank you very much. By the way, what kind of feeling do you feel when ‘Ritual Kontrak’ succeeds?” Rio immediately asked a question. He was still curious about the contract.

“Feelings? Nn ~ ... It feels like something is flowing into your body and after that it gets hot?” Seria answered Rio with less certainty.

“Do you understand the contents of that contract?”

“Understanding the contents of the contract? What do you mean?”

“E ~ tto, how to say it, yes.... how can the phenomenon of magic spells interfere with the laws of nature?”

Rio recalled the time when he did the contract and tried to simplify his explanation as much as possible.

“Why are you asking? Well, there's no reason why I shouldn't understand. If magic research had been more advanced maybe I would have understood. I mean, that was the topic of my research”

(Am I weird? I can see that he understands me... Isn't this bad?) Rio knew he could not give an answer to Seria and instantly realized the danger from her careless question.

seriate....