"Well, as our first lesson at the Yamato Arcane Institute, we will start with mana cores. This small organ defines who the strongest people in our world are."

Takeda pressed a button, and a diagram appeared, with a smaller version on each of the desks, illustrating a mana core in its basic form. "Mana cores are the center of our magical power. They have different colors, each indicating the level of refinement and power of a mage. The clearer the color, the greater the user's ability to manipulate complex elements and store mana."

He pointed to the first stage, a pure black core. "All humans start with a black mana core. It absorbs elementals, which is the name given to particles containing the elements. As you practice and absorb elementals, the core starts to lighten, going through a series of colors: gray, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and eventually white."

"For example, a dark blue core indicates that the mage has good control over their elements. This will be your goal this year. At this point, you can only control the elementals in their physical state. When you reach this level, you will be able to control the elementals themselves. Just a note, the more refined a core is, the longer it will take to move to the next phase."

Takeda looked at the class with a confident smile. "Now, let's do a demonstration. Everyone, pay attention."

The students leaned forward in their chairs, their eyes focused. Takeda positioned himself in the center of the room and raised his right hand, beginning to channel his mana. A faint bluish aura enveloped his hand, gradually intensifying. "This is the type of mana density that a solid blue core can generate. This sphere represents elementals in their pure form before being transformed into their respective elements."

Murmurs of admiration spread through the room. Some students exchanged excited glances, while others furrowed their brows in concentration, trying to absorb every detail.

"Controlling and manipulating mana is essential for any mage. You need to feel the energy flowing through you and shape it to your will," he explained, as the aura stabilized. Suddenly, he directed the aura towards the students with a burst of water. Without time to react, everyone tried to raise their hands to their faces, but the water never reached them.

"Wow!" exclaimed one of the students, while others sighed in relief and surprise. The wave of water stopped in the air, motionless. The students were amazed, their eyes fixed on the impressive demonstration.

"How did he do that?" whispered a student to her colleague beside her.

The wave of water dissolved, returning to a spherical shape in the teacher's hand. "This is something more advanced. Maybe in the third year, the best in the class will be able to do something similar."

The students watched fascinated as Takeda, with a smooth gesture, made the blue aura dissipate and return to his core, which glowed in a beautiful color. "When you reach a higher level, you will be able to use the elements in nature, not just those refined by your core, as I just did. This requires precise control and a deep understanding of the elements."

"Impressive..." murmured a student in the front row, never taking his eyes off Takeda.

He then dismissed the light in his chest with a gesture, the energy dissipating into the air. "Mastering multiple elements is a difficult task. Having an affinity for multiple elements does not mean it will be easy to control them. Each element has its own characteristics and demands."

Takeda paused, looking at the students who were clearly impressed. Some still had expressions of astonishment, while others were already murmuring among themselves about what they had just witnessed.

"Those with clearer cores, close to white, will have a natural advantage in terms of control and mana storage capacity. But remember, even those with cores one or two phases lower can achieve great power if they use it in the best possible way with training and dedication."

He then turned to the class. "You will see that, as you progress, mastering multiple elements and ways to use them will be crucial. Even if you only have one affinity, don't be predictable. Beasts are also intelligent. Keep practicing and exploring your limits. Remember, the strength of the core is only part of what makes a great mage. Although very important, dedication and persistence in other areas are equally important."

Takeda paused, allowing the information to settle. Some students could be seen trying to do what the teacher did, but nothing happened. After a brief period, he resumed speaking. "Each core has three phases within its color. Let's use green as an example. First, the color is lighter, a very light green as the base. Then, this green becomes darker until it turns into a solid green. Continuing with the slow transformation, the core will have traces of the next color, in this case, yellow. After that, the transition to the new color is difficult. But when the mage finally reaches the next stage, an abrupt change occurs in the color, and thus the cycle repeats. But I warn you, a forced extreme change can bring serious consequences to the user."

The students exchanged curious and eager glances. Ryu felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was determined to progress.

Instructor Takeda concluded the explanation. "This is a basic introduction. Over the years, you will learn to master your mana cores and use their power efficiently and safely. Now, I'll leave you a moment to discuss among yourselves and process this information."

With the practical demonstration concluded, Takeda stepped back, allowing the students to discuss their own abilities and affinities. Ryu, still in the center of the room, began to talk with his colleagues.

"It's incredible to see how each of us has a different affinity," said Ryu, looking at everyone with a smile. "I'm sure everyone will use them in unique ways. I can't wait to see it."

Aiko smiled shyly. "I already know what I want to do with mine, but I'm still learning to control darkness. I need to work harder so that when the time comes to fight, I can do what I want. For now, I think I can do some cool things with the other two."

Daisuke, with a sparkle in his eyes, added: "I have water and light. I heard these are the basic elements needed for healing magic, but I feel my vibe is more combat-oriented. I want to see how I can combine them."

Kenji crossed his arms, looking confident. "Earth, water, and light... Each element has its own uses. I'm eager to see how I can mix them."

Everyone looked at Hana, who had been quiet until then. She straightened up and, with a determined look, said: "I have great confidence in my manipulation. I think this is the way to become the most powerful. I spent the last seven days training hard to improve my control. I can show some of my skills if you want."

The other students nodded enthusiastically, curious to see what Hana could do. She closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating, then raised her hand. A bright flame emerged at her fingertips, dancing with intense light. The flame grew and turned into a sphere of pure fire.

She then dissolved it and, with a smooth gesture, created a sphere of light that illuminated the entire room with a warm and welcoming glow.

Hana's colleagues watched, impressed by the demonstration. "That's amazing, Hana!" exclaimed Ryu. "As I thought, your control outside that room would be even better."

Hana smiled, a little embarrassed but happy with the compliment. "Thank you. Even in a short time, I trained hard to reach this point. I hope to learn even more here at the Institute."

The conversation continued, each sharing their experiences and expectations, creating a stronger bond between them. The room was filled with a palpable energy of determination and enthusiasm as the students prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Takeda, who had observed the interaction with a satisfied look, intervened. "You are beginning to understand the importance of knowing and mastering your abilities. Work together, learn from each other, and always strive to improve. You are the future of mages, and I am excited to see what each of you will achieve."

"You're quite the show-off, aren't you, girl?" A harsh and aggressive voice echoed from the back of the room.

Ryu, Aiko, Daisuke, Kenji, and Hana turned to see who was speaking. It was a boy with black eyes and matching hair approaching. Beside him was a girl with blue hair, looking excited about what was happening.

The boy stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Hana, his expression serious and challenging. "Impressive, Hana," he said, with a tone that mixed admiration and provocation. "With that demonstration, you're probably the strongest person in the room. But it looks like you just like to show off. That title will be dethroned quickly."

The girl stepped forward, her animated smile contrasting with the aggressive tone. "Let's see if you'll have all this arrogance when you're fighting," she said, crossing her arms, her look determined.

"What are y..." Aiko was interrupted by Hana, who maintained her upright posture, her eyes shining with confidence. "Good luck to you both. I'll be waiting for it. Can I know the name of who will be my shadow for three years?" Her expression was serious and arrogant. When it comes to magic, she is very confident, Ryu thought.

"Jun Nakamura, and this is Li Mei. I want to see that arrogance in the future," the boy replied, turning to return to his seat.

Hana smiled with a touch of arrogance. "Good luck, Jun and Li Mei. If you really believe you can surpass me, I'll be happy to show you otherwise. But prepare for defeat because I don't lose easily."

The other students observed the interaction with interest and a hint of tension, aware that the competition between them would only push everyone to strive even harder. The atmosphere in the room was charged with determination and rivalry, setting the stage for intense future disputes.

Takeda resumed speaking, this time with a more serious tone. "Now, let's talk about the challenges you will face as military mages. Many of you already know that we will face animals with powerful mana cores, creatures that appear in wild regions and represent a constant threat. They can be extremely agile and resilient, with unique magical abilities that vary by species."

He paused, observing the students' reactions before continuing. "But there's something more that most of the population doesn't know. In remote places, unknown portals appear. Sometimes they are low-level and can be managed by regular teams. Other times, only elite units, like the Lances, can solve these problems."

"A hundred years ago, a group of mages encountered a very powerful portal that released a horde of voracious creatures, requiring all their skill and teamwork to just survive." He paused again, and images began to appear on the board. The room was dimly lit, with beams of natural light creating a contrast with the dark images projected on the board. The air seemed heavy, laden with the growing tension as Takeda spoke. "If the military mages fail in their mission to protect the portal, the region can be invaded by wild creatures and chaotic energies, causing devastation and death." Each image showed greater destruction than the previous, with cities in ruins.

The students' faces turned pale as they saw the images of destruction. "In the end, it required the intervention of Lances from other countries to contain this threat. A mission with twelve Lances ended with four of them dead."

"Is this real?" someone murmured, their voice trembling with incredulity. A chill ran down Ryu's spine as he imagined the creatures that could emerge from the portals, but the determination in his eyes shone stronger than ever. Aiko swallowed hard, her fingers nervously gripping her notebook.

A nervous murmur spread through the room as the students exchanged worried glances. The teacher raised his hand to silence the room. "These portals are a serious and unpredictable threat. They can appear at any time and anywhere, releasing unknown creatures and energies."

He leaned forward, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "Additionally, despite the peace and stability we have achieved, there is always the possibility of extremist groups and illegal mages acting. Even though it is rare due to constant vigilance, we cannot underestimate these risks."

"Some of these groups wish to overthrow the government and establish a new magical regime, while others believe the portals are the key to an ancient power and seek to control them at any cost."

The wind outside whistled, bringing a chill that seemed to intensify the gravity of Takeda's words.

The teacher concluded his explanation, leaving the students with a sense of responsibility and a new understanding of the dangers that awaited them. "Remember, preparation and vigilance are our best weapons. Always be ready for the unexpected. Protecting the portals is crucial to maintaining the peace and security of the kingdom. If they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic. The future of the kingdom depends on the strength, bravery, and intelligence of future military mages."