Inside a classroom with a current ongoing class.

The students of Class 2-A were being taught by Professor Argnosis.

Elizabeth du Argnosis. A noble woman having a title of baroness from Emerie Kingdom, southwest of Lesser Britannia City. She was from a countryside low ranking noble but due to her ingenuity in magic and great potential, she was able to gain a seat as a Senior Magician in Azure Magic Tower located in the same kingdom.

"Now, with the mentioned terms, magic and alchemy. Raise the hands of those who are able to understand the difference of the two."

Almost everyone raised their hand. They were having a class in Understanding Mana and Its Aspects.

"For those who are still confused about it. Let me put it in simple terms..."

Given that mana had three factors to consider, mana strength, mana manipulation and mana control, magic and alchemy has its own distinguishing characteristic.

Magic was about using mana to put an effect on an existing phenomena in the natural order of the world. 

For instance, creating a fire out of thin air, freezing the land or growing branches from ground without trees.

It was being proven that everyone can be a mage as long as one had enough mana and qualities to wield magic.

Alchemy, on the other hand, was about creating a phenomenon. Meaning, a whole new system and order not within the natural order of the world. 

For instance, creating a new set of magic systems, production of potion with the same ingredients but different effects or manipulating rules of relics, ancient magic artifacts, outside the realm of mage's knowledge.

It was being said that only those with innate ability and resonance with their mana could be able to use alchemy.

Now, considering the three known factors composing the mana, these two were differentiated more with each other though both needed a certain amount of mana to be used.

Magic was being amplified based on the tripartite connection of the factors, with inclination to the mana strength.

However, alchemy was said to only need a certain amount of expertise in mana strength but it was being debunked by the Alchemy Association as alchemists needed to have fully grasped the knowledge and expertise of other two factors to execute alchemy.

As mage used magic circles to put effect or cause a certain effect in a phenomenon, alchemists constructed, analyzed and repaired magic circles to create new phenomena.

"...so the two terms differ with each other. Keep in mind those things for you to have a clear path on which path you want to take."

"That's why Sienna said that Fourth Prince needs to fix his weird mana manipulation," Ellie whispered, one of the Sienna's friends.

The class continued until they proceeded to the training course of their class schedule.

They were inside a gym hall to conduct some tests, as well as training for their mind and body.

Those who chose the path of mana users should be able to train three things. 

Mana training for their advancement and governance to their mana. 

Mental training for their better mindset and intellectual aspects. 

Lastly, Physical training for their body to cope up and absorb the stress of using magic.

"Ho! Ho! Argh. My body is stiff."

"Ryder, you're probably lazing around when you need to train."

"Of course, I couldn't, given that woman's attitude."

"I feel the same."

Johannes and Ryder felt both downgraded about their own situations regarding physical training.

"Ryder!"

Sienna with her three friends came to greet them.

"Good morning, Fourth Prince."

"Ah! No need to call me Prince. Here in the academy, status and social rank were not really important."

"O-Okay."

"By the way, Sienna, did you already ask for Senior Alexis for help?"

"Ah. Sorry. She was away for training this week and she will back next week."

"That's unfortunate. But it's okay, a week is not that long against my years of waiting."

"But, Ryder, just a what if. What if that researcher doesn't want to help you?"

"Well, probably, I will kneel down in front of him and beg."

"Ryder!"

"You already know, Sienna. Those who are my ally can just be counted with my fingers. Including you and Johannes, only a couple of person can help me. If I miss this opportunity to solve my problem, I don't know where will I end up to."

Sienna felt a little upset about it but Ryder just messed her hair to cheer her up, much to her chagrin.

"D-Don't worry, Pri--I mean, Ryder, we will help you," Ellie eagerly said, and the other two agreed.

"You have my sincerest gratitude." Ryder smiled at them

"Oh, by the way, she's Ellie. Ellie von Claudia, third daughter of Count Claudia."

"Oh... Count Claudia. He's a very honest and dedicated person, though a little strict."

"Yes, my father is that kind of person. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fourth Prince."

"Woah! Woah! What a nice group of people here."

Zervis suddenly joined the conversation which made them a little uncomfortable as his fledglings followed him.

"What do you need, Zervis?"

"Don't look at me with those scary eyes, Sienna. It's just greeting."

"Who give you the permission to call me by my name?" Sienna was a little bit pissed off.

"No, it's not..." Zervis glared at Ryder.

"By the way, there will be a training by partner later. I would just like to ask for your permission to be my partner, Ms. Oswald." He reached his hand to Sienna.

"I don't like." She immediately rejected him.

"But, it's better than someone with a pathetic magic."

"Hey, you're crossing the line, dam--"

Ryder covered Sienna's mouth to prevent her spouting some words not accurate with her standing.

"Zervis. She doesn't want to. Maybe next time."

"Next time? There will be no next time. Just f*ck off, dimwit!"

Sienna was struggling to remove Ryder's hand that was covering her mouth but he didn't flinch.

Zervis felt annoyed by Ryder's words and removed his glove before throwing it to him.

"Don't run away, coward. Let's settle this with a duel. By the chivalrous pledge under the War God Leonardus."

Everyone felt shock about his announcement and they started gossiping about it.

By the chivalrous pledge under the War God Leonardus is part of the code of ethics practiced by the Knights who are about to battle during a competition or duel started in the Grevallis Kingdom.

It was said that rejecting it will bear the grudge of War God Leonardus and will not be able to wield sword anymore in one's lifetime.

"Stop it, Ryder. You know him. It's just a simple provocation." Johannes tried to stop him in taking up the duel request. 

Zervis went to the wooden weapon stall to choose what he will use. Sienna removed Ryder's hand and immediately warned him to do not bite his bait.

"But being royalty who refuse to duel after the knight pledge will be not good for me. I'm a coward but I'm not always running away from danger."

Ryder also tried to choose his weapon and Johannes just sighed in frustration.

"Remember, Ryder, Zervis has a potential as a magic knight. You will have a disadvantageous stance here."

"Probably, but remember Johannes..."

Ryder chose his weapon and faced Zervis who was already in his preparatory stance.

"I am Ryder von Grevallis, the fourth prince of Grevallis Kingdom. By the chivalrous pledge under the War God Leonardus, I accept your request for duel." His voice was firma and showcasing his authority that surprised everyone.

"Johannes, you never this side of me so just watch."

He couldn't intervene anymore and just let Ryder's stubbornness win over him. 

The two of them stared with each other in their first stance, trying to measure their rival's movement.

But, no one inside the gym hall, aside from Sienna, knew the information about him.

All sons of the nobles in the Grevallis Kingdom must learn swordsmanship anchored to the chivalry and ethics of the Knight Order of the said kingdom.

It is not mandatory to excel in it but after some tests and evaluations, one who showcased deep understanding and mastery in swordsmanship will be granted a medal of recognition.

Sanctorium Chevalier, an award given to the one who possessed expertise and great potential in advancing his swordsmanship and knight chivalry and code of conduct.

Ryder von Grevallis, at the age of eight years old, received the Sanctorium Chevalier after winning against a veteran Knight Order Captain in an official swordmanship duel.