MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: The Elite
The S-rank classroom looked nothing like Elena had expected. Instead of the ornate crystal architecture that dominated most of the Academy, this room was austere, with reinforced stone walls covered in complex magical formulae. Only six other students sat waiting when she arrived - apparently, S-rank truly was as exclusive as everyone said.
"Welcome to Advanced Practical Theory," announced Professor Vale, a sharp-featured woman whose white hair seemed to crackle with magical energy. "S-rank isn't about raw power - it's about understanding magic at its deepest level. Which is why-" she gestured to the back of the room, where the door was opening, "we have a special observer today."
Elena turned with the others to see Ravenna Blackthorn entering, flanked by her ever-present guards. The chaos magic user took a seat in a specially warded area at the rear of the classroom, her silver bracelets glinting in the magelight. Sir Marcus and Mage Petra positioned themselves on either side of her, their expressions professionally blank.
"Miss Blackthorn will be observing several theoretical classes as part of her... rehabilitation program," Professor Vale explained. "I expect all of you to focus on your own studies and ignore her presence."
But Elena noticed how the professor's eyes lingered on Ravenna's chaos marks, betraying a scholarly interest she couldn't quite hide. Through the enhanced magical awareness that had earned her S-rank status, Elena could sense something fascinating about those marks - they weren't just decorative, but seemed to form complex magical patterns that shifted and evolved.
"Now then," Vale continued, "S-rank means you can handle advanced concepts that would overwhelm ordinary students. Today, we'll begin with practical applications of seven-dimensional spell matrices."
She gestured, and the air in the center of the room filled with glowing magical constructs - intricate patterns that seemed to fold through impossible spaces. Elena found herself instinctively understanding the underlying principles, though she'd never seen anything like it before.
"Someone explain what you're seeing," Vale challenged.
Jin, the tall boy who'd spoken to Elena during the ceremony, raised his hand. "It's a visualization of how spells interact across multiple magical frequencies simultaneously. Each dimension represents a different aspect of magical resonance."
"Good. Miss Brighthaven, what else?"
Elena studied the patterns, letting her magical senses explore their structure. "The matrices aren't just showing interactions - they're showing how those interactions change over time. It's like... seeing the entire life cycle of a spell at once."
"Excellent." Vale smiled slightly. "This is why you're in S-rank. You don't just see magic - you understand it instinctively."
From the back of the room, there was a soft sound - almost like a laugh. Elena glanced back to see Ravenna watching the matrices with intense interest, her chaos marks swirling in patterns that seemed to mirror the magical constructs.
"Something to add, Miss Blackthorn?" Vale asked, her tone cooling considerably.
"Simply appreciating the theoretical framework," Ravenna replied quietly. "It's fascinating how traditional magic tries to map chaos into organized dimensions."
The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees. Vale's expression hardened. "We are not here to discuss chaos magic, Miss Blackthorn. Please remember your role is to observe, not participate."
Elena noticed how Ravenna's guards tensed, hands moving closer to their weapons. But Ravenna herself remained perfectly calm, inclining her head respectfully. "Of course, Professor. My apologies."
Yet Elena had seen something in that brief exchange - the way Ravenna's chaos marks had shifted to match the spell matrices exactly, suggesting a deep understanding of the principles being discussed. Whatever chaos magic was, it clearly wasn't as uncontrolled as everyone believed.
"Let's continue," Vale said sharply. "Partner up for practical applications. Miss Brighthaven, with Miss Chen. Mr. Kazemi, with Mr. Park..."
Elena joined her assigned partner, a quiet girl named Maya Chen, but part of her attention remained on Ravenna. As they began practicing multi-dimensional spell weaving, Elena noticed how the chaos marks would shift subtly whenever they successfully created a complex matrix.
"Focus," Maya whispered. "She's dangerous. That's why she needs those guards and bracelets."
But Elena wasn't so sure anymore. As their magic shaped the glowing matrices, she caught Ravenna watching them with that same knowing expression she'd worn during the ranking ceremony. It wasn't the look of someone learning traditional theory for the first time - it was the look of someone confirming something they already understood.
The rest of the class passed in a blur of complex magical theory and practical applications. Elena found herself grasping concepts that should have taken weeks to master, her magic responding intuitively to the advanced principles. She could sense similar aptitude from her classmates - this was why they were S-rank, after all.
When the lesson ended, Professor Vale held Elena back. "Exceptional work today, Miss Brighthaven. Your magical sensitivity is remarkable."
"Thank you, Professor."
"One piece of advice, though." Vale's voice lowered. "I noticed your interest in our... observer. It's natural to be curious, but remember - there's a reason she's under guard. Don't let academic fascination cloud your judgment."
Elena nodded politely, but as she left the classroom, she couldn't help glancing back. Ravenna was being escorted out through a separate door, her chaos marks still shifting in perfect seven-dimensional patterns. Their eyes met briefly, and Elena could have sworn she saw a hint of approval in that controlled expression.
Maybe Vale was right about not letting curiosity overwhelm caution. But Elena couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was missing something important about Ravenna Blackthorn and her chaos magic. The question was: what would happen when they finally figured it out?