A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 89. Lecture

At nearly the same time, in Class A.

“Our event has been decided: it’s a magic competition between Class A and Class B!”

The class president, Clyde, announced the festival event from the podium.

Originally, Katia, the class representative for the festival, should have made this announcement, but Clyde had taken over her role as if it were a matter of course.

The class buzzed with excitement at his words.

Clyde, pleased with the reaction, continued his explanation.

“As you might have guessed, we’ll finalize the rules later, but the main point is this: the festival is a stage for us to showcase our Bloodline Magic in front of many nobles. It’s a chance to show off our abilities and dominate Class B!”

Clyde didn’t need to elaborate; most of the class had already caught on. They could use their magic to thoroughly humiliate Class B in front of an audience of nobles.

What a delightful prospect. The classmates, grateful for this opportunity, began to regain trust in Clyde, which had waned slightly during joint magic exercises.

Sensing the shift in emotions, Clyde smiled more broadly but then adopted a slightly serious expression.

“However, there’s a concern.”

The class murmured again.

“This is a team battle. Even though they’re Class B, they also wield Bloodline Magic. If a few of them gang up on one of you, even you might get overwhelmed.”

The classmates nodded in agreement, and Clyde smiled reassuringly.

“But don’t worry. That’s why I’m here. They’ll likely try to compensate for their lack of power with strategy. I’ll counter that with my own tactics. Though I can’t use Bloodline Magic, I’ll guide those chosen for this battle. With my strategy, we can ensure victory!”

The class buzzed with excitement.

“Let’s show them a new kind of strength, not just individual prowess like Prince Aster, but the power of cooperation! We’ll demonstrate a new nobility to this country, starting with us!”

(How can he talk so much?)

Katia listened from the corner of the classroom, feeling it was a poor speech.

Clyde spoke of guiding the class, but his leadership experience was dubious. As a former follower of the second prince, Aster likely handled such opportunities.

Interpreted with a bit of malice, his words could mean ‘I can’t use Bloodline Magic, so let me lead and take the credit.’ Given his personality, this wasn’t far off.

Both Clyde for his smooth talk and the classmates for swallowing it were pitiful, Katia thought.

She sighed, and Clyde noticed, calling out to her.

“Lady Katia?”

“What is it?”

“Why the sigh? We need to unite for the festival. Please, no selfish actions just because you’re a duke’s daughter. Cooperate with us, unlike Prince Aster.”

Katia thought such things shouldn’t be forced but spoke up before she could say that.

“Or are you hesitant to go all out because you feel for your old Class B? I recall you have a trusted servant there. Surely you wouldn’t…”

“Of course not.”

Katia cut him off sharply.

“I have no objection to the competition. To do otherwise would insult Class B, wouldn’t it?”

She meant it. Class B would likely plan something. She also hoped for their victory, having provoked Hermes.

So she wouldn’t hold back. If Class B succeeded in their revolt, she didn’t want any excuse like ‘Katia didn’t try her best’ to be a factor.

She would ensure Class A’s defeat was undeniable, giving no room for such excuses.

“Fine, if you understand.”

Clyde, intimidated by her gaze, responded irritably.

(Now then.)

Turning her thoughts away from Clyde, she wondered about Class B.

(How are they discussing this now?)

◆

“The concern is that this is a team battle.”

At nearly the same time, Hermes stood on the podium in Class B, saying something similar to Clyde.

“Thus, individual wins and losses don’t matter. Even if someone falls, another can take down the opponent. The goal is to have more standing members at the end, utilizing tactics and cooperation, and sometimes sacrificing oneself for the class’s victory—”

Hermes paused.

“—but that’s a foolish idea. Discard it immediately.”

The class was silently shocked.

“I’m not viewing this as a team battle. It’s not 30 vs. 30 but rather 30 individual 1 vs. 1 battles occurring simultaneously. Everyone should think that way.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

Sara asked, her philosophy clashing with this view. Her surprise was understandable.

“There are several conditions where teamwork is effective, one being the use of the same type of power.”

“The same power?”

“Yes. For example, in a battle with unified equipment or magic. If the individuals’ capabilities are similar, the optimal actions become somewhat fixed, making coordination easier. Thus, teamwork can be effective. But—”

“Oh.”

She realized it, as did others in the classroom.

“Bloodline Magic isn’t like that.”

“Indeed.”

“Each person’s power, range, attributes, and nature vary. Assembling such mages won’t result in effective teamwork without extensive time to understand and synchronize each other’s magic. And we don’t have that luxury, right?”

The class, feeling scolded for their lack of practice, looked down.

“Don’t worry; I’m not blaming you. Actually, it makes things easier.”

Hermes reassured them before continuing.

“In the two weeks before the festival, focusing on individual abilities will be far more efficient than trying to build teamwork. Depending on others fosters a mindset of ‘it’s okay if I lose’, which is detrimental.”

“Understood. Forget ‘together’, ‘cooperate’, or ‘combine our strength’. Those are just pleasant-sounding lies, at least in this battle.”

It was harsh but realistic, grounded in logic, and thus convincing.

“From now on, no strategies or tactics. I’ll focus solely on improving your individual abilities to their limits.

I’ll discuss specific methods later, but the results should be apparent from Albert’s improved magic.”

The classmates, somewhat reassured yet still anxious, looked at Albert, who spoke up.

“Hermes.”

“What is it?”

“Thanks to you, my magic has improved. I appreciate that.”

“Honored, though the thanks are unnecessary.”

“But… can we really win like this? Against Class A’s superior Bloodline Magic?”

“Good question.”

The class, having experienced Class A’s superiority in joint exercises, was understandably anxious.

Hermes acknowledged their concerns and stated firmly.

“It’s challenging, but not impossible. Their Bloodline Magic is indeed powerful.”

“What! Then—!”

“Calm down. Listen to me.”

Hermes asked for calm, then continued.

“It’s challenging, but not impossible. Their Bloodline Magic is indeed powerful. However, victory depends on exploiting weaknesses and magic compatibility.”

He revealed the key strategy to lead Class B to victory.

“I’ll assign each of you a specific opponent from Class A, considering the best matchups. You’ll train solely to defeat that opponent.”

The class was momentarily puzzled.

“A specific opponent?”

“Yes. I’ll match each of you against an opponent whose magic is least compatible with yours, maximizing your chances of victory. You’ll train specifically to defeat that opponent.”

This strategy had a significant flaw.

“How will you decide the matchups? You can’t know everyone’s compatibility—”

“I’ll handle it. I’ve seen all the Bloodline Magic from both classes. I’ve analyzed and identified the best matchups.”

Unbelievable.

But the class, aware of his capabilities, believed him.

Since Sara stopped him, days had passed. During that time, Hermes had observed both classes’ magic, analyzing and inputting them into his memory.

“I’ve already decided the matchups. We’ll discuss specifics later. But rest assured, if I can use your Bloodline Magic, I guarantee victory.”

The class was stunned.

“But some knew it was possible, making them gasp. Others, though skeptical, found hope in his confidence.

“So we have a good chance. Let’s summarize.”

He concluded.

“For the next two weeks, focus solely on defeating your assigned opponent. Forget teamwork. Rely only on yourself. If you lose, it’s your responsibility. If you want to contribute to the class, your only path is individual victory.”

Harsh words.

But the classmates were no longer afraid.

Each dreamed of defeating a powerful bloodline magician and proving their strength.

This opportunity was now before them.

“Victory will be your achievement, something to be proud of.”

He offered this clear reward.

“If you truly seek this, join the training. It will be grueling, but I trust there will be no dropouts.”

With that, his lecture ended.

Inspired, Class B began their intense training to defeat Class A.