School's Blessing

Chapter 41 - Misused Intelligence

Arthur Leywin POV

"Good morning class. It has recently come to my attention that many of you do not understand the concept behind movement. As such that shall be the focus of today's class."

It was the first lesson of the day, directly after the announcement made in the auditorium by Director Goodsky.

For today's PMM class, I decided to follow up on the theory that I had discussed with Gideon, integrating it into everyone's way of thinking and improving upon their technique.

"First things first. Does anyone know the 'why' behind the shape of arrows and throwing spears?" My voice boomed throughout the large room, standing upon the centre of the training area.

The students remained quiet before the white haired girl in the back raised her hand.

"Penetrating power?" Lena asked.

"That is a consequence of what I am asking for, but not a bad input Miss Milizé." I nodded briefly before continuing.

"The shape of these instruments is what gives it their strength. A little thing called 'Aerodynamics' allows for these to be propelled through the air with little wind resistance, maximizing both their speed and deadliness."

Lifting my right hand up, I created two objects made of ice.

"Observe." I spoke simply. Aiming at the two stone dummies I had conjured towards the other side of the room, I shot out the first spell.

It had the form of a cube, about 50cm across, making it collide with the dummy. The target moved slightly, chipping away some of its contents, but ultimately leaving it unscathed.

After that, I shot out the second ice figure, this one in the shape of a spear, letting it wiz through the air. Upon reaching its target, it pierced the rock partially, creating a gaping hole through the dummy.

"Both of these creations had the same weight and initial speed. So, can anyone tell me what exactly gave the second spell the upper hand?"

Kathlyn quickly shot up from her seat, lifting her arm with haste, anxious to answer.

"Kathlyn?" I called out to the Princess.

"The straighter shape of the spear allowed tor better propagation through the air, maintaining most of its speed over time, and due to its shape, proved to be more deadly in terms of penetration." She responded without batting an eye, her voice cold and monotone as per usual.

"Exactly. Today's session is about exactly that. The influence of form over speed." I nodded as Kath sat herself down once more, a small twitch in her lips, an attempt at a smile was made.

"But can't we just put more strength into the spell to cause it to move faster?" A brown haired boy towards the front asked.

"Indeed you could, but why waste mana in such a pointless way? Is it not far more effective to conjure something far deadlier, which is also less costly?" I asked, raising my arms to my sides.

The scribbling of pencils could be heard after every line I spoke, the students carefully observing and listening to what I had to teach.

"Although this will be more useful to you conjurers present, everyone here can learn a thing or two about the ratio between shape and strength. Now come on down!" I shouted, motioning for everyone to descend and begin practicing.

As they began to attempt to cast the best spells possible, I walked around, providing insight as to how to properly alter and

"Do not try to limit yourselves to a simple arrow-shaped projectile. Try to get creative!" I shouted so that everyone could hear me.