Lilith watched as Asta stared blankly at his desk, clearly lost in his thoughts. Concerned, she gently touched his arm, pulling him back to the present.
"Asta," she said softly, trying to read his expression. "Class is over. Are you okay?"
Asta blinked, realizing he had been zoning out. He shook his head slightly, trying to push the thoughts away. "Yeah... I'm fine. Just... thinking about the lesson."
Lilith frowned slightly, not entirely convinced but choosing not to press him further. "It was a lot to take in. All that stuff about Astaroth and Laplace—it's pretty heavy."
Asta nodded, grateful that she hadn't pushed for more details. He didn't feel ready to explain what was really going on in his mind, especially since he was still trying to make sense of it himself. "Yeah, it was. I guess it just got me thinking."
Lilith gave him a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, don't think too hard. We've got Arcane Calculus next, and that's going to need all the brainpower we can muster."
Asta managed a weak smile in return. "Right. Arcane Calculus... I'm going to need to focus for that."
With a deep breath, Asta stood up, gathering his belongings. He still felt the weight of the history lesson pressing down on him, but he knew he needed to push it aside for now. The two of them made their way out of the classroom and into the bustling corridors of the Academy.
As they walked toward the next class, Asta couldn't help but notice how different everything felt. The towering ice-covered walls, the grand statues of ancient devils, the flickering enchanted torches—it all seemed more imposing, more surreal. It was as if the weight of the past they had just discussed was pressing down on him, making the present feel both vivid and distant at the same time.
Lilith kept pace beside him, glancing at him occasionally with concern. She could tell something was bothering him, but she didn't push. She had already seen how he reacted when she questioned his… visions earlier, and she didn't want to make him feel cornered.
They reached the door to the Arcane Calculus classroom just as the bell rang, signaling the start of the next lesson. Asta steeled himself for the challenge, determined to focus despite the turmoil in his mind.
Fifth Class: Introduction to Arcane Calculus
Their professor, Professor Ignatius, was already at the front of the room, his sharp blue eyes scanning the students as they entered. The elderly devil had a reputation for being both brilliant and demanding, and his presence commanded immediate attention. Asta and Lilith found seats near the middle of the room, and Asta quickly pulled out his notebook, ready to take on the next challenge despite the lingering disquiet in his mind.
"Arcane Calculus," Professor Ignatius began, his voice crisp and authoritative, "is the mathematical framework upon which all high-level magic is built. It is not enough to simply channel mana or recite incantations. To truly master the arcane, you must understand the underlying equations that govern the flow of magical energy."
Asta felt a familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. Mathematics had never been his strong suit, and the thought of delving into complex magical equations filled him with a sense of dread. But he knew that this was an essential part of his education, and he steeled himself to focus, determined not to let his earlier distractions hold him back.
Professor Ignatius began by introducing the concept of Mana Derivatives, which were used to calculate the rate of change in magical energy over time. He explained how these derivatives were essential for predicting the stability of spells and ensuring that they did not backfire.
"For instance," Professor Ignatius continued, writing a complex equation on the blackboard, "when casting a spell of containment, one must calculate the precise rate at which mana is absorbed and dispersed. A failure to do so can result in the containment field collapsing, with potentially disastrous consequences."
He turned to the class, his gaze intense. "Now, who can explain the significance of the Mana Gradient in relation to spatial displacement spells?"
Asta's mind raced as he tried to recall the concepts they had been taught in the previous lessons. Before he could gather his thoughts, Evangeline raised her hand.
"The Mana Gradient," Evangeline began confidently, "is the vector field that represents the spatial distribution of mana within a given area. In spatial displacement spells, it is used to calculate the optimal path for mana flow, ensuring that the spell achieves the desired effect without destabilizing the surrounding environment."
Professor Ignatius nodded approvingly. "Correct, Miss Evangeline. The Mana Gradient is indeed crucial for the precise manipulation of space. It allows us to control the direction and intensity of mana flow, which is essential for teleportation and other spatial spells."
Asta listened intently, trying to follow the discussion. The concepts were complex, but he knew that understanding them was key to mastering more advanced magic. He scribbled notes furiously, determined to keep up despite the difficulty. But even as he focused on the lesson, his thoughts kept drifting back to Laplace and the strange encounter in the void.
As the class ended and the students began to pack up, Asta felt both relieved and drained. The day had been overwhelming, leaving him with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: he couldn't keep ignoring what was happening. Whether he was Astaroth or simply Asta, he needed to figure out what was going on before really started to get out of control.
Sixth Class: Basics of Alchemy
The final class of the day was Basics of Alchemy, a subject that intrigued Asta but also filled him with uncertainty. Alchemy was a unique blend of magic and science, involving the transformation of materials and the creation of potions, elixirs, and magical artifacts.
Their professor, Professor Helena, was a tall, elegant woman with long silver hair and a calm, patient demeanor. She welcomed the students with a warm smile as they entered the classroom, which was filled with various alchemical tools, flasks, and ingredients.
"Welcome to Basics of Alchemy," Professor Helena began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Alchemy is an ancient art that combines magical knowledge with the principles of chemistry and physics. It requires a deep understanding of the natural world and the ability to manipulate it through magical means."
Asta felt a spark of interest as Professor Helena began to explain the foundations of alchemy, starting with the basic principles of Transmutation—the process of transforming one substance into another. She demonstrated a simple transmutation, turning a piece of lead into gold, a classic example that never failed to impress.
"While this may seem like a mere parlor trick," Professor Helena explained, "the principles behind it are far more complex. Transmutation requires an understanding of the molecular structure of both the original substance and the desired outcome, as well as the ability to manipulate these structures at a fundamental level. This specific transmutation, while famous, was not possible until our very own headmaster Duke Beezelbub discovered the fundamental building blocks of the world by creatively applying his spatial magic."
She handed out basic alchemical texts to each student, instructing them to follow along as she demonstrated various techniques. The first exercise involved creating a simple healing potion, a staple in any alchemist's repertoire.
"Begin by gathering the necessary ingredients," Professor Helena instructed. "You'll need Essence of Nightshade, Crushed Mandrake Root, and Dragon's Blood Extract. Combine them in the correct proportions and then apply a mild heat while infusing your mana into the mixture."
Asta carefully measured out the ingredients, following the instructions to the letter. Alchemy required precision and attention to detail, and he knew that even a small mistake could result in failure—or worse.
As he worked, Asta felt a sense of calm wash over him. Unlike the abstract theories of Arcane Calculus, alchemy was tangible. He could see the results of his efforts taking shape before his eyes. The potion began to change color as he added the Dragon's Blood Extract, shifting from a dull brown to a vibrant red.
"Good, Asta," Professor Helena said as she passed by his workstation, observing his progress. "You have a natural talent for this. Just remember to maintain a steady flow of mana as you complete the transmutation."
Asta nodded, focusing intently on the task. He carefully applied heat to the mixture, watching as it bubbled and thickened. Finally, he poured the potion into a vial, sealing it with a cork. The liquid inside glowed faintly, indicating that the transmutation had been successful.
Professor Helena inspected his work and gave a satisfied nod. "Well done, Asta. This is a fine healing potion. With practice, you'll be able to create more complex concoctions and eventually move on to crafting magical artifacts."
Asta felt a surge of pride at the praise. Alchemy, with its blend of magic and science, appealed to his logical side, and he found himself enjoying the process of creating something tangible and useful.
As the class drew to a close, Professor Helena gathered the students around a large cauldron at the front of the room. "For our final demonstration today, I will show you how to create a basic Elixir of Mana Regeneration. This potion is vital for mages who need to replenish their mana reserves quickly during extended battles or intense magical work."
She expertly combined the ingredients, explaining each step in detail as she worked. The students watched in awe as the cauldron's contents shifted from a dull grey to a brilliant blue, releasing a faint, ethereal glow.
"This elixir," Professor Helena concluded, "is a testament to the power of alchemy. With the right knowledge and skills, you can create potions and artifacts that can change the course of a battle—or save a life."
"Asta… thank… you…"
Asta felt his attention sharpen, a strange sense of unease creeping over him. Without warning, a vivid image flickered in his mind. He saw a girl—silver hair stained with blood, her body lying motionless with a stone spike impaled through her chest. She looked like Lilith, yet he instinctively knew she was someone else—someone unfamiliar yet oddly significant. The image was so sudden and intense that Asta gasped softly, his hand tightening around the vial of potion he had just crafted.
Beside him, Lilith noticed his reaction immediately. "Asta, are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. She reached out, lightly touching his arm, her expression serious.
Asta forced himself to nod, trying to push the disturbing image out of his mind. "Yeah… I'm fine. Just… got lost in thought for a second."
Professor Helena, who had also noticed his momentary distraction, gave him a gentle, understanding look. "Alchemy can evoke strong reactions, especially when you realize its potential," she said softly. "I was like that when I first made a potion- it's why I became a professor. But remember, it's essential to stay grounded and focused."
Asta nodded again, his composure slowly returning. He could still feel the weight of the image lingering in his thoughts, but he pushed it aside, determined not to let it distract him further.
As the class ended and the students began to leave, Lilith lingered by Asta's side, her worry mixed with a hint of impatience. "What the hell is going on? You've seemed… off all day… is this about Orpheus? Did he do something to you?" she said, her tone tinged with frustration, as if waiting for him to open up.
Asta offered her a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm alright, Lilith. Just… a lot on my mind."
Lilith sighed, her concern evident but her patience wearing thin. "Look, if something's bothering you, you should just say it. I can't help if you keep everything bottled up."
"Thanks," Asta replied, appreciating her support but unsure of how to explain what he had seen, especially given her reaction to when he talked about Orpheus' grimoire, "I'll be fine. Really."
Lilith looked at him for a moment longer, her impatience clear, but she eventually nodded, deciding to let it go—for now. "Alright, but you're starting to really worry me."
As they left the classroom together and joined the flow of students heading back to their dorms, Asta's thoughts remained clouded by the image of this mysterious girl.
I wrote Laplace to be a little more complex than the original story. Do you think he is a villain, an ally, or something else entirely? What are his motivations? What are the limits to his Causality Magic? I have answers for all of these questions, but let me know your guesses in the comments- I'd love to read your thoughts.