The Cornflower Witch

Book 3: Chapter 35: Mechanical Course Study

The enrollment announcement for Tetis College for this academic year hasn't been released yet, but based on the assessment items from previous years, one can roughly guess some of the content.

"First is the necessary theoretical foundation. This part includes subjects like 'Mathematics,' 'Precision Machinery,' 'Runes,' and 'Spell Models.'"

In the classroom after class, Aurora, holding announcements from previous years for comparison, helped Sylutia analyze.

"Then, it requires the Aspect to be one of the three: 'Alien Star,' 'Secret Word,' or 'Gold Steam,' and to be at the Second Tier or Third Tier."

"Finally, there's the on-site assessment content, which mostly involves using prepared materials to create specified mechanical constructs on the spot." After saying this, she put down the announcement pages in her hand.

"Actually, the enrollment assessments for most colleges are similar, examining three dimensions in accordance with the balance of the 'Threefold Law.'"

"That is, the Aspect tier representing 'Power,' the theoretical knowledge representing 'Skill,' and the on-site operation and manufacturing related to 'Practice.'"

"These three are often the focus of the assessment. Then, on this basis, they might add some slightly special requirements. For example, the 'Opera School' where I come from has restrictions on vocal timbre or appearance and temperament. In other words, one must meet at least one requirement to enter."

"The 'Mithril Clock School' often requires new students to possess extremely fine perception. That is, they might take out an unmarked iron ruler and ask you to visually estimate its true length, or ask you to visually estimate the weight of a piece of steel or an item, and so on."

"For the 'Mithril Clock School,' 'precision is their pursuit. They also rely on precise and detailed standards to establish the framework rules for the entire Mage Alliance.'"After listening to Aurora's explanation, Sylutia formed a preliminary impression of that school in her heart and gradually understood why the 'Mithril Clock' was the strongest faction in the Mage Alliance. Perhaps they weren't the most numerous, but everything they did had the greatest impact on the Mage Alliance. One could say the reason the Mage Alliance developed was because they established clear rules, gradually clarifying many chaotic and ambiguous things. This reduced friction between various schools, rationalized competition, and prevented many ordinary mages or creators from being endlessly crushed and eroded by major factions.

Since the 'Mithril Clock' was so powerful and essential, how did the other two major factions become equally famous? It's said that before the 'Mithril Clock' rose to prominence, the most powerful school in the Mage Alliance was the 'Origin Hourglass.' As for the last one, the 'Scorching Sun Furnace,' although only ranked third, it still far surpassed other factions.

After understanding the assessment content, Sylutia began to examine the courses and knowledge she currently mastered. Except for 'Precision Machinery,' which she hadn't touched, she was already quite proficient in the other subjects. At least at the Second or Third Tier stage, there was no need to waste a lot of energy on them anymore.

In other words, the main task for this semester was to study 'Precision Machinery' and begin familiarizing herself with making various mechanical constructs. Unconsciously, she thought of her internship days during university in her previous life. Iron fragments flying everywhere, the constant sounds of grinding and turning. It was hard to imagine that in this life, she'd still have to do those things with greasy hands.

It was like how she enjoyed cooking but disliked the feeling of oil on her hands.

Wearing gloves would probably be better after all.

Temporarily setting aside the thoughts popping into her head, Sylutia began flipping through the course content taught at the school. There were some courses related to machinery, but when it came to the practical part, she needed to go to other schools for learning.

At the school office, Sylutia came to inquire about mechanical practice.

"In the Asra district, there are only ten schools that can teach mechanical course content and have lathe laboratories. Because most colleges don't directly assess the content of machinery practice, not many students study it. Many supplement their learning after entering the college," the instructor explained to Sylutia.

"This is the address of School No. 106. There's a lathe laboratory there where you can actually operate and make some small things you like."

"I can write you a certificate allowing you to go there 1-2 days a week to practice what you've learned. But for such a laboratory, you have to pay an extra fee each time you go. You need to prepare the money. Oh, I almost forgot, you probably aren't short on money, hehe." The instructor wrote down the address for Sylutia, then took a special card from a drawer, filled in the name and information 'Hedra,' and handed it to her.

"Thank you."

After getting that certificate card, Sylutia put it inside her handbag and left the office.

On the way, she saw that newly transferred student walking over, probably heading to the office. The two were currently just classmates who knew each other, not particularly familiar. They nodded at each other and passed by.

After Sylutia left, Carmilla covered her mouth with her hand. Her pale red pupils constricted slightly at that moment, and her somewhat pale face appeared exceptionally delicate and fragile. Then she slowly crouched down.

Only after a good while did she stand up again, leaning against the wall to rest for a bit.

Slowly adjusting her breathing, Carmilla looked back towards the spot where Sylutia had left.

Why did this girl instantly make her feel the urge to suck blood? This was clearly a crude instinct that only low-tier Blood Clan members would experience. Had her control over her own body already deteriorated to this extent?

Unable to figure it out for the moment, Carmilla temporarily gave up on delving deeper and walked towards the office again.

Several minutes later, Carmilla stood inside the office, listening to the instructor's concerned inquiries about her.

"How have you been living recently? I heard from the physicians that your health isn't good and you need a quiet, private room."

"Thank you for your concern. The environment I'm living in now is very good, and I've adapted," Carmilla nodded in reply, the fragility between her brows making people involuntarily feel pity.

"That's good."

Afterwards, the instructor asked about her studies and her situation in the class before letting her leave.

After walking out of the office, on the way to the classroom, two male students suddenly appeared. Their expressions were arrogant and ill-intentioned as they blocked Carmilla's path.

"Hey, Carmilla, let's go have dinner together tonight. I know a pretty good tavern."

"Look at you, your body is so weak. You should properly replenish your nutrition."

Carmilla couldn't help but take two steps back, her fingers tightening. Her eyes darted around, wanting to escape the two's obstruction.

Unfortunately, her current body was far too frail. Such a reaction was easily seen through by them. One of them immediately circled around, trapping her in a corner.

"What? Unwilling?" The leader showed a fierce, somewhat frightening expression.

At this moment, a faint red light swirled in Carmilla's eyes, and shimmering red light appeared beside her wrist. The spell she was constructing gradually took shape. But soon, a hand like iron pliers gripped her wrist, pinning it against the wall. The pain and the burning sensation from her wrist instantly shattered her focused concentration, and the glowing outline of the spell dissipated into nothing.

"Don't try such petty tricks. We are your seniors, after all, hehe." Both of these two were Second Tier apprentices, currently third-year students at the school, probably in their twenties. Their physical strength and experience could overwhelm many freshmen who had been at the school for less than a year.

At this moment, a cold light flashed in Carmilla's eyes but quickly vanished. She lowered her head and answered in a voice as fine as silk.

"I understand. I will go, you two seniors."

"Hehe, good that you know. If you don't come, we'll be very unhappy." After saying this, the two touched Carmilla's face and then disappeared down the end of the hallway.