“Ge-Gale-sama!?”
“Y-you! Are teachers even allowed to use corporal punishment!?”
Two of Gale’s lackeys shouted in protest.
“This doesn’t even count as corporal punishment. Besides, wasn’t it his own magic that backfired?”
It was clearly self-defense. As a substitute teacher, being attacked directly by a student left me no choice but to respond. Maybe this kid, the son of a count, was used to getting away with everything, but I wasn’t about to tolerate it.
Strictly speaking, improper use of magic might not result in expulsion, but suspension should be on the table. However, considering this was his first offense and he’d already suffered the consequences of his own spell, I decided to let it slide.
“His magic wasn’t that impressive, so there shouldn’t be any serious injuries. Get him to the infirmary already.”
“Damn you! I’ll remember this!”
“You’re gonna regret this! I’ll make sure you get fired!”
“Ugh…”
Leaving behind their petty threats, the two lackeys hauled Gale off to the infirmary.
Sigh. If this is what I have to deal with right from the start, this is going to be a long road.
“Now that the noisy ones are gone, things should be a bit quieter. Take your seats.”
“………”
Watching the earlier exchange, the rest of the students obediently returned to their seats.
It seemed silencing that little count’s brat did have some positive effect.
“Alright then, let’s start the lesson. Whether you take it seriously is your choice, but if you cause too much of a disturbance, my chalk will find its way to you.”
Even in this world, chalk and blackboards exist.
Personally, I’m not opposed to a little disciplinary action. Kids these days are coddled too much. It’s important to instill a sense of consequences for bad behavior from a young age.
Of course, I firmly oppose excessive punishment or outdated “toughness training” like forcing kids to run without hydration in the summer.
“Um… Professor Geek, may I have a word?”
Just as I was about to begin, a female student raised her hand.
She had long, wavy, reddish-brown hair and a refined expression. Her demeanor exuded confidence.
“Hmm, that depends on what it is. And your name is…?”
“…Cyril, sir.”
“Ah, Cyril of the Viscount Laquel family. Just so you know, I call everyone by their first names regardless of gender or social status.”
“………”
The students exchanged uneasy glances.
As per the academy’s philosophy, one’s social rank shouldn’t matter when learning magic. In this world, addressing each other by first names is the norm.
In my previous world, there was a growing trend to address people more neutrally. Addressing someone by their first name without honorifics was often discouraged.
“Professor Geek, do you know all of your students’ names?”
“I do, Cyril. And not just this class—I’ve memorized the names of all the students and staff in the academy.”
“………”
Once again, the students exchanged glances.
Ah, so they were puzzled because I knew their family names. To me, it’s common courtesy to remember the names of those who respectfully address me as a teacher. It’s a matter of showing mutual respect, even if their initial respect is just for appearances.
Back in my old life, I wasn’t great at remembering names and faces. It took time. But this body in the new world has exceptional memory, likely enhanced by my extensive magic research.
“Some of you might doubt it now, but you’ll see in time. So, Cyril, what is your request?”
“Could you demonstrate your skills for us, Professor Geek? I enrolled in this academy with high expectations of its magical traditions. However, to be frank, the quality of the teachers has been disappointing. My predecessor in defensive magic was less skilled than I am, a first-year student. At this rate, I feel self-study might be more beneficial.”
Her words made my head ache.
It wasn’t Cyril’s attitude but the fact that a student could legitimately make such a statement about the faculty’s quality. As Anon said, things have changed drastically since my time here years ago.
While some prodigies exist in this world, no teacher should lag behind a new student in their specialized field.
“You’re right; that’s a failure on the academy’s part. If self-study is more meaningful to you, then you should pursue it. Teachers won’t take responsibility for your life. View us as resources to be used if we’re worth it.”
“………”
Cyril fell silent, taken aback by my blunt reply.
In my previous world, I believed all lessons were worth paying attention to since even seemingly trivial knowledge could prove useful.
But in this world, magic requires talent, and incorrect teachings are far too common. Coupled with politics, bribes, and rank-based favoritism, incompetents often end up teaching.
So I understood Cyril’s perspective. She’d been quietly studying while others caused a racket, showing both initiative and potential.
“That said, I don’t appreciate being lumped in with those incompetent teachers. Let’s skip the lecture for now and begin with a practical demonstration as a self-introduction.”
I thought my earlier spell display was sufficient, but apparently, my predecessor’s ineptitude had overshadowed it.
