“Look at the snow~ Snow, snow, snow~” Epherene sang softly.0

As Epherene walked to Deculein’s class, she spread her arms wide, embracing the snowfall that covered the university courtyard in a thick, soft layer.0

Drent, trailing behind with his nose in a textbook, chuckled and asked, “Is this your first time seeing snow?”0

Epherene spun around, her eyes bright with excitement, and said, “Yeah! It’s my first time!”2

“Huh? … Oh, that’s right. You mentioned you’re from Juhale.”0

Snow was a rarity in Iliade. Along with the territory of Yukline, it was often praised as an ideal place to live. But the region’s small size and constant mild weather gave it a sense of sameness that could feel dull over time.1

“Looks like you didn’t pay much attention in geography class,” Epherene teased with a grin.0

Drent shook his head with a mildly annoyed smile and said, “Let’s move, or we’ll get in trouble.”0

Even the professors were attending Deculein’s class today, but this time, it was being held outside the Mage Tower.0

“Alright,” Epherene said as she walked ahead, savoring the gentle crunch of snow beneath her boots.0

By the time they reached Robeheim Hall, most of the students had already gathered. In Deculein’s class, even a second late was enough to count as tardy, and one tardy could get you expelled with no chance to return. Drent and Epherene quickly slipped into seats at the back.0

“... Seems like everyone’s reading the thesis,” Drent muttered, glancing around the room. Nearly all the students were absorbed in Deculein and Luna’s thesis on the invention of the new element.0

“Yeah, they’re really taking their time with it…”0

Epherene had quietly hoped that the senior mages would master the thesis first and guide the others, but even the professors appeared to be struggling. The magic demanded proficiency in all four great elements.0

“It’ll probably take a year or two at the very least,” Drent said.0

“Really? It’s going to take that long?” Epherene asked, her eyes widening in sur...0