Yes. This school is a training school for entering the Defense Bureau. It's not supposed to be possible for someone to observe practical training. Even though I didn't know, it was still my failing. I am truly sorry," the principal said.
"N-No, it wasn't your fault, Principal," I replied.
"Actually, only the vice principal and I know the detailed data of each student. Even though it's a school, it's still personal information. So, the general staff were unaware of your status, Hanaoka-san."
"So, that means... you knew about my status, Principal?"
"Of course. But the numbers were so unusual that I had my suspicions."
"Ah, I see. I understand."
"And I had never heard of numbers or a job like yours, so I hadn't considered what it might mean. I am truly sorry."
"Please, lift your head. It's alright now."
"Thank you. I heard you broke the target. No student has ever broken it before. Breaking it means that a status of 999 is not just for show. And if that power came from a basic 'Fire' spell, I can understand why Umezawa hesitated."
"I'm sorry for breaking it. I never thought this would happen."
"No, it only means your magic's power exceeded expectations. You are not at fault, Hanaoka-san."
"I'm glad you say that."
"However, it is true that you cannot participate in practical training like this. So, would you like to practice magic control with me after school? If it goes well, you should be able to adjust its power."
"So I can learn not to break the target?"
"There's no precedent, so I can't promise, but I believe the possibility is quite high."
"I see. In that case, I would be very grateful if you would."
"Understood. Then, starting tomorrow, let's meet at the training facility after school."
"Yes."
I never imagined that Principal Kitaoji was also the instructor offering to train me, but for me, who was feeling anxious about the current situation, his offer was a godsend. I gratefully accepted the principal's proposal.
Immediately the next day after school, I headed to the training facility, and Principal Kitaoji was already there waiting for me.
"Then, please guide me," I said.
"Yes, let's begin right away," he replied.
"Yes. What should I do?"
"First, a basic point. If you have magic power and the aptitude, magic will activate if you chant it correctly. However, even with the same magic, the power differs depending on the user's aptitude. This aptitude refers to magic-related status and occupation."
"Yes, we learned that in class."
"And if your status is high, it means you can manifest stronger magic effects, but it also means you can interfere with the magic's effect in a negative way. Normally, no one would do that."
"So, with training, I can also weaken the magic's power?"
"Yes. In your case, all your statuses are 999. If the power is 999, then your ability to control it should also be 999. So, I am sure you can do it. And if you can learn to weaken it, it's generally thought that you can also learn to strengthen it further."
"Strengthen it? Is there any point in making it stronger than this?"
"Hanaoka-san, considering only this school, perhaps not. But after you graduate, battles with monsters await you. With that in mind, the stronger your magic is, the better."
"You're right. That is true."
That's right. My goal isn't to get good grades at this school. My goal is to fulfill my role properly in the Defense Bureau after I leave.
I don't know how strong actual monsters are, but in combat against monsters, the stronger the magic, the better.
For that reason, I want to be trained by the principal and participate in practical training as soon as possible.
Notes:
• Kitaoji - Older, small man. School’s odd‑jobs/handyman. Kind, surprised by Hanaoka’s power.