I Reincarnated as the Bastard Prince? Well, At least I'm OP!-Chapter 39: First Lesson

Raven’s eyes widened, her lips parting in shock. "Archer, what are you talking about?" she asked, confused at my reaction.

I grinned, keeping my tone light. "Well, I can’t help but amuse him a bit. The first thing out of his mouth was to assume I’m your servant. Would’ve been rude to disappoint."

A murmur spread through the crowd—some chuckled, others gasped in shock.

Richard’s smirk vanished almost immediately, his brow furrowing. The boy’s pride was pricked.

I could see he wasn’t sure whether to be amused or insulted.

"I only asked if you were her servant. You don’t have to be stupid about it."

I tilted my head, my smile warm. "And what if I was one?" I said, my voice calm but sharp. "You’re no better than servants. Yeah, I was born to a maid servant girl, but I can tell I have more value and virtue than a prince."

Silence.

A few gasps rang out through the class. Even Raven stiffened beside me, her eyes darting to me in surprise.

In my past life, I would have shrunk back. People like him had always looked down on me. They saw me like dirt.

I had spent years dodging bullies, swallowing insults, and forcing myself to stay quiet just to avoid conflict.

It had left me isolated, afraid to even hold down a relationship or friendship.

But not this time.

Not in this world.

This time, I would speak.

This time, I would bite back. I was in that kind of mood.

Richard’s face darkened, his tone cracking with concealed rage. "I’ll have you know I’m a noble’s son," he spat, venom dripping from his words. "Speak out of line again, and I’ll tear you apart."

His threat hung in the air. He meant it. He would crush me if I let him.

Before I could reply, Raven stepped between us. "Okay, that’s enough, you two," she said calmly, trying to diffusing tension.

She turned to Richard. "It’s a pleasure meeting you, Richard," then she grabbed my wrist and dragged me away. "Come on, Archer. Let’s find our seats."

Richard’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t stop her as she guided me away.

The crowd parted silently, whispering excitedly.

As we walked, Raven leaned in close, her voice low. "What was that?"

I exhaled, my shoulders loosening slightly. "Just putting people in their place."

She sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, she led me to an empty row near the front, where we took our seats.

Just then, the instructor strode in, Mistress Seraphin.

* * * *

Mistress Seraphin strode to the front of the lecture hall. She picked up a piece of chalk and wrote the days lesson on the board.

INTRODUCTION To MANA.

She turned to face the class, folding her hands behind her back.

"Let us begin with a question," she said. "Who here can explain what mana is?"

A bored-looking boy in the second row scoffed and raised his hand lazily. "Why do we have to learn about mana? This is like the elementary level of magic. Everyone knows what mana is."

A few students nodded in agreement.

Seraphin’s lips curled into a thin smile. "You’re right. Everyone thinks they know what mana is. But this is Waurweth Academy. Here, we do not settle for surface-level knowledge. We delve deeper. Far deeper than you’ve ever gone"

Then, her eyes drifted toward Raven. "Princess Eris? Would you care to explain?"

Raven straightened in her seat. "Mana is the raw energy that flows through all living things. It’s drawn from the world around us—from the air, the ground, from within ourselves. Mages use it as the source of our magic. Spells are formed by shaping and directing that mana."

Seraphin nodded. "Correct—but incomplete." She tapped the chalk against the board. "Mana is not just one thing. There are layers to it. Raw mana, ambient mana, attuned mana, and corrupted mana—each behaves differently."

She went on after a pause. "Some mages can only use their internal reserves, while others can pull from the world around them. In future lessons, I’ll teach you how to manipulate mana in ways that defy conventional understanding."

A murmur of interest spread through the class.

She continued, "Now, next question: How do we use mana to cast spells?"

Richard smirked and answered without raising his hand. "That’s easy. You draw mana into your core, focus it through a wand or a staff—and channel it through an incantation to shape the spell." freewebnøvel.coɱ

Seraphin inclined her head. "Correct—if you put that in the simplest terms."

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand. "Actually, he’s right and wrong at the same time."

The room fell silent. Richard shot me a glare.

Seraphin raised an eyebrow, slightly interested. "Oh? Explain."

I sat up. "The method he described is the standard way—taught in every noble circle and most magical schools. But it’s not the only way."

I began making demonstration with my hand gestures. "Mana doesn’t always need to be forced through a tool or an incantation. It can respond to emotions, thoughts and instincts. A seasoned caster harmonize with mana until it’s a part of them. Spells can be casted without need for incantations or a wand."

A heavy silence fell in the lecture hall. Every eyes were locked on me.

Oops, perhaps I overdid it.

Seraphin’s eyes gleamed. "What’s your name, boy?"

"Archer," I replied.

"That is an excellent answer." She said proudly, then turned to the class. "This is why we revisit the basics. Because the greatest mages don’t just use magic—they become one with it. I’m impressed Archer. Keep up the good work."

Richard’s face darkened. I sat back on my seat, feeling his heated gaze burning at the back of my head.

* * * *

As the lecture ended and students began filing out of the hall, a few of my classmates lingered behind and approached me.

"Hey, that was impressive back there," said a boy with messy brown hair, grinning. "I’ve never heard it explained like that. You made it... click."

A petite girl with freckles nodded eagerly. "Do you study ancient texts or something?"

Another student clapped me on the shoulder. "We should study together sometime. Maybe you can explain some of the advanced theory to us."

Before I could answer, more joined in, some offering their names, others just asking if I wanted to sit with them next class.

I wasn’t used to this kind of attention. I hated it.

Raven nudged me with her elbow, a teasing smirk on her lips. "Well, well. Look who’s getting popular."

I scratched the back of my neck, unsure what to say. "I’m... not really used to this kind of attention," I admitted. "Honestly, if I’d known it’d cause this much fuss, I wouldn’t have answered the question so thoroughly."

Just then, a cold silence settled as Richard strode towards me, flanked by his usual entourage.

The other students quickly stepped aside, sensing trouble.

Richard stopped in front of me, his eyes burning with barely contained irritation. "You. We’ve got a bone to pick."

Raven’s smile vanished. "Richard, don’t—"

He ignored her. "You think just because you impressed one instructor, you’re suddenly better than everyone else? A servant’s brat like you has no place acting so high and mighty."

Ah, I see what’s going on here. This boy was humiliated I bested him today. He was one pompous dude.

I chose not to respond.

Raven stood up to defend me. "Archer wasn’t trying to act better than anyone, Richard. He just answered a question. Don’t make a big deal out of this."

Richard scoffed. "Spare me the humble act, Eris. He wanted to show off, and now he’d pissed me off."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a white dueling glove, then threw it at my feet with a sharp smack against the stone floor.

"You and me. A magic duel. Sunset. Training center. Unless you’re too much of a coward to face me?"

Raven stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Richard, this is ridiculous."

One of Richard’s lackeys—a sneering boy with slicked-back hair—chuckled. "What’s wrong, princess? Worried your little friend here will get hurt?"

Another shoved me lightly, grinning. "Yeah, maybe he should stick to books instead of pretending he knows real magic."

A third poked me in the chest. "Or maybe he’ll need Princess Eris to fight for him."

It’s funny how these guys have no idea who the hell I am.

I am Lord Ghorath, warlord of Orcs, master of Gwyneria, Monarch of the Everblaze, and ruler of the Red dragon’s domain.

These small fries would be burnt to ashes by the snap of my finger.

Oh, the audacity.

I sighed, long and tired, and looked at the glove on the floor.

So this was happening

Bullies were the same in every world. They pushed, they mocked, they demanded submission.

In my past life. I would have backed down.

But not this time.

"Very well," I said quietly, and picked up the glove. "If it’s a duel you want, then I accept."

Richard’s smirk deepened. "Good. At least you’ve got some spine. Don’t be late. I’d hate for you to keep me waiting."

I didn’t say anything. He turned and strode off, his entourage following him like a pack of smug hounds.

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