Magic is a miracle manifested when those with talent imbue their words with mana. Therefore, mages value the words they weave above all else.

Words are power. At times they perform miracles, at times they become contracts, and at times they become curses—

Sanctlogos Magic Academy

A prestigious, top-tier institution where only the elite who have graduated from Magic High Schools are permitted entry. It is a four-year, full-boarding academy for adults aged eighteen and older, where students are provided private rooms befitting their rank.

The academy strictly enforces meritocracy through magic battles, and all new students begin at Rank E. Ranks fluctuate based on the outcomes of these battles, and the difference in ability directly translates to one's standing within the academy.

Instructors do not interfere with students outside of lectures and do not intervene in magic battles.

At this academy, everything is a matter of personal responsibility.

Magic Battles

These are one-on-one magical duels. Once started, the barrier will not be released until a winner is decided. The match begins and the barrier is deployed as soon as both parties declare their incantations. The match ends and the barrier is released when the loser makes a Declaration of Defeat. While the wording of any declaration is free, the Declaration of Defeat is typically dictated by the winner.

Furthermore, as proof of victory, the winner traces the loser's body directly with a wand infused with their mana, carving one stroke of a tally mark (正) into the loser's flesh. Only one stroke is recorded per match. Note that not a few feel a sense of superiority from carving those words of defeat and the numbers.

The seal makes it impossible for the loser to defy the winner. The treatment of the loser is at the winner's whim, and while the specifics may differ by gender, both are miserable fates.

School Caste

There is a five-level school caste system—A, B, C, D, and E—based on proficiency in magic battles. A is the highest and E is the lowest, with higher ranks possessing greater skill. All new students start at Rank E regardless of their actual ability, talent, or entrance exam scores. Consequently, there are new students in Rank E who possess high levels of skill. One is promoted by defeating a higher rank and demoted by repeated losses to lower ranks. In cases where a large rank gap is overcome, the winner may be promoted instantly to the loser's rank.

Additionally, apart from the school caste, the relationship between winner and loser in a magic battle is bound by magic, making it even more deep-seated.