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

The most prestigious institution in the magical world, where only the most elite graduates of Magic High Schools are permitted to enroll. A four-year boarding school for adults aged eighteen and over, where students are provided private rooms befitting their rank.

The academy enforces a strict meritocracy based on magical duels, and all freshmen begin at E-rank. Ranks fluctuate based on the outcome of these duels, and the difference in strength directly correlates to one's standing within the academy.

Instructors do not interfere with students outside of lectures, nor do they intervene in magical duels.

At this academy, everything is a matter of self-responsibility.

Magical Duels

A one-on-one duel using magic. Once begun, the barrier will not be lifted until a winner is decided. The barrier deploys the moment both parties declare their incantations, signaling the start of the match. The barrier is lifted and the match ends when the loser makes a Declaration of Defeat. While the wording of most declarations is free, the Declaration of Defeat must follow the winner's specific instructions.

As proof of victory, the winner uses a staff infused with their mana to directly trace the loser's body, carving one stroke of the character for "Correct" (正). Only one stroke is carved per match. Furthermore, there are many who find a sense of superiority in dictating the words of defeat and carving the numbers.

The mark prevents the loser from disobeying the winner. The treatment of the loser is at the winner's discretion; while there are differences in how genders are handled, both are miserable experiences.

School Caste

A five-tier school caste exists based on strength in magical duels: A, B, C, D, and E. A is the highest and E is the lowest, with higher ranks possessing greater skill. All freshmen start at E-rank regardless of their actual ability, talent, or entrance exam scores. Consequently, there are freshmen in E-rank who possess high levels of skill. Defeating a higher-ranked opponent leads to promotion, while repeated losses to lower-ranked ones lead to demotion. If one overcomes a massive rank gap, they may be promoted instantly to the loser's rank.

Beyond the school caste, the relationship between winner and loser in a magical duel is bound by magic, making it even more deeply entrenched.