In My Previous Life I Was a Saint, but Now I Want to Cut Corners

“Well, I believe you should change your mind, Lance. I know it’s hard to believe now, but with enough practice, you will be able to feel your Aerial, sorta like this.”

As soon as Professor Montt finished his sentence, a gust of Wind blew his bangs out of his face.

“…. Aerial….”

Rose, who wanted to move her windmills with the help of Aerial, muttered softly with an excited tone. While they may not be able to see their Aerials, they can feel them.

“Alright then, I believe we should name our guardians. Getting even the smallest of connections with our guardians can prove to be invaluable. So, Renaria, you said your Aerial was named Aria, right? Does that name mean something to you?”

Aria’s name contrives from an ancient word that means Wind, but that was a thousand years ago, so it’s more than likely a word lost to time.

“Ah, you see… It’s an ancient word that means Wind… It just felt appropriate…”

“Oh? Where could you possibly learn that word?”

“Well… even before coming here, I had an interest in history… I learned a history book within the Sheridans Library…”

“Ah, I see, it’s a good name Renaria.”

Professor Montt, seemingly unsatisfied with my answer, crossed his arms and began to ponder about something.

“Well then, I’ve always wondered what Aerials look like… We’ve all seen what Salamanders and Undines look like. But it’s a complete mystery to what Aerial’s physical appearances are if they have one.”

Something compelled me to hold out my hand, and Professor Montt narrowed his gaze to my motion.

“hmm… When I think about it, I can feel the wind softy blow against my skin whenever I think about my Aerial. It’s a soft and compassionate breeze, sorta like when a young lover blows a Dandelion fluff to wish for a chance at love.”

I have fond memories of Dandelions. When I was much younger, my brother and I would play within our family’s garden. We had patches filled with them, so the fluffy pores would scatter around the yard when we played through them.

“Ah, I got it. From now, I shall name my Aerial, Popo.”

All the students, including myself, looked at Professor Montt in confusion. It was clear on all of our faces that we all were saying, “What does that name mean?”

While it was a cute name, but… if you’re going to give your guardian a name, especially being a teacher and all. One would think something more profound would be chosen, especially in the gazes of your students…

“Eh, you’re worrying too much Renaria, Popo actually enjoys her name. She’s been jumping around with joy this entire time.”

Aria appeared out of nowhere and gently stood in front of my face.

“Is that so?” I communicated to Aria through my thoughts.

“I’m not sure about the others, but I firmly believe Professor Montt has the capability to at least see Popo’s outline in due time, especially if he takes an inkling to tend to his Aerial.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if Popo also has an appearance identical to Aria… They take after humans, unlike the other guardians…

“Hmmm… given your magical power, Rena, You may be able to see Popo’s outline in the future as well… but I don’t know why you’re interested in another Aerial… you have me…”

Aria spoke up with a little bit of a sassy tone. It seems spirits are a bit protective of their contractors… I couldn’t help but smile as the jealous Aria’s face was just too adorable. While she may be cute, I did learn a lesson today.

Sometime later, Professor Montt took out a candle.

“Well, let’s start with the basics. I want to see how many of you can activate your magic.”

He placed the candle on the Podium and lit the wick. He looked around the classroom once and then focused his gaze on me. Professor Montt’s eyebrow raised and beckoned me to come up towards the Podium.

“Now then, Miss Renaria, If you can focus on the wick and calmly use your magic, I’m sure this time you’ll be in complete control.”

Aria’s little outburst was quiet, the shock to the other students and Professor Montt. So, I believe he’s trying to see if I could control my power in a practical and safe use case.

This sorta thing is easy for me. I practice religiously with Aria before coming to this school. So I leaned in and put on my “serious magic face” and proceeded with the little test.

“Okay… here we go!”

I didn’t have my unique wand with me, so I had to make do with my fingertip. I poured my power into the tip of my index finger, and a slight breeze wooshed past. In my past life, doing something like this would drain your life force… but now I felt no changes.

I decided it would be best to put on a play for the teacher and the students. I purposely failed my first attempt.

“Oh, I missed…”

It would be best if they didn’t consider me above average or exceptional in any way.

Okay… I’ll try again… Wind!”

I successfully extinguished the candle. I looked back with a satisfied look, and everyone’s mouths were agape… Even Professor Montt is frozen in place with a shocked look.

“M-Miss… Renaria… Y-You are amazing! I’ve never in all my years of teaching seen anyone who can pull that off in their second try! You have to be some sort of prodigy! This has never happened before… You’re the first since the creation of this school to achieve this much so quickly…

I was completely surprised by how excited Professor Montt was… I could only think to myself…

“What…? Hold on… You’re surprised by this level of wind magic? How far behind is the magic in this era???”