Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor

Chapter 56: Withering Flower [2]

Chapter 56: Withering Flower [2]

"We've been told that our stigmata symbolizes the soul."

The Stigmata Fundamentals class wasn't a required subject. Not everyone had a stigmata, after all. 

But for those with enough extra credits—or just plain curiosity—it was an option to squeeze into their schedule.

Today, Charlotte had finally managed to squeeze it into her schedule, thanks to her grades.

"But what if I told you it's not just symbolic, but literal?"

The room went still. A few students straightened in their chairs.

"The stigmata and the soul are one, and are connected on a level most people don't understand. It's why each person only has one stigmata. It's not something you can trade, change, or give away. It's part of you, as much as your mind or heart."

Suddenly, a student raised their hand. The professor pointed at them.

"Yes?"

 "Professor, we were taught that a stigmata's ability reflects a person's trait or nature. How true is that?"

"Ah, good question," the professor said. "That belief isn't entirely wrong, but it's oversimplified."

He turned to face the students. His eyes scanned each of them as if searching for the right words.

"Yes, a stigmata can reflect your nature or your core traits. A person with a fierce will may develop something like 'Unyielding Body,' making them harder to knock down. A strategist might awaken something like 'Foresight', letting them predict movements."

The students listened intently. Stigmata was such an interesting subject, and was only touched upon during elementary.

It was often advised to hide one's stigmata, after all.

"But that's only half the story," the professor said, raising a finger. "A stigmata isn't just a reflection of one's self. It's also a response. Therefore, one's stigmata is unique to one's self."

In other words, while no stigmata were identical, some shared similar features, but none were exactly alike.

Some students shifted uncomfortably in their seats. A few scribbled down notes.

Charlotte was one of them.

"That's why some people awaken abilities they never expected."

A hand shot up. It was a woman with jet-black hair and pitch-black eyes.

"Yes?" the professor prompted.

It was none other than Charlotte.

"Professor, if—hypothetically—someone's soul was replaced or taken over, would their stigmata change? Or…. would they obtain two stigmatas?"

Some students glanced at each other, exchanging looks. It was a strange question, but an interesting one.

"Hmm… I'm not sure how to answer that, Charlotte," the professor admitted.

The professor mulled it over, rubbing his chin.

"However," he continued. "There has been a case of someone possessing two stigmatas."

Everyone knew who he was talking about.

The strongest of the Great Powers. The man who stood at the peak of swordsmanship.