The one who asked the question was Felicia Lobb, Vale's classmate in Class 2 in the previous years. She was seated close to other students from Class 4 last year and seemed to have befriended them already.

Other students like Vale leaned closer as they were also curious about these Spells.

They already got a copy of the Academy-Exclusive Create Shadow Soldier Spell with them before they finished their third year. They could take their time to learn this Spell even if it lasts until their 10th year in the Academy. It wasn't strict at all.

Well, there wasn't any pressure unless you wanted to excel and be recognized by the Professors and even the Headmaster.

On the other hand, the Branch Exclusive Spell must be learned before they reach their ninth year, or their enrollment would be in jeopardy.

Professor Ludwig nodded, acknowledging Felicia's question with a warm smile.

"Ah, excellent question. Felicia, was it?"

"That's indeed my name, Professor." Felicia answered.

"Mhmm The Branch-Exclusive Spells are indeed a crucial part of your journey in the Rituals Branch. These spells are specifically designed to harness the special Dark Arts and enhance your capabilities within this field."

He paused for a moment, allowing the anticipation to build within the room before continuing.

"Let me provide you with a brief overview of the three Branch-Exclusive Spells that you will have the opportunity to learn and master."

As he said this, almost everyone in the class readied their notes.

"They are Soul Swap, Shadow Gate, and Spirit Shatter Spells."

Then, the Professor continued to briefly explain each of them.

The Soul Swap temporarily grants the caster the ability to exchange their soul with another living being.

The Spell requires the use of an Ancient Magic circle, a blood sacrifice, and a verbal incantation. Both the caster and the target must be within the confines of the Magic Circle for the Spell to take effect.

What Vale found interesting about the Soul Swap was that it could be utilized for various purposes, such as evading death and taking possession of another body that could be used for interrogation. It is a spell that delves into the realms of identity and existence, but it should be approached with caution due to its profound and potentially irreversible consequences.

Vale's heart beat faster as he felt that the Soul Swap seemed quite similar to his current situation. However, his Soul Swap wasn't temporary but a permanent one.

Vale wryly smiled as he entertained the thought.

On the other hand, Shadow Gate was another tedious Ritual Spell that could enable the caster to create a portal to the Shadow Realm, a dimension shrouded in Darkness and horror.

To perform this Spell, a magic circle, an object cursed by Darkness, and a silent incantation are required. Shadow Gate can be employed for purposes such as travel, exploration, or hiding. However, it is crucial to note that this Spell is highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Shadow Realm is a place of unknown perils, lurking horrors, and the risk of losing oneself within its depths.

'This Spell is too unreliable' Vale thought, feeling that performing such a long ritual only to have an unpredictable gate wasn't worth it at all.

At the very least, the third Spell seemed better. The Spirit Shatter was a grim and borderline forbidden art that brings about the instantaneous and irreversible demise of a living being by obliterating their Spirit.

Perhaps, if this Spell could be activated instantaneously or without rituals, it could really be banned by the Association.

Well, to perform Spirit Shatter, a magic circle, a Spirit Gem, and an incantation are required.

"If possible, I don't want to learn them, but I had to" Vale muttered in a soft voice. He'd rather learn Dark Rituals that don't require a Spell Model to be able to cast them.

Nevertheless, his silent remark was heard by Leonore and Maya.

They looked at him with a frown.

"You're lucky our Professor didn't hear that"

"Why did you even choose this Branch if you don't want their Spells?"

Leonore and Maya said respectively.

Vale didn't answer their question as he just covered his mouth and shook his head.

As Professor Ludwig concluded his explanation, a weighty silence settled over the room.

The students exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and contemplation. Aside from Vale, they all felt that the Spells were great.

The allure of these Branch-Exclusive Spells was undeniable for them

Finally, it was time to measure their Spirit Strands. There were only 14 of them in the class, so this part shouldn't take that long.

The students were called one by one to hold a crystal with a 45-strand capacity.

The first one to be called was Maya Featherstar She may no longer be the representative of their batch, as it wasn't decided yet, but she was still considered among the top students, so everyone was excited to see the number of her Spirit Strands.

"You should know how to use it. Just hold the Crystal long enough until it can no longer produce any strands." Professor Ludwig reminded.

"Yes, Professor." Maya answered as she held the Crystal.

After confirming that the number of strands was no longer increasing, she gave it to the Professor to have it checked.

"Maya Featherstar has 29 Spirit Strands!" Professor Ludwig announced to everyone.

Maya even took two minutes to have them appear in the Crystal!

Aside from the students, Professor Ludwig was impressed since even the graduates won't normally have this many Spirit Strands. About 15 to 20 Spirit Strands were considered to be the Normal Strands.

Several students then followed after.

Alford Atkins had 14 Spirit Strands.

Felicia Lobb had 16 Spirit Strands.

Leonore Roland had 24 Spirit Strands.

Ethel Wheeler had 13 Spirit Strands.

Sue Wheston had 12 Spirit Strands.

Elmer Sherris had 15 Spirit Strands.

It didn't take long before it was Vale's turn.

Everyone, including the Professor, heard rumors about Vale's outstanding Spirit Strands.

"Vale, this is a 45-Strand Spirit Converging Crystal." Professor Ludwig stated, holding the Crystal out to him. "Is this enough to get the exact number of your Spirit Strands?"

The question caught Vale off guard, momentarily stunning him.