Russell's confusion carried a trace of panic... What did Teacher Gilbert mean by this?
Hilbert looked at him. "Don't overthink it. When learning spells, your own comprehension is what matters most.
"What I can teach you is limited to explaining the parts you truly cannot figure out after seriously studying them yourself.
"But if you can work those things out through your own reasoning, then your understanding of the laws will always suit you better than anything I teach you.
"That is why, after Mages are led through the door of spellcasting, even those taught by the same teacher can wield vastly different spells. Their individual understandings are simply too different.
"But... once your laws have been colored by mine, finding your own path in the future may require taking a long detour.
"If you don't want your future self to look back on this moment with regret, you must put forth your greatest effort. Understand?"
Russell pressed his lips together and nodded earnestly.
"So don't teach Carpenter illusion magic," Hill added. "Other branches may indeed be a little difficult for her on her own, and you can offer her pointers. But with illusion magic, she must rely on her own understanding.
"You should only tell her where her spells look false. Don't teach her how to avoid that falsehood."
Russell nodded quickly. "I'll tell Carpenter. She may rely on me a little, but when it comes to matters concerning her life and future, she knows to work hard for herself."
Hilbert beckoned to him. "Come here."
Russell was a little surprised, but he still slowly walked onto the raised platform by the floor-to-ceiling windows and moved closer to Gilbert.
"This is the core of our Side Tower. Every magic array here can be activated through it.
"The little puppets