Catataninfoku --In the story Silent Witch (Secrets of the Silent Witch), the reason behind Barnie Jones' (sometimes spelled “Barney”) decision to leave Minerva's Mage Training Institution and give up his ambition to become one of the Seven Sages was not simply because he failed or lost motivation. The decision stems from a combination of internal pressure, family tragedy, and deep emotional conflict, which are elaborated on in the light novel version and other sources based on the original story.
Initially, Barnie was one of the best students at Minerva Academy and was known as a serious rival to the main character, Monica Everett. Like Monica, he aspired to become one of the Seven Sages, a group of the seven most powerful wizards in the kingdom of Ridill. As the second son of Count Amberd, his social position did not automatically grant him high respect, so he worked hard to prove his abilities and gain recognition through his magical achievements. His competitive spirit even led him to help Monica in her early days at Minerva, saving her from bullying and helping her with her studies so she could survive at the school.
However, when Monica discovered a way to perform magic without incantations and subsequently earned a position among the Seven Sages, Barnie began to feel jealousy and emotional pressure—he saw