There's nothing wrong with formal education, but if you don't practice what you learn, there's going to be something missing. Reading about something in a book is a good starting point, but practical knowledge is even better.

[ As Mello speaks, Light eats. Now that he's asked the question, he pauses in his bites, giving his full if casual attention to his current dinner partner. On the surface, there's no tension, no hidden agenda. That isn't true, not on either side, but Light aims to make the conversation an easy one. If Mello is too on edge, his job will only be more difficult.

A useless, pointless dance. If only he knew. ]

So, I try for a mixture. I'm taking classes at the Coven, and I have a few teachers outside to help me, too.

[ He won't say who; knowing what he knows, Mello can eventually, or already, guess it's L. There's little reason to bring the name up, no need to better highlight the target.

It is notable that Mello is used to formal education in spite of his looks and attitude. A contradiction isn't he? If Light had to guess, once he removed any association with L, Mello seems more street smart than book smart. Knowing how deeply he managed to shake the detective, Light's assumed some intelligence. Mello's one big juxtaposition.

Is that interesting, or is he interested because of the danger and impact he's left on L? Light isn't sure. ]

It doesn't sound like you're going to have a lot of trouble with magic.