"That actually sounds a little bit like what I expected to hear from an esper. My story is a little more mozzarella filled, but I don't want to really go through all of it. Basically, this priest who helped me figure the rituals for my magic knew about this academy before it opened and got me inside. He knew this place would probably help me out, help me experience the world a little."
He felt a little pushy for explaining his situation to someone when she didn't ask, however he felt it was necessary. After all, he asked her first! So it was only a courtesy that he explained back. He also felt he did her a courtesy by not explaining everything in depth and by just giving her the summary. Putting in too much effort to explain his life-story would have been a waste of both of their time.
"I got to know a couple espers before today, but I honestly don't understand any of the mechanics behind their abilities. I probably couldn't tell most espers and magicians apart unless one of them started praying while fighting."
Well, maybe that was a little bit exaggerated, but for the most part it was true. It was difficult to tell who did what unless he had any big hints or was able to look a little deeper at their abilities. That, or if any of them had tools. If there was one thing he noticed, magicians were often more object-heavy when it came to casting. Not all of them needed tools, but Ali' felt it would be easier for most if they did have some to use.