"Now, let us move on to the next topic, also my favorite: Principles of Manatology. Manatology is the study of magic. Specifically, how magic is created, how new magic can be invented and how to best optimize the casting process. A very simple explanation for the first question is this: there are people who are born with mana flowing in their bodies. This is mostly inherited, as in my case, but there are also cases in which that is not the case."
"Not much is known about how such individuals came to obtain their magical attributes. One theory is that it is a latent ability possibly inherited from an ancestor with magic. Another is that it arises similar to how magic first entered society. However, an individual's magic capabilities often do not correlate with their birthright – in other words, there are many mages who came from a long line of powerful mages but held very little mana themselves, and there are successful mages whose parents could not use magic."
She continued, "Mana is a form of energy, similar to body heat, that is ubiquitous and free flowing inside an individual's body. By learning how to control this flow of mana and channel it to an external object, one can produce magic spells. This external object is a wand, which is made specifically to enhance the channeling process. Through use of a wand, one can infuse mana into a magic circle and create all manners of magic. There are three major branches of magic in Loranthos, each governed by one of the three founding families: Elemental Magic by Norigium, Summoning Magic by Amagaerius, and Support Magic by Hedovonia." She wrote them on the board, along with the symbols for them. "Most mages chose to dedicate their learning to one branch of magic, the common reason being that there are a large variety of spells belonging to each branch that is impossible to learn all in one's lifetime; but there are very rare cases in which one decides to learn all three."
"Elementary magic harnessed power in the elements: fire, water, wind, wood, earth, ice and thunder. They look similar to the elemental magic in this world such as fireball, wind blade, and so on. However, the casting process is different as we mainly rely on magic runes. Summoning magic is what you have witnessed during the performance assessment. Using magic runes and spellchanting, a mage can summon a spirit of her own choosing, and the spirit will do her bidding while using the mage's mana. It is different than the summoned familiar in this world due to the fact that these spirits only stay for the short duration of the spell or until the mage's mana runs out. And finally, support magic has the widest range and application. There are spells for healing, barrier building, increasing speed/strength temporarily, and so on."
"What I have talked about today is a very brief introduction to Loranthian magic to give you an idea, in subsequent lectures, I will give a demonstration of several spells, be sure not to miss it. Thank you for listening and see all of you next week!"
Platina gave a graceful bow before beckoning me to come to her. I did so and together, we approached the Headmaster for a quick chat. I couldn't understand why she was so eager to talk to the old man.
"Miss Platina, I must say you have a knack for public speaking! The way you carry yourself is no different than a distinguished professor!" The old man smiled widely, his eyes sparkling as though he found a treasure.
Platina smiled back politely, "Thank you for your kind words. And I apologize if the lecture seems dry. I believe that a little primer was necessary to start the full experience. Next week will be more interesting, as I will be demonstrating several magic spells. I imagine nobody from this world has seen them before."
Hearing until then, the Headmaster looked visibly more excited (if that was even possible).
"Miss Platina, how would you feel about having some visiting magic scholars attend your lecture next week?"
It seemed Platina had been waiting for this, as she gave a hidden smirk and immediately changed it into an amicable smile, "I don't mind. I understand that those in the magic community are interested to learn more about Loranthos, and I am all for education."
"Very good, very good! I have made the right choice to convince you to do this!"
"Well then, may I excuse myself? I will need to work hard on creating a lecture plan, so as not to disappoint you," Platina inclined her head politely and we walked away once the Headmaster exuberantly bid goodbye.
When we were finally back in our room, I immediately asked her why she said all that.
Platina gave a smirk, "As you said, the Headmaster had been trying hard to promote the school and will eventually made my presence known to other magic scholars anyway. I purposely made the magic demonstration on the second lecture to speed up the process. If he wanted to impress, he would invite these scholars to what is promised to be the most showy lecture. Had I continued to lecture at people about theories, it would be hard for them to grasp something they can't see and not to mention the interest will dwindle. Doing it this way will increase my marketable value. My salary raise will soon come." She gave an evil laugh and I rolled my eyes. The cold and prideful image I had of her at the beginning was long gone, replaced by a more approachable but sarcastic image that I much preferred.