As my first day of class in the new world came to an end, I figured my best bet was to head over to the library. From what I remember, the library wasn't that big of a place. Not many people used it, besides the few clubs that met there for their activities. I wonder how much it's changed? As I pondered that thought, I made my way up the path leading to the library's entrance. I really should have expected this. A small, dull building was now replaced by a huge, castle-looking building. This place looked as if it could house a king. You're telling me that this is the library? I pushed my way through the doors and was greeted by shelf after shelf of various books. Not only that, but it was flourishing with other students. I guess In this world, books are an important commodity. Well, they do say knowledge is power.
"Now, where should I start?"
Up until now, I barely even set foot in the library, let along read any books. I wasn't much of an over achiever. In fact, I wasn't that ambitious at all. But, today, that's all going to change. I picked a random section and began my search. As I was mulling over the wide variety of books, a small but energetic girl came barging through my personal bubble.
"Hey there! Need any help looking for a book?"
"Oh, uh-"
"What is your attribute? All the shelves are ordered by the attributes going in alphabetical order. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Pardon me, I'm Kora. What's your name?"
"Soren."
"Soren? That's a weird name."
"I could say the same about you."
She giggled.
"Fair enough. Anyway, whatcha looking for."
"Well, you already told me where I can find the attribute books but, are there any books on the basics of magic?"
"Sure there are. Follow me."
She lead me to the back of the library where there was a few shelves that had books that focused on the basics.
"In these sections, you should find what you're looking for. Nice meeting you, if you need anything else just come find me. Bye!"
"Sure."
And just like that, she scurried off. She was odd but she seemed like a good person. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I scanned over the shelves, inspecting each book until I came across one titled, 'Theory of Magic.' It was a pretty big book and based on the description, it looked like it would provide me with what I was looking for. I then made my way through the light and dark sections and picked up a few spell books and books to explain the concepts behind these two attributes. I took a seat, and opened up the first book. Before I can start learning about the attributes, I need to know how magic works in this world. As I invested myself into the books, before I knew it, it was way passed sundown. I took a moment to rub my eyes. That's when Kora came up from behind me and grabbed
my shoulders.
"Hey!"
"Ah!"
I jumped, nearly falling out of my seat.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?"
"Sorry."
She tried to give me a sincere smile but I saw through her lies. She was so not sorry.
"You've been here a while, and I thought I should let you know that the library will be closing soon."
"Closing? what time is it?"
"It's about ten o'clock."
Was I really reading for so long? I only just finished learning about the basics of magic, and I still have the other books that I need to read.
"You can take them if you want."
"I can?"
"Sure, I just have to set up an account for you and give you a library card."
Now, I don't usually do this whole library thing, so don't judge me for not knowing about this whole library card business.
"Uh, sure."
I picked up the books and followed her over to the front desk. After a bit of a process, she set me up with the card and lent the books out to me.
"Just make sure you return them within a week."
"Yeah, no problem. thanks."
we said our goodbyes and I made my way out of the library. As I walked home, I began to recap everything I read. According to the book, in order to use magic, the user must have a certain amount of mana, as this is the basis for casting spells. Those who are born without mana, or have a very small amount, are unable to use magic or, at the very most, can only use the most basic spells. Along with this, mages must have an affinity towards an attribute to be able to learn that attribute's spells. Those without an affinity are attributelss, and are therefore unable to use magic. These types usually become warriors or merchants, or anything that doesn't require magic.
Magic also has eight schools. Abjuration, spells that protect, block, or banish. Conjuration, Spells that bring creatures or materials to the caster. Divination, spells that reveal information. Enchantment, Spells that imbue the recipient with some property, or grant the caster power over another being. Evocation, Spells that manipulate energy or create something from nothing. Illusion, Spells that alter perception. Transmutation, spells that change the properties of the recipient. And lastly, Necromancy, spells that manipulate, create, or destroy life or life force. However, this school is seen as the dark arts and is mostly banned. The easiest way to explain the schools are like majors you pick when you go into college. Each attribute has spells that fall under these schools. However, outside of the schools, there is also universal magic, which is magic that anyone can learn, as long as you have enough mana. Although, these spells usually require the least amount of mana.
Along with the schools, Magic has ten tiers. Each tier provides stronger spells but, they require more mana and are more difficult to learn. So far, in this world, the highest tier level spell ever recorded was a tier eight. The only mages known to know these powerful spells are those of the seven royal knights and the king himself. Below them, are usually the lords who typically know up to tier level six spells, along with Headmasters of schools. Typically, students who graduate the academy, usually reach tier level two, with the most promising students sometimes reaching tier level three.
With this I now understand at least the basics of magic. My next goal is to learn as much as I can about my attributes. The book didn't cover anything about mages who have an affinity for all the spells, however, it did mention that those who have double attributes, or dual casters, are able to use combination spells. I won't lie, most of this made my head spin but I'm sure I'll pick up on it as I go along.
As I finished up my inner expository monologue, I had reached my house. I walked in and found my irritated mother, waiting for me in the living room.
"Where were you?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I went to the library after school and got caught up."
"You. At a library?"
"I know, it's hard to believe, but look."
She came over and closely examined the books.
"Books on light and dark. Oh, that's right! Today was your attribute test. Who would of thought you'd get both mine and your father's attributes?"
I guess in this world, my mother and father were that of the light and dark attributes too. Although, technically that's not the case for me but, I wasn't going to tell her that I had an affinity for all of the attributes. At least not yet.
"This is outstanding!
She pulled me in for one of her famous, barbaric hugs. As she nearly squeezed the life out of me I was just barely able to mutter anything out.
"Thanks, mom."
I took a moment to catch my breath.
"Now, I'd like to go study these books in my room, if you don't mind."
"Study? Who are you?"
"Funny."
"Alright, sweetie, just don't stay up too late."
"I won't."
And with that I marched straight to my room. I began to mull over all the information and learn as much as I could before the duel tomorrow. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right. And so my night was spent studying until I was completely exhausted, and before I knew it morning came. This was the first time I broke my usual morning routine. Today will mark the day that I officially become a mage.