"Hey! I heard our next class is practical mana manipulation. Pretty exciting right? We will finally start using spells!" - Elvis said in excitement of finally showing his hard work.
"Yeah, we will finally be able to show our skills." - The white-haired demon named Lucas replied.
In the last few days since the start of this academic year - most of their classes were theoretical. Since they are just starting on their path as mages. The first thing to learn is the fundamentals. Only after understanding how magic works, can they begin with practical use.
But why is it so important to fully understand mana manipulation before trying it? The weight in this matter lies in the dangerous drawbacks. If a spell isn't performed correctly it can backfire at the caster. The same applies if you lose concentration while chanting.
"Settle down students!" - Professor Ivildor spoke loudly.
"Today we will go in-depth on explaining incantations alongside some basic knowledge. Firstly why do we chant to cast spells? Why do we need incantations to use magic? The answer is actually quite simple."
"Incantations are there to facilitate the use of spells. When we chant spells we are immediately more focused and concentrated. It allows us to channel mana more easily. If the mana is channelled more smoothly that undoubtedly indicates easier manipulation."
"But professor can't we use any words for chanting then?" - A young female student asked.
"Damn. I didn't think of that at all. She is smart!" - Elvis thought to himself.
"Great question! All that I said previously about incantation only refers to the ancient language. When we focus and chant the incantations on the ancient language those words hold mana. On the other hand, ordinary words make no difference."
"Only the ancient language can be used to chant spells. That is also one of the reasons you have this class. You will learn the ancient language and incantations. The Mage Guild contains an extensive quantity of written spells and incantations."
"However not only incantation makes spellcasting easier. It can also be done with adequate equipment. For example wands, staffs and other magical items. They can not only facilitate mana manipulation but also increase power and many other attributes. That is why every mage at least has 1 of such equipment."
"Still there is a way to cast spells without using any effort. To be precise it is the usage of scrolls. Scrolls are parchments of skin embedded with a spell. When used, the user only needs to say the name of the spell. After 1 use the scroll will be destroyed."
"Just it is not as easy as it sounds. First of all, to even make a scroll you need high-grade animal skin. The higher the quality of the parchment the stronger spell it can contain. Because of that limitation, the spell embedded can only be up to the 4th circle. Even the 4th circle spell requires very rare high-quality skin of magical beasts."
"Another limitation is the lack of mages that can embed spells. That is a gruesome practice that's unless for a lifetime profession not worth it. You need to undergo training and repetition for years to embed higher circle spells. So the only mages capable of embedding are working at the Mage Guild."
"Meaning that scrolls are accessible for buying through the Mage Guild. Only self-defence, utility and low offensive power types of embedded spell scrolls are for sale to the public. They cost a hefty price since everyone can use them."
"On the side note, the truth is we don't need to chant to cast a spell. It simply makes spellcasting so much more easier. Though you can learn silent casting. Meaning you can cast the spell with only its name and no incantation. That is a great accomplishment achieved by hard work and talent."
"Normally you can silently cast a spell after countless repetition and deep understanding of it. But the same can be done with outstanding mana manipulation. For example, the Headmaster Luminous Lux Omega can silently cast every spell from the 1st to 3rd circle."
"Wooooah!"
"Amazing!"
- Sounds of admiration could be heard from the students
"Amazing! To think his strength is so incomprehensible! As expected of Acoptia's strongest mage!" - Elvis respected Luminous in his mind.
"What about your professor?" - The students asked curiously.
"Although I'm nowhere near sir Luminous' level I can silently cast some 1st circle spells. My forte is theoretical magic but I am still a 6th circle mage."
"Enough about me let's move on to our next subject. That would be Irregular magic. What is irregular magic? To understand this let's confirm what regular magic is. Bound by inclination each type can only be used if you have an affinity for it."
"Meanwhile, irregular magic can be used by anyone who can manipulate mana well enough. *cough* Easier said than done. All Irregular magic is cast silently. It has no incantation. Meaning all you need to do is say the name of the spell. Some examples of Irregular magic are flight, magic aura, magic shield etc."
"While some irregular magic is relatively easy something like flight is only accomplished by the likes of Archmages. On the contrary, magic shield is used widely by mages starting from the 2nd/3rd circle. Magic shield is one of the fundamentals in combat. You focus mana in a shield-like form around you for protection. It's used to shield you from offensive spells. You will learn more about it in practical mana manipulation class."
"And then we have magic aura. You could say it's the advanced and more practical version of magic shield. But you can still use magic shield on top of it. What magic aura does is envelop you in mana. Practically guarding your whole body. Its form is the shape of your body which is constantly changing as you move. Unlike magic shield which stays in place around you."
"Any questions regarding this or another topic?" - The professor asked smiling.
Once again the smart young female student raised her hand. It seems she's got another great question incoming.
"Yes professor! How was this whole magic circle system even created and who created it?"
"May I get your name miss?" - Professor Ivildor asked interested.
"It's Kazlyn Wondersong sir." - She said respectfully.
"Another excellent question Kazlyn. Good job!" - Professor praised her wholeheartedly.
"Now onto your question about the creation of the circle magic system. It goes way back to the ancient periods of time. At that time the only ones who could use magic were dragons and magical beasts. Dragons used their dragon heart to fluctuate mana and manipulate it to their will."
"Humans and other intelligent races didn't have a heart capable of doing such things. So they tried to copy the dragon heart creating the magic circles. Instead of mana being manipulated and formed in the heart, it took shape of a circle outside the body."
"At first, the magic circle was nothing like the one's today. It was much more primitive and simple. With time it was used by almost all of the intelligent races. But with the passage of time the magic circles were more refined and complex as well. and so it came to the "modern" magic circles that we know of and use today."
"There you go - the answer to your question. That will be all for today. You are free to go on to your next class. Go to the academy training grounds."
"Goodbye professor!"
"Goodbye!"
- The students said their goodbye's to the professor while leaving the classroom.
...
"Woah! The training grounds are massive!" - Elvis spoke amazed.
The academy training grounds were in fact located inside. Huge open space surrounded by walls all around. Don't mistake those walls for an ordinary kind. They were made out of rare solid metals. But that's not all there is to it. That was just side protection.
The main determinant was in fact the artifact enhancing the walls. Impregnable fortress - artifact capable of greatly strengthening the surrounding buildings. Though its area of effect was limited. It can directly withstand multiple 6th circle offensive spells at once. So the students can train without concern for their surroundings.
Elvis was not alone. Many other students were also amazed by the sheer size of the grounds. They were roaming around randomly in awe. That didn't last long. It seems an unknown character introduced itself.
"Welcome to the training grounds students! I am Beatrice Valentina Ambrose. One of the world's 5 archmages. As well as your practical mana manipulation class Professor. So feel honoured to be taught personally by one of the greatest mages." - Professor Ambrose said boldly with confidence.
"Thank you professor! We are honoured!" - The class respectfully said in sync.
"During this subject you will learn how to manipulate mana, new spells, practical magic use - fundamentals of magical combat etc. So watch and listen carefully so there aren't any unfortunate endings."
"What I'm going to show you first will be how to cast a magic shield. To do this you channel mana at some point around you where you want it to guard you. The next step is condensing the concentrated mana in a shield-like manner. Like this."
- Professor Ambrose followed the steps and a white flying shield-shaped condensed mana materialised in front of her.
"The purpose of this irregular magic is to form as dense as possible mana to take the impact of the opposing mage's spell. You can take it up a notch and add more magic shields atop each other." - She said while forming another shield atop of the previous one.
-In front of the already existing, another magic shield materialised. The students' eyes widened.
"It can be smaller - for greater protection in one spot. Concentrating into a smaller point makes the mana even denser. Or you can make it bigger for defending a larger area. Since you are stretching the condensed mana it loses out in durability." - The professor spoke while demonstrating.
"After little practice, it's not hard at all. So why don't you all give it a try?" - She said enthusiastically.
"Gulp* Finally it's time to show what we are made of. You can do this!" - Elvis psyched himself up.
"Any volunteers?"
"May I try ma'am?" - Kazlyn asked.
"Go on young lady. Give it a try." - Professor Beatrice said with a smile.
- She went on ahead in front of the class and began focusing.
After a few moments of time, a blue shield-shaped condensed mana materialised in front of her. Although it wasn't instant like for the professor it was still fast. Considered it being her first time casting it.
"A genius." - Only though Elvis had, after seeing her cast a magic shield.
"Good job! That was exceptional for your first try!" - Professor said pleasantly surprised.
"Now the rest of you try it yourself! Don't worry about failure. There's a faculty healer mage present at all times."
"Now it's my try huh? I will give it my all. Hopefully I don't fail... So first I gather mana in front of me. Concentrace, concentrate Elvis!"
- He takes a deep breath in, and out.
"There! Okay, now I have to make the gathered mana denser and denser. Focus!" - Elvis focused on condensing mana.
- After some time Elvis managed to materialise an ice blue magic shield in front of him.
"I did it! It took me much longer than that genius but I did it! Lucas did you see?! I materialised a magic shield!" - He said in excitement of his accomplishment.
"You sure did it Elvis. Good job. I managed it as well." - The white-haired demon replied.
"As expected of my rival!"
In the short time they attended the magic academy, they already became good friends and rivals. This is a bond that will last until the end of their lives.
"Well done students! Now practice and work hard so I can witness your improvement during our next class. Don't get cocky now. This is one of the fundamentals of magical combat. So work hard and don't get lazy." - Professor Ambrose spoke sincerely.
"Yes ma'am!" - The class shouted in sync attentively.
.
.
.
In the middle of the road of a busy street - a single carriage stood out from the others. It was plainly on first sight what you would call - high end. The creature pulling it was no horse. It was a magical beast known as a Unicorn. With a single horn on its head and silky white skin. It shone between the other horses pulling the carriages. Its strong legs marched forward the bustling street.
But that was not the reason that particular carriage stood out from the rest. On the back of it was a symbol. If you asked 10 people if they recognised it, 9/10 would say yes. That symbol belonged to no other than the Mage Guild.
Just who rode inside one of the extravagant Mage Guild's carriages? Many would think surely it's an important figure or a great mage. Despite that, a young chap sat in the comfy carriage. Although at first sight dull-looking he wasn't dull by no means. That young man was Roberto Costa - the grandmage's apprentice.
He was riding through the center of Willsden, one of the free cities. Unlike Irontide which was considered an impregnable magical fortress, Willsden was the center of trading. The headquarters of the Merchant Guild was also located there. It was a city full of exotic goods and cultures. Truly a heaven for merchants.
"Finally I set on an adventure into the unknown! I must thank master once more when I come back." - Roberto thought.
He was riding for Lannercoast - the last of the free cities. It was a port city to be exact. No other ports rivaled its own.
"I can't wait to board on a ship and set sail to the unknown islands up north. But I mustn't forget about the quest I was selected for. It will take time to collect those rare herbs on the islands." - He said in his mind looking forward to the long journey ahead of him.
Around him, numerous trade markets and stores were booming with life. Unlike the countless potion shops and shops that sell magic items in general that he was used to in Irontide - Willsden was full of all kinds of goods. Rare herbs, strange items, exotic fruits... The list goes on. He certainly won't be bored exploring the city.
Suddenly the carriage abruptly stopped. It seems they arrived at their destination.
*knock knock
- A man knocked before he opened the doors to the carriage.
"We arrived at the inn sir. We will take a day's rest then continue our journey." - The man said courteously.
"Okay." - Roberto replied while getting out of his ride.
"Might as well enjoy the city before we travel away."