Chapter 18 - Magic

Magic... I've never used it before. I was told that when you run out of mana, the energy you use for magic, you get really tired. how will that work? I have to keep that in mind, I have very little mana, but at least with the little I have I could use it. However, fear comes over me at the thought of using too much mana, could I die? There must be certain rules about how to use it. If I use too much life force, will it be dangerous? At least that's what I deduce. If it really tires the body when you have too little, what will it be like when you have none? You'd be exhausted, but that doesn't mean you'd die instantly. That would be very foolish. It must be by continuing to use it that the problem lies. Magic is too powerful and the consequences of running out must be catastrophic. But how is it directed or augmented? Will it feel foreign to the body when you first use it? Is it like feeling magic? Perhaps it is? But how do you feel something you can't see or have never experienced with your own body's energy?

"Yuzuru!" -shouted a voice, interrupting my thoughts- "Tiana-san was thinking what happened!"

"What's wrong?" -I answered, puzzled-. I was thinking that you were going to teach me how to use magic, remember?

"Yes, I remember. But first, tell me, what do you understand about magic, Yuzuru?"

"Magic is casting spells using the body's mana, right?"

"That's right. And what else do you know about magic?"

"That by using it too much you become very exhausted and, from what you told me, you can die if you overuse it."

"That's partly true. Magic is for casting spells, that's correct. But the second thing is more complex. Having no mana, you expend your life energy. It's like going into a trance state, where your body draws energy from everywhere, straining your organs, especially the heart, which is what keeps us alive. When you strain it too much, it stops, and that's where you die. That's why it's better to rest until you recover. Do you understand, Yuzuru? Do you have any doubts?"

I was impressed by this explanation. The magic was easier to use than I thought, but I also understood that it was dangerous. It's too simple, I thought. But the price that comes with it is enormous: death. That word echoed constantly in my mind. I can't forget it, I can't.... I can't stop thinking about it!

"Yuzuru! What's wrong, why are you shaking, tell me what happened!"

"This is getting out of control. I'm thinking too much about these things. I'm sorry, Tiana-san, I'm surprised at what magic is. I was excited..."

"Really, I'm about to freak out. I must calm down."

"One doubt, Tiana-san, could you tell me how I can increase my mana?"

"The most common way is by training little by little, improving your body's stamina gradually. It's like strengthening your stamina, allowing your body to assimilate mana progressively."

"I find that focusing on something for months at a time is really difficult. Besides, I feel like I'm too lazy and won't be able to do it. Is there an easier way?"

"Yes, there is another way: mana transfer. A person can transfer their mana to another, but only through a spell that allows it. However, once the mana is received, it just stays there. If the person receiving it spends it, the mana disappears. Therefore, it is really only useful in critical moments. After that, it's not of much use."

"Is there any other way?"

"No, there are only those two ways. But as I guess you imagine, the first one is the best option."

"Sounds exhausting, really."

"It is, Yuzuru. It takes a lot, but a lot of work. But magic can save your life and allows you to do many amazing things. It's amazing when you can perform various spells. Look, I learned this one recently. I know you'll like it."

Tiana-san looked excited, and my curiosity was piqued to see her enthusiasm. Without warning, she began to utter a few words.

"Ignis Aeternus."

From the palm of her hand, strands of fire shot up and burst into a multitude of lights. It was truly awesome, beautiful. I felt good and calm.

"Tell me, Yuzuru, isn't it amazing....".

"Yuzuru, what's wrong, why are you crying?"

"I'm crying?