Having explained how powerful Magi can be, it's equally important to know how powerful their shackles are. Those come in the form of the Kismet and Karma.
Each magic culture has a different interpretation or term for it, but nomenclature is irrelevant, as every mage has to deal with it equally. Centuries ago, mages were nigh omnipotent and could cast magic almost on a whim, seldom suffering from Karmic Judgement.
Yet, as a result of mages going berserk during an ancient war, the "powers that be" intervened and put a dampener on it. Since the Renaissance, the world's Kismet was gradually warped through religion and propaganda, artificially pushing it into rejecting the supernatural. This has led to fewer magi awakening their powers, and also unleashed a rabid hound against all that misuse magic.
That said, it's not that mages are entirely useless. If Karma is akin to a nuclear pact that ensures nobody steps outside the line, then mages can still wage wars using suppressed pistols or daggers. So long as there are no witnesses to a spell, or the effect of magic is so minor it can pass as coincidence, mages can get away with it.
The ramifications of what the mage is trying to achieve and how many people it influences is often key to whether or not they will be subject to a karmic judgement. If met with too much resistance, they might fail the spell altogether, causing it to backlash and be unleashed upon the mage instead.
Subtle Magic is what mages commonly employ to empower themselves while fighting with mundane means. While still powerful, this magic often falls under Kismet's radar as coincidence. You'll rarely see a mage throw a fireball, but one might discover that the best swordsmen in history were just magically enhanced magi.
Potent and visually stimulating acts that are beyond common sense were labeled as Defiant Magic. The defiance here refers to acting against the Kismet's preconceived notions of reality.
Each time on used these spells, a proportional sum of baleful energy would seep into the mage. It was this accumulation that drew in the proverbial hound. That karmic energy had to dissipate over a very long time, or it would explode within one's body. In rare cases, it attracted otherwordly spiritual entities. The conscious ones among them were named Karmic Enforcers, who became the dread of all mages.
— ☯ —
Having regurgitated this information from his jumbled inheritance more than once, Leonardo had already preplanned his Path. All he had to do was follow his heart, and understand first-hand the mysteries of the nine facets of the world.
Thus far, he had barely come into contact with the more common ones, namely Vita, Materia and Elementia. He also intuitively grasped Tempus and Spatium, with some elusive notions on Primal and Animus, though far from being to actively use them.
He currently fell into the category of a Virtus 1 Initiate, because despite being awakened essentially at birth and having a superior intellect, there were far too few resources and opportunities available to him. Observing nature could clue him in to some abstract notions, but without guidance from magic tomes it would be a tough ask for him to advance quickly.
Although unable to go out and explore to advance his magic, he was unwilling to remain idle. As such, Leonardo spent most of his time on the other systematic training available to him.
Mortal Transcendence was a comprehensive set of oriental value and martial arts teachings. It encompassed a very stringent spartan way of life, encouraging daily practice in meditation and martial arts.
This elaborate knowledge set had been passed down and perfected by the mage-led martial sects in China for millennia. The best unarmed and armed stances one could ask for could be inferred from these tomes. From frontal shield and sword engagements, to elaborate means of assassination — it encompassed everything.
The true icing on the cake however were the prided special maneuvers and energy control techniques. Those allowed one to perform nigh-supernatural feats even without magic, and could in theory be practiced by mortals as well.
Special combat arts had very stringent requirements for the user, none of which Leonardo could meet at the moment. Needless to speak of special medicaments and spiritually awoken plants, he barely kept himself nourished in the orphanage.
Unable to meet even the basic dietary plans for a well developed body, it was in fact a miracle his body didn't break apart during training. Perhaps his genes were to thank for it, because Leonardo was taller and healthier than most boys his age. Without a close glance, one might easily mistake him for a fourteen-year old.
He also wasn't lacking in the looks department, with a healthy bronze sheen, well proportioned body and long stygian black hair. Paired with his rare amber eyes, it set for an unusually charming contrast. Coupled with his well-spoken intelligence and deep voice, he exuded an air of mystique that set him apart from the common folk.
( Knock! Knock! )
"Brother Leo, lunch is ready!" A mellow voice tinged with innocence sounded out through the door.
Leo opened his eyes and sat up. His eyes flashed with momentary annoyance, seeing as he was forced out of his meditation. Yet, by the time he reached the door, he concealed the frustrations behind a gentle smile.
Behind the door stood a girl around seven years old, her height barely reaching his chest. The girl stood out from the rest of the crowd as well, which might as well crown her the prime enemy in the group of bullies. With unnatural silver hair and thin oriental features, the girl was often picked on by the orphans.
If it weren't for Leo taking care of her, she'd undoubtedly have suffered greatly and perhaps even died by now. The reason he bothered wasn't because he was particularly compassionate, rather it was because of an instinctual feeling when they first met.
Her mother was a slave aboard one of the dutch merchant ships sailing to and from the East. During a maintenance stop in Malta, she'd been abandoned and taken to the monastery by the guards.
Leo was barely 3 years old at the time, yet he still vividly remembers the ephemeral magnetism he felt when he first met the baby. Gradually, as they grew older, he developed a habit of teaching this little sister of his, and they naturally became very close.
Ruffling her hair with a gentle hand, he smiled meaningfully at the lass after ensuring there was no one nearby.
"Thanks. How was your 'sleep', Yuki?"
"It's very hard to concentrate, big brother… I hear Luca snoring through the wall and it's impossible to achieve the so called clarity," the girl grumbled with a pout as they made their way to the mass hall.
"You need to be patient. You'll get there eventually. Focus on your breathing and ignore him."
After reaching her seventh birthday, Leo took to train Yuki in the basics of Mortal Transcendence as well. It kept the otherwise isolated girl occupied and gave her something to strive for.
"Don't forget to keep it a secret, alright? Not even sis' Bella must know."
The girl nodded fiercely before looking left and right. Leo burst into laughter at the comically cute sight.
"Good girl. I'll treat you to an apple after this."