January 28, 2022
Word: Enthusiasm
In a world where the arcane thrived to become the daily necessity, mages were the byproduct of rigorous training and thorough study of the arcane. With various applications of the arcane, mages are able to create new technologies that benefit modern society. Products such as luxurious airships that soar through the sky and travel impressive distances in a short amount of time, everyday life appliances such as stoves and showerheads where mana is the source of energy, and many other creations. Because of the contribution they provide to societies, they are someone you aspire to become.
A curious little child, gazing at the magical appliances in his home with eyes of fascination, was astonished by the creative application of the arcane. To the point where he borrowed his father's book of arcane arts, reading the spells out loud like any child would. Because of this, unforeseen accidents occur when such books are read by an oblivious child. Therefore, most kept the books away where they cannot reach.
Fortunately, magic was not manifested. The child wondered why. And so, he recited the incantation once again. Nothing happened. The child was stubborn. He recited other spells written in the book. Nothing happened.
Desperate to manifest magic, the child went to his father, a renowned mage, for help.
The father explained that magic is the application of the arcane arts through the use of mana flow. By manipulating the flow of mana, mages inscribe combinations of various glyphs, which follow a formula passed down by the ancient mages, for spells to manifest. Without a magic circle, mana does not have the information to manifest the arcane.
While the eyes of the child lit up, the father's gaze fell to the ground. He was not able to bear the sight of a talentless child.
Since that day, the enthusiasm of the child grew. He was invested in various books, studying the applications of the arcane, the composition of numerous formulas, and the method to manipulate mana flow. Yet, the child cannot manifest a single spell. The aspiring mage never gave up.
Once again, he confided his struggles to his father, whose lips were sealed shut, afraid to ruin the fantasy his child believed in. The child fell to his knees, begging at his father to enlighten him. After a moment, the father let out a sigh.
"Listen carefully," the father said, glaring at his child.
The child looked up. His eyes widened. His father let out an ominous atmosphere, trembling the child in fear.
"You cannot become a mage," the father stressed his words. "You do not have any talent nor mana to do so."
As soon as those words left his mouth, the father looked away from the devastated eyes of the child. Walking out of the living room, the father left the child weeping.
The child's enthusiasm disappeared.