The book Cerys had given me felt heavier than it should have as I placed it on the small desk in our rented room. Lyra sat nearby, sharpening her sword in steady strokes, her watchful eyes flicking toward me every so often.
"Are you actually going to read that thing?" she asked, her voice light but edged with doubt.
"I don't have a choice," I replied, flipping open the leather cover. The pages were filled with tight, neat script, accompanied by intricate diagrams of what looked like energy flows, human figures, and glowing sigils.
The title on the first page read, The Foundations of Magic: A Novice's Primer.
"This is where it starts," I murmured, running my fingers over the old paper.
"Let's hope it's worth it," Lyra said, her tone softer now.
I didn't reply, already lost in the words on the page.
The book began with a simple statement that felt heavier than the weight of the tome itself:
"Magic is the art of channeling energy, the foundation of all power in the world. To wield it is to understand the systems that govern it."
The following pages detailed the two main paths of magic: Circulation Arts and Arcane Magic. Each had its own structure, its own strengths and limitations, and its own fundamental levels of mastery.
Circulation Arts
The Circulation Arts relied on channeling magic internally to enhance the body. It was described as a path of discipline, requiring immense physical and mental control to manipulate energy through one's body without causing harm.
The levels of mastery were distinct, each step marked by a transformation in how magic was stored and utilized:
Initiate: The starting level, where magic is stored in small quantities within the muscles. The practitioner gains minor boosts in strength and speed but lacks control, often relying on sheer will to channel energy.
Adept: Magic channels extend deeper, reaching the tendons and bones. This allows sustained enhancement for longer periods and makes physical movements smoother and more deliberate.
Disciple: The body develops internal "storage points" for energy bursts. Practitioners begin to master techniques that demand intricate circulation patterns, enhancing reflexes and power significantly.
Warrior: Magic circulation becomes instinctive. Energy flows through the body with little conscious effort, allowing for explosive power and extended combat endurance.
Champion: At this stage, magic storage nodes spread through the entire body. Quick access to reserves makes a Champion nearly unstoppable in close combat.
Guardian: The entire body becomes a seamless network for magic. Enhancements can be maintained for hours, with little noticeable strain.
Titan: The pinnacle of Circulation Arts. Titans achieve perfect synchronization between body and energy, enabling feats that border on the impossible—unmatched speed, strength, and resilience.
I sat back for a moment, letting the descriptions sink in. I thought of Krael and the power he'd displayed, his movements so fluid and precise they seemed almost effortless. He wasn't a Titan yet, but as a Champion, he was closer to that level than I could even imagine.
I glanced at Lyra, her movements deliberate as she tested the edge of her blade. "What level would you place yourself at?"
She paused, considering. "As a Circulator? Probably somewhere between Disciple and Warrior. Why?"
"Just trying to figure out where I stand," I admitted.
"You've got a long way to go," she said, her tone blunt but not unkind.
Arcane Magic
Turning the page, I dove into the path of Arcane Magic. This branch focused on manipulating external energy, drawing it from the environment or from within to cast spells. Unlike the Circulation Arts, Arcane Magic demanded precision and creativity, with power tied directly to the practitioner's ability to control and shape mana.
The levels were distinct, each representing a significant leap in capability:
Novice: Mana is stored externally, typically in tools like wands or talismans. The practitioner can cast simple spells but requires focus and preparation for even minor effects.
Apprentice: Mana begins to form in the core of the practitioner, though external tools are still required for precision. Spells become more consistent and versatile.
Spellcaster: The core develops fully, allowing mana to be stored internally. Spells can be cast more quickly and with greater control, even without external tools.
Conjurer: Mana capacity increases significantly, enabling mid-level rituals and sustained spell use. The connection to ambient magic deepens, allowing the user to draw power from their surroundings.
Sorcerer: The body develops mana channels, enabling faster regeneration of magical energy and more complex spellcasting during combat.
Archmage: A master of multiple flows, able to cast simultaneous spells or execute large-scale rituals. Their control over ambient magic is unparalleled.
Grandmaster: The pinnacle of Arcane Magic, where mana becomes almost self-sustaining. Grandmasters can manipulate entire battlefields, bending energy to their will with ease.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and intimidation as I read about the upper levels. The descriptions seemed almost mythical, but the book assured me that they were real—and achievable.
Spellblades
Finally, the book addressed the rare combination of Circulation Arts and Arcane Magic: the Spellblade. These individuals trained to master both paths, blending the physical and magical to devastating effect.
The text warned that this path was not for the faint of heart. Spellblades needed to balance two distinct systems of energy, each with its own demands and limitations. Their strength lay in synergy, but their challenge lay in maintaining that balance.
A Spellblade's levels reflected their dual mastery, with each stage requiring a deeper understanding of how to integrate the two paths:
Adept Circulator / Apprentice Mage: The starting level, where the practitioner develops basic physical enhancements while learning to channel external mana.
Warrior Circulator / Spellcaster Mage: A balanced stage where physical prowess is augmented by intermediate spells.
Champion Circulator / Sorcerer Mage: A powerful combination that allows for seamless transitions between physical combat and advanced magic.
Titan Circulator / Grandmaster Mage: The ultimate level, where the practitioner achieves complete harmony between body and magic.
The book made it clear that this path required constant training and adaptation. A Spellblade's strength was their versatility, but it came at the cost of relentless discipline.
I closed the book, my mind racing with the possibilities—and the challenges. The paths of Circulation Arts and Arcane Magic felt vast and daunting, but the idea of blending the two intrigued me. It felt right, as if it was something I was meant to pursue.
"Learn anything useful?" Lyra asked, breaking the silence.
"More than I expected," I said, meeting her gaze. "But now I have more questions than answers."
"That's how it always starts," she said with a faint smile. "You'll figure it out."
I nodded, the weight of the pendant against my chest grounding me. The journey ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, I felt like I had a direction.