Magic System: The Science Behind the Tower's Magic
Core Principles
1. Magic as Energy
• Magic is a form of energy analogous to electromagnetic radiation, but it operates on a distinct "spectrum" that interacts with matter in ways science can't fully explain.
• This energy is emitted by mana crystals found within the Tower. Crystals act as natural "batteries" of magical energy.
• The behavior of magic depends on its frequency and the material it interacts with, much like how different wavelengths of light interact with objects.
2. Mana Crystals
• Structure: Mana crystals are lattices of exotic materials with a unique molecular arrangement that absorbs and channels magic.
• Properties:
• Unrefined crystals release energy sporadically, making them unstable and dangerous.
• Refined crystals (processed or naturally stable) emit a steady flow of energy and can power devices or spells.
• Types:
• Kinetic Crystals: Emit force, useful for propulsion or impact.
• Thermal Crystals: Generate heat, ideal for weaponry.
• Resonance Crystals: Vibrate at specific frequencies, enabling shielding or sound-based applications.
3. Magical Fields
• The Tower is surrounded by a magical field that alters physical laws slightly, enabling phenomena like floating platforms or gravity-defying objects.
• This field interferes with traditional technology, which is why Eren has to innovate to create tech-magic hybrids.
Applications in the Tower
1. Magic Spells as Algorithms
• Spells are like complex algorithms that dictate how magical energy is released and shaped. They require:
• Input: A trigger, like a spoken word, gesture, or rune.
• Medium: A magic-conductive material (mana crystal or enchanted item).
• Output: The desired effect (e.g., fireball, shield).
• Eren struggles to use magic early on because the "coding language" of the Tower is completely foreign to him. One wrong "line of code" could cause disastrous feedback.
2. Tech-Magic Hybrids
• By using his engineering skills, Eren creates devices that harness magical energy more safely:
• Modified Firearms: Guns that use mana crystals as explosive propellants.
• Energy Shields: Resonance crystals tuned to deflect specific frequencies of energy.
• Magical Drones: Devices powered by thermal or kinetic crystals for extended use in the Tower.
3. Learning Curve
• Magic in the Tower operates under consistent rules, but they are non-intuitive to someone without a natural connection to it.
• Eren applies the scientific method to learn magic:
• Observation: How do creatures or traps use magic?
• Experimentation: Testing mana crystals in controlled setups.
• Replication: Building tools to reproduce observed magical effects.
Scientific Rules of Magic
1. Law of Conservation of Mana
• Magic cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. For example, a powerful fireball spell might deplete the energy of a mana crystal entirely.
2. Law of Resonance
• Magic interacts with materials that "resonate" at the same frequency. This is why certain objects in the Tower (like runes or enchanted weapons) are critical for activating spells.
3. Feedback Loops
• Improper use of magic creates feedback that can:
• Overload and shatter mana crystals.
• Injure or kill the user if energy rebounds uncontrollably.
• This risk makes Eren cautious, relying on incremental experimentation.
4. Magical Saturation
• The Tower's environment is saturated with ambient magic, which can:
• Corrode or decay standard technology over time.
• Enhance the properties of magical items and materials.
Eren's Early Challenges with Magic
• Trial and Error: Initially, Eren uses mana crystals in crude ways—like attaching them to circuits to see what happens. Early experiments often fail or result in minor explosions.
• Reverse Engineering: By disassembling magical items he finds, Eren starts to understand how magic flows and learns to replicate effects with technology.
• Resource Management: Magic crystals are finite resources. Eren must decide whether to use them for survival or experimentation.