ALL NOVEL Chapter : Magic system
What is magic?
Magic is a mysterious and powerful force that permeates the world, flowing and accumulating through an unseen energy known as mana. Mana is ever-present, surrounding every living being and natural element, acting as the foundation for the manipulation of magical forces. The ability to wield magic is tied to one's affinity with mana, which is awakened at a young age through a specific ritual.
The Awakening Ritual
Every child undergoes the ritual of mana awakening at the age of five, which is roughly equivalent to ten years old on Earth. The ritual is conducted within a sacred chamber, where an intricate circle, drawn and prepared by skilled wizards, becomes the center of the awakening process. This circle is surrounded by four sub-circles, each representing one of the four basic elements: fire, water, wind, and earth.
During the ritual, the child stands in the center of the main circle while the wizards channel mana to activate the ritual. The center circle determines the child's highest elemental affinity, while the sub-circles reveal any secondary affinities. For instance:
- Blue Light: Represents water.
- Red Light: Represents fire.
- Green Light: Represents wind.
- Brown Light: Represents earth.
The brightness and intensity of the light signify the strength of the child's aptitude for the respective element. If the central circle glows blue with the sub-circle glowing red, it indicates that the child's primary affinity is water, with a secondary affinity for fire.
ElementalElemental Affinity and Rarity
The majority of humans possess a natural affinity for only one basic element. However, some rare individuals defy the norm:
- 1 in 10,000: Possess dual elemental affinities.
- 1 in 1,000,000: Possess triple elemental affinities.
- 1 in 10,000,000: Possess all four basic elemental affinities.
These rare cases are celebrated and revered, as their potential for magical mastery far surpasses the average mage.
Sub-Elements and Their Complexity
Beyond the four basic elements, there exist sub-elements, which are combinations or advanced forms of the basics. These include:
- Light: Often associated with healing and purification.
- Dark: Tied to curses, shadows, and secrecy.
- Ice: A derivative of water combined with wind.
- Lightning: A fusion of fire and wind.
- Metal: Emanating from earth's refinement.
Sub-elements are significantly rarer and require specialized training to master. Some individuals may possess an innate connection to a sub-element, but this is even rarer than possessing multiple basic affinities.
Magical potential is determined by the brightness of the mana light that manifests during the awakening ritual. The intensity of the light in the center circle reflects the child's maximum mana capacity and their aptitude for manipulating magic. The brightness of lights in the sub-circles indicates secondary talents and their relative strength. For example:
- Dazzling Light: Exceptional aptitude.
- Bright Glow: Strong aptitude.
- Dim Light: Minimal aptitude but still usable.
Those with dim lights often become simple mana users, limited to basic spells or supportive roles, while those with dazzling lights are likely to become powerful mages capable of grand feats.
Magical potential is determined by two key factors revealed during the awakening ritual: the size of the light and the purity of its color. These attributes offer insights into the child's future growth as a mage and their current mana capacity.
1. Size of the Light
The size of the light that appears during the ritual signifies the child's potential for growth in magical ability. A larger light indicates a greater capacity to develop and master magic over time. For instance:
- Small Light: Limited potential, with slower growth and fewer spells mastered in their lifetime.
- Medium Light: Average potential, allowing for steady improvement and moderate mastery.
- Large Light: Exceptional potential, signaling that the child could one day achieve mastery rivaling the most powerful mages.
- Enormous Light: Extremely rare, marking a child as a prodigy with limitless potential.
2. Purity of the Light
The purity of the light's color represents the clarity and density of mana within the child's body. A more vivid and refined color signifies a stronger and more efficient mana pool.
- Crystal-Clear Purity: Indicates an extraordinary mana capacity, enabling the use of high-tier spells and prolonged magical activity.
- Bright and Vibrant Color: Suggests a strong mana pool with considerable energy for spellcasting.
- Dull or Murky Color: Reflects weaker mana reserves, limiting the ability to sustain powerful spells or engage in prolonged magical activity.
Interplay of Size and Purity
The combination of size and purity provides a comprehensive picture of the child's magical aptitude:
- Large Size + Crystal-Clear Purity: The child is destined for greatness, with the potential to become a legendary mage or magical leader.
- Medium Size + Bright Color: Strong and reliable, these individuals often excel in practical magic, balancing power and efficiency.
- Small Size + Dull Color: While limited, these individuals can still contribute to society in support roles or specialized areas.
Children with promising magical potential, as indicated by the size and purity of their light, are often given opportunities to refine their abilities. For commoners, such opportunities may come from prestigious academies or local training institutions, depending on the availability of resources and their magical aptitude. Those with average or minimal potential typically focus on practical applications or support roles within their communities, contributing to society in various capacities.
However, royalty and nobility operate under entirely different circumstances. Their status grants them access to the best resources and training regardless of their initial potential. Esteemed wizards are often hired to personally guide noble children, ensuring they receive specialized and intensive training from a young age. Even children of royalty and nobility who fail to display exceptional potential are still groomed for roles of influence and power, as their lineage often places them at the heart of magical and political leadership.
It is also worth noting that the ability to awaken mana is not universal. While the ritual provides a chance to connect with magic, only 1 in 10 children successfully awaken their mana. This rarity underscores the immense value placed on magic users, particularly those with high potential.
The awakening ritual, therefore, serves not only as a revelation of an individual's latent magical abilities but also as a turning point that defines their path in life. For some, it is a gateway to boundless possibilities; for others, it determines their role within a structured hierarchy. In both cases, the ritual shapes their identity and destiny in a world where magic is a defining force.