By Merlin Emrys
So, you seek to learn magic, young scholar?
Well, look no further; today you have found what you were searching for most. Under my guidance, I will teach you from the absolute basics of magic to its deepest and most complex secrets.
First, what you must understand is that there are different types of magic and an infinite number of ways to learn it. There is no such thing as a single, definitive way to master magic.
However, we shouldn't ignore the obvious either: it is true that there are ways to learn magic more easily, though that doesn't automatically make them the absolute ultimate path.
This teaching method is called Guided Magic, as it allows one to effectively learn various types and ranks of magic through specific incantation commands and constant practice.
Now that we know this, why don't we start with something light and quick to grasp?
Types of Magic
A person can utilize three types of magic, depending on their dedication and field of study.
Among these types are:
Body Magic
Innate Magic
Natural Magic
Of course, each type of magic involves its own set of studies and possesses distinct differences, so why don't we start with a brief explanation of each?
Natural Magic
Natural Magic is the magic that resides all around us. This magic is neither created nor destroyed; it is simply a massive pool of existing energy present in every corner of our universe, capable of being transformed and manipulated by magical beings like us, as well as by flora and fauna.
Innate Magic
Innate Magic is born when Natural Magic comes into contact with our magic cores.
"But what is a magic core?" you might be asking yourself. Simple: a magic core is a passive storage unit and filter for Natural Magic within our bodies—one that forms naturally and is amplified artificially.
I know, it sounds complex, but it really isn't; just pay attention.
Thanks to living beings' constant exposure to Natural Magic, many of us naturally developed the ability to absorb and store this energy.
That is how magical flora and fauna were born (plants with magical attributes and beasts with magical abilities).
However, in many thinking beings—such as humans, elves, dwarves, and others—this natural ability to absorb was very poor and incomplete.
So, a potion was developed that would amplify and perfect this capacity until it became the magic core we all know today. This potion is currently called the "Initiation Potion" (something we will look into further down the road).
This magic core does not store Natural Magic in its raw form; rather, through its passive filter, it transforms Natural Magic and converts it into Innate Magic, which is what is stored within our bodies. (However, it is also worth clarifying that thanks to the core, utilizing Natural Magic itself becomes much easier for us, but that is something we will explain later).
This Innate Magic allows us to cast complex spells and acquire an affinity for a specific element—though that doesn't mean you cannot use other elements; it simply means that using one specific element comes much more naturally to you.
Body Magic
Body Magic is by far the easiest to learn, as it is acquired naturally and grows alongside you without the need to study complex magical theory.
Body Magic will grow as much as you dedicate time to your physical vessel.
The more you train, the harder you push yourself, the more you fight, and the better you care for your body, the Innate Magic within you will reward you by amplifying your abilities.
But you might be wondering, how does this work, exactly?
Simple: it is all thanks to the magic core once again. You could say that the Innate Magic stored within you is akin to a muscle: the more you train it, the stronger it gets. (Of course, everyone has their limits, and some limits are higher than others).
Every time you train, fight, or exert yourself, the Innate Magic in your core naturally identifies that effort and need for growth, beginning to feed your body magically. So instead of receiving only natural nutrients, you now also receive magical nutrients that allow your body to break through its biological barriers.
That is why it is said that once a person drinks an Initiation Potion, they are no longer merely human, elf, or dwarf—they are adventurers.
I know, it is a modest term, but it is also the most accurate one we have so far.
Guided Magic
Now then, this is where my favorite part begins.
Now that we have defined the types of magic, it is time to move on to the most widely used magic learning method in all of Vaelthar:
Guided Magic.
First, the most important part: the definition. Guided Magic is a system of magical study that allows us to comprehend magic quickly and effectively through structured learning. This study system was created by the great wizard and researcher George Hissknow when he gave his life in a magical pact with the Ember Great Tree itself.
Incredible, isn't it?
A person who studied and dedicated his entire life to magic ended up giving his life to create what is now the most widely used system of magical study in the history of Vaelthar. But how exactly did he accomplish this, and what is a magical pact?
Well, a magical pact is a covenant made with an external entity to achieve a specific effect or power. A pact is always made under the supervision of the Ember Great Tree and must always be equal in exchange.
There are several types of magical pacts, each with its own nuances. The most common are between mortals and gods or entities of great power. Typically, a mortal seeks a pact with a deity, asking for a blessing while the god demands obedience and representation. In other words, in exchange for power, the mortal represents the god in Vaelthar and follows their commands.
This is what George Hissknow did, but with the Ember Great Tree. In exchange for his life and knowledge, George asked the Ember Great Tree to link specific incantation commands to designated magics. That way, anyone with sufficient magic and practice could channel them simply by speaking the command, eventually familiarizing people with the various types of magic.
Upon his passing, George left behind a book—a guide that would explain to future magic users how to learn magic quickly and accurately. The guide is so thorough that if someone manages to learn every topic in it, reaching Rank S as an adventurer is smooth sailing.
[Note:I personally engaged in several friendly duels against George, and I must admit that his skills were not only powerful, but remarkably efficient and complete. I would dare say he was the most complete mortal wizard in every sense. Just look at how he was able to stand against and subdue valkyries and demigods using nothing more than standard magic.]
Guided Magic contains several core subjects to master:
Transfiguration
Elemental
Neutral
These subjects contain subtopics depending on their complexity and are studied across different ranks—all in a carefully calculated order so as not to hinder anyone's growth in magic.
Rank 1:
Initial Transfiguration: Here, one learns to transfigure small objects.
Elemental: Here, one learns to manifest and utilize elements in their purest states. (Progress in certain elements usually comes faster depending on your natural affinity).
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to enchant small objects based on mastered incantations.
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to cast basic magic, such as manipulation through pure magic (also known as telekinesis in other worlds) or magic with simple status effects, like nausea.
Rank 2:
Basic Transfiguration: Here, one learns to manipulate the environment on a minor scale to alter or warp surroundings depending on the need.
Elemental Imbuement: Here, one learns to imbue objects with elemental magic.
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to enchant objects to grant contact-based effects (e.g., a paperweight that causes dizziness when touched).
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to use magic to inflict harmful status effects, as well as learning various types of projectile/range-effect magic (e.g., a spell that causes minor wounds to expand upon impact).
Rank 3:
Intermediate Transfiguration: Here, one learns to manipulate the environment on a large scale to shape or distort surroundings depending on the need.
Elemental Shaping: Here, one learns to alter the physical shape and form of elements.
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to enchant objects with multiple simultaneous effects.
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to infuse simple neutral magic into objects and people to empower them.
Rank 4:
Animated Transfiguration: Here, one learns to animate inanimate objects (e.g., a tree that can move its branches).
Elemental Distortion: Here, one learns to warp and disperse both external and self-cast elemental spells.
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to perform simple permanent enchantments (the effect never wears off).
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to fuse multiple neutral spells together.
Rank 5:
Vivid Transfiguration: Here, one learns to transmute objects into living beings and vice versa.
Elemental: Here, one learns to formulate custom elemental spells.
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to enchant objects directly with elemental magic.
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to combine elemental spells with neutral spells.
Rank 6:
High Transfiguration: Here, one learns to transfigure one's own physical body.
Neutral [Enchantments]: Here, one learns to permanently enchant complex objects.
Neutral [Spells]: Here, one learns to develop and polish magics through the "3 Uses."
These are the ranks studied; each rank features a wide variety of spells depending on the subject you are pursuing, but we will explore all of those specific spells in another book. This is merely a brief overview of how far your magic can go—if your potential permits it!
[Note:Potions was a subject George never studied, but nowadays there is already a guide book that perfectly explains potions and their various classes.]