‘I remember the day when the whole world shook,’ I recalled. ‘It was five years ago when Magic was found. Magic, in popular fiction, is a power beyond understanding — a miracle. It was a group of three that found it. Boris, Clarkson, Norman — the three that found Magic.’ I stood on the platform, looking at those young faces. ‘What did they find? Well, they found the reason why Ormosphite strengthens weapons. As you all know, Ormosphite has been used in weapons of high quality — blades, spears, shields, swords — for hundreds of years. Our ancestors found that by refining and melting this ore into engravings of blades makes the weapon sharper — better. So, the three founders of magic began their research in finding the reason. Metallurgist Boris, Mineralogist Clarkson, and Gemmologist Norman found that Ormosphite was not a rock; neither was it a gem, nor a metal. They said it wasn’t any of them, and yet, they said it was all of them. It showed similar properties, similar constructions. It was, in their own words, a fusion of the three.’ I took a breath and continued, ‘They still had no clue as to what it was, so they began a few experiments on its uses. What does it actually do to the metals to make them stronger?’ I strolled across the platform, recalling the story. ‘This led to one of the greatest findings of this era. They found out that it worked as a conductor — a Mana conductor. It conducted what we now call Mana — again taken from the world of fiction. To know more about this property called Mana, they began more research.’
I held up my right hand and showed them the ring on my finger. ‘This is Ormosphite.’ The crude, black ring had a smooth surface, but it did not shine. ‘A ring made of Ormosphite. Boris began wearing one.’ I lowered it. ‘He soon found that Mana is a property that is rather difficult to define and quantify. He found out that it can do things previously thought fantasy.’ I retrieved the matchbox from my pocket and lighted a match. ‘See.’ The lighted flame, which was little and calm, suddenly flared and burned brighter. I dropped the match, which was nearly completely burnt within a quarter of a second, before it could burn my fingers. I put the flame out by stomping once before it could spread to the floor. The flame was no more, and only ashes remained. ‘The flame burnt the match quicker than it should, and it burnt it to ash. Normally, it does not do that. Try it, if you do not believe me.’ I swept the ash to the side. ‘Mana interferes with some of the laws of this world, as far as we know. Discoveries are made each day, and we understand a little more by the second.’
‘Mana is an undefined property, argued by some to be a form of energy, that has the quality of interfering with the laws of the world and nature. Write that down. That will be the definition of Mana that we shall use. It will be on test most likely.’ As I instructed, they began scrawling in their diaries, notebooks, pages, and whatever. Is that a canvas? Are you being serious? I wrote down the definition on the blackboard, as I found a few looking around to find some demented person that had remembered all that. ‘Then, what is magic?’ I asked while writing in truly spectacular calligraphy. I admired myself once again. I could keep going, but a number of students raised their hands. I asked one of them. ‘Yes, you. Miss—?’
‘Mer Valet,’ the girl with blue eyes and untied hair said.
‘Yes, Ms Valet.’ I remembered the name from the list I was given by the Planning Offices. ‘What do you think Magic is?’
‘Manifestation of Mana.’
‘Good answer.’ It felt like a class now. It was fun. I gestured for her to sit. ‘Magic is Manifestation of Mana, but we will not use that to define it. Magic is less of a manifestation and more of a result of its manifestation. Magic is the completed and compiled form of the results achieved through the properties altered and affected by the use of Mana.’ The students, I was so affectionately teaching, looked at me with much confusion. I could see the thoughts on the faces that suddenly seemed so dumb. ‘That will be the definition. You do not have to remember it as such. Let us just say it is a refined and expected form of the use of Mana — a sight to behold. Use the proper definition in the exam, however confusing, do you understand?’ Most of them nodded. Good. I wrote the definition on the blackboard while listening to the symphony of pens and pencils that were sometimes accompanied by the soft noise of the rubbing of eraser. I added to it occasional taps of my feet. ‘What those three found, we have built upon. Those that study magic — Mages, Arcane Wielders, Scholars of the Arcane. We have a lot of names but not as much unity. You will see some if you are lucky.’ Ah, I am one, aren’t I? ‘From now on, keep in habit of reading articles regarding Magic.’ I hummed. ‘So, we know that this ring works as a conductor of Mana. It allows us to make contact with the mana around us, but how do we command it? Well, that is a process about intuition, mental fortitude, and knowledge regarding the world and its laws.’ I saw those stupid faces again. ‘Do not worry. We will learn little by little. Erase from your minds whatever you do not understand in words. You will understand later.’
I went through the pile of papers and found the one I was looking for. ‘Today, we will learn about the classification of magic.’ I drew a diagram on the board while humming. I felt like I was the only cheery one in this dreary environment. Hm, mhm, Hmhmmmh, I hummed. The taps of my feet were very subtle to my knowledge, but in this silence, even they resounded.
‘Arcane Knowledge can be classified in a number of Magics.’ The diagram showed circles with words in them connected with a line to a large circle that read: Arcane Knowledge. ‘First is Elemental Magic.’ I retrieved some water from the metal flask I found in my house. I hope this isn’t Mrs Parkinson’s. It would be like stealing if it is. The water floated in the air as the students watched in excitement. ‘Arcane Knowledge that deals with elements of nature is known as Elemental Knowledge.’ They wrote it down like diligent children. I hid the locks of my hair behind my ears and continued, playing with the water meanwhile, ‘It can be mostly used for combat and, like the other day, for the sake of beauty and art.’ I dispelled the magic after carefully filling the flask. ‘Then, there are Curses and Charms.’ That was something new I had found. I recalled the day I was dazed and rendered unconscious. The way I was affected by that magic was akin to a curse. So, I named it such. And if there are curses, then charms must not be difficult. Perhaps, I should do some research on it. ‘Curses and Charms employ mana to affect a person to do their bidding. The method and execution may differ, but Curses and Charms are mostly similar. Remember it this way, while Curse is coercion, Charm is temptation. This method tries to pierce into the human mind.’
I felt tired of explaining all of this, so I allowed them some time to write it all down. The silver chain that stuck out from my front pocket attracted my attention, and as I retrieved the watch attached to it, I noticed that half an hour was still left for the lecture to adjourn. ‘Property Construct/Derivative is a rather difficult one. This field of magic works to tweak or create the properties of our surroundings and the laws of this world. For example, the property of temperature can be fiddled with, and if done right the result may allow you to walk in the middle of a windy night without clothing and feel heated regardless.’ Should I…tell them not to do so? Do I need to? They are not stupid children anymore, right? Right? I did not take that risk. ‘Do not walk naked in the middle of the night, though, do you understand?’ They looked at me with eyes of wonder, excitement, and bewilderment. You won’t, right? ‘You may find yourself exiled from the academy if you do, do you understand?’ They nodded, still excited. Are you excited about the lecture? Good, good. I did not want to know what would have happened if one of them had ventured outside in the search of some exciting adventure. Youth befuddles me…
I calmed my scared heart and continued, ‘Then, there is Craft. This field is based on creation. It may or may not use elemental magic to reach its goals.’ A girl raised her hand. It was the girl sitting by the window, the one with scary eyes. ‘Yes, miss—?’
‘Selena Lasfield.’
‘Yes, Ms Lasfield, do speak.’ I am not scared of her eyes, I kept telling myself. I was strong, you know?
The girl stood up. How polite. ‘Was the magic that you used on Orientation Day the Craft magic, Professor?’
‘No,’ I said. ‘It was elemental magic that used the properties of light while paying consideration to the properties of water, spread using wind. Characteristics of temperature and moisture had to be taken into account.’
‘I see.’ I don’t think she does. She did not understand what characteristics I was talking about; none of them did. But that is fine, is it not? ‘You will understand one day. Do not be disheartened. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.’ She nodded, and I asked, ‘Anything else?’
‘What is it called,’ she said softly as if it was a thing not related to education. Interested in it? You cannot hide it, I thought, smiling widely. ‘That magic, what is it called?’
‘Lost Glimmer. That is what I named it.’ The girl seemed a little happy as she sat down.
I fixed my glasses and continued, ‘Consider making a house out of mud. You have taken into consideration its sustainability and protection from the weather. This goes into the category of Crafts. It is mostly based on Elemental Magic, but tomorrow it may not be, and it may involve using your physical strength. So, I have classified it using its use and motivation. There are some exciting aspects that make it stray from Elemental Magic, but that is all for another day.’ I noticed the passing of twenty minutes. I was not in the need of relieving myself, neither was I dulled by my students. I was simply looking at my watch because I could. I wanted to blind them. If you possess something beautiful, my mother used to say, never be afraid of hiding it from others. That is why I am always smiling.
‘And the last one is Phenomenon.’ I recalled the screen of water I cast without a source of water. ‘This magic cannot be explicitly explained with the sense of current logic. It may break the rules that are placed on other magic. It is, in the truest sense, a miracle. We will not study this one unless we come across it.’ I cleared my throat. They seemed to be getting a little tired. That is to be expected. Put me there, and see how calmly I sit. I chuckled mockingly as if that was a thing impossible. I would jump out of that window. ‘There are whispers of other fields that I will not mention here, as I have yet to confirm their existence. Most of them will be false.’
‘This semester, we will mostly focus on Elemental Magic. Craft is something that is reliant on Elemental Magic, so there won’t be any need to teach that. Property Construct may be taught depending on your progress, but the basics of magic and Elemental Magic will be our focus. The field of Arcane Knowledge is inundated with Elemental Magic. It is the most common of them, and it is intuitive, so the need to learn excessive knowledge in order to create your own spell is a thing of choice rather than necessity.’
I was thinking about explaining a few things about Elemental Magic, but unfortunately, we were out of time. The pocket watch indicated five to ten. I am tired too. I looked around the class and decided against continuing. ‘That will be all for today,’ I said while organising the papers. I must look very professor-like. ‘I am expecting you all will have to leave for your next classes, so go on. Be on your way. The next class is tomorrow. Be on time, like today.’ I kept on with my instructions. ‘We will be learning Introduction to Elemental Magic. The first test will involve the things I have mentioned today and what little I will teach you about Elemental Magic over the next few weeks. We have two lectures per week, so do not miss them. Do you understand?’ I asked looking up. Your evaluation also correlates to mine. I heard a few ‘yes,’ ‘yes, professor,’ a lazy ‘sure,’ and a very quiet ‘yes, boy.’ The last one was very sneaky. I will find whoever you are. I made a resolution that day — one I would surely keep. ‘Any questions?’ I asked at the end while thinking of things I shall busy myself with. I should see the property and the rooms. There is research to be done. That part seemed very promising and fun. I noticed a boy holding his hand up. He was sitting behind the scary-eyed Ms Lasfield. I gestured at him.
‘I am Eric Vastland, Professor. I wanted to know about fighting.’ What a ridiculous idea. I loved it. But I did not show.
‘Do you mean to learn Magic for the sake of clashes?’ I asked, curious.
And, ‘Yes, sir,’ he said. Is he stupid? I wondered while thinking if calling one of my students stupid would make me a sinner. I will be an eternal sinner then.
‘We will have practical studies in magic. We may do some activities with the Martial Studies department. Read the notice boards; they have all the information about the way this class shall work. Anyone else?’ I asked as the stupid one sat down with a grin of satisfaction. No one said anything and I watched them leave. They looked like a shepherd’s proud bunch. Lambs. Am I the shepherd then? I wondered, without knowing that Ms Lasfield was coming my way. She bowed a little and thanked me as she left.
Even when all had gone, I stayed there. Let us sit, thinking so I climbed onto the podium and sat there for a while. My legs did not hurt anymore, and my shoulders did not ache. I was satisfied.
‘I remember the day when the whole world shook,’ I recalled. ‘It was five years ago when Magic was found. Magic, in popular fiction, is a power beyond understanding — a miracle. It was a group of three that found it. Boris, Clarkson, Norman — the three that found Magic.’ I stood on the platform, looking at those young faces. ‘What did they find? Well, they found the reason why Ormosphite strengthens weapons. As you all know, Ormosphite has been used in weapons of high quality — blades, spears, shields, swords — for hundreds of years. Our ancestors found that by refining and melting this ore into engravings of blades makes the weapon sharper — better. So, the three founders of magic began their research in finding the reason. Metallurgist Boris, Mineralogist Clarkson, and Gemmologist Norman found that Ormosphite was not a rock; neither was it a gem, nor a metal. They said it wasn’t any of them, and yet, they said it was all of them. It showed similar properties, similar constructions. It was, in their own words, a fusion of the three.’ I took a breath and continued, ‘They still had no clue as to what it was, so they began a few experiments on its uses. What does it actually do to the metals to make them stronger?’ I strolled across the platform, recalling the story. ‘This led to one of the greatest findings of this era. They found out that it worked as a conductor — a Mana conductor. It conducted what we now call Mana — again taken from the world of fiction. To know more about this property called Mana, they began more research.’
I held up my right hand and showed them the ring on my finger. ‘This is Ormosphite.’ The crude, black ring had a smooth surface, but it did not shine. ‘A ring made of Ormosphite. Boris began wearing one.’ I lowered it. ‘He soon found that Mana is a property that is rather difficult to define and quantify. He found out that it can do things previously thought fantasy.’ I retrieved the matchbox from my pocket and lighted a match. ‘See.’ The lighted flame, which was little and calm, suddenly flared and burned brighter. I dropped the match, which was nearly completely burnt within a quarter of a second, before it could burn my fingers. I put the flame out by stomping once before it could spread to the floor. The flame was no more, and only ashes remained. ‘The flame burnt the match quicker than it should, and it burnt it to ash. Normally, it does not do that. Try it, if you do not believe me.’ I swept the ash to the side. ‘Mana interferes with some of the laws of this world, as far as we know. Discoveries are made each day, and we understand a little more by the second.’
‘Mana is an undefined property, argued by some to be a form of energy, that has the quality of interfering with the laws of the world and nature. Write that down. That will be the definition of Mana that we shall use. It will be on test most likely.’ As I instructed, they began scrawling in their diaries, notebooks, pages, and whatever. Is that a canvas? Are you being serious? I wrote down the definition on the blackboard, as I found a few looking around to find some demented person that had remembered all that. ‘Then, what is magic?’ I asked while writing in truly spectacular calligraphy. I admired myself once again. I could keep going, but a number of students raised their hands. I asked one of them. ‘Yes, you. Miss—?’
‘Mer Valet,’ the girl with blue eyes and untied hair said.
‘Yes, Ms Valet.’ I remembered the name from the list I was given by the Planning Offices. ‘What do you think Magic is?’
‘Manifestation of Mana.’
‘Good answer.’ It felt like a class now. It was fun. I gestured for her to sit. ‘Magic is Manifestation of Mana, but we will not use that to define it. Magic is less of a manifestation and more of a result of its manifestation. Magic is the completed and compiled form of the results achieved through the properties altered and affected by the use of Mana.’ The students, I was so affectionately teaching, looked at me with much confusion. I could see the thoughts on the faces that suddenly seemed so dumb. ‘That will be the definition. You do not have to remember it as such. Let us just say it is a refined and expected form of the use of Mana — a sight to behold. Use the proper definition in the exam, however confusing, do you understand?’ Most of them nodded. Good. I wrote the definition on the blackboard while listening to the symphony of pens and pencils that were sometimes accompanied by the soft noise of the rubbing of eraser. I added to it occasional taps of my feet. ‘What those three found, we have built upon. Those that study magic — Mages, Arcane Wielders, Scholars of the Arcane. We have a lot of names but not as much unity. You will see some if you are lucky.’ Ah, I am one, aren’t I? ‘From now on, keep in habit of reading articles regarding Magic.’ I hummed. ‘So, we know that this ring works as a conductor of Mana. It allows us to make contact with the mana around us, but how do we command it? Well, that is a process about intuition, mental fortitude, and knowledge regarding the world and its laws.’ I saw those stupid faces again. ‘Do not worry. We will learn little by little. Erase from your minds whatever you do not understand in words. You will understand later.’
I went through the pile of papers and found the one I was looking for. ‘Today, we will learn about the classification of magic.’ I drew a diagram on the board while humming. I felt like I was the only cheery one in this dreary environment. Hm, mhm, Hmhmmmh, I hummed. The taps of my feet were very subtle to my knowledge, but in this silence, even they resounded.
‘Arcane Knowledge can be classified in a number of Magics.’ The diagram showed circles with words in them connected with a line to a large circle that read: Arcane Knowledge. ‘First is Elemental Magic.’ I retrieved some water from the metal flask I found in my house. I hope this isn’t Mrs Parkinson’s. It would be like stealing if it is. The water floated in the air as the students watched in excitement. ‘Arcane Knowledge that deals with elements of nature is known as Elemental Knowledge.’ They wrote it down like diligent children. I hid the locks of my hair behind my ears and continued, playing with the water meanwhile, ‘It can be mostly used for combat and, like the other day, for the sake of beauty and art.’ I dispelled the magic after carefully filling the flask. ‘Then, there are Curses and Charms.’ That was something new I had found. I recalled the day I was dazed and rendered unconscious. The way I was affected by that magic was akin to a curse. So, I named it such. And if there are curses, then charms must not be difficult. Perhaps, I should do some research on it. ‘Curses and Charms employ mana to affect a person to do their bidding. The method and execution may differ, but Curses and Charms are mostly similar. Remember it this way, while Curse is coercion, Charm is temptation. This method tries to pierce into the human mind.’
I felt tired of explaining all of this, so I allowed them some time to write it all down. The silver chain that stuck out from my front pocket attracted my attention, and as I retrieved the watch attached to it, I noticed that half an hour was still left for the lecture to adjourn. ‘Property Construct/Derivative is a rather difficult one. This field of magic works to tweak or create the properties of our surroundings and the laws of this world. For example, the property of temperature can be fiddled with, and if done right the result may allow you to walk in the middle of a windy night without clothing and feel heated regardless.’ Should I…tell them not to do so? Do I need to? They are not stupid children anymore, right? Right? I did not take that risk. ‘Do not walk naked in the middle of the night, though, do you understand?’ They looked at me with eyes of wonder, excitement, and bewilderment. You won’t, right? ‘You may find yourself exiled from the academy if you do, do you understand?’ They nodded, still excited. Are you excited about the lecture? Good, good. I did not want to know what would have happened if one of them had ventured outside in the search of some exciting adventure. Youth befuddles me…
I calmed my scared heart and continued, ‘Then, there is Craft. This field is based on creation. It may or may not use elemental magic to reach its goals.’ A girl raised her hand. It was the girl sitting by the window, the one with scary eyes. ‘Yes, miss—?’
‘Selena Lasfield.’
‘Yes, Ms Lasfield, do speak.’ I am not scared of her eyes, I kept telling myself. I was strong, you know?
The girl stood up. How polite. ‘Was the magic that you used on Orientation Day the Craft magic, Professor?’
‘No,’ I said. ‘It was elemental magic that used the properties of light while paying consideration to the properties of water, spread using wind. Characteristics of temperature and moisture had to be taken into account.’
‘I see.’ I don’t think she does. She did not understand what characteristics I was talking about; none of them did. But that is fine, is it not? ‘You will understand one day. Do not be disheartened. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.’ She nodded, and I asked, ‘Anything else?’
‘What is it called,’ she said softly as if it was a thing not related to education. Interested in it? You cannot hide it, I thought, smiling widely. ‘That magic, what is it called?’
‘Lost Glimmer. That is what I named it.’ The girl seemed a little happy as she sat down.
I fixed my glasses and continued, ‘Consider making a house out of mud. You have taken into consideration its sustainability and protection from the weather. This goes into the category of Crafts. It is mostly based on Elemental Magic, but tomorrow it may not be, and it may involve using your physical strength. So, I have classified it using its use and motivation. There are some exciting aspects that make it stray from Elemental Magic, but that is all for another day.’ I noticed the passing of twenty minutes. I was not in the need of relieving myself, neither was I dulled by my students. I was simply looking at my watch because I could. I wanted to blind them. If you possess something beautiful, my mother used to say, never be afraid of hiding it from others. That is why I am always smiling.
‘And the last one is Phenomenon.’ I recalled the screen of water I cast without a source of water. ‘This magic cannot be explicitly explained with the sense of current logic. It may break the rules that are placed on other magic. It is, in the truest sense, a miracle. We will not study this one unless we come across it.’ I cleared my throat. They seemed to be getting a little tired. That is to be expected. Put me there, and see how calmly I sit. I chuckled mockingly as if that was a thing impossible. I would jump out of that window. ‘There are whispers of other fields that I will not mention here, as I have yet to confirm their existence. Most of them will be false.’
‘This semester, we will mostly focus on Elemental Magic. Craft is something that is reliant on Elemental Magic, so there won’t be any need to teach that. Property Construct may be taught depending on your progress, but the basics of magic and Elemental Magic will be our focus. The field of Arcane Knowledge is inundated with Elemental Magic. It is the most common of them, and it is intuitive, so the need to learn excessive knowledge in order to create your own spell is a thing of choice rather than necessity.’
I was thinking about explaining a few things about Elemental Magic, but unfortunately, we were out of time. The pocket watch indicated five to ten. I am tired too. I looked around the class and decided against continuing. ‘That will be all for today,’ I said while organising the papers. I must look very professor-like. ‘I am expecting you all will have to leave for your next classes, so go on. Be on your way. The next class is tomorrow. Be on time, like today.’ I kept on with my instructions. ‘We will be learning Introduction to Elemental Magic. The first test will involve the things I have mentioned today and what little I will teach you about Elemental Magic over the next few weeks. We have two lectures per week, so do not miss them. Do you understand?’ I asked looking up. Your evaluation also correlates to mine. I heard a few ‘yes,’ ‘yes, professor,’ a lazy ‘sure,’ and a very quiet ‘yes, boy.’ The last one was very sneaky. I will find whoever you are. I made a resolution that day — one I would surely keep. ‘Any questions?’ I asked at the end while thinking of things I shall busy myself with. I should see the property and the rooms. There is research to be done. That part seemed very promising and fun. I noticed a boy holding his hand up. He was sitting behind the scary-eyed Ms Lasfield. I gestured at him.
‘I am Eric Vastland, Professor. I wanted to know about fighting.’ What a ridiculous idea. I loved it. But I did not show.
‘Do you mean to learn Magic for the sake of clashes?’ I asked, curious.
And, ‘Yes, sir,’ he said. Is he stupid? I wondered while thinking if calling one of my students stupid would make me a sinner. I will be an eternal sinner then.
‘We will have practical studies in magic. We may do some activities with the Martial Studies department. Read the notice boards; they have all the information about the way this class shall work. Anyone else?’ I asked as the stupid one sat down with a grin of satisfaction. No one said anything and I watched them leave. They looked like a shepherd’s proud bunch. Lambs. Am I the shepherd then? I wondered, without knowing that Ms Lasfield was coming my way. She bowed a little and thanked me as she left.
Even when all had gone, I stayed there. Let us sit, thinking so I climbed onto the podium and sat there for a while. My legs did not hurt anymore, and my shoulders did not ache. I was satisfied.
