***-Observer's Perspective-***
-Written on a note nestled tightly within a leatherbound book given to a certain former Guardsman, Enda, the Phoenix Witch, left information she hoped her adopted son would read-
***
Dear Touji,
I had prepared many notes akin to this that I wish you to sear into your memory, as this level of education is the bare minimum of your age bracket.
Despite a lack of overall knowledge above basic understandings, your personal history has, and will continue to lead you into acquiring far more practical experience over regular students. This is not without its risks.
If what you have told me is true, then I need not worry about teaching you life skills such as cooking, cleaning, maintenance or reading. However, your writing is poor, so please practice and use the journal I have left on your desk to record anything of note that has occurred since the day we met in Tyrants Rest.
These papers may be the first of many addressed to you. Memorize these notes. They contain information about several Origins of magic and outline Energy, Mana, Light and Chi.
~Your Distant Mother, Enda Himura
Pg.1
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Energy;
An overly broad term that encompasses all mystic power. By its definition, Aura, Life-Force (Chi), Mana, Faith, Expertise (Druidic practices), Willpower (Ask 'Bez') could all be considered Energy.
Many practices use the same resources through different methods to achieve distinct results, such as Druids and Mages, or Warriors and Monks.
All forms of Energy usage result in a buildup of fatigue.
Light;
Often referred to as 'Faith' or 'Holy' magic, its casting system heavily relies on the user's emotional fortitude. Unlike mana-based magic, these effects are referred to as 'Hymns' or 'Chants', depending on their source.
Once thought of drawing powers from the Gods and allowing said power to flow through the caster, recent developments have shown 'Ideals' to be an avenue of which this golden magic can be cast.
Very few have been known to silently cast Light spells, and even less have managed to draw power from strong faith in 'ideals'.
Most Light based casts are not directly offensive, similar to how most Mana based spells are not directly defensive. "Mana to maim, Holy to heal", as the old saying goes.
Despite this, Light and Mana are not polar opposites.
In theory, Dark magic would be its opposite, yet little is known about it outside of Curses. Seek out Mistress Rose for more information on Dark Magic, or read the relevant material in the library.
Pg.2
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Personal Related Notes:
[1.Praying to the Gods has become a ritual to receive products of devotion. For example, Paper has become widely available thanks to Athena, however any attempt to organize mass worship for said deity has been strictly banned after the *'Red Night Riots']
[1.*Furthermore, any religious groups that attempt to assert control or discriminate based on immutable traits is outlawed across Nala Alliance Territories as a result of the riots. Individuals and families practicing their beliefs are permitted as long as it remains private]
[1.*=* It is believed The Red Night Riots are the result of inserting the teachings of a powerful entity from Mother Earth, discriminating against all except Mankind. Two targeted species of note during these riots were our Oni residents and Daemons for their red skin and horns]
[1.Alameda, *Self-proclaimed Goddess of the Grove*, has assert that she is responsible for this abhorrent event, however, there is very little evidence to support this due to the Bureau Of Anomalies interference]
[2.As of 04/03/01/91-RM, A young man by the name of Adelard has shown himself capable of both silent and instant casting of Faith magic. The spells he is able to cast are unfortunately limited]
[2.I offered Adelard a very generous reward if he could teach this skill to others. He accepted this challenge]
[2.Adelard's abilities will only remain a secret for so long, he must take risks in order to grow as fast as possible.*]
[2.*=* There are far too many people who lurk in the shadows that would see Adelard dead for possessing such a skill. Touji, I expect you to protect your friends and associates]
Pg. 3
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Mana;
According to my analytics gathered from copies stationed around the world, roughly %70 of all Energy wielders engage with mana.
While Light follows strict rules, mana does not. Spells, for the lack of a better term, are malleable; They can be molded to alter the outcome of each cast, within reason of course.
From Runes, to Mana Writing, Magic Circles and Reciting, there are many ways to spin a spell or infuse meaning into actions. Through repetition and understanding, a mage can cast at an increasingly faster rate.
However, the most powerful spells, with very few exceptions, have hard limits on casting speed due to many factors such as a casters innate ability to transform mana into effect or equipment used to perform said spell.
When Mana is in its transformative state, from implied cast to spell creation, passing through certain objects or devices will alter the end result. In other words, Staves/Wands fitted with the correct Catalyst can create true elements.
Without a Catalyst or Relic, the outcome of all things created with Mana is the eventual evaporation of said creation. Catalysts can be created using many things and will be a subject covered in the Monsterology class*.
Pg.4
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Personal related notes:
[*1. As Mana is the primary energy used across the world to perform magic, it is the origin we know the most of through scientific endeavors. Thus, many of my school's classes, both extra curricular and regular, encompass this subject for deeper study]
[1. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Professors, or me, for further information about any subject you wish to study]
[1. Once you have mastered the defensive and illusion spells we have gone over together ('Bez' has been given extra instruction scrolls of each to hand over to you) I will teach you adequate offensive magic]
[2. Many Energy sources overlap in usage of resources. For example, Druidic practices use Mana, Chi, and another Origin I used to aid your sister. I'm being vague on purpose, as I'm sure you understand]
[2. Today, research into Magic in some areas has advanced further than I expected, yet in a rather disgusting way, greater subjects of research have been long abandoned]
[2. As you can imagine, I've been part of many civilizations whose own understanding of several topics far outweighs ours today. Not only in taboo areas of expertise, as it also includes fundamentals of Enchanting as well]
Pg.5
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[3. Most knowledge should be shared for the benefit of all, but you must consider the damage certain information can bring. I will not provide an example]
[3. This isn't to say all I know couldn't be of use. Like Ota purchasing clothing, sometimes the effects of understanding how to create cheap versions of expensive leisurely luxury items deflates the value of unessential goods]
[3. Sportswear Short Shorts for 20 Marks, or tight Spats for over 300 Marks? An increased price for a more appealing figure at a large cost increase. However, I could create Spats for less than 50 Marks. Due to Short Shorts and Spats acting as comfortable exercise clothing, reducing the price is not a priority. As such, I do not share said knowledge on the methods of which to mass produce stretchy textiles]
* I appear to have gone off on a tangent please ignore everything on page 6.
Pg.6
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Chi / Life-Force
As the name implies, Life-Force is power generated by life itself. Using a variety of techniques, one can draw out this power or use a manifestation of Yin and Yang.
Grossly oversimplified, this could be considered Positive and Negative energy. Neither are complete forces of good or evil, rather, they are opposites, and each contains a piece of the other.
Yin can encompass; Negativity, Darkness, Introspection and Femininity
Yang can encompass; Positivity, Light, Expression and Masculinity
Akin to Yin and Yang, Chakra has many explanations.
Chakra is separated into 7 points, each behind a locked gate one must overcome. Their names from the bottom are; Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Brow, Crown.
It takes time to unlock each gate, and different techniques could require a multitude of Chakra. Wisdom is the only guide to achieving the availability of all Chakra.
Although they may not comprehend their achievements, all great warriors, including those you have met, have unlocked all their Chakra.
Pg.7
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Personal Notes:
[1. Obviously, a skill you already possess is called 'Negative Fist', which draws on a subsection Yin; with the refinement of negativity, and is intrinsically linked to the -'Love' / 'Heart'- Chakra]
[1. An ability I possess is 'Mana-Force', a name that Arisu insists is horrible. Nevertheless, using the combined power of both Yin and Yang, with all Chakra unlocked, I set mana within my bloodstream 'ablaze' to push my body beyond its limits]
[1. I am unsure how I learned this technique or who inspired me to do so. Whoever did so is probably dead. May they rest in peace]
[2. All that possess a soul are able to use Chi, however, this power can manifest in entirely unknown abilities. This odd factor is especially prevalent in Yokai]
P.S. The extra individuals, although unexpected, will aid in acquiring the 'item'. Listen to them and push yourself to achieve greater heights. Most of all, do not forget the Illusion Spells I have taught you. They can be immeasurably valuable in ways you may expect, so experiment.
P.S.S. Master the Scroll I left in your 'Pocket'. If necessary, use that Pocket as a courier.
~Be safe.
P.g.8
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