Elderglow Academy was an architectural marvel, constructed from pale marble and interwoven with veins of luminous crystal that pulse faintly with magical energy. The various buildings of the academy, rising into the sky, are crowned with intricately carved runes that shift and glow in a constant dance, reflecting the ebb and flow of the ley lines that pass beneath the academy grounds.
Each building houses a different school of magic, their peaks resonating with the hum of raw power as wards and enchantments weave a protective web over the entire campus.
The central courtyard is a vast circular expanse with an array of enchanted gemstones, each color representing a different magical discipline. The air is filled with the scent of rare herbs and a faint metallic tang from the ambient magic.
Sprawling gardens of magically sustained flora bloom even in winter, and arcane fountains channeling pure magic essence dot the grounds, their waters glowing a deep azure.
The interior is no less impressive; enchanted and elaborate designs that narrate the history of magic line the walls of every corridor, while floating lanterns illuminate the passageways with a steady, comforting light.
The grand library was composed of multiple floors, with tomes and grimoires arranged by both alphabet and potency, each section guarded by warded gates that only open for those who meet certain prerequisites.
Within one of the lecture halls—a spacious, amphitheater-like room—a lesson was ongoing. The room was designed with tiered rows of desks made from rich mahogany, each engraved with enchantments to assist in spellwork.
High above, a domed ceiling stood. enchanted to mimic the sky outside, displaying everything from a bright afternoon to a star-studded night, depending on the time of day.
At the front of the room, the blackboard rested, not slate but a magically reactive surface, shimmering with symbols as the instructor weaves diagrams and equations onto its surface using gestures alone.
The instructor, Magister Eldrin Voss, or as the students liked to call him, Dunter Voss—the word Dunter coined from the words Demon and Hunter, stood at the centre of a glowing rune circle, his dark robes lined with silver thread that glinted like starlight.
His hair was as white as new-fallen snow, and his eyes carried the weight of centuries of knowledge. He raised a hand, and the air thrummed with a subtle energy as he addressed the gathered students.
“Today, we delve into MES 101, the source of magic itself—what we term magic essence,” he begins, his voice resonating through the enchanted acoustics of the room.
“To understand magic essence on a deeper level is to understand the very fabric of reality, for magic is not merely an external force; it is a fundamental aspect of the universe, interwoven with all matter and energy.”
With a flick of his wrist, the blackboard shimmered, displaying an intricate diagram of a human silhouette surrounded by aligned circles of varying colors.
“Magic essence exists in different forms,” he continued, gesturing to the diagram. “The most basic division is between ambient essence and personal essence. Ambient essence is the raw, untamed magic that flows through the world—ley lines, enchanted objects, even the very air we breathe is suffused with it. It is a resource, but a volatile one, needing refinement to be useful.”
He steps closer to the students, his gaze sweeping the room to ensure every eye is on him. “Personal essence, on the other hand, is the refined form of magic that resides within living beings. It is what we, as magic users, draw upon to perform our magic. It is stored in the body and for those like us who aim to perform magic spells, it is further stored in our Essence Cores.”
“Your personal essence is influenced by your willpower, emotional state, physical condition, and your connection to the ambient magic around you.”
Dunter Voss gestured, and the diagram shifted to show streams of light connecting the figure to the circles around it, illustrating the flow of magic.
“The most skilled of us learn to merge their personal essence with ambient essence, creating a synergy that amplifies their power exponentially. However, this is not without risk. If the ambient essence overwhelms your personal reserves, it can cause feedback—a dangerous phenomenon where the magic turns against the caster.”
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink into the minds and brains of his students. The room was silent, the students captivated by the depth of the lecture.
“Remember,” he said, his tone stern but patient, “magic essence is more than fuel for spells. It is the life force of the universe. When you cast a spell, you are not merely shaping energy; you are bending the very laws of reality to your will.”
Seeing that he had full control over their attention, he smiled and continued. “This is why mastery of magic essence is crucial, for if your control falters, even for a moment, the consequences can be… catastrophic.”
The Magister raised his hand again, and the diagram on the board faded, replaced by a series of glowing sigils representing different techniques for refining magic essence.
“Now,” he continued, “we will practise methods for refining and storing personal essence. The first technique, known as Essence Focusing, will allow you to purify your internal reserves and better integrate ambient essence into your casting. I’m sure you all know what that means.”
The Magister pointed at a certain black-haired male student he’d caught dozing off. “Student Ross Dimitri,” his tone sounded displeased and the student quickly rose to his feet, his saliva drooling down his lips.
“For individuals like us who have decided to learn how to cast spells, where are our personal reserves stored?” Hia question was directed toward the boy named Ross.
“In our body?” Ross answered, his response sounding more like a question than an answer.
“Pfft!”
A small chuckle escaped the mouth of a student who’d been careless enough to laugh.
Magister Voss quickly identified the student and directed his question at her. “Where then is it stored? Since you know better.”
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A/N: Hello dear readers. I want to use this medium to inform you all that I am now better and daily updates have resumed. freewёbnoνel.com
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