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ArchMage's Zenith
What is Magic?

What is Magic?

As Cedric extended his hand towards Noah, ready to guide him into the realm of magic, he looked at the offered hand with wide, curious eyes. And after a moment of contemplation, a small but determined nod came from Noah.

"Okay," he said in a soft, childlike voice, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty in his eyes. The forest seemed to echo with the promise of discovery as Noah took Cedric's hand, ready to embark on a journey into the world of magic.

As Cedric gently pulled Noah, he began to explain the basics of mana in a tone tailored for the young boy's understanding. "Alright, Noah, magic is like... um, painting with invisible colors. You can't see them, but they're there. Now, watch closely."

Cedric closed his eyes, entering a state of deep concentration. "In your mind, imagine a bright light of all colors, warm and glowing. That's your mana. Now, think about what you want it to do, like making a little flame."

As Noah observed, Cedric's outstretched hand ignited with a small, flickering flame. "See, it all starts in your imagination. You picture it here," Cedric pointed to his head, "and then let it out into the world."

"Now, here's the tricky part," Cedric continued, his voice adopting a tone of patience. "You have to really feel it. Imagine you're holding that ball of light in your hands, warm and gentle. Then, slowly, let it slip out, like opening your fingers."

Noah, entranced by the idea, asked, "But how do I know if it'll work?"

Cedric smiled. "That's where your feelings come in. If you feel that warmth in your hands, like holding a cup of hot cocoa, then you're doing it right. It's a mix of imagination and emotion, like telling a secret to the magic around you."

Noah's gaze lingered on the flames as he pondered, "But what if I think of something else by mistake, will it go boom boom?"

Cedric chuckled, his eyes sparkling with knowledge. "Ah, excellent question! You see, Noah, sometimes our minds can wander, and we might end up with a surprise. For instance, imagine if you tried to summon a little fire and ended up with... a bunch of floating marshmallows."

Noah's eyes widened at the whimsical idea, and Cedric continued, "That's why most mages, like me" — he added with a hint of arrogance — "memorize spells. We create mental pictures of what we want, like flipping through a magical recipe book. But the truly proficient mages, well, they keep it all in their minds. It's like composing a song of elements."

Noah's excitement level reached its maximum limit as he heard the word marshmallows, "Mar-marshmallows!? I can think of food?"

Cedric chuckled a bit upon hearing those words, but he straightened, Noah was a child after all. "No, Noah. Let me add a bit more. So, If you imagine marshmallows while conjuring fire, well, it just won't work as intended. Magic is all about harmony with the elements, and each element has its own set of rules."

He gestured towards the flickering flames, using them as a visual aid. "Take fire, for example. If you envision marshmallows and try to summon fire, what you'll get is a burst of flames shaped like marshmallows. But here's the catch—it won't last long unless you infuse it with mana. Without your magical touch, it would vanish as quickly as it appeared."

Cedric continued his explanation, painting a vivid picture for Noah. "Now, for something like water, imagining marshmallows might give you water shaped like those fluffy treats. But, just like that fire, it won't stick around unless you breathe life into it with your mana. It's like a dance, Noah, a dance between your imagination and the mana that breathes life into it."

Cedric continued his explanation, painting a vivid picture for Noah. "Now, for something like water, imagining marshmallows might give you water shaped like those fluffy treats. But, just like that fire, it won't stick around unless you breathe life into it with your mana. It's like a dance, Noah, a dance between your imagination and the mana that breathes life into it."

Noah's eyes sparkled with wonder, and Cedric moved on, keeping it simple. "And about size, well, let me show you." He enlarged the flame on his finger, making it tower about two feet. "See, the size of the magic you cast depends on your skill. For beginners like you, it might be like stretching something with your hands. Imagine you're pulling on the corners of a piece of dough to make it bigger."

Cedric demonstrated the motion, stretching his hands slowly. "It's about control, Noah. You can't just summon a giant fireball from the start. You start small and practice, slowly making it bigger as you get better. Magic is like a friend; you get to know it better the more time you spend together."

Cedric continued his magical instruction, delving into the art of shaping and manipulating magical elements. Noah, still brimming with curiosity, interrupted with another question, "But how do I make it the size I want exactly?"

Cedric acknowledged Noah's inquisitiveness with a smile. "Great question, Noah. For beginners like you, there's a trick to it. Imagine the process in three stages: activate, change, and finish. Think of it like picking colors for painting."

Noah's eyes widened, eager to learn the beginner's secrets. Cedric gestured with his hands, illustrating the concept. "First, you activate the mode for editing your summoned magic. It's like turning on a magical switch in your mind. You're getting ready to shape and mold the element."

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"Then, in the second stage, you start moving with your hands as you like. It's like you're sculpting the magic with your fingers, shaping it the way you want. At this point, you're just editing, playing around with the size and form."

Noah listened intently, picturing the process in his mind. Cedric continued, "Once you're satisfied with the shape and size, you move to the final stage. This is where you solidify your creation. It's like finishing a sculpture. You make the changes permanent, and the magic takes the form you've shaped."

Cedric decided to offer a practical example. Focusing on the flame in his hand, he demonstrated the three stages. "Watch closely, Noah. First, I activate the editing mode." Cedric made a subtle gesture, as if flipping an imaginary switch. "Now, in the second stage, I weave with my hands, adjusting the size." His fingers moved gracefully, manipulating the flame. "And finally, the third stage." Cedric completed the process, freezing the flame in its new form—a fiery bird with wings outstretched.

Noah's eyes sparkled with fascination. "It's like drawing!"

Cedric nodded in approval. "Exactly, Noah. You're catching on fast. With practice, you'll find your own rhythm, your unique way of shaping magic. Remember, it's a dance between your imagination and the elements."

As Noah absorbed the lessons, Cedric mentioned, "And that's the beginner's secret, weaving with your hands. Later on, as you grow more skilled, you'll discover other methods, like magic items. But for now, focus on these basics. Magic is a vast sea, and you haven't even begun dipping your toes in it."

The mention of enchanted items piqued Noah's curiosity, his mouth opening for a question, but Cedric wisely deferred. "That's a topic for later, Noah. Right now, let's revel in the magic of creation."

As they continued the magical exploration, Noah felt a sense of wonder and the promise of endless possibilities. The forest, with its silent embrace, witnessed the beginning of Noah's journey into the enchanting world of magic, marked by the image of the intricately formed bird now residing in the palm of Cedric's hand.

Cedric, recognizing the need to unlock Noah's latent magical potential, decided to delve into the intricacies of ‘Magic Awakening’. He gestured for Noah to sit, adopting a mentor's stance. "Noah, before we jump into the exciting world of casting spells, we need to awaken the magic within you. Every soul is born with a dormant magic capacity, like a hidden well of power waiting to be found."

Noah's eyes widened with anticipation, absorbing Cedric's words like a sponge. Cedric continued, "We call this process Magic Awakening. It's the key to unlocking your magical abilities. Now, close your eyes, Noah, and focus on the essence within you."

As Noah closed his eyes, Cedric explained further, "Picture your soul as a container of untapped mana. In order to use spells, you must awaken this dormant power. Imagine it like opening a door to a room filled with endless possibilities."

Cedric extended his hand towards Noah's chest, a gesture symbolic of connecting with the very essence of Noah's being. "Now, Noah, take a deep breath. Feel the energy within you. It's subtle, like a gentle stream waiting to flow. This is your magic capacity, waiting for the spark of awakening."

Noah followed Cedric's guidance, taking a deep breath and feeling a connection with the energy within him. Cedric continued, "As you breathe in, imagine the magic within you stirring, awakening from its slumber. Think of the dark filling with light, a radiant energy that is uniquely yours."

The forest held its breath as Noah embraced the sensation. Cedric's voice became a comforting guide, "Now, as you exhale, release that magic. Let it flow through your veins, connecting with the world around you. It's a dance between your soul and the magic that courses through it."

Noah, guided by Cedric's words, felt a warmth spreading from his chest, a newfound awareness of the magic residing within him. But then, something unexpected happened. As Noah exhaled, the world around him shifted. It was as if he was pulled into a different realm, a surreal place filled with echoes of magic.

In this ethereal void, an empty expanse with a floating ball at its center, Noah found himself alongside Cedric. Both appeared as translucent specters, their presence ghostly yet tangible. Cedric's voice resonated in the emptiness, "Now then, Noah. This is the inside of your soul, now come, let me guide you to open up your mana capacity."

Noah, bewildered by the sudden change, watched as Cedric gestured his hand toward the floating ball. The ball seemed to contain Noah's mana, a reservoir waiting to be set free. Noah, understanding the gesture's meaning, closed in, as he put his palm around it, and with a mesmerizing display, he crushed the ball into countless pieces.

As the ball shattered, Noah experienced a profound sensation, like his very soul was being unlocked. The released mana burst forth in a radiant display, akin to a supernova of magical energy. Colors danced and intertwined, forming intricate patterns that expanded outward.

The spectacle continued until the mana had expanded to about a meter in diameter, creating a mesmerizing display of ethereal beauty. Noah stood in awe, witnessing the awakening of his magical potential in a way he never thought possible. The void, now infused with the brilliance of unleashed magic, resonated with the echoes of their shared journey.

Cedric's voice broke through the magical display, "Congratulations, Noah. You've witnessed the opening of your mana capacity. Your magic is now attuned to the possibilities of imagination within, ready to explore the wonders that await."

Noah, still processing the surreal experience, met Cedric's gaze with a mixture of awe and gratitude. The forest, now witness to the radiant energy that pulsed within the young boy, seemed to echo with the newfound power.

As Noah stood in awe, surrounded by the mesmerizing display of his awakened magical potential, Cedric's eyes gleamed with pride. The colors danced around them, weaving intricate patterns in the ethereal void. The forest, seemingly alive with magic, held its breath.

Cedric, sensing Noah's amazement, extended a reassuring hand. "Come back, Noah. We've explored the depths of your soul, and now, let's return to the real world." With a gentle touch, Cedric guided Noah out of the surreal void.

The transition was seamless, as if the magical journey had seamlessly merged with reality. Noah found himself back in the heart of the forest, the echoes of the experience lingering in his mind. The radiant energy that had pulsed within him now manifested as a soft glow, adding a touch of enchantment to the surroundings.

Cedric, his mentor's aura ever present, spoke with a profound certainty. "Noah, your magic is now unlocked. You've opened the door to a world of wonders. Feel the power within you, a tool of your imagination and emotions."

Noah, still processing the transition, felt a warmth emanating from his chest, a connection to the newfound magic. The forest seemed to embrace them, as if acknowledging the magical bond between mentor and apprentice.

"Now then, Noah," Cedric said, a twinkle in his eyes, "give it a try."