7th Cycle 2nd Rotation Year 1367 GF
Log 7,
First Rotation in the Academy, settling in nicely, I think.
We were taught how to take in mana. We were led into a long room with crystals one side and a veritable forest on the other. They said it was to create a density change in the mana. When I first managed to absorb mana, the feeling reminded me of the entrance exams when they measured our potential with some kind of crystal. Next rotation we’ll have our affinities measured. I wonder what mine will be, I want air. Lightning bolts just seem like fun.
I asked Cecelia what her potential was, but she didn’t tell me. It seemed like a sore spot, so I didn’t pry. I can’t help but wonder though.
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The Use of Magic: Absorbing Mana, by Archon Verill
Copied by Church of Illustria
Absorbing Mana is the singular most important part of Magic. It allows the mage to access the otherwise intangible energy. However, it has danger; should the mage get the process wrong with large amounts of mana, they could destroy their soul irreversibly.
Therefore, my aim in this chapter is to describe how to absorb mana.
The first step is meditation. It is possible to do it without, but for a beginner, using a method such as meditation is the easiest and most importantly: safest. It may take some time, but once you have calmed your soul, you need to try and sense the flows of mana. It is easiest sensing mana in a high mana density with a high mana flow. Do not try to sense mana with your physical senses. It is intangible. Only the soul possesses the ability to interact with mana.
Once you have felt the mana flows, you need to try and let the mana flow through your soul. This is the most dangerous part of the process. The soul has a membrane which contains the most important parts of your identity. A mage absorbs mana by consciously lowering this membrane and allowing mana to enter the soul. Should too much enter, the mage could very well dissipate parts of his soul and therefore his identity. It is always best to let too little enter, than too much for this reason.
Once you have let mana enter your soul, you need to keep it there until it merges with your identity. However, not all mana is compatible with your soul. This is your affinity. Absorbing mana that isn’t from your affinity will leave impurities in the soul. Here comes the final part of the process. You need to let the impurities out of your soul. It is like taking a breath: you take in air, you hold it in your lungs, then release the air you don’t need.