Chapter 14: Circles of Complexity
The corridors of the University of Varsovia were alive with activity as students moved between classes, their conversations and footsteps blending into a constant hum of sound. Robert weaved through the throng, his expression calm as he hovered just slightly above the ground with a subtle application of “Levitate”. The hallways seemed to stretch endlessly, each one leading to a different part of the campus, filled with classrooms, practice areas, and lecture halls dedicated to every conceivable branch of magic.
He checked his schedule once more. The next class was Magic Circle Theory—another compulsory subject for all first-year students. Although he knew much of the content would likely cover the fundamental principles of constructing magic circles, which he had long since mastered, he hoped the professor’s approach might provide a new perspective or some insight into advanced applications.
Stepping into the designated classroom, Robert took in his surroundings. The room was spacious, its walls lined with diagrams and charts depicting various types of magic circles, from simple containment spells to complex summoning arrays. Rows of desks faced a large central area where a massive chalkboard displayed the title of today’s lecture: The Fundamentals of Circle Construction.
Robert chose a seat near the middle, setting down his notebook and quill. As other students began to filter in, he noted the variety of expressions—some eager, others hesitant. He recognized a few familiar faces from his House, but for the most part, this was a new set of peers, all here to learn one of the core aspects of magical theory.
The door swung open, and a middle-aged professor with graying hair and an air of quiet authority entered. He moved to the front of the room with a purposeful stride, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students.
“Good morning, everyone,” the professor began, his voice carrying easily through the hall. “I am Professor Alder, and I will be guiding you through the principles and applications of Magic Circle Theory this year. This subject forms the backbone of almost every magical practice you will encounter, from basic enchantments to advanced summoning and array creation.”
He gestured to the chalkboard, and with a flick of his wrist, a complex diagram of a magic circle appeared in glowing lines of light. The circle was intricately detailed, filled with runes, symbols, and intersecting geometric patterns.
“Today, we’ll be starting with the fundamental structures of a magic circle. While most of you may already know how to construct a simple circle for basic spells, true mastery requires a deeper understanding of the interaction between these elements. A well-crafted circle should be an extension of the caster’s intent, capable of channeling, containing, and redirecting magic particles with absolute precision.”
Robert leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on the glowing diagram. This was at least a more engaging start than the previous class. Professor Alder’s explanation was clear, and the diagram displayed a level of complexity that suggested a nuanced approach to the topic.
“Let’s begin with the most basic form,” Professor Alder said, his fingers tracing the outer edge of the circle. “A containment circle. This type of circle is designed to hold a specific amount of MP within its bounds, ensuring that no energy is lost. It’s the foundation for more advanced constructs, such as summoning and enchantment circles.”
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The professor continued, breaking down each component of the containment circle in meticulous detail. He explained how the thickness of the lines, the spacing of the runes, and the exact angles of the symbols all contributed to the stability and efficiency of the circle. As he spoke, the diagram shifted and changed, highlighting each element in turn.
“Now, let’s move on to a slightly more advanced concept,” Professor Alder said, waving his hand. The containment circle morphed into a summoning circle, its structure growing more intricate. “Summoning circles, as you know, require a much higher level of control. Not only must the circle hold the summoned entity, but it must also anchor it to this plane and regulate the flow of MP to sustain it.”
Robert’s quill moved swiftly across the page, copying down each diagram and note. His mind, however, was already dissecting and analyzing the information, comparing it to what he had learned from his uncle’s teachings. Professor Alder’s emphasis on runic placement and geometric precision was intriguing, but Robert could see areas where the circle’s efficiency could be improved—slight adjustments to the spacing or the addition of secondary runes that would minimize energy loss.
‘Perhaps I could test these adjustments later,’ Robert mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. This class, at least, seemed to offer a foundation upon which he could build and experiment.
As the lecture continued, Robert found himself increasingly absorbed in the material. Professor Alder’s explanations were thorough, and while much of it was familiar, there were still nuances and techniques that sparked his curiosity. The professor’s focus on the theoretical underpinnings of each circle, rather than just the practical application, provided a new perspective that Robert found surprisingly engaging.
“Let’s try a simple exercise,” Professor Alder said, breaking Robert out of his thoughts. “I want each of you to create a containment circle based on the diagram I’ve shown. Take your time and focus on precision. Remember, even the slightest deviation can disrupt the stability of the entire structure.”
Robert glanced down at his desk. The surface was engraved with an array channel, designed to facilitate the formation of magic circles. He placed his hands on the desk and took a deep breath, gathering the MP within him.
Slowly, he began to channel the energy through his fingertips, directing it into the desk’s array. A faint glow appeared, and lines of light began to trace out the shape of the containment circle. He worked methodically, ensuring that each line was perfectly straight, and each symbol was precisely placed.
Around him, other students were doing the same, their faces set in concentration. Robert glanced to his left and saw several circles taking shape—each one reflecting the unique style and skill level of its creator. Some were clean and well-formed, while others wavered, the light flickering as their creators struggled to stabilize the flow of energy.
Robert returned his attention to his own work. He had already completed the basic structure of the containment circle and was now adding secondary runes to reinforce the outer edge. These runes, if placed correctly, would help contain excess MP and prevent it from leaking outside the circle’s bounds.
‘There,’ he thought, adding the final rune with a precise stroke of energy. The circle pulsed softly, the light stabilizing as the entire construct settled into place.
Professor Alder moved between the desks, examining each student’s work. When he reached Robert’s desk, he paused, his gaze sweeping over the intricate circle. He nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“An impressive application of secondary runes, Mr. Rest,” he said quietly. “I see you’ve already grasped the concept of reinforcing a containment circle. Well done.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Robert replied with a respectful nod.
Professor Alder lingered for a moment longer, then moved on to the next student. Robert let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. The praise was unexpected, but welcome. It was rare for him to receive acknowledgment for his skills, especially in an environment where most of his peers were still catching up.
The rest of the class passed in a blur of exercises and detailed analysis. By the time the bell rang, Robert felt a sense of satisfaction that he hadn’t experienced in the previous lesson. Magic Circle Theory might not be entirely new to him, but it offered enough complexity to keep his mind engaged.
Gathering his belongings, he made his way out of the classroom, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of magic circles and possible modifications. The next class was a general subject—History of the Commonwealth—but for the first time that day, he felt a flicker of genuine anticipation.
Perhaps there was more to this academic life than he’d initially expected.