“The Smuldra is the most common type of Hex and is also the most straightforward one to understand. The reason being the perspicuity of their conjurations, as well as the Tarot cards of the Infinite Arcana that are compatible with the Smuldra being reasonably easy to follow. For context…

…The Infinite Arcana are, just like ‘Conjuration’, a term used to describe potion, nourishment, atmosphere, and relic cards. As for the relics; every one that exists has a card that describes it.

However, even though this is the most simple kind of Hex, it does not mean that it’s the most barren. The thing is, within the circle of Hex, the one encompassing the four Holy Spirits, the term ‘Conjuration’ is used again to describe another circle within the circle of Hex.”

“Wait, so, you’re saying that there are more Holy Spirits?”

“No,” he shook his head. “The four Holy Spirits represent all forms of conjuration. However, the second circle, named ‘The Circle of Conjuration’, describes the form of one’s Grimoire. Before I further explain this, however, let me set the three terms we used so far clear:

The first term of Conjuration (Rahma) describes the ‘idea’ of Hexery. The second term of Conjuration (Dahma) describes the ‘action’ of Hexery, and, lastly, the third term of Conjuration, Kahma, describes the ‘forms’ of Hexery. What most people do, is refer to… let’s say the second term simply as Dahma. If I'd look at you, I could say: A Sequencer whose Rahma is Smuldra. His Dahma uses the Enhancement and Conjuration characteristics, and his Kahma is ranged.’

Is that understandable?”

“Mhm, it is.”

“You can always tell me if I need to slow down, alright?”

As I nodded in concurrence, he began walking in circles, raising his voice which caused it to echo even harder throughout the large library.

“Alright! So, the third Conjuration, the one describing the forms of Hexery, sheds light on your type of Grimoire. Your Grimoire is a bow, which means that it is a ranged Grimoire. Therefore, your ranged Grimoire holds different kinds of characteristics than a closed-range Grimoire. However, despite this, every Smuldra Grimoire is dependent on its root.

In other words, whilst the characteristics are different, nature remains the same. Here’s an example: When you, as a ranged Grimoire user, battle against a closed-ranged Grimoire user, who shares the same nature as your Hex, you can fire off your enhanced arrows, while your opponent will be able to strike them down with their enhanced conjurations.”

“Ah, okay… So, the third Conjuration explains the different kinds of Hexery. However, despite their characteristic differences, they share the same nature.”

“Precisely!” he said, enthusiastically pointing towards me. “We are now at the final part of our lecture; The Infinite Arcana.

Before we get there, though, let’s summarize the Circle of Hex once again, as well as the Circle of Conjuration; The Circle of Hex consists of the four Holy Spirits, whilst the Circle of Conjuration is essentially a second circle beneath the first. It describes the different forms of Grimoires; ranged, or closed-ranged. This circle is also why Grimoire-type specified cards within the Infinite Arcana exist.

The Circle of Hex is where one discovers their affinity to one of the spirits, whilst the Circle of Conjuration is where one becomes aware of their Grimoire.”

He then fully turned towards me, lowering his head as he crossed his arms behind his back.

“If I would ask you what kind of Sequencer you are, what would you say?”

“I would say… that I am a Smuldra Hex Sequencer, whose Third Conjuration is ranged. My second conjuration, the ‘action’ of Hexery, consists of Enhancement and Conjuration characteristics. Enhancement allows me to enhance myself to improve my overall abilities, whilst Conjuration… allows me to summon spells that are able to be enhanced.”

“Good, good,” he nodded. “I deliberately didn’t include the Conjuration aspect of Smuldra, but you are correct. It allows for one to summon their spells, and have those spells be enhanced under the influence of the Enhancement characteristic.”

“Alright,” he sighed, clapping his hands. “Let’s talk about the Infinite Arcana. It is intricately connected to the Circle of Hex. It is referred to as ‘infinite’ because it quite literally is infinite. We, as Humans, never created these cards, for they were always there. It is much like math; it was always there for us to explore.

The cards, as mentioned earlier, represent portions, nourishment, atmosphere, and relics that serve to make someone stronger, or aid them in times of need… mostly. Nonetheless, there’s a catch to these cards.

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Since the IA is bound to the Circle of Hex, it means that there are cards meant to effectively enhance one’s capabilities based on their nature. For example, you are able to merge the Tarot cards that also have Smuldra characteristics to enhance yourself. Think of things such as making yourself more agile, or even boosting your sense of fury.

While these are some surface-level cards, they can go as deep as mixing them with each other. For example, mingling your strength enhancer with fury, allows you to reach summits you normally wouldn’t be able to reach fundamentally. Or more complex cards that can enhance the momentum of your attacks, as well as convert physical trauma into soul pressure.

There are many, many possibilities, however, that does not mean that they don’t come with their downsides. Before we continue, please summarize what I just told you.”

…Damn, this one’s going to be hard.

Doesn’t matter, Caelum, you can do this!

…Alright…

With a deep sigh through my nose, I responded carefully.

“The Infinite Arcana is a collection of a wide range of cards that represent potions, nourishment, atmospheres, and relics that are able to influence their users. Because of its ties with the Circle of Hex, there are some cards that are specialized with specific Hexes. Examples are mixing a card that allows you to boost your fury with a strength enhancer. But, there are also more complicated cards.”

“Good work. We can start by discovering a downside that affects every Sequencer universally; their soul pressure. Depending on the severity of the card, as well as the second conjuration, it diminishes their soul pressure. They will be prone to frailties such as fatigue, weakness, memory loss, or even amnesia, schizophrenia, and death. The last few were of course extreme examples, but it explains why every Sequencer, as well as Divination Tool users, choose how they fight carefully.”

“Ah, I’ve heard that term before,” I responded. “Are the two Circles the same for Divination Tool users?”

“Their only difference lies in the First Circle. They are practically naturally-born Medunta users but without the Grimoire part. The reason being that they are able to use any sort of Divination Tool, no matter what kind of Hex it may be. However, this does mean that they are more prone to the side-effect than Sequencers.”

“Hm… Ah, also, how am I able to replenish my soul pressure?”

“This is actually the very last thing I wanted to share with you,” he chuckled. “Replenishing your soul pressure can be done through either rest, or the Infinite Arcana. Whilst resting speaks for itself, the cards are naturally less straightforward.

You see, within the Infinite Arcana, you not only have the portion, nourishment, atmosphere, and relic cards, but you also have cards specifically made to replenish your soul pressure.

These cards are part of a different hierarchy called ‘Vex’. Meaning, that there is a third circle beneath the second one; the Circle of Conjuration. The special thing about this Circle is that it is only reserved for those who are above the third Sequence. However, Vex also represents high-level cards that you normally don’t find within the Infinite Arcana.

‘Vex’ is still the Infinite Arcana, but… more advanced. Think of terrific cards, such as resurrecting yourself, releasing oneself from human frailty, soul and blood sacrifices, or even actual love potions. It is in the third circle where one is able to further cultivate their Sequence levels.”

“Hm, so… the third circle is essentially an area reserved for high-leveled Sequencers. But, what if I just so happen to use a Vex card?”

“Well, you die, basically.”

“…”

“I can’t paint it any better than that, sadly,” he chuckled, patting my shoulder. “These cards are extremely dependent on your soul pressure. If it doesn’t meet the standard of, let’s say a grade-two relic, your body will become overwhelmed, and will simply lose function. Most people become brain dead, with some suffering from permanent body disorders.”

“…I see.”

“Okay! That is everything for now. Before we end this, let me summarize the entire lecture for you. When you arrive on the second day of training, I’ll make sure to hand you a few notes containing what we spoke about.

You are a unique individual who was born with Sequencer characteristics. Because of that, you were able to undergo the Initiation Ritual to have your Grimoire realized; the only channeler of your Sequencer abilities.

I introduced you to the First Circle; the Circle of Hex, which encompasses the Holy Spirits, the characteristics of the first conjuration, the Infinite Arcana, the affinity of Arcana cards, as well as the Artifacts; a title granted to those able to master different characteristics.

I then explained to you the 'Circle of Conjuration’. Here is where different forms of conjuration are showcased. It is the source of the affinity aspect of the Infinite Arcana. Without it, the concept of affinity would cease to exist.

Lastly, I explained the Third Circle; the Circle of Vex, also acknowledged as the advanced hierarchy of the Infinite Arcana. Here is where more terrific cards reside that have dire consequences if used primitively, or incompetently.

I also explained how there are different kinds of downsides when it comes to consuming different kinds of cards, as well as how performing second conjurations gradually makes your soul pressure diminish, and causes side effects, both physically and mentally.

With this, you are now ready for the second day of the training procedure.”

“Thank you a lot, Vash,” I smiled. “I feel like I understand it now, but the notes will surely be of great help.”

“No problem, fella! It’s time for you to relax until the second-day proceeds. Let us head back to the hallway, your brother’s probably still waiting for you.”