Chapter 20 - Learning the Fundamentals of Magic

Author's Note: Writing this chapter was hard because of the magic system of the setting. It took the same time I wrote a few chapters without some complex explanations and technicalities.

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After getting some books and scrolls about the fundamentals of this world's magic, Merlin went to find a nice place to read. He walked while carrying a stack of books that almost reached his chin and the scrolls between his torso and the stack.

"Hidden in a corner, and far from the entrance... This spot is good." (Merlin)

He carefully put down the books and the scrolls on the table, after which he sat down on the armchair and made himself comfortable. He looked for something to read and decided the "Magic: Fundamentals" was the first one.

He read silently. His reading speed was fast, thanks to his superhuman condition. He only had to glance at the page to remember the full content. Even though he could read the book in a few minutes, he leisurely took his time to relax.

The "Magic: Fundamentals" was deceptively thick, but it only contained less than fifty sheets. Why it was so thick was due to the materials. It used parchments instead of papers.

"So, there are mysterious molecules in their air, generated by the world. These molecules are called Magicules. These mysterious molecules are the source of magic. Humans, demi-humans, elves, demons, animals, monsters, and even plants are absorbing Magicules as they respire. However, not anyone can use magic, or in the case of plants, they will mutate, either turning into plant monsters or plants that can be used as reagents. Sentient beings like humans, elves, demi-humans, and demons need the talent to use magic, though demons seem to have an easier time in utilizing magic." (Merlin)

He read for a while. He only stopped to change his reading materials, to return the books and scrolls, and get the new ones.

And so, a few hours passed.

From his reading, Merlin discovered several important points regarding this world's magic.

1. Magicules are the name of magic energy in this world. It is the main component of magic. The building blocks, so to speak.

2. There are two types of magic. Dynamic and Static.

Dynamic-type Magic is magic that can be changed directly and immediately after it's cast. Manipulation of raw magic and transmutation of magic energy into elements is the example of Dynamic type magic.

Dynamic-type Magic has several classifications; Offensive Magic, Defensive Magic, Support Magic, and lastly, Curse.

Offensive Magic is the magic that can be used offensively, e.g. throwing fireballs, manipulating earth golems, controlling water whips, etc.

Defensive Magic is the magic used to defend or protect something, e.g. earth wall to block an attack, barrier to stop an attack, etc.

Support Magic is the magic used supportively, e.g. healing magic, curative magic, long-distance scrying, enhancement, etc.

Lastly, Curse Magic is the malicious magic used only to harm, and the effect is always nasty and isn't direct, e.g. sleeping curse, health deterioration curse, etc.

The second type of magic, Static, is a magic that can't be changed change directly and immediately after being cast. Alchemy and Enchantment are examples of this type.

In alchemy, the end product that is created using magic like recovery and curative potions can't change its effect unless they expire. Meanwhile, Enchantment on weapons or armor is also similar. When they are cast, it won't change the effect unless the enchantment is undone or expired.

2. One needs an aptitude for magic. Not everyone has this aptitude. Those who have the aptitude can use magic. They are colloquially referred to as Magic Practitioners, which is divided into several "classes" according to the branch of Magic they are good at.

Mages are generalist women and men who can use multiple different branches of magic. They are basically a jack of all trades.

Sorcerers are women and men who are really good at offensive magic.

Priestesses are women who lack potent offensive power but extremely good in defensive and supportive. It's rare in this world, but men who are also in this category are called Priests.

Alchemists are women or men who are focusing on creating products with various magical effects from magical materials such as magical plants, ores, and monster parts.

Enchanters are women or men who are focusing on applying magical effects on items such as armor, weapons, or even tools and appliances.

Witch are the women who are good at curses. For men, they are called Warlock.

As an aside, Merlin discovered that in this world, women are more blessed with talent than men. It could be seen in how women are more active in society.

Back to the topic...

3. Magic Practitioners are casting their spells by imposing their desire and willpower on the Magicules that are inhabiting their bodies. When those Magicules are out while carrying the desire of the Magic Practitioners, they will affect the neutral Magicules in the air and cause the phenomenon called Magic.

4. There is no concept of 'Magic Core', 'Magic Circuits', or 'Magic Pool' in the body of Magic Practitioners. The maximum amount of Magicules that can be stored is up to the body of the Magic Practitioners. However, it doesn't mean that the amount of stored Magicules is unchangeable. One can do some magic exercises, e.g. meditation while absorbing Magicules and storing them in one's body to increase the quality and quality of the Magicules.

Apparently, only demons have an easier time regarding this. Unlike humans, demi-humans, and elves, it is like they are existed to be a race that excels in magic.

That was why in this world, it was the union of humanity, elves, and demi-humans against the demon and their controlled monsters.

5. As long as there are Magicules in the air, Magic Practitioners won't lack 'fuel' to do magic. They are absorbing Magicules into their bodies as they respire, after all. When Magic Practitioners feel exhausted after using magic, what exhausted is their mental energy.

Apparently, coaxing Magicules is not easy. To make it easy to comprehend, imagine coaxing a stubborn horse. Can you imagine yourself coaxing a stubborn horse? If you're not being careful, you can get hurt. Oftentimes, you feel mentally drained after that. Coaxing Magicules in one's body is like that. Those accomplished Magic Practitioners are someone with discipline and strong willpower.

Of course, there is an exception. Hero and Dark Lord are two beings that overturn the common sense of Magic Practitioners.

First, Hero, who has the mysterious power to empower women. There were studies about this phenomenon, but the secret had yet to be discovered. However, there was a theory that said imbibing in the Hero's semen increased women's synchronization with the Magicules in their body and enhanced the quality of their stored Magicules.

Of course, it was just a theory.

For the Dark Lord. There were only speculations. However, the most common belief was that the Dark Lord had a high synchronization rate with Magicules in the air... as if she could command them like a ruler commanding their subordinates and servants to do their biddings.

Of course, it was just one of many speculations.

"How curious... I want to know why Hero's semen can empower women for a certain period of time. I also want to know about the secret of the Dark Lord's power... But, that is for after I finished what I have to do here... In this country..." (Merlin)

Other than the fundamentals of magic, Merlin had also read about other subjects involving magic, e.g. the introduction to other branches such as Alchemy and Enchantment.

"That was tiring... I want to take a break..." Merlin looked at the books and scrolls momentarily before silently deciding to return them to their respective original places.

When he walked with the books and scrolls in his hands, he saw a familiar woman in the armor of the Royal Guard.

She was reading a book quietly, disconnected from the outside world. She was in a blind spot of the librarian and the entrance to the library, just like his previous reading spot.

(Elize, huh? That's right... In the Doujin, it's said she likes books and is Mila's reading buddy. What is she reading? 'Tale of the Hero and the Knight'? Is that a record of the actual event or a novel using the hero as the character, I wonder...)

After a short consideration, Merlin decided to change his plan. He went to Elize's table. Elize didn't seem to sense his approach. She only took her eyes off her book when he put his books and scrolls on the table with a *thud!*.

"Huh! Eh? S-sir Merlin?! You're here! Why are you here?" Elize quickly hid her book behind her and asked, blushing and acting flustered.

"I'm here to read. Well, I have finished, though," Merlin said dryly while pointing at the stack of books and the pile of scrolls on the table.

Elize turned her gaze to those items and nodded in understanding. Her blush receded until a faint hue left on her face. "I see... What were you reading, sir?"

"I'm reading the fundamentals of magic in this world..." (Merlin)

"Hmm? Do you have interest in magic?" (Elize)

"Yeah. I'm curious about the magic of this world. By the way, would you mind if I accompany you?" (Merlin)

Elize looked pensive for a few moments before nodding. She spoke, "It will be my pleasure, sir. Feel free to sit and make yourself comfortable."

Merlin nodded in gratitude and sat on the only free armchair there. There were only two chairs, and Elize was using one.