Journey's Beginning

"Now, only two more things to finally end this speech and give way to the opening ceremony." 

Restlessness spread through the crowd at his words, everyone wanted to start with the festivities.

"As we all well know, except for our new students, we have always had some issues with the amount of magic the college can use, thanks to the meddling efforts of foreign entities determined to bring down our school."

A few subdued groans echoed through the amphitheater, but most leaned in, eager to hear what Director Smith had to say.

"But things are changing this year. Ever since the tragic passing of Permafrost, we've struggled to supply the school wards with sufficient energy. We've been forced to reduce the number of active runes to keep the essential ones running smoothly. Those who were here during Permafrost's era remember the luxuries we once enjoyed without worrying about adventurous 'gods' seeking more devoted 'followers.'"

Director Smith's smile spread across the crowd. "As you can see, thanks to some unexpected circumstances, we no longer need to restrain the college's capabilities to such an extent. The mana contribution required to maintain our defensive wards at their peak has been achieved."

A wave of excitement spread through the audience, audible whispers of approval and contentment could be heard around.

"Finally, I want to encourage our new students to seek guidance from our upperclassmen. Everyone was once a novice here; there's no shame in seeking help when needed."

Director Smith cast a subtle spell that encompassed everyone present, capturing the undivided attention of the entire amphitheater.

"Let this be another remarkable year of growth for all. I look forward to witnessing your progress."

_______________________________________________________________

"Arthur? Arthur!"

I came back with a start and looked at Magnen. He had a worried face as he came close to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

"You were spacing out again." We were outside of the college, taking in the freezing yet fresh air.

"Yeah yeah, I was just thinking."

Magnen sat beside me and sighed.

"You worry me y'know? I've known you for 4 years and every time you get that look I feel bad for ya."

I felt a smile begin to tug at my lips before I smiled at him. 

"Thank you for worrying Magnen, although you should know by now nothing bad is going on with me." Seriously, spacing out was something I did more out of habit than anything else at this point.

He leaned back over and fell down into the white grass.

"I get it." He smiled, and then continued "So when are you going to accept one of the novice's apprenticeship requests?"

I looked at him and shrugged. "When an interesting one comes around. I don't want to get saddled as a teacher for a couple of months."

He groaned and flailed a hand at me. "Why do you say that? Where did you even get the idea it would be a bad thing to teach someone? Where did I go wrong with you? Did I ever complain about you when you were a novice?"

I leveled a flat look at him before I exhaled through my mouth. "Yes you did, actually. But, that is not the reason I don't want to take on a novice. You know I'm occupied."

He sighed before he covered his eyes with his arms. "Oh yeah, you have that thing you won't tell me about with the director don't you? He must be running you ragged if you are always so exhausted. I swear, since you started seeing him a couple of months ago you are never at full capacity."

"Yeah, it's exhausting, but I enjoy it. It's enlightening."

_______________________________________________________________

"You are getting better." The director noted.

I punched out with everything I had, the air around my fist dispersing rapidly as my fist made impact with a sudden flash of white light.

All the power behind the punch and the air around it immediately stopped. It felt like I hadn't even hit something. One moment I was punching, and the next I wasn't.

I exhaled and straightened my stance. "Thank you, Director," I said, "although it doesn't feel that way."

A chuckle rang out as the director's form blurred. Before my eyes, he seemed to meld with the environment,  vanishing from my sight even though he did it right in front of me.

"Well, that's a shame. I'm genuinely pleased with your progress. I feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Knowing your potential brings me peace."

A flash of red to my side sent me hurtling through the air, pain radiating from my raised left arm. I managed to dig my right hand into the stone below me, landing upright but slightly winded.

"So you managed to raise a guard in time. See? You are improving."

I flooded the area with my magic, calming my firing nerves to diminish the pain and accelerate the healing in the area.

"This spar would've ended with that hit if you hadn't improved over the last six months."

I gathered mana and ki on my right arm. Air began to race around me, and I punched at the area of origin of the flash. A shockwave surged from my arm, racing down the arena until it collided with the surrounding walls. 

Dread washed over me as I realized I hadn't hit anything. Before I could react, a flash of yellow engulfed me, and I felt a jolt of electricity coursing through my body. I fell to the ground, twitching and spasming.

"Don't worry too much," the director reassured me. "Given the restraints you're under, any improvement may not be immediately noticeable."

_______________________________________________________________

"Really?" He looked at me skeptically. "I don't think I've seen you with more than half your reserves filled for months. How are you not dropping dead exhausted?"

"You get used to it. Just as you can get used to the cold in this place."

He brought his hands down and raised an unimpressed eyebrow at me.

"I'm being serious, after a couple of months you stop feeling so tired."

"If I knew you were going to be so troublesome I wouldn't have accepted Professor Thornton's request to help you out."

I laughed out loud.

_______________________________________________________________

"Help me learn magic." 

I came to stop at the voice that sounded behind me.

I  should've continued walking, ignoring the request, but Magnen's words weighed on my mind.

Without turning around, I kept walking. "I'm sorry, but no. I'm not interested in taking on a novice at the moment. Really, it's more so that I can't." My room wasn't that far away from here. I could probably make it in time to avoid this.

The clacking of heels grew nearer as the novice followed me. "Now, that's a lie if I've ever heard one."

I shrugged and maintained my pace.  "It really isn't, I'm preoccupied with other, more important matters."

She caught up to me and hummed. "Truly? Like what?"

Finally, I glanced at her, taking note of her attire. She was dressed like a witch from the god's era. Gaudy hat and robes. "Like catching up on my sleep." With that, I reached my room's door, swiftly entered, and closed it behind me.

_______________________________________________________________

Meditating was something you had to get used to if you wanted to be a mage in this world. While shunned by some martial artists and knights, it should be obvious that they should also do it, for it's not only mages who use an inner type of energy.

Bringing my ki - my life force - up, powering up in a sense, I let it wash over my whole body like a blanket. Let it course through my veins, muscles, skin, and everything in between.

Just because ki didn't let you conjure up illusions and change the world with only your thoughts doesn't mean it's not an energy that can be harnessed better through understanding.

I savored the power feeling for a moment before I took hold of it and began to condense it into itself. Trying to make my ki stronger than what it was.

Feeling the small capillaries on my skin burst made me quickly stop as I sighed.

"Damn it." I only had this portion of the garden reserved for 2 hours more, I definitely wasn't figuring out this today. I settled into a trance again as I infused my ki into my body once more.

Suddenly, a voice, familiar but unexpected, cut through my concentration. I jerked, losing my concentration and almost damaged myself some more.

"That seems dangerous Arthur," Professor Thornton calmly stated. "Is there no one you can ask for help in this endeavor?"

I blinked at her slightly aghast. Professor Thornton wasn't one to sneak up on people, so either I was too entranced in my meditation, or she was in a really happy mood. "No professor, no one really uses ki in the college. A few know of it and some of its core elements, but not to the extent of being of any assistance with what I'm trying to accomplish."

"It was actually quite annoying; it baffled me why those who were able to harness both types of energy didn't do so. I'd hope pride wasn't the reason, and while it's not the only one, it certainly is the biggest one.

Standing up I gave a slight deferential bow to her. "What can I do for you professor? It's been a while since we've talked."

She gave me a small smile as she bowed in return, "I know it's short notice, but would you be able to take over a magic theory class? I won't be able to make it, and you are one of the few who can handle it with your extensive knowledge and experience."

Stopping myself from frowning, I nodded at her. "Yes professor," I smiled as best as I could. "I'd be delighted." Considering it for a second I nodded to her again, this time with more certainty. "Actually, I still need to get some classes before I'm eligible to rank up to magus, so I don't mind at all."

Professor Thornton smiled beatifically at me and began talking. "Thank you Arthur, I knew I could count on you. The class starts in two hours. It'll take place in the main lecture hall." She dusted off her shirt before beginning to walk away. "I'll see you some other time, we should discuss about Mystery again."

I returned the smile and replied. "Whenever you are up to it professor, good luck in whatever you have to do."

_______________________________________________________________

After two hours of continuously trying to do something with my ki I gave up and made my way to the lecture hall.

I reactivated the suppression seals I'd worked with Magnen over the last couple of years, their runes glowing faintly as I walked. I tried to shake off the persistent exhaustion brought on by the strain of repeatedly flaring my ki, but it was an effort in futility.

Cleaning myself with some simple house magic was child's play, now I only had to prepare mentally to talk to a bunch of novices about the wonders of magic. At least theory wasn't that bad.

On my way, I encountered groups leaving their own lectures. They gave me space as they shuffled away from my path. Some looked at me intimidated, maybe because of my current appearance, or perhaps they'd heard of me. Others looked at me slightly in respect and in challenge, as if I was a benchmark for them to surpass. 

And others looked at me with envy, jealous that despite my apparent exhaustion, I was clearly much stronger than them combined.

I continued unmolested and made it to the big door at the end of the hall.

With a tired sigh I reached for the door that gave way to the lecture hall and took a moment to compose myself. Softly I circulated some magic and ki through my body, and brushed my hair with my hand. 

I put on a smile and opened the door.

_______________________________________________________________

"Magic heavily relies on the mind of the caster. There are a lot of ways to approach casting. It can include things as using mnemonic devices, going by how your magic feels, or even developing your own hard structure of how you do your magic. But for the most part most mages use two main methods, which can include some ideas from the previous mentioned.

The first of these is referred to as 'Mystery,' a concept most of you may already use, albeit unintentionally. Mystery taps into the historical and legendary aspects of a concept, imbuing it with a deeper, contextual essence. For example, consider creating a protective barrier using pure magic. The shape of the barrier can be significant. If you hail from Valeria and fashion your shield in the likeness of those used by the royal knights of Valeria, it may symbolize security for you. This can become a method of loci for summoning that particular shape, especially if you've practiced it extensively.

Furthermore, it will be imbued with Mystery as it will draw from the legends and history associated with the knights. The consistent shield design, colors, and materials they've used since their formation carry significant historical weight. This, in a Mysterious and intriguing manner, infuses your shield with greater potency."

I looked around the hall, trying to spot if a novice was not paying attention. This lecture would become one of the most important lectures they'd ever have. I'm surprised Professor Thornton didn't give this class yet. Perhaps an oversight in the syllabus?

"The second one, often called intentional casting, is often left aside in favor of the first one due to its complexity. It requires a mind that has knowledge of what it wants to do. Using the shield example, it actually would be better than using the Mystery one if you know exactly what shape of shield would be the most effective at defending you from a certain type of attack. In most cases, logic prevails over mystery when the mage has a clear goal in mind."

I conjured up two shield's in the air, using both methods, one looked like the famous Valerian shield and the other almost like a sideway pointing pyramid. Both looked like well made shield spells, they glowed with a shimmering blue, and should anyone in the class even try to damage them they would surely fail. 

When I rammed them against each other it was obvious the pyramid-like shield held up better since it was the only survivor.

"This is assuming you invest  the same amount of magic into both shields. It's important to note there are some mages that will opt to channel a significant amount of mana into whatever shape of shield they desire and it'll most likely work as intended. The main benefits of using Mystery and intentional casting is efficiency with your mana and making it stronger due to either logic or Mystery. It'll mark the difference between two mages of the same rank. Any questions?"

The same novice who had followed me to my dorm raised her hand and asked the most asked question whenever this lecture was given. "So which method should we learn?"

I leaned back in my chair, a contemplative hum escaping my lips. "It's up to you what you choose, taking my words for granted and just doing what I tell you would be foolish, but truly it will ultimately depend on your essence what type of casting you use. Are you all aware of Professor Thornton's magic?"

I waited for everyone to give some form of assent before I continued. "Her essence - History - is heavily dependent on Mystery. Without Mystery Professor Thornton's magic would be a much weaker and costly magic to cast."

Apprehension filled many eyes and I focused more into the novice who asked her question. "What is your name and essence? If you don't mind."

She nodded. "My name is Emily Richards Professor. My magic has something to do with clairvoyance."

"Thank you Emily. In your case I'd recommend leaning more on Mystery casting then."

Another student lifted his hand and I pointed at him. "What if we haven't found our essence?"

"In those cases I'd recommend studying both. I'm in my fourth year here," some eyebrows were raised. "And I still haven't found mine either. It's not an uncommon occurrence so don't worry much about it." 

The classroom fell silent at that, many faces set in contemplation. Some whispers began to appear around the hall before a student in the middle row raised her hand and, without waiting to be acknowledged, blurted out, "Arthur, I'm just wondering, how can we trust your guidance on magical essences and casting methods if you haven't even discovered your own essence after four years? As a matter of fact, how old are you? Should you really be giving this class?"

I felt a twinge of irritation at her words but made a conscious effort not to show it. I wasn't sure if she was a noble who renounced her title to attend the college or simply unaware of the etiquette when addressing a professor, but I intended to handle the situation professionally.

… Is what I would have done if I was a better person. Unfortunately for her, she definitely knew the etiquette at this point, and I wasn't in the mood to take insults with a smile and show the other cheek.

I let my mana flow wildly. I completely stopped suppressing it and let it lash out into the world around me. An ethereal green glow manifested around me and it began pulsating with every breath I took. Even with how diminished I was, my magic was still potent, heavy, enough to shut up everyone in the hall.

"I don't appreciate your words, novice." The vitriol in my voice was palpable, even as my face remained as pleasant as possible. "I am fully qualified to teach this class."

The girl, because that is what she was, froze. "In fact, the college prides itself in being the best magical institute in all of Terraria. If someone is placed to be your professor, for any class, they are going to be qualified. Don't presume you have even an inch of authority on who gives you class and who doesn't."

I settled my magic once more with a big breath of air. "If you doubt my qualifications, you are welcome to leave the lecture hall. Please refrain from undermining my credibility with your peers."

_______________________________________________________________

As the class ended and everyone began filing out of the hall, I sat down in the comfy chair and began filling a substitute note. It wouldn't do to have professor Thornton repeat this class.

Finishing the note I stood up and noticed Emily was still in the hall. Everyone else had left and were well on their way towards wherever they had to go.

I arched an eyebrow and looked directly into Emily's eyes. "What can I do for you Emily?"

She straightened her back even more and looked back at me with way more determination than I had seen in many novices. "Please teach me magic."

_______________________________________________________________

AN

This fic is inspired by Terraria's Calamity mod. I'm using the little tidbits of lore that are scattered through the game. 

Integrating the game's mechanics as they are is… hard without giving Arthur a gammer system, which I refuse to do. So I went for something completely different. I hope y'all enjoy it. 

There aren't many terraria fics and I wonder if that's because they are not well received, or everyone who likes the game is too occupied playing it.

Thoughts?

Oh yeah, special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with writing, brainstorming, and math. There was a lot of math involved lmao.