Chapter 9: What is a mage?

Nox was transferred to the second stage of the trial and heard an old voice asking, "what's the most important thing to become a mage?"

Nox thought and replayed his days of learning magic. He thought of a few things like talent or affinity to interact with mana.

But that would only be equivalent to having the qualifications of being a mage. He had no idea what a true mage was. So, he asked , " To answer that I want you to tell me what is a mage according to you?"

The old voice replied, "That's what you must understand yourself. Every mage has his own definition of what a mage is but what are the things that all mages have in common?"

Nox said, " All mages have the ability to use mana. There can be no mage without mana."

Old man laughed and said, "There are mages who don't use mana but use soul power. There are mages who use mystic power instead of mana. There are mages who use laws and world essence or better known as origin to invoke magic and many other forms of energy"

They are all mages. Old man asked with an amusing expression, "Why do you believe that mana is the only type of energy that a makes a mage?"

" So a mage can use different types of energy and still be a mage? Then what is a mage? Someone who can cast spells?" asked Nox.

"Yes, that is true spell casters are indeed mages. However, a mage must be able to do much more than casting spells or he'll forever be struck in the fog of ignorance." Replied the old man.

"Then, it's knowledge, research and actively trying to understand laws of nature and making use of them. This must be what's important to become a true mage." Said Nox with confidence.

Old man replied, " Knowledge is the most pious belief of a sorcerer."

Remember the most important thing to a mage is knowledge. The one who can illuminate his mind with wisdom and devote his whole life to acquiring knowledge, using it for active evolution is a true mage.

There are many paths that a mage can choose to walk like summoning, using spirits of the dead, enhancing physical body (magic combat), using runes, using array or formations, enchanting, using spirit(faith and imagination), using soul and much more.

But a mage will only be successful if he continuously acquires knowledge and uses it for his own advancement in life level. (level of lifeform)

Now that you understand what a mage is, we can commence the trial of aptitude.