Stories of Acoptia

Ch. 11 Roberto Costa #2 - Journey ahead

"Hey! I heard our next class is practical mana manipulation. Pretty exciting right? We will finally start using spells!" - Elvis said in excitement of finally showing his hard work.

"Yeah, we will finally be able to show our skills." - The white-haired demon named Lucas replied.

In the last few days since the start of this academic year - most of their classes were theoretical. Since they are just starting on their path as mages. The first thing to learn is the fundamentals. Only after understanding how magic works, can they begin with practical use.

But why is it so important to fully understand mana manipulation before trying it? The weight in this matter lies in the dangerous drawbacks. If a spell isn't performed correctly it can backfire at the caster. The same applies if you lose concentration while chanting.

"Settle down students!" - Professor Ivildor spoke loudly.

"Today we will go in-depth on explaining incantations alongside some basic knowledge. Firstly why do we chant to cast spells? Why do we need incantations to use magic? The answer is actually quite simple."

"Incantations are there to facilitate the use of spells. When we chant spells we are immediately more focused and concentrated. It allows us to channel mana more easily. If the mana is channelled more smoothly that undoubtedly indicates easier manipulation."

"But professor can't we use any words for chanting then?" - A young female student asked.

"Damn. I didn't think of that at all. She is smart!" - Elvis thought to himself.

"Great question! All that I said previously about incantation only refers to the ancient language. When we focus and chant the incantations on the ancient language those words hold mana. On the other hand, ordinary words make no difference."

"Only the ancient language can be used to chant spells. That is also one of the reasons you have this class. You will learn the ancient language and incantations. The Mage Guild contains an extensive quantity of written spells and incantations."

"However not only incantation makes spellcasting easier. It can also be done with adequate equipment. For example wands, staffs and other magical items. They can not only facilitate mana manipulation but also increase power and many other attributes. That is why every mage at least has 1 of such equipment."

"Still there is a way to cast spells without using any effort. To be precise it is the usage of scrolls. Scrolls are parchments of skin embedded with a spell. When used, the user only needs to say the name of the spell. After 1 use the scroll will be destroyed."

"Just it is not as easy as it sounds. First of all, to even make a scroll you need high-grade animal skin. The higher the quality of the parchment the stronger spell it can contain. Because of that limitation, the spell embedded can only be up to the 4th circle. Even the 4th circle spell requires very rare high-quality skin of magical beasts."

"Another limitation is the lack of mages that can embed spells. That is a gruesome practice that's unless for a lifetime profession not worth it. You need to undergo training and repetition for years to embed higher circle spells. So the only mages capable of embedding are working at the Mage Guild."

"Meaning that scrolls are accessible for buying through the Mage Guild. Only self-defence, utility and low offensive power types of embedded spell scrolls are for sale to the public. They cost a hefty price since everyone can use them."

"On the side note, the truth is we don't need to chant to cast a spell. It simply makes spellcasting so much more easier. Though you can learn silent casting. Meaning you can cast the spell with only its name and no incantation. That is a great accomplishment achieved by hard work and talent."