Silverhart Online

Now that the topic regarding System is seemed to have finally been clarified, Rarsu starts to lecture Gray and Selena about the concept of magic as a whole.

"Magic in simple definition is the art or ability to alter the physical world through the use of Mana," Rarsu said as he conjured a floating small rock on his left hand and wind magic on the other hand. "Mana is something that every living being possesses. Yes, even the tiniest of creatures such as an ant is of no exception. It is us Mages that truly have the capabilities to utilize Arkanos' gift to its full potential, weaving the fabrics of reality as we see fit."

Gray and Selena simply remain quiet as they listened to Rarsu attentively with their full interest.

Rarsu dematerializes the magic on his hands as he continues. "Despite the deep intricate wonders of Magic, there are still the limitations that we have to adhere to, unfortunately."

"Limitations?" Gray does not like the sound of that.

"Yes." Rarsu nods. "For example, as an \u003cArcanist\u003e, you are only capable of learning and casting spells that are Arcane of nature. As a \u003cDruid\u003e myself, however, Earth and Wind Magic coupled with Animal and Healing Nature Magic are of the norm. Upon choosing your particular Mage class when reaching Level 10, it's the System that grants you the specific Mana Signature of the class. Thus, the nature or element of a Mage's Magic depends solely on their Mana Signature."

"Mana Signature huh." Gray comments. "So, you can't cast spells other than your intended Signature?"

"You can, but I highly advise against it," Rarsu responds with a disapproving tone. "You will be afflicted with a terrible disease called Mancemia, the state of Mana poisoning. The Mana inside your body will be infected by the foreign Arcane or Magical Energy that is channeled within upon casting the spell. Arcane or Magical energy is a substance that every magic has. Arcanists like yourself wield the energy at its pure form while others possess the energy at different natures that correspond with their respective Mana Signatures. The disease can quickly become life-threatening if left unchecked, so don't you even think about it. Thankfully, there is a cure with a special medicine but the healing process takes a significant amount of time and causes you to be bed-ridden, so the risks are simply not worth it. Although there are some spells that are universally compatible in every Signature, something that can be cast by every Mage class."

"W-wow." A sweat has fallen from the elf's nervous look. "That's one arrow that I was able to dodge."

"Indeed." Rarsu nods in regard.

"But how about Non-Mages?" Gray asks. "Since they also have Mana, then what are their Signature? Is it possible for them to catch the disease? Wait, can Warriors or Rogues even perform Magic? They also possessed Mana after all, even if it's by a little amount."

"Ah, yes," Rarsu stated. "All of us have extremely sensitive Mana upon birth. It's only upon reaching level 10 that we can in a sense, choose what our Mana Signature is going to be by picking a Mage class through the System. Non-Mages, unfortunately for them, still retain the sensitivity that they possess when they were born with the lack of a specific Signature, thus being even more susceptible to the disease. Of course, the disease is common knowledge in this world, so cases regarding it are extremely rare since prevention is rather easy. Non-Mages can try casting a spell, but the risks far outweigh the benefits."

"I see." Gray answers in understanding.

"So, do you understand the importance of what I have just said?" Rarsu questions in clarification.

"Yes, Rarsu." Gray answers.

"What did I say about you calling me?" The lizardling then gave him a grave look with his arms crossed, causing Gray to be unnerved by the expression in response.

"Oh, I mean... yes Master." Gray chuckles sheepishly while scratching his hair.

Rarsu simply nods in approval as he resumes his lecture.

"Now, let's talk about Disciplines." The Druid moves on to the next topic. "What can you tell me about it?"

"From what I know, it's some sort of specialization that anyone is going to tackle in their respective class which consists of a unique set of skills or traits that are exclusive to it." The Arcanist replies.

"Correct," Rarsu said in agreement. "Discipline is an important feature in the Skill UI and magic as well. But another thing you must know is that some Disciplines also constitute a significant key personality within an individual. First, tell me, what is your Discipline?"

"Sustenance," Gray replies.

"Good," Rarsu spoke with a favorable tone. "I'm glad you chose that one instead of Annihilation. The Annihilation Discipline of Arcanist no doubt is more powerful than their Sustenance counterpart in terms of raw power. The Arcanists of this Discipline most of the time enters into a fit of Arcane madness when they are in combat, succumbing themselves to their maniacal tendencies as they delight themselves in destroying and feeding their adversaries, causing unadulterated destruction at their every wake. So, we can strongly assume that any Arcanists who are dangerously demented are of the said Discipline. Although, don't rely on mere assumptions too much as some of them managed to break the stereotypes and are prominent Mages at the University. In Sustenance's case, however, tranquility is the main aspect, allowing easier control of your Arcane Magic to a significant fine degree. That's one advantage that you have over the Annihilation."

"Arcane madness, huh." Gray rubs his chin with a frown. "I did experience something similar to what you have described when I was granted the \u003cArcanist\u003e class by Sylvia. Perhaps my Discipline was Annihilation by default before deciding to pick Sustenance in the end. Phew, another arrow dodged."

"Yes, Annihilation is feared for its disastrous reputation." Rarsu nods. "So, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to introduce your class, then you should also state your Discipline to ease them down a bit for your convenience. Most common-folk, in their shallow pathetic minds, only see Sustenance as acceptable in their eyes. Most of the distaste stems deeply from Mage Outlaws who are associated with Annihilation. Even though if they know that you are of Sustenance, you will still be receiving some form of disdain and slight contempt from the public, in their fear of your class as a whole. So, tread lightly in your social partaking and as much as possible, just don't open the topic up."

"I see," Gray said in acknowledgment. Then, he suddenly remembers something as he wants to clarify some confusion regarding himself. "When Isamu and I first met, we encountered some Bandits before us arriving here."

"Yes, yes, your friend filled all the gap to me when I asked more about you when you passed out from the temple." Rarsu interrupts the elf.

"At that moment, it was my first time killing a human being." Gray frowns as he thoughtfully looks at the palm of his right hand. "I only felt calm amidst the killings that I just did, instead of at least feeling even the slightest of qualms. Sure, they were Bandits, criminals, but am I supposed to feel that way? Is the System or more specifically, the Discipline is the cause of the state of composure that I felt in the act of killing?"

"I understand how you feel." Rarsu nods in sympathy. "And yes, your Discipline is a strong factor of your calmness despite being in a situation that you are unfamiliar with. Make no mistake though, you will still be feeling the emotion of fear against terrifying odds that will overcome you. Despite the Discipline being a strong part of your state of emotion, in the end, it's ultimately up to you whether to succumb to the feeling or overcome it. Of course, in that particular situation, being collected is the right choice as you force yourself to abandon unnecessary hesitance in the fulfillment of righteous execution."

Gray simply nods in understanding as he opted to stay quiet in response.

"Anyways, do you have any more questions?" Rarsu asks, causing Gray to shake his head in disagreement. "Very well. Now that you have a basic idea about magic as a whole, I suppose we can end our lecture early and officially start tomorrow. In the meantime, follow me and I'll get you acquainted with the library, for you will be spending inside that place for the rest of your nights during the three months."

"Alright." Gray nods as he and Selena followed Rarsu who is leading them to the library.

In a short while, they arrived at the place as Rarsu opens the door.

Going inside, Gray and Selena were led to a medium-sized room filled with an assortment of books, scrolls, parchments, and anything literary in nature.

"Behold, my personal library." Rarsu introduced the place with a smile that is filled with pride. "These are the collection of books that I managed to get my hands on through various reliable sources from across the land. I've taken the liberty to sort them in an orderly fashion by each bookshelf compartment for convenience. Of course, spell books that are unrelated to anything of your Mage class are strictly prohibited for reasons that we have discussed during our lecture. After you are done, return them to their proper place immediately, got it?"

"Yes, Rar… Master." Gray instantly corrected himself, not wanting to deal with the lizardling's annoyance. Then, he asks excitedly. "So, where's a book where I can learn Arcane spells?"

"It's right over at the second compartment, the blue one on the very end." Rarsu directs the elf as Gray happily grabs it.

As soon as he laid the book on a desk and opens it, the elf's excitement has faded away upon seeing its contents, evident by his smile turning upside down in an instant.

"W-what the fuck is this shit!?" Gray was baffled upon witnessing incoherent words, runes, and language written all over the pages.

Suddenly and much to Gray's further surprise, another book that is a bit huge was slammed on top of the book of Arcane Spells.

Seeing the new book's cover, Gray this time was able to decipher it as it was in the Common tongue, much to his relief.

"University's Simple Guide to Elharis, 3rd Edition"

"I told you, it wouldn't be that easy," Rarsu smirks playfully at Gray. "Allow me to introduce you to the language of your people."

The elf gulps nervously in response, thinking that this will indeed be a grueling three months of mental agony ahead for him.