“Attention class!” a middle-aged man shouted from the centralized podium. “Welcome to Introduction to Magic. I am the teacher for this class, and before you ask, no I am not a [Professor]. I am a measly manaless [Historian]. I know, I know. Why is someone who can’t cast any spells teaching a class about magic? Well, the simple answer is that I love magic, but I also love history. So here we are.

“My name is Jurren Lasion. Please call me Mr Jurren or Mr Lasion. Now then,” He gestured to all of the students. “As you can see this is a very large class. Meaning that I will not learn all of your names, you will not know all of your fellow classmates, and well… I wouldn’t notice if you missed one of two classes. But that’s beside the point.”

Mr Jurren walked to the chalk board and began to scribble a single word: ‘Review’. A collective groan sounded from the atrium.

“I know, I know. But, as I was instructed by our valiant Guild Master, Domic, we have a few students that are needing refreshers. Something, something grew up in an isolated area, something something. So, for this first class the materials covered will be review, chapters one and two of the required reading materials. If you wish to leave the class to self-study, please do so now. Many of you will find that simply reading the required chapters are a perfect substitute for my quaint lecture.”

Over half of the class left which honestly shocked Max. Was this information that well known, or did everything think this class to be nothing more than a waste of time? Regardless, he was staying and from the looks of it, Celenia was staying also.

“Well then. With those… Fickle minds out of the way, we can start.” Mr Jurren wrote three bullet points. ‘The Start, First Age, Age of Magic.’

“To understand the history of magic and how it correlates to our studies today, we must go all the way back to the start. Where Nava was young, and the Old Gods acted out of rage and obsession…”

The history of Nava was incredibly well known. Some of the current Gods lived through it and they would be pressed to allow their followers to forget their greatness. Nava was once home of nothing. A bleak and barren wasteland, devoid of life and hope. But as the eons passed, a collection of rage slowly found life and found purpose. At first the rage was just that, rage. It destroyed all that it came into contact with, breaking mountains in half or boiling the oceans. But as more and more time passed, it grew a conscious. It began to understand, it began to thrive.

The rage had turned melancholy, and that brought forth many problems. The main of which being that other collections of emotions started forming. Soon there were many being of pure emotion, these are called the Old Gods. Melancholy, being the oldest, became their leader and sought to unite the others and form the start of civilization. Together they created the first three races. Humans, beings of knowledge and forethought. The dominant race in terms of numbers but weak and gift-less. The next was the Elves. Being of emotion and pride, masters of the gift of magic and the harnessing of mana. Lastly was the Mur. Beings of the water and oceans. Isolated deep underwater, the Mur were nothing more of a test. A test that died out without the protection of the others.

The downfall of the Mur caused a rift in the Old Gods. Few wanted to continue experimenting, hoping to find the perfect race. These were called the Eldritch. Others wanted to protect and serve the Humans and Elves, stating that it was their duty to help their creations. These became the Gods Nava knows today. And so, the two groups broke off. The protectors formed religion and the start of the First Age, while the others continued experimenting. Over the millennia, the Eldritch made many moves for power and all but died out. The remaining few eventually joined the Gods under the promise of forgetting their past experiments. But their legacy had already been left. Dwarves were the first, then Beastkin, Naga, Kepu, Orc’s, the list goes on.

The First Age progressed slowly. Monsters plagued the start-up civilization ending them before they even fully formed. The Gods helped and guided, explaining to the Elves how to use their magic and protect others. Centuries went by, interbreeding, proper training, and theory eventually lead the Humans and other races to magic. And thus, real cities were formed, walls and guards protected everyone and under the watchful mages nothing could stop their growth. From mere hundreds to thousands to tens of thousands, the races flourished and spread. They traveled the lands looking for knowledge and better settlement locations. They traversed the oceans and found unique livestock and cultivation crops.

Magic progressed from a simple jagged stick to a refined sword and shield. Soon the class stones appeared, not even the Gods knew what they meant but again civilization bloomed. Now people had a definitive course for their lives. No longer did they wonder blindly, instead they found professions and created things. A renaissance of arts and design, new materials and raw reagents, and newfound pride launched the Age of Magic.

“We will begin with the Age of Magic next class. I expect all of you to finish chapter two… Or don’t, I don’t really care either way. But the point is, from this point onwards we will discuss, in detail, how magic developed.” Mr Jurren cheekily waved. “Until next time.”

The remaining students stood and left, shuffling through the single doorway and down the narrow hallway. Both Max and Celenia had time to kill before their next class and decided it would be best to get a quick lunch. They found themselves, along with many other students, waiting in line at a food vender.

“What did you think?” Celenia asked Max who was watching Emi playfully stalk a flock of birds.

“Of the class or of the teacher?” He asked.

“Both, I guess.”

“Mr Jurren reminds me of a few of my past professors. The kind who acts like they don’t care but really do. But for the class materials… I don’t know. I was never that into history even back home, but I feel like I need to know this stuff. Some of it is interesting but it all seems a bit much.”

“I feel the same way, honestly.” Celenia said as she bought a grilled meat wrap. The two found a shaded spot nearby to eat. “I think it will get better when we actually start learning about the [Magic Emperor] and his teachings. I’m still surprised I can even attend classes. Surreal even.”

“Well, I’m glad you can. Slavery should be outlawed everywhere. So many lives are wasted, so much talent. Just look at you and Reep. You are going to become a [Druid]! I’m not really sure what that means, but from asking Vel a few questions it’s pretty obvious they are important in society.” Max took a big bite. “Then there’s Reep.”

“I know, Reep is incredibly strong and dedicated.” Celenia cut in. “She’s so nice and thoughtful. I don’t understand how she can be so calm and caring, after… Well… You know…”

“We don’t deserve Reep.” Max plainly said. “No one does. But enough about depressing topics, tell me about shifting. I feel like we haven’t had a chance to talk since I saw you flying around as a bird.”

“Shifting… Is weird and secretive. Master Dreamstem is very protective over the information regarding the spell, so I can’t go into detail about. But let me tell you Max, being a bird is something else!” A bright radiant smile filled the Elves face. “Feeling the air lift up my impossibly light body allowing me to soar! Incredibly eyesight and hearing make the world pop!”

“Sounds amazing.”

“It is! Landing is… is… Forget about landing! I feel at home when I’m shifted, and not just as a bird! Recently I’ve been trying to shift into a plain’s gopher! Not my first choice, but I have to start small, Master Dreamstem says. But as a gopher I have a much different perception of life! I am so small, so powerless, but at the same time I can appreciate my role in nature!”

The two continued talking for a while, but each had separate classes for the rest of the day. Herbalism for Celenia and Mana Systems for Max. But as the pair walked back to the Guild, they both internally thought about their time together. It was nice and pleasant, full of laughs and fun. An easy way to waste the day, but one worth every bygone minute. The two split off at the staircase. The Guild was noticeably less crowded, there was no backed up lines or frantic young mages. Morning classes seemed to be the standard while afternoon classes seemed to be the niche.

Older mages filled the lobby now, ones that looked as if they have been attending the Guild for years. White beards were not uncommon along with oversized hats and wooden staffs. They sat around in small groups, sharing their finding from the break as well as catching up with old friends. Max and Emi found their classroom at the very end of the main hallway. Cobwebs and a broken handle introduced themselves to the two [Water Mages]. An omen of what the class would be perhaps? Domic did say it was a rather niche class…

The classroom was small. Incredibly small. Three tables with two seats at each were all that was in the way of student seating. A comically small chalkboard and teacher’s desk took up the cramp space at the front, while boxes overflowing with random items filled the remainder of the room.

A closet… Max thought.

A small and very old man sat at the teacher’s desk reading a book. He wore glasses and his hand shook with every page turn. He looked up, his beady blue eyes finding Max and spoke.

“Ah! Is it time to start class already?” He looked around. “I was expecting a few more if I’m being honest…”

“I’m a bit early, actually. I’m Max and this is Emi.” Max said.

“Hi.” Emi said.

“My, my. A talking familiar at your age? Did you two pair when you were in diapers?”

“Something like that.” Max smiled. “How many were you expecting to be here?”

“Six. And then two dropouts by the third class.”

“That little? Do you know why?”

“Mana systems are often considered something that one does not truly study. Most of the young mages who walk through these doors are… Mechanically thinking. They see physical changes in their mana for confirmation of doing things correctly. While me and a few others believe there is merit in studying mana systems. Tell me, how do you see your mana system, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“An infinite beach where the waves change based on my mana usage.” Max answered.

“Ah! A [Water Mage] or something of the like, I presume?” Max nodded. “Well, for me, I see a great mountain. Goats and eagles climb and fly around the peak and as I use more mana, I view the mountain from a higher position. Now then, can you guess what my class is?”

“[Rock Mage] or something that has to do with stone?” Max said following the obvious connection.

“One would think, wouldn’t they? But no. In my youth I was a prominent [Wood Mage]. I have no idea why I began to imagine my system as a mountain. That is actually one of the questions that lead me to this branch of magic.”

“Have… Have you ever heard of anyone being able to enter their systems?” Max asked hesitantly.

“Sure, I can move around freely within my system. I can touch the small plants or jagged stones. I can feel my feet sometimes growing calluses when I’ve been in there for too long. Not everyone can, but it’s not that unusual. I take it you can also?”

Max nodded. “Can you bring things back? Rocks or plants I mean.”

The old man laughed. “Heavens no! Mana systems aren’t tangible! They are nothing but pure mana, the rocks I step on is only what my mind uses to familiarize myself with my mana.”

“Right, I just wasn’t sure if I should be able.” Max smoothly said.

“Well, I can already see that you are going to be one of the remaining four.” The old man smiled as the door opened. Two young girls entered. Both held each other’s arms and walked with a sense of pride and arrogance. They looked around the room, scoffed and found the seats furthest away from Max and the old man. One looked at Emi with interest before the other pulled her attention away. “I can already guess those are going to be the two.”

Max laughed. He liked this old man already. Three others eventually entered, looked around confused and found their seats. The old man introduced himself as Gene, just Gene. No surname, title, or class. And for some reason that caused a bit of commotion in the room. As Max understood it, giving only a first name in a situation like this, teacher to student, was frowned upon by Nava culture. Student to teacher was fine, as the student isn’t the one needing to prove themselves to the other. That is the reason why Vel is often referred to as madam Vel or by her adventuring title, The Shadow’s Deluge. It created a solid gauge for others to judge the character and expertise of the ‘teacher’ figure using a reginal hierarchy of titles. Madam was more important than Ms and Lord was more important than sir.

Max didn’t mind, however. He had a professor in college who told his class to refer to him by his first name, trying to form a personal connection rather than one of business and self-importance. Gene didn’t seem like he was trying to form any connections, rather he felt as if he didn’t need to prove himself. His area of expertise was niche, very niche, and he knew that. If someone was serious about leaning mana systems, then it hardly mattered what the title of the teacher was. After the introduction, Gene went on to explain the ‘housekeeping’ portion of the first day. He rehashed what he already told Max about the small number of students, the discrepancy of usage and the stigma that researchers in this field of magic face. Which, again, caused a bit of a stir in the room.

“With that out of the way, let’s begin.” Gene wrote a massive question mark on the chalk board. “What is a mana system? Hmm? Anybody?”

No one moved to answer.

“Emi? Perhaps?” Gene said causing heads to turn to Max, then to the small bond. Another murmur went through the room.

“Me?” The bond questioned.

“Why not? Mana systems are a part of everything that has mana. Why not get a clear picture from the only non-humanoid in the room? From there we can compare with the rest.”

Emi let out a low hum. “Never thougHt aboUt it. It’s mE.”

“Good, good… What else?”

“PowerFul… InstinCt.” Emi answered, her voice cracking.

“I can see that it’s still hard for you to speak, so I will end my line of questions for now. Thank you, Emi.” Gene bowed slightly. “Next, you. Explain how you see your mana system.”

The girl Gene pointed out widened her eyes in shock. “I-I’m not sure. I vie-w it as a desert with shifting sands an-“

“Not what you see, what it is. How does it work, how does it relate to you, to mana, to everything? What we all see will be saved for the second class.”

“Al-alright.” The girl swallowed. “I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about it. My mana system feels as natural as my hand. I can freely move mana around my body from my core and around the rest of the system. It… It feels flexible?”

“Flexible?” Gene asked.

“Y-yeah, like when I use too much mana in a single spell or when I almost pass out from mana exhaustion, I feel as if it bends to protect me. That it knows what I’m doing is dangerous and wrong, but still intervenes to help.”

“Ah. What you are describing is the phenomenon called Salvation. Again, a topic for a later class. But for context, Salvation is one of the more researched branches in mana systems. It is the act of one’s body protecting itself from its own mana. What you described is a lessor thought of aspect, but an important one, nonetheless. The obvious aspect is, for example, if a [Fire Mage] is manipulating fire in their hand. It does not burn them, but the moment they cast a Fireball the flame will scorch them.”

Gene moved back to the chalk board and drew a thick ‘X’ over the question mark. “What I asked a few moments ago was somewhat miss leading. As Emi and the young lady over here described to us was similar but also very different. Similar in the respect to naturalness and being of oneself, but different in the way one perceives it. Emi doesn’t see her system but can still feel and understand it as an instinct. The young lady sees her as a tangible system and can understand how it works and helps her.

“With that in mind, you may think that Emi only thinks that because she is a, forgive my word usage here, monster but that is hardly the case. She, like many others, view their system in the same way. I’ve found that it often falls back to one’s initial teachings of mana and magic. If the teacher could view their own mana system as a place or object, then the student would most likely also. The same applies to the opposite. If the teacher feels their mana though instinct, then the student will be the same.”

Max raised his hand, Gene called on him. “How come most everyone I know sees their system as a tangible thing. Other than Emi, I don’t know anyone else like that.”

“A very good question. It all ties back to the Age of Magic. Before [Magic Emperor] Rizja most were like Emi. But as his teachings became standard and magic institutions found its roots, most began to adopt how Rizja saw his own. As a tangible place. A place, not an item, emotion, or concept. Somewhere along the line other powerful, well-respected mages taught their own ways and thus dirtied the waters, so to speak. Again, neither view is wrong. They are all the same in power and potential as each other, at least we think so.”

“D-do you know what place [Magic Emperor] Rizja system was?” A shy looking man asked from the middle.

Gene smiled wildly. “Would a direct quote suffice? ‘Between my mana system and how I view the stars, there is no difference. As a kid I wished to move from star to star, exploring the heavens and finding the unimaginable. I may not be able to leave Nava, but through magic I can satisfy my old dreams…’”

“He saw his system as the stars?” The man asked.

“That’s one interpretation, yes. In true transparency, no one really knows. He never explicitly said in his teachings, at least, if he did it was lost to time. But from this quote many [Researchers] and [Scholars] of mana systems were born. What happens if Rizja was right? What happens if he could actually visit the stars? Not within his mana system but with magic. What if he could!” Gene bounced with glee. “Can you imagine? The stars? And Lost Ones? They prove there is something out there!”

Oh, you have no idea. Max said to Emi who giggled.

“Forgive me.” Gene said sitting down, winded. He laughed. “As you can see, I was one of those people.”

No one spoke, but everyone had varying levels of smiles.

“Let’s see here… Oh my! How time flies. Looks like that’s it for the first class. Come next week I want you all to come with an answer for my earlier question. A detailed one, please.”

Everyone stood and shuffled out, past the overloaded boxes and through the narrow hallway. Max found an open table and sat with Emi. Celenia’s class would be over in the next half an hour, then they would be headed home. As he waited, he began to think about what Gene said, what his mana system actually could be, and how he ties into it all. Is the infinite beach something similar to Rizja reaching the stars? Was Gene wrong in that Rizja didn’t use magic to traverse space, but instead could simpley fall into himself like Max could with the infinite beach? Max didn’t know, and he felt that he wouldn’t get any answers without serious dedication to finding out or if Tiodepth rose from the depths and told him.

Max scoffed. Yeah, the former is more likely, huh?