"Well, tell me what you know about magic," Magnus asked.
Lloyd and the professor were in a study in the mansion, it was somewhat messy but still fine for lessons.
"Magic consists of converting magical power into phenomena, using a ritual. Rituals are any process that serves to convert magical power, the most common is conjuration, where you employ words, but there are more methods like enchantment or hereditary magic," the blond explained.
Magnus nodded, it was basic theory after all.
"That's exactly right. How advanced are you with magic? And what would you like to learn?" the professor asked while stroking his chin.
"Well for now I'm capable of using my hereditary magic, and I'd like to develop it. I'm also interested in spells, though I only know the theory about them."
Magnus whistled impressed, having mastered his hereditary magic before being able to apply the basics of magic was impressive. It meant he had talent to spare.
"Good, I'll assume you already know the basics so we'll start with what a spell is. A spell is performed using a chant, sometimes even a hand position, to help visualize the phenomenon you want to conjure. Chants are like mantras, that connect us with the noosphere, or 'collective mind' and allow us to temporarily access the memories and emotions of the spell's creator in question. I'll give you an example. 'Ignis flama.'"
The man raised his hand while saying that, stretching his fingers, from which emerged a red flame, which stretched upward.
"Now, when you learn a spell consciously, after having used it repeatedly, you can use it without needing a chant, and even consciously modify it," the fire began to move, as if it had come to life, it twisted until forming a butterfly that flew to Lloyd. "And even control certain aspects like its heat."
The boy extended his hand toward the butterfly, it landed on his palm, emitting warmth, but without burning.
"See? It doesn't burn. Now, there are hundreds no, hundreds of thousands of magical dialects. Each allows configuring different spells, and offers various advantages. There are dialects specialized in manipulating a specific element, or even for household tasks. Magic is very varied, and the more use a dialect gets, the richer it becomes," the mage closed his hand's palm, and the fire butterfly disappeared. "Any questions so far?"
Lloyd nodded.
"How do you create a magical dialect?" the truth was Lloyd felt interested in that.
He knew the basics, but wanted to confirm if he could create one.
"Well, it's quite difficult and can vary quite a bit. Generally, first you must invent a language, the richer the better. Then, you must associate a phenomenon with each word and possible configuration, visualize it mentally and manifest it. That's why it's necessary for you to master the language in question, so the words you employ reflect an idea in your mind. Though thousands of dialects exist, these have the intention of achieving describing something differently, a new advantage or facility must be achieved. After all thousands of dialects exist, but only a few are used."
The boy nodded. He knew various languages from his world, his intention was to use them and thus be able to create his own magical dialect.
Though for now, he had other concerns.
"Returning to what concerns us. I suppose you know that when using hereditary magic, you don't require a chant."
"Yes, I know."
"Good, but it doesn't mean you can't use a mantra. You don't even need to employ a magical dialect, just normal words to identify a technique, doing so, you'll be able to replicate it much more easily on future occasions."
Lloyd blinked surprised. In the novel many times mages used flashy names to say their techniques, the reason wasn't explained, so he believed it was simple style.
But apparently it did have a function.
"Why don't you try it, that way I can also see what level you currently have," Magnus proposed.
The blond nodded. During that time he'd developed some techniques, such as weak-strong or slow-fast. They were simple things, but effective.
Lloyd got up from his seat, positioning himself in a location to have space.
The young man concentrated, releasing his immaterial power toward his legs, then, making a slow movement.
"[Dash]"
The boy said the word, while activating the ritual. He shot off at great speed, braking sharply after covering 8 feet.
The young man turned, and repeated the process.
"[Dash]"
Upon saying the word, his energy acted on its own, he only had to say the word to replicate that movement.
"Wow, it seems it does work," Lloyd said impressed.
Though he wasn't as much as Magnus, his eyes were wide open. He'd managed to do it on his first try, when it took others hundreds of repetitions to attribute a word to a technique.
"Now I understand why they paid so much, your talent is exceptional. I'm looking forward to teaching you," the man said with a smile.
"Of course my talent is exceptional. Did you think you were teaching just anyone?" the boy commented, crossing his arms.
The mage couldn't help but let out a small nervous laugh.
"I see you don't lack confidence either, that's good, it means you won't hold back when exploring your magic. However, you mustn't let it go to your head."
The boy exhaled.
"Modesty is for cowards who fear failure, I only say reality as it is."
Magnus sighed, he wouldn't be an easy student.
"By the way, would you accept if I'm not the only one in your classes? I want another person to take this class with me," Lloyd asked.
"Mmm," the man shrugged, they paid him more than enough to do ten tutorials. "I suppose that's fine, I have no problem with it."
"Fantastic."
A smile appeared on his face; it was time to cultivate a seed with potential.
Calypso, one of the antagonists and Baltazar's faithful assassin, at least in the novel. For now she was just an unripe fruit.
But soon, she would become a powerful sorceress, with power over death and destruction.
A potential he would make his own, and wouldn't share.