NOVEL NEXT Chapter 124: Magic Principles
Hayden did his best to contain his excitement and act like he was just studying hard on this lesson.
"Your masters will mostly be Apprentice Level… However, it's highly likely that at the age of 16 and above, they will be able to form their first mana circle..." Killian explained as Hayden learned the average age of Mages who form their first circle.
This might be simple information, but it could be very useful, especially if he plans his escape.
It was at this time that his Ocularis Lens did its automatic calculations…
[ Noble children are likely weak. Prime targets for disruption if— ]
Hayden stopped the Lens as this was a bit too early...
'Not yet.' He thought.
It was too early to consider that, and it was better to learn more about them first.
Sure enough, Killian continued to teach them about the Apprentice Mages.
[ First Circle Mage ( Adept Level ) – Capable of using true Combat Spells. ( Mana Chains, Firebolts, Healing Light. ) Spells can be cast silently, though more slowly than with incantations.
Limitations:
Single-layered effects – Cannot combine spells. An example is that the Firebolt Spell cannot carry a paralysis curse.
Mana reserves – A first-circle mage can cast about 20 combat spells before exhaustion.
Spell backlash is normal if interrupted mid-casting. ]
'So this is where the Chantless Spells starts…' Hayden mused as he read the notes in front.
"Your new masters will mostly be around the age of 8 to 10. They will be learning the Mana Accumulation Technique as they build their foundation. After ten years or so, they will be First Circle Mages. You have to remember that suffering from Spell backlash isn't a good feeling. You will always bring medical kits and other items that your master might need. You're not only there to protect them but also to take care of them!" Killian explained as he briefly discussed the things they must keep in mind about the First Circle Mages.
They then proceeded to the Second Circle Mages. Apparently, this was the average rank of the parents of those masters they might be serving.
[ Second Circle Mage ( Veteran Level ) – Capable of using Multi-Layered Spells. It's the stacking of multiple spells to obtain a stronger Spell Effect. It could also be called Spell Fusion in some cases.
At this level, they were known for Efficient Mana Use since Spells cost 30% less energy than first-circle equivalents.
Limitations:
Still bound by elemental affinities – A fire-specialized mage struggles with water spells.
Requires preparation for complex spells. They need pre-drawn sigils or catalysts in many cases.
Mental energy strain or Mana exhaustion can cause hallucinations or temporary insanity. ]
As Killian talked about the Second Circle Mages, Hayden noticed that they seemed to be very unstable. To be exact, it would happen once these Mages were weakened.
After all, if the First Circle Mages expended their Mana or Mental Energy, they would just be completely tired and would not be able to cast Spells.
However, for Second Circle Mages, Mana Exhaustion and Mental Energy Strain would actually cause a strain to their brains. Although casting spells would be a lot easier with their lower consumption, there would actually be a danger to it as well.
Unfortunately, Killian didn't dig deeper into it, so Hayden could only speculate.
The next circles weren't really discussed, and Killian just showed the notes to them, so they have a bit of an idea about the Mages.
[ Third Circle Mage ( Elite Level ) – Capable of minor Reality Alteration or bending of natural laws.
It includes Short-range teleportation, Soulbrand Hexes, and others. This level is known for Instant Casting. At the very least, basic spells require no incantations.
Limitations:
High mana cost of third-circle spells. ]
There wasn't much information, as if Killian didn't want to provide it. Aside from mentioning that a Third-Circle Mage could only cast about 3 Spells of the same level, Killian didn't really explain any other things. However, Hayden didn't mind and was still quite satisfied with this level of data.
In any case, Third Circle Mages were also quite rare.
Lastly, Killian showed them briefly about the Fourth Circle and above.
To be exact, Killian didn't plan to show the notes about them. However, Hayden was able to see it easily before he hid it.
[ Fourth Circle and Beyond ( Archmage Level ) – Capable of Large-Scale DevastationSpells that can level fortresses or alter landscapes.
They are capable of creating Permanent Enchantments or creating artifacts with self-sustaining magic.
Limitations:
Divine Attention – Archmages often attract the gaze of unknown entities.
Existential decay – The more reality is bent, the less "human" the caster becomes. ]
Finally, Killian started summarizing today's lesson.
"Your primary duty is to prevent your masters from killing themselves. Magic is not a toy. A misfired spell can melt flesh, shatter bones, or worse—unmake the caster."
Killian sighed as he recalled various scenarios where their masters could get hurt.
"When using Mana Burn, if this spell collapses mid-casting due to a mistake, it can scorch the mage's channels and if that happened, advancement may no longer be possible, similar to heavy backlash if they canceled their Spells…"
Killian said softly, as if he remembered the young talents who had suffered from such issues before.
"Lastly… You have to monitor your master if they're about to experience Mana Exhaustion…. Draining too much mana leads to unconsciousness or death. You'd normally notice this with their pale skin, slurred speech, and collapsing mid-incantation. This is important!"
This time, he raised his voice.
"If you see these signs, you stop them immediately. Physically, if necessary. You have to do it even if you get punished! Their death means your death… You'll be joining them in their grave if they die!" Killian warned.
As Hayden thought that this lesson would end with that, Killian actually started testing them!
"Now. I need to know if you learned something."
He pointed to one of the slaves in the front row. This person seemed to be about 12 years old, and as Hayden recalled, he should be a part of the Sacred Gate Academy…
"Your master is attempting a Firebolt. His hands are shaking, and his nostrils are bleeding. What do you do?"
The slave hesitated before he answered. "I... tackle him?"
"Idiot! You'd send the spell wild or even kill your master!" Killian snapped. This was why he had to teach these children.
Even if they were programmed or taught to be loyal, it would be completely useless if they weren't aware of how magic works!