Chapter 10: Eldra's lesson II
After covering the geography and politics of Oceros, Principal Eldra cleared her throat, drawing the students' attention back to her.
"Now that we've explored the lands you inhabit," she said, her voice calm yet commanding, "let us turn to something just as vital for all the mages—magic. Specifically, the fundamentals every mage must understand if they are to wield their power responsibly."
The students leaned in, their excitement palpable. Even the most distracted among them straightened in their seats. After all, mages and warriors were in separate classes as they had different syllabus to go through. For all the students in the class there was nothing more important than magic itself.
Eldra waved her hand, and glowing glyphs appeared mid-air, illustrating her words.
"Magic, as you know, is divided into four Core Essences and they are the main energy you use to produce these amazing spells and effects," she began. The glyphs rearranged into four symbols, each glowing with a unique hue.
"First, Arcana." She gestured to the shimmering blue glyph. "The power of the mind—illusions, telekinesis, and knowledge. Those attuned to Arcana excel at manipulating perception and understanding the intricacies of the world around them."
As soon as they heard Arcana, some students looked at each other in a proud way, as they were mostly Arcana mages.
She moved to the green glyph. "Next, Vitalis. This essence embodies life itself—healing, plant growth, animal communication, and bodily enhancement. Vitalis mages are often healers and defenders of nature. No warrior or offensive mages can go on with their life without these people."
The glyph shifted to a ghostly white. "Then we have Aetheris, the essence of the spirit. It governs ghost manipulation, necromancy, soul-binding, and communication with the afterlife. Aetheris is as dangerous as it is profound. So one could say it is the most looked down essence."
Finally, she pointed to a vibrant orange glyph. "And lastly, Elementis. Control over the elements—fire, water, earth and air. It's the most versatile and visually striking essence. Most offensive mages, warlocks use this type of essence to produce their magic."
She turned to the class, her green eyes gleaming. "Each of you may feel a stronger connection to one essence, but remember: mastery over one does not mean ignorance of the others. A well-rounded mage is a capable mage. You won't break the mold of an adept mage without learning about different things."
One student raised their hand. "Principal Eldra, what about people who can use all four essences? Are they stronger?"
Eldra smiled faintly. "Strength isn't determined by the number of essences you can access but by how effectively you use them. That being said, there are levels of mastery that define a mage's capabilities."
She gestured, and the glyphs shifted into a pyramid.
"At the base, we have the Novices—those learning the basics of spell-casting. They can manipulate all essences but with limited power and control. Basically that's our students."
The pyramid shifted, highlighting the next level. "Above them are Journeymen. They can cast intermediate spells and often specialize in two essences."
She continued upward. "Then we have the Adepts, skilled mages with advanced control over three essences. Many of your professors are Adepts."
Her voice grew slightly more serious as the pyramid's peak illuminated. "At the top are the Masters. These individuals have profound mastery over multiple essences and access to forbidden spells. However, few reach this level without significant sacrifices."
The class murmured in awe.
"And then," she added with a glimmer in her eye, "there are the Wardens and Grandwardens. Wardens, like myself, can blend multiple essences into unique, complex spells. Grandwardens, however, are legends. They possess complete control over magic, shaping the world itself. Few in history have ever achieved this."
A male student raised his hand. "What about Foci and crystals, Principal? Do they make a difference?"
"An excellent question." Eldra's smile returned as she conjured a spectral staff and a glowing crystal. "Foci are tools—staffs, amulets, rings—that amplify your essence. They help focus your energy, especially for intricate spells. As a warden I don't use these, but anyone who is still learning should use some kind of a foci."
She gestured to the crystal. "Crystals, on the other hand, enhance spell power. But beware—while they increase your potency, they also drain your stamina faster. Using them carelessly could cost you dearly. These items are mostly used for one-time spells."
Suddenly, a student made a remark that almost caused Eldra to release a cute noise. "Ahhh! Isn't that what streamer is doing? Maybe he is a powerful mage too,"
*Cough
She quickly changed the topic, as she knew talking about the streamer would end up her looking like a teenage girl.
The spectral items faded, and her expression turned serious. "Remember, magic isn't without cost. Overusing your abilities depletes your stamina. Push beyond your limit, and your life force pays the price. That's called the Life Force Tax, and it's irreversible. Many mages who sought power beyond their means aged decades in a matter of days—or worse."
The class fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in.
Another hand shot up. "Principal Eldra, could you explain rituals and bonds? I've heard they're dangerous."
"Indeed, they are," she said. "Rituals are powerful, slow-casting spells requiring preparation, rare ingredients, and precise timing. They're used for summoning, creating barriers, or other monumental feats. One mistake, though, and the consequences could be catastrophic."
She paused, letting her words settle. "As for bonds, they allow mages to tap into the energy of creatures, spirits, or places. While bonds can grant immense power, they come with risks. The entity you bond with will have expectations. Fail to honor them, and you may find yourself regretting it."
The students exchanged uneasy glances, their enthusiasm tempered by caution.
A hand hesitantly rose from the back. "Principal Eldra… what about the Blight? Can you explain us about it?"
The room went still, the air heavy with tension. Eldra's expression darkened slightly, and she folded her hands in front of her.
"The Blight…" she began, her tone somber. "A curse born centuries ago during the war between the Allied Nations and the Demonic Empire. It manifested as a sickness of both body and soul, corrupting anyone it came in contact with. Those afflicted lost their sanity, becoming monstrous shadows of their former selves."
She paced slowly, her green hair swaying. "The Blight doesn't discriminate—it has claimed warriors, mages, and leaders alike. Even some of the most powerful figures in history fell to it. It doesn't care even if you are human, elf, dwarf or demon. Even giants will fall into madness if they came into contact with this accursed thing."
She stopped, turning to face the class. "That is why we study magic responsibly. The Blight thrives on chaos and greed, on those who misuse their gifts. If we are to prevent another catastrophe, we must understand the dangers and tread carefully."
The students sat in stunned silence, her words a stark reminder of the responsibility that came with their power.
"But do not despair," Eldra said, her tone softening. "You are the future—the hope I believe in. That's why I teach here, despite the demands of my position. If anyone can ensure that history doesn't repeat itself, it's you."
Her words stirred a quiet determination in the room.
Eldra smiled slightly, breaking the heavy mood. "Now, let's move on to a less grim topic."
She spent the next few minutes answering smaller questions and cracking a few lighthearted jokes, her charisma easing the tension.
As the lecture drew to a close, she gathered her materials and addressed the class one last time.
"That will be all for today. I expect you to reflect on what we've discussed. And remember, magic is not just a tool—it is a responsibility."
She began to leave but paused at the door. Her golden eyes fell on Cali, who stiffened in her seat.
"Miss Cali," Eldra said, her tone calm but firm, "when Dilhan Londor wakes up, tell him to visit my office immediately."
Cali nodded quickly, her heart racing. "Y-Yes, Principal Eldra."
As Eldra walked out, Cali exhaled slowly, her mind racing.
What could she want with him? she wondered. Did he mess up? He must've messed up big time.
Her gaze drifted to Dilhan, still sleeping soundly, oblivious to the chaos awaiting him.
"You really don't make things easy, do you?" she thought with a small sigh.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
ElectricLuna
ElectricLuna Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Gifts
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received Weekly Power Status
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