Lucas sat quietly on the couch reading The Basics of Light Magic as Iris and Hagan chatted in the kitchen. The first part of the book explained that in order to perform Light magic, one must first possess the ability to use it. However, there was nothing indicating how he should go about verifying this. Zoe seemed to think that my ability to sense other people’s emotions was a sign that I could use Light magic. Wait... didn’t she say everyone has the potential to be a mage? Then it shouldn’t matter... but why does this book say I need to ‘possess the ability to use Light magic?’... Now that I think about it, I also remember Zoe saying that she ‘possessed Shadow magic’... Ugh! This is so confusing!
Lucas flipped to the table of contents. Here we go... the spells start on page 35. I can just try performing an easy one. Then I’ll know for sure. He flipped through the pages and hunted vigorously for a suitable spell. It says this is the first one I should practice with... These must be the words I’m supposed to say down here... Well, here goes nothing. Lucas stood up. He held the book in his left hand and outstretched his right arm. Cupping his right hand, he turned his palm upward and read aloud, “Lumen... orbis.” Nothing happened. He tried again, “Lumen orbis.” Still nothing. Maybe I’m supposed to shout it. “Lumen orbis!” Again, he was unsuccessful.
Iris quickly entered the room. “Lucas! Please do not conjure light orbs inside my house.”
“Oh... Sorry,” Lucas replied, setting the book on the coffee table.
Iris walked over to him. “Well, this certainly explains your miraculous recovery. The possibility that you possessed the ability to use Light magic never even occurred to me.”
“I’m not sure I do,” Lucas answered. Iris looked puzzled. He sat back down on the couch. “I have the ability to sense the emotions of other people nearby. I learned that it might be a sign that I can use Light magic. So when I saw this book, I thought I’d give it a try. But it didn’t work...”
Iris seated herself next to him. “Based on the symptoms you’ve described, I’m absolutely certain that you were born with the Light elemental center.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Then what am I doing wrong?”
Iris shrugged. “I cannot tell you. I’m uncertain of which methods you are applying during your attempts of conjuring through your elemental center.” Iris could tell that Lucas was completely lost. Getting off the couch, she made her way to the bookshelf. As she dug through it, she said, “I believe you might be getting in a little over your head with that particular book. Perhaps you’re simply not ready to begin casting spells.” Turning her head to Lucas, she quickly added, “Though casting offensive spells indoors is highly ill-advised.”
Iris turned her attention back to the bookshelf as Hagan entered from the kitchen. Taking a swig of whisky from his flask, he asked, “Where did you go, doctor?”
Iris grabbed a book and turned to him. “You are well aware that I am an alchemist and not a doctor, as I–”
“Yeah, I know,” Hagan interrupted, rolling his eyes. “It’s called humor. You should read about it sometime.”
Iris handed Lucas a book entitled, So You Want to be a Mage: A Beginner’s Guide to Conjuring through Your Elemental Center.
Lucas took the book and examined it. “Thanks.”
Iris smiled and gave a soft nod. “After grasping the basics, you may find it wise to learn a healing spell. It’s a special aspect of your elemental center that will prove highly beneficial to yourself and those you care about.” Lucas crinkled his brow in interest and opened the book as Iris returned to the kitchen with Hagan.
Lucas studied the book carefully. He learned that each person is born with an elemental center, of which there are four types: Fire and Ice being the most common. Shadow and Light were said to be rarer. It explained that these centers are unchangeable and passed down through bloodlines. Centers from past relatives float outside of the person’s true center and while these elements are present, the mage does not have access to them. Fire and Ice centers are typically dominant, while Shadow and Light are usually more recessive. For example, if one’s parents are of Ice and Light, then typically the child would be born with the Ice elemental center. While the Light center may unexplainably resurface in a child generations later, the chances of this occurring are extremely low. Thus, Shadow and Light centers are typically found when both parents’ centers match. Lucas thought for a moment. Grandpa has the same sense I do... I think I’m starting to understand.
Lucas skimmed through a section which listed the different ways each elemental center manifested itself once activated.
Light: Ability to sense the emotions of others. Quickly recovers from sickness and injuries.
Ice: Unaffected by cold weather/climate. If active from birth, manifests as silver hair and/or eye color.
Fire: Heightened physical strength/endurance.
Shadow: Ability to see in total darkness.
At the bottom of the list was written, “Elemental centers are rarely active from birth and, for most people, must be activated manually. For a list of techniques to activate your elemental center, see page 14. For a list of potions to help stimulate the process, see page 22).”
The book also taught Lucas that there are certain spells which do not necessarily require a particular center, known as rituals. Though they often demand a high level of experience to perform, and sometimes require multiple mages, they can be cast by someone of any of the four centers. However, rituals often depend on whether one has access to certain enchanted accessories and take much more time to cast than typical elemental conjuring magic. While the effects of rituals are powerful and elaborate, they are highly difficult to perform correctly. They also take much practice. The book went on to recommend other books by the same author, entitled The Art of Enchantment and Let’s Get Serious: Mastering Rituals respectively, for more information on the two subjects.
Next, Lucas learned that there are various techniques used to conjure through the elemental center. Successful conjuring occurs after one has focused their thoughts on a single point. With full concentration, the mage must envision the spell. After correctly assuming appropriate body positioning required for the spell (if required), they must verbalize the chant associated with it. Once the spell is conjured, the mage uses his or her mind (optionally in combination with physical gestures) to guide their creation to the target.
Lucas continued reading about various methods of focusing and envisioning spells, when he was suddenly interrupted by Hagan loudly proclaiming from the kitchen, “Food’s ready, Lucas! Come and get it!”
Lucas placed the book on the coffee table. He then realized that he hadn’t had a thing to eat since breakfast. He had been so focused on the book that he didn’t even notice the aroma pouring from the kitchen. The thick smell of freshly prepared food reminded him of his grandpa. He’ll be alone all night. Lucas proceeded to the kitchen as the worry sank in.