Chapter 60: Basic Theory of Magic

Chapter 60: Basic Theory of Magic

Beside the corridor on the first floor of the main building.

Different classrooms, the same black-robed Lady Amisha.

Contrary to what one might imagine, the Dean did not follow the textbook's outline to lecture on magic theory with citations and classical references.

"Next, read the first chapter of *What Exactly is Magic* on your own. If you encounter anything you don't understand, make a mark. Once you have finished reading, ask me questions, and I will answer them one by one."

After Lady Amisha finished speaking, she sat down in her chair with an air of composure; Moran even saw her shift her hips comfortably.

There was no lecture, not even a reading of the text; she simply told them to read it themselves.

Moran had finished the first chapter long ago. She had several points of confusion and had already made marks and annotations.

Since she had already read it, she remembered the content and saw no need for review.

Therefore, she simply decided to continue reading further, picking up where she had left off this morning.

After about half an hour, many little witches had flipped through the first chapter two or three times, and some could even not resist peeking at the following sections, before Lady Amisha clapped her hands: "Alright, if there is anything you don't understand, ask!"

While the other little witches were still pondering which question to ask, Moran's hand shot up instantly.

"Moran! Go ahead!" Amisha called her name.

Without even turning a page, Moran asked, "What specifically does the second paragraph of the first chapter mean by 'the inclusivity of mana'?"

"Angelic angelic power, demonic demonic power, witch magic power, human mage spiritual power, elemental power drifting in nature... these are all just different manifestations of energy. However, only mana is energy itself; it is the source of all energy. It possesses the characteristics of any energy, can accept any energy, and can substitute for any energy. To possess mana is equivalent to possessing all energy. This is the inclusivity of mana.

Among all forms of energy, only mana and magic power lack exclusivity.

Angels cannot use dark magic, demons cannot use holy light magic, human mages can only master one or a few systems of magic, elves only know nature and plant magic, and merfolk only know water and ice magic—this is precisely because the energy they possess lacks sufficient inclusivity," Amisha said.

This time, Moran understood: "Is the reason why Witches possess talent in all magic systems because mana possesses such extreme inclusivity?"

"Correct," Amisha nodded.

"Then, since both mana and magic power possess inclusivity and lack exclusivity, why is there an upper limit to a witch's talent?" Moran asked again.

"That is because the potency of magic power is far inferior to that of mana.

Inclusivity merely allows magic power to cast all systems of magic, so any witch can at least achieve basic proficiency in any magic.

But the potency of the energy is the factor that determines the ultimate extent of the magical effect.

A witch will only have high potency in the magic power of a specific system.

Only Witches possess extremely high potency across all magic systems.

The energy level of a witch's magic power ranks below angelic power and demonic power, not because of a lack of inclusivity, but because of a lack of potency."

"Which is more important, potency or inclusivity?"

"Potency is slightly more important than inclusivity. It is the same principle as why an intermediate Witch can be utterly crushed by a peak-level witch."

Amisha looked at Moran with an amused smile.

"..." Moran suspected Lady Amisha was trying to intimidate her, but that did not dampen her enthusiasm for asking questions.

"Is there a possibility for the controlled energy to be changed through acquired means?"

"Yes. But only those above the peak level have that chance."

"What kind of chance?"

"The Well of Heaven."

"What is inside the Well of Heaven?"

"It is unspeakable."

...

When it came to answering questions, Lady Amisha was truly not vague at all.

Moran took the opportunity to ask a large number of questions—some that arose while reading, some she had always wondered about, and some that occurred to her suddenly.

Except for the question regarding the Well of Heaven, Lady Amisha answered them all.

After finishing all her questions, Moran sat down, satisfied.

"Next, who has a question?" Amisha asked.

Having listened to the exchange between Moran and Lady Amisha, the little witches, who had just undergone a massive bombardment of arcane knowledge, were momentarily dazed.

It took three prompts from Lady Amisha before someone else raised their hand: "Dean, exactly how many different forms of energy are there? Is the energy mastered by every race unique?"

"The number of energy forms cannot be accurately measured. Every time a species capable of utilizing energy is discovered, a new form of energy might be found. However, not every race masters a different form of energy; it can only be said that this is the case in Valen.

But beyond Valen, there is the endless starry sky and countless other worlds; there may well be races that master the same forms of energy."

...

Lady Amisha answered the questions one by one until she had addressed all the little witches' queries: "Are you sure there are no more questions?"

The little witches all shook their heads.

"Then it's my turn to ask," Amisha said. "If you cannot answer the questions I ask, they will serve as extracurricular homework."

The little witches: "!!!∑(Дノ)ノ"

This hadn't been mentioned beforehand!

The atmosphere suddenly turned tense.

For the first time today, Lady Amisha stepped down from the podium

"The first chapter mainly discussed the relationship between magic and energy, as well as the essence of energy.

You all understand the essence of energy reasonably well, so can anyone tell me: what exactly is the relationship between magic and energy?"

The little witches breathed a slight sigh of relief. This question had been addressed in the very first sentence of the chapter. They answered confidently, "Magic is the application of energy?"

"Then how exactly is it applied? Is the magic used by Witches, witches, angels, demons, dragons, and humans the same? If not, what are the differences?"

The little witches, who hadn't even learned proper magic yet: "..."

Even Moran couldn't say.

"Then, today's homework is decided.

All little witches are to write a paper titled *On the Magical Application of Different Energies* after class. There is no word limit.

It must include the principles of magical application for the common races of the continent. Submit it to me during class next Monday morning.

I suggest referencing Volume 7 of *The Continent of Valen*.

Class dismissed!"

Lady Amisha walked away briskly, leaving behind the little witches who were stunned by the sudden assignment.

Moran remained calm. Which school didn't assign extracurricular homework?

She felt it was actually a bit late that the Witch Academy only started assigning homework in the second week.

She tore out a blank page from the Book of Witches and placed it as the third page, following the index and the *Beginner's Guide* page. Then, she picked up her pen and wrote

"Monday, Week 2 of Year 1 (July 22nd).

Basic Theory of Magic Class Assignment: Write a paper titled *On the Magical Application of Different Energies*, no word limit...

Deadline: Before the first class next Monday (July 29th)."

(End of Chapter)