"Alright, how are humans able to use Magic?"
"Magic is the manipulation of mana by humans who awaken said ability; but that's not the answer you're looking for," Arthur began.
"All magic occurs through a conduit—the Magic Language—and can primarily be cast through two ways: Chanting, and use of Magic Circles. Both pertain to the Magic Language."
"Define Mana," Vigo abruptly said.
"Mana is a form of energy used especially by humans in Magic. It is the purest form of energy, and exists everywhere, in all matter, but the only forms it exists in that can be used for Magic is when it is solidified as a Mana Crystal, or when absorbed by the body. It can take on an infinite number forms, and have an infinite number of attributes."
"That's good, but by that definition, anyone can use magic, and cast spells of any scale; however I'm certain you know that is false. Articulate the restrictions."
"There are five requirements for a spell to be cast; but there is only a single requirement that must be fulfilled to access Magic, and everyone can use it; that requirement is the use of the correct term in the Magic Language; specifically EKTQZT, or Create. In a study done by some of the most accomplished researchers, including yourself, Head Instructor Vigo, it was discovered that all things can manipulate mana with this; this principle is what allows the entire field of General Practice and Magic Engineering to exist. The reason why it is thought only Awakeners can use Magic is because without the Mana Circuits developed in the body with Awakening, the efficiency of mana use will be so low, they might only be able to manipulate a few particles of mana before running out."
Vigo continued eye contact but said nothing.
He must want me to continue.
"The first of the requirements to successfully cast a spell, after the accurate pronunciation or writing of the Magic Language, is an ample reserve of mana. All Magic Spells require a certain amount of Mana to both maintain the spell, and to cast it. Once your mana reserves have depleted, the spell will dissipate into nothingness, and you will fall into a coma of Mana-Deprivation."
"The third requirement to successfully casting a spell is using correct syntax of terms in the Magic Language. All spellcasting begins with EKTQZT, then IGSR, which are commands of: Create, and Hold. After that, the mage will use QRR, add, to apply attributes to the spell; and after all that, it will end with ROLEIQKUT, or KTSTQLT, depending on whether the caster wants to discharge the spell, or release it. On a Magic Circle, the spell will be physically drawn out, with the main attribute in the center, and several isolated circles will be connected around it, each containing the written symbol of the term."
"The fourth requirement to spellcasting is having enough Magic Control to maintain a spell during spellcasting. Strong magic control will make spellcasting much more mana-efficient; but if a spell requires a tremendous amount of mana, and your Magic Control is not enough, the spell will fall apart."
"What is the scale used to measure Magic Control?" Vigo interposed.
"The number of single-ringed Magic Circles formed around one's Manaheart is typically used to determine Magic Control."
"Are Magic Circles only a measurement of control, or power as well?"
"Magic Circles only measure one's control of mana."
"And in what application of Magic is Magic Control the most important?"
"Magic Shields and Constructs rely on Magic Control more than any other factor, as it most directly affects durability."
"Interesting–tell me the last requirement of spellcasting."
"Certainly, Head Instructor. The final requirement is proficiency. As you pointed out, raw power is insufficient; one cannot cast a spell simply because they possess the energy to fuel it and the control to stabilize it. If that were true, an Emperor-rank Fire Mage could cast an Emperor-rank Wind spell on a whim. This constraint is the principle of Affinity Execution. It is a Law of Magic defined by the Human God: that the absolute ceiling of a mage's proficiency is dictated by the tier of their blessing. Yet, a blessing is merely potential, not mastery. One must still train to fill that capacity, regardless of their skill in other elements."
"Hm…" Vigo mused. "Define General Practice."
"General Practice of Magic refers to the common applications of Magic–closely related to spirits–that were created by the Human God. It contains Elemental Spells, Magic Shields, and Body-Sword Aura."
"Explain a form of Magic that does not fall under General Practice."
Magic that doesn't fall under General Practice? There are so many—infinite. Alchemy, Celestial Arts, Beast Abilities, and…
"Black Magic."
Vigo raised his brows.
"It is the field of Magic considered evil, and demonic involved in the sacrifice of living beings, to obtain unique powers that go against the will of the Celestial God. Many say that it is pure evil, but I think there are some opportunities that could be found in it. Just about a century ago, Alchemy was considered Black Magic; but now it is one of the most prestigious fields of study. I don't know if I would practice it, but I find it interesting and worthy of some research if not blocked by the compromise of social standards."
"Hahaha."
What—I have never heard him laugh before.
"I do apologize for my sudden burst of laughter; the last part was purely for my humor; you definitely have enough knowledge to take part in the class. We begin at 22:00 tomorrow. Is there anything else?"
"No, thank you for your time, Head Instructor Vigo."
He began to get up.
"Stop. How do you have all this knowledge?"
"My brother told me all about it every night when he got back."
"I see. You two must have been close."
Disgust and pain pulsated throughout Arthur's body, and he began to feel hot—abnormally hot.
"Yeah… we were," he said while fighting against this feeling, preparing to leave.
"One more thing," Vigo called out, now standing.
"Mm?" Arthur mumbled with his lips sealed, as he turned.
"... I made a mistake in my choice of words; I just wanted to say: You are not alone in your stance on Black Magic. We can discuss it further another time. Get to your next class."
He set his hands at ease behind him as he said this; but he had already left Arthur's field of view before then.