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‘Are you serious?’
“Rinna, do you feel it? This is the weight of knowledge.”
He saw it. The book was thicker than even the black cat’s height.
“These are just the foundational parts,” the smiling girl explained. “The detailed extensions can be slowly explored after you’ve mastered the basics. For ordinary people, a few years of study would be enough to get started.”
‘Mm-hmm…’
For some inexplicable reason, the black cat recalled a certain witch who often agonized over a simple, swift program. Perhaps she was a genius in her own right.
‘That…’
The black cat timidly raised a paw.
‘Can I choose to give up, Teacher Mulee Hua? I only wanted to see if I could learn it, not to grasp the profound mysteries of death so soon.’
“What’s wrong, Rinna? Weren’t you eager to learn?”
‘Eh… no, this isn’t quite what I imagined.’
The black cat turned his head, looking at Gasla for help, only to find the hellhound already sprawled on the ground, deeply asleep.
‘Wow, old friend, is that really okay?’
“Rinna~” The girl’s smile remained as radiant as a flower. “One must finish what one starts, you know~”
Whether it was an illusion or not, Votila felt a shadow slowly enveloping him.
‘Fine, I’ll learn.’
—Thus declared the proud dragon.
****
Programmatic Magic, at its core, defines the standards of phenomena.
Its earliest origins can be traced back to ancient rune inscriptions.
Ancient Magi discovered that certain unique symbols could manipulate magical energy, and with the infusion of consciousness, they could even produce magical effects.
As human magical civilization rapidly advanced, Magi began to focus more on the principles and composition of magic itself. They sought to interpret and control magic from a more objective, scientific perspective.
This pursuit led to the birth of Xigaja Runes.
Xigaja Runes represent a unique script and a set of immutable laws.
The fundamental purpose of Programmatic Magic is to standardize the flow of magical energy that forms a spell, expressing it through logic and written characters.
Unlike ancient magical arts such as Seal-style or Chant-style, Programmatic Magic utilizes magical energy with greater efficiency and precision. Its distinct external form is manifested in the method of spellcasting.
Ancient magic typically channeled magical energy through the physical body, altering its trajectory via physical movements to enact a spell.
Programmatic Magic, however, allows for the direct inscription of runic programs onto the Spiritual Foundation using a ‘Seed-fire.’ This imprints the standardized flow of magical energy directly, enabling the use of magic without channeling it through the body.
Naturally, programs can also be etched onto objects or tools. By injecting magical energy into an artifact bearing a runic program, a Magus can similarly produce magical effects.
Programmatic Magic boasts infinite extensibility, capable of combining spells that would be impossible to merge with various ancient magical arts. This inherent malleability and potential for development are precisely what make Programmatic Magic so captivating, drawing countless Magi to its study.
****
Mulee Hua possessed an exceptionally high level of mastery in Programmatic Magic.
This once made Votila doubt her earlier statement that “an ordinary person needs at least ten years to even begin to grasp Programmatic Magic.”
Indeed, if Mulee Hua hadn’t lacked magical energy, she would undoubtedly have been a prodigy among Magi.
Votila had once asked Mulee Hua how she infused consciousness into the crystal scroll by the lake, given that consciousness is essential for a spell to take form.
Mulee Hua simply smiled and gently tapped the black cat’s forehead with her finger.
And then, Votila understood.
It was a soul secret art, akin to Votila’s own瞳术 [pupil technique]—’Ten Fingers Connected to the Heart,’ allowing the transmission of intentions through fingertips.
“Rinna… do you know how human Magi are ranked?”
The black cat thought for a moment, then gestured: ‘How are they ranked? Isn’t it by the strength of their magical energy?’
Dragons were certainly ranked that way, by their physical prowess and magical strength.
“Human Spiritual Foundations possess a total of one thousand and twenty-four soul circuits, regardless of a Magus’s rank.”
“Human magical energy is quite weak, ranking among the lowest of the intelligent races on the continent. It’s only slightly higher than that of the foolish Orcs, and even inferior to mixed-blood half-elves.”
“The reason humans have risen to rival dragons as a race is entirely due to thousands of years of accumulated knowledge.”
“From various schools of magic, alchemy, pharmacology, forging, magical martial arts, to military strategies—humans possess a dazzling civilization unmatched by other races.”
“These are the cornerstones that allow humanity to stand as equals against dragons on the continent.”
“The power of human Magi doesn’t stem from magical energy, but from knowledge and skill.”
“Therefore, a human Magus’s rank cannot be determined solely by their magical energy. It must be assessed comprehensively, considering magical energy, knowledge reserves, precision in manipulating magical techniques, and various other factors.”
“Some high-ranking Magi even possess less magical energy than their lower-ranked counterparts.”
“The Magus Guild has a systematic method for assessment, but since I am not a Magus myself, I’m not entirely clear on the specifics.”
Votila once again lamented Mulee Hua’s lack of magical energy.
However, after several hours of relentless teaching, that lament had transformed entirely into resentment.
It wasn’t until Mulee Hua, still seemingly unsatisfied, declared the lesson over that Votila, feeling liberated, pounced on the hellhound, giving him a few swipes.
That scoundrel had slept from the beginning of the lecture until its very end!
Yelping in pain, the hellhound frolicked away.
“Wait, Rinna~” Mulee Hua stopped the black cat, who was about to give chase. “Today’s lesson on magical knowledge ends here. We must balance work and rest for effective learning.”
“So~” Mulee Hua’s eyes curved beautifully like a crescent moon, “our next class will be physical training!”
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, There Is a Monster in The Imperial Palace is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : There Is a Monster in The Imperial Palace
