Chapter 7: Introduction to Magic
Making my way back to the receptionist, I explain everything that happened in the meeting with Mr. Clark. The man introduces himself as Tanner Hitchins and explains his role in the office. As expected, he does the work typically associated with being an assistant. One of his main roles was to handle the interactions between Mr. Clark and other departments. He gave a weary look while talking on the subject, giving me the impression that a lot of stress from his job came from this.
While talking he shows me to my desk so I can finally stop lugging around the huge pile of books in my arms. He then takes me on a short tour around the office, pointing out various important places that I will most likely be utilizing in the near future.
After we get back to my work area Mr. Hitchins heads back to the entrance to take over the front desk again. I finally have a chance to examine the place I will be using for work and organize things in a fashion that I will find most useful. The only issue is that the space is barely large enough to encompass my desk, chair, and a small bookcase to one side.
Looking around the rest of the room, I found an interesting design consisting of a set of windows that lead out to the courtyard. An intricate network of crystals and mirrors reflect the light from outside to make everything bright enough to see inside the room. I was a little worried that people might use candles in this room and have to constantly worry about fire hazards. Anywhere with such a large amount of paperwork would generate such a concern.
As I start to peruse the different books, I finally pick one. I quickly lose my sense of time while reading it. It ends up being a book that thoroughly explains different theories on the function and use of magic.
<This world has discovered the existence of atoms. They have already determined that certain atoms hold magic power while others typically do not. Under certain chemical reactions, magic power is emitted. Is there something inside the atoms that is different from on Earth?>
As I read through the book, more and more theories popped into my head about the origins of magic energy.
<Most living beings on this planet can use magical power. They have an abundant amount of these chemicals that can easily emit energy in the form of magic. Although this world has discovered atoms, they still have no idea about the concept of subatomic particles. Is there a new composite or elementary subatomic particle in this world?>
My mind goes into a state of understanding that I have not experienced before. I gather the small amount of evidence I can get from the book and formulate a theory on how magic works. For some reason, I get the feeling that it will be vitally important to utilize magic in the future.
<These chemicals are spread throughout our blood and muscles. There doesn't seem to be an organ that's purposely creating these chemicals, so maybe it's simply created by breathing or eating. I was slightly worried that I wasn't going to be able to use magic even though my heart was telling me it wouldn't be a problem.>
I turn my focus from creating theories back to my original purpose for reading the book.
<This book mostly focuses on the practical use of magic instead of explaining how it works. Supposedly there are differing phrases that one uses to create magic. The oddest thing for me is that, unless there is some higher power at work, the physical act of saying these lines out loud shouldn't affect your control over magic. Maybe they just help form a proper image of the magic. Do better mages not require speaking the words aloud in order to cast spells.>
I pause to take a small break and let my mind wander.
<The possibility of using magic in the future is quite exciting. Which person would not get excited over the thought of using magic? I would bet even people here, who are used to such things, get excited when thinking about it. Hopefully, I can find someone who can help me learn how to use magic. I know none of the common sense behind it. I do not even know how common it is for people here to use magic.>
Before I get too lost in thought on my break, I return to reading the rest of the book. By the time I finished, I am surprised to learn that I finished reading the two hundred plus page book in less than an hour and a half.
<I was never able to read things this fast before, losing the hindrance of my bipolar disorder is quite amazing. I feel like my whole body and mind have been unlocked and are free to do as I wish.>
I pull out a stack of papers, a quill, and an ink well. The absence of a modern day ballpoint pen takes some getting used to, but after a few hours, I finally finish transcribing the book into the common Karnellian language.
There were numerous spells in the book, all had a pronunciation in its native language. There were also a lot of spells that used an archaic third language. The pronunciation of these spells was included using the original language's text. There were discrepancies in the correct pronunciation of the archaic language.
<The spell I cast earlier seemed to be much more powerful than Julie was expecting. Does my system's correct pronunciation of the language create a better effect than what they're using now? If so, I should keep that a secret from now and maybe it'll prove useful later.>
I copied the archaic text directly and also transliterated from the book's native language into the Karnellian one.
After finishing all of that, all I had left to do was write up the chapter summaries. Thankfully, these are not difficult at all. Each chapter only covered a few spells at most. As long as I describe the spells and their various characteristics, people could simply use the complete translation as a reference from there on. That seems like the most effective route forward.
I found most of the spells to be particularly verbose. The shorter ones were at least a couple sentences long, while the longer ones reached six or seven. I can only imagine having to spend all that time reciting the spell will be a hassle in the future. It will also be a dangerous opportunity for any opponent I may be facing.
As I was about to move on to the next task, I happened to look up for a moment and noticed that there was no more light coming through the windows.
<It must be the middle of the night already. I guess I cannot be too surprised, considering I just translated and transcribed an entire book.>
Directly above me the crystals that are part of the complex lighting system are glowing instead of just focusing the light.
<Interesting. Their lighting system seems to be quite advanced compared to Earth during the industrial revolution. I wonder how widely available these kinds of lighting crystals are.>
Finishing the few moments that I took for a break, I return to the work at hand. I finish writing the chapter summaries after about an hour. Leaning back in my chair, I stretch out my arms behind me to relieve some of the fatigue. The muscles in my arm burst with that tingling sensation that comes from loosening their tension.
<My whole probably needs some exercise after sitting at that desk for so long. Let's go out and see if I can find a place to get some food nearby. Tanner lent me a little money and mentioned a well known tavern nearby that I can stay at tomorrow. Hopefully, they are still serving some food.>
I navigate through the maze desks and cabinets, make my downstairs, and walk out of the city hall building. I follow the directions Tanner gave me head to a place called White Cat Tavern.
Just as Tanner had described it, the building looked rather high scale considering what goes for the norms of this society.
<It would be nice to be able to afford living in a place like this. Hopefully, I get paid enough in this position to do just that.>
I dream, not for the first time in my life, of earning a ridiculous amount of money and living comfortably. Both of which were impossible for me on Earth. Now, however, it is not so out of reach. I feel capable enough; see enough of a future here that I am confident in my ability to live a comfortable life in the future.
<I am getting excited just thinking about it.>
My thoughts deviate towards Mai for a few moments while I stand outside the White Cat Tavern.
<It will not just be for me. I will make it so everyone near and dear to me can live a comfortable life with none of the hardships that I had before. Mark, keep that goal in my mind as you move forward in this world.>
Amped up with a renewed resolve, I walk into the building in search of a good meal to eat.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
kurovolfr
kurovolfr A little info dump into how magic works. We still do not know much about how it's actually utilized, but I do not think the next encounter with magic will be too far into the future *wink*.
I am excited for the next chapter at the White Cat Tavern.
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