《The Red Snowman》The Academy, notes on precise magic
Advertisement
Not many possess the arcane potential to cast even the simplest spell, until recently it was impossible for people with that limited potential to draw arcane energy from any source.
Many, who lacked magical potential but still wished to pursue the study of arcane, simply became theoretical researchers of spells.
What is precise magic? It's magic, that contrary to usual practices, focuses on fine control of source rather than drawing enough magical potential.
It's different than standard control of arcane in such a way, that levels of arcane manipulation are minuscule, smaller than molecules or atoms.
On such levels, mana tends to behave differently and tends to draw out more power than usual. Such power, of course, is dangerous. Precise magic performed with high amounts of mana could in most, but not all cases, lead to instability and chain reaction, which would result in failure of spell or a rather violent explosion.
That's why students with a low amount of mana are perfect to pursue precise magic, although it's a demanding and hard subject, so not many manage to pass.
How to differentiate between precise magic and standard magic?
For example, let's take standard an arcane shield. For the starters, its defensive potential would be based on the density of barrier and thickness, and the shield itself would be a pretty uniform body.
In terms of precision magic, one would develop a very thin shield made of millions of tiny triangular shields, then would carefully study enemy spells. What type is it, the flow of the arcane energy, and other intricate details. It often requires strenuous calculations and approximations. Upon performing such, the defender would adjust the gradient of his shield to effectively counteract the spell by dispersing it, or by deflecting it in another direction.
Another example would be arcane missiles. While the standard version is a simple accumulation of force and usually the size of a fist, the precise version is no langer than a tip of a finger, and works in such a way that the caster effectively tries to find gaps in the enemy arcane defense and flexibly adjust the tip of a missile to squeeze or pierce through the weaker section of the surface.
Advertisement
Another aspect of precision magic is its relation to density and thinness. If strands of mana are in an entity are exceptionally thin and at the same time sufficiently dense, then the entity can experience full effects of precision magic.
One of such effects is changes in time dilation, which is the basis of haste spell or in extreme cases, stopping the time altogether. Of course, not only reducing the thinness of one's mana strands to the proper level is a time-consuming process and requires preparation, but requires high levels of stamina to sustain the control of the spell for sufficient time.
Now, let's return to users with a high amount of powers and capable of advanced precision magic. Currently, only a few spells are available for such casters. They're all basing their power on singularities.
For the magic of destructive type, there theoretically exists a spell that can be cast by just one person and is capable of destroying entire cities.
There exist gravitational singularities that pull everything towards the source point in a short period of time.
There exist time singularities that slow the movement of nearby entities.
It's still in an experimental phase, but it's predicted that healing singularities might allow complete removal of diseases and toxic substances from one's body.
Another appliance of precision magic is dynamic, programmable spellcasting, where the caster doesn't have to sequentially cast an advanced spell, but instead, the spell casts itself based on implemented procedures, which allows users of precise magic to access more complex spell as long as they possess required stamina, level of control and someone implements those spells for them.
Programmable spellcasting not only applies to students of the arcane, but also to the new branch of arcane, that is intelligent arcane devices.
We're currently in a phase of testing, but it was possible to build a first arcane processor – a non-living entity - capable of theoretically casting any type of programmable spell on its own. We still lack materials and conductors required for higher-level spells that would have some use in the industry, but it is within the realm of possibility in the next twenty to fifty years.
Advertisement
At last, one of the omitted appliances of precision magic was manipulation of space itself. Currently, it's a matter of very precise control and unimaginable amounts of energy at the same time, but we believe it's theoretically possible to construct small spheres of pocket universes, or bridges (portals) between two destinations.
The spatial magic is a whole new subject, which could lead to spells such as temporarily shrinking or enlarging desired entities or spaces between entities, reversibly shifting their position in space, or even teleporting them. One should not forget a subject of intangibility, which is a stronger version of already available displacement.
Advertisement
- In Serial37 Chapters
An Unknown Swordcraft
A strange accident hurls a man thousands of years into the future to find that disasters have transformed the world into a fantastical setting of monsters and magical swordsmen. Our protagonist does not become a hero. Instead he is recruited into a heretical cult led by a foul necromancer. To survive this new world, he must adapt to life as one of the dark lord’s evil lieutenants, carrying out impossible orders, scheming against his rival cultists, avoiding the real heroes out to kill him, and developing his own personal brand of magical swordcraft. [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] (Placeholder title until I come up with something better.) Features: – Minion to Dark Lord progression. – MC lurking undercover as an evil lieutenant. – First true spellcaster in a world of magic swordsmen. – Wuxia power levels. – Minor base building / project management. – A little bit of crafting. – Meandering progression/plot. – Dumb comedy.
8 75 - In Serial50 Chapters
In the House of a Witch
While hiking during an extended weekend from grad school, the slightly airheaded Rose Snyder slips through a gap between worlds and encounters a witch.. With no way to return, she must adapt to the strange world of magic and danger, and find her place in a land where those who lose their grasp on reality fall. Shared Universe with my other story, https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/41575/the-archivists-petty-revenge Also posted on Scribblehub. Based on the description of traumatizing content, it's worth noting that this series normalizes tax evasion and other such crimes. Also is vaguely GirlsLove-ish.
8 292 - In Serial70 Chapters
Darius Supreme
On the 15th of March 2139, the world mourns the passing of Darius Stone, billionaire broker, and philanthropist. Yet while his family and friends put his body to rest, Darius wakes up to find himself reborn into a younger body in a different world.A strange voice informs him that his soul has been transported into the magic-filled world of Faust on the behest of a mysterious Goddess called Vena, for the sole purpose of entertaining her through his struggles.In this world where any dream can be achieved with enough effort, he sets out to become a Supreme, an existence above Mortals and even Gods! —————————————————Warning: This novel features a villainous protagonist. If you have enjoyed Warlock of the Magus World, then you should be able to tolerate Darius Stone’s actions and choices throughout the novel. Note: This story is slow-paced in order to allow for better world-building and development. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action story, this might not be for you.
8 158 - In Serial9 Chapters
Addorn: "The Freed of The Void"
Have you ever wondered why the Dwarves in games, movies, and comics, were so great at developing weapons or in some cases creating technology that was so far ahead of their time? Or even why they seemed ruthless and resilient, always somehow surviving even if it meant living underground to survive? And also why were they always in most cases described as greedy for gold or other luxuries? This is the story of the legendary race and the truth behind these stories that followed after this tale.The story begins with the Humans finding out the earth will be decimated, by a cataclysmic event that had happened millions of years ago, in 2 years time. Followed by the awakening of a man, or in this case an infant boy, reborn into a world of myths, legends, and fantasy, only to be a King of legendary proportions.
8 147 - In Serial28 Chapters
bleeding love
THIS STORY IS FINISHED!!! Catherine is being sold - to a vampire. She thinks they're cruel, viscous beings incapable of loving anyone. When she finds out the one she loves, Han's, has been killed by his own Vampire employer, she vows she'll get away from the prison. Vampires just keep humans as pets to feed on and to mess with their heads - or that's what she thinks. Is it possible there's more to her vampire employer, Damien, then she thought?
8 75 - In Serial18 Chapters
Soaring High - Discontinued
On a dark night in Bludhaven, Nightwing happens to meet a new hero who goes by the name, Seabird. Who is she? And should he trust her? FemPercy Jackson (Seabird)/Dick Grayson (Nightwing)Short story, followed by many one-shots
8 119

