Trinity of Magic

Zeke sat in silence, still processing the rush of power that had coursed through him after absorbing the crystals. But as the initial excitement subsided, he noticed a strange sensation in his core. It was a feeling of strain, like he had overburdened a muscle.

"Maximilian," Zeke said, turning to his mentor. "What is this feeling in my core? I've never experienced it before."

Maximilian's expression turned serious as he listened to Zeke's question. "Absorbing affinity crystals puts pressure on your core," he explained. "You have to take a break after each session and give it time to recover. It is very easy to damage one's core permanently otherwise. If that wasn't the case, all the mages from the great families would just absorb crystals for a couple of days uninterrupted and then advance to the next level."

Zeke nodded, understanding the gravity of Maximilian's words. He had not considered the potential risks of using the crystals. "I see," he said. "I'll be sure to take my time and use them wisely."

Maximilian gave a small smile, proud of Zeke's maturity. "That's all I can ask for," he said. "Just remember, these crystals are a powerful tool if used appropriately, but can just as easily turn into a stumbling block if used incorrectly. Be careful, and always come to me if you have any questions or concerns."

Zeke nodded, determined to use the crystals responsibly and to learn as much as he could from his mentor. He examined his core closely, analyzing the strain that Maximilian had warned him about. He noticed that his blood affinity core would take around three days to fully restore itself, while his mind and space affinity cores would take five days to a week to be fully restored again.

He marveled at the advantages that a perfect affinity brought him. With a perfect affinity, he was able to absorb more essence and recover faster than other mages. It was a small reminder of the power that came with a perfect core.

Just as Maximilian was turning to leave, Zeke remembered something else he had wanted to share with his mentor. "Maximilian," he said, catching the old man's attention. "I've been meaning to tell you about something I developed when I was a kid. A meditation technique."

Maximilian listened to his story, his expression one of mild curiosity. Zeke explained how he, Lilly, and Markus had used the technique as children and how they had all had magic cores when they were tested at Elementium. He also mentioned how Markus' core wasn't pure enough to be accepted into Elementium, but he still had a core.

As Zeke spoke, Maximilian was listening attentively, but his interest in the story thus far seemed limited. But then Zeke made a dramatic pause for effect, and his mentor's eyes widened as he continued with his revelation.

"Over the weekend, I could finally confirm through observations on my sister that the meditation technique I developed as a kid was actually beneficial to the formation of a core," Zeke said. "I've observed and recorded it with the Trinity Project."

Maximilian's eyes almost popped out. "This is incredible," he exclaimed. "You've discovered something truly revolutionary. We must document this immediately and share it with the other mages. This could change the way we understand magic and core formation."

Zeke felt a sense of pride and excitement at his mentor's reaction. He knew that his discovery could have a significant impact on the mage community and that he was on the cusp of something truly groundbreaking. Maximilian's excitement was palpable as he pummeled Zeke with question after question about his discovery. "How effective is the technique?" he asked. "Can it be improved? What is its success rate? Tell me everything and anything."

Zeke did his best to answer, but he soon realized that he had not considered many of the questions Maximilian was bringing up. His mind was not yet attuned to the ways of academic research like his mentor's.

As the hours passed, Maximilian's questioning became more intense, as he delved deeper into the specifics of Zeke's discovery. Zeke found himself struggling to keep up with the older mage's relentless questioning.

Finally, Maximilian was done with his questions, but his interest in the subject had not lessened in the slightest. He appeared about ready to force Zeke onto the airship, so that they could visit his sister for further study. "We must document this immediately and share it with the magic community," Maximilian exclaimed. "It is of paramount importance that we document every facet of the process of core formation."

Zeke tried to calm his mentor down by bringing up logical arguments, such as the point that it was Sunday night and that his sister was likely in bed by now. Maximilian didn't seem convinced, his excitement for the discovery still undiminished.

"But, Maximilian," Zeke pressed. "I also have classes tomorrow morning. I can't just drop everything and leave now."

Finally, this seemed to calm his mentor down. Zeke decided to strike while the iron was hot, promising Maximilian that they could visit his sister next weekend, and in the meantime, they could look around the capital for willing participants to test the meditation technique on.

"That sounds reasonable," Maximilian said, his expression softening. "We'll plan to leave next weekend and in the meantime, we can start gathering test subjects here at the capital."

Zeke breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that his mentor had come around to his point of view. He knew that the discovery was important, but he also knew that he needed to balance his research with his responsibilities as a student.

"Alright, Maximilian," Zeke said, feeling grateful for his mentor's understanding. "I'll write a letter to my parents, telling them that I will be back for another visit next weekend. In the meantime, I'll write a notice at the adventurers guild asking for willing participants in the research."

"No," Maximilian said, clapping a hand on Zeke's shoulder. "This discovery has the potential to change everything. We must handle it with care and caution. I will arrange for some trustworthy participants myself, we must make sure that we keep this as discrete as possible until we are ready to release our findings. There are many people who would get in the way of our research the moment they get wind of what we are working on."

Zeke nodded, feeling a weight of responsibility and excitement as he considered the importance of their research. But he was puzzled by the thought of those who might stand in their way. "Why would anyone try to impede our research?" he asked his mentor. "Surely, the technique would be beneficial for all?"

Maximilian's expression became strained at Zeke's question. For a moment, it seemed as though he might lash out in frustration. However, he quickly regained his composure and let out a deep sigh. "You are correct, Zeke," he said, "the technique would benefit everyone equally. But there is a powerful faction within the empire that is not at all interested in equal opportunities for all. I am sure you, of all people, can deduce the rest."

Zeke pondered Maximilian's words, feeling foolish for not realizing the answer sooner. It became clear to him that the noble families must already have a secret method to guarantee their offspring have a magic core. Although he couldn't imagine how they were accomplishing it, he was convinced that the method was not accessible to the public. This realization only fueled Zeke's excitement for the project even more. He was passionate about the idea of bringing a measure of equality and fairness to the world.

He went to bed with a content feeling in his stomach. Today really had been a great day for him.

The next morning, he went to the combat field and the first thing he did was use his [Analyze] spell on anybody in range. He was shocked by what he discovered, but not as shocked as he was when he finally used the spell on Leo.