Chapter 116 — Misconception
"Magic, as taught by the nobles, is absolute stupidity. I’ll give you the best advice of your lives: only believe what you can prove yourselves and don’t believe anything you’re told; always doubt, that is the principle of magic," Alkan said, rubbing his hands in resignation.
William and Lia looked at him in surprise. The old man walked slowly in front of the blackboard, frowning, as if recalling years of wasted time.
"They tell you that you must imagine the spell, channel mana through your body, recite the correct words, and that activates the brain and directs the flow of energy, always teaching with pretty words, right? Simplified trash for rich kids! Always keeping the secrets for their chosen ones." He clicked his tongue in frustration.
Lia blinked as she asked innocently.
"Isn’t that how it works?"
"No," the old man replied firmly. "Imagining is useless if your brain doesn’t understand what it needs to do. Reciting words aloud has no magical value. All it does is force your mind to use a preset path, like training an animal to do a trick. The trick works, yes... but it can be done better. Remember, you’re not circus monkeys, but mages! We’re not playing at being mages here!"
He turned to them with fury injected into his eyes, his emotions intensely overflowing. William noticed the fury in his eyes.
"My apologies, I get a little agitated." After saying that, Alkan raised a hand.
"Observe."
Without a word, a small flame emerged from his open palm. The flame floated steadily, swaying slightly like any normal flame. William and Lia watched, expecting something interesting. After a few moments, the flame compressed into a fireball. Immediately, the ball elongated into a burning spear that glowed like lava. And finally, the spear dissipated, returning to the calm, initial flame.
All in complete silence, Alkan said nothing, recited no spell, just extended his hand.