Julia's expression brightened with a spark of enthusiasm, as if she had just uncovered a treasure. “Magic,” she began, weaving her hands through the air, “is an innate force, a power that resides within all living beings, though its strength varies greatly. We call this inner power 'mana.'“ Her fingers danced, mimicking the flow of energy as her voice took on a melodic quality. “Think of it like a cup of water. When you use magic, you draw upon that mana, like taking a gulp from your cup. The size of the cup, your innate mana capacity, determines how much power you can wield and how complex the spells you can cast.”

  William nodded, images forming in his mind. “So, stronger mages have... larger cups?”

  Julia chuckled, her smile radiating warmth. “Precisely. And casting a spell depletes that mana, just like drinking from the cup. A simple cantrip, like a spark of light, takes a tiny sip, while something powerful, like the magic missiles I used against the wolves, requires a significant gulp.”

  “And how do you refill the cup?” William asked, intrigued.

  “We absorb mana from the environment,” Julia explained, her gaze sweeping the room as if drawing energy from it. “It’s everywhere, in the air, in the earth, even in living things. But the ability to absorb it varies. Think of some individuals as having a wide funnel, drawing mana quickly and efficiently, while others have a narrow funnel, making the process sluggish.”

  “Areas rich in natural energy, like the Tallenwood, have a higher concentration of mana, making it easier to replenish. Barren lands, or places tainted by dark magic, might have very little mana available.”

  William recalled the lush Tallenwood Forest, a vibrant haven teeming with life. So, it’s an all you can eat buffet of mana in the good parts and a stale bread and water in the bad ones. Seems fitting.

  “So a powerful mage,” William mused, “has both a large mana pool and a high absorption rate?”

  “Exactly,” Julia confirmed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. “Someone who can store vast amounts of mana and replenish it quickly can cast powerful spells in rapid succession without tiring. Edward, for instance, is a skilled swordsman who can imbue his blade with lightning, a form of magic. But his mana capacity is limited compared to mine. He’s what we call a 'magic swordsman,' enhancing his physical abilities without the depth of a true spellcaster.”

  William’s eyes widened, recalling the crackling energy that surrounded Edward’s sword. It wasn’t just muscle; it was magic channelling through him. So, there’s more to fighting than just swinging a sword.

  “So, you’re much stronger, magically speaking?” he ventured, intrigued.

  Julia blushed, a hint of colour rising to her cheeks, making her look unexpectedly youthful. William found it charming. “I... have a natural aptitude for magic,” she admitted modestly, her voice dropping slightly. “My family has a history of strong mages. I’ve been trained since childhood.”

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  “That's amazing!” William exclaimed, unable to contain his admiration. His enthusiasm spilled forth, as genuine fascination lit up his expression. “So, does that mean you were like a magic child prodigy, turning heads at wizarding school?”

  Slightly flustered by his exuberance, Julia regained her composure. Ignoring his question, she continued, “There are many types of magic, each with its own principles and techniques. The most common is elemental magic, harnessing the forces of fire, water, earth, and air.” Her hands animatedly traced arcs in the air, conjuring images of flames flickering and rivers flowing. “Then there’s enchantment magic, like imbuing objects with magical properties. Edward's sword is a perfect example.”

  Her expression darkened slightly. “And then there are darker forms.” She hesitated, her voice becoming heavy. “Necromancy, the magic used by Neverus, is a perversion of the natural order, a twisting of life and death. It’s a foul and dangerous magic, fuelled by suffering and death.”

  “And what about healing magic?” William asked, recalling Mendal’s surprised expression. “The doctor said my wound healed as if by magic.”

  Julia’s brow furrowed, a frown crossing her features. “True healing magic—the kind that can mend grievous wounds in moments, is extremely rare. It was once practiced by the priests of the old gods, but that knowledge has faded into legend. There are potions and herbs, like the citrusroot, which aid in healing, but true restorative magic... that’s something else entirely.”

  William fell silent for a moment, digesting her words. The implications were staggering. If I could somehow tap into this lost form of magic...

  “So, how do you actually cast a spell?” he asked, eager to learn the mechanics of this new world.

  Julia’s face lit up again. “It’s a combination of three things. Mana, which we’ve discussed, is the fuel. Then there are runes, symbolic representations of magical forces, patterns that shape the flow of mana. Finally, there are incantations, spoken words that act as a catalyst, activating the runes and releasing the spell.”

  She held out her hand, demonstrating. “For example, the 'magic missile' spell I used earlier requires a basic magic output rune combined with a 'fast arrow' rune to give it speed and direction.” As she spoke, she traced simple shapes in the air, a faint golden glow trailing behind her movements. “Think of it like building blocks, each rune is a component, and the incantation is the instruction manual. The more complex the spell, the more intricate the runes and the more precise the incantation must be.”

  William's mind raced, exhilaration engulfing him. It’s like coding but with magic instead of computers. A system of logic, rules, cause and effect. “So, in theory,” he said, excitement bubbling in his voice, “anyone could learn magic if they had the right knowledge and enough mana?”

  Julia smiled at his eagerness. “In theory, yes. But aptitude varies greatly. Some are naturally gifted, while others struggle with the simplest spells. It takes years of practice and dedication to master even the basics. Some forms of magic, too, are inherently dangerous, requiring a strong will and deep understanding.” She paused, her expression serious. “But yes, William, in theory, you could learn magic.”

  His heart skipped a beat at the possibility. To learn magic, to wield the power of this world... it was a dream come true.

  “Could you... teach me?” he asked, the words rushing out in his eagerness, a mixture of hope and trepidation colouring his voice.

  Julia’s smile widened, warmth and encouragement radiating from her. “I would be happy to teach you what I know, William. But it won't be easy. It will require patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace a new way of thinking.” Her tone turned practical. “But first,” she added, glancing toward the fortified walls of Sharwood, her expression turning serious, “we need to find Edward. We should see what the Adventurers Guild has to say about those goblins. Their presence so close to Sharwood is... unsettling.”