Everything contained within this volume will be gradually introduced, explained, and expanded upon as the story progresses. Not all concepts, terms, organizations, or mechanics will immediately appear in the main narrative.
This chapter serves as a supplementary guide for readers who wish to gain a broader understanding of the world's foundations, power system, and terminology before encountering them naturally throughout the story.
Be advised that some information may lack full context at first. Certain details are intentionally left unexplained and will be explored further as the plot unfolds. For the intended experience, the main story can be read without this volume. This guide simply offers additional insight for those who wish to dive deeper into the world of the story.
The Mageia Core
At the center of every mage lies a secondary organ known as the Mageia Core.
Unlike the heart, lungs, or brain, the Mageia Core exists as part of the circulatory system. Its purpose is the production of Aetheric Blood—a unique substance that coexists alongside ordinary blood.
Aetheric Blood serves as the foundation of all magical phenomena.
Through the circulation of Aetheric Blood, a mage gains the ability to manipulate the physical properties of matter and energy. By altering conditions at the molecular and atomic scale, a mage may create effects commonly referred to as magic.
The complexity of a spell depends not only on the volume of Aetheric Blood available but also on the user's knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
For this reason, academies place great emphasis on physics, chemistry, and material sciences. A knowledgeable mage often outperforms a stronger but less educated one.
Aetheric Blood
Aetheric Blood is the source of magical power.
Every spell consumes a portion of it.
The greater the manipulation, the greater the consumption.
Unlike stamina, Aetheric Blood is not instantly recoverable. Excessive use can place severe strain upon the Mageia Core and the body itself.
When reserves fall too low, the mage enters a dangerous condition known as Aetherthin State.
Aetherthin State
Aetherthin State is a natural defense mechanism of the human body.
When Aetheric Blood reserves fall below a critical threshold, the Mageia Core automatically restricts magical output and disperses remaining reserves throughout the body.
This process prevents total depletion and protects the user from catastrophic organ failure.
Common symptoms include:
-Extreme fatigue
-Nausea
-Numbness
-Cold Sweats
-Fever
-Blurred vision
-Loss of consciousness
Severe cases may result in permanent damage to the Mageia Core or death.
Because of this limitation, most battles are determined by resource management rather than raw destructive power.
Aetheric Field
Every mage possesses an invisible sphere of influence known as an Aetheric Field.
The field originates from the Mageia Core and extends outward into the surrounding environment.
Within this space, a mage can:
-Direct Magic
-Manipulate Matter
-Detect Magical Disturbances
-Sense other Mages
The size and density of one's field determine the precision and range of their magic.
A wider field allows greater control over larger areas, while a denser field permits finer and more complex manipulations.
Among scholars, the strength of a mage is often measured by the quality of their Aetheric Field rather than destructive capability alone.
Aethertrophy
The Mageia Core strengthens much like a muscle.
Through repeated use, stress, recovery, and adaptation, the core gradually increases its efficiency and capacity.
This process is known as Aethertrophy.
Most professional mages train under carefully regulated conditions to induce Aethertrophy without triggering Aetherthin State.
Over time, this increases:
-Aetheric Blood Volume
-Recover Speed
-Field Stability
-Magic Complexity
Aetheric Essence
Every living creature possesses Aetheric Essence.
Aetheric Essence represents the accumulated vitality, life force, and magical potential of an organism.
Upon death, traces of this essence may be absorbed by a mage.
By refining the essence into their Mageia Core, a mage can increase both their Aetheric Blood reserves and the overall strength of their core.
This practice forms the foundation of monster hunting across the Empire.
It serves both as a means of protecting civilization and as one of the primary methods through which mages become stronger.
Black Magic
Black Magic is the forbidden practice of harvesting Aetheric Essence from human beings.
Human essence is significantly denser and more potent than that of ordinary creatures.
As a result, Black Magic grants rapid growth and immense power.
However, every use requires murder, sacrifice, or the exploitation of human life.
For this reason, the Empire of Elercross classifies all Black Magic as a capital offense.
The pursuit of power through human essence has historically produced some of the most dangerous individuals in recorded history.
Composite Magic
Composite Magic is the art of combining multiple magical structures into a single manifestation.
Most spells rely upon a single magical framework.
Composite Magic requires two or more frameworks to function simultaneously.
The process is notoriously difficult.
Each structure must remain stable while interacting with another.
Even minor errors may result in complete collapse.
An example is Hellshade:
A spell combining:
-Compressed Air
-Thermal Manipulation
-Shadow Manipulation
The resulting construct becomes hotter, faster, more destructive, and significantly harder to predict.
Because of the immense cost and complexity involved, only a handful of mages specialize in Composite Magic.
The Three Paths of Power
Power within Elercross is divided into three primary disciplines.
Magus
Magi manipulate reality through Aetheric Blood.
Their strength derives from knowledge, calculation, and control.
Most scholars, researchers, and battlefield casters belong to this category.
Approximately seventy percent of all supernatural practitioners fall under this discipline.
Battlemagus
A Battlemagus combines martial combat with magical manipulation.
Rather than remaining at range, they enhance their bodies through magic and engage directly in battle.
A Battlemagi's philosophy is simple:
"A spell is strongest when delivered at sword-point."
They are often found serving within military orders and elite knight formations.
Swordbearers
Swordbearers do not manipulate matter as traditional mages do.
Instead, they direct Aetheric Blood inward through a discipline known as Stima.
Through Stima they enhance:
-Strength
-Speed
-Endurance
-Stamina
-Reflexes
-Durability
-Weapon Performance
By extending Stima through an Aetheric Field, a Swordbearer may form a Stima Blade around their weapon.
This grants supernatural sharpness, durability, and destructive force.
Where mages reshape the world, Swordbearers perfect themselves.
Mystics
Mystics derive power through devotion rather than knowledge.
Instead of manipulating reality through Aetheric Blood, they invoke miracles through faith, prayer, and spiritual communion.
A Mystic forms a covenant with a higher power and receives blessings in return.
The strength of a Mystic depends upon:
-Faith
-Devotion
-Spiritual Understanding
-Favor of their Deity
Unlike mages, Mystics often produce effects that appear impossible even by magical standards.
Because their powers originate from divine authority rather than scientific principles, Mysticism remains one of the least understood disciplines in the world.
The current ratio between Magi and Mystics across the Empire is approximately 70:30.
Ranks
Magus Hierarchy
Initiate
Apprentice Magus
Lesser Magus
Magus
High Magus
Senior Magus
Master Magus
Grandmaster Magus
Arch Magus
Grand Magus
Swordbearer Hierarchy
Initiate Bearer
Iron Bearer
Steel Bearer
Swordbearer
Veteran Swordbearer
High Swordbearer
Master Swordbearer
Grandmaster Swordbearer
Sword Saint
Sword Sovereign
Typical Academy Progression
Initiate — Ages 6–7
Apprentice Magus — Pre-Academy
Lesser Magus — 1st Year Academy
Magus — 2nd Year Academy
High Magus — 3rd Year Academy
Senior Magus — 4th Year Academy
Master Magus — Academy Graduate
Grandmaster Magus — Elite Professional
Arch Magus — National Authority
Grand Magus — Pinnacle of Magical Achievement