Magic (魔法 Mahō) is the shaping of Mana to produce useful effects. It is closer to science and technology than it is to mysticism.
Principle[]
Magic is the useful shaping of Mana, the properties of which depend on its form and producer. Mages collect Mana via their Linker Cores, which are specialised organs for absorbing and storing the Mana of the atmosphere in their bodies,[1] as well as managing its useful conversion and release. Mana replenishment is slow but can be sped up by converting nutrients into it. To remain healthy, Mages require a balanced diet of sugars, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as various vitamins and minerals. Mages undergoing intense training during their early growth period, therefore eat much more than the average person.[2] In addition to regular replenishment, Mana can also be conserved in Cards or Cartridges for later use, such as in combat.
Before Mana can be used for a particular purpose, the Mage uses their Linker Core to shape it into an appropriate form. The process of shaping Mana is known as "Linking" and efficient Linking requires complex energy calculations. To expedite these calculations, predefined magical "programs" known as "Spells" are created to achieve common magical effects. These programs are computed within the caster's brain, and their computation can be assisted by their Device (which can also serve as a storage medium for spells). The visual manifestation of these calculations appears in the form of a Magic Circle. When the calculations are complete, a Trigger is usually required to launch the spell and to initiate the release of magical energy. Once the Linking process is finished, the bonds of Magic typically keep the energy together, unless the spell is dispelled or forcibly broken due to some form of interference. An Anti Magilink Field (AMF) is able to prevent magical energy from being linked, precluding the formation of magical bonds, while an EC Divider is capable of breaking already existing bonds of Magic, forcibly dispelling any spell.
Apart from the regular Linking, some Mages display the Mana Conversion Affinity, i.e. the ability to spontaneously convert their generated Mana into another form of energy (electricity, heat), bypassing the calculations that Mages without Mana Conversion Affinity require to achieve the same effects, while others learn to channel atmospheric Mana directly into certain spells of the Breaker sub-type, bypassing their Linker Core and its capacity limits completely.
The terms "Mage" and "Knight" are used to refer to individuals who have undergone training in and mastered Magic.