Beep! Beep! Beep!

Smash!!

Next morning, Vernon was awoken by his alarm clock, and due to his groggy state, he flailed his arms around the clock, resulting in it falling to the ground causing an even louder smash, completely removing his sleepiness.

'What the hell? That is one way to begin a day. Not the best one, but it is one.'

Vernon blinked away the last remnants of sleep, trying to make sense of the chaotic scene in his bedroom. The shards of his alarm clock were scattered across the floor, and the once annoying buzz had been replaced by an eerie silence. Suppressing his annoyance and exhaling a long breath, he slowly got up.

His morning routine had taken an unexpected turn, courtesy of his half-asleep acrobatics. With a sigh, he carefully navigated the sea of clock pieces and got out of his room.

Glancing at his hallway watch, he noticed 12:32 clearly being displayed. Not as bothered, he stepped into his bathroom and grabbed his brush, making sure to properly rinse his teeth.

Afterwards, he went ahead and got his newspaper from the mailbox. Yes, newspapers were still popular in this age.

Sitting at his couch, he turned on the music as he read the articles.

'The Dominion Republic nearing national emergency'

'Clearsea and Whitney's relationship talks fail'

'Integration cabins booked for next 2 months already'

Slowly going the headlines, he came across an interesting one.

'CTO of Hauss Corporation talks about Integration's development.'

'The CTO? This should be worth reading. Speaking of, they better include a basic guide after the main release. Going in blind is hectic.'

Opening the page the article was on, he started reading through it.

'In an exclusive interview with Hauss's Chief Technology Officer, Lox Yeger, one of the core developers behind the much-anticipated VR game Integration, our team delved deep into the intricacies of the groundbreaking project that has captured the world's attention.

Integration, a virtual reality game that promises an unparalleled immersive experience, has taken the gaming world by storm. Within mere hours of its closed beta release, all available game cabins were booked for the next two months. Players across the globe are buzzing with excitement, eager to dive into the world that Hauss has meticulously crafted.

During our interview, Lox shared insights into the game's development process, shedding light on the technology that powers this unprecedented virtual reality experience. "Integration is the result of years of research and development by our brilliant team at Hauss," Lox said. "We aimed to create a seamless blend of reality and fantasy, an experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming."

When asked about the AI of the game he admitted. "The level of realism achieved in Integration is beyond anything we could have anticipated," Lox said, his expression a mix of fascination and slight surprise. "The AI driving the game's environment and characters adapted and learnt beyond our expectations. In fact, to this date, I'm still curious as to how we achieved this so well."

While Lox was tight-lipped about the specifics of the game's AI, he assured us that Hauss's team is continuously monitoring the situation, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the players. "Our priority is the players' experience. We have stringent safety protocols in place, and we're working round the clock to monitor the complexities of the game's AI system. In fact, should the player be in any kind of extreme distress, there are ejection protocols in place."

As the world eagerly awaits the public release of Integration, Hauss's enigmatic CTO left us with a sense of excitement and expectation.'

'That's nice to learn about. I won't have to be worried about my senses being overwhelmed and having a breakdown anymore. Though, it's interesting how even the CTO is appalled by the game's realism. Did they have lower expectations?'

Going through the entire paper, Vernon put down the object and went to take a bath.

Afterwards, he activated the timer function- yes it had one- and put a timer of 5 hours on his pod and entered Integration.

'Log In'

Immediately, his vision was replaced and he was back in the hotel room, still facing downward on the bed.

He got up, surveying his surroundings and just as he had taken his first step, he doubled over and fell down.

'Damn, what the heck? Why did I suddenly lose control over my body?'

As his stomach growled, Vernon understood why.

'They even implemented hunger? Nice. I should see if the status lists anything regarding this.'

With a single though from his mind, the status came up but even after looking through it, he saw no indication of a hunger or a water bar. Heck, even stamina wasn't present in the status.

'Hidden bars huh? This makes it better. Now, people can only rely on their felling of fulfillness to guess their satiety.'

Slowly getting up, Vernon proceeded downstairs and went towards the buffet hall to get a good breakfast/lunch in. The game time was synchronized so that meant that it was currently early morning in the game world, as compared to noon in the real world.

Stuffing himself just enough to get normal satiety, he called up the menu in his mind.

'Menu'

[ Integration

Game Level: -1.02.1

WT: 06:51

RT: 13:02

Time Dilation: 1:1]

The game had updated to include the activation of the systems and the time dilation was still the same, with a difference of 6 hours and 11 minutes between the two times.

Finally having had enough to fill him, but not to overstuff him, Vernon got up and proceeded to head back to his room, ready to investigate the book.

Inside, he once again locked the door and took out the book from the space bag, which was kept beside a small table.

Opening it, he read the first page.

“Welcome to Introduction To Magic, your indispensable guide into the enigmatic world of sorcery and spells.

Magic, the art of harnessing the arcane energies that dance unseen around us, has captivated human imagination for centuries. In these pages, you will embark on a journey that will awaken the dormant potential within you, guiding you from a novice to a master of the magical arts.

As you hold this book in your hands, know that you are stepping into a universe where the laws of physics yield to the whims of wizards and the whispers of witches. But do not be daunted, for every mage, no matter how powerful, once stood where you stand now – at the beginning.

This book is not just a manual; it is a mentor, a companion on your voyage into the unknown. Whether you are a wide-eyed newcomer or a seasoned adventurer, these words will serve as your guiding stars through the vast and awe-inspiring cosmos of magic.

To the untrained eye, magic might seem like an impenetrable enigma, an inscrutable language of spells and symbols. Fear not, for within these pages, the complex will be made comprehensible, the obscure will become clear, and the extraordinary will become your everyday.

But remember. Everything you learn will only be truly learnt when you put this into practice. Going only on theory will put you in risk and most likely turn you into stew in your battle.

So, turn this page and let the journey truly begin.”

'Hmm, bold words. But, the last warning is something to keep in mind. Now then, let's begin'

Turning the page, Vernon finally started the book.

“To begin with, Magic is but one part of the way to power. There are unlimited ways, and each has it's own pro and con. Magic, is one of the common but at the same time, legendary powers a warrior can wield.

So, let's begin. First, what exactly is magic? The answer is still not complete to the roots, but magic, in its most basic form is basically an energy type, that has it's own special rules and is capable of doing things beyond scientific energy types.

At higher tiers, magic can take a specialty, at which point it becomes affinity energy type.

So, whether you think of magic as a liquid, solid or an ethereal object, in the end, it is just a way to power things.

With that done, let's move ahead. How to control magic? Well, to answer that question, you must know the answer of 'How to get magic?' in the first place.

Magic can be gained in many ways. The most common is by forming a mana core. This will create an ethereal sphere of magic inside a place in your body, which allow you to wield magic.

Of course, while it is the easiest, it also has many disadvantages. The mana core, can only be formed in one part of the body and based on it's location, it gives either more or less control, mana capacity etc. The stronger regions like brain, heart also have the risk of death or crippling your road to access forever.

Other than this, once your mana core gets an affinity, your other element spells will be a bit more difficult to cast. Not that big of a debuff, but at very important times, may cost you a bit.

This is why, those who go the option of mana cores only specialize in one element. Of course, if someone can reach a very high level with a core, the core can be 'evolved', removing all restrictions based on affinity.

The other method most commonly used is called the 'Sensing'. It uses external mana directly induced in the mana channels to allow the user to sense mana. With this, the user can gain to manipulate natural mana regardless of the restrictions.

The disadvantages it has are quite obvious. The mana capacity of someone without a mana core as compared to someone with a mana core is nearly double or triple. The spells used by core users are also easier to cast and control as compared to sensing method.

Other than these two, there are countless other methods, but these are controlled by families or legacies and are used for one specific expertise only.

It is best to commence the magic use ceremony before the person progresses to Tier 1 and the lower their progression to Tier 1, the higher the benefits.

But, before we get to their steps, let me define a technical term.

Affinity- Refers to a person's natural connection or alignment with a specific magical element or energy. It represents an individual's inherent attunement to a particular aspect of magic or a specific elemental force. This affinity influences how easily and effectively someone can harness and manipulate that specific type of magic or element.

For example, someone with a fire affinity would have a natural inclination and ease when it comes to casting fire spells or controlling flames. Their magical abilities related to fire would be more potent and easier to master compared to other elements, such as water or air.

External Mana- Refers to mana controlled by an external entity. It does not include ambient mana.”

Finishing the page, Vernon stopped for a moment, before skimming through it once again and then shifted to the next page.

“Mana Core Formation

Well, if this is what you've chosen, let's begin. Your Mana Core is the epicenter of your magical abilities, the reservoir from which all your spells will draw their power. It is, in essence, your magical heart, though it can be formed at any location.

Understanding the Mana Core:

Before we delve into the process of forming your Mana Core, it's crucial to grasp its significance. Imagine your Mana Core as any object, nestled within your very being. It pulsates with raw magical energy, waiting to be harnessed. The Mana Core is unique to each individual, reflecting their affinities, strength, and potential.

Steps to Formation:

1. Meditation and Connection: Find a quiet, serene place where you can connect with the natural energies around you. Sit or stand comfortably and close your eyes. Let your mind attune itself to the ebb and flow of the world's magic. Feel the energy of the environment.

2. Channeling the Essence: Slowly, join with the mana. Get into a trance like state, where you feel connected to it. Feel it merging with your own essence, becoming one with your being. Then, will the mana to flow into your body, directing it towards your desired location.

3. Forming the Core: As you focus on your task, envision a radiant core taking shape within your body. Picture it as a glowing sphere or any form that resonates with you. Afterwards, will the mana tendrils, to form the desired shape.

4. Stabilizing: Keep on continuing to pour mana into the core. The larger amount of mana you can create it with, the bigger your foundation, potential and other stuff will be. Of course, overdoing it will result in the mana core bursting and either causing death or crippling you.

5. Connect: You have formed the core. Now, it is time to claim it. Visualize the core and draw a line of pure mana, straight to your chest. It does not have to be specific, but should be between the rib cage. Afterwards, you may feel a tingling or a shuddering sensation. This will be the soul connection to your core.

Caution:

Beware, just when the core is formed, it is at it's most vulnerable. If you allow external mana to help stabilize your core, they can also damage it or claim it as their own. You should wait until 10 minutes, to allow external mana inside your body.

Also, extraordinary perception is mandatory for this procedure.

After about 10 minutes of forming a connection, you must be able to feel the core. Congratulations, and welcome to the journey.”

Silently taking it all in, Vernon took a look at the next page.

“Sensing

So, you've chosen the 'Sensing' option as the path to magic. First, get someone who knows how to use mana to put some external mana inside your body, but not so much so as to damage you. Well, let's begin.

Developing Your Sensing Ability:

1. Meditative Attunement: Find a tranquil spot, much like before, but this time, focus on the energies inside you. Feel the subtle currents of mana brushing against your skin. Imagine these energies as delicate threads, interwoven into the fabric of reality.

2. Sensory Expansion: Expand your awareness. Feel beyond the physical realm. Sense the mana flowing inside of you, dissect it from the inside to the outside and gain perception about it.

3. External Mana Connection: Reach out with your consciousness and imagine gently touching the external mana. Feel its flow, its rhythm. Allow it to seep into your being, harmonizing with your own energy. Imagine it filling the spaces within you, merging seamlessly.

4. Visualization and Control: Extend your perception beyond the body. Picture the mana as a soft, glowing light. In your mind, direct it towards you. Slowly, allow it to get inside your body, mixing with your energies.

Congratulations, you can now sense magic.

Challenges and Growth:

• Mana Instability: Natural mana can be unpredictable. Sensers must learn to stabilize and filter the energies they draw upon, preventing chaotic surges or sudden drains.

• Continuous Practice: Sensing demands consistent practice and acute focus. Regular exercises to attune your senses are essential for growth. Engage with natural surroundings, absorb the energy of various environments, and refine your perception.

• Adaptability: Sensers excel in versatility. With exposure to diverse mana types, you'll learn to adapt your spells to different environments, making you a formidable mage in various landscapes.”

Flipping towards the next page, Vernon continued, now quite engrossed.

“Chapter 2: Using Mana

Now that you can use mana, either from the environment or from the core, it's time to learn how to wield it.

But first, you must know that mana will regenerate by itself. As soon as you can sense mana, it also senses you. It will be drawn to your body naturally, allowing you to recover mana.

For core users, they draw mana from the environment and store in the core, allowing it to expand it's capacity. All spells executed will be from the core and will not draw upon environmental mana.

For sensers, the environmental mana will not have a place to be stored, thus it will upgrade all parts of your body, slowly improving your maximum capacity. Of course, the mana regeneration will be a tad bit faster.

The control of mana sensers is also a lot more as compared to those who use mana core's power to cast.

Mana Lines:

For casting, you first need to have mana lines, at least to your hand. This is a mandatory step by all users of magic and mana lines can either be created or they can be genetical, meaning you have them since birth.

Genetical mana lines are usually focused on one expertise, and while stronger than other in their expertise, they are normal or worse than average in other areas.

Mana lines bring mana towards that part of the body. For sensers, they must carve out the mana lines, allowing them to customize the way their mana flows. Core users, have mana lines already made for them,-which are quite generic-during the time when the core formed, so they do not have to worry about this procedure.

Now then, to create mana lines, all the user has to do is to will the mana inside their body to move in a specific pattern or direction. Moving through the direction 388 times, will form a mana line. Beware, this action is very very painful and spikes near the end. Should the user ever stop movement of mana, before completion, the consequences will be quite bad.

Anyways, casting will need about 5-6 mana lines for small spells and from 100-590 for the largest of Tier 1 spells, for one part of the body. For example, if I wish to cast from my right hand, I will need to draw new lines leading to my right hand, originating from my chest area. If this requirement ever increases, that is not known to me.

Sensers should keep in mind, that the lines should meet at one location. It is not necessary, but it allows the mana drawn from the environment to distribute, without losing your concentration from many mana points.

Once you've got yourself some mana lines, move towards the next page to learn casting.”