66. Magic and Divine Magic

"About magic, I heard from Aria and the others—here in this world, you activate spells through incantations or magic circles, right?"

Shiro asks a question.

"Yeah, that's right. Chanting based on ancient grimoires, or magic arrays—those are the fundamentals."

Sophia answered with the same content as Aria and the others.

"Though, that'd be better described as a simplified version of magic," Sophia continued.

"Lite version?" Aria asks.

"Yeah, just a lightweight version. You could call it a standard spell," Sofia said, smirking at Shiro.

"Notice it?" Shiro said.

"Yeah, most people who've mastered magic enough notice it eventually—like, shouldn't really need incantations, right?" Sophia said. Though, she added, that didn't mean you could just use magic without chanting on the spot.

In this world, the magic currently in use is known as standard divine magic, based on Shiro’s design—its spellcasting syntax, a controlled activation mechanism, is fixed, and magic activates precisely as pre-programmed by the incantation.

Magic tiers—basic, intermediate, advanced—are designed so that activation becomes harder as you progress, but whether you can actually use a spell depends on your level, attributes, mana capacity, and innate aptitude.

“And then, just as important as magic—though not widely known in this world—you realize, once you’ve mastered both to a certain degree, that high-level magic requires a refined martial skill,” said Sophia. She continued speaking.

“And then, there’s divine magic,” Sophia finished. “I’ve seen it mentioned once in ancient texts. The combination of magic and a certain threshold of martial skill unlocks higher-tier magic. In this world, only the inheritors of the Creation’s history know this truth. And even fewer can actually use it.”

“Shiro,” Aria asked, “when you mentioned that ‘certain threshold of martial skill,’ you’re referring to the qi techniques you taught me, right?”

“Yeah,” Shiro replied.

“Qi techniques?” Sophia asked.

“Yeah, Sophia. Qi techniques. What you call ‘a certain threshold of martial skill’—that’s what’s defined as qi techniques. A subset of divine magic,” Shiro explained.

Shiro decided to explain the system of divine magic to everyone.

In this world, magic is formally known as “Divine Magic,” composed of three components: magic, qi techniques, and divine magic.

What people commonly refer to as “magic” is the magic aspect—specifically, the chants-based spells known as “standard magic,” pre-defined for ease of use.

Reaching the age of adulthood and gaining the ability to cast magic comes from forging a contract with a magic spirit. The spirit then uses the individual’s own magic power to activate standard magic.

Qi techniques are spells tied to the ‘qi’ that develops through martial training. In fact, the body contains something akin to magic power—qi power—and spells are activated through it.

Divine magic requires combining magic power and qi power. It’s difficult to use, and even Shiro hasn’t mastered it yet.

Thought and imagination—mental processes—act as their own driving force, giving rise to images.

True divine magic can be activated based on imagery. To trigger it through visualization, one must master both mana manipulation and mana control.

“Unbelievable… so it’s structured like this? No, that’s probably inevitable—given how intricate this system is, there must be some clear design behind it…” Sophia murmured, her voice thick with surprise and admiration.

“Anyway, that’s how it works. But if you train, you’ll be able to use it beyond standard incantations in no time,” Shiro said.

“Master, look,” Aria said, forming a ball of water without chanting.

“Hm… I see. If Aria can do it, then maybe I can too.”

A fierce grin spread across Sophia’s face—her eyes alight with the challenge of a new system to crack.

“So, Sophia, you can use the divine magic I explained, right?”

“Yeah, well… I don’t know if it’s *true* divine magic or not, but there’s a technique I’ve never grasped before. Let me show you,” she said, lifting a hand as if to cast.

Sophia closed her eyes, focusing.

Her body began to glow faintly red.

Then, after a moment, a soft blue light joined it—merging into a swirling mix—before giving way to a pale, white radiance enveloping her entire form.

With eyes open now, Sophia turned to Shiro.

“This is it. I suddenly started being able to enter this state. I think it was during a battle—fighting with a sword while layering my mana cloak. I remember it was brutal. I was in a trance, lost in the fight. I survived because of this state, but… I still don’t know what it actually does,” Sophia said, her voice trailing off.

Shiro watched, startled. Using magic-sight and willpower-sight, he confirmed it—both forces were evenly mingled, overlapping perfectly. He leaned in closer, trying to examine it more carefully,

——『[Divine Perception] Level 1 acquired』

Shiro could see divine power now.

"Ahh, this is divine power. Really impressive. To reach this state on one's own... This condition is when magic and vitality overlap perfectly—transforming into divine power," Shiro explained.

“If you can do that, mastering divine magic should be a breeze. Let’s train together,” Shiro invited Sophia.

Ah, I’d be most grateful for your instruction.

And so, it was Sophia who asked Shiro.

Shestia said, “Me too,” watching the two of them, her face lighting up with a happy smile as she declared she wanted to join in as well.

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