With Roran's birth, I know I have at least two years before Brom arrives.
To prepare for this encounter, I must prioritize protection. Although my family has gained access to magic, we still have no way to use it directly without runes or potions.
So we must move on to practical magic — spells.
I have always considered the use of magic in this world to be flawed. Having to verbally state what you are doing is slow, and even if one thinks that knowledge can shorten the phrases, or that using pure intent would make it faster and more efficient, I must disagree.
First, by shortening a phrase, we expose ourselves to misinterpretation. In such cases, we must compensate by explaining what we want through intent — which is inefficient, since any interference could cause failure or, worse, kill you.
Second, relying on intent itself carries the same problem. Depending on intent while other mages can assault your mind is obviously dangerous.
I believe no alternative method ever emerged because, in the beginning, there was no need — and over time, it became accepted truth that magic could only be used through the Ancient Language.
Now we arrive at the core question: how can magic be used in a simpler and more efficient way?
I envisioned two possibilities: the "Harry Potter" method and the "Anime" method.
The Harry Potter method is a fusion of gestures and words to communicate to the world what must be done.
The Anime method, on the other hand, uses magic circles — circles inscribed with runes to communicate with the world.
Although the first method resembles what is already practiced in this world, I find myself far more tempted by the second. Challenging established norms feels far more fascinating than merely simplifying an existing system.
Let's get to work. I will use the runes I already employ for enchantments, since this is a language the world already understands.
By using geometry to help convey ideas and intent, this form of magic will function like creating a "function" — when called, it executes its command.
For my first circle, I will attempt something simple: a blade of wind. Wind is malleable and not difficult to set in motion.
I will place runes along the outer circle to gather energy. Inside it, I will place another circle that will serve as a safety mechanism — if the spell draws more energy than expected, it will cancel itself. Any programmer fears an infinite loop; here, it would be my life on the line, not a computer.
Inside that, I will place a square containing runes for direction, cost, power, and transmission.
With the structure built, all that remains is a way to use this circle.
In anime, magic circles are often invoked as glowing circles of light.
But I do not think that would work here. Attempting to mold light would already require energy and would reintroduce the same intent-based problems that plague this world's spells.
Then the answer came to me: what if, instead of invoking the circle in the world, I invoked it in my mind? Since the circle performs the work of intent, it only makes sense that it should exist where intent itself resides.
Time for the first test.
I bring forth the image of the circle I designed and adjust its parameters — direction, cost, power, and transmission.
I feel my energy being spent, and in front of me a gust of wind appears — so weak that I almost thought I had imagined it.
Embarrassed, I can only hear my mother's laughter behind me.
Why did I think having an audience would be a good idea?