Almost twenty years have passed since they started researching the essence of nature. Multiple attempts at what they call "Sorcery" were recorded in an old, decrepit notebook. The people who initially thought the idea blasphemous started to acknowledge the presence of such an incredible concept, and it's all thanks to a lone man.
"Magic exists!" He claimed.
Although there was no visible evidence, the concept itself was profound and filled with rich and complex ideas that transcend the natural understanding of the world they live in. Such is the interest of Arkan Valis—a foolish scholar who believed that he could tamper with the natural order and develop a phenomenon.
People call him a weirdo for thinking such unimaginable things. But isn't the primary job of a scholar to pursue knowledge beyond their comprehension? Whatever the case may be, the man didn't let anything stop him from researching Magic.
"Just a bit more..." Arkan muttered as he carefully drew the inscription on the notebook. The page itself was full of relevant information about the diagram, which he called a "Magic Circle".
Descriptions can be found underneath the circle, as well as instructions on how to perform the art. Not only does it showcase the full step-by-step algorithm, but it also has hand-drawn visuals on performing the spells.
"And... Done! Finally! I've completed it!" He rejoiced.
"Did you finish it?" An elven woman wearing a dark robe approached the desk.
"Yes. I've compiled everything from basic to advanced magic spells. No one should have a problem executing it, unless they did the steps in random order or if they mess up the algorithm."
"Hmm, why don't you demonstrate one spell and confirm it?" She suggested.
"Oh, alright then..."
Arkan stepped away from the desk and stood near the window. He then raised his left arm, palm facing the front and extending outside the window.
"Here I go..." He closed his eyes and calmed his nerves. The immense concentration that he pooled cleared all static noises in his mind as he focused on the causality.
Soon enough, the air whooshing on his palm began to move erratically. A heating edge combined with a glowing vapor was starting to converge into his hand, forming a flame in the shape of a ball. And as he opened his eyes, he shot the flaming ball toward the sky, sending a warm shockwave inside the room that they were in.
The ball then dissipated into the clouds, thus completing his demonstration of a basic "Fireball" spell.
"You surprise me, Mr. Arkan. Even the rumored Elemental Monarchs couldn't exhibit such precise firepower. Are you certain that you want to publish this to humanity?" The elven woman asked.
"Well, at first, I was hesitant. However, I believe that someday, the generation that comes across this Codex of mine will be able to use it to protect their loved ones and expand upon it. I mean, magic is a concept that I formulated to inspire people to continue their pursuit of knowledge while simultaneously promoting peace and kindness."
Magic itself is tantamount to discovering ways to project and highlight the secrets of the world. Its foundation would definitely bring changes to how civilization will advance to the next era.
Regardless of how it is used, Arkan believed that his codex would be left in the hands of those who want to pursue knowledge just like him. He didn't want to think about the trivial stuff that comes with it as a bonus.
"I see... You do have a habit of leaving a trace of your work for the young ones." She smiled.
"Haha! It has been a dream of mine to leave a legacy after all. I want our students to become the primary witnesses of the foundation of Magic."
"So? What would you call this work of yours...?"
"Hmm... Codex Arkanum."
"A fitting name indeed. Everything about Magic would be tied to you even after thousands of years."
"Yes, and I'm proud of myself that I was able to contribute at least this much to understanding the world."
It was Arkan's principles that led him to this discovery. No matter how many impediments come his way, he will still dedicate his life to imprinting a legacy that will span across millennia.
It was his dream after all. Many fellow scholars and professors doubted him in his progress, but he never showed any weaknesses nor let himself be eaten by their pessimism and backlash. He thought that once he was able to prove that he could manipulate the natural order of the world, everything would change.
And so he continued...
He continued to develop Codex Arkanum until he grew a little bit older and was able to found a school of magic, where he became a Headmaster and Grand Magister.
He succeeded in teaching children how to wield magic, gain support from different factions, and even earned the Kingdom's royal trust.
Arkan Valis was at his peak. And nobody could ever bring him down.
But even the strongest mage in his era could not escape "death".
***
Dear Iluna Korith
Current Head of the Caer Thalor Institute of Archaeomancy
"With the publication of Codex Arkanum, the Valis Research Institute (named after Arkan Valis after he died) was able to work on a multitude of progress, including active research into Elemental sources, major discoveries in Natural and Environmental Sciences, and an in-depth understanding of Magic and Arcane Arts.
After a millennium of pure advancement, the world they now know has shaped itself with a veil of magical energy, consistently changing and improving every turning point in history. The Codex Arkanum has proven itself to be immensely useful and has been instrumental in several accomplishments, that is, until... Era Nebula.
I know that you and several other scholars disconnected from the Crown Loyalists have been researching and attempting to perform a spell beyond the original Codex to restore the former glory of our Lord, and I wish to help you.
Should you accept my aid, I will provide the necessary arrangements for the procurement of materials to begin the ritual."
Sincerely, Seyra Elvainne