The Secrets of Magic and Skills

Gideon paced back and forth in front of the gathered children, his expression stern yet patient. His voice carried the weight of knowledge as he began,

"Magic is the energy that fuels our skills. It exists in everything, but for us, it acts as the source that powers whatever ability we are born with."

He paused, making sure the children were following along before continuing.

"There are five types of magic—Air, Water, Fire, Wood, and Dark. Each person carries a particular type of magic within them, which determines the kind of skills they can wield."

Seraphina's brows furrowed. This wasn't how the novel had described it. The book she had read only mentioned magic fueling skills—but nothing about types of magic being inherent in a person.

She raised her hand, skeptical. "What do you mean by that?"

Gideon met her gaze, seeing the sharpness in her hazel eyes, and explained further, "It means that a person's magic is predetermined. Their body naturally holds a specific kind of magical energy, which in turn shapes the skills they can manifest."

He turned to Rose. "Take you, for example. Your ability allows you to manipulate vibrations. That means your body carries Air Magic—because sound and resonance travel through air."

Rose blinked in understanding. "So, my skill exists because my magic type is Air?"

"Exactly," Gideon nodded, satisfied.

Luke, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Then… if I can create fire, that means my magic is Fire-based?"

Gideon smirked, hearing the uncertainty in Luke's voice. "Correct."

Luke's eyes widened a little. He hadn't expected Gideon to pick up on his muttering.

But then, Seraphina asked the crucial question.

"What if someone is born with Fire Magic but has a skill that requires Water Magic? Wouldn't that make their skill useless?"

Gideon's smirk faded into something more serious. "Yes. If a person's magic type doesn't match their skill, they'll never be able to use it. Their body simply won't be able to fuel it."

Seraphina's eyes widened. "Then… wouldn't that make them completely skillless?"

"It would," Gideon confirmed. "But cases like that are extremely rare. Most people are naturally born with a magic type that complements their skill. And even if a mismatch did occur, they would never realize it because their skill would remain dormant."

A heavy silence settled over the group as they absorbed the information.

Seraphina leaned forward. "Then… is there any way to fix that?"

Gideon let out a low chuckle. "Yes. That's where Magic Stones come in. If someone's magic doesn't match their skill, they can use a Magic Stone to artificially fuel it. It's not a perfect solution, but it works."

Seraphina mouthed an "oh," nodding slowly.

But then Gideon shifted topics. His tone darkened slightly as he said, "Now, let's talk about something even rarer… Dual Magic Holders."

Lucian barely reacted, but the others visibly perked up.

"A Dual Magic Holder is someone born with two types of magic. It sounds powerful, doesn't it?" Gideon smiled, but there was no amusement in his eyes.

Seraphina narrowed her gaze, sensing something ominous in his words.

"But," Gideon continued, "having two types of magic creates an imbalance. Those born with this condition are forced to give up one of their skills—or risk losing control entirely."

The twins exchanged a glance before Adrian hesitantly asked, "Is it even possible to just… get rid of a skill?"

Gideon nodded. "Yes. There are two ways to lose a skill. The first is simple—you just stop using it. Over time, your body will naturally adapt to one magic type and discard the other."

Seraphina frowned. "And the second?"

Gideon's smile turned grim. "The second happens involuntarily. If someone starts to hate their own skill, or feels uncomfortable using it, their mind will reject it… and eventually, it will disappear on its own."

Seraphina froze.

Her mind flashed to Evangeline, the protagonist of the novel. The one prophesized to save the world. The one who had lost her skill before she could defeat the darkness.

And that darkness…

She stole a glance at Lucian, who sat beside her, calm and detached.

Gideon's voice cut through her thoughts. "This is why the Royal Family and the Two Duchies have the most documented cases of Dual Magic Holders. Their bloodline abilities are passed down through generations, but every child also develops their own personal skill. Eventually, they have to choose—the inherited power or their own."

Seraphina's mind raced. "But… can't someone just use both skills?"

"No." Gideon's voice was firm. "That's the greatest flaw of Dual Magic Holders. If they try to maintain both abilities, the conflicting magic types will clash within them… and in the worst cases, they die."

His eyes flickered toward Lucian. For just a moment, unspoken worry lingered in them.

Lucian sighed, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Tch. Don't look at me like that."

But the others were already staring at him with concern.

Because they knew.

Lucian had both a bloodline ability and his own personal skill. And yet, he hadn't abandoned either.

Every time a child in the slums got injured, he used his power to save them.

Even knowing the risk, he kept using both skills.

Because he had no choice.

Because they were all too weak to protect themselves.

No one dared to say a word.

Because deep down, they all knew…

It wasn't Lucian's fault. It was theirs.

Gideon clapped his hands together, his expression shifting to one of forced ease as if trying to dispel the heavy tension lingering in the air. Clearing his throat, he offered a small, knowing smile before speaking.

"Now then, let's move on to another type—most enigmatic of all magic…"