"Interestingly, the term "EVE" itself has been classified as a collective name for a vast array of diverse particles. Its behaviour… is intriguing at best."
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Sanctum Sanctorum. I am Agent Justin.
No, no—you've come to the right place. This is indeed Area-CN-07, so rest assured and please take your seats. There's coffee and youtiao油条1 to the right of the entrance, so help yourselves. It might sound like an odd combination, but I assure you that it's delicious; I've tried it myself.
So, let's talk about magic.
I'm sure some of you have already attended Dr. Moose's magic orientation at Site-19, or perhaps even read the transcripts of the GOC's seminar on the subject. As the presenter for this series of seminars on thaumaturgy, I need to make a few things clear: No, I am not simply rehashing what they've said. The mystique of thaumaturgy goes far beyond what Dr. Moose and that "Hogwarts" professor (may his God bless him; he was a good man) can ever possibly "spell" out. Yes, as an agent, I have also partaken in thaumatology; or rather, it intruded into my life even before I ventured down this career path. Perhaps the best proof of that is the Strider游侠号, which some of you may have already seen—I was its chief designer. So listen closely.
Magic, thaumaturgy, witchcraft, legends, superstition… whatever you say. Tell me, you think that there are no differences between a Type Green and a thaumaturge—or a Type Blue, right?
Ooo-kay, I see more than half of you raised your hands. But that's fine, we'll go slow.
See, when it comes to reality benders… they appear omnicompetent, capable of turning the world upside down. The very fabric of reality rests in the palms of their hands, as fragile and malleable as a child's Play-Doh… That's why they're called "reality benders". But thaumaturges can't do nearly as much; they have to follow many rules and restrictions—this can't be done, that's off-limits… Some might spend their entire lives just getting their… ah, phalli to glow. So don't go thinking that after attending these lectures you'll be able to run around zapping everything you see like some lightning-scarred baboon brandishing a stick… Do not think this is funny, you might end up losing your life over this.
Let's start with the basics. Firstly, there's the three laws that you need to remember: "Part affects Whole", "Like assimilates Like", "Mindset alters Capabilities". Please, jot these down, we'll get into them in a bit.
As an… energy, all thaumaturgy, or magic has its own power source, just like how a lightbulb requires electricity and how the human body needs ATP. The main power source for thaumaturgy is EVE—Elan-Vital Energy, otherwise known as the "lifeforce". The GOC detected radiation from this type of particle several years ago, where the discovery then led to the invention of the now-obsolete COLLICULUS and the latest VERITAS systems. However, they were unable to trace or provide an explanation for the source of this energy—and neither can we. All we can hypothesise is that this energy is connected to the universe as a whole, which has now become the most widely accepted theory for it2. Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with the laws of conservation of energy and mass. If we treat the entire universe as an isolated system and consider the particles we understand as ordinary matter, then EVE is the dark matter lurking behind the cosmos. It accounts for around 80 percent of all energy from the Big Bang—and, interestingly, the term "EVE" itself has been classified as a collective name for a vast array of diverse particles. Its behaviour… is intriguing at best.
As one of the few sites in the CN Branch dedicated to thaumaturgical research, we're able to directly observe the movement trajectories of EVE particles using TENS十环3. Please look here. (Opens the screen) This is the clearest image of an EVE particle trajectory we've observed so far, captured just two months ago. Now, I'll be showing you some pictures of various EVE particles, take a close look please. (Shows different images) Yes, you, the one with the loud tie. What? Oh yes, their waveforms are different. Does anyone else also think so?
Bingo. We can see here that different EVE particles display differing waveforms. Similar to sound waves, we evaluate EVE particles using three criteria: Frequency频率, Amplitude响度, and Timbre音色. Sounds way cooler than the GOC model, doesn't it? But they're actually the same—Timbre refers to Hue, though "timbre" better describes the properties of a given EVE particle. Differences in waveforms determine differences in Timbre, which we'll explain in detail later. Amplitude corresponds to Pitch and indicates the "intensity" of the EVE pulse; we denote it with a "Ω". Frequency relates to Weave, describing density and is denoted by "Λ".
A quick fact: what the GOC refers to as "Pitch" is actually determined by both Timbre and Frequency. Research has shown that EVE particles emit a certain amount of VER4 over a given time interval. Here, this unit of radiation is denoted as Φ, and calculating it is very simple: simply multiply the intensity by the density. A VER detector can read the VER level of any object/thaumatic working术式. When analysing a thaumatic working, the "triaxial evaluation method" is typically employed, which evaluates its intensity, density, and precision. Here, precision indicates whether the thaumaturge has reasonably and accurately allocated EVE particles to their appropriate positions within the thaumatic working. That said, because precision cannot be observed directly, so most of the time the VER reading essentially determines the extent to which the spell will manifest. Of course, be my guest if you prefer the GOC's Hue scale.
As for the unit of measurement for EVE particles… we currently use the Greek letter Ψ to express it, though it really has no significant practical usage in the lab or on the battlefield. Have you ever heard of this story? You can use 3000Ψ of EVE particles to conjure a massive fire and torch a building, or you can also use 30Ψ of EVE particles to destroy one of its critical support points. Or perhaps even more famously: "If the blizzard you summon isn't enough to turn your opponent into a popsicle, then crystallise an icicle and stab them to death".
We see here that the EVE particle is not an elementary particle; rather, it's a composite particle composed of even smaller sub-particles. Here's that same waveform diagram again, but this time viewed from a cross-sectional perspective: Do you see that tiny dot at the centre of the planetary orbit of the waveform? We named it the kapponκ子. Of course, it's different from the kaon in Physics. Rotating in the orbit of the kappon are chionsχ子. Interestingly, chions carry a charge of -0.5e, which may help explain the influence of electromagnetic fields on thaumaturgic processes.
We can see on the trajectory plot that the distance between chions and kappons is constantly changing. When the distance between the two particles are at its shortest, the EVE particle reaches its peak VER energy, a phenomenon that we named the "maxonance state谐满状态". By definition, "Frequency" refers to the number of times the EVE particle achieves the maxonance state per second, whereas "Amplitude" indicates the number of chions on a single EVE particle's trajectory.
But there's a problem. EVE particle trajectories are exceedingly varied and strange, and even EVE particles with the same properties can have different Frequency and Amplitude levels. How, then, might you ask, do we calculate and determine an EVE particle's Frequency and Amplitude? Counting them one by one is certainly out of the question. And so we turned our attention to a very special type of EVE particle, for which we christened it as the "principon原初粒子": They never change their Frequencies or Amplitude, and so they serve as an excellent reference point for classifying other EVE particles. As previously stated, the unit for Amplitude was "Ω", and so a standard value of 1Ω was made synonymous with the number of chions in a principon—that being four. If an EVE particle contains eight chions, then its Amplitude would be 2Ω. Chions in a principon can achieve eight maxonance states in one second, which defines a standard value of 1Λ.
Let us go back to the three laws. The first one—you all better be taking notes—what does "Part affects Whole" mean?
When a speciocide targeting a specific species begins, the Sanctum Sanctorum steps in to intervene and assists in the restoration of that species. Of course, this isn't out of petty humanitarianism, because we've previously also protected "Beasts猎兽"—creatures once mistaken by humans for "demons"—who came from the Rift Dimension rather than the Demon Dimension. Hmm, I recall one instance when we even helped the succubus…
Ahem, I digress. So, what's the reason that we do all of this?
All species in the universe exert some sort of influence upon EVE particles, not to mention higher-dimensional entities, who are essentially the very sources of multifarious EVE particles in the broader environment. But it is precisely because of this that the universe currently exists in a delicate state of balance. For instance, if all of the "Beasts" in the current Rift Dimension were to die and the species were go extinct, then three major food chains would be disrupted, and the priests of a "state religion" on a certain planet 2,300 light-years away would no longer be able to cast their signature defensive spells—which, given their situation, are of utmost importance.
This is what is meant by the saying "Part affects Whole": The universe is like an intricate machine whirring and puffing away. If even one of its components were to be rusted away, even if it was just a teeny-tiny screw, the entire universe would stop functioning… It's only a metaphor, I'm not a member of the Church5!
The second law "Like assimilates Like" is pretty easy to understand. It's just a variation of the phrase "Like begets Like". Just like how we previously noted that EVE is a particle, it also undergoes autonomous, erratic motion. The movement of EVE particles also affects other EVE particles in their surroundings. Using EVE particles with different Timbre as an example, if two clusters of EVE particles with different Timbre encounter—and they are not arranged according to any thaumatic working—then two possibilities exist. One, unfortunately, these two clumps of particles happen to have opposite Timbres, then BOOM—a massive burst of energy is released, and a brand-new cluster of EVE particles with a Timbre unlike any of its parent particles. Two, if these two clusters aren't of the opposite Timbre but are still different, then they will slowly attempt to assimilate and influence each other, where their boundaries will become blurred and the resultant Timbre will shift to become the average of the original two. I recall somebody from AWCY once used this property to create a painting—it was absolutely stunning, but it came at the cost of an entire town. I took care of them myself. We'll save intensity and density for later. Anyways, the second scenario is representative of "Like assimilates Like". A crude connecting point to this for all of you to remember could be: "You become who you keep company with".
Thirdly, "Mindset alters Capabilities". Earlier, I said that this is a variation of the phrase "magic requires a talented practitioner," right? If a non-gifted individual seeks to become a thaumaturge, then they must change themselves fundamentally. An ordinary human is unable to even sense EVE particles, much less to use them. This is the "mindset" of an ordinary human. The reason many spiritual practitioners choose to live in seclusion to meditate or follow a particular religion is much because they are striving to transform their "mindset", or rather what is called, the "worldview". Once the "mindset" has been altered, the enhancement in "capabilities" then manifests as the attainment of the ability to sense EVE particles.
Oh, and another thing I'd like to clarify… you all know Backlash, right? (Looks around) Then do you all understand the formation of Backlash? Yes, you.
Alright, now that was very standard, an answer copied almost word for word from the textbook: The rebound of the reality framework generated during spellcasting.
There's actually a problem that relates to energy conversion efficiency here. We all know how to use machinery to exchange energy—or in other words, do work such as using a pulley to hang heavy objects or using pistons in an engine to drive the wheels. When we are doing such things, not all of the energy are converted to do that specific task, right? Some energy is always consumed to overcome friction or other whatnot. It is the same when utilising EVE for thaumaturgy, where there's always some energy "lost". These energy manifests with a normal Timbre, an Amplitude proportionately smaller than the original energy, and a random Frequency. Our latest research focus is how to minimise the amount of energy "lost", though it has been discovered that it varies person to person.
Now let's talk about the thaumaturge themselves.
Type Blues, magicians, warlocks, wizards, sorcerers—there's plenty of names for them. People that don't specialise in the subject or are just uninformed tend to confuse Type Blues and Type Greens, just because they can move objects and perform various supernatural feats or whatnot. That's not actually the case. There's actually a significant difference between Type Blues and Type Greens.
We just mentioned the radiation from EVE particles ten minutes ago—VER. The VER emitted from EVE particles with different properties also varies. (Shows slide) In this VER diagram, the left is Type Blue, and the right is Type Green, can anybody see what difference there is? You—yes, the gentleman in the second row. Exactly, in this diagram, the VER from Type Blues, or thaumaturges, radiate out from within themselves, which is also why you may observe that when this photo was taken thousands of Ψ of EVE particles are passing through their body. Here, our dear thaumaturge is "unfolding his workings"—what does that mean? Oh, I'll leave you in suspense for now. And Type Greens? We can see that the VER seems to surround them rather than emanate from within, and its colour and trajectories differ from Type Blues quite a lot. This means that when a Type Green is distorting reality, no EVE particles actually pass through their body.
Then why, you ask, are the effects we see when Type Blues "cast spells" and Type Greens "distort reality" the same? Does anybody have an answer? No? Well, to be honest I thought some of you would know.
The principle is simple actually. If EVE is thought of as electricity, then Type Blues are like the electrical appliances. When an appliance is plugged into the electrical circuit, they start to whirr and do their job. In the same sense, once a Type Blue senses EVE particles and channels them into themselves, they tend to convert it to EVE particles imbued with their own "characteristics特性" to cast spells. As for Type Greens… Type Greens use their own abilities to guide EVE particles to directly interfere with reality, which appears to the outsider as "distortion". What's interesting is that Type Greens can only manipulate principons.
See, as a part of the world, EVE particles interfere with the particles that make up reality as we know it upon manipulation from Type Greens. On the microscopic scale, they alter half-lives, remove electrons, and directly trigger nuclear fission; on the macroscopic scale, they accelerate cellular aging, alter density, and so on. However, the EVE surrounding the Type Green remains the same even after their environment becoming "distorted". In contrast, EVE particles emitted by Type Blues take on that Type Blues' unique characteristics—specifically, differences in Amplitude, Frequency, and Timbre—which can be observed in the waveform diagrams. Unfortunately, what factors determine these characteristics remain a mystery.
Let's extend that metaphor of an "electrical appliance". As a thaumaturge, we also have "resistance" similar to electrical appliances, typically referred to as "thaumatic resistance魔法阻值". It's defined as the exclusionary force that is exerted on the EVE particles entering the body during spellcasting, which also brings some insight to the extent to which a human being can absorb EVE particles. But this is different from the type of energy released during Backlash. Well, to explain in detail, the steps for conjuring magic are:
Sense external EVE particles -> Guide the EVE particles into own body (Note that here thaumatic resistance is repulsing against the EVE particle intrusion, causing a portion of them to be "wasted") -> EVE particles are transformed into special EVE particles with personal characteristics, with their three properties altered -> The thaumaturge employs thaumatic workings and casts spell, discharging EVE particles with new properties in the process (Backlash is created in this process).
The magnitude of thaumatic resistance differs person to person, with its calculation being exceedingly complex, so I'll skip the elaboration. All you need to know is that thaumatic resistance is related to the thaumaturge's mental capabilities, understanding of the thaumatic working, and their own characteristics. Why? First and foremost, thaumaturgy relies on utilising your own power to influence the environment, so psychological autosuggestion is immensely important when casting spells. Also, the more you understand about the thaumatic working, the more you can effectively and intricately guide EVE particles as well as determine the quantity of EVE particles required to weave your "field". Thus you'll have a rough idea about how much Ψ you'll need. Furthermore, when converting EVE particles, some characteristics may need a longer time to convert EVE particles into having these characteristics, which slows the efficiency of conversion and hence is also counted in the calculation of thaumatic resistance.
But don't worry, for this is when the so-called "thaumaturgical artefacts法器" come in handy. some thaumaturgical artefacts are specifically designed to lower a thaumaturge's thaumatic resistance. Examples include branches from certain trees, woven fabrics, or even metal ores. Personally, I prefer a combination of ores and plants—such as in necklaces or wands. I recommend that after determining whether you have a talent for thaumaturgy and the magnitude of your thaumatic resistance, you choose a thaumaturgical artifact that best suits your personal EVE particle's characteristics.
(A staff pushes a trolley up the stage)
Now, this is… obviously, a crystal ball. Specifically used to test the level of thaumatic resistance. It'll send a stream of ordinary EVE particles toward the test subject; after circulating through the subject's body, the particles return back to the crystal ball. Is anybody able… does anybody want to try? Yes, you, the girl on the second row with the cute hairpin. Please come up to the stage. Yes, just put your hand on top of it… Don't worry, I don't bite, or at least not off the bed.
Alright, we can see that… the crystal ball has turned aqua.
What does aqua mean? It indicates that their thaumatic resistance level is "low", approximately the same level as an AWCY artist. Thank you, please return to your seat.
A final point, does anybody realise that throughout this seminar I've been using "thaumaturges" and "Type Blues" to describe… well, Type Blues? Why? (Switches screen)
Everyone, please remember three titles: Wizard, Sorcerer, and Warlock. These three titles all refer to thaumaturges.
Why, you ask? What's the reason we call them differently?
The difference is substantial.
"Wizard" usually refers to organisms that underwent "learning" and transformed their "worldview", such as a vast majority of human thaumaturges. "Sorcerer" denotes those that are gifted and have an innate affinity to sense EVE particles; some are humans, and some are beings that are very far from us. "Warlock" describes beings that are directly bestowed capabilities by Lesser Divines and above. They're typically Type Blacks not to be messed with with near-infinite potential, referred to as "Gods in the mortal realm".
A joke goes like this: A wizard, sorcerer, and warlock attended a thaumaturgy exam. The wizard passed because they've studied diligently; the sorcerer passed because they're a genius; the sorcerer passed because they slept with the invigilator. This sounds like nonsense, I know, but to some extent it does provide insight on their abilities and origin.
Of course, when the thaumaturge we want to refer to is present, I recommend to call them as "thaumaturge/thaumaturge Brown" or something like that, and not "wizard/wizard Brown". There's an unspoken rule that "warlocks" will always be more favoured than "wizards". To prevent possible discrimination or even exclusion, I'd like for all of you to always use the term "thaumaturge" or "thaumaturgist", unless you're filling in your identity or power origin in a file.
Our next seminar will explore the practical applications of EVE particles. It'll be interesting, trust me. So that'll conclude this seminar, and I'll need every one of you to perform "Lumos" by your fingertips as a pop quiz—No no, of course its just a joke, I don't want to see anybody's fingertips blasted off. Please push in your chairs and take away your garbage. Also, remember the key points discussed today, the class quiz is not until the next seminar. "Fails" will automatically place you as a ritual sacrifice—Of course its a joke!
Until next time.
Area-CN-07-β
Sanctum Sanctorum Seminar Series
EVE Particles and the Thaumaturge | Applied Thaumaturgy and A Glimpse of the Future »