Light Mastery

**Light Mastery** is the secret art of using light magic on light magic to create **hard-light constructs** and is the only known method of allowing light magic to be used offensively. Light Mastery is achieved differently by each mage. A Light Master can achieve with elemental magic almost the same results of Spirit Magic by consuming a lot less mana. Light constructs aren't as study as earth magic and requires some time to fully form.

The light element is that of order which means that it can be used to restore the original shape of things. When used on a living being, it is Healing magic. Unlike the other elements, however, light has no shape of its own and it cannot be given one just by exercising willpower. Light seeks order and the only way to shape it is to artificially create order. While shaping the other elements is like pouring water into a glass, Light Mastery is akin to preparing a potion while juggling with its ingredients. One single mistake means wasting everything and being forced to start over.

Light Mastery is a discipline that very few creatures learn and even fewer manage to pass it down to their own bloodline. It requires a deep understanding of the light element to the point that even those who discover it on their own are incapable of explaining how it works. The Rezars who learned it from Dawn are an exception since she was a receptacle of Baba Yaga's teachings. To relieve herself from the boredom of isolation, Dawn invented a method that allowed anyone to become a Light Master, even to a child. Elves learned **Light Mastery** on their own, but only a few of them manage to practice Light Mastery. Moreover, due to how mana expensive its practice is, they failed to truly master it.

**Known Light Masters**: Baba Yaga, Dann'Kah, Dawn, Faluel, Gadorf, Ilyum Balkor, Lith Verhen, Manohar, M'rael, Nalrond, Qisal, Scarlett, Solus, Xedros

## Hard-Light Constructs

The step from **holograms** to **hard-light constructs** lies in using **light magic on light magic** itself. To obtain a solid construct, the mage needs to instruct their spell so that part of the light element gives the hologram shape while the rest gives it substance. It requires at least double-casting and the amount of mana necessary for making a construct solid varies with the mastery of the caster. For a beginner, even a small construct requires lots of mana while an expert can use the bare minimum according to circumstances. Even with first magic, a construct might require the same mana of a Tier 5 spell.

Double casting light magic isn't the hard part, so much as not making the two different spells mix freely. One spell must work solely as **Builder** while the other as **Matter**. Each one of them needs to be imbued with a different type of willpower and the slightest mistake makes everything fall apart. Moreover, the Builder mana must coat the Matter inside out. The Builder mana serves as both the skeleton and exoskeleton of the construct at the same time, while the Matter gives it mass and durability. Not enough Matter mana and the construct is too brittle; too much and it collapses under its own weight. The Builder, instead, suffers from a different issue. If its boundaries aren't set with enough focus, the construct dissipates. Too much focus or too complex a structure will leave the caster without enough mana for the Matter and the construct comes out frailer than a sand castle. Each spell requires a fine balance that must also fit that of the other.

Using the Builder as an exoskeleton - so that by pouring more mana into the Matter it increases its density - will only succeed in making the base for an elemental ray; something needs to be put on the inside or once it is given shape, the construct can't shapeshift or conserve its mana. Instead, one needs to use the Builder mana to form a network of channels inside the Matter akin to a bloodstream, though the internal control layer needs to be evenly distributed or mana will leak every time the construct is destroyed.

Light Mastery's construct can take any shape and color, even resemble fire.

## Holograms

**Holograms** are non-solid projections of light magic, and can be considered a half step before hard-light constructs. They are used in communication amulets. The ability to give light a shape is half the job. The other half is to give it substance.

When using light magic and willpower to create a hologram, it is unable to take shape because willpower is constantly battling the light element's natural inclination to seek order (i.e. the means to light an area evenly). Instead of just using willpower, one must picture the result in one's head (e.g. not what a person looks like, but each one of their features, the details of their face, how their eyes move when they talk), and then feed everything to the light element. Just using willpower is the trap that prevents most mages from even conjuring holograms, let alone giving them colors. One cannot force their memories nor their will onto the light; just think about the subject as if it is something being repaired and the light will do the rest.

To **add colors to a hologram**, the other elements are needed. They are not mixed with the light, but just added in as a few wisps so that they balance each other while they paint creations the way they are wanted. Adding colors is akin to giving shape to elements and making them overlap with the hologram.

Lith first demonstrates holograms when projecting movies from Earth, making up the voices using air magic. The holograms are all in shades of grey, the background non-existent. Light shapes the holograms while air magic gives them voices and the other elements are used for the special effects. After additional training, Lith is able to add a tinge of colors using other elements, giving his holograms higher definition.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 853: Xedros (Part 1)
2. ↑ Chapter 890: Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Part 2)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Chapter 1080: Light Mastery (Part 2)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chapter 1082: Light Mastery (Part 4)
5. ↑ Chapter 1174: Foolishness and Wisdom (4)
6. ↑ Chapter 1227: Betrayals (Part 1)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chapter 1081: Light Mastery (Part 3)
8. ↑ Chapter 1083: Royal Summon (Part 1)
9. ↑ Chapter 1438: Family Time (Part 2)
10. ↑ Chapter 1358: Superior Opponent (Part 2)
11. ↑ Chapter 1397: Blade Tier Spells (Part 1)
12. ↑ Chapter 360: The Master (Part 2)
13. ↑ Chapter 486: Meet the Parents (Part 4)
14. ↑ Chapter 570: Balance of Power (Part 2)