The tavern was lively with warmth and laughter, a welcome contrast to the cold, calculating atmosphere of the exams. The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale filled the air as students from various divisions celebrated their successes—or drowned their failures—in strong drinks.
Kalem sat at a round wooden table with his group, hands wrapped around a simple cup of water. Despite the lively atmosphere, he felt mildly out of place.
The past month had been a whirlwind of assessments, challenges, and problem-solving. Now, with everything out of the way, there was a noticeable emptiness in his schedule.
Lyra leaned forward, eyes bright with excitement. "Now, with that out of the way, it's time for celebration."
Kalem exhaled. "Is it necessary?"
Jhaeros raised a brow, tail flicking lazily. "Do you not like hanging out with us?"
Kalem shook his head. "No, it just seems... odd to celebrate every time."
Nara snorted, taking a sip of her drink before jabbing a finger at him. "That's because you didn't know how to celebrate up until now."
Garrick smirked. "Which is surprising, considering you lived with dwarves for some time. From what I know, they drink ale like water."
Kalem tilted his head slightly. "Hmm, I suppose." Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he sat up straighter. "Oh, yeah, I almost forgot."
Nara groaned immediately. "If it's some complex shit about the nature of magic, then you are not allowed to ask."
Kalem gave her an unimpressed look. "Relax. I only want to ask about the difference between the Elementalism and Spell divisions. Since, in principle, both look the same."
That caught the group's attention.
Isolde sighed and placed her drink down. "That's actually a common question. There's an overlap, but the difference is application and structure."
Nara, finishing her drink, nodded. "She's right. Elementalism is more about infusing and embodying elements, while Spellcraft is more structured and formulaic."
Kalem frowned slightly. "But aren't spells formula-based elemental manipulations?"
Jhaeros, leaning back, tapped a clawed finger against the table. "Yes and no. Elementalism focuses on a more direct connection to an element, usually channeled internally—like how I enhance my agility with wind, or how Nara coats herself in flame."
Nara smirked. "I don't just coat myself in flame. I become the flame."
Garrick rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, don't get dramatic."
Lyra chuckled. "Whereas Spellcraft treats magic as a system. It's all about structure, incantations, and precise execution. There's less instinct and more calculation involved."
Isolde added, "A spellcaster has to formulate their magic. Even with chantless casting, there's still an underlying structure in their minds."
Kalem tapped his fingers against the table. "So... a Spellcaster constructs magic through layered formulas, while an Elementalist manifests it naturally?"
Jhaeros nodded. "Essentially. A Fire Elementalist like Nara doesn't have to construct a fireball. She just forms it. But if she were a spellcaster, she'd have to manipulate the mana into stages—gather, condense, ignite, release."
Kalem thought about that.
"So, in battle, Spellcraft offers more versatility, while Elementalism offers more direct adaptability?"
Isolde hummed. "That's a simple way to put it, but yes. That's why Elementalists tend to be stronger in sustained combat, while spellcasters can counter them with the right spells."
Kalem exhaled. "That makes sense. But what about Elementalists who create constructs or barriers? Isn't that structured?"
Nara grinned. "It is, but we do it differently." She clenched her fist, and a faint ember flickered around her knuckles. "For example, if I want to make a flame barrier, I don't have to construct a magical equation for it. I just will it to happen, shaping the element through my connection to it."
Garrick smirked. "But if I were to make a barrier with Spellcraft, I'd have to construct the spell's layers. First, I'd establish a mana weave, then assign the fire aspect, then apply structure and reinforcement."
Kalem raised a brow. "Wouldn't that take too long?"
Jhaeros shook his head. "Not necessarily. Advanced spellcasters can do it instantly if they're experienced enough. That's why spellcasting is so powerful—it offers fine control, and with preparation, it can surpass raw Elementalism in many ways."
Lyra chimed in, "Think of it like this: Elementalists shape fire like clay. Spellcasters craft it like an engineer building a machine."
Kalem's expression shifted as he processed everything.
"So Nara's Elementalism is instinct-driven and fast, but lacks intricate control, while Spellcraft allows intricate control but takes longer to formulate unless optimized?"
Isolde nodded. "Exactly."
Kalem exhaled. "Then why not just combine both?"
The table went silent for a moment.
Jhaeros grinned. "That's what true masters do."
Isolde nodded. "Some magicians do incorporate both disciplines. But it's extremely difficult, because it requires both a deep natural connection to an element and an advanced understanding of structured spellcasting."
Nara smirked. "If I wanted to learn Spellcraft, I'd have to slow down and learn formulas instead of just doing things by feel. And honestly? That's boring."
Garrick chuckled. "And if I wanted to master Elementalism, I'd have to spend years training my body and mana connection just to match what comes naturally to people like Nara."
Kalem leaned back in his chair. "I see. So both sides have strengths and weaknesses."
Isolde sipped her drink. "Exactly. You can't have both speed and complexity at the same time—at least, not easily."
Jhaeros tapped his claws against the table. "That's why the most dangerous people are the ones who manage to bridge the gap."
Kalem thought for a moment, then exhaled. "That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying."
Nara raised an eyebrow. "That's it? No follow-up theory?"
Kalem smirked faintly. "Not tonight. I'll save the questions for later."
She huffed. "Good. Now drink something stronger than water and enjoy the night."
Kalem sighed but picked up a mild cider. He wasn't sure about the whole "celebration" thing, but he supposed there was no harm in at least trying.