Unity is brought only when there is a unifying force. This was important to consider as this was the case even historically. Two major opposing forces, fighting for the same thing were seized and forced into peace under the iron rule of the Lost King. The unifying force didn't necessarily have to be good or bad, it simply had to be strong enough of an influence.
With his disappearance, the temporary peace that lasted for decades was shattered, and the once-enjoyed unity was destroyed. The Adrenians carried forward the wishes of the Lost King and fought for the collective prosperity of the people. Those who fought for individuality and expression were the Lutherians.
The Lutherians rejected Runic Visualization and denied any attempt to standardize magic. For them, magic was purely about communication, expression, and freedom. While it sounded fine on paper, this same freedom was abused and taken to an extreme. People were expected to fend for and provide for themselves. The ruling party enforced survival of the fittest to the maximum, prioritizing knowledge and power over anything else.
In opposition to such extreme ideologies, the Adrenians practiced standardizing magic. This allowed for two main benefits: for magic to be more intellectual and less emotional, and for magic to be more accessible to the public. However, Runic Visualization and its negative impact were observed far too late. With such a defined structure to each spell, subjectivity and individual talent were buried, causing a steady decline in higher tier/circle mages.
Runes were always used to aid in the process of spell casting. They were never imposed as a necessity. At least, this was the case until the unity was broken. Following which, in a manner of arming themselves, the Adrenian Empire enforced Runic Visualization in the hopes of increasing manpower.
There were exceptions to this decline in talent. These individuals were also known as Lucid Visualizers. Capable of reading and understanding runes to such a level that they modified the runic structure of every spell they used to fit and sync with their desires. These individuals were of high value amongst the Adrenian Empire, purely due to their ability to mesh the best of both worlds. Following this discovery, courses and classes that taught students to read and understand Runes were made mandatory in an effort to find the rare talents.
Runic structures resembled a circular maze viewed from above. They were symbols that were meant to sustain and contain the desire of the caster, along with improving the proficiency and impact of the spell. However, since the introduction of Runic Visualization, there have been more individuals giving up on magic, in comparison to those that strove and worked hard on memorizing. This was barely focused upon as the overall number of magic users had drastically increased.
"Lucid Visualizers are rare and extremely sought after. So make sure you guys pay attention in your classes," the Professor addressed the whole class. On the blackboard behind her, the words "History of Magic" were written in bold. This particular classroom was comparatively larger as it was a core course, meaning it was mandatory.
"Why don't we just stop using runes then?" John asked as he wriggled around his arm. Which had completely healed now, along with his injuries from the previous day. However, there was one wound he was still unsure about. With a nervous look, he turned towards Dio.
"If I asked you to give me ten reasons why you're an idiot, but do so without using words, would you be able to?" Dio replied without any hesitation; his perfect memory was currently being used to repeat what John and Alex had told him yesterday.
"...….." John stayed quiet and replied with a frown.
"It's difficult because you're not used to it. It is similar to communication without words. We can't simply forgo language because it is limiting or defining. It is still an essential part of our life,"
This was another major issue. Dependency was a major obstacle that slowed down raw talent and potential. It was rather ironic that Runic Visualization was better utilized by the Dwarfs. Residing in the north of the Adrenian Empire, in the midst of chaotic mountain ranges and in the dead center of an eternal snowstorm, Agnirath's Anvil was a place that was suitable and habitable only by the dwarves.
They worshiped an ancient dragon known as Agnirath. Who was said to have been sealed in the mountain, thus giving the region its name. It was said that with the blessing of Agnirath, the dwarves were able to withstand the harsh temperatures as well as harness the power of Agni or fire, in order to craft the finest of weapons.
They particularly specialized in the creation of magic weapons which had runes engraved into the magic crystals. This allowed for users to use the spell as long as they met the basic conditions.
Along with the other neutral races who each had their own kingdom spread across the lands, they maintained or attempted to maintain peace. The same peace that was once broken with the disappearance of the Lost King.
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It was soon going to be his first week in Hexora. Dio had no doubt that time would only move quickly from this moment on. So far, this place had been a little too dramatic for his taste. He enjoyed drama but despised being the center of it.
He noticed a few peculiar things about Hexora. For example, there were a few students who evidently seemed out of place. They exuded a different kind of vibe and didn't communicate with many. The most disturbing fact was that most of these people he found suspicious belonged to his own house. The House of Oro.
Unlike others, Dio spent most of his time wandering the campus and familiarizing himself with the premises. Most students prioritized training or recall practice. Runic Visualization was a core aspect of everyone day to day life, and the difficulty called for such effort.