The air hung heavy with the scent of ozone and impending doom. Not that I, Elara, noticed at the time. I was far too preoccupied with failing my summoning exam. Again. For the tenth time. My instructors, with their perpetually disapproving frowns and whispered criticisms, were becoming a familiar, and unwelcome, part of my daily landscape at the prestigious Arcanum Academy.
My specialty? Forbidden magic. Not exactly a desirable skill set when the entire curriculum is dedicated to suppressing it. You see, I didn't choose forbidden magic. It chose me. Or rather, it manifested within me. My innate magical abilities weren't the carefully cultivated spells taught in class. Mine were raw, untamed, and utterly, terrifyingly potent – and every single one was classified as forbidden.
This inherent incompatibility was the source of my consistent exam failures. My attempts to summon a harmless, textbook-approved fire sprite invariably resulted in a miniature volcanic eruption. My efforts to conjure a simple healing spell ended with my examiner sporting a vibrant, albeit temporary, third eye. And, just last week, my attempt at a basic levitation spell inadvertently launched the entire examination hall into a chaotic, gravity-defying dance.
(People Also Ask: What are forbidden spells? Why are they forbidden? Are all forbidden spells dangerous?)
What are forbidden spells?
Forbidden spells are generally categorized as magical incantations, rituals, or abilities that are deemed too dangerous, unpredictable, or ethically problematic to be practiced. They often involve tapping into powerful, volatile magical energies, or manipulate forces beyond the comprehension of most mages. Their unpredictable nature makes them a significant threat, even to experienced practitioners. Think of them as the nuclear weapons of the magical world.
Why are they forbidden?
The prohibition surrounding these spells stems primarily from their inherent risks. Many forbidden spells have far-reaching consequences that can have catastrophic effects on the environment, individuals, or even the fabric of reality. The potential for unintended consequences is high, leading to devastating outcomes. Furthermore, some forbidden spells are associated with dark magic, entities, or practices considered morally repugnant.
Are all forbidden spells dangerous?
Not all forbidden spells are inherently dangerous, but the overwhelming majority are considered so due to their unpredictable nature. The difficulty in controlling their power makes them extremely hazardous. Even those with benevolent intentions could unintentionally unleash devastating consequences. This makes them incredibly dangerous and rightfully forbidden. Essentially, the label "forbidden" is a blanket warning, indicating a level of magical risk far exceeding what's acceptable.
(People Also Ask: What happened during Elara's last summoning exam? How did Elara's forbidden magic manifest?)
What happened during Elara's last summoning exam?
My last summoning exam was… eventful. I attempted to summon a simple water elemental, a relatively straightforward spell for first-year students. Instead, I inadvertently created a sentient, hyper-intelligent tidal wave that briefly flooded the examination hall, necessitating a full-scale magical cleanup operation. The examiners were less than impressed. One, a particularly stern woman named Professor Blackwood, openly suggested I might be better suited to a career in plumbing.
How did Elara's forbidden magic manifest?
My forbidden magic wasn't a result of studying ancient grimoires or seeking out dark rituals. It simply… appeared. One day, I was a perfectly ordinary (if somewhat clumsy) magic student. The next, I was unleashing chaotic storms with a misplaced sneeze. I haven't yet discovered the source, but I suspect it's tied to my family history – a lineage shrouded in mystery and rumored to be linked to some exceptionally powerful, and forbidden, sorcerers.
The weight of another failure settled heavily on my shoulders. But as I trudged home, a peculiar sensation washed over me. A flicker of power, different from anything I’d felt before, pulsed within me. It felt… controlled. Focused. And terrifyingly potent. It was unlike the chaotic bursts of magic that had plagued me until now. This was something new. Something… more. This might just change everything.
