Vetus

元素 – genso

Magic is tied to the concept of the four earthly elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire (also the basis behind the Four Constructs), which is incompatible with the current concept of ’substances’. As such, magically-created fire or water will work differently from and may not always follow modern scientific principles.

The element of fire is particularly important, and is the first taught element (Ardescat), as it is symbolic of the birth of the ‘light of knowledge’.

呪文 – jumon

The lines preceding the casting of a spell. As noted, it is not the words that ‘activate’ a given magical phenomena, but the words themselves containing the power to enact or create those phenomena.

In effect, what’s important is that the incantation is spoken correctly, and actually understanding the words is secondary. This is why even Asuna can use ‘Adeat’ to summon Ensis Exorcizans; even the words of a normal person will carry mana to some degree.

Any spell which requires the caster’s name be cited in the incantation usually means that it is commanding the power of a contracted spiritually high-ranking being.

Activation Key
始動キー – kidou ki

A specific type of incantation unique to each mage that precedes usage of magic (like a car key). Taking the ‘power of words’ further, the phrase doesn’t have to make sense or even be in a real language, as long as it feels ‘natural’ to the mage.

Unincanted Spell
無詠唱呪文 – mueishou jumon

An incantation ’spoken’ internally (in the heart and mind) that allows spells to be cast almost instantly.

Thus it is possible to cast multiple spells at once, incanting one aloud while preparing another internally. However, it would be extremely difficult to use anything other than an incantation memorised to the point of being able to cast subconsciously.

魔法使い – mahoutsukai

Magistes. Magus. “Magician”. Blanket term for practitioners of magic.

In terms of combat, a mage will generally focus on powerful spells, leaving their defense entirely to their allies. A magic knight, on the other hand, strengthens their bodies with mana and focuses on fast spells in order to fight at close-range. Though, as Eva notes, the line begins to blur with high-level combatants.

マンマ

Breasts. Large breasts are the “sole reality” according to Erich Neumann. Nurturing and protecting, “basic traits of a female being”, come with the fullness of breasts -yo.

But that basic ‘trait of nurturing’ is not the only one -yo. There is also an important ‘trait of changing’ -ne. For example, ancient statues of flat-chested women, representing their youthfulness and vitality, their great spirit, and more than anything else, their dynamism -yo.

The members of Ala Alba demonstrate this well -ne. For example, the splendidly full and splendidly flat chests of Nagase and Sakurazaki -yo. Nagase’s large breasts hint at her ‘basic womanly trait’, and her wish and tendency to protect others -ne. By contrast, Sakurazaki’s size represents the ‘trait of change’, her sweet naivete and softness -yo. That’s why the two of them so easily fell into a trap when a hostage was involved -ne.

Outer power and inner power. Yang and Yin. The two fundamental forces that exist in all things. As the two forces inherently conflict, they cannot be used together without extensive training. Xianguafa (Suntaxis Antikeimenon) is one known technique of synthesising the two.

Mana
魔力 – maryoku

The natural energy present in the environment. A mental and spiritual strength. Basis of western magic.

Qi
気 – ki

The ‘furnace’ of life energy present in humans. A physical strength derived from long training. Basis of eastern magic.

幻想世界 – gensou sekai

Imaginary world, literally “moving shadows”. Not simply an illusion, but something ‘real’ you can interact with.

Related to the term ’spirit world’.

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