It turns out this is how magic works

"δ is a particle that, when interacting with another particle, produces Manneon. That way, we don’t have to use our own Manna to activate magic. But ρ is a particle that assigns a strength radius value to other particles. That particle causes our gravitational pull to increase if our strength radius differs too much from the objects around us," King Uves explained.

"For you indigenous people, let me put it simply. That mist gives us free Manna, but also places an invisible weight on us," Sudirja add.

Strength radius? I’ve never heard of this concept in quantum physics, William thought.

"Can you explain what strength radius is?" William asked, looking at Sudirja.

Sudirja turned to William. He knew that explaining strength radius might be the key to defeating Sukmo Lawu.

"Strength radius is similar to the concept of spacetime curvature, but in this world, two objects with the same strength radius won’t attract each other," Sudirja explained.

William nodded, understanding the concept Sudirja described. He now understood why objects could float or attract one another—but he still didn’t fully grasp the magic system of this world. Why did they need magic circles to perform spells? Why was magic probabilistic?

"Can you explain to me why magic in this world works like cryptocurrency?" William asked.

Finally, what Sudirja had been waiting for had arrived. He’d been waiting for his past self to ask about the magical system, which would indirectly lead to a discussion about the particle physics of this world.

Finally… it’s happening, Sudirja thought.

"Alright, I’ll explain it in detail. In this world, elementary particles are divided into two groups: Rullers—or what we’d call bosons in our original world—and Materialis—the equivalent of fermions in our original world—"

"Why did you say 'in our original world'?" William interrupted.

Among all the statements his subordinates had made, Sudirja didn’t expect his past self to forget every conversation, including the first meeting with Randiman. William still hadn’t realized that Sudirja was his future self, from another time Nexus.

So I was this dense in this time Nexus, huh? Sudirja thought.

But he quickly refocused on his main goal—explaining the physics of this world. Meanwhile, Sukmo Lawu just stood by, waiting to be attacked. He was growing increasingly bored. To kill time, he approached the life core behind him and circled around it—the very core that would give birth to a new demon.

"I could give you Manna now, but that would end my fun too soon," Sukmo Lawu sighed.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Sudirja locked eyes with his past self—William Harvey. William understood what that gaze meant: he had to focus on the explanation. No distractions. Otherwise, he’d never understand this world, nor its magic system.

"The Materialis group is divided into three subtypes: Etimuoren—quarks that turn virtual particles into real ones without consuming much energy—this is the 'shadow particle' phenomenon, Aftulc—magical neutrinos, like the Dorvion particle (δ) King Uves mentioned, which produces Manneon (M), the Manna-carrying particle, when it interacts with other particles, And Leptons—only one remains the same as in our original world: the electron," Sudirja explained. "And as for Rullers, they are divided into three types: Tidal Rullers; Vector Rullers—one of which is Manneon (M); and Scalar Rullers, one of which is Rhineon (ρ). Magic in this world is produced from the collision of two Manneons (M), which provide information to Etimuoren particles about which virtual particle should become real."

"Then why is the resulting magic so random? And why can inanimate objects cast spells?!" William asked.

"Magic outcomes are random because the two Manneons have different distribution values—in our world, this would be like spin numbers. Rullers have integer distribution values (except zero), while Materialis particles have decimal distribution values. As for why inanimate objects can cast magic—spell don’t have to be vocal. They can be gestures. And in terms of physics, objects that appear still are actually moving, just on an imperceptible scale," Sudirja explained.

"Then why are magic circles necessary to cast spells?" William asked.

"A magic circle is the initial source of Manneon. It originates from the interaction between Aftulc and Lepton particles. The Manna from a spell comes from the interaction between Aftulc and Etimuoren particles—their motion paths determine the distribution value given to Manneon," Sudirja continued.

"Why does the motion path affect the Manneon’s distribution value? Shouldn’t elementary particles already have their own distribution values?" William asked again.

"Manneon is a unique particle. Unlike others, it has dynamic distribution values—meaning its values can change," Sudirja explained.

Hearing that, William finally understood how magic worked in this world. He also understood why magic behaved like crypto. But there was one thing they hadn’t noticed—the enemy had also been listening.

"So that’s how it works," Sukmo Lawu nodded slowly.

Now he understood the mechanics of magic. He now knew why Jack could create such an intelligent catastrophe—not just causing destruction, but also enabling lifelike spellcasting. To test Sudirja’s explanation, he approached the core that would soon become a demon.

"Child, can you cast a spell?" Sukmo Lawu whispered, touching the core.

The structure of the core began to shift.

A magic circle formed beneath it.

Its design: a circle bearing the head of a three-eyed goat, jet black like obsidian.

Black lightning struck down from the sky—

It hit the entire allied army.

"So it’s true," Sukmo Lawu muttered, watching his enemies.

Still not entirely convinced, he tried casting a spell himself. He wanted to do it without a vocal spell.

A pattern formed beneath his feet: a circle bearing an image of a crocodile and a snake, deep charcoal in color.

He stomped the ground—

Flames instantly burst forth—

Spreading toward the allied troops.

"Correct, but not efficient," Sukmo Lawu whispered.

Some of the allied soldiers began drawing magic circles. Inspired by Sudirja’s explanation, they wanted to try spellcasting without vocal mantras. And Sudirja noticed.

"We’re fighting a real enemy—this is no time for experimentation!

Non-verbal spellcasting is inefficient. Don’t do it now!" Sudirja warned them.

Hearing Sudirja’s command, they abandoned the idea. They immediately began chanting their spell—

So that none of their magic would be wasted.