“Along with Mogar’s energy, we also contain what you call runes. When you imagine something and will for it to happen, the runes form within you. The corresponding runes in the world energy resonate with those conjured by your mana core, engendering an elemental spell.

“When you enter a Fringe, Mogar can distinguish the runes generated by your mana core among the billions of others so that, when you stutter, it helps you to spell the words right like any parent would.”

“Do you think this is how humans discovered magic?” Solus asked. “A lucky traveler stumbled into a Fringe and received Mogar’s help?”

“That’s how a bard would spin it, but I doubt that’s how it happened.” The Crone shook her head. “I’ve discussed this matter many times with the Guardians and my fellow white cores, and we’ve come to a common theory.

“A long time ago, a human born with a powerful core and an affinity for an element was about to die. If at the hands of an enemy, a predator, or just out of thirst, it’s impossible to say.

“What matters is that human didn’t want to die, and in their desperation, they conjured a chore magic rune. Upon returning to their village, they shared their discovery with the rest of their tribe, and, in time, all six runes were discovered.”

“That I can believe and accounts for chore magic, but I meant real magic. What the first Awakened human turned into true magic, and the others developed into fake magic.” Solus said.