THE MOMENT
Professor Snowbrand had seen that look before. It was a common sight year to year. There was always a student convinced they had a fresh idea that no magus had considered in centuries. Those were his favorite students because, despite their flawed thinking, they did have a drive to learn more and do better. The Professor made it a habit to enjoy lunch in the courtyard to make himself approachable to those same students, and currently one was headed his way. It was one of his own students this time. Markus Weatherby was from a well-respected family of mages, and he'd been told he was special all his life. It was mildly surprising that he approached the Professor with the confident gaze of someone convinced they were about to solve reality. It was rare for a spoiled heir to pursue any deeper secrets of magic; it usually required effort.
"Professor," Markus smiled as he arrived at the shaded table. "Do you have a moment? I came up with a new idea, and I could use your advice."
"Of course, Markus," Professor Snowbrand smiled as well. The lean, dark-haired boy had none of the expected ego his older brothers were known for, but he hadn't shown much interest in class either. "What's on your mind?"
"I've been thinking... how come no one casts more than one spell at a time? There has to be a way to do more, right?" Snowbrand sighed internally. It was borderline disappointing that Markus came up with such a well-worn idea. It was the most basic and thoroughly researched idea in all of magic.
"That's simple," the Professor nodded. "It is impossible to cast multiple spells; you need a conduit for each spell, and have to split your attention multiple ways simultaneously."
"Only until someone makes it possible," Markus replied, and the Professor's smile grew warmer. That was the attitude he liked to see. "You identified the problem already. I'll give you a hint: what's the difference between a wand and your finger?" Markus asked.
"A hint?" Snowbrand decided this would be a good teaching moment. "Am I to assume you've already solved this?"
"No, I mean, that's a good idea, right? Why use a wand when we have five fingers on each hand? But that's why I need your help to test the idea further."
"That is an interesting idea...," the Professor chose to be polite and encouraging. "May I see your school wand? I left mine in the class," he added an excuse, and deliberately asked for the school-assigned tool. Markus was from a family wealthy enough to afford his own wand, but he didn't want to make his point with that one. Markus gave him the wand worn with cracks and a dull, rounded tip.
"Hmmmm," Professor Snowbrand made his eyes glow blue as he appraised the wand thoughtfully, then, with a simple, quick motion, he snapped it in two with a crack. "Yes, I see...," he spoke up before Markus could register any surprise. "Now, let me see your finger...," he said. He almost did.
Markus raised his hand, but then pulled it away.
"Why?" he asked.
"I need to see how it reacts when I break it," Snowbrand smiled. It was hard to tell if Markus was being dense or academically hopeful. Still, he seemed to actually consider going through with it. "But... won't that hurt?" he asked.
"Do you think it will? Did it hurt when I broke the wand?" The Professor asked.
"No...," Markus shook his head as he finally understood. "I get it. You're saying the magic is inside me."
"It's actually more basic than that." The Professor smiled as he patted Markus on the shoulder. "We use conduits because 'we'...," he looked at Markus in the eyes. "YOU ARE the magic."