Magic is harnessed through various magic crystals, believed to be remnants of an ancient battle that scarred the world. Historically volatile and dangerous, these crystals were once the domain of court wizards and elite mage academies, keeping magic exclusive to the privileged few. For centuries, magic was a symbol of power, available only to those with the knowledge or innate ability to wield it.
That exclusivity shattered with the invention of the Zastyne Crystal—a stable, mass-producible variant that revolutionized magic. This breakthrough turned magic into an accessible and practical resource, sparking rapid technological advancements. The outbreak of the First Arcane War accelerated this progress, leading to the development of magic-based weaponry, most notably sluggers—rifle-like weapons that channel crystal magic—and their smaller counterparts, slingers. Crystal-powered engines soon followed, driving the creation of new vehicles and war machines.
In the years after the war, magic became deeply woven into everyday life. Crystal-powered plants fueled entire cities, appliances ran on arcane energy, and magic-powered autos and trains reshaped transportation. What was once the domain of the elite had become the foundation of the modern world, greatly advancing society in just a few short decades.