The Fundamentals of Mana and Ki

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Foreword: Mana and Ki in Conjunction with Erg

Erg is a rudimentary element for any creature to live.
The fundamental will to persevere, prevail and improve are but a few words that depict the essence of what Erg is.
To live without it would mean death, and to live in excess would mean great strength. However, only at the cost through great sacrifice.
But Erg is not that simple to obtain nor easy to improve.
As a fundamental rule of law, Erg cannot be created. This means no creature can infinitely obtain power by absorbing Erg, or creating it out of nothing.
Instead, there are alternative ways of obtaining power.
This is seen in Mana and Ki.

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The Fundamentals of Skills

For many casters, they utilize the very nature of mana from a plane of existence known as the Well of the Aether. Through honing one's skill and mastery of mana manipulation through faith, intellectual skills, or other means, one may be able to wield stronger magic. This is the act of drawing energy from outside, into an imaginary vessel that is linked to their lifeforce. Through this imaginary vessel, their mana flows through their Caster's Insignia to cast spells.
For those who do not utilize magic, they employ a different method known as Ki. Unlike casters who utilize a method of an imaginary vessel to cast magical spells, Martials utilize the functionality of Ki instead.
Instead of having an imaginary vessel that is tied to their body, Martial users utilize their own body as a vessel. This makes their body able to withstand punishment, accomplish inhuman actions, or even draw powers similar to casters. This act of improvement is often simply training one's body to reach higher heights, but in certain regions, it is called cultivation.

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The Crux of Improvement

Both methods are tried tested and true in any circumstances for the sake of improvement. However, accomplishing said methods is simple when spoken, yet difficult when performed.
In reality, the act of improving one's vessel is akin to consuming poison. One must be a certain level of insanity to even dare break the very vessel that they possess.
To do so improperly, could mean instant death.
This is why most spells and techniques are passed down from generation to generation. To utilize spells or skills other than their intended method could very well lead to one's misfortunate end.
This is why the creation of new spells and techniques are simply improbable without great sacrifice.
To achieve such feats, would require blessings of a deity, relics from the Age of Divinity, or familial secrets passed from generation to generation. Such examples are merely samples and do not reflect the broad spectrum of what allows the development of magic.

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