Magecraft

What is magic truly?Is it the unique manipulation of vital, intangible life energy of ourselves and the planet?Is it the reprogramming of small parts of our functionally infinite universe through mysticism?Is it a gift given by generous gods to curious humans?A question for the ages, unfortunately for Roland, Failing apprentice, these questions are thrown to the wayside in favour of a more poignant and important question.How can it be used to help survive/escape punishment by his insane master?Failing to grasp the very fundamental measures of magic and resorting to cheating to stay in long enough to pass, our unfortunate protagonist has been found out and punished by his cruel and unusual master.But there isn't no hope, with the very basics to his knowledge and a whole world out to kill him, he might just have the right combination of elements to learn magic properly this time.