The Void

The Void (sometimes referred to as “the space between worlds“) is a living, interdimensional reservoir of magical energy. Rather than an empty vacuum, the Void is a conduit that sustains and recycles Arcana - the universal magic system of the multiverse. It plays a central role in the metaphysical lore of the series, dictating the health of planets, the mechanics of inter-dimensional travel, and the overarching themes of emotional connection and isolation.

Metaphysical Properties

Within the narrative, the Void is depicted as a realm that lacks physical properties such as temperature, gravity, light, or sound. Instead, it exists entirely as an ocean of pure emotion and raw consciousness.

Arcana flowing through the Void carries the emotional signature of its history, resulting in distinct “textures” of magic:

Fresh Arcana: Described as “white-hot strings,” fresh Arcana carries the emotional signature of endless joy and love. It feels vibrant and humming, mimicking the sensation of crisp air and clean sunlight on the skin.

Polluted Arcana: Arcana that has been heavily trafficked, abused, or kept from returning to the Void becomes “burned-out” sludge. It carries the emotional weight of depression, sadness, and an oppressive apathy.

When beings pass away on worlds like Geb and Mist, burial rites are designed to return the deceased's essence to this emotional reservoir.

Void-Pulling and the Cost of Magic

When a world's Arcana deficit becomes critical, specialized spellcasters known as Void-touched magi can artificially reverse the natural flow of energy. By turning their own bodies into temporary bridges, they draw raw Arcana directly from the Void into their world.

This process, known as a “Void-pull,” exacts a devastating physical toll. Every time Arcana passes through a living body or artifact, it degrades slightly, leaving a toxic residue. Void-pulling accelerates this degradation, leading to:

Tissue breakdown and organ strain

Accumulation of genetic damage

Premature aging and sterility

Immediate risks of unconsciousness, sensory loss, or death

On the depleted world of Myrah, the secret, agonizing sacrifices of Void-touched magi are the sole reason the ruling aristocracy retains its power and functionality.

Interdimensional Travel

Transit between realities—such as Blind Warps or deliberate Jumps—requires traversing the Void. Rather than lingering in the depths of the reservoir, travelers cut across the “sparkling tangent” between the fabrics of worlds.

During transit, physical senses temporarily fall away, leaving the traveler's consciousness lucid and floating in the emotional currents of the Void. This transfiguration is highly taxing; the protagonist, Will, experiences severe disorientation, splitting headaches, and magical exhaustion following his first Blind Warp. Advanced travel, such as the Second Jump, allows for a more controlled expansion of the mind into the Void's magical eddies.

Planetary Conditions

The flow of Arcana through the Void directly impacts the habitability and emotional climate of individual worlds:

Myrah (The Grey World): Centuries of aristocratic overuse and the erection of planetary barriers have starved Myrah of Arcana. The local flow is sluggish and polluted, blanketing the world in a heavy, joyless apathy.

Geb and Mist: These worlds possess abundant, untamed Arcana. The magic here is constantly vibrating and feels deeply alive, refreshing its users. Even Geb's “gravelly” Arcana, worn by eons of circulation, retains a vibrant texture.

Earth: Arcana on Earth is sparse and logical. While the magical atmosphere is thin, ancient sages were still capable of glimpsing its true nature.

Thematic Significance

The Void serves as the hidden engine of the multiverse and a core mystery for the narrative. It underpins the story's exploration of loneliness, illustrating how souls and worlds can connect without the interference of physical senses. The ultimate resolution of the plot suggests that healing the multiverse requires not just drawing power from the Void, but returning stolen energy to heal the polluted, stagnant streams of magic.