Uncertain Science and Magic

One person points a scepter ahead, sending a surging bolt of lightning straight at the target.

Another holds a rifle and pulls the trigger, a brilliant beam of energy shooting from the barrel and hitting the mark.

At a time like this, can you really tell which one is magic?

When faced with technology that looks like magic and magic that looks like technology, which one is truly magic?

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.