Think of them like scientists, except they're tinkering with magic. There are entire families of them that dedicate their entire lineage to reaching the Swirl of the Root - also known as the Akashic Records.

[Here, he studied Watanuki's expression. While the Root was an obscure term, even ordinary people would've heard of the Records if they looked through the metaphysics section of any regular bookshop.]

Others, of course, are practically married to the branch of magecraft they use.

Most humans would disapprove of their methods. If certain groups of them find you as you are now, you'll find yourself in a one-way ticket to a lab and never see the light of day again.