Increased Theft: Possessing real magic could allow the thief to perform thefts that would be otherwise impossible. They could use magic to become invisible, teleport items, or even manipulate people's minds to obtain desired objects. This could lead to an increased crime rate and a loss of trust in society.
Black Market Trading: The thief could potentially establish a black market for magical goods and services. They might sell stolen magical artifacts, create enchantments for criminals, or even offer magical protection to those willing to pay. This illicit trade would further undermine law and order and could lead to a rise in magical-related crimes.
Magic Wars: If multiple individuals or groups possess real magic, conflicts and rivalries could arise. The struggle for power and control over magic could lead to magic wars, where people use magical spells to battle against one another. This would bring devastation and chaos to society and could severely disrupt normal life.
Skepticism and Disbelief: The emergence of real magic could challenge long-held beliefs and scientific principles. It might lead to a conflict between rational thought and magical thinking, causing widespread skepticism and disbelief in established knowledge systems. This could have profound implications for education, science, and human understanding of the world.
Global Power Imbalance: If magic is not evenly distributed, it could create a significant power imbalance. Countries or individuals with access to powerful magic could gain a distinct advantage over those without, leading to potential political tensions, diplomatic crises, and even military conflicts.
Societal Transformation: The introduction of real magic could completely transform society as we know it. Magic-based technologies, transportation systems, and even forms of entertainment could emerge. This could lead to rapid advancement in various fields and a shift in societal priorities and values.
It's important to note that these are hypothetical scenarios, and the actual impact of a thief possessing real magic would depend on various factors, including the nature of the magic, the individual's motivations, and the societal response to the existence of magic.