The short answer would be, "That's just how it is—a simpler way of harnessing magic without needing to wear fifty rings and bracelets, y'know?"

But the real answer he'll likely get, especially if he asks the octopus, will be a very longwinded tale of how magic was discovered and used many many many many many many many many eons ago (it wasn't that many) and the fight over various relics and the theories of leylines, crystals, dreams, emotions, mythical beasts—

It'll get to the point that a little squid attendant will come in to shush him, say that was all nonsense, and give that short answer above.