The Academy had many courtyards and secret spots where students could be alone. Tucked away in the corner of an isolated courtyard, Lynna patiently awaited Malay for their training session. The sun began its descent, marking the close of an intense day of classes.
Her mind drifted back to her childhood. Being recognized by a seeker was not particularly special. Seekers, often those with low magical potential, had the unenviable task of scouring villages and towns in search of budding mages. She remembered Rebecca, the seeker who had discovered her when she was young, a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. Lynna hadn't seen her at the Academy since she started her studies and wondered where she might be now.
The Academy's system was strict. Upon graduation, mages were ranked, which in turn determined their available career paths. The highest-ranked could opt for the most prestigious jobs: working directly for the kingdom as an official mage or staying at the Academy as esteemed scholars. Lower rankings often led to jobs like seekers or village guards. However, a significant portion of the young graduates chose to return to their homes.
Snapping back to the present, Lynna saw Malay arrive, visibly agitated. "Sorry for the delay," he muttered, his tone somber.
The two had come to an agreement that today's session would center around defensive air magic. These practices were crucial, as while the theory was taught in classes, the sensation and subtleties of the magic could only be truly understood through live application.
They were both mentally gearing up for the impending mock battles. This particular Academy test was infamous not just for its heightened difficulty but also the inherent risks it posed. The mock battles were the big milestone of their second year, challenging both their magical skills and wits. Performing well in these could be a decisive factor in one's ranking.
Lynna and Malay started training, standing opposite each other. Lynna went first, her spell sent a quick blast of air magic at Malay. With practiced grace, she then conjured a shield of densified air, prepared for Malay's counter-attack. Her barrier was fluid, adapting to each of Malay's strikes, the air bending to her will as if they were old friends.
Malay, in contrast, was on the back foot. Each time Lynna launched a gust, the force of her air magic pushed him off balance, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. Even with Malay affinity for air, the disparity between their skills was becoming increasingly evident. Each time he stumbled, Malay's frustration grew.
As another of Lynna's air attacks made contact, Malay, usually the epitome of calm, snapped. "Stop it, Lynna!" he shouted, anger burning in his eyes. "It's easy for you, isn't it? To effortlessly weave magic while the rest of us struggle!"
Lynna was taken aback, hurt evident on her face. She'd never seen Malay lose his temper like this before. "I... I didn't mean to—"
Cutting her off, he retorted, "You don't get it. You never will. Everything just comes naturally to you."
Silence enveloped the secluded corner of the Academy. Lynna's eyes brimmed with tears, the weight of Malay's words hitting hard.
It wasn't long before regret painted Malay's features. Taking a deep breath, he approached Lynna, "I'm sorry, Lynna... I..."
She looked up, waiting.
He continued, "I know how hard you work, I didn't mean what I said. It's just... my frustrations... but they're my own, I should not have taken them on you."
Lynna nodded slowly, wiping away a tear. "It's okay. I just wish I could help you more."
He smiled faintly. "Just being here with me is enough."
Their bond, momentarily strained, began to mend. They finished their training, yet the weight of their words left a palpable tension in the air. Despite a year at the Academy, the social isolation and bullying they experienced hadn't ceased. Today's session made it clear that the wounds from that persistent cruelty still lingered.