The dim light of the enchanted lanterns casts a warm and gentle glow over the rows of wooden tables in the library, creating pockets of light and shadow that danced with the flickering flames. The vast chamber, once filled with the soft murmur of countless conversations, had quieted. Only the muffled sounds of turning pages and the distant echo of a closing door reminded Lynna and Malay they weren't completely alone.
Lynna stretched, glancing out the window at the inky night sky, the stars just beginning to appear. "I can't believe how late it is," she murmured, turning her head slightly to find Malay's eyes already on her. Their faces were inches apart, and she could feel the warmth of his breath.
Being so close stirred a rush of emotions within her, but she managed to keep her face calm. Lynna had always considered Malay a close friend, cherishing their bond. But did he feel the same way? Was there something deeper, hidden within the depths of his eyes?
Hoping to break the tension, Lynna asked, "Have you ever wondered about Alar?"
Malay looked thoughtful. "The supposed god of magic?" he replied, leaning back slightly, giving her some space.
"Yes," she continued, her voice low and contemplative. "Every student at the Academy knows about Alar. It's even one of the seven wonders... Still, it's strange. Our studies have always emphasized magic is grounded in logic. It's not connected to the divine in any way. So, how did this legend come about?"
Malay tilted his head, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of a book. "It's said that if enough people believe in something, it can manifest as a divine entity. So, even if Alar never existed, maybe the collective … disbelief? … might have conjured him into being… Seems contradictory."
Lynna chuckled softly, her fingers now playing with a stray strand of her hair. "That sounds poetic in a way. But then, how did we come to know of his name? If he's the creation of the Academy's collective non-belief, who first whispered 'Alar'?"
Malay's eyes twinkled, "Perhaps it was a clever student pulling a prank that got out of hand. Or maybe, in the Academy's ancient history, there was a mage named Alar, whose deeds were so legendary that they took on a mythic quality."
Lynna leaned in, her face animated with curiosity. "Maybe if he was real, he's some kind of god now? But do you think if he's forgotten, magic will disappear from the world?"
Malay met her gaze, a playful smirk on his lips. "Are you afraid, Lynna?"
She laughed softly, "Of course not! But it's intriguing. Magic has been a part of our lives for so long, intertwined with every memory and emotion. The idea of its existence hinging on a legend or a name is... unsettling."
For a brief moment, they sat in silence, their fingers lightly touching on the table. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, the weight of emotions both understood and unexpressed.
Malay's quiet voice broke the silence, "Legends or not, our magic, our bond, is real. I believe it'll last." He gently took hold of both her hands.
Lynna smiled, warmth flooding her face, "Thanks. I hope you're right."
As the weight of the evening's conversation settled, Lynna and Malay began gathering their books. They both felt a sense of reluctance to part, each step toward the library's exit echoing their shared sentiment.
A moment of silence passed between them before Malay brought up one last topic.
His expression turned more serious. "You're facing Ryan tomorrow in the mock battles, aren't you?"
Lynna sighed, nodding. "Yes. That third-year who hates us. I can't believe I already reached his level."
"Good luck. Make sure he gets what he deserves."
She smirked. "Will do… for sure"