Thomas stood in the library of the academy. His gaze wandered among the bookshelves and finally stopped on an old magic book. This book recorded an ancient magic. It was said that through a specific crystal ball, a magician's perception and magic control ability could be enhanced. Thomas's heart was filled with longing. He knew that he needed such a crystal ball to improve his magic ability.
However, the price of the crystal ball was expensive, far beyond his financial ability as a magic apprentice. He had applied for funding from his mentor and the academy, but was rejected for various reasons. Thomas felt desperate. He was unwilling to accept the fact that he couldn't improve himself.
By chance, Thomas heard about a wealthy magician in the academy, Henry, who had a large amount of gold coins. An idea germinated in Thomas's heart. He began to consider a dangerous plan - stealing gold coins.
As night fell, Thomas quietly left the dormitory. His figure seemed extremely lonely under the moonlight. He came to Henry's residence, his heart full of contradictions and struggles. He knew that this was a path of no return. Once discovered, he would lose everything, including his reputation and future.
He took a deep breath and tried to calm his nervous mood. He told himself that all this was for becoming stronger and realizing his dream. He quietly opened the window and sneaked into Henry's room. The room was filled with various magic items and gold coins. Thomas's heart beat faster. He carefully picked a few gold coins and then quickly left the scene. He felt an unprecedented sense of guilt, but he quickly suppressed this feeling and told himself that this was a necessary sacrifice.
The next day, Thomas took the gold coins to the market. He found a merchant selling crystal balls and exchanged the gold coins for a crystal ball emitting a mysterious light. He held the crystal ball tightly, his heart full of expectation.
Back at the academy, Thomas began his practice. According to the instructions in the book, he placed the crystal ball in front of him and began to chant incantations. The crystal ball began to emit a soft light. Thomas felt a warm power flow into his body. His magic perception and control ability had obviously improved.
However, the good times didn't last long. Henry soon discovered that his gold coins had been stolen, and the entire academy was plunged into chaos. The guards of the academy began to investigate this matter. Thomas felt unprecedented panic. He knew that if he was discovered, he would face severe punishment.
His roommate Jack noticed Thomas's abnormality. He asked with concern, "Thomas, what's wrong with you recently? You seem preoccupied."
Thomas avoided Jack's gaze. His voice trembled a little. "Nothing. I just encountered some difficulties in my practice."
Jack frowned. He felt that Thomas was hiding something. He decided to investigate privately. He didn't want to see his roommate get into trouble.
As the investigation deepened, Jack found some clues and began to suspect Thomas. He found Thomas's room and saw that mysterious crystal ball. He questioned Thomas, "Where did this crystal ball come from? Your behavior recently is very strange."
Thomas knew that he couldn't hide it anymore. He confessed what he had done. Jack was shocked, but he also understood Thomas's difficulties. He told Thomas, "Your behavior is wrong, but we can't let the academy find out. We must find a way to make up for it."
With Jack's help, Thomas began to secretly return the gold coins and try to make up for his mistakes. He also began to reflect on his behavior. He realized that the pursuit of power should not be at the expense of morality.
As time passed, Thomas gradually regained his calm. He began to pay more attention to inner cultivation rather than simply pursuing external power. He knew that true power comes from inner firmness and moral purity.
In the end, Thomas became a respected magician. His story spread in the academy and became a warning. With his experience, he told everyone that the path of pursuing power is full of temptations and challenges. But only by adhering to morality and principles can one achieve true strength.