Somewhat Degenerated
Thomas used to be a model student in the academy. His magic talent and diligent study won the respect of teachers and students. However, as time passed, he began to feel a kind of emptiness and confusion. He found that his love for magic was gradually replaced by a pursuit of power and pleasure. He began to frequently go in and out of taverns and entertainment places near the academy, trying to find excitement and satisfaction there.
His behavior began to affect his studies and magic practice. He was no longer as focused on magic books and experiments as before. Instead, he spent more time on chasing women and enjoying pleasures. His charm and status as a magician made him quite popular among women, but his behavior became more and more indulgent.
His friends began to notice his changes. Jack, his roommate, said to him worriedly, "Thomas, what's wrong with you recently? You seem more and more addicted to those taverns and women."
Thomas avoided Jack's gaze. His voice had a hint of fatigue. "I'm just looking for some fun and relaxation."
Jack frowned. He knew that Thomas was not as happy as he seemed on the surface. He advised Thomas, "You will ruin yourself like this. You need to rediscover your love and focus on magic."
Thomas didn't respond. His heart was full of contradictions. He knew that what Jack said was right, but he was already deeply involved and couldn't extricate himself. He began to escape from reality and go to those places more frequently, trying to fill the emptiness in his heart with pleasures.
As time passed, Thomas's behavior began to attract the attention of the academy. Ms. Alison, his mentor, said to him seriously, "Thomas, your behavior has seriously affected your studies and the reputation of the academy. You need to stop this behavior immediately, otherwise you will face the risk of being expelled."
Thomas felt unprecedented panic. He realized that if he lost his position in the academy, he would lose everything. He began to reflect on his behavior. He knew that he needed to make changes.
He decided to leave the academy temporarily and go to a remote village for self-reflection and practice. There, he met a wise old magician who told him, "True power comes from inner peace and focus, not external pleasures and power."
Thomas was deeply touched. He began to re-examine his life and values. He realized that he needed to rediscover his love for magic and his thirst for knowledge. He began to help the locals in the village and use his magic to solve their problems. He found that helping others brought him true satisfaction.
As time passed, Thomas gradually resumed his magic practice and study. His mentality also became more mature and stable. He knew that true power not only comes from magic but also from inner firmness and moral purity. When he returned to the academy, his friends were all happy for his changes. They saw Thomas's growth and transformation. They knew that Thomas had become stronger and more confident.
Thomas's story spread in the academy. He became an example. With his experience, he told everyone that pursuing pleasures and power cannot bring true satisfaction. Only inner peace and thirst for knowledge can make people truly powerful.