The Ethereal Lotus Shrine is the alive with energy, it's grandeur magnified by the anticipation filling the air. People from all walks of life---nobles, common folk and wide-eyed children---have gathered to witness the famous magic show that promise's an evening of wonder. The shrine's vast hall gleams under the soft glow of chandeliers, casting an ethereal light that dances along the walls.

Excitement builds as laughter and voices echo throughout the room,creating a restless.

In the midst of this, a young man prepares himself behind the curtain, his black and gold robe draped elegantly over his shoulders. He has a quiet intensity about him, his face calm but his dark brown eyes sharped and focused. Unlike the others, he isn't here to entertain for applause---there's something much deeper and scared in his performance, something he alone knows. He takes a deep breath, clutching his staff tightly, then steps out onto the stage.

.....

As soon as he appears an almost unnatural silence falls over the hall. The crowd, which moments ago was noisy and carefree, is now mesmerized, transfixed by the quiet power he exudes. His robe, woven with golden threads, shimmers in the light, giving him a mystical aura. He lift's his staff, and with a subtle flick, the colours of his attire begin to shift; the black melts into white, the gold turns to a brilliant silver before fading again. Every movement is precise, purposeful, and the audience watched, spellbound.

But he isn't finished. With another wave of his staff, an owl flies from the shadows, landing gracefully on his arm. It's feather's are a deep, midnight blue, with a piercing gaze that seems to penetrate the crowd.

Among the spectators is a small girl, no older than seven, her eyes wide and filled with wonder as she watches the magician and his mysterious companion. She is captivated, drawn into the magic as if she's part of it.

The boy notices her too. He feels a faint connection, an understanding, as though. She senses more than just the tricks and illusions. With a gentle motion, he raises his staff again, sending the owl gliding around the stage in a mesmerizing dance. As it circles him, the boy moves his hand, revealing a large, cloth covered object that hovers slightly above the floor. The cloth that hovers slightly above the floor. The cloth begis to rise, lifting itself inch by inch as though commanded by an unseen force. The crowd gasps in awe, oblivious to the faint whirring hum—a hidden electromagnetic force giving the illusion of levitation..

However, something goes wrong. The force grows stronger than intended, and,, it begins to draw the little girl toward the stage. She gasps as her feet lift off the ground, her body floating slowly into the air. Her face shows a mix of fear and awe as she hovers, helplessly suspended..

Without a moment's hesitation, the boy extends his hand, his gaze intense as he focuses his magic to guide her down. The girl's descent is smooth, as though invisible hands cradle her back to safety. She lands gently, unharmed, and the crowd erupts in applause, each person convinced it's a masterful trick. Boy allows himself a small sigh of relief, hiding his true powers behind a composed smile.

"Excuse me, Magician," she says in a soft voice but determined. "Was that real magic? You're really a magician, aren't you?"

The boy kneels in the front of her, his expression gentle. "my name is Kangha," he introduces himself, his tone warm. "Dear girl, what you saw up there, that was just a trick—a carefully practiced illusion."

The girl's brow furrows as she looks at him, unconvinced. "It didn't feel like a trick. I felt it… I was floating. Can you teach me how to do that? I want to be like you!"

Kangha hesitates, considering his answer carefully. He wants to shield her from the truth, the burden of the power he bears. With a reassuring smile, he shakes his head. "Some things aren't what they seem. And magic… it's not as simple as it looks.", but at a cost: he cannot leave the shrine's protective boundaries by his own.

"Why do you want to be like me?" Kangha asks softly.

"Because I believe that magic can bring everything back, and that's why I want to learn it," the girl replies with enthusiasm.

Kangha eyes filled with sadness for a moment after hear her words. Then, he says,

"Magic can never bring anything back. It's a wild force, It's an uncontrollable power, and it carries a weight—a weight you're still too young to bear."

He speaks gently, hopping the girl will understand.

...

Behind him, he hears a familiar voice.'' there is a boy who stand's close to Kangha.

Hi! What are you doing?

Kangha turns to see his closest friend and rival, Woo-Jin. Dressed in similar robes but with a more flamboyant flair, Woo-Jin has been his partner in magic since they were both children. While Kangha is cautious.

"I wasn't doing anything; I was just talking to the girl," Kangha says. After he stands up, the girl walks away.

"Did you use your power?" Woo Jin asks in a quietly, just loud enough for the two of them to hear. Very few people know about Kangha's ability, and Woo Jin is one of them.

"I didn't mean to use it," Kangha admits, feeling a bit embarrassed. "But as soon as she started floating, my power went out of control. I don't know how it happened."

Woo Jin responds, "Kangha, if anyone even suspects that this is real power and not just some electronic effect, you'll be in trouble. I turned off those magnets immediately, so the light objects floating around dropped back to the ground. But you have to be careful." Woo Jin places his hand on Kangha's shoulder while speaking firmly.

Kangha looks away, a hint of resistance on his face. "I know the rules, Woo-Jin. But sometimes I wonder why we have to follow them. Why should we be stuck here? Shouldn't we explore what we're really capable of?"

"Listen, Kangha, it's true that nobody wants to be restricted, but the headmaster did this for your own good, to keep you safe. That was our final show, and now, when the new students arrive, you'll have to lead them. Maybe this is the truth, and maybe it's the right thing and may best for you."

"Maybe you're right, Woo-Jin," Kangha says, though his tone lake's conviction.

Woo-Jin pats his shoulder, noticing Kangha's lingering restlessness. "Come on, don't think too much about it. Go and get some rest."

As Woo-Jin leaves, Kangha is find alone himself on the empty stage, the remnants of the crowd, excitement„ slowly fading into silence. He looks out at the empty seats, lost in thought.

The magic of the Ethereal Lotus Shrine had always been a cover, hiding deeper secrets. But beneath it, hidden in the shadows, were truths he was determined to uncover—even if it meant breaking the rules that held him back. His eyes focus on the night beyond the shrine walls, as if searching for something just out of reach...