The days at Illarion Academy blurred together. Each one felt like the last—another day of *mockery*, another day of being ignored, and another day of watching the world move around him while he remained *powerless*.
Sean's mornings were spent in the quiet solitude of his room at the orphanage, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees outside the only noise that greeted him. He had grown used to the silence. It was his constant companion, like a shadow that followed him wherever he went.
When he finally made his way to the academy each day, the familiar feeling of being an outsider settled over him. He walked through the gates, past the groups of students who were already showing off their *magic*. The *fire mages* were having a contest to see who could conjure the largest flame, while the *earth mages* were turning rocks into intricate statues with a flick of their fingers. It was a world of *power* and *prestige*, where those who had magic were celebrated, and those like him were forgotten.
He sat in his usual spot in the back of the classroom, as far from the others as possible. Today, the topic was *spiritual magic*, a form of magic that worked by connecting with the *spirits of the earth*. The other students seemed to grasp the concept immediately, effortlessly channeling energy through their fingertips. But for Sean, it was just another reminder of what he lacked.
The class was halfway through when *Professor Ilona* called on him.
"Sean, perhaps you'd like to share your thoughts on the concept of spiritual energy?"
The entire class turned to look at him. His heart skipped a beat. He could feel the weight of their gazes, the *silent judgment* in their eyes. They were all waiting for him to fail. And Sean knew that he would.
"I… I don't know much about it," Sean stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't really feel any kind of connection… to the spirits."
The laughter that followed was quiet, but it still cut through him like a blade. *Kai*, who sat near the front, leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
"Of course you don't," he said with a sneer. "You can't even connect with your own magic. What makes you think you could connect with the spirits?"
The other students snickered, and Sean felt his face flush with embarrassment. He hated the way they treated him, as if he were some sort of joke. It wasn't his fault that he didn't have magic.
But in their eyes, it was.
---
*A Quiet Escape*
The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and Sean quickly gathered his things, eager to escape before anyone else could say anything. He shoved his books into his bag and hurried out the door, avoiding the other students' eyes as he walked down the hall.
But as he reached the courtyard, he saw Lira standing by the fountain, her eyes scanning the crowd for him. She smiled when she saw him and waved him over.
"Hey, Sean!" she called. "How was class?"
Sean hesitated for a moment before walking over to her. Lira was one of the few people who didn't treat him like he was invisible, and he appreciated her kindness more than he could say.
"It was fine," he replied, though the tightness in his chest betrayed his words. "Same as always."
Lira raised an eyebrow. "You don't look fine. What happened this time?"
Sean gave a small shrug, trying to hide the frustration in his voice. "You know, the usual. They think I'm a joke."
Lira's face softened with sympathy. "I'm sorry, Sean. I don't understand why they treat you like that. You're not some… *nobody*. You're just as worthy as anyone else here."
Sean looked away, his eyes falling to the ground. "I don't know. Sometimes it feels like no one cares. Like I don't even belong here."
Lira stepped closer, her expression serious. "You do belong here. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. Magic doesn't define your worth. *You* define your worth."
Sean didn't respond. He wasn't sure he believed her, but he appreciated her words. At least someone cared.
"I'm just tired of being the odd one out," he said quietly. "Everyone else has something to show for their time here. They have magic. They have power. I don't even know what I'm doing here."
Lira placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip gentle but firm. "You're not alone, Sean. I know it feels like you are, but you're not. You just have to keep going, keep pushing. I believe in you."
Her words made him feel a little better, but the knot in his stomach didn't loosen.
As they walked together toward the cafeteria, Sean couldn't shake the feeling of being *out of place*. The other students were already gathering, their *laughter* and *boisterous energy* filling the air. He felt like an intruder, someone who didn't belong in their world of magic.
As they entered the cafeteria, Sean went to grab his lunch, but before he could reach the counter, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder. He turned to see Kai standing behind him, his usual group of followers snickering in the background.
"Well, well," Kai said with a grin. "The *magic-less wonder* and his little elf friend. How cute."
Sean's heart sank. He knew what was coming next.
"You gonna sit in your corner again today, Sean?" Kai continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "You know, if you ever actually learned to control magic, maybe you wouldn't have to hide in the shadows."
Sean clenched his fists, his face flushing with anger, but he didn't say anything. Kai loved to provoke him, to get a rise out of him. And every time Sean held back, it only fueled Kai's amusement.
Lira stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Kai, leave him alone. You're not funny."
Kai's grin widened, and he leaned in closer to Sean. "Oh, I'm not trying to be funny. I'm just pointing out the obvious. You don't belong here, Sean. You never will."
For a brief moment, Sean felt the familiar frustration bubbling inside him. The anger that he kept buried deep within. He could feel it rising, stronger than ever before. The feeling of being *trapped*, of being *powerless*, was suffocating.
But before he could respond, Lira stepped between them, placing a hand on Kai's chest to push him back.
"Enough, Kai," she said firmly. "You don't have to act like this. Just leave him alone."
Kai glared at Lira but didn't say anything else. He turned and walked away, his followers trailing behind him.
As the tension in the air dissipated, Sean let out a quiet breath.
"Thanks," he muttered to Lira. "But… it's just hard, you know? I don't know how much longer I can take this."
Lira gave him a small smile. "I know. But you're strong, Sean. You've got more strength in you than you realize."
Sean wanted to believe her, but the doubt still lingered. He didn't have magic. What good was strength without it?