Seek out one of the other students, hoping for advice or a distraction from his internal conflict.

Elion wandered through the Academy’s vast courtyards, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his boots the only sound breaking the stillness of the early evening. The air was cool, and the soft glow of magical lanterns cast gentle light over the neatly trimmed hedges and flowerbeds. The campus was peaceful, yet the tension inside Elion’s chest grew with every step. He needed someone to talk to, someone who could offer perspective—someone who might understand the turmoil inside him.

As he rounded a corner near the central garden, he spotted a group of students gathered in quiet conversation. Among them was a familiar face—Liora, a fellow first-year who had struck up a few casual conversations with him during orientation. She was soft-spoken, with golden brown hair and striking green eyes that had a quiet intensity to them. Unlike many of the other students, Liora had an air of calmness, and Elion had always found her presence reassuring.

Elion hesitated for a moment before approaching, his heart pounding. The thought of speaking openly about his feelings made him uncomfortable, but he needed help—he couldn’t do this alone.

“Liora,” he called softly, his voice barely above a whisper. She looked up, her face brightening when she saw him.

“Elion! You look like you could use some company,” she said, her smile warm and inviting. “What’s on your mind?”

Elion paused, unsure of how to begin. “I… I’ve been struggling with something,” he admitted, his voice faltering. “It’s about the Academy… about me.” He took a deep breath. “I feel lost. I thought I came here to learn magic, but it feels like there’s something else I’m being **** to confront. I… don’t know how to handle it.”

Liora’s expression softened, and she gestured for him to sit beside her on a nearby stone bench. “You’re not the only one who feels that way,” she said gently. “Academia Arcanum isn’t just about magic. It’s about discovering who you are—and that can be painful. Sometimes, what we think we know about ourselves isn’t who we’re meant to be.”

Elion’s chest tightened at her words. It felt like she understood, like she could see the conflict inside him. “I feel like I’m supposed to be something I’m not,” he confessed. “The more I try to resist it, the worse it gets. I’m not sure I even know who I am anymore.”

Liora’s gaze softened even further. “You don’t have to figure everything out right away. Sometimes, the most important thing is just accepting where you are. Take your time. Embrace what comes naturally. You don’t have to **** yourself into any mold. The magic will come when you’re ready to accept who you truly are.”

Elion looked down at his hands, the weight of her words settling in his mind. Could it really be that simple? Could he truly accept himself, whatever that meant?

“You’re not alone in this, Elion,” Liora added softly. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

The warmth of her offer soothed some of the unease gnawing at his heart. For the first time in days, Elion felt a slight glimmer of peace. Maybe he didn’t need to have all the answers right now. Maybe he could take things one step at a time.