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Chapter 6: The Magic Competition

  The village square was alive with activity. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the excited chatter of villagers filled the air. The annual magic competition, one of the most anticipated events in Eldoria, was about to begin. For many, it was a chance to showcase their talents, a celebration of magic and its role in the kingdom. For Lian, however, it was a looming storm of anxiety.

  The square had been transformed into a makeshift arena, with a raised platform in the center where participants would perform their spells. Villagers gathered around, eager to see the young contestants display their magical skills. Children of all ages stood nervously near the stage, their excitement barely contained.

  Lian was among them, his heart pounding in his chest. He clenched his fists, trying to calm the nervous energy coursing through him.

  This year will be different, he told himself.

  He had spent months preparing, reading, and training. While his mana levels remained painfully low, Lian had focused on precision and technique, hoping that even a small display of magic would prove his worth.

  ---

  The Opening Ceremony

  The village elder, a tall man with a flowing silver beard, stepped onto the platform to address the crowd.

  “Welcome, friends and neighbors, to this year’s magic competition!” he boomed, his voice carrying over the square. “Today, we celebrate the gifts of magic that unite us and the talents of our younger generation. Let us cheer for all who step onto this stage, for courage is the foundation of greatness!”

  The crowd erupted in applause. Lian felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple as he watched the elder’s gaze sweep over the participants.

  “Remember,” the elder continued, “it’s not just about raw power. Creativity, control, and effort matter just as much. Now, let the competition begin!”

  ---

  The Performances Begin

  The first contestant, a boy named Ryn, stepped forward confidently. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a swirling sphere of water that floated gracefully above his palm. The crowd clapped and cheered as Ryn directed the sphere to weave through a series of floating hoops.

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  One by one, the contestants took their turns. A girl created a dazzling firework display using fire magic, while another boy summoned a small gust of wind to lift himself briefly off the ground. Each performance drew enthusiastic applause, the crowd marveling at the skill and creativity on display.

  Lian watched from the sidelines, his stomach churning.

  ---

  Lian’s Turn

  Finally, it was Lian’s turn. As his name was called, he felt the weight of the crowd’s eyes on him. Some looked curious, others skeptical. He could hear whispers in the audience:

  “Isn’t that the boy with no magic?”

  “What’s he even doing here?”

  “This should be interesting.”

  Lian took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. The sunlight felt harsh against his skin, and the murmur of the crowd grew louder. He swallowed hard, trying to block out the noise.

  Focus, he told himself. You’ve practiced this a hundred times.

  He raised his hand, concentrating on the faint glimmer of mana within him. He envisioned the spell he had practiced—a simple spark of light, no bigger than a firefly. His fingers trembled as he channeled his energy, willing it to manifest.

  For a brief moment, a faint glow appeared at his fingertips. Lian’s heart leaped with hope, but the glow flickered and vanished before it could fully form.

  The crowd was silent for a moment before the laughter began.

  “That’s it?” someone called out.

  “He can’t even make a proper spark!”

  “What a waste of time!”

  Lian’s cheeks burned with humiliation. He wanted to disappear, to sink into the ground and escape the mocking stares.

  ---

  The Weight of Failure

  Lian’s legs felt heavy as he walked off the platform. He avoided the other children, who were smirking and whispering among themselves. Even Mira, who had always defended him, looked at him with pity.

  He sat on the outskirts of the square, his head in his hands. The sounds of the competition continued around him, but he heard none of it. All he could think about was his failure.

  I worked so hard, he thought, his chest tightening. Why wasn’t it enough?

  The words of the crowd echoed in his mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.

  ---

  A Conversation with Kael

  Lian didn’t return home right away. Instead, he wandered into the forest, seeking solace in its quiet embrace. He found himself at the abandoned hut, where Kael was waiting for him.

  “I heard about the competition,” Kael said, his tone calm and even.

  Lian didn’t respond. He slumped onto a wooden stool, staring at the floor.

  “You’re disappointed,” Kael continued. “That’s understandable. But tell me, did you give it your all?”

  Lian looked up, his eyes filled with frustration. “I tried so hard, Kael. I practiced every day, but it wasn’t enough. I couldn’t even make a spark! How am I supposed to prove myself if I can’t do magic?”

  Kael studied him for a moment before speaking. “You’re focusing too much on what you can’t do, Lian. Tell me—what did you learn during your training?”

  Lian hesitated. “I learned how to concentrate my mana. I learned about precision and control.”

  “And do you think those lessons were wasted?”

  Lian shook his head slowly.

  Kael smiled faintly. “Failure is a teacher, boy. Every great warrior, every skilled mage, has faced moments like this. It’s not the end—it’s just a step on your journey. The question is, what will you do now?”

  Lian stared at Kael, the old man’s words sinking in. He realized that while the competition had been a painful experience, it didn’t define him. He still had a choice: to give up or to keep going.

  ---

  A New Resolve

  As the days passed, Lian’s humiliation began to fade, replaced by a burning determination. He returned to his training with renewed vigor, focusing not on proving himself to others, but on becoming the best version of himself.

  He practiced his physical skills, honing his strength and agility. He studied strategy and tactics, learning how to outthink opponents who were stronger or more powerful. And he continued to explore the depths of magic, seeking new ways to channel his limited mana.

  Though the memory of the competition still stung, Lian carried it with him as a reminder: setbacks were not the end, but an opportunity to grow.

  And as he stood in the forest one evening, the sun setting behind him, he made a silent vow:

  I may have fallen today, but I will rise tomorrow. One day, they’ll see what I’m truly capable of.

  The stars above seemed to shine brighter, as if in agreement with his promise.

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