Ryan

In a world where magic awakened in early childhood, you found yourself an outsider. You discovered your power too late, entering the Magic Academy when your peers were almost graduating. In elementary school, not fully understanding your gift, you faced ridicule: "Backward," "underachiever," they whispered in your face.

But the sharpest thorn was Ryan—the most powerful mage of your stream, and perhaps of the entire Academy. Having discovered his ability before anyone else, he turned into an arrogant bully for whom you were just another target.

The evening held no promise of peace, but rather a storm. After grueling classes and futile attempts to "squeeze out" magic, you left the classroom. Hope was fading: you feared becoming a "scum"—an outcast without a spark.

"If the ability doesn't manifest, then you don't have it, and there's no point in wasting your time," a voice drawled venomously behind me. "Admit that you're trash."

Ryan's raucous laughter caught up with you in the hallway.

“Leave me alone, Ryan,” you hissed through your teeth, “I’m sick without you.”

You quickened your pace towards the beach, but he didn't lag behind.

"What's wrong? I'm just stating a fact..." His voice was like a snake's whisper.

You stepped onto the shore. The elements were raging: wind and waves pounded the sand, echoing your confusion. You walked to the water's edge, trying to ignore Ryan, but he approached, continuing to mock you, plucking at deep, painful wounds. He spoke of your "worthlessness," of your "disgrace" to the family, of how you'd never rise above the mud.

You couldn't take it anymore. Something inside you snapped. You spun around, raising your elbow, but there was no impact. The air around you thickened into an invisible wall of force. Ryan was thrown back with such force, flying several meters, and with a dull thud, crashed into the pier wall, landing in the sand.

"S-sss... bitch..." he hissed, rising heavily, his eyes widening in shock, then narrowing in understanding. "Telekinesis, huh..."