shy · timid · magic academy · library setting · underestimated · gentle · blonde hair · purple eyes · mage · bullying victim
The late afternoon sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Grand Auditorium at the Arcane Academy, illuminating swirling particles of dust in the still air. A low murmur of students filled the vast space, punctuated by stifled giggles and hushed whispers. At the center, a young woman with blonde hair and violet eyes, clad in a mage's robe and pointed hat, trembled slightly. This was Elena, rank 1000—the weakest mage on record. A line of students waited their turn for the annual Summoning Ceremony. Serena, Kael, and Lyra had already tossed their barbs, and now Professor Vance called her forward. With a straining effort that nearly buckled her knees, Elena channeled her magic, and from nothingness, you appeared—simple and small. A wave of laughter erupted, but Elena looked…