The Sorcerer Who Loved Magic But Hated Reading

The library doors creaked as Elyas pushed them open. Inside, shelves full of books stretched high toward the ceiling. Beams of sunlight came through the tall windows, lighting up the room. Alaric followed behind him, dragging his feet and looking tired.

"This is it," Elyas said with a grin. "Somewhere in here, we'll find the answer to your magic name."

Alaric groaned. "Do we really have to do this? Can't someone just tell me what it is? Like, isn't there an easy way?"

Elyas laughed and pulled a big, old book from the shelf. He dropped it on the table with a loud thud. "Magic doesn't work that way. Your magic name is a part of who you are. You have to find it yourself."

Alaric sank into a chair and covered his face with his hands. "I hate reading. Why does magic always mean reading?"

Elyas grabbed another book and pushed it toward him. "Start with this one. You can't learn by sitting there."

Alaric opened the book, grumbling under his breath. "If I fall asleep, it's your fault."

As Elyas flipped through another book, a voice interrupted the quiet of the library.

"You two sure are busy!"

Elyas and Alaric turned toward the sound. A girl with light brown hair tied in a loose braid stood nearby, holding a small stack of books. She smiled warmly at them, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Oh, thanks!" Elyas said, straightening up. "I'm helping my friend Alaric here. He's trying to figure out his magic name, but he doesn't know what it is yet."

Clara stepped closer, setting her books on the table next to theirs. She looked at the pile of books Elyas had gathered and raised her eyebrows. "That's a lot of reading," she said with a playful grin.

Alaric let out a dramatic sigh. "Tell me about it. I didn't know magic involved this much homework."

Clara laughed softly, covering her mouth. "Sorry," she said quickly, trying to hide her amusement. "I'm not laughing at you. It's just... your face says it all. You really don't like books, do you?"

"Nope," Alaric replied flatly.

Elyas smiled, sliding another book toward Alaric. "He's being a little dramatic. It's not so bad."

Clara tilted her head, her smile growing. "Well, I think it's nice of you to help him, Elyas. Not everyone would go through this much trouble for a friend."

Elyas shrugged modestly. "It's important. A magic name is a big deal."

Clara nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. It's part of who you are. If you need any help, let me know. I've spent a lot of time in this library. I know where most of the good books are."

Elyas grinned. "Thanks, Clara. We might take you up on that."

Alaric just groaned again, slumping lower in his chair.

Alaric's eyes drifted toward the stack of books Clara had placed on the table. He leaned forward, curiosity momentarily breaking through his tiredness. "So, what kind of books are you reading? You seem like you know your way around this place."

Clara glanced at her books and smiled. "These are about different types of magic healers. I'm a healer myself, so I want to learn more about the craft."

"A healer?" Alaric asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's interesting. I've heard about healers, but I've never really met one before."

Clara nodded, her smile steady. "Healing magic is a bit different from other types. It's not just about casting spells; it's about understanding the person you're helping. It takes time and a lot of patience."

Alaric tilted his head. "Sounds like a lot of work. How old are you anyway? You look... younger than me."

Clara laughed softly, not offended by his question. "I'm eighteen. What about you?"

"I'm seventeen," Alaric replied. "So I guess you're not much older than me."

Elyas looked up from his book with an amused expression. "Alaric's just trying to avoid reading by talking to you."

"Am not," Alaric shot back, though his grin gave him away. "I'm just curious. Anyway, why are you reading so much about healers? Don't you already know how to heal people?"

Clara shook her head. "There's always more to learn. Healing magic is really broad. Some healers focus on the physical body, others work with emotions or energy. And there are older methods I want to study—things that aren't practiced much anymore."

"That sounds complicated," Alaric said, frowning slightly. "Why would anyone want to deal with all that?"

Clara smiled at him, her voice calm and kind. "Because it's worth it. Helping people is something I love to do. Whether it's a small cut or something more serious, it feels good to make a difference."

Elyas nodded in agreement. "That's a really great way to use magic. Healing is one of the most important things out there."

"Thank you," Clara said, her smile growing a little wider. "And I think it's wonderful that you're helping your friend, Elyas. It's not easy to figure out a magic name. It takes effort and support."

Alaric rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, Elyas is the hardworking one. I'm just along for the ride."

Elyas gave him a mock glare. "You're the one who has to do the real work, Alaric. I'm just here to guide you."

Clara laughed at their banter and picked up her books. "Well, it was nice meeting you two. If you ever need help finding books, let me know. I've spent a lot of time in this library, and I'd be happy to lend a hand."

"Thanks, Clara," Elyas said with a friendly smile.

"Good luck," Clara added, giving them one last warm smile before heading toward another section of the library.

Alaric watched her leave, then let out a long sigh as he turned back to his pile of books. "Great, back to these boring books again."

Elyas raised an eyebrow at Alaric and said, "Just read them, Alaric. It's not that complicated." His tone was gentle but firm, encouraging Alaric to focus on the task at hand.