Chapter 38: A Moment of Reflection

The academy was a world unto itself—a sprawling campus nestled in a secluded valley, surrounded by high mountains and dense forests that stretched far beyond what the eye could see. The air was rich with magic, a constant hum of energy that vibrated through everything. Magic wasn't just a part of the academy—it was the very foundation of this place. And as I walked through its grand gates, I couldn't help but feel a strange pull in my chest, as though the place itself was calling to me.

Liara and I made our way back to our dormitory after the day's training, our footsteps light against the cobblestone path. The sun was setting, casting the academy in warm hues of orange and pink. The sky above was streaked with the fading light of day, and I felt a peaceful calm settle over me. It was a welcome reprieve after the intensity of the hydra fight earlier. My hands still tingled with the aftereffects of the magic I'd woven, and my mind replayed the way the forest had responded to my call. It was as if I'd become one with it for a moment, and the sensation lingered within me.

"I didn't expect you to take down the hydra that quickly," Liara said, her voice playful yet sincere. "You made it look so easy."

I shrugged, not one to boast. "It wasn't as difficult as it looked. Besides, I've dealt with worse."

Liara's eyes widened. "Worse? You've fought things worse than a hydra?"

"Let's just say my childhood wasn't exactly filled with peace and quiet," I said with a wry smile.

Liara gave me a knowing look, though she didn't press further. We'd been friends for a while now, but she still didn't know the full extent of my past. It wasn't something I liked to talk about. My life, before I came to this academy, had been filled with strange encounters and even stranger circumstances. But I kept those memories tucked away. For now, anyway.

We reached our dormitory, a modest stone building nestled between two towering trees. The door creaked as I pushed it open, and we stepped inside. The room was simple, furnished with just the essentials: a pair of beds, a wooden desk, a bookshelf filled with various texts, and a large window that overlooked the training fields. It wasn't much, but it was comfortable.

I sat down on my bed, feeling the weight of the day begin to catch up with me. Liara flopped down on her own bed, stretching out and letting out a contented sigh.

"So," she said after a moment, "what's next for you? Are you going to continue with your independent studies tomorrow, or are you actually going to join the rest of the class for once?"

I smirked. "I don't know. Depends on how I feel. I might sleep in."

"Of course you will," Liara teased, rolling her eyes. "But you know, you could actually be the best student here if you tried. You're already lightyears ahead of everyone else."

I snorted at her words. "I'm not here to be the best. I'm here because my mother told me to be."

Liara's expression softened, and she sat up, glancing at me thoughtfully. "You know, I can't help but wonder—how does it feel, being the daughter of someone so powerful? The Goddess of Nature herself... You must have a lot of pressure on you."

I paused, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my pillow. I didn't often think about what it meant to be Gaia's daughter. It had always been part of me, something that was simply there. But Liara was right. There was a certain weight to it, an expectation that came with being the child of the most powerful being in the world.

"It's... complicated," I said at last, my voice quiet. "On one hand, it's overwhelming. My mother is a goddess, after all. But on the other, she doesn't expect perfection from me. She just... wants me to find my own way. To learn what I need to learn."

Liara nodded, understanding. "That's actually kind of nice, in a way. I mean, sure, she's a goddess, but she lets you figure things out for yourself. That's rare."

I chuckled softly. "Yeah. She's not what people expect her to be."

For a long moment, there was silence between us. The only sound was the faint rustling of the trees outside, their leaves whispering in the breeze. Liara was staring out the window, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"I don't know if I could live up to those expectations," she said quietly, her voice almost wistful. "Being the daughter of someone so... important."

I turned toward her, my brow furrowing slightly. "Why would you need to live up to anyone else's expectations?"

She turned her head to meet my gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I don't know. I guess... I guess I just want to make my parents proud. They've sacrificed a lot for me to be here. It's not just about me anymore."

I leaned back against the headboard of my bed, thinking about what she said. I didn't have the same pressures, not in the same way she did. My mother's expectations were always more about who I was—who I could become—rather than what I achieved. But Liara's desire to make her parents proud... It resonated with me in a way I hadn't expected.

"I think," I said slowly, "you're doing fine just as you are. Don't worry about anyone else. Do what makes you happy."

Liara's smile widened, and she stretched her arms above her head. "Thanks, Aria. You're a good friend."

I felt a warm glow in my chest at her words. She didn't need to say it, but I could tell she meant it. In that moment, I realized how much I appreciated having someone like Liara in my life—someone who accepted me for who I was, without any expectations.

"I try," I said with a wink. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap before dinner. I've had enough excitement for one day."

Liara laughed, shaking her head. "Of course you are."

I closed my eyes, sinking into the softness of my bed. As I drifted off, I allowed my thoughts to wander, not to my duties or my heritage, but to the simple, peaceful feeling that came with knowing that, for once, I could simply be me.

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