"Correction. I am a fan of Thin Mist Blue Mane, not a fan of Star Swirl. I only respect him because I admire his achievements and knowledge. But even the greatest wizard in Equestria is not omnipotent; I believe there are things he couldn't do."
"Things that Star Swirl the Bearded couldn't do are beyond my imagination. For example, I don't understand why you believe so much in the Magic of Friendship?"
Sunset Shimmer could tell that Aurora wasn't a pony who liked to make many friends either. She couldn't for the life of her figure out why Aurora was so certain about something that had neither theoretical basis nor practical examples.
Naturally, Aurora couldn't say that she had read the script and knew in advance how powerful the Magic of Friendship was, just that she didn't believe she could possess this kind of power, so she didn't show much in this regard.
In fact, Aurora firmly believed that the purpose of the Magic of Friendship was to make Sunset Shimmer believe in the Magic of Friendship, and she couldn't make Sunset Shimmer believe in something that she herself didn't believe in.
"You've read the story of Princess Celestia banishing Nightmare Moon, right?"
"Uh-huh. The story of Princess Celestia using the elements of harmony to seal the Moon Pony on the moon is even a prophetic story."
Sunset Shimmer pondered that there didn't seem to be many years left until the Nightmare Night in the prophecy, but she didn't know if the story was true or false, so she didn't know if there would be a Moon Pony coming to wreak havoc on Equestria.
"I saw a term similar to the elements of harmony in the notes left by Star Swirl — the tree of harmony. It is a tree with powerful magic, grown from seeds planted by the ancient six sages long ago, symbolizing the friendship between them and the wish to protect Equestria."
"This is the first time I've heard of this... By the way, just how many books have you read?"
Unexpectedly hearing content she had never seen before, Sunset Shimmer couldn't help but ask.
"I'm just very interested in the history of Equestria."
To better adapt to her identity as a pony, Aurora read many history-related books during the literacy stage. While increasing her vocabulary, she could also increase her sense of identity and belonging to her current status by understanding the history of this country.
"So you think the elements of harmony come from this tree of harmony? And the elements of harmony are what you call the Magic of Friendship?"
"I personally think so."
Aurora wanted to say that it was exactly that, but she had no direct evidence to prove this point. Although this analysis was reasonable and convincing, she still chose a more conservative statement.
"This is all just your guess. If the elements of harmony are the Magic of Friendship, then when using them, multiple ponies must be needed, right? But a thousand years ago, Princess Celestia defeated Nightmare Moon by using them alone."
"That's true..."
But after sealing Princess Luna, Princess Celestia's connection with the elements of harmony was broken, and she could no longer use the elements of harmony. After all, solving problems by suppressing one's own sister did not fit the philosophy of friendship.
However, Aurora could not tell Sunset Shimmer this directly, because this was not something a normal pony like Aurora should know.
"I think I get it now; you're saying all this just to make me believe that friendship has magical power."
"Then, Senior Sister, why don't you try to believe that friendship has power?"
"I don't need friendship; I am already strong enough on my own."
Sunset Shimmer said, lifting her head with supreme confidence.
"I will rely on my own abilities to become Princess Celestia's most proud student."
And for the Princess, friends were not a necessity.
Because the Celestia in Sunset Shimmer's eyes was just such a pony.