When we arrived at the Academy arrived, the four of us said goodbye to Scarlet and Merlot and went inside. My butlers didn't follow me anymore because I was with Thoreau, Blake, and Crimson Ul*lens
“I really admire your courage, Tantan!” Blake blurted out. “You were fearless earlier.”
“Thanks, Blake. Who wouldn't be annoyed by such an attitude? It would have been okay if she had done it to me. I’m not fighting back against an immature when that person hurt me, but to a friend or any loved one? All hell will break loose.”
Thoreau chuckled and patted my shoulder. “You're really something, Ahrina. Keep it up. I'm starting to idolize you and your strong will.”
“Aww, is that so? I want to be touched, but at the same time, I'm laughing at the drama of you two.”
While heading to the girls’ dormitory, we talked about random gossip. I won't mention those, but I still want to, so I'll just do it. Ul*lens isn't Ul*lens as of this day. We are used to his silence, but today, I feel different. He wants to say something, but he can't express it clearly, so he keeps quiet. Whatever it is, he can do it. He's grown up.
The four of us stopped at the doorway of the girls ’dorm, and I faced them. When Thoreau handed me the paper bags, I spoke up. “So, see you all again tomorrow. Thank you again.”
“Nothing, Tantan. It's not a big deal.” Then he patted my head twice. “Go inside. Good night, Tanny.”
I nodded. “Hmm. Good night as well to you three. See you all tomorrow!”
“Good night, Ahrina,” Blake said. “Ask him how he was on my behalf.” When he winked, I knew immediately what he meant. “Go up now.”
I mockingly saluted. “Aye, aye! Good night to you!” I waved my hand to them and walked away.
When I faced them again, I saw Ul*lens smiling. As in. Crimson “The Ul*lens” Torren is smiling genuinely. So I just widened my smile and waved again before going upstairs.
That Ul*lens is really crazy. He stands by my endea — nickname for him.
When I opened the dorm door, the surroundings were quiet. Probably because it's going to be midnight. I cautiously entered Freesia and my room and did not take a shower first. I noticed a black envelope on the floor, under the couch near the door.
Let's meet at the usual spot, daughter.
- Headmaster.
That is what is being written on the note inside the envelope. I don't know his motive for tonight, but I will see him. I just felt an urge to do so, so I just didn't think too much and prepared.
I went to the kitchen of our dorm, which was pretty close to the balcony, and teleported. I appeared in front of the jewel tree. When I turned around, I saw that the three crows were reunited just like usual.
I immediately spoke up. “What do you want to say?”
“I just want to give something.” A crow flew over here, and in its beak, he pinned a part of the black ribbon that was tied to another black box. The crow landed it in front of me and flew away again. “That's my gift to you, my daughter. I want you to wear that on the day you go to the Royal Palace.”
Out of suspicion, I untied the ribbon and removed the cover of the black box. A beige stiletto made of patent leather with some gold laurel leaves at its heels met my sight. The soles are gold in color too. I looked at him. “This is just a pair of shoes, right?”
“You're right, daughter. It's just shoes. I ordered someone to buy that at Central Market this morning.”
I still don't believe him.
“Is that so?” I covered the box again, tied its ribbon, and stood up while holding it. “Thank you very much. I won't have a problem with the shoes I wear.”
Headmaster Hades smiled a bit. “Just you, my daughter. Whatever you ask, I will provide it.”
My ears seemed to clap at what he said. There he is again. “Whatever?”
“Do you want to ask for anything else?”
Isn't it obvious yet? “There is. It's simple, but I can't do those since their guards are all up and tight to me.”
He nodded. “All right, I'll do it. What are those?”
I stared at the jewel tree and picked up the two giant red diamonds that were at their root. These two huge red diamonds floated on my right palm since I couldn't hold them due to their size and weight. I passed it to Headmaster Hades by letting it still float midair, and it stopped in his right palm, still floating. “One for Dreich and one for the Aurora. I want the money in exchange for the red diamond for Aurora to go to city funds. It's up to you what you do with Dreich's red diamond.”
“Is that all, my daughter?” I just nodded. “In that case, I'll do what you want. I only have one wish.”
“What is it?”
“Wear those shoes. That's all I want.”
I smiled. “All right, no problem.”
He moved his staff, and a black cloth appeared. There he placed two red diamonds. He faced me again and nodded. “I'll leave first, Ahrina. Sleep soundly.”
“Same goes to you, Headmaster.” He turned into three ravens once again. One of those has the cloth pinned between its beak and flew away.
I'll wear these shoes when you're dead, Hades.
I teleported again and appeared inside our dormitory. I cleaned my body again because I might smell leaves and wore my pajamas. I would have hidden the black box under my bed, but I was surprised when it changed its color from pitch black to royal blue. I don't know if anyone put that Headmaster here or I did it. I don't feel any different here, so maybe I did it unconsciously.
It's up to me, as long as I have to sleep.
“Your Majesty, may I talk to you for a while?”
“Of course.”
“Mom, that Regalia girl, she's a bit strange.”
“Why? How can you say so? You don't know her personally, Princess Perelia.”
“Mom, don't act as if you don't know me. I can read people without breaking any sweat. That Regalia girl, there is something in her. Something very pernicious. History will repeat itself because of her, and we have to do something! It is the Demetria that will be destroyed once we ignore this.”
“Take it easy, Perelia. Please calm down.”
“Perelia…” I woke up, murmuring that name. “Princess Perelia.”
That Mom she is talking to is probably the Queen of Demetria, and she's the Princess. As far as I know, something connected with instinct is his ability, but I can't tell what it is.
The place looks like a vast function hall with many people around. There is a long table, and people are feasting. I was there, sitting between Crimson and another female person who looked very unfamiliar. Judging by the people's outfits, it is some sort of ball night.
Goodness, precognition really has its cons. I need to sleep again.
*****
We immediately left the dorm and headed to the Dining Hall for breakfast. Since the class is early today because it's Monday again, the four of us are wearing uniforms.
Arriving at the Dining Hall, Marina and I sat at the usual table for the four of us while Freesia and Lia took our breakfast. And because Marina is naturally talkative, she didn’t let me just be quiet here.
“Yow! How were you yesterday? What did you do? Were you treated by Crimson’s sisters, or those three did?”
“We were all fine yesterday. We bought clothes at a boutique and then went to a spa after eating. Scarlet treated us everything, but Blake did when Scarlet didn't want to eat at an eat-all-you-can resto.”
I immediately remembered the woman yesterday.
“By the way, I have a question.”
“Sureness, what is it?”
“Are all young magicians required to study here at Schiz Academy?” I know it is a no. I just want to elaborate on my thoughts.
Marina shook her head. See? It's a no. “Schiz Academy is not the only school here in Demetria. It's the biggest, most prestigious one and can teach all young magicians simultaneously. In Thalia, they have a witch and warlock school there or what they call Thalian Academy. They are focused on their race and only practices witchcraft and spells. Here in Antheia, there are three schools: Schiz Academy, Demetria School of Magic, and Tree of Knowledge Academy. In DSM, those in the Royal Family have been studying since it was made exclusively for them thirty-six years ago.”
“Is there no school in Aurora?”
“There's no school in Aurora that they just own.” So it means there is, but they don’t own it solely. "Because of the historical friendship of Hesperia and Aurora, Aunt Amber and Vice Governess Ruby Torren decided to build a school exclusive for light and darkness mages, and they call it Dark Light Academy. The campus is in Aurora, 20 kilometers away from the Chamber of Light. That's their agreement. The campus will be built in Aurora, while the funds will solely come from Hesperia. Teachers can be both Hesperian and Aurorean, regardless of their magic. Even if DLA focuses on light and darkness, they still make their students aware of the other magic types.”
Before I could ask one more question, Lia and Freesia arrived. “Oh, what are you talking about there?” Lia asked as she placed the tray on the table. Freesia did the same, and they sat down.
“Ahrina’s asking if Schiz Academy is the only school nationwide.”
Freesia nodded. “Ah, okay. There are a total of fifteen schools nationwide though Schiz Academy is the largest, most expensive school, can offer a broader range of knowledge, and has complete facilities to train young magicians. Schiz Academy is also the first school in Demetria. There are partner schools in other countries. Next is DSM, and the third is DLA.”
“Thalian Academy is the second most recent because they only partnered with other schools last year. Then Sorcelleire Academy is the first in the most recent because they were only last month,” Lia added.
“Why aren't you studying at Thalian Academy, Lia?” I asked him.
“Mother doesn't want to. So even though it's expensive, I am studying here.”
Marina snapped her fingers all of a sudden. “Yeah! I just remembered it.” She exclaimed with her eyes widened. “What month is it now?”
“June,” Lia answered casually. “And?”
I looked at them confusedly while they just looked at each other. Nothing is in their mind, so I couldn’t know. Then, Freesia's eyes and Lia’s eyes just widened.
I just ate. “All right, don't let me know.”
I was about to drop my cutlery when Marina suddenly hit the table. I took a deep breath and stared at him. “Sorry.” Insincere, tss. “Every November—”
Freesia's hand suddenly flew to Marina's neck and whispered. “Are you stupid? Haven't we been told that when there's a new student, don't let them know?”
“You know, you're all hotdogs.”
Is that too big a deal not to disclose it to me? Fine, I'll just ask Aunt Calla or Uncle Carob. Perhaps I’ll resort to Sir Collins since his office is nearer.
We were about to finish breakfast when someone pulled up a chair and sat down next to Lia. When we gazed at him, it was Thoreau. “Ooh, someone’s alone here.”
Thoreau just nodded and smiled faintly. “Blake and Crimson aren't awake yet, so I went here first. Besides, I don't want to skip classes because of them.”
“That’s why I really like you.” I smirked at Freesia. When she caught me looking at her, she suddenly choked and almost vomited what she was eating.
“Are you okay? What happened?” I smirked wider when Thoreau asked those questions to her, full of concerns.
Something is happening here. Something strange is happening.
After the controversial breakfast, we simultaneously exited the Dining Hall and walked down the hallway. The three of them were constantly blabbering on Thoreau while I was just quiet here behind them. Nothing, I don't feel like talking.
Lia said goodbye to us earlier since Magic World Literature is her first class. After a few minutes, Marina did the same thing since she had a class in Communication Arts. Since the three of us had History as our first subject, we were three attended at the same time.
When I sat in my seat, I was even more surprised. It's as if something is wrong with it. I do not know what.
“Ahrina,” I turned to Thoreau as he called my name, “are you okay? You're spacing off.”
I forced a smile. “Yup. Something's just running in my mind. Why?”
“Nothing.”
Our teacher came in when the bell rang, so we greeted her. He sat in the teacher's seat and checked the attendance first. He called our surnames one by one.
Exactly I heard a voice somewhere as he called the boys' surnames one by one.
“Finley and Torren, both excused.”
Both excused. Why? Just because they are asleep? They must be joking! So unreasonable if that's the excuse. Another one, equality runs here whatever your social hierarchy, magic, ability, student rankings, or identity. The teachers here are not that stupid to tolerate too petty students with excuses.
“Regalia.”
I raised my hand, just like the others were doing, and responded, “Present, Sir.”
He nodded and spoke after he wrote something on the attendance. “Congratulations for stealing the spot from Ms. Sutton, by the way.”
“Thank you.” Freesia pushed me a bit and smirked. From behind, Thoreau applauded his hands near my ears. “I'll tie you two up.”
And there, the lecture started.
Sir Coren faced us all after writing a set of words on the board. “Our topic for today is about the wings.” Hooh, good topic. “Wings come with different sizes, colors, styles, and functions based on the user's capacity. In history, wings are said to be associated with immortal eagles. The first magician to manifest a pair of wings was Lyreia, a nature mage who had an ability of animal mimicry. All of the accounts say that she has wings not because of her ability but because of a genetic problem.”
Someone from the class raised his hand. “But Sir, is it possible for a magician to manifest wings out of ability?”
“Yes. During a 1946 study, it was proved, again, that wing manifestation was also considered an ability. However, there is a huge difference between hereditary and ability-induced wings manifestation,” Sir Coren elaborated and wrote something again on the board.
“The darkest color of wings ever recorded in the whole history of the Magic World is the dark violet. In Demetria, the Edwards family from Thalia has this color of the wings and is hereditary. According to some studies, the color of the wings of a magician may be associated with their purity scale and color choice. Summing up all of the gathered data, roughly 74% of winged magicians have their wings color based on their genes. So here is the difference between hereditary and ability-induced wing manifestation. The former can vary from ivory white to dark violet, while the latter can only range from pure white to navy blue. The size of the hereditary wings is smaller than the ability-induced yet is lighter in weight and more accessible to control than the ability-induced ones.”
For the first time studying here, this is the only topic in History that has captured all my attention and interest. This is the first and foremost topic, and I don't f*cking know why.
Lunch arrived, and instead of going to the Dining Hall, I went to Sir Collin. Oh, maybe I should address him frequently as Kuya Collin na and not Sir Collin. But of course, only in informal situations.
I remember Julianna's stupidity again. When did that happen?
“Come in.” Si — Kuya Collin stated after I knocked thrice in a row on his office door. He only peeked at me when I entered and returned his attention to his laptop. “What brings you here, Ahrina?”
In the first place, why am I here? Also, why would I ask about Blake?
“What's up every November?”
“Ah, isn't it?" He stopped typing and looked at me. He intertwined his fingers and smiled faintly. “November is referred to as the Doom's Day by the students. This is when students have to apply what they learned in school and aid young kids who can't attend school.” I just nodded and was about to leave when he had to speak again. “Are you looking for them?”
Bingo! I smiled and nodded. “Not really. 1%.”
“All I can assure you is they are both safe. They aren't Torren and Finley for nothing.”
And my suspicion continued growing. I found Kuya Collin's answer earlier too confusing and questioning. Especially here with Thoreau, who said they were just asleep. Like, duh, Kuya Collin shouldn't even care since the two are just sleeping. Anyone can sleep as a form of whole rest. Why say 'they are both safe' and then 'they aren't Torren and Finley for nothing.' Hello, I don't have a hoot.
In cr first I went. Gaia misses me, so I need to bond with her first.
Nope, I don’t have diarrhea. I just pee.
Before I could even open the cubicle door after flushing the toilet, it suddenly opened, and the face of a half-octopus and half-leech appeared on me.
She suddenly threatened me tightly and even banged my sensitive head on the wall. I was stupid to the max. It's a good thing I wasn't on the cement because if I didn't, I would be able to kill myself right now.
“You're really a woman. How are you? You're so observant. You're so arrogant. You're so greedy,” Julianna gritted.
I just laughed at him. After all, she's just a wagon passing by. “Just calm down, Lady Julianna. Just to remind you, in the first place, you can't be the Top Female Student Magician in this school.”
She tightened her grip on me even more, and that's when I felt the heat, but it also disappeared immediately. “F*ck you!”
Her palm was about to touch my left cheek, but I held her wrist before she could do it. I smirked to annoy her more and gripped her wrist very tight to the point that she was already aroused. “Don't be full of chatter, Julianna. Fight me later in the Training Chamber, okay?” I let go of her and pushed her out of the cubicle. Her henchmen caught her, so Julianna's head did not hit the counter. I just went out and went straight to the Dining Hall.
I don't have extra time and new patience to communicate 1+1 equals 11 with her.
The five of us had lunch while Blake and I were still gone.
“It was said earlier that wing manifestation can be ability-induced.” They all nodded. “How can I do that?”
“You like?” Lia exclaimed.
Freesia and Marina gasped simultaneously while Thoreau smiled. “Crimson will teach you that one."
After we had lunch, we headed straight to the Training Chamber. They were here right away Julianna and they thought poorly of me, to my surprise. I just smiled and ignored them.
All right, Julianna. I want you to go berserk. I want to know how far you can go.
A few minutes later, Kuya Collin arrived. We all greeted him just like usual as he stood in front of everyone. “I will randomly call a student, and that student must call whom he or she wants to fight with.”
Good. You have good timing, Kuya. Excellent job.
When someone called him a student I didn't know and that student called someone else, that's where the games started.
I'd been watching fights for a long time when the door slightly opened, revealing Blake and Crimson, who smelled like leaves and forest moist. They both look fine and complete. That's good.
“Sutton.”
Oh my gosh, this is it. This is it. I'll finish you, Sutton.
Julianna went to the front and smirked. Her dogs cheered on her.
“Go, Julie!”
“No need to support you, girl!”
“Yas! You can do it!”
“Please select your opponent,” Kuya Collin said.
Julianna's smirk grew more annoyingly and met my gaze. “Regalia.” Everyone stared at me intently, including Kuya Collin. “I want to fight with Regalia.”
Freesia's mouth gapped, attempting to speak, but I took away from her the opportunity to do so. “Sure, Sutton. I will fight against you.” And the voices of my classmates echoed. Well, except for my friends and Kuya Collin.
I removed my cape and handed it to Freesia. I smiled and nodded to Kuya Collin, who looks against these shits. He just sighed and nodded. I stood far across from Julianna, and we both threw smirks at each other.
“You may both start.”
Julianna placed her arms on her side, and then fireballs appeared on both her palms. “I will turn you into ashes, Regalia.” The floor cracked temporarily, and lava started going up. “I will melt even your ashes.”
I smirked wider and moved my palms. “My bad, you can't do that to me.” My smirk vanished, and then effortlessly, I created light orbs which floated around me. She seemed threatened for a bit. “Remember what I have told you? I am someone you didn't expect.”
And hell yeah, let's move the chess piece of the queen.
“First, if you want to summon your wings, wish for it, and it will appear afterward.”
“The darkest color of wings ever recorded in the whole history of the Magic World is the dark violet. In Demetria, the Edwards family from Thalia has this color of the wings and is hereditary. According to some studies, the color of the wings of a magician may be associated with their purity scale and/or color choice. Summing up all the gathered data, roughly 74% of winged magicians have their wings color based on their genes. So here is the difference between hereditary and ability-induced wing manifestation. The former can vary from ivory white to dark violet, while the latter can only range from pure white to navy blue. The size of the hereditary wings is smaller than the ability-induced yet is lighter in weight and more accessible to control than the ability-induced ones.”
I wished for a pair of wings, faster than a nanosecond, I felt like a bone cracked inside my upper back, and something heavy grew over it. And there, a complete silence invaded the whole Training Chamber.
Julianna's eyes widened as she saw my wings. I smirked amusingly. I never saw her being horrified like an ass, but not now.
Who wouldn't fear my pitch-black wings? Who wouldn't be surprised to see a less than month-old being mage breaking two worldwide records?
So, as my pitch-black wings appeared, I knew I had already won.