“Are you serious?” Freesia and I immediately opened the door for me after I left the room. “Are you really serious?”
“I know you'll be shocked. But trust me, I won't die.” They eyed me a confused gaze. “Perks of having a precognition. I can change my future.”
“Ahrina, you're just a beginner. We're just concerned on you.”
I showed them a confident smile. “All right.”
“Huh?” Lia asked.
"I'm not going to join Wielder of Charms anymore. But, the one I want to take my place, is Julianna.”
I told Aunt Calla the same thing when I went to her office for lunch. He was surprised but then, I saw he was breathing more easily. But, I don't think the Royal Family will choose Julianna over me. I saw the Princess' and Prince's interest in me so for sure, we can't alter that one. The only thing I can change is what will be my outcome in the competition.
Starting today, I need to prepare. As I said to Crimson, I want her to train me as a Mystic Princess and not as Ahrina Regalia. In fact, it was an honor for him. But I think, no. Because I'm just a beginner.
After the morning classes, I immediately went to TC. Lazy for lunch, I can see Julianna's face again. It's a pity to work on maintenance from sunrise to sunset. It's still hard work don. In maintenance, all operating systems, electricity, water, and magic defense wards need to work smoothly. And Julianna's job is to check everything to see if it's okay or not.
Poor him, what? But he deserves it.
As I entered the TC, I immediately saw Kuya Collin. He was just leaning against Lia — she was against the wall looking like someone was waiting.
“Collin, what are you doing here?”
When he faced me, he immediately flicked and a row of water waves immediately emerged. Fortunately, my hand moved quickly so I was able to build an ice dome right away. The water just crashed and the others flowed to the door.
A smile flashed at Kuya Collin. “Do you want to fight with me?”
“No.”
But he rolled up his sleeves and small water orbs appeared. Since I couldn't do anything, I moved my hands and made ice shards.
He's one of the best water mage in Demetria so I won't be surprised if I lose right away.
We stopped fighting when the door opened and three idiots and three witches entered. I was about to speak when suddenly I felt something coming towards me. A water beam from Kuya Collin. I immediately turned away from it and quickly straightened my hands as if holding a bow and arrow. Black came out but I ignored it and just left it.
The case was immediately diffused near Kuya Collin's water dome. Shemay, it's hard because of that. It was as if I was dissecting the cadaver and removing all the veins.
I made a bunch of ice shards and no doubt left them on him. As he focused on the shards, I immediately made earth orbs and next placed them on him.
Everything diffused including his dome and then he laughed. “Let's just say you're the only one because you can't use just one elemental magic. Your friends are already there, I'm leaving.”
“Thank you, Collin.”
“That's nothing.” He was about to leave but he moved his finger and a water flush came out of it. He just removed a dry leaf from your skirt. “Do your best.”
“Yes!” After Kuya Collin left, I faced the six kids. "What?”
Blake answered, “Nothing. We just thought of something.”
“Huh?”
“Time freeze!” I yelled and lay on the floor. “Five minutes.”
“Tantan, how can you fight that Wielder of Charms if we're only six and you can't beat?”
I faced them while still catching my breath. “Let's just take it easy, shall we? Jusko, it's hard to fight the fools!”
Lia laughed and went to me. “That's it. If you can't handle us, what about Wielder of Charms?”
I gave her a confident smile. “Trust me, I can do that better than you.”
“Only then can you say you can do it when you defeat us.”
We all turned to Crimson. “If you can't defeat us, you have no right to join the Wielder of Charms.”
Wait, is this one mad at me? And just wait, I have no right. Hah! Excuse me, I'm the only one to be included in Wielder of Charms' no! Whether I have the right or not, whether I like it or not, they will include me, especially that Perelia. And one more thing, it hurted my ego!
I quickly stood up and released my wing. He smiled. “You know, Crimson, there's only one thing I can tell you.”
“What?”
“F you!”
It’s like I ran from Batanes to Jolo. As in! My body had collapsed and I had no appetite even if I just moved my finger. It's tiring. I feel like I'm having second thoughts. You are too arrogant! You are very impulsive, kid! What, will I join or not? I literally need some help.
I started to calm myself down. Even though the floor was cold, I couldn't move properly so I calmed myself first. I think I used my magic too much so this is what happened to me.
After a few minutes, I stood up in case I suddenly fainted. Someone was supporting me, in case it was a furry one so when I opened my eyes, I saw Lia's wings. “Slow down,” he said and hid his wing again. “Oh what, you need medicine?”
“Gosh, not anymore. I can do it.”
They also stood up and drank their water. I just begged Freesia who seemed to be beating me in her mind with the hanger made of ice.
I stayed here at TC while they all went out to attend classes. I hope everyone is used to it. I'm sorry, I've only been here for a month and so many things have happened.
While staring at the ceiling, a very good idea entered my mind.
Upon arrival at the library, I was immediately greeted by Ms. Rieotti, the chief librarian here that you will be worried about is so beautiful. I'm going to crush him.
Through her guide, I found books I should read. Including one of the oldest manuscripts titled 'Birth of the Goddess: Geminid Schiz'. Her biography is written here in a creative nonfiction form.
Geminid Schiz was the caretaker of the Sacred Gem, the most powerful white crystal that contains all the elements in the world. She came from the most influential family. At that time, higher ranking mages were competing on who deserves to be the caretaker.
Geminid learned magic control when she was just three years old. That age, I just went to Mommy for sure. She learned reading by four. So when he turned five years old which is the standard age for a child to start going schooling, he was immediately sent to the Enchantrie School of Magic which is the home for beginners.
At the age of 10, she became the top student. By that, the Royal Family of Demetria eyed her as one of the candidates for being the caretaker of the Sacred Gem. After five years, she graduated from ESM with the highest honor. Then she received a scholarship from the Demetrian Royal Family for her to successfully get inside the University of Enchantrie.
In 1919, she was announced as the caretaker of the Sacred Gem after competing with a total of 22 candidates. She got all the titles and fame she deserved.
However, in September 1919, Headmaster Hades announced a kingdom-wide battle in exchange for the Sacred Gem. Knowing that all the necromancers are souls and partially immortal, everyone was alarmed. As the top student of the University of Enchantrie, the Royal Family decided to make Geminid the leader for this war.
During the war, Geminid Schiz showed her unique form of magic: the divine type, little by little. Controlling all the elements of the Sacred Gem, she got to break the dome protecting the Lone City of Dreich. As she and the youngest headmaster of Dreich faced each other, she immediately used her entire divine magic to kill all the necromancers surrounding Headmaster.
Unfortunately, Geminid was slained by Hades using the most dangerous form of magic: the soul extraction. At the age of 20, his father, Late Headmaster Azrael died due to his age. He was 23 when he led the Dreich to the most excruciating and largest war in history: the Enchanted War.
In honor of Geminid Schiz, the Schiz Academy was built. And the Dreich was separated from the jurisdiction of Demetria, making them the first Lone City in the Magic World.
At the end of this book, there was a motto from Geminid Schiz. It was stated here that 'Don't be the person people wanted to be, be the person whom you wanted to be.'
“Wow.” Ms. Rieotti chuckled. “Just wow. Be the person you wanted to be. She’s so great there!”
“Her story is amazing, right?” I nodded. “Geminid Schiz is one of the best mages ever in history. Despite coming from the most influential family as it will be linked to biasing, she ignored every criticism against her and became who she wanted to be. That's why she is everyone's inspiration.”
“You too?”
“Of course. Who wouldn't be amazed at Geminid Schiz if he's so good and brave, right?” Of course. “Are you still reading?”
I nodded. “Yes. I still want to know the whole history of the Magic World.”
Ms. Natawa naman. Rieotti and smiled at me. “I don't know why but I see Geminid Schiz in you. According to my grandmother, Geminid Schiz is also fond of History. More than that, she wants everything she knows.” We are different from the situation of Geminid Schiz, Ms. Rieotti. “Oh go ahead, read there. I'll leave you there.”
“All right. Thank you very much, Ms. Rieotti.”
“That’s nothing,” she responded and left.
I put the book Birth of the Goddess aside and then read the book The History of Magic.
It was already night for me to read and my back almost hurt as well. After reading I closed the book Quantum of Sorcery which should only be read by sorcerers and sorceress. But what should I do? Books are for everyone. It depends on the person whether they have a cup of tea for a book or not. But for me, all kinds of books (with a total, infinite exception to books used in school that are super boring) I like.
And since it's dinner time, I just borrowed two more books that I haven't read yet. Ms. Rieotti gave me a library card on which to write the many books. After writing in the record book, he asked me to sign there and allowed me to return the books any day. The duration of borrowing is really only one day, no matter how many books there are.
I don't know but looks like I’m already Ms. Rieotti’s favorite. Maybe later in her wedding, I'll be the maid of honor.
When I went down to the ground floor, two butlers greeted me. “Lady Ahrina, Headmistress Calla is calling you.”
When I arrived at Tita Calla's office, instead of Tito Carob and them, I saw Mommy. “M-Mom...” Mom turned her gaze to me and all of a sudden, hugged me tight. What made me more shocked is when she started sobbing. “Mom, why are you crying? Did something happen?”
I assisted Mom to the sofa and Tita Calla arrived with Kuya Collin and Tito Carob. They all sat across us. Tita Calla spoke. “We confirmed that the letter you received came from Dreich, Amber.”
My eyes widened. “What letter?” They all looked at each other. “Where's the letter? What's written inside it? Why did Mom receive one?” I asked desperately.
Confused with my sudden attitude, Kuya Collin handed me the letter and I opened it.
Give the Mystic Princess to the Dreich and we will not announce another Enchanted War.
At the end of the paper, there's a black feather which I am surely coming from one of Headmaster's ravens. Its texture and the enigmatic feeling from it already tell it.
“Headmaster Hades,” I mumbled and faced Mom. “When did you receive this, Mom?”
“Just earlier,” she answered. “As soon as I read the letter, I rushed here.” Then she held my hand. “Daughter—“
“I will train.” They all shot me a confused gaze. “I will train as hard as I can. We will not return to Earth, Mom. That'll just make our situation worse.”
In the evening, I rushed to South Woods. When I got to the part where I could see the bright full moon, I shouted. “Hades, show yourself to me!” In a speed of light, he appeared in front of me. “You're shameless! What do you really want?”
“My daughter, what happened and why are you so angry?”
“Don't act like you did nothing, Hades! Look, you gave Mommy a letter! What do you really want Hades? Tell me you're white and don't touch my mother here!” I don’t care if anyone can hear us except the necromancers around. All I need is the explanation of this visiting soul smoke!
“Ah, is that so?” F*cking yes! “I just said that so they would know where they were going.”
“What do you mean?” I asked him but he just smiled. “Look, answer my question, Hades! What do you want to happen and why do you have to involve my mother in this!”
“She's been in this mess for a long time Ahrina,” he said hard to my surprise. “He's been involved in all the chaos in the Magic World for a long time. It's not you I need, it's him.”
“Then why do you have to involve me!”
“Because you're her weakness, Ahrina!” he yelled at me. “Haven't you seen yet? You're Amber's weakness! Even me, you're my weakness, daughter! You're everyone's weakness!” I heard him take a deep breath and speak again. “I know they will take another step against me so I used you as a weakness of all of us to stop what they are doing. I know you will be angry with what I did, but that is the only way for them to stop.”
Are we kidding here? “Because they won't fight you if you agree with them from the beginning and make peace.”
“Agree? Who are you fooling, Ahrina? You don't know the system in this world. You haven't even been here for a year. The world you live in has a system that is against everyone's freedom and my father and I want nothing. to freedom. That is what I am fighting for as the leader of Dreich, my son. Never, ever will I conform to the system of this world,” he told me.
I just found myself laughing. I no longer knew whom I would believe. “Tell me what happened and why you have to involve me?”
“The Committee of Peace and Power has issued a new decision that they will do everything to destroy Dreich permanently. They will take the soul of Tyson Regalia who is one of the strongest among the ranks of senior light mages like Amber to be used for their purpose. When they do this, the system in the world you live in will become deadly,” he explained and approached me. Even if I want to get away, I have to do it. “I'm asking for a favor, my child. I'm not the real cruel in this world son, but they are. I hope you understand me. I'm leaving.”
But before he could leave, I spoke. “What do you want me to do?” He turned to me so I spoke again. “What do you want me to do, as princess of Dreich?”
He smiled. “You should know all about the entire Magic World. I also want you to show that you are the true Mystic Princess, the heir to Geminid Schiz and the creator of the Sacred Gem.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “I will. You can leave now.”
*****
I read books all night. I even teleported inside the library just to read more books. I also stopped the time for me to read books as much as I can. Fortunately, I did everything so yeah, I was successful in my task last night.
I have an idea why Headmaster said that the system in Magic World is against freedom. If you look, in Wielder of Charms alone, you will know immediately. The system here is not only against freedom. Almost every right, they violate. Let's add their secret mission that the elemental mages will spy on Dreich.
I understand Headmaster's objective and why he is still fighting for it. Even I want eternal freedom. But he was fighting in the wrong way. His way of defending his goal is way lot dangerous because they use forbidden spells and magics to extract one's soul and blessed it as Dreich's necromancer. He is forcing people to support his aim.
There is nothing perfect in the world. Just in case, that's not a reason to continue the flaws. Suppose you were ironing, you saw something wrong, you didn't fix it and just let it go. And that's wrong. They both have something wrong. At pota, I'm stuck in between.
After eating a sandwich as my breakfast, I immediately went to TC. Surprisingly, Crimson was there and is making a dark dome for his defense. Since he didn't turn to me, I moved my forefinger and his dark glass dome broke. There, he diverted his attention to me.
His eyebrows furrowed. “Did you just break the dome I'm making?”
“Uh-huh.”
“What the hell do you need, then?”
“Teach me as the Mystic Princess, not as Ahrina Tantiana Regalia.” Crimson shot me a confused stare. “Please teach me all the things I have to learn.”
“Hey.” He went to me and caressed my cheeks. “Did something happen, baby girl?” I shook my head. “Then why are we being in a hurry?”
“Please, just teach me, Crimson. You're my trainer, right?” He nodded. “Then please, teach me all the magic, spells, whatever I need to learn. I promise I will persevere.”
He stared at me for a bit longer and sighed. “Before that, can you tell me what happened?”
Okay, fine, I guess I have no choice. “Did you ever feel like you're stuck between? Like, you can't decide whatever you do.”
Crimson nodded and smiled. “Yes, baby girl. I think that's already inevitable. Most people experience that kind of struggle. Why? What's that matter that you can't decide properly?”
“One wants me to be maintain everything as it is, yet one wants me to change everything,” I stated. “Both have flaws, both have inconsistencies. However, both have that clear goal, and both think of it as what is the best.”
He took a deep inhale. “That’s...difficult. And you want to be the Mystic Princess for that?” I nodded. “All right, I'll teach you. Wanna start now?”
Totally exhausted, I still stood up and caught my breath. Crimson is leaning on the wall, gasping for air too. I went to him. “Hey, you okay?”
“I'm okay. It's you whom I am concerned. You still okay?”
I nodded. "I can still fight.”
Crimson smiled and stood up straightly. “I will teach you how to make a magic staff.” Magic staff? "”Gather all your magic on your dominant hand.”
“How?”
He took my hand and placed the tip of his forefinger on my palm. “Pour all your energy on this point.” I took a deep inhale and was like pushing all the blood I have on that point. Crimson slowly removed his index finger and supported my hand.
Then a black light slowly appeared, forming a long stick. Crimson tilted my hand, facing my right, and folded my fingers like I'm gripping that black light.
We both looked at each other as a shiny black staff with a purple crystal ball and white feathers on its tip fully appeared. He smiled at me. “You did great, baby girl. However, you must have to retain the same energy and strength for it to be permanent and unbreakable.”
“Okay,” I responded and gripped the staff properly. “This looks great.”
“Yeah, you look like an angel holding a staff.”
“But this is black.” I pouted at him. “So Mystic Princess is a dark angel?”
He smirked. “A fallen angel because she fell in love to me.”
“Ah, let's eat.” Crimson laughed. “I want to try this.”
“Sure, baby girl, my pleasure,” he replied.
We both paused from fighting as the door opened. “Unfair! You two are training without us!”
“Whatever.” Freesia threw me an ice ball, yet it melted immediately as the purple crystal ball of my staff touched it. “Woah,” I murmured.
“Wow, Tantan got her staff,” Blake commented. “Why black?”
I flipped my hair. “Because Crimson made this for me.” They all rushed at Crimson to beat him up. “You ugly people, why are you here?”
“Your audacity to call us ugly, huh!” Marina exclaimed.
“Well, we're just here because we've been looking for you for a while. Duh, we're going to clean the school!”
“But because you both are in the midst of training, we just decided that we'll just join both of you,” Thoreau added. He motioned his left hand and a black staff with a yellow storm orb on its top appeared. “We have our staves too!”
I smirked after every one of them showed their own staff. “This time, I'm serious.”
Blake whistled. “Good. So now, it's the Mystic Princess versus some lowkey mages.”
Marina hitted his nape using her staff. “Are you nuts? You're the only lowkey mage here!”
“I'm really going to kill these two,” Freesia stated and her face crumpled. “Whatever. Mystic Princess versus seven dorks!”
“I object!” I shouted and grinned. “Hehe.”