500 years ago there were 7 kingdoms that existed. Everyone were living peacefully and happy. Each kings of the kingdom's were kind to their people but one became greedy. One of the 7 Kings started to desire more that what he has and became arrogant. When he realized that the way he is right now is not enough to conquer the world, he decided to make a contract with a demon with his soul as the payment and became a demon himself.

Little did the people know that along their joy is a budding nightmare for all of them. And so the smiles within their faces started to fade when the chaos they couldn't ever imagine started to arise. Monsters after monsters keep showing, the Kings started to do what they can but it was not enough. As everything seemed to go downhill for human race at the midst of chaos, the Kings, wounded and scarred, pleaded to God to give them the strength to fight evil and save humanity. And so, as God has heard their prayer and witnessed their suffering, God granted humanity power to fight evil. Human were granted abilities and markings shall appear on their bodies as a proof but among all those people, seven of them were the strongest. As the 7 heroes emerge and swore to fight for the people, the war between the 6 kingdoms against the Kingdom of Acimheras has begun with the help of the heroes. A fearsome battle begun, a continuous exchange of arrows, clash of swords and other weapons, and the death of hundreds to thousands of people lasted for months, until at last humanity has won, the evil King lost for he had not expected for them to become powerful and before his body turned to ashes he had said "I do not accept this defeat! 500 years from now, I shall reincarnate and you will all bow to me and beg on your knees!"

With that, the kingdom's were weary especially when in exchange for their triumphant the heroes exhausted their powers and lost their lives at the end of the battle. However, even with sadness they had honoured those heroes and was written on history. And so as the war has ended, each kingdom's started to rebuild their territory and improve everything for the people. And so the new era where strenght, bravery and power has begun.

I taught these were all just stories made up by the man who took me in to entertain me. Well at least Not until that day arrived.

"Where is she?!" asked by the man wearing a black cloak as he is holding Duer my foster father by the neck. But despite what he is going through, Duer just laughed at them.

"He must have known that we were coming. The kid isn't here" said the one holding a sword with a crest like star that has an eye in the center which made the other one get angrier. Red markings started to appear in his body as he slammed Duer on the wall. "You will never have her haha just kill me"

I was just a 7 years old kid but I had to witness the death of the one who took care of an orphan like me while I hide under the wooden floor as his blood touched my face as they left his cold body on the floor as they leave.

"Listen, Take care of yourself, never trust so easily and never let your freedom get taken away from you. Do not avenge for me, do not use your power for evil and live happily. Go to the Kingdom of Aisya, look for Duke Ervar Gabrielli, give this letter to him and he will help you" those were the last words I heard from him before he hid me.

and so I have started my journey to look for the Duke. I have no time to mourn or grieve for his death. I couldn't understand what I am feeling. For a seven years old kid perhaps I am mature for my age. However despite my maturity in some things, I still have a lot of questions in my mind that couldn't be answered. Why were they even look for a kid like me? what do they need and who are they? there are a lot of questions within my mind that's just a few of them.

"Silly Duer, why take in someone like me if you knee from the start that this would happen." I muttered as I walked alone. Seriously dad, just who are you and why would you tell me to go to the Kingdom of Aisya when we are already inside the Kingdom, we're just in the mountain for poops sake. *Sigh* it's no use thinking of these things when the one in question is gone.

The sky is so bright right now, so much for everything that happened last night. I feel like the time is moving too fast the sun is already shinning so much. Arggh how I hate how it's so bright, it's hurting my eyes, oh well better get moving. After the 4 days journey to the central city I have finally reached my destination. And currently I am in front of a huge gate with guards at the front looking at me like I'm a pitiful child begging for something. Well I can't argue with the pitiful part but hey! I'm not gonna beg despite how I look. I went near the gate and as expected the blocked my way. "Sorry kid, this isn't a place you can just go in. This is the Duke's Residence. You can just go beg somewhere else" he said and touched my head. Just what??! I am seriously annoyed by that remark but there's nothing I could do, perhaps I do look like a beggar because of how messy I am. I searched for the letter inside the small sling bag I have and hand showed it to them.

"I'm here to give this to the Duke" they looked at each other as they saw the mark on the envelope and sent someone to deliver the letter. After a few minutes of waiting they told me to get inside and opened the gate. But as I was about to walk inside the Duke's territory a carriage passed by us and there, my eye met a kid who's about my age with a silver hair and blue like ocean eyes. "How beautiful" I muttered out of the blue subconsciously. It's impossible for her to hear it but she smiled after I said that which made me blush like a stupid kid. Arrrgh! eww, get a hold of yourself. I took a deep breath and and focused on walking, following the man who is escorting me to the Duke's office.

And there I taught I only need to face the duke but I had to face the Duke with his family instead. They were looking at me with those sad eyes. Oh please don't, I don't need pity, I'll pity myself. *Sigh* but despite thinking like that I can't deny that I am indeed feeling like horse poop because of everything that's happening. The Duke was holding the letter I came with and by the looks of it, I assumed that he already read it. He introduced himself, went near me and kneel while holding me.

"I am Duke Ervar, this is my wife, Duchess Halfrida and my son, Sinha..." he paused as he look at his family before meeting my eyes. damn! his face looks intimidating when you get a closer look. Noticing how the Duke seemed devastated and lose of words, the Duchess went near us with their son following her and said, "We know that it's hard to deal with what has happened, we know that everything is still fresh within your self but would you accept us, as your new family?" the Duchess spoke with a sad eyes. No you don't know anything. At least that's what I want to say and think, but I know for myself that what I need the most right now is a family that will accept me wholeheartedly.

Seeing how the are welcoming me with hopeful eyes, how can I possibly turn down the only family who's willing to take in a stranger like me. "Am I having a sister?" Sinha cheerfully asked but his parents only looked at me. My heart is aching and it feels like something is stuck on my throat. How can I say no to them when I can see how happy then could be. A smile formed between my lips as I look at them. Understand my response the Duke and his family hugged me as his son, my soon to be brother, is jumping with happiness. I didn't even notice how the tears started to trail their way on my face. And for the first time, I cried, felt the pain I have ignore upon losing someone. All the maturity I had vanished as I cried just like what a seven years old kid is supposed to.

After a few days

"At last we're done with the process of adopting you and so from now on you are a child of House Gabrielli and will be named, Citlalmina Gabrielli" the Duk-- my father informed me along with mother and Sinha and the people within the Duke's Residence. "No matter what happens, no matter what people say, you are our daughter and we are your family" Mother said.

"Mo...mother" I spoke hesitantly but was met with a soft smile from my her and my new family.

And upon that, a celebration was held at that day for me.

A family,huh? I don't have one not until when Duer found me. I woke up in this world as an orphan, got taken in by Duer who then left me and got adopted by the Duke himself. I hope this would be the last I'll lose my family. I won't let myself lose something important again, I need to get stronger and so in this new beginning I shall seek for both the strength to protect and the answers for the questions with in myself.

8 Years Later

"Mina, we know that you don't like to socialize. However, you are already 15 years old" Mother said while we are eating and look at me. I think I know where this conversation is heading. "Your mother is right, we allowed you to decline last time but this time... you have to go". Truthfully? I want to decline again.

"And don't even say that you can't because you are busy. We know that you've been going out after your training with Knight Mikhail" What? they knew that? Did that old geezer rat me out? what else do they kn--"We Know a lot" she said as if reading what's on my mind. Waaaah Help me Sinhaaaaaa! I don't wanna goooo! oh who am I kidding. Sinha left 5 years ago, he only goes home on breaks. I can't imagine myself interacting with people and attending classes. I will look like a stupid girl and stand out like a sore thumb 'cause I know nothing except fighting. I just don't want to be with greedy people and I don't think I can socialize properly. Oh come on mina, you should know for yourself that not all people are greedy and that, there is something you fear too. Let's just tell them what's been bugging me the moment they mention I have to there. "I...I'm not good at academics" I said as I stopped on eating. I looked at them and look down "Sure I'm not that stupid but I lack brains compared to Sin" they looked at me with worry in their eyes. I didn't mean to compare myself with lil bro sin but this is the easiest way to let them know what I mean. "You should know that you are more than that mina" mother said as father followed,"We know you'll be fine there. We know that you can do it..."

"Humans aren't perfect, mina. Besides as I've always said, if someone tries to bully you-not like there is- I mean if someone mess with a Gabrielli what do you do?" father asked and I couldn't help but chuckle "We just need to kick their asses" I said and laughed "Ervar! that's not a proper word to teach a lady!" mother scolded my father but he just laughed and smiled sweetly. How cute... I smile was just about to form on my lips when--"and you mina! don't just imitate your father... You're becoming a daddy's girl...you should be mommy's girl! mommy will give you anything" hahahaha and mother is acting like a spoiled and doting parent again.

"Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Seriously mina, the world is big. You should go out at explore or even go on adventure. You are no longer the small little girl back then, you need to meet new people, learn new things and perhaps..fall in lo--"

"Ok that's enough" I said, cutting my father's sentence. That was embarrassing, I just want to bury my face right now. "hoho our daughter seems to be embarrassed, dear" mother said then softly laughed. "So mina, what do you say? will you go?" Do I have another choice father when you have that puppy eyes again. I swear sometimes my parents act like a kid more than me.

*sigh*

"Declining for the second time would be rude right?" as I said those words, their smiles grew bigger. They knew I won't be able to decline. "Good, Because you would have hated me starting today if you decline 'cause we're not accepting a no anyway" mother said while laughing.

"What?? So you were planning to send me there even if I said no? seriously, what's the point of asking me then?" I asked, unbelievably, how childish can they be. "Well we kinda sent your documents there already..." he clearly can't look at me in the eyes and is scratching the back of his neck "..and you'll be in the same year with Sin but on a different class and..."

"And?" I asked, what's with the suspense? "And class is starting on Monday" he quickly followed. Wait..."What??" today is Saturday.

-----

I feel like everything is going so fast. I can't believe I'll be leaving tomorrow to the academy. Well, at least I'll get to see Sin again. Despite me treating Sin like a little brother we are actually born in the same year, I'm just older by a few months.

'Vercington Academy'

A famous school not only within this city but to the other kingdoms as well. They produce the most skilled knight, hunters and warriors. The way they educate and train their student is exceptional. Do I even deserve to be there? someone who just got in because of my family's connection and Isn't even special.

Oh well, surely nothing bad will happen to me right? despite that school being prestigious they even accept commoners as scholars. The school was founded the King's family a lot of years ago and currently the school is being handled by the current king himself, King Rey Vercingetorix, well it was supposedly handled by them anywayaybe that's why their teachings are special and even the teachers there are well-known.

*Sigh* Arrgh I can't sleep at all. I wish I could just snap my fingers and then fall asleep immediately, I have to leave at dusk. I wonder what awaits me in that place. Will it be something life-changing or something worth regretting?

-----

And the loooooong awaited day has come. Arggh! just let me go back to bed. Just when I feel like the world is about to crush me, I felt my father's hand on my shoulder. "Be careful always and... I just want to let you know that powers aren't evil. It depends on those who weild it. Who knows maybe one you'll find someone whom you'll use your power to protect. We can't always be there for you but know that you always have us." ok that was... a bit cringy haha. I don't even know why he is saying that out of the blue. "Where's mom?" I can't see her anywhere.

"Oh well your mom is sulking, she said she can't believe that we are actually sending our cute little daughter away" he said while chuckling... "You're seriously saying that? when the both of you were the one who planned this"

"Well we can't just let you stay here forever, you need to go out and grow. Anyway, say hello to Sin for me and tell him not to play girls" oh so he knows. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell him. I don't want to find myself knowing that my brother has kids right here and there"

"Hahahaha He's not like that. He's just a total flirt" father said. Well I do hope that the time in which I'll have to knock his head back to reality because of that wouldn't come. "I need to go dad, Tell mom that--" father cut me off as he cleared his throat as he whispered. "I think you should go and tell her that, after all she's been hiding on that post for a while" He said so I looked at his back and saw my mom peeking like a kid.

"You know that you're not good a hiding mom, Right?" and so she then slowly walk towards us, pouting like a child. Oh god, my mother is trult beautiful. "I'll be fine mom, I'll be back with Sin. The both of you should take care of yourselves and that... I love you both". And so we bid our goodbyes, I hugged them both before heading to the carriage. I guess I really am leaving, please protect them and let them be safe always they're the only thing I have.

"It's still early and it will take a few hours to get their, you should rest Milady" Knight Mikhail said. Well father couldn't let me go without making sure that I'll be safe on my way so yeah the famous knight of tge family is escorting me to the academy like a 5 years old kid. Oh well, I should take up his offer and take a short sleep, I need rest.

I was on lalaland when a light knock woke me up and I noticed that the carriage has stopped already. "Miss Citlalmina, we have arrived" Mikhail informed me after he opened the carriage. *Sigh* there's no turning back mina, move your feet.

I walked out of the carriage and was met with a huge field and a big front building of the academy with its name at the top.

Vercington Academy . Damn that big name is making me nervous. Take a deep breath mina. This is it, I'm finally here and will be starting a new chapter of my life. I just stood there hesitating whether I will go or not but truth be told I can't just go back home. Mikhail just left a while ago. I started to walk and I feel like any moment now, I'll get lost but a figure of a blonde woman in her mid thirties started to walk towards us.

"Good Morning Miss Gabrielli, I'll be escorting you to the principals office. I'm Hale Albertine, the Vice principal, And welcome to Vercington Academy, school of the Greatest"

Miss Hale informed me that my luggages were already sent to the room I'll be staying. Students here share rooms in the dorm but I can't remember who I'll be paired with. We just went to the principal office to get my schedule, and this is one big school. Unknowingly, school have started a month ago, but they didn't ask me for any reason as to why am I late, guess the connection of my old man as a Duke isn't for nothing. My body feels so heavy, maybe it's because I traveled so early in the morning and I haven't have a good night sleep. I should have seen this coming, I would have traveled here yesterday. Now I feel like crap, it's my first day but I already want to skip and sleep somewhere.

I admit this place doesn't look dangerous and is really beautiful. It's elegant and it looks peaceful, specially that big tree at the center of the garden. It's a good spot for sleeping haha. Given that the tree is eye catching, what caught my interest is the person sitting there reading a book. Her hair is silver and it somewhat familiar but I just couldn't remember. Maybe if I see her face I wou--

"--almina?...Miss Citlalmina?" Geez how embarrassing. I was so engrossed on what I was looking at that I forgot I'm not here for sightseeing. "It seems that you are quite enchanted by the beauty of our garden" she said while she let out a soft chuckle.

How can she say that, it's making me feel shy and embarrassed even more."You can tour around the campus on your free time. We should head to your homeroom, they've already started the class" Miss Hale is the definition of what you call elegance and beauty. Other than that she really is so nice that I feel so ashamed walking next to her. I feel like a dirt, kidding aside, I wish everyone is kind-hearted like her.

"Well, that aside, I heard that you are quite a talented and smart from the Duke"- Miss Hale, that old man boasting words that are close to impossible. Now, how do I live to that standard? "That's such a flattery Miss Hale... I don't think I fit that description" I said while looking at the ground wishing it to just swallow me right this instant.

"Haha you're humble for a daughter of the Duke" Well I'm only his daughter on paper, but I don't care, on paper or not, they are my precious family.

We stopped in front of a huge door and somehow I feel like my chest is about to burst open because behind that door is my professor and classmates to be and despite my usual pokerface, I am really nervous. "It'll be fine" Miss Hale assured me before she knocked and opened the door. I pulled my self together and followed her. She talked for a while with the man as I look around. This room is big, an elevated platform for tge the prof and chairs and desk like start descending from the top. It's amazing, since I haven't seen structures like this. I was still in awe of the surroundings when I heard a deep voice calling me telling me to introduce myself.

Must I really go through this? "My name's Citlalmina Gabrielli, 15" I simply said and lightly bowed. I knew that my introduction was short, but it's not like I've got anything to add anyway, I suck at this. But it doesn't seem to be a wrong move since there isn't any insulting remarks or violent reactions coming from the people here."Miss Gabrielli, was away when the school year started that's why she's late, be nice to her" the man spoke then he faced me,"I'm sure you still don't know who I am. I'll be your homeroom professor, I'm Professor Luke Damian. You have a lot of catching up to do Miss Gabrielli, but I know that isn't a problem for you" He said while smiling. "You see guys, Miss Gabrielli is quite talented, quick-witted and is exceptional in combat"

Wtf? Why is he saying that, as if he's boasting for knowing that. Daaaaaad! what the hell did you tell these guys, now students are looking at me with curiosity and others are looking as if I'm sort of candy targeting to own. Try me jerks, I'm a Gabrielli, I'll kick your asses if you do something just like what father said. Ok now I sound like a kid, I'll just ignore them for now, I want my peace intact.

I talked to Miss Hale for a while, she told me to make myself comfortable here and that if something is wrong, I can always tell them. For some reasons, I feel like I am being treated like a kid. This must be because of father, Geez that old man. Miss Hale just smiled at be before she walked to the door to leave and for a brief moment before the door completely closed I felt someones gaze coming from the door, as if it was just passing by. Nevermind, it must be my mind playing tricks on me 'cause I haven't have a good rest since yesterday.

"Miss Gabrielli, you may look for vacant seat and we'll be continuing the class" The professor told me, so I looked for a vacant seat far from the other students, I have no need for friends that might have an ulterior motive. Professor Damian then started his discussion once again but I was looking outside of the window. Looking at the training grounds where a group of students are training, I can even see my own brother holding a wooden sword, sparring with his blue haired partner which he defeated so he acted all high and mighty as if boasting to the lady near him but was ignored. *Chuckle* Nice try brother, but Iat least I can see that you're know better than the last time.

As my eyes were wandering, they suddenly stopped on a certain someone who is sitting on the bench. She clearly carry herself with dignity and elegance despite being a young warrior like everyone else here. But what made her different is that she... is like a silver version of a white rose; beautiful, pure and delicate. On the contrary of how I described her, I know for sure, despite how she looks her thorns shouldn't be looked down upon. I got lost in my thought as I watch her every action, well not until her blue like ocean eyes met mine, making my inside a mess and sending chills down on my spine. Our eyes met right? She saw me looking at her, how humiliating, what would she think of me now. I hope we'll never have to face each other.

Honestly, I was surprised but I acted as if it didn't matter and just payed attention to our professor. I did my best to focus on what he was saying but my mind can't stop thinking about some silver haired kid. I just saw her today but..

Just why?...

Why does she look so familiar?