Chapter 1: Magic Academy

(Young Rayner) “Mom! Dad! What’s happening?”

(Rayner’s mom) “It's alright darling, everything will be ok!”

(Young Rayner) (scared) “ Mom I don't know what's happening with me!”

(Rayner’s dad) “Son, just calm down. You have to stay calm.”

(Young Rayner) “I can’t. My body hurts, it's like I’m burning up. AHH!”

(Rayner’s mom) “Don't worry, it's going to be...AAAHHHH!!

(Young Rayner) Mom! Dad! NOOO!

September 10th:

(Rayner) “Huh? This dream again?” I didn’t have this dream for a while now. However, it's been happening more frequently as the night goes on. Nevermind, time to get ready because it is a big day! A ‘date’ with the most beautiful girl in the academy. Her name is Emilia, a gorgeous girl with long blonde hair and glazing red eyes.

My name is Rayner, a 17-year-old freshman at the Edinburgh Academy of Magic. It's been around a week since I joined the academy to learn how to control my magic. Before joining the academy I was always on the move, never staying in one place for a long time so I wouldn’t do anything as I did ten years ago. After a while, I decided to join the best magic academy, hoping that they will be able to help me control or get rid of my magic.

Around one week ago: September 1st

(Rayner) "So this is the academy, huh?"

The academy has three main buildings plus the dormitories. On the left side of the academy are the Boys’ Dormitory and the Gymnasium where the students practice their magic and combat skills. In the middle and the right side, the classrooms can be found along with a nice and cozy park between the two buildings. Behind the main buildings is where the Girl’s Dormitory is located. The main building is covered with big, clear, light blue windows and looks old due to the red brick material. However, when I first looked at it, I thought it was a freshly-opened school due to its cleanliness.

(Rayner) “Since this is my first day at this school, I shall find someone and ask them where I should go to take the entrance exam.”

(Rayner) “There! She could help me.”

(Rayner) "Excuse me, could you help me? Where can I find the entrance exam room?”

(A second-year girl) "Uh, yeah sure. It's in the library. Turn right, go straight then take a left and you should find it. The door has a giant sign that says ``Library and that’s where the exams are being held."

(A second-year girl) "I wish you good luck."

(Rayner) "Thank you,” I said, then looked up at the clocktower. Then it hit me like lightning. “Crap, I’m running late."

(Rayner) ‘She said by the library right?’ I looked around and finally saw it.

I went inside, spotted an empty desk, then sat down to take the test. The test took around 45-60 minutes. It had two parts; the first part was about the four main magic types which are: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind or Air questions. The second part was a little bit more personal so I only answered the required questions; like why do you seek to join the academy. After the test, the teacher told everyone to head to the main foe to check our homerooms. I did as I was told and looked for my homeroom. It was on the second floor so I headed up the stairs and accidentally bumped into somebody.

(Rayner) "Ouch! I am so sorry."

The next thing I heard was the sound of the book that hit the floor. I didn’t have time to help the guy pick up his stuff because I was late as usual, so I just kept walking towards my homeroom.

(Ashford) "My books! Watch where you're going, idiot!"

(Rayner) "Sorry, I gotta go, I'm late."

(Ashford) "Wait, you jerk help me pick up my stuff off the floor."

(Rayner) “I’m sorry, I have to run!”

(Ashford) ”You’re gonna pay for this scumbag!”

I don't know how much time has passed since the exam, but I finally arrived at my destination. The teacher was in the middle of giving the instructions to the other students, so I slowly opened the huge wooden door. The classroom was pretty big with 30 or so students. The desks were arranged in rows upwards with three stair paths that lead to the desks. The teacher’s desk was at the bottom of the front of the class with the board behind her. Four big rectangular windows on the right side of the classroom gave the room the perfect amount of sunlight and fresh air. The students were scattered around the desks with every student at least two or three desks apart from each other. When I entered, she stepped towards me with a cold expression on her face, then told me:

(Itori Sensei) "Mr. Rayner, you are 5 minutes late..."

(Rayner) "I am sorry sensei, I got lost on the way here and--"

Before I could finish she interrupted.

(Itori Sensei) "No need to explain, just pick a spot and take a seat."

I did as I was told and picked a desk at the back then sat down. After 10 minutes or so a guy came in as well.

(Itori Sensei) "Oh, Mr. Ashford, you are 15 minutes late. Any reasons why?"

(Ashford) "I’m sorry for being late sensei. You see I was on my way here when an idiot hit me, dropped my books, and left without helping me pick them up."

(Itori Sensei) "That's no excuse, Mr. Ashford! Now pick a seat so we can start."

(Rayner) ‘Oh no, it's him. What's he doing here? Maybe if I hide behind my book he won't see me.’

(Itori Sensei) “Okay everyone let's start by introducing ourselves. My name is Itori, But you can call me Sensei.”

A guy stood up in front of me. He had green hair with dark brown eyes which made him kind of handsome. I bet tons of girls have already fallen for him. Anyway... he looked around the classroom then began his introduction.

(Reiyi) “Hello my name is Reiyi Nieldic, I am 19 years old and was born in Edinburg and have lived here ever since. My parents run the best blacksmith shop in the city, so if you ever need a good weapon you know where to come.”

Everyone greeted him then he sat down. After him, a girl with beautiful purple hair and bluish-purple eyes stood up. She looked like a doll, small and breakable.

(Lily) “Hello everyone, my name is Lily Wedgewood, and I am 18 years old and from here. My parents own a restaurant near the market and--”

Then the guy who I bumped into suddenly stood up and interrupted her.

(Ashford) “Yeah, yeah, no one cares. I am sure you’ll know how significant and prestigious MY family and I are. So I’ll make this quick for all you normies. My name is Ashford Spencer Weston and I am here to get into this academy’s elite students. Heck, this academy should be honored to have someone like me here.

Wow, this guy sure is arrogant, I bet his ego is bigger than his IQ... After a few seconds of silence he sat down and a girl stood up. She had gorgeous, long blond hair wore in a ponytail and crimson red eyes. Her appearance was mature and elegant but at the same time, she was shy which made her look like a princess.

(Emilia) “Hello my name is Emilia and I am 17 years old, I’m from a town named Morland and my father is the Mayor. I’m looking forward to studying with you all.

She sat down than the teacher looked at me and said:

(Itori Sensei) “Mr. Rayner it's your turn, please introduce yourself.”

(Rayner) “Ahh, yeah am sorry. “ My name is Rayner and I am 17 years old. I’m from a little village called Valnesse.”

(Ashford)“ Wait for a second, you are that guy that tackled me in the hallway and made me drop my books.”

(Rayner) “ I don’t know what you are talking about.” I tried to talk myself out.

The rest of the class went like this, everybody introduced themselves. After the introductions, the teacher told everybody to go and explore the campus.

(Itori Sensei) “Go and have fun.”

As the students moved out of the classroom they started to talk to each other and make groups tour the facility. Slowly the classroom became empty so I made my way as well.

On the hallways:

(Rayner) “This place is enormous and there are so many rooms.”

After walking up and down which looked like an eternity I finally made my way out of the building to the nearby park where all the students chattered and laughed. A few minutes of walking later I found myself at some kind of fountain at the end of the park and sat down to rest and collect my thoughts. As I sat there something weird hit my ears.

(Rayner) ”Huh? “What's that sound? It’s coming from over there.”

I got up and walked towards the source of the sound. As the distance between me and the noise got smaller the more I could hear and understand. By the time I arrived at the back of the school I saw Ashford and another guy talking to Emilia. I didn’t want to bother them so I slowly started to walk back when I heard what the conversation was about.

(Ashford) “Come on, I know you want to tour the school with me, I mean, who wouldn’t”

(Emilia) “I already told you, I don’t want to.”

Hearing this, my mind changed so I turned back and started to walk towards them quietly so they wouldn’t hear me. Meter by meter I closed the distance between us when I saw Ashford grabs Emilia’s hand by force and pulled her towards him.

(Ashford) “Yes, you want to now let us go.”

(Emilia) “ Are you deaf, I said no you stupid jerk.”

Ashford’s expression changed quickly from a smirk when he heard this and became very angry. You could hear in his voice that his patience ended and was about to do something. Ashford raised his hand probably to slap her. “I have to act, act but what? I can’t use magic, it’s prohibited without a supervisor on the first day, and I would probably lose control again.” I thought.

(Ashford) “ What did you call me bitch!?”

I had no other choice but to rush him and tackled him 5 feet from where Emilia was. Ashford hit the ground hard and groaned. I took a quick look at Emilia to make sure she was okay then I turned towards Ashford and stood up into my defense stand.

(Rayner) “It’s not courteous to call a lady a bitch, so learn to hold your tongue you bastard.”

As Ashford got off the ground slowly I glanced at Emilia one more time. She had a shocked expression due to sudden actions.

(Ashford) “How dare you touch me you bastard… Wait for a second!! It’s you! The asshole that tackled me before!”

(Emilia) “What…?

I heard Emilia saying something but I couldn’t understand it because a saw Raymond in the corner of my eyes launching a punch toward my face. I quickly pushed Emilia away to prepare for the impact.

(Raymond) “You bastard!”

Luckily his punch was bad so I could quickly react and deflect the punch and grab his upper arm and toss him onto the ground.

(Rayner) “You bastards should be ashamed of yourselves. Trying to force her to tag along with wretched people like you two.”

Ashford charged at me with a lower punch but I managed to dodge and kick him in the stomach. Both of them seemed to give up the fight and just lay on the ground. I sent Emilia to get a teacher while I stayed and looked at those two idiots. A few minutes later she came back with a teacher and we explained everything that happened.

(Rayner) “Phew! That was interesting. Are you okay Emilia?”

(Emilia) ”Yeah, I guess I am now, thank you.”

(Rayner) “Those guys didn’t seem to know when to stop.”

(Emilia) “Yeah.”

(Rayner) “Are you sure you’re okay? Your face is all red.”

(Emilia)(Ba-dum) “Yes, sorry but I gotta go.”

Time skip:

The next few days went normal everybody sat at their desks and studied. Four days after the incident, I was sitting in the cafeteria during lunch when Emilia came to my desk and sat down. We sat in front of each other for a few minutes then she said.

(Emilia) “Rayner was it? I want to thank you for the other day.”

(Rayner) “You don't have to. I just happened to be there, and I think anybody would’ve done the same.”

(Emilia) “Probably but still, please let me treat you for a drink. It's the least I can do after

the trouble I caused you.”

(Rayner) “You don’t--”

She didn’t listen to me and continued talking regardless of what I would say. She wanted to pay me back in some way so I gave up.

(Emilia) “I know how I can show you my appreciation! Meet me at the market two days from now.” She said it with a bright expression.

(Rayner) “Okay,” I accepted.

Then she left. I was sitting there, thinking about why was she acting so strangely. ‘Maybe I scared her? No that’s not it. Maybe this was the way she acted after such an event had taken place dragging her into it. Maybe I am just overthinking it.’ After lunch, I didn’t have any classes so I went up to my room finished my homework, and fell asleep. The next day was pretty normal, magic lessons and practice, lunch, afternoon classes then going home and rest. The day after, the same.

Present days: September 16.

(Rayner) ‘Ahh? This dream again? I didn’t have this dream for a while now. Nevermind, I don’t have time to think about it. I have to get ready fast or I’ll be late and she’ll be angry. What outfit should I choose? I can't just attend my school uniform!’ I looked around in my room for a few minutes then spotted the ideal outfit. I picked a black shirt along with a black and purple hoodie, and lastly a pair of jeans.

(Rayner) “There! This will be perfect.”

I swiftly changed into them then I put on the most attractive pair of shoes and headed down to the main gate. The main gate is located right beside the park between the buildings. I made my way towards the heart of the city, the region where the market should be. Edinburg is the Royal Capital of Woodhearst, so it isn’t a small town like the one I lived in before. On my way to the market, I got lost and wandered between the very narrow roads. Luckily I was able to find a map of the city on board right in front of the Adventurers Guild. It took around half an hour just to arrive at the entrance of the market.

(Rayner) ‘Well, it seems I arrived earlier than her somehow.’ I thought while looking around the place.

I stood there for around 45 minutes, then I saw Emilia arriving near the fountain. I quickly made my way to her then greeted.

(Rayner) “Good morning,” I said (it was close to 10:00 am.)

(Emilia) “Oh! Good morning Rayner. When did you get here?”

(Rayner) “Just a few minutes ago”

(Emilia) “Okay, then shall we go?”

(Rayner) “Yes, but where are we going? I thought we’ll visit the market.”

Not even saying another word she grabbed my hand and we made our way to a coffee shop. The shop was small but cozy with maids running up and down to serve the guests. We went in and ordered two coffees with cookies then sat down outside. I just sat there and watched the busy street when a maid came up to us and put down the things we ordered.

(Maid) “Welcome Master and Miss here are what you ordered. My name is Aura and I'll be your maid for the time being. If you need me just call me. Enjoy your stay!”

We thanked her then she left. The cookies were running out quickly so I ordered another round of them. We sat for a few seconds then Emilia faced me and began the conversation.

(Emilia) “I want to thank you for saving me from those jerks last week, and also I want to apologize for troubling you in something you had no business in.” She said in a shy manner.

(Rayner) “I told you it was nothing and please don’t apologize.”

Meanwhile, Aura brought the cookies and put them on the table. We thanked her again then she left. I looked at Emilia, who had something troubling her. So I asked what is bothering her:

(Rayner) “I can see something is troubling, why don’t you just tell me?”

(Emilia) “Sorry, I just noticed your tattoo on your left arm. May I ask what it is? [ᛞᚱᚫᚸᚣᚾᛋ ᛒᚢᛋᛏ]

‘That's no good, I can't tell her about my tattoo, what should I say? I have to come up with something fast!’

(Rayner) “Oh, this? This is something I got when I was a child. It’s nothing special.”

(Emilia) “Oh, Okay. How about your hair. Was it always silver, because I never saw anything like it before.” She said in a very curious tone.

(Rayner) “No, it wasn’t always silver. It was black, until one day I got my powe--(cough), I mean it turned into silver.” ‘I hope she didn’t hear what I said!’ I said in my mind.

(Rayner) “Anyway, we should probably head back to the academy soon,” I said, hoping she would forget it.

Luckily she stopped asking. We packed our stuff together and started walking back to the academy. On the way back we agreed to stop by a fruit stand to buy some fruits for her friends. We were about to pay for our stuff when we heard the alarm bell ringing in all the temples which could only mean one thing. Emilia looked at me then said:

(Emilia) Did you hear that? Isn’t it the Alarm bell?” she said in a worrying tone.

(Rayner) “ Yeah, I hear it too. Something must be wrong, I can feel it.”

What could this be? Nevermind whatever it is, it's not good for sure. Behind us, I heard something big moving so we looked that way. A giant, made out of rockburst through a building reducing it to gravel along with anyone inside it. Once the dust settled I could finally see it. It was a Golem.

(Emilia) “ Ahh! What is that?!”

(Rayner) “ It’s a Golem! Everybody get out of here!” I shouted.

‘We have to get out of here as soon as possible and let the Royal Guards handle this.’ I thought.

(Rayner) “We have to get out of here now! ” I said then grabbed her hand and started to run.

(Emilia) “Right! ”

“Come on, where is the way out of this place! I need to get Emilia to safety before the guards arrive. We will be just a burden to them if we stay here.” I murmured underneath my breath while looking for a way out.

(Rayner) “This way Emilia! ”

I found a way that leads out of the market into a safe place to hide. It was not far from the coffee shop we went in before. Luckily it was empty so we hide there. I could hear people screaming so I covered Emilia’s ears but the voice of the panic come closer which means that the Golem is nearby. ‘This isn't good, I have to do something or a lot of people will get hurt!’ I thought.

(Rayner) “ Stay here and don’t move, I’ll be back. ”

(Emilia) “ Wait, What?! I can’t let you go out there alone. It’s too dangerous for you to go out there! Let's just wait for the guards they will handle it .”

(Rayner) “I am sorry Emilia but if I wait any longer, a lot of people will get hurt!” I said then I heard the golem coming my way.

(Rayner) “Quick, let’s go down this hallway,” I told her then we made our way. We moved deeper into the hallway, as we ran I thought something didn’t seem right. ‘Why did a Golem attacked the city? I mean if I remember correctly this city is far away from the forest where all the monsters and demons are. There is no way, a giant pack of rock made all the way here without anyone noticing it.’ Nevermind, I looked back then I saw the Golem destroying buildings while it tried to get to us.

(Emilia) “It's a dead-end! What should we do?!”

(Rayner) “Ah, shit! I don’t have any choice.” ‘At this rate, she will get hurt for sure if I don’t do anything!’ I thought.

(Rayner) “I am sorry Emilia, please get behind me!”

She did as I said and got behind me. The Golem was almost right in front of us. There was no more time to waste. ‘I hope nobody is here’ I thought.

(Rayner) “ Okay, here we go…” That being said, I faced the hallway where the Golem was and said:

My left arm started to ache and I could feel the tremendous power spreading through my body.

(Emilia) “Rayner, why is your tattoo glowing purple? Wait, why did your eyes turn red!?” Emilia trembled in confusion and fear, for she was witnessing something she had never seen somebody do.

I looked at Emilia and smiled, then faced the golem who was in front of me by then, so I released this power, and my arm caught on fire...

(Rayner) “BURN TO NOTHING.”

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