New Moon

As soon as she entered the academy grounds, the view she can see astounded the hell out of her. She seemed to have entered a different world. An ancient land, that was.

Tall buildings like ancient temples lined one by one. Instead of dragon, qilin or phoenix, the structures were decorated with owls in various and unique ways. In the center of the vicinity was a statue of a Great Grey Owl with its eyes closed seated atop a crescent moon. One could not help but be mesmerised by its beauty. A unique profoundness seemed to be oozing out of it. All of a sudden, Qiang Lei felt a pain on her head that she hugged her head. She squatted down, closed her eyes as beads of sweat trickled down from her forehead. She was breathing heavily.

When the guard noticed what was happening, he rushed towards her. The owl insignia flashed a white light that covered her being. Her breathing gradually calmed down as the pain subsided at the same time. She opened her eyes, looked up, and saw the guard staring at her.

"Are you okay?" The guard asked.

Confused momentarily, she took a deep breath and then stood straight up. "Yes." She responded.

"Do not worry. This had happened to everyone before." The guard turned his back on her. "Let us keep moving."

They resumed walking towards the Headmaster's Temple. Qiang Lei seemed to have not coped up with what had happened as her brows were still furrowed as she tailed behind him.

The guard stopped in front of a small temple. Pillars of owls surrounded the temple that seemed to emit an invisible layer of barrier. The guard's insignia flashed once more.

"The Headmaster is waiting inside. Go in." The guard opened the door then stood at the side to let her in. Qiang Lei nodded and entered the place. As soon as she entered, the heat of the sun she basked in a while ago was replaced with the soothing coldness of the moon. It was very comforting.

Shelves filled with books and tomes occupied each side that served as walls. Crystal lights in shapes of moon phases floated up the ceiling serving as lights illuminating the place.

At the end of the hallway was a golden table. Seated behind was a middle aged man wearing a dark blue robe who seemed to be reading a book. His hand moved delicately as he flipped a page. Sensing a presence, he moved his head up and saw Qiang Lei. He closed the book and placed it on the table. Qiang Lei stopped from walking and a distance of two meters was created between them.

"I am glad you have come." The Headmaster smiled.

Qiang Lei blinked once and then bowed at him. "I am honoured to see you doing well, Headmaster."

"You saved my life and with that, I owed you a huge favour. Tell me what you want as a reward. I can let you enroll here and study. You do not have to worry about the fees, meals, and lodgings." He offered.

Qiang Lei was surprised with the generous offer. She shook her head. This left the Headmaster in awe for a while. Anyone who was given this treatment would never refused. Only the privilege can study in the academy and even if they enrolled here, there was still a chance of not graduating and being forced to leave if they failed the assessments. Hence, the students studied hard everyday.

"Then, do you have any request?" He asked.

Qiang Lei nodded. "If it is okay, I wish to work here so I can earn some money for my everyday expenses."

'This girl...' The Headmaster left out a bitter smile. 'I only saw her once in the forest. She seemed to come from a poor family. Instead of asking for money as a reward itself, she asked for this. She sure thought ahead of her future.'

"This... Aren't your parents or relatives working to support you?"

She shook her head once more. "I do not know who my parents or relatives were. I was adopted by a couple who worked as farmers. We lived near the forest. They died when I was 9 and I have been living alone since then."

"It must have been hard for you." The Headmaster's eyes were filled with pity and worry as he heard her story.

Qiang Lei smiled. She recalled her previous life. She was a shut in. She barely interacted with people. Her family and relatives did not care for her. Hence, she did not care for them either. After she transmigrated, she was filled with warmth with the memories of the previous owner of the body. She also have Kai who never left her side. Even if she was a peasant, she was contented. She was happy.

"They taught me how to live and survive. I am only grateful. I only wish to live for them." Qiang Lei said, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Right. The kitchen for the students' cafeteria can use some help. I will make arrangements for your meals and lodgings so you can live here. I will ask someone to hand your salary every week. If you need to do anything outside, you can have two days off. Will this work for you?"

"I truly appreciate Headmaster's best intentions. If it is not too much to ask, this lowly one has another request."

"Just say it."

"If it is possible, I would like to gain access to the academy's library to read books."

The Headmaster was more surprised with this request. "Why library of all places?"

"Given my status, I only learnt little about writing and reading. I wish to increase my knowledge about the many things about this continent."

The Headmaster nodded in agreeement. "Very well. Your desire for knowledge is commendable but I must warn you as an elder. Knowledge and wisdom are good but these are also dangerous entities that can endanger one's life. Do not seek beyond your capabilities. There are some things that are best to be not discovered and known." The Headmaster walked towards Qiang Lei. He took out a brown insignia with an embroidered True Owl and handed it to her.

"This insignia will let you access three floors of the library. You can read the books but you cannot copy or bring them out of the library. The library is always open but the academy has a curfew for the students. You can only read at night after the curfew. I will inform the library department to make an exception for you."

Qiang Lei bowed. "This lowly one will always remember the Headmaster's words. I will not disappoint the Headmaster. Thank you for this opportunity."

The Headmaster nodded. "Come in." The guard appeared in front of the Headmaster and knelt on one knee with his head low and his hands rested on his knee. "Arrange everything for Qiang Lei. If she has questions, let me know."

"This subordinate will follow the Headmaster's orders." The guard said respectfully.

"Qiang Lei, he is one of my guards, Shen Dingbang. He will accompany you today and help you familiarise yourself with the academy."

"Thank you, Headmaster. Sorry for the trouble, Brother Shen." Qiang Lei said politely.

"You may leave now." The Headmaster returned to his reading. Both Dingbang and Qiang Lei bowed and left the temple.

Dingbang worked efficiently. While the students were in their classes, she let Qiang Lei roam around the academy grounds while informing her of the academy rules which included curfews, and restricted places. He also handed a school handbook to her, two set of clothes — one for the kitchen and one for the library. He then lead Qiang Lei to a small courtyard behind the students cafeteria. This was where she will stay. It was only a 5 minute walk to the cafeteria and she can enter the kitchen via the back door.

"Do you have any questions?" Dingbang asked.

"I don't, Brother Shen. Thank you for guiding me." She responded respectfully.

"There are many people with the surname Shen here. Just call me Brother Ding for convenience. If you have any questions, you can visit the courtyard beside yours. I am staying there. I will also come to check on you from time to time." Dingbang explained patiently.

"Alright, Brother Ding. Then you can call me Qiang Lei or Little Lei. Thank you for your kindness."

"You can go inside and rest. You will need to wake up early." After the guard left the courtyard, Qiang Lei entered the manor.

—

Meanwhile, inside the Headmaster's Temple, Headmaster Shen was still doing his readings. After a while, the corner of his mouth twitched indicating his annoyance.

"Brats, come out now or I will make you read all the books here again." The Headmaster calmly said.

In four various places near the shelves, four bodies shivered after hearing what the Headmaster said. Slowy, they appeared one by one with their heads down.

The Headmaster glanced at the four men who are lined in a single file in front of him. "What do you want now?"

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