A new day has started.
Today, Professor Bailey asks Esserine and Maria to clean up the academy's book case. Why? Well, because she promises that she won't pick on them again and forgives them about the destroyed classroom. And we all know that both of them agree without thinking. Because the academy's book case is not something usual to deal with. That's why the Principal assigned each Professor has to clean and organize the academy's book case at least 2 times a week.
"Esserine! Help me carry these". Maria was trying to lift a ton of books at the same time.
"Professor Bailey asked us to clean up the Academy's book case, not to break your back". Esserine jokingly said to Maria.
"Speed sometimes is better than quality". Maria put the stack down.
"Well, I'll carry it then". Esserine didn't admit that she kind of agrees with Maria about this one. "Shadow Realm". Esserine brought all the books around into her shadow.
"That shadowy thing again". Maria smiled while looking at Esserine's ability.
They walk on the path to a strange corridor. Based on the map, the Academy's book case should be this way. However, it looks really uninviting ….
"Are you sure that we're on the right track?". Maria looked around.
"Yes". Esserine inspected the map again. "Maybe people forgot to renew this area".
Then they keep going straight.
They arrive at a room without a door. Its surroundings are truly old. Even though it looks clean and neat, it's still horrible.
"Release". Esserine manipulated her shadow to purge out all the books. "Now let's start organizing this place".
"Light on!". Esserine was ordering the electric system.
Nothing happens.
"Light on!". So she repeated again and still nothing. "Why is it not working?!".
Maria was examining the whole room, then she saw a switch. "Sometimes, we need to think before doing anything". She flipped the switch and the light finally glowed up.
For the first time of the year, Maria certainly defeats Esserine about something. Even if it's just a little thing, it's still an achievement.
"Ooh, I thought you don't have a brain". Esserine clapped her hands. "Very impressive".
"YOU-". Maria was about to fight.
"If we destroy one more room, the Academy will definitely expel us". Esserine interrupted Maria seriously.
"Fine!". Maria stomped her feet angrily just like a baby. "Stay away from me, I'll do that side of the room".
"Don't ruin anything". Esserine shrugged and started doing the work.
"Why do I have to be in the same class as you, Esserine?!". Maria thought. "You're such an annoying bitch".
Maria puts up book by book tidily. She has maids and servants to do chores and clean stuff. Nevertheless, she is smart enough to not know how to arrange objects.
Out of the blue, Maria finds a fancy looking book. As a result of this, she takes it out of the shelf to check it out. Its covers are made of leather, the paper is ancient brown already, nonetheless, it's still hard as brand new papers. After turning a few pages, Maria stops at a mysterious page. It contains a pendant of a violet gemstone. Next to it is a description.
"A seal of the Ashes Witch.
This gemstone contains the soul of the Ashes Witch, one of the most terrific generals of the Abyssal Lord. She lives upon the negative energy of others and can vanish a living just by breathing out the cloudy gray wind.
The Mangrove Family had to sacrifice their lives to take down this entity. However, it is an immortal being. That's why they can only imprison it permanently"
"To release the Ashes Witch, please chant the short incantation below". Maria read it out loud.
"Maria, what are you doing?". Esserine had heard something not right.
"Oh, I'm just absorbing knowledge". Maria innocently spoke.
"Okay, just don't do anything silly". Esserine gave Maria a warning. "I'll go out to get the rest of the book, stay here".
"Okay, be back soon!". Maria returned back to reading the book.
"The incantation"
"Wither and decay, release the wicked fate, unleash the chains of eternity, and free the spirit.
Love and hope may be ruined, so shall it be, please wake up Miss Cynthia".
Yes, Maria just made a big mistake. Her curiosity just created a tremendous mess for everyone else to clean up. She had released Cynthia, the Ashes Witch. The first omen appeared.
An exposure of evil has been awakened.
A mist of withering cloud emerges from nowhere, it floods in the room. The light is turning on and off like neon lights.
"Ah". The book flew out of Maria's hands.
"Ha ha ha ha ha". A foul laugh was coming from the book.
Each laugh is each part of the book gradually decaying into dust.
Lastly, the only thing left is the pendant.
"Let me out!". The pendant started cracking.
"Let me free!". The crack was getting worse.
"I am the Ashes Witch, I am free!". The gemstone pendant was broken.
"Oops, seems like I made a wrong decision". Maria's dark humor had risen again.
Right after the Ashes Witch was freed, Esserine came back. "What on earth is happening?!". Esserine saw the strangely dangerous entity. "And what is this ugly thing?".
"I accidentally rescued the Abyssal Lord's general, her name is the Ashes Witch, Miss Cynthia". Maria talked like it wasn't her fault.
"Human, now pay for the price!". The Ashes Witch screamed furiously.
"Watch out". Esserine shouted.
Without thinking, Maria quickly ran toward Esserine. Because of her usual habit, she had successfully dodged a deadly attack from the Ashes Witch.
The damaged spot is covered with a layer of dust. Nevertheless, the unknown dust is consuming the wooden floor bit by bit.
"That was close". Maria was terrified.
"Go call everyone, I'll buy you some time". Esserine pushed Maria away from the battle. "If you stay, we'll all die".
"Shadow covers me!". Esserine activated her power, she had transformed again. "Go now!".
"Okay okay". Maria hastened in fear and surprise, she didn't know that Esserine was the unknown girl that can transform in the rumor. "Why can't I transform?". Maria sighed boringly.