We were led out of the grand hall, the two witches who had saved us earlier taking the lead. Both of them were dressed in elegant robes, their presence commanding yet comforting in a way. One of them had a firm but not unkind voice, while the other had a playful smile that somehow made me feel more at ease.
"This way," the stern one instructed, her gaze sweeping over us. "There's much to see."
The wide corridors we entered were lined with tapestries depicting magical battles and ancient symbols. Everything seemed to stretch impossibly far, as if the building was far larger than it appeared on the outside.
"Magic," the first witch said, answering my unspoken question as though she had read my mind. "The academy is much larger than it seems."
I couldn't help but marvel at how vast and mysterious this place was. Every inch of it seemed alive with power, old and untouchable. I could feel the hum of magic beneath my feet as we walked.
The first place we stopped was the auditorium. It was breathtaking. Rows of seats were arranged in a semicircle around a raised stage, the walls adorned with intricate carvings. A large crystal chandelier hung above us, glowing with a soft light that bathed the room in warmth.
"This is where we hold assemblies and magical demonstrations," said the cheerful witch, gesturing towards the stage. "It's also where you'll get to witness some of the finest displays of magic the academy has to offer."
I could already imagine standing on that stage, showing off whatever skills I'd acquire here. Though part of me doubted if I had any potential to begin with.
Our next stop was the training field. It was an open space where witches were practicing spells, sparks of magic dancing through the air. I watched as they dueled, their movements sharp and graceful, magic crackling between them like lightning.
"This is where you'll train," said the stern witch. "Combat magic is crucial. You'll need to know how to protect yourself and others."
I swallowed hard. Fighting was something I'd never imagined having to do, but seeing the witches train with such precision made me realize that this wasn't just a school—it was a place where we were shaped into something much more powerful.
We moved on to the sports field, where witches flew on enchanted brooms through obstacle courses, while others ran or practiced agility. I couldn't help but be amazed by the sight of witches zooming through the sky on brooms like something out of a storybook.
"A sharp mind must be paired with a strong body," the second witch chimed in with a grin. "Physical training is just as important as magical training."
From there, we toured several classrooms. Peeking inside, I saw students practicing incantations, mixing potions, and studying ancient books. Shelves were filled with herbs, potions, and strange artifacts that I couldn't even begin to understand.
"You'll be spending a lot of time here," the witch said, her voice serious. "You'll study many forms of magic—alchemy, elemental control, divination, and more. It's where you'll gain the knowledge that will guide your power."
After walking for what felt like an eternity, we reached a plain-looking door at the end of a long corridor. The air felt heavy with something I couldn't quite place. When the witch opened the door, we all gasped. Behind it was an enormous lake, shimmering under a sky filled with stars. It looked so vast that I couldn't understand how it fit within the academy's walls.
"How is this possible?" someone whispered.
"The lake is part of the academy grounds," the witch explained, her voice low. "It's hidden by powerful magic, older than any of us. In time, you'll learn about it."
I stared at the water, the stillness of it pulling at something deep inside me. This place felt ancient and alive, like it held secrets far beyond what any of us could comprehend.
Our next stop was the dormitory. It was a towering structure filled with winding staircases and cozy rooms. I could see senior witches going about their day—some were laughing and chatting, others were studying in quiet corners. Despite everything, there was a sense of community here.
"These will be your homes for the duration of your time here," the cheerful witch said. "You'll share your dormitory with others, and you'll learn from each other as much as you learn from your teachers."
I noticed the older students seemed so confident, like they had already embraced this new life. I couldn't help but wonder how long it would take me to reach that level of comfort. Or if I ever would.
After the tour ended, we were led back to the grand hall. Headmistress Lyra was waiting for us, her sharp eyes glinting in the dim light. She didn't say much, but her presence alone spoke volumes.
"This is your new life," she said softly, though her words felt like a command. "Embrace it, or be consumed by it. The choice is yours."
Before I could even begin to process what that meant, the cheerful witch announced, "Now, we will be splitting you into five classes, based on your current abilities."
I stiffened at her words. What abilities? I didn't even know if I had any, let alone enough to be sorted into a class. What would happen to me if I didn't measure up?
"There are five classes for each grade," the stern witch explained. "Class 0 is reserved for the most powerful witches. The higher the class number, the less powerful the witches in that class."
My heart pounded in my chest as they began calling us forward one by one. The first girl with green hair hesitated but stepped forward. The witch looked into her eyes, and I could see a faint glow of magic between them.
"You belong in Class 3," the witch said with a satisfied smile.
My stomach churned. One by one, the other girls were sorted, some into higher classes, others into lower. Seven girls were placed in Class 0. Then it was my turn.
"You, white hair," the witch called out. I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
She gazed into my eyes, and for a moment, everything around me disappeared. I felt a strange energy twisting inside me, pulling me out of the academy. Suddenly, I was standing in a vast grass field.
What? Where was I? The others… the academy… everything was gone.
Before I could figure out what was happening, I heard a deep, rumbling voice.
"WHO DARES TO ENTER MY DOMAIN?"
I spun around, and my heart nearly stopped. Standing before me was a creature—no, a demon. Its towering figure loomed over me, its eyes burning with an ancient fire. I tried to run, but there was nowhere to go. Everywhere I turned, there was only emptiness.
"Perhaps it is too early for you to meet me," the demon growled. "Return, little one. The hourglass has not yet emptied."
Before I could say anything, I was yanked back into the academy. The stern witch was staring at me, her face pale and tense. Around me, the floor looked cracked, as if something had tried to break through.
"You… you belong in Class 0," she said quietly, her voice shaken.
I stood there in shock, barely registering her words. What had just happened? Why was everyone staring at me like I had done something terrifying?
Whatever it was, I knew I had crossed a line. And somehow, I wasn't ready to know what lay beyond it.
Once the sorting was done, the two witches guided us back to the dormitory. My mind was racing, but all I could think about was what awaited me tomorrow. Would I be able to handle the power they expected of me? Or would I fall, like so many others?
For now, all I could do was wait for the sun to rise and face whatever came next.