Chapter 3 - Maelstrom Academy
The two girls had finally managed to escape. Amethyst quickly pulled out a spare veil from her bag and hastily put it on. She then sat on a rock, both of them gasping for air. Amethyst looked at the pale face of the other girl and took out a bottle of water from her bag, offering it to her. The girl politely said,
"Thank you!"
Once they regained their composure, the girl asked,
"What's your name?"
"Amethyst. And you?"
"Muna. Why did you escape?"
"You're very curious! But let me tell you my story..."
20 minutes later...
"Oh, I feel sorry for you," Muna said.
"What about you? Why did you escape?"
"My family is in that kingdom. I need to grow stronger to save them!"
"Looks like we both have similar reasons."
"Where will you go, Amethyst?"
"I'm not sure. But I'll head to the Maelstrom Academy in Maelstrom City."
"We're headed to the same place. What's your power level?"
"5. What about yours?"
"I'm at level 11. Can you even get in with your level?"
"I don't know. But I'll do it for my family and work really hard!"
"So, what's your power?"
"I don't know."
"What? How do you not know anything?!"
"I never cared about such things before, so I don't even know what my power is. What about yours?"
"My power is Cosmic!"
"What does that mean?!"
"It means the power of the sun, moon, and stars!"
"That's amazing!"
"Thank you."
"Let's get going."
The two set off. Three days later, they arrived at Maelstrom City. The city was enormous, filled with strange technological devices that made life easier. Taxis, buses, trains... everything was fascinating! As Amethyst looked around in awe, Muna approached a woman.
"Excuse me, ma'am. How can we get to Maelstrom Academy?"
"Follow that road, then turn left. After 365 meters, turn right. You'll see the academy."
"Thank you, ma'am!"
Muna grabbed the arm of the still-distracted Amethyst and pulled her along.
"Come on, Amethyst! Let's go!"
"Oh?! Alright, let's go!"
After walking for a while, they reached the academy. It was massive, with large buildings and statues everywhere. They walked through the gate and saw a multi-directional signboard ahead.
"Are you kidding me?!" Muna exclaimed in frustration.
Amethyst noticed a sign that read "Registration Center." Grabbing Muna's hand, she said,
"Come on! I've figured out where to go."
They entered a three-story building for the registration process. The place was crowded with students. Muna and Amethyst waited in line. When it was Muna's turn, a boy cut in front of her. Furious, Muna snapped,
"Hey! There's a line here! Can't you see?! Get to the back of the line! There are many people before you!"
"I don't care!"
"Muna, calm down! Let it go," Amethyst urged.
The clerk at the desk asked the boy,
"Name?"
"Alaric."
"Power?"
"Dark Magic."
Everyone stared at Alaric in shock. The clerk continued asking,
"Power level?"
"Level 10."
"Lastly, age?"
"I just turned 15."
"Alright, your registration is complete. You'll receive further information about the entrance exam."
As Alaric walked past, Muna glared at him but couldn't help but notice how handsome he was with his jet-black hair, pale skin, and light gray eyes.
"Muna, get a hold of yourself!" she thought.
"Name?" the clerk asked.
"Muna!"
Alaric stopped and looked at her. The clerk continued,
"Power?"
"Cosmic Magic – the sun, moon, and stars."
"Wonderful! That's a beautiful name for a power. Level?"
"Thank you. Level 11!"
"Age?"
"I'm 14 years old."
"Next!"
Amethyst stepped forward, looking nervous.
"Name?"
"Amethyst."
Everyone turned to look at her. Amethyst blushed.
"Age?"
"12."
"Power?"
Amethyst hesitated before answering,
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know? You can't register without knowing your power!"
"But you can check it here!"
Muna couldn't stay silent anymore. Alaric thought to himself,
"This girl keeps interfering in everything!"
"Power level?"
"5."
"What? Are you kidding?! Do you think you can make it with such a low level?"
Amethyst's eyes filled with tears as she looked down. Muna placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Who's making a fuss here?!"
"Madam Pearl!"
"What's going on?"
"Madam, this girl is at level 5 and doesn't even know her power."
"Is that the problem?"
Silence fell over the room.
"Accept her!"
Amethyst felt a glimmer of hope and quickly raised her head. She was still veiled and wore a black cloak.
"But, Madam..!"
"Shut up!"
"Understood, Madam."
Madam Pearl left the room. Amethyst ran after her.
"Madam, wait!"
Madam Pearl stopped and turned around.
"Thank you, Madam!" Amethyst said.
"You're welcome. But stand up for yourself. Don't let anyone trample on you."
"I promise!"
They exchanged a look before Amethyst left. She and Muna received their dorm keys.
"What's your room number, Amethyst?"
"19! And yours?"
"18!"
"18!"
They turned toward the voice. A girl stood nearby with bright blonde hair and golden eyes, wearing a simple green dress. She approached Muna and said,
"Hello. I'm Junia. And you are?"
"I'm Muna. This is my friend, Amethyst. I guess we're roommates now."
"Nice to meet you. Yes, we are."
An announcement was made.
"It's 10:00 PM. Students, please head to your rooms and don't be late for tomorrow's classes, which start at 8:45 AM!"
"Girls, let's go!"
In her room, Amethyst quickly settled in. Then there was a knock at the door...