《Volume 1: The Origin of Luna Sternhell》


 Vol 1: Prologue

    United States New York - Present Day


    I''ve never thought about it till now, how time slows down when the hand of death approaches you. Seeing the life I''ve had up to this point is quite... depressing, to say the least. Going back in time, it was just a typical day of work at my father''s company. I, as one of the heads, hold many responsibilities, especially as the successor of the company. This does irritate the other administrators, I cannot deny this causes friction between us, but it lowers the efficiency of the workplace. It''s not like I started here either, my father made me work from a low-level employee till I made it to where I am now. By no means was I given special treatment as I could get fired just like anyone else. However, once I reached my current position, the others who gained a spot as an administrator assumed my seat as successor was guaranteed. Furthermore, their fears are completely unfounded as I''ve learned whoever is the most capable will be selected. I suppose it just human nature. In addition to the fact I don''t even like this job, it''s not what I wanted for myself so, you may ask, why am I working for a job I dislike? The answer is simple; I didn''t know what kind of place I was looking for. Before I knew it, my father offered me a job at his company, needing money I accepted. It was supposed to be a short term solution, but I somehow ended up here. It''s tiring, to say the least. One could of purposely fail at the job in order not to advance or do the minimum course work to not get fired. However, it''s not in my nature to do so, although this might be my father''s gene in me. Getting to this position was not easy since the place of work is like a battlefield, meeting deadlines, making sure everything is in order, and keeping the workplace efficiency up. Jobs like these are not easy, especially once you move up the ladder; hard choices got to be made. Firing someone for incompetence is the most common, I do not fire someone out of spite or dislike them in general. I''m not one to set someone up to fail though some employers may do so to prove a point that they are in charge. If one does work as instructed, terrific, and if one improves the work efficiency even better. It tells the employer you are willing and innovated enough to enhance the workflow. But, I do not fire someone out of malice, chances have been given, and resources have been offered to aid the individual. If one still unable to improve their axed, it''s strange though, I''m viewed as the bad guy even from people whose job is not in danger. Though it comes with the territory, the workplace is a constant battlefield; at least that''s how I view it. Tactics and strategy are employed continuously, ranging from business and military all to progress the company to higher standards. I''ve been called cruel due to choices made for the company heartless even, nor do I care what they think of me cause decisions had to be made. Shying away from one''s own judgment is weak-willed, I admit and own up to my choice even if it may be a wrong one. Perhaps necessary even. Letting emotion get the best of you will lead to poor decision making, which could prove costly. Looking at the clock, I guess it''s about that time, as I''m getting up the door to my office opens, a young lady walks in of average height. Wearing usual attire one would wear to office work, she''s recently a new hire if I recall correctly. She approaches my desk, which I always keep well organized, she begins to speak.


    "Excuse me, sir, I was wondering if I can work overtime today," she said respectfully.


    Most employees know not to ask me about overtime, though that because they have been working here long enough. She cannot be blamed for this fact. Responding, "I''m sorry, you may not work overtime today. You may not know this, but in my department, overtime means only two things. One, the workflow productivity dropped due to someone incompetence or two something unexpected happened, which requires people to work extra hours. In my department, I view overtime as a failure." The amount of effort used to keep my department flowing is intense, and I don''t tolerate incompetence that will break the flow. In fact, they should be happy they get to leave on time, there are many companies work their employees to the bone without extra pay. "I hope you understand," I said factly.


    "Of course." She looked dissatisfied but only for a moment. Nothing can be done about it, its policy; she turns around and leaves. Making sure everything neat, I began to depart the building, As I go, I make sure to look around my department to see if everything is in order. Perfectly organized, as all things should be. My home is not far away, walking distance, which makes it more convenient to get to work on time. The sun has already set, I proceed to walk home, as I began crossing the street until bright lights beamed down the road. The car was driving too fast for me to move out the way, then it went black.


    Despite that, I find myself in an office-like room with its bright lights beaming in my eyes. Squinting, I sit up from the couch I''m currently laying on. Piecing my thoughts together, I should''ve died unless I''m already am, and this is purgatory. This is going to be tiring to think about, but the fact remainsIclearly got hit by a car. Taking a breath I began searching around the room, it appears to be a standard office, my person has no sign of injury, but the question is, why am I here?


    "Interesting..." a voice rang out. Looking towards where the sound came from, I saw a dark-skinned man in a well-dressed suit behind a computer typing. I''m confused, was he always there? I''m pretty sure I hadn''t missed anything when I scanned the room; it''s not that big, but he just appeared. Is this person the arbiter deciding my fate, or is this just a comatose dream due to injury.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Close but not quite," he responded, "And no, this isn''t a dream you are in fact, dead." He confirmed. So dead, huh, it''s more different than one would suspect.


    "Interesting Indeed. Most would panic or freak out and deny the possibility that oneself is dead. At least the ones that I bring here anyway." The one he brings here? So me being here is not a normal circumstance, to say the least.


    "Well, fussing over things like that is a waste of time." Which is correct, you cannot change the past even if that past is my death. Sure I feel disappointed that I couldn''t complete my objective in life, but I died. That''s a fact. Emotions like fear and panic are irrelevant to the current situation, the man sitting across from me is much more worrisome than some weak feeling like hysteria.


    "So, who exactly are you if you aren''t an arbiter? I can take a reasonable guess but don''t want to jump to an unnecessary conclusion." It''s obvious, but getting a confirmation from the one in front is best.


    "Well I suppose its a reasonable question, I go by many names. The most recognizable one is God. Though you mortals do call me an asshole frequently too," he claimed. Humanity and its history long revolve around the worship of God, though I never worshipped him myself nor denied his existence for he as such that cannot be proven. On the other hand, it could be a deception, and this person who claims to be God is another entity entirely. There no point in fussing over it, though, for I cannot do anything at the moment.


    "On the contrary, youcando something. For instance, the reason why I brought you here," he interjected. Minding reading is quite an annoying ability, its an invasion of one''s privacy. Nonetheless, he most likely won''t stop, "Why am I here then self-proclaimed God."


    "Glad you asked," He smiled, looking away from his computer. "I would like to say congratulations! You''ve been selected to become one of my administrators. It very difficult to find excellent help these days." Say what now? An administrator? As in, the job I hated doing due to its chaotic nature? I prefer an alternate way of life then take up that position once again, so I''m going to have to refuse.


    "Thank you for the offer; however, I''m going to have to refuse." Moreover, I was good at it, excellent even, yet it was not something I enjoyed doing for various reasons. There are billions of people he can choose from other than me, he''s a so-called god, isn''t he?


    "What do you mean yourefuse?"his eyes go dead, "It''s not every day I pull people from the reincarnation cycle for a job that basically makes you what one would call an angel. It''s quite challenging to find someone with your qualifications." This doesn''t bode well; at this rate, he might force me to work as his so-called angel. What''s with his statement with my qualifications? I''m one person. Did he just skim that globe found me and say ''Yup that''s the one'' and brought me here?


    "No one ever refused this offer before; in fact, they readily accepted it.Why do you refuse?" Perhaps because you''re a god and can end them in a second, thus, they accepted the offer. I have to respond in a way where it won''t end poorly.


    "I''ve worked basically all my life with that type of work, although you probably already know that. I hated it. In fact, I would go as far as to say despise it. Why would I work in that environment again?" I retorted.


    "Well, I could just force you to become one of my angels and be done with it." stated matter of factly.


    "No doubt that you could, I may not be a god, but I''ll call your bluff. If you were going to force me, you would have done so already." Just let me go already, "More importantly, I have a feeling you won''t give up, will you?"


    "Indeed, I won''t force you. I can just keep you here till you agree." That''s a problem all on its own, and I don''t want to be here for all eternity. Although I have an idea...


    "That''s clearly unfair, surely you should give me a chance to decline this offer."


    "Achance?"his eyes returning back to normal, which thankfully is a good thing. They were terrifying, but I couldn''t back down. "Why would I do something like that, I''ll win no matter what you suggest."


    "Then all the more reason to here me out. I''d like to propose a deal that will give me a chance. Unless you are ''Afraid,'' you''ll lose,"I taunt him hoping his ego will get the best of him.


    He stands up with his hands hitting the table. "Afraid? I''ll lose? Bold claims coming from a mere mortal. Very well then, state your proposal, and if it''s acceptable, I''ll agree to the terms." Thankfully, he is reasonable. I thought he would be more kittle.


    "Alright, the terms. First-term, you mentioned reincarnation, my goal was incomplete in my previous life. I''ve thought about what I wanted, and I''ve come to the conclusion that I want to have a tranquil place away from the hazardous environment of my previous workplace. The second term, you cannot interfere with my reincarnated life."


    Before I could continue, God interjected, "In other words, you''re asking me to not interfere with the world, impossible, it''s my duty to monitor the world which requires my presence. However, I can not impede you personally or directly. Also, this tranquil place you seek requires you to wholeheartedly accept it. No half-ass nonsense to circumvent the contract. Lastly, you have no control over what world you''re going to nor race or gender. Along with a variety of other things, you must leave that all to me." This much was expected, but its better than being forced.


    "Alright, I can live with that." Agreeing with him, a feeling tells me he won''t accept anything less. He speaks again, "Also, to reinstate if you die before you achieve your goal, you work for me. On the other hand, if you succeed and live, I won''t make you my Administrator even after your next death. Furthermore, I would grant you one prayer for my assistance. People call it God''s gift, I believe." That last bit makes no sense, "Why would you offer me an advantage that will potentially make you fail."


    He smiles, "I''m a generous god. Its to give you that ''fair chance''you mentioned."


    "Alright, the terms are agreeable. Also, I''ll make sure not to use that ''fair chance'' you mentioned." It felt ominous to me. We shook hands, sealing the deal.


    "We''ll see, old habits die hard, so they say in your world." he quotes as he sits back down. "Please hurry up and die though, I''m going to be understaffed at this rate." He pushes a key on the keyboard, and everything goes black.

 Vol 1: Academy 1

    January 1919 Military Academy - Berlinium - Imperia Empire


    Unexpectedly I''ve found myself enlisting in the military at the age of six. One would think that it would be against rules which under normalconditionswould be correct. However, I enlisted under abnormal circumstances, even if I didn''t join, conscription would''ve been forced upon instead. The latter was a better choice. So, what was the unique situation that I a young girl enlisted? It''s due to them discovering I was a mage. Obtaining me wouldn''t have been hard for them, for I was an orphan. My parents abandoned me due to severe financial issues. They couldn''t afford the care of a child. At least that was what said to me. I doubt they wanted to leave me, but at the moment, the orphanage was probably the best choice. As a final act of love, they left me with a name, and out of respect, I won''t abandon it. Now, before the military discovered me, one wonders what I was doing before. Surviving really, orphanages don''t tend to make a lot of money, but we''re fed by nuns, mainly bread, sometimes soup. No one paid attention to orphans, maybe looks of pity, and perhaps some wanted to help but couldn''t. Anyway, I used my time to explore the surroundings and gather information, although adults viewed it as playing. How would an orphan obtain a job? I have no idea. So luckily, when the military came confirming I''m a mage, asking if I want to enlist, I agreed too. Now, here I am, At theBerlinuimMilitary Academy. Dawning my attire for the first time, it bears a close resemblance to the German Empire''s uniform of my homeworld.


    Free education is not bad; I was never well versed in the military academy during my time. Surprisingly though, it''s similar to a regular school/college minus the military aspect. I''ve finally got a good look at myself at my assigned barrack as one of those standing mirrors were there. Reflecting back at me is a young girl with straight dark brown hair that flows freely just below my shoulder line. The complexion of my skin is fair, the only thing that really sticks out is my heterochromia eyes. The left eye is blue while the other is brown. Other than that, I''m pretty normal, though I do get the occasional curious looks. Furthermore, its been a couple of weeks since I''ve arrived at the academy, it seems the first two years is building one''s foundation, ranging from physical discipline and general education. As of right now, we are going over the Ciphering Jewel, a device that is essential to all mages.


    "Cadet Luna Sternhell."


    Standing at attention, "Sir!"


    "Explain the 5 Processes of a Ciphering Jewel that a mage must go through." One of the first things we learned and also one of the most important.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "The first step is the channeling mana through the body towards the core of the jewel."


    "What is a core cadet."


    "The core is the heart of the ciphering jewel; without it, the device will cease to function, making the mage utterly useless." The instructor nods inapprovement and motions me to proceed.


    "The second step is transmitting; the transmitter is the mage itself, which leads to the third step of receiving. The core acts as the receiver, which absorbs the mana, which then moves to step 4, the core processes the mana. Finally, the fifth step, the ciphers within the Jewel casing activates, which assist and calculate the spell the mage wishes to use."


    "Correct." Taking a seat once giving permission. Without the wireless mana transmission method, the ciphering jewel device wouldn''t have been possible. The steps I listed might seem long, but it all happens within seconds thanks to the invention of the differential Analyzer, which was reversed engineered to work for magic.


    The instructor proceeds with the class asking more questions to others before we are all dismissed. Once all courses are done, there is still plenty of time in the day. What''s left of the day is spent either in the library or continuing my physical training. Knowledge such as math is not required as severely do the fact my past memories remembered such things. The real exception is history, along with military life I''ve never experienced because this is an alternate world of my earth that I''m originally from. I''m going to need all the extra time I can get since I''m at a disadvantage, just looking at myself one could tell I am unable to overpower an adult in this state. Perhaps an average person eventually but trained military personnel? I don''t think so. I''ve been improving my agility and flexibility equally to make up for the difference in the strength of other cadet''s. Assuming the worse, god put as many disadvantages as possible, which includes height. I may remain short forever; however, I''m taking advantage of being a kid as my body adapts better than the average adult due to the fact I''m still growing. And if I implement proper exercise on top of my current regimen, I should be in peak condition.


    When returning to my assigned barracks, I''m not the only one there. Occasionally conversation will occur with my roommates, but whether it''s because I''m inept at socializing or that I''m a kid, they assume I cannot relate to them. Therefore blaming them holds no purpose as I would do the same. Still, I do get varying degrees of looks, which I assume the cause is my age and the fact that I''m female. Their concerns are unnecessary, being female is trivial compared to results. Besides, it''s not like I''m the only female. Being reincarnated in this body does not mean I''ll change my ways. No matter what environment I''m placed in, I''ll do my best.


    On the other hand, I''m a child; I''m going to be looked down on, which means I''ll have much work ahead of me. Even after my graduation from the academy. Though for now, I''ll have to focus on getting in at least the top five no matter what.