《Tales of Spectacular Spells (A Magic Fantasy Novel)》 Prologue: Story of the Forest Keeper Amid the warm, sordid summer, where stars twinkled above a crackling fireplace, a group of kids were gathered around the hot flames. Some were skittish, while others were boisterous as can be. But nobody was as reclusive as the person still hiding in their burrow, their ears twitching to every sound of their laughter. "Mom, can you tell us that story again? We want to hear more about that giant deer!" the youngest asked. "Hmph, they''re more than just a "giant deer", Ezekiel. Show more respect," his older sister chastised, crossing her arms defiantly. "Hey, Elise is bullying me again!" the former cried, as if said person jabbed a sandspur in his side. "Now, now, your big sister is right. This deer has nurtured and guarded our haven for many generations. Without them, we wouldn''t have been able to live a peaceful life since the war ended," their mother said, her face wrinkled with adulation. "But can someone be a dear and fetch Edward from upstairs? That child hardly comes out of his den." "I''ll do it! Just leave it to me," the middle child proclaimed, standing up. His loud steps followed as he climbed up a stack of cabinets, finding himself in the cottage''s attic. Here, where the room faced the rising moon, sat a young boy at his work desk. Screws and springs were littered all across the table, where they framed numerous blueprints and sketches. With coarse, brown hair and glasses concealing their dark eyes, he turned to face the person now stepping inside. "What is it?" Edward asked in a steeled tone. "Can''t you see I''m busy right now?" "Mom wants you to come downstairs for storytime. Besides, with you staying in your room all day, everyone''s starting to get worried," his brother declared. "Ha, and is that really any of your business? No one asked for your opinion, Emerson!" the bespectacled boy snapped, his teeth set in a growl. "It''s Easton, actually," the latter quipped back, his hands curling into shaky fists. "So you can''t be bothered with remembering your siblings'' names, huh." "Close enough, you nutcase. Face it, there are way too many E''s and kids in this family. The only person I care about is Big Brother, and that''s putting it nicely," Edward scoffed. "Bet Erwin couldn''t stand to be around featherbrained fools like you. I have more important things to do than to play house." With hunched shoulders, Edward continued scribbling on aging pieces of parchment, until someone clenched their teeth. "I knew it. You''re becoming more like those despicable creatures." And the pencil clattered onto the desk. For a while, Edward realized how strange the world''s workings were. Not even the most intricate machine could compare to how peculiar this was¡ªfrom the first time when he witnessed dawn. Before that, Edward was a normal ermine, a small creature whose face was cutely innocent, yet whose sinister trickery could slaughter any prey. Despite him and his family living in seclusion, many of the other animals remained wary of him. They would peer from their grottos, hide away in the tree hollows, and bade them from the shadows, cautiously watching his every move. Nevertheless, their stares couldn''t stop the curious ermine from exploring far beyond his home. But on his last rendezvous, when he watched the sun melt into the horizon, he felt an unusual sensation tingling throughout his skin. In the briefest moment, he saw his smooth fur escaping into the wind, his small paws becoming furless hands, and his size quickly growing in magnitude. Transforming his body into that of a human boy. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. To others, this might appear like a shapeshifting spell. But to the beholder, it was him trading his instincts for humanity at sunset, ripping and reshaping anything that made him an "animal". The process itself was excruciating, as if every vein was pulled out from under his skin and painstakingly sewn together into a new patchwork. As chills coarse through his spine, so too did the adrenaline. Pouring liquid flames over his ice-cold chest, letting it churn and curdle in anguish at having become something strangely different. Despite his pitiful, agonizing cries, the transformation repeated endlessly. It became a continuous cycle, where he became an animal by morning and back to a human by evening. Where each transformation was gradually more painful than the last. This was the curse unique only to the Haven of Kismet, a forgotten forest at the edge of the world. "Ha, and maybe you should take a look at the mirror first! You''re living in the skin of those despicable creatures yourself!" Edward hissed, grabbing Easton by the shirt collar. "So what if I''m becoming more human?! It''s better than playing pretend at sundown, especially when we''re just two-legged monstrosities!" After shoving his brother against a mirror, a thousand shards shattered from the impact, becoming crystallized in crimson. "And by daybreak, we''ll become animals again, having our judgment clouded and only relying on what keeps us alive. Even if it means slaughtering anything and eating their raw insides out!" Blood drew from where he had bitten his lips, yet it didn''t stop Edward from tightening his grip. Swallowing thickly, he resolutely sneered, "That''s why I''ll be going to where Erwin went. To become what he called an ''inventor''. At least that''s the only way for me to become civilized." "B-But we all know what happened to him¡­" Easton coughed out, his hands struggling against his older brother''s anguished hold. "H-He¡­got torn apart¡­by those creatures¡­" Before his body steadily slumped to the floor. "All that''s left¡­is just his fur. You can''t change¡­what''s already happened," he weakly admitted. "I¨C!" Biting back his tongue, Edward grimaced, his eyes squeezing shut. He didn''t want to recall it. Didn''t want to witness the headlines that sensationalized the royal inventor''s sudden disappearance. And he surely didn''t want to envision his own brother''s skin wrapped around someone''s crown. Amid the rising silent tenseness, the sweat rolling down his skin, and bated, scornful breaths, there was the gentle sound of their mother''s voice from downstairs, telling an age-old tale. "Here in this haven, there''s a story that every child should know." "Because deep within this forest, where light pervades through the copper canopies, the brook gurgles through rainbow pebbles, and the wind whispers through the grove, lived a majestic deer¡ªa towering beast that rivals that of the tallest tree, yet whose gentle steps soothe the earth. Its antlers were dressed in marigolds come summer, appearing like blossoming branches embracing the sun. Its fur was dusted in shimmering flecks of yellow, each one sparkling like stars at dusk. And when you stare into the liquid gold of its eyes, you would notice the endless trail of tears flowing from them." "They were known as the Forest Keeper." "Since the haven''s founding, they have been a guardian and nurturer of the haven''s inhabitants, ensuring their safety and protection. Where they walked, flowers grew in bountiful patches. When the sun sets, they become a brilliant light that guides those who''ve lost their way." "Until the day¨C" "¨CWhen the humans invaded," Edward solemnly finished, unclenching his shaky fist. Glancing down at his sweaty palms, he squeezed his eyes shut. "...They say this was a blessing bestowed by the Forest Keeper, allowing us to take vengeance by wearing human skin. But at the same time¡­" Peering at the mirror that lay fractured behind Easton''s bleeding back, he saw his distraught face, mauled by bloodshot eyes and dark circles. "...We''re all monsters in our own right." Alpenglow Since that night, many seasons have passed. As the trees donned their flowery couture, flourished in the sun''s warmth, basked in orange splashes before finally slumbering away in the snow, it signaled the end of the year. Giving way to a sleeping ermine, whose elongated body underwent two years of change, as they tiredly yawned. In a nutshell, of all places. Bristling his whiskers, Edward blinked from the comforts of his acorn shell, before stretching his arms outward. The air felt as cold as it could be, where the grasses and valleys were blanketed in snow. Heaps of icicles had already formed from the eaves of his makeshift hut, a home comprised of a corrugated panel, patchwork blankets, and leftover bits and bobs. As he stretched his long body from nose to tail, he let out another petulant yawn before shaking himself all over. Before he nimbly jumped from the workbench and onto the floor below, where he sneakily rubbed his paws together. "A new day calls for another round of collecting! Hehe, I wonder what it''ll be like today¡­Maybe some more springs¡ªHmm, could be good for optimizing the propulsion. Or perhaps some corkscrew rush could work instead."Hopping out onto the snow, a thousand ideas sprang forth from each bounce, as the ice-white ermine soon found himself in a clearing. Behind him was the trail of little paw prints he made, while on the other side was the enclosing grotto of trees. Their gnarly branches shone silverish-gray against the dismal, pristine scenery, where even the sky was blotted with nimbostratus clouds. Looks like everybody''s still hibernating, Edward thought, looking around to see how tranquil everything was. The soft piles of snow dappling the few leaves there were, the frost lapping at the riverbank, and the red berries that showed scarlet against the white¡ªhe almost wished the haven was like this every day. Not like the cacophony of woodland critters chatting away, or even the snide glances they paid when looking his way. After all, he was infamous around these parts, or so he''d say. "Edward has finally come out of hiding! Everyone, run for your lives!" the ermine mocked out in the open, his paws raised skyward. Before he settled down on his hind legs, sighing. "I guess I don''t even need to announce it to the world. Everyone''s going to avoid me either way. Who else is a bigger menace than I?" he chuckled to himself, immersed in his melodramatic soliloquy¡ªbefore he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. "Who''s there?!" With both fur and whiskers bristling, Edward cautiously surveyed his surroundings, looking for any signs of movement. There, he saw a lumbering shadow passing through the trees, dragging with them a disfigured mesh of hooved legs. The wretched stench of blood percolated through the air, making Edward scrunch his face in disgust. Cautiously slinking through the snow-covered undergrowth, he carefully crept closer, watching as the mysterious shadow tugged their spoils onto a sunbaked rock. As the bloodied elk lay before them, the creature lowered their head, seemingly deep in remorse. "What is that guy even doing?" Edward wondered, scooting forward for a better look. They were one of the beasts that become prevalent in winter, whose thick coats and heavy paws equipped them with the necessary gear. With raven-tipped ears and a pentagonal beard, lynxes were one of the haven''s most elusive residents. "Looks like¡­they''re mourning their prey? What good will that bring?" the ermine thought, his curiosity piqued. Before all of his fur stood up when he caught wind of a deep-seated growl. "Who are you and what do you want?" the lynx asked in a low voice, his dilated pupils narrowing down at the shivering ermine. "Wait a minute¡­You can speak with a human tongue?" Edward warily scampered out, his hind legs bracing him to run. "Answering a question with another only serves to stall your demise. Either you tell me your purpose here, or I''ll have no choice but to turn you into a side dish," the lynx answered, baring his teeth. "But¡­" Sitting on his hind legs, the ermine looked down and up, before continuing, "...I don''t think I look that appetizing. I mean, you gotta turn me into bite-sized pieces if you wanna fit all this down your throat." "You''re quite the unusual one, aren''t you? Wily creatures such as yourself are only pests in my eyes," the lumbering feline declared¨Cbefore digging into the flesh of the wounded ungulate. As soon as he yanked a chunk of meat out, he tossed it away, splattering the ermine''s white coat with blood. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Hey, watch where you''re throwing that thing! First, the mourning, now you''re throwing your food away?! Who do you think you are?!" Edward spat, shaking his long body in an irritated huff. "There, you got your share. Now leave me in peace," the lynx snarled before softening for the slightest moment. "...Let me grieve for a little bit longer." "Tch, I didn''t come for free food in the first place. Do I look like a vulture to you?" the ermine refuted before taking a sniff at the warm flesh. "Ew, gross. Do you have any flint, coal, or anything at all?" When met with silence, Edward tossed his head, berating himself, "Oh macadamias, I shouldn''t have come out today." When he returned with a couple of rocks and some twigs, he sat down, before striking a flame onto the makeshift campfire. It made a tiny campfire next to the humongous beast sitting beside him, who was now gorging themselves through the elk''s cavernous stomach. "Hehe, this is what I''m talking about!" Looking up, the lynx spotted Edward twisting a stick around, letting his share be embroiled by the flickering flames. Before he furrowed his brows. "What are you doing?" "Cooking my food, of course. I stopped eating raw meat a long time ago." When he withdrew the stick from the fire, he remarked, "Hm, kinda looks like a meaty marshmallow on a toothpick. Is this what humans call a ''camping meal''?" "Are you the one they call Edward?" the lynx interjected, giving him a discerning look. A moment of silence, before the ermine gave him a proud look. "Heh, how''d you guess that? Is it because of my beautifully soft coat, my boundless fields of expertise, or even my manner of speaking¨C?" "You''re the one whom they call a scheming brat who got kicked out years ago." . . . "Wow. I did not expect that answer," Edward said before flatly biting into his meat. "Scheming, maybe, but calling me a brat is pushing it. Especially with the "got kicked out" part¡ªActually, I left out of my own volition! But there''s one last thing I should correct you on." Licking his canines, the ermine steadfastly placed a paw on his chest. "My full name is Edward Erwin now. Got that?" "Hm, very well then. Last names aren''t as commonplace as they once were in Kismet, so this is a welcome surprise." Straightening themselves to full height, the lynx murmured, "You may call me Lewis." "Lewis, is it?" Tossing a bone to the side, the ermine scampered up the rock, its beady eyes staring inquisitively at the feline''s golden ones. "How about you answer my questions now? How''d you become fluent in speaking human language, and second, what were you even doing with that elk carcass?" Lewis closed his eyes, seemingly contemplating those inquires, before finally responding, "In my human form, I often venture to the town below, bringing with me spoils of my hunt. Learning to converse with the few villagers who live there allows me to secure a warm shelter." Glancing at the half-eaten skeleton of the elk, the lynx added, "...But since then, I always felt something unusual. As if great guilt weighs down upon my chest." Edward stopped chewing, his eyes looking towards his newfound companion. "And? What else made it so unusual?" "Hm, it''s become a feeling akin to¡­wanting to wish someone goodbye before they leave for good." Shaking his head, Lewis gritted his teeth, his eyes becoming slightly more murky. "But I can''t say¡­for sure." Compared to the enormous size of the lynx, Edward could already feel the pressure weighing down on both their shoulders, contemplating the numerous secrets from within. Why do we feel these sensations? What beckons us to question why the world works the way it does? Why do we seek out companions to absolve our loneliness? "You''re..becoming more like them," Edward softly admitted, repeating the same words he heard years ago. Looking in his direction, Lewis asked, "You mean¡­those humans?" With a wry laugh, the ermine continued, "Sometimes, I wonder why we have to continue this abhorrent cycle of transforming ourselves into something we''re not. Even worse, why does it hurt so much when we go back and forth between our true and artificial forms? But¡­" Looking down at his paws, Edward softly admitted, "I feel like¡­I can do anything now. I can write notes reminding myself of what I did that day, study how humans speak in their language, and even craft tools that efficiently do things for me. Things that I''d never do if I were just a regular ermine. But in your case¡­" Sitting in the middle of Lewis'' hulking shadow, Edward chuckled, "...You''re able to feel what they''re feeling. Doing things a predator wouldn''t normally do." Before he muttered to the side, "Even if you''re a weirdo already." "I see¡­" Standing on all fours, the lynx paid the ermine a knowing glance, before padding away. Leaving behind the elk''s carcass in its tracks. "...Saying such foolhardy things to a predator who was bound to eat you is no easy feat, so consider this a short-lived present for humoring me. But no matter what happens¡­" "...I won''t stand to become a true human myself." First Day of Magic School "Breathe in, breathe out...Just have to wait for a little bit longer." Placing a hand against her pounding chest, a girl repeated those words like a mantra, in hopes of melting the ice in her nerves. Around her, students were excitedly muttering to each other, whilst showing each other their handbooks. Equipped with golden quills and iridescent tassels, these books were personalized to every student''s schedule, chosen class, and elemental attributes. Longingly gazing at them, her heart grew with bubbling anticipation. After all, where her feet stood was where millions of students first started: the Admissions Hall of Hexaneus Academy. A primeval institute where even novices would become fully-fledged magicians through its rigorous courses. Located in the center of the continent, it''s become the central hub for all spellcasters alike, ranging from aspiring witches to experienced wizards. Assigned to a designated department, each occupational class is taught in different parts of campus, known as the Four Spires: the Witches'' Apothecary, the School of Wizardry, the Artificers'' Atelier, and last but not least, the Amphitheater for Magicians. From learning potion-making to performing spellbinding tricks, each student was allowed to change their class once during their time here. To say that this decision would become a momentous turning point would be an understatement--more like it would pave the way for someone''s entire future. And here she was, a human raised in some desolate forest. Actually, her father would be peeved if he heard that. "The Haven of Kismet is not some forest, kiddo! It is the birthplace of our ancestors, who passed down the secret art of transformation¡ª" And cue the three-hour-long lectures that kept her from nodding asleep. "Hmph, Father''s reaction to my acceptance was so lukewarm, I''d bet he couldn''t give two nuts about it," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Still, Hexaneus Academy is much more grandiose than I anticipated..." Looking around, she saw the colossal stained glass windows that towered over her, each one inscribed with each of the Academy''s past, present, and future. A day when numerous tribes waged war against each other, a time when peace was bestowed upon the land, and a wish that all civilizations would be united through an eternal alliance. Before she clenched her fist. "I made it this far...At least, this is my chance to gauge a better reaction from Father." She nodded resolutely until someone announced, "Aurelie Erwin to Booth No. 8. I repeat, Aurelie Erwin to Booth No. 8." "And the first step is getting through the orientation." She nodded before making her way over. Striding over to an intricate wooden sign, she was face to face with an elderly, bespectacled woman, who was currently viewing several documents. "You''re Ms. Aurelie, I presume?" Finally looking up, the woman fixed her glasses, examining the student before her. A young girl with ash blonde hair, inquisitive hazel-green eyes, and a simple attire of a cotton blouse, a vintage vest, and a khaki shorts. A scarlet ribbon was weaved through her silky hair, which caressed both of her shoulders. Slung over her shoulder was a traveler''s leather satchel, fitted with many pouches. "Yes, ma''am," Aurelie answered, poised. "Interesting...You''re quite different from what I envisioned," the teller answered, while adding, "I don''t believe we have had many students coming from the Haven of Kismet. Especially for a location that''s so remote." "Ah...At least I was able to subvert your expectations," the girl awkwardly asked, scratching the back of her neck. "Did she mean that in a good or bad way?" she wondered. "No need to be so stiff, my child. Many of our students do come from various regions across Hexaneus, so you''ll find your place here in no time," the former assured before clearing her throat. "But this is still the first day, after all. Just treat this as an old woman''s babbling." The creases on the woman''s features soften, giving way to a more lighthearted expression. "But going by your name...Could it be that you''re the daughter of the famous Mr. Erwin?"This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Erm, I think you might be looking into it too hard, ma''am. Perhaps our last names are simply a stroke of coincidence," Aurelie reluctantly answered, her hands shaking at her sides. She had seen the old newspapers that littered the cabin back home, whose edges were yellowed by time. Edward Erwin, she recalled, was the name that dominated the tabloids in days past. They say he was an inventor who built many fantastical machines, some of which included a bubble house transport, a cog-shaped civilian transport, and many others. Yet nobody has seen the inventor in public, leading to headlines being purely based on sensational speculations. "Gigantic shadow lurks in the pipes of Crowburgh, followed by the sound of tinkering metal--" "Mysterious benefactor sends the world''s first-ever plane to soar through the skies!" Such rumors and newspapers only amounted to hearsay, but people still attributed the name to some of the most mysterious inventions that have been created thus far. Regardless of whether they were created by the same person or not, it''s become somewhat of a tall-tale myth that old witches tell. "Oh, I see. Pardon my premature judgment, Ms. Aurelie. Seems like some things should remain a secret," the teller briefly chuckled before scanning the last of the documents. "Now all we need is your registration card, and you''ll be set to go." "R-Right..." Slipping her satchel off her shoulder, the girl hurriedly searched through the compartments, her hands rummaging each one. "I''m sure I put it here somewhere..." she thought before brushing against something furry. Its body was long, and the sudden touch sent it slithering around her palm. "Huh?" Aurelie raised her brow, and she saw a plastic card being clamped shut between someone''s paws. "Psst, here''s your card, Relly," an all-too-familiar voice said, whilst meeting the girl''s surprised eyes with its beady ones. "P-Papa?!" she exclaimed before clamping her mouth. "Hm, is something the matter, Ms. Aurelie?" the teller asked, fixing their glasses. "If you don''t have your card, then you still have an alternative option¡ª" "N-No, I''m fine! Thanks for asking!" Aurelie quickly answered, slapping the card onto the desk. "If that''s all, then can I head to the entrance hall after this is finished?" "Oh, of course..." The woman nodded, puzzled, as she tapped the card against a crystal ball. "All documents have been confirmed. We thank you for your time with us, and we wish you all the best for your time here at the Hexaneus Academy. You''ll find all the relevant information in this personalized handbook," the translucent sphere announced, signaled by the teller giving out the aforementioned items. "We wish you a stellar time here, Ms. Aurelie," the woman said, bidding farewell to her. "Thank you." After curtsying, the girl quickly strode through the hallways, her steps quickening with each heartbeat. Clutching her satchel to her chest, she looked to and fro for any onlookers, and she peered into the dark compartment. "Papa, what are you even doing here?!" she whisper-shouted, while her eyes kept glancing back and forth from her hiding spot. "Why, checking whether my kiddo''s already gotten everything figured out! Do you know how long I''ve been curled up in that cramped space?" the little creature complained, and its little ears twitched indignantly. "It''s not so often that I''d get the chance to leave the forest, you know?" "Is that so...?" Appearing unconvinced, Aurelie muttered, "Sounds to me that your indifference was just a way of hiding your frenetic worries. Don''t tell me you were there the last three days I''ve been traveling." "And if I say yes, then you''re not going to leave your poor papa out in the cold and rain, are you?" the ermine remarked, gesturing with a paw. "Ha...Not like I have any other choice. But to think my own father would be keeping me company far off from home..." she muttered to herself before straightening her shoulders. "Fine, but you better stay put. There shouldn''t be any first-years having a familiar already, so try not to attract too much attention to us," she advised as the other passerby paid wary glances her way. "Oh, so it is true. Explains all of the birds, frogs, and other critters running around," her father noted, tilting his head from one of the satchel''s pouches. Around them were students of different species and features; some of them ranging from having a long neck to others whose ears twitched atop their head. The orientation leaders, normally third and fourth years, already had the occasional animal trailing alongside them. "Yeah...And who knew that the famous Edward Erwin was actually an ermine all along?" Aurelie murmured before throwing her satchel back on. "Only two hours left before the official orientation starts, so we have time to explore beforehand." "Sounds like a fine idea, kiddo!" Edward agreed before dipping back into the pocket. Patting her satchel, the blond-haired girl breathed in and out one more time. "This is it...Time to see what''s in store for me. Hexaneus Academy, here I come!" The girl resolutely nodded before taking her first step into the illustrious school of magic. The Handbook As Aurelie''s boots clacked against the hall''s pristine floors, she could only witness her awestruck expression reflected on the geometric tiles. Hundreds of other freshmen were already gathered in groups, others sidled by the pillars, and some already reached the hall''s upper floors. Every conversation was echoing throughout the chambers, orchestrating a cacophony to resonate from above. From there, elaborate, mosaic frescoes decorated the walls, depicting the whimsicality of witches, wizards, and mages coexisting in harmony. Where the sun sets should the moon rise, where all magicians paid witness with their arms extended towards the skies. It created the hues that Aurelie so loved, of a setting sun whose radiant orange oozed into celestial blue. But when standing beneath the grandeur of marble pillars, the dome ceilings overhead, and the iridescence of everything, she felt small compared to everything else¡ªlike a mouse that had wandered into the world''s biggest castle. Or was this the biggest castle? "Ack, I''d rather not know..." Clutching the straps of her satchel, Aurelie warily glanced at the other students. Her breaths felt tight in her chest, and upon looking at the other students'' extravagant clothes, she glanced down at her own. It was comfortably modest, but it was the one thing making her stick out like a sore thumb amid all the exquisite bits and bobs. Shaking her head, she discreetly slipped out the terrace doors, before the hubbub receded into a faint droning. Where the cool, autumn air finally calmed her shaky nerves. "Phew, I''m finally out..." Breathing a sigh of relief, she looked to see the campus courtyard extending beneath the terrace. A fountain was bubbling at the center, where it was encircled by bushes of every shape and size. Some of them were already bearing ripe fruit, specifically the ones whose berries appeared like blooming acorns. But beyond her vantage point, she could hardly see what was happening from behind the courtyard''s towering hedges. Could it be a labyrinth of sorts? Or training grounds? Shaking her head, she noticed a bench nearby. Plopping herself down, she patted one of the satchel''s pouches. "You can come out now, Papa." When two twitching ears gave way to someone''s blinking, beady eyes, Edward quickly whipped his head from left to right, before crawling up Aurelie''s arm. Only to rest on her shoulder, hidden by the veil of her ashen hair. "What''s up, kiddo? You''ve been sighing for the last five minutes now," he asked. "Huh? Oh, it''s nothing. It''s just..." Twiddling with her thumbs, Aurelie sheepishly admitted, "...This place is way bigger than I thought. And there are so many students here who already know what they''re doing. What if...I''m just not cut out for this?" Having seen the glaring resplendence of this place boring into her soul, the students who paid puzzled glances her way, and the people who''d already found their own groups, she felt like a lone leaf drifting in the wind. Aimlessly wandering from one place to another, trying their hardest to find somewhere to settle. Before she sighed dejectedly. "Maybe it was a good idea to have you come with me--" "--Hmph, as if you should give a macadamia about that!" Edward interjected. "Eh?" Blinking wildly, Aurelie looked to see the ermine stand on its hind legs, pressing a paw to her cheek. "Relly, think about it, if these kids know anything about Kismet, which they don''t, then all they''ll say is that you''re from some forgotten forest. But you know that isn''t true, is it?" With her astonished expression reflected in those dark pupils, Edward continued, "Because the Haven of Kismet will always be your home, a place where you have a whole family who loves you. And above all, they want you to succeed." "E-Even if..." "Nuh-uh. We promised not to bring that up again, Relly. But if it makes you feel better..." Placing his other paw on his chest, her father resolutely declared, "Lewis and I are proud to have you as our daughter. Even if you were born to a family of hunters doesn''t mean you''ll become one. To us, you''ll always be our most kindhearted child." "Father Lewis...Hehe, I''m surprised you mentioned his name so soon. You two were always bickering the day I received my acceptance letter," his daughter chuckled. "If he was anything smaller than a lynx, then I''m sure he would have hitched a ride in one of my other pockets." Out of her two fathers, Lewis was always the most logical and aloof, yet when he received news of her acceptance, his boisterous yells were enough to rattle her bones. "No way, I can''t condone this! Relly has never been this far from home, and she''ll be crushed by the number of stringent customs there are! If you really cared about her wellbeing, then you wouldn''t have let her go through with this in the first place!" "Ha, and you think you know anything about how humans interact with each other? I know better than anyone that Relly has what it takes to go to the best magic school there is! And you already know that we can''t keep her cooped up like this forever." The arguments went back and forth for days--until the morning before Aurelie left--when Lewis finally faced her with a look that a mother shows to a fledgling. A bird that was ready to leave the nest, where neither the harshest winds nor its mother could keep its wings fettered. It was that fear of broken bones and hearing its hopeless cries that made Lewis hesitate, his bearded face wracked in anguish. Reluctantly walking forward with heavy, broad paws, his feathery ears tickled Aurelie''s cheeks as he went forward for a nuzzle. And he finally relented in a hoarse yet gentle voice. "Be safe, child. Make sure to pack enough food for the journey, and find a reputable inn to stay at for the nights ahead. When you get there, always remember this..." "...Never let anyone tell you that you don''t belong here," Edward repeated those words. Widening her eyes, Aurelie felt her frantic heartbeat calm to a steady pace, and she could breathe easily again. Closing her eyes, she realized how much both her parents wished for her safety and happiness, and that despite how different they were from her, they''d love her just as much. Before she resolutely nodded. "You''re right. The reason I came here was to witness all those possibilities I''ve seen in picture books, and maybe entertain the notion that I can use magic for real. But no matter what..." Placing her newly obtained handbook on her lap, she smoothed over the cover. "...I can''t let you and Father Lewis down."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Relly...You don''t have to worry about disappointing us. Don''t do this for us, do this for you. After all..." Leaping down to sit beside her lap, Edward tapped the book''s cover. "...You made it this far because of your own hard work. And that in itself is enough to make us proud of you. So don''t start giving up now." Listening to her father''s encouragement, her fingers curled around his tiny paw, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Papa." She fondly smiled before looking at the cover again. "I made it this far...And this is my chance to bring my dreams to life," Aurelie thought while smoothing over the intricate embellishments. It had an ornate design, where gold, arabesque swirls grew from each corner of the book. The bindings of the book were meticulously added, and each one was connected to a side latch. A blank plaque was on the front, tempting her to call it her own. Pulling the quill out, she excitedly signed her name in fancy calligraphy, added with a touch of curling vines here and there. As soon as she finished the last curve, the book began fluttering wildly, responding to the ethereal luminance that appeared on its newest inscription. "Property of Aurelie Erwin," the book addressed on the very first page--before flipping into a newly-formed Table of Contents. Tabs sprung up from between the pages, demarcating each section of the handbook: Introduction, Student Profile, Inventory, Spellbook, and Additional Notes. Flipping over to the next page, Aurelie watched as several words were neatly inked down.
Introduction
Welcome to the Hexaneus Academy, Ms. Aurelie Erwin. This handbook will serve as an important guide in navigating many of the academy''s rules and protocols. In addition, it will function as a multi-purpose tool for your spellcasting career. Please read below to finish setting up your handbook, and how to make full use of its security features. "Security features...Is it talking about the lock here?" Edward asked, playing with the dangling star-shaped trinket. "Hm, I''ll set that up later. Let''s see...Looks like the Student Profile is on Page 6," Aurelie responded before skipping a few pages. As soon as she reached the next page, she witnessed many compartments pop up on the parchment, each of them labeled accordingly. Every box was framed like a miniature bookshelf, where the text was neatly organized on its shelf. In the first box at the uppermost left was her basic profile, including a framed portrait of herself. Student Profile Aurelie Erwin Hometown: Haven of Kismet Class: Yet to be added. Elemental Attribute(s): Yet to be added. Familiar: Yet to be added. Roving over the words, Edward questioned, "You haven''t joined a class, Relly?" "Ah, I wanted to wait until classes start before making a decision. All first-years are assigned a homeroom class, and apparently, they''ll cover the basics of what each class entails, and how the rest of the year will look. From what I know..." Raising her fingers one by one, she listed, "... There are four schools in total, and each one also holds several different subclasses you can choose from by your second year. Like being a herbalist, an illusionary, and even a beast tamer. But as for what each school specifically does, I would need to attend the orientation session." "Huh, I see. Then what''s this compass doing here?" her father asked, pointing to an unusually-shaped pushpin near the "Class" label. "Are we supposed to do something with it?" "Hm, maybe it could be a help directory?" After pulling out the bronze pushpin, a flurry of lights emitted from the page, unleashing a thousand wingbeats to start fluttering around. Before they formed glowing letters on the pages, followed by a squeaky, high-pitched voice.
Hello! We''re your navigation sprites! Would you like to have a brief synopsis of each class?
"Woah, they''re so flashy..." the ermine remarked, while Aurelie nodded. "Yes, please." Upon her response, the sprites began arranging themselves into phrases, while also lowering the brightness of their luminance. "The Witches'' Apothecary not only includes witches but also alchemists and pharmacists. They learn the basics of potion-making, how to classify various medicinal and spiritual herbs, and how to cast healing spells. Since its founding, the school forbade any texts that allow one to trick those unwittingly with incurable symptoms, as to maintain the modus operandi of curing over cursing." "The School of Wizardry is an all-encompassing institute for anyone interested in practicing a wide range of spells. Wizards, mages, sorcerers, and the like can study how to articulate incantations, infuse their magic into a medium of their choice, and compose a grimoire." "The Artificers'' Atelier functions differently from the other two schools, considering that it''s made up of multiple workshops stacked on top of each other. Some of them specialize in making tools for magic catalysis, inventions that use various fuel sources, and even artistic endeavors that include bringing paintings to life. It''s become an inclusive school of magic that encourages students to practice the art of innovation, invention, and creation." "Lastly, we have the Amphitheater for Magicians. It''s home to spellcasters who are interested in putting on performances, designing costumes, screenwriting, and developing special effects. The grand amphitheater is composed of an outdoor and indoor auditorium for students to rehearse and put on annual performances." "Wow, that''s enough to make an entire textbook page. Hey, Relly, which one are you interested in--?" "--All of them sound so amazing," Aurelie gasped, staring at each of the synopses. "I mean, being able to concoct so many different potions, cast powerful spells with a flick of your wrist, make the coolest inventions, and even surprise everyone with how many tricks you have--there are so many paths you can choose from. I need to give it some serious thought before deciding." "Well, if it were up to me, then I''d say the Artificers'' Atelier might be a good fit for you," Edward discreetly muttered. "...I''m a better inspiration than Lewis will ever be, after all." "Ahem, Father Lewis wouldn''t like it if he heard that..." Aurelie awkwardly coughed before placing the compass back to whence it came. "Well, is he here right now? Nope, it''s just you and me!" "Right, right, keep telling yourself that..." she said before looking at her profile overview again. On the right was her dorm assignment, which read, "Freyridge Hall, Room No. 389". It depicted the building in question, where there was a sketch showcasing a thatched cobblestone building, where spires and winding staircases connected one floor to the next. Bushels of flowering gardens poured out from under the eaves, adding splashes of color onto the stenciled drawing. "And my class schedule is still pending until orientation''s over," Aurelie murmured with a sigh. Closing the handbook, she muttered, "Looks like there''s a lot to go through," before looking at her watch. "Just an hour and a half before orientation starts." Dancing with Snowflakes "Hm, is there anything I can do to pass the time...?" she wondered, swinging her legs. Next to her, the ermine continued chasing after some airborne fluff, wholly entertained. "Maybe there are fewer people inside now--" Right before she could get up, someone asked, "Anyone sitting here?" Looking up, she saw a boy about her age, with sandy brown hair, beryl blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Under the afternoon sunlight, there was a smattering of faint, dark freckles across his nose and cheeks, resembling stars in a constellation. This unusual person also wore garments fitted for a newsboy: a wool vest with a pale shirt underneath, which accentuated their modest ribbon brooch and corduroy suspender pants. "O-Oh, er...S-Sure, you can sit here..." Aurelie stammered, much more nervous than anticipated. "When was the last time I talked to another human my age? Oh, hazelnuts, I hope they didn''t notice..." she frantically thought. "Hehe, thanks," the boy merely chuckled, the soft sound reassuring Aurelie''s trembling shoulders. Sitting down beside her, he gestured to the moving silhouette atop his shoulder, while explaining, "I saw you had a weasel as your familiar. If you don''t mind me asking, then do you have any pointers for taming a creature like them?" "Who are you calling a weasel?!" Edward balked, his mouth held agape. "For your information, son, I ain''t some weasel! I''m an ermine, for pecans'' sake!" Which only amounted to futile squeaking when the boy curiously tilted his head. "Huh, looks like they''re full of energy too. If only my own familiar was like that..." "Oh, t-they''re not actually my familiar. I''m only just a first-year, so this is just...!" Scooping up Edward with her hands, she was about to put him away, before said creature threw a ballistic fit--thrashing and turning around, while also gearing up to teach someone a lesson. "Just wait until I get these furry claws on you! I bet you wouldn''t even last a second while I''m around!" he hissed. "...Erm, my animal companion? And this one''s an ermine. They''re usually a bit larger and feistier than regular weasels," she answered with a sweat drop rolling down. "Case on point when my father''s already sending some mean glares his way." "Whoops, forgive me for jumping to conclusions. I almost thought you were a second-year," he laughed with an embarrassed flush to his face, before extending a hand. "Name''s Alexander Cousteau, but most people just call me Alex. And this here is my little buddy, Carol--" While the boy gestured with his shoulder, Aurelie spotted something white peeking out from within the shadows, revealing itself to be a jittery yet fluffy rodent. Its long tail was accentuated with a tiny cotton ball at the end, matching its velvety, snow-white fur. When two, large ears gave way to curious blue eyes blinking at her, Aurelie couldn''t help but stare back at it. "Woah, it''s so cute. What kind of animal is it?" "Ah, this is a Magicreature called a snow vole. You can usually find them in the rocky foothills of Snowcrest," Alex explained, pointing towards the range of mountains piercing through the misty clouds. From this distance, their small yet distinct shapes were nothing compared to witnessing them in person, where their enormous altitude spanned upwards to its snow-capped summits. Many have dared to climb its treacherous heights, yet when faced with rumors of hauntingly dreadful wendigos and vengeful lycanthropes, only some reached the closest peak before retreating. "It''s...a little skittish of everyone, and it took about three weeks before they finally warmed up to me. Literally." Gently scritching it under its chin, Alex coaxed the little creature onto his hand, which soon curled up on his palm. "Still, we''re only in the taming phase, so can''t be rushing things this fast."Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. "Taming phase..." Aurelie perched her chin, muttering, "You mean...a period set aside for you to develop a bond with your familiar?" "Bingo, you guessed it." Nodding, Alex continued, "All second-years are required to embark on field trips held throughout the year. Especially during the spring and winter months, this is usually an opportunity to venture out into the wilderness and hopefully come across Magicreatures. The distinction between them and regular animals is how much magical energy they''re imbued with." Smoothing over his familiar''s pristine fur, he noted, "Hence why Carol''s uniquely different from their fellow voles." "Hm, I see...So these Magicreatures...Do they have to be related to your attribute?" the ashen-haired girl asked, her fascination piqued. "Because if they initially came from Snowcrest, then surely they must be well-adapted to Crustallum." "Hey, looks like someone did their research," Alex laughed, giving her a half-hearted smile. "To answer your question, it''s generally recommended, but it''s not the end-all-be-all. Some people tame Magicreatures just because they''re interesting, or that they''ve already formed a friendship with it. Just like your animal companion..." Pointing at the ermine now sulking away in one of Aurelie''s pockets, he continued, "...They''re usually registered as Support Companions by the academy, while all Magicreature familiars are already listed as one by default. Main difference is that normal Support Companions are only limited to certain places around campus. Especially when they''re just there for emotional or moral support." "So...case in point, does that mean your elemental attribute is Crustallum?" Aurelie pressed on, giving him a sidelong glance. "Pfft, couldn''t even dodge that question, could I?" Letting out a frank chuckle, he raised his other hand, creating miniature snowflakes to appear in the air. Each one had its distinct shape, where fractals expanded outwards into intricate, icy branches. They pirouetted in the air like freefall ballerinas, becoming immersed in the powdery flecks around them. Yet despite its fragile beauty, the boy''s expression was anything but mesmerized. "...My folks back home are avid practitioners of Liquidum, especially when we''re from a seaside port and all that. So just remembering how shocked they were at last year''s evaluation only brings back some painful memories." "O-Oh, I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to make you feel bad..." Twiddling with her thumbs, Aurelie nervously grimaced. "...I''m interested in all sorts of magical elements, so seeing how you conjured snowflakes out of nowhere is enough to amaze me." "Pfft, is that so...?" Snapping his fingers, each of the snowflakes exploded into whimsical fireworks of snow, eliciting a sudden sneeze from the former. "Hey, what''d you do that for?!" Brushing away the powder from her bangs, Aurelie faced him with a peeved reaction, which only empowered him with a peal of laughter. "Sorry, sorry...Speaking of which, I haven''t gotten your name yet. Mind doing me the honor of knowing thy fair maiden?" "Hmph, flattery like that won''t get you anywhere, Mr. Alexander." Crossing her arms, she introduced herself. "My name is Aurelie Erwin, and this ermine here..." She paused, contemplating whether she should say her father''s name or make one up on the spot, before the ermine squeaked out, "Just call me by my nickname, Relly!" "...His name is Eddy," she finished with a resolute nod. "Hehe, that''s cute. Oh, I meant your ermine--" the second-year quickly assured, waving his hands. "...But Aurelie...That''s a pretty name. Haven''t met someone with a name like that before. Where are you from actually?" "Oh, the Haven of Kismet. It''s...a rather remote location, as far as I''m aware. Even one of the tellers from this morning told me that." "Really? I''ve heard lots of stories and fairytales about that place, so I''m surprised not many people heard about it. Well, maybe it''s understandable, considering it''s hardly a dot in the atlas books." Alex shrugged, earning a petulant "How rude!" from one of the satchel''s pockets. "Yeah...It''s a pretty small place to begin with, and the town of Kismet is just a mere remnant of what it once was," the ashen-haired girl muttered, staring down at her lap. "I''m guessing one of the more popular stories you heard about is how the animals there bestowed vengeance upon the settlers." "Yep, that''s the one! If I recall correctly, it went like this..."