Chapter 6 Sudden Strike
Cecilia Balckwood's POV
Back in my dorm, my mood was far from good. Thinking about Rowan's words, my anger had transformed into heartache.
For years I'd hidden myself, afraid to make friends, afraid to talk to anyone. I just wanted to be invisible.
But while being invisible, I'd deeply tasted what it felt like to be marginalized. It wasn't pleasant.
Perhaps because I'd been caught in the rain myself, I wanted to hold an umbrella for someone else.
But from our earlier conversation, this clearly wouldn't be easy. I'd have to wait for another opportunity.
I glanced at the badge on my chest—exactly midnight.
According to Ms. Moria, our badges would automatically update at midnight with information including our class schedules and meal times.
Sure enough, a schedule appeared on my desk. Not many classes—actually quite light.
But I knew magic academy classes were different from ordinary ones. They didn't require theoretical understanding but practical application of book knowledge.
That was the hardest part. That's why so many freshmen at Star Ring Academy failed their evaluations and got expelled each year.
The schedule showed only one class tomorrow, from 10:00 AM to noon—Basic Magic.
I opened the academy-issued textbook. It explained that Basic Magic taught fundamental spells while helping each student discover which type of magic they excelled at.
Honestly, I was excited.
As a witch, I still didn't know any basic spells or what type of magic I was good at.
The trouble I'd caused before was from failing to control my emotions, which led to Grandfather's strict rules.
Plus, to avoid the Inquisition's investigations, I could only suppress my power and appear more ordinary.
But at Star Ring Academy, I could finally stop suppressing myself and be who I really was!
Lying in bed, stars appeared on the ceiling—quite beautiful.
Soon the stars transformed into a miniature image of Star Ring Academy. From bed, I could see the entire layout.
"So this is a magic academy? Amazing."
Though only my first day, I'd witnessed so many wonders I'd never seen before.
And of course, that strange guy.
I resolved to approach him again. Even if we couldn't be friends, I should at least treat him like a normal person, not an outcast.
As for Rowan, I'd find time to explain. I didn't want to lose that friendship either.
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, the pigeon clock on the wall started talking.
Not a simple alarm—a shrill voice like a woman cursing in the street.
"Still sleeping? Look at the time! You'll be late for class!"
I opened my eyes and checked the time in panic—only 9 AM.
My dorm was close to the academic building. Even if I delayed another half hour, I'd make it.
I tapped the pigeon. "Could you be gentler when you wake me? This is really scary."
The pigeon kept shouting: "Get up! You'll be late!"
I smiled, a playful idea forming.
"I read about pigeon clocks yesterday. If I cover your beak with something, you can't talk. Want to try? Would that feel suffocating?"
That worked. The pigeon's voice softened immediately. "It's your first day. You should go early—don't get lost."
I nodded with a smile. "That's better. I can hear you clearly when you speak nicely."
I went to the wardrobe. Inside, my uniform, skirt, and shoes were already coordinated.
Well, that was convenient.
After dressing and a quick wash, I grabbed my textbook and headed out.
Breathing the fresh air, I felt reborn.
"Finally, no more pretending." I couldn't help feeling grateful.
But soon I stopped smiling.
I was lost!
Class time approached, but I couldn't find the classroom.
Every floor had identical classrooms with no signs.
"That pigeon was right! Less like a pigeon, more like a crow!"
I hurried along, checking each classroom.
Soon the bell rang.
To me, it sounded like a death knell.
"This is terrible! Late on my first day—what do I do?"
Fortunately, two minutes later I found my classroom.
But when I entered, every seat was taken except the one beside Kane.
Though I didn't want to discriminate against him, I was still somewhat upset from yesterday. But the teacher would arrive any moment—I had no choice but to sit there.
I noticed Kane about to speak and cut him off. "Don't say I can't sit here. There's nowhere else."
Kane swallowed his words.
Soon a tall man entered.
"I'm Layton, your Basic Magic instructor. I'll teach you fundamental spells."
"This is your first class at Star Ring Academy. We'll learn minor spells."
Students below looked troubled.
"Learning spells the first day? Isn't that too fast?"
"Yeah, shouldn't we study the textbook first?"
Clearly these students still thought like ordinary school.
I glanced at Kane. His face remained expressionless, as if nothing could affect him.
"Silence!" A wand appeared in Layton's hand. "Class begins now."
"First, we'll learn the Minor Fire Spell—essential for every magic academy student!"
The Minor Fire Spell only required producing a small flame at your fingertip.
Don't underestimate it. The Minor Fire Spell built foundations. Master the Advanced Fire Spell, and it wouldn't be a small flame—it would be an inferno!
Following Layton's guidance, I recited the incantation, feeling the flame gradually form at my fingertip.
Most other students couldn't focus. Some wanted to quit.
"I can't do it. Making us cast minor magic the first day—they just want to humiliate us!"
"Exactly! I bet no one can do it!"
I ignored them, focusing on the spell's mysteries.
Finally! Success!
A small flame appeared on my index finger. Though tiny, it was a perfect demonstration.
"Excellent." Layton nodded approvingly. "See? Minor magic is simple. You must calm your mind and become one with the incantation!"
I admit I felt proud, but more than that, motivated. I would make my mark in this new arena!
But then Kane suddenly moved, his hand shooting toward my face!