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Chapter 1 - Awakening

Chapter 1 - Awakening

The sun was heating up, casting its presence to once again, announce a new day. People were waking up, looking up their tasks, and hopefully completing them without any issues.

Lucia Nervana awoke just like others, although her goals were somewhat different than others. She expected to take up arms and be ready to battle. 

But after gazing upon her bedroom, she noticed it was anything but strange.

The bedroom had everything, a table, mirrors, a bathroom, all the necessities one can think of. Her old chamber, with exquisite decoration, gone. Replaced by an old but sturdy wooden room. Nonetheless, it was a room she didn't recognize. But the way it looks as rays of sunlight shone through the window, how the ambiance light spread throughout her room, combined with the looks of the room, was pleasing to her eyes. And it captivates her every time she sees it. It was an air she longed for. But now, it only served to confuse her more. 

Exactly why or how am I here? 

With all of the weird things going on, she quickly closes in on the mirror out of curiosity. 

A girl has to mind her beauty too, you know? - she thought. 

The girl on the other side wore her usual long pajamas. Her pale skin and her long jet black hair reaching to her waist complimented each other so well. And those iris. Those stunning iris with emerald streaks, intertwining a diamond core. Her hourglass waist, along with those chests and bottom would give her more than a handful of problems in any suspicious place.

"The hell?" She muttered.

My voice! She thought. At least, it is as high pitch as ever. 

Slowly, her mind was flooded with new memory.

She was a tenant, a class among the peasant, but free, not bound by servitude nor slavery. Her parents' lives were considered to be fairly ordinary. But people mostly confuse her as an aristocrat due to both her height and her beauty.

However, it seemed trivial compare to the matter her mind reeled in.

An awakening test. A test to determine whether one has mana or ki and would decide which class that person shall pursue. 

"What?!" She questioned herself. "Why would I need another awakening test?"

The moment she tried to think, a pain splitting headache crashed onto her just like a tidal wave. The recent problem showed itself as the pain of the former owner's memory made itself known.

 Failing today would be unacceptable.  

Mom and Dad would be so disappointed!

It appeared that I have some "debts" to pay. Oh well. Can't fail them now, can I? She attempts to shrug it off with her usual sarcasm, only to quickly give up.

"Fine, I'll try my best." She raised her arms, surrendering. "Even though I have no ideas on how to do it."

Thing is, Lucia was not from this world. Although her world has magic, it doesn't have Ki. In that world, her parents' wealth was severely limited, forcing her to work like an adult on both days and nights while having little to no gains. But their discipline was always restless. They never miss a moment to teach her everything they knew, for that, is the only thing they could let her inherit. 

The awakening test was a lot sooner in her old world, and taking the test was a must for everyone. Fortunately, lucks were upon her at the time. For she awoke as a Battle Mage. A renowned and rare class that utilized both spells and weapons and were proficient in both offense and defense. It gives her special privileges, enough that she was highly regarded by the guardian. Before she could finish her training, war erupts across globes. The next thing she knew, she was here.

"Grawl!" Her minds halt. 

"What time is it?" She muttered.

Lucia looked at the clock and breathed out in relief, knowing there were still roughly three hours left before the test. She went for a bath and prepared herself, changing into her new uniform, composing of a white shirt and a light-tan outer cloth a knee-length black skirt. 

Finally done! Lucia thought. Now, it's time to finish what I had started, my breakfast!

The kitchen decoration was similar to her bedroom. Similar. The colors were the same in her room, but vivid, more dominant, almost like it has a feeling of its own.

"Finally, waking up, Lucia?" Her mother said while cleaning the house.

"Good morning, mom! Why didn't you wake me up?" Lucia half gaze into her mother's eyes.

Her mother, Elise, was a baker, wearing her usual outfit. Her beauty-wise was at least that of a baron. Her eyes were just like Lucia, like a light-blue crystal, but lacked the emerald. Her chocolate-milk skin made would spark a fire of envious within others. She was shorter than Lucia but tall enough for a common to consider her a noble.

"I see no reason to, it's not late yet. Besides, today is your big day." She chattered while moving her hands, cleaning the cabinet. "There should be slices of bread and eggs left. Help yourself, dear."

"Thank god!" Lucia squeaked. She could make baked eggs and bread for breakfast. From her perspective, eggs are always better than butter. Besides, she got to cook her own food, a skill she was proud of.

"Your father went away pretty early this morning, along with your brother." Her mom chimed in.

"I can tell Mother." She whispered, head lower, looking away from her mother.

Her dad was the assistance of the lord. He served with the lord once in a skirmish, managing to block a blow for the lord that was deemed severe, resulting in the lord favoring him. That was how he got his family this wealth, enough to enjoy life. 

If only that was enough.

"Dear, don't be upset." Her mother smiles at her. "That's how society is. The important thing is to cherish your life and do what you love."

Lucia didn't say anything, choosing to continue eating instead.

"Look, honey, that's just how society is, a point of view. You can't change the majority, especially when we, ourselves, accept it for generations. And there's nothing wrong with that, we are a family, a man needs a cozy place to sleep. That's where you and I come in, we are contributing in our own ways. But you will be able to do more, don't underestimate luck, Lucia." Her voice was soft, always smiling when she gave Lucia a lecture. "Anyway, I'll be preparing the bakery. You don't have to wash the dishes, just leave em, today's your special day after all."

"Mom, you won't bend me, not after this." She whispered, the sound was muffled by the footsteps of her mother. 

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Frostford, a town located near the edge of the border, Mali. Each building was 3 stories tall, and some of it was covered with whitewash or just plain wood. It was designed with streets to aid the town beauty, creating a beautiful scenery as the roads arced, projecting a snake slithering. The streets were cleaned but filled with people. Some of them were merchants, bringing supplies into the town, Some were blacksmith, looking for ores they ordered. And others were just doing their usual activities.

After 2 and a half hours of walking, Lucia felt like she was in hell. Her legs were barely functional. Ankles sprained and screaming bloody hell as Lucia dragged it along. 

So this is what it feels like to have a weak body, huh? She thought in annoyance.

 But the pain was worth it, for here she was, NorthBridge High school. 

Lucia could see the school vicinity was gigantic. Natures cover the area. Surrounding the field were rows of walls with a length of 3 meters, standing proud and firm. The main building located at the forefront was the main attraction. It alone fills most of the school's vicinity in terms of length. The decoration and details were placed with great care, giving it a soothing vibe whenever one looks at it from afar.

Inside the central building, she can feel the annoyance creeping up. 

"Oh, dear..." Lucia groaned.

It was full of people running around, looking for groups to join in, and some were just minding their own business. 

Am I really gonna fit with everyone?

After finding a bench near the door, the muscles shrieking at her were silent, unclenching itself as Lucia relax. She could finally appreciate the decorations of the hallway. All materials were thought out into this, woods, stone, brick, its beauty was something to be note-worthy. Balconies were acting as the floor. Lucia can spot all of the other levels from the bottom.

Chandeliers were hanging itself at the top of the ceiling. Candelabras and candles attached itself along the tables and walls, striving to light the hall. Large windows and glyphs were there to balance each other. All of these combined were beautiful.

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Looking left and right, Lucia found a registration center located by the hall with a man in it. Tanned skin, bronze eyes, and dark copper hair, his size was out of the standard, with bulging muscles covering part of his arms. 

"I'm here for the test, sir." Lucia said as she inclined forward.

"What's your name, girl?" He squinted his eyes after looking at her, "And your invitation?"

"Lucia Nervana." Lucia said, handing her the invitational letter, at the same time, trying to maintain a neutral face when his eyes sent shivered throughout her body.

"One sec, here's your ticket. And don't forget the test takes place on the second floor."

"Thank you, sir!"

"Good luck." He whispered.

Lucia was about to climb up the stairs when she spotted a particular class in the corner, students were blocking a doorway. There appeared to be both boys and girls enclosing on a lone girl. Strangers just seemed to ignore them. Curious, she observed. They were conversing with the girl, voices were so low no matter how much she strained her ears, she couldn't get a word out. But it was obvious enough to her, even more so when she saw a hand from the man raised.

Slap! 

Lucia looked away before it could even land on the cheek. Her iris glimmered with diamond hues, adrenaline rushed into her system before she promptly calmed herself.

"Seems like wherever you go, things never change." She sighed.

She started to breathe in, holding her breath before shouting like a banshee, "Help! someone help me!"

"Yo, see that? Let's go!"

"Come, we gotta see this!" With a spark, flamed by Lucia, others started to get involved too.

The group likewise, noticed her, picked up their pace, and scrambled in different directions. 

The man from a while ago paced towards her. He has raven hair, obsidian eyes. And skin darker than most peasants, Lucia has faced. A meter fifty and handsome to most women too.

"You're putting your head in personal business, pretty girl. I would watch out if I were you." He said, strolling away, his motions were as calm as a bystander.

Lucia didn't register the warning nor did she care. Instead, She quickened her steps inside the classroom. The girl's chestnut hairs were all over the place, and her copper eyes. They were lifeless, devoid of life. But her physical body appeared otherwise, in peak condition. Her bronze skin seemed it can shrug off any blows. 

"Are you okay?" Lucia asked as she brought her arm to the girl's back, gently stroking her.

The girl didn't say much, just occasionally sobbing.

Not long after, footsteps were heard. It belonged to the same man who gave her the ticket. The other students have already scattered.

"Is everything alright?" His gaze landed all over the place.

 "Yes, sir. It's all fine now." Lucia replied.

"Dear, your cheeks." He perched down. "Tis but a scratch. But still, let's get you to the infirmary." 

"Lucia, after your test is over, can you meet me in my office room?" 

"I will, sir." 

He waved his hands. "Bah, call me Richard, girl."

"Uhh, Yes Mr. Richard."

"That's better, now, if you excuse me."

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The second floor was a wooden balcony sort of platform. She could see the rest of the floor from top to bottom without any difficulty. The way they placed the light source to lit up the pathway, and how the wooden color of the building itself plays a role in it was beautiful. But it did come with a cost, the floor was smaller, meager than the first floor. As evidence by this overwhelming crowd that was in front of her. 

"Affinity 1 tank? The hell is my luck?"

"Yes, I did it!" A student shouted. "Affinity 3, Fire mage!"

"Wish me luck! I'll carry you guys once I'm an Archmage."

"HAH! Like the time you confessed to that girl? Dream on." 

On occasion, someone would come out with an explosive joy, an attitude of a king. While others, diminished, zipping away before anyone caught their face. 

With a sighed along with her internal minds cursing at the same time, she finally arrived in front of her designated classroom. She was, however, perplexed by how the staffs just let her in without asking for any identifications.

At the table were 2 instructors, with their black cloaks on. One at the side while one was in the middle. The class was well lit, with windows big enough one can jump through without a problem. candles were here and there over the class, making sure light would be present in any giving moment. The decoration in the classroom made Lucia comfortable, and in a way, sharpened her sense, allowing her to focus more.

Maybe it was the core of the designed - she thought.

The chair and table were beautiful too, more than a standard for her. Planting her butts on one of the chairs, she could feel the tense air. Everyone was quiet, waiting for their turn in bated breath. The constant noise from outside didn't help her at all. As it made her muscles tense, her body, rigid as stone.

Hadn't I done this before? Aren't I supposed to possess the Battle Mage class? Why would I be shaken up now? Her mind started to flares like a broken dam, intending to flood every last single piece of her calm mind. 

"Next, Lucia!"

"That's me, sir."

Thank you, luck, such a kind being you are- She rolled her eyes. 

"My, you're a beautiful young lady." He continued on before Lucia could interject. "In any case, have a seat and place your hands on this board."

"Yes, sir."

He was the standard, both in heights and in size. His hair was black, average face with blue eyes. Unlike a staff, he was wearing a gray cloak, reaching to his foot.

The board takes on a rectangular shape with a transparent white glass, covered by wood on the outer edge. The edge appeared to have little carving into them.

The moment she placed her hand on the board, it started to glow. The body was heating up. Her consciousness was challenged by an unknown force, the heat was not assisting her, as it caused reckoning throughout its path. Her hands were beginning to tremble, dismissing her wills no matter how hard she commands it. Her legs limped, her breath, quickened, rushing to supply the air she demanded. Her emotions busted out of its cave all of a sudden, from positive emotions to negative, tangling each other, her vision blurred until her consciousness faded.  

By the time she managed to tell what is up and down, she was inside something, floating, drifting in nowhere. The space filled her with curiosity and fascination. Until it distorted itself, creating what seems to be dozen of tentacles in mid airs, swinging itself in random directions. Some of them latched on to her arms while spreading disgusting ooze to the surface of her skin.  

"Oh hell no!" Within moments, she raised her hand, forming a diamond square formation in her mind within a matter of moments before activating her lighting spell. 

But the spell didn't appear, the formation didn't activate either. Confused, she continued to cast other variants of spells, only for it to end to with the same result. 

Lucia realized her predicament as more tentacles latched on to her. Her adrenaline kicked in and with it, fear. Never has she seen this disgusting thing, and never will she ever wants to be stuck with this thing. Her mind resorted to the most basic rudimentary of all as she starts kicking, punching, even biting. 

So this is it? Lucia thought. Dying in a place like this?

Bzzt, Bzzt, Boom!

All of a sudden, lighting poured from her body, countless bolts zapped everywhere, contesting for control. Some were so wild it split itself to attack the tentacles. While others were so swift, it creates illusions along the path it traveled. The lightning lit the entire space up while the tentacle seemed to eat the light. 

The battle went into a stalemate from Lucia's eyes...but only for a moment. Ice started to enter the fray, freezing all the tentacles as it manifested itself. The lighting also diverged its path to flash along the ice, enhancing the light it sets off.

Next thing Lucia knew, she was back in the real world. Relief was the only thing she could feel.....while stopping herself from shouting bloody murder to whoever gave her the test. It wasn't like the old test she took at all. Her uncontrollable hands from a while ago were calming down, colors returned to her face, and her breathing was returning to the norm.

What the bloody hell just happened? Lucia thought. 

"Girl, you okay?" One of the instructors spoke. "The board should only pull in a small amount of ki or mana from your body, it shouldn't make you this restless."

"I'm fine, sir. More importantly, what about the result?"

"We're about to see. The board should be finishing right about now." He placed a paper on one of the glass. Just after a few moments, the board showed a bunch of details on the glass between her hands.

The first thing she read was her class, a Lancer. To her, at least she has one which is better than nothing. Though she does wonders what happen to her old class. But, others have different opinions, especially the instructor.

"DAMN IT!" 

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