Everything seemed to be steadily moving forward, as if the hands of fate were slowly pointing toward a brighter future. Matisse had gained unparalleled prestige at the school; her gentle yet firm teaching style had made her the most beloved teacher in the students' hearts. Her salary, like the cycle of the seasons, flowed into her life regularly and steadily.

"How about a feast of magical fire-roasted chicken breast tonight?" Matisse hummed as she walked along the familiar path home, carrying a basket full of fresh ingredients. A slight smile played on her lips as she hummed a familiar tune, her steps light and spirited, filled with the joy that had spread throughout her whole being.

However, this moment of peace was abruptly shattered by a small squad that suddenly appeared. The soldiers, armed with long swords, their armor clattering, rushed past Matisse with hurried and chaotic steps. At that moment, one of the soldiers accidentally bumped into her, causing the basket of food to spill onto the ground. Bright red peppers rolled across the rough cobblestone road like scattered jewels.

“What a nuisance,” Matisse muttered softly, frowning slightly, but she soon relaxed again. She crouched down to pick up the scattered peppers, her gaze unconsciously following the soldiers' retreating backs. Although slightly annoyed, her mood was not overly affected.

When she returned home and pushed open the door, Mrs. Alix hurried toward her, holding a letter in her hand. "Mika, there's a letter for you! It's from someone named Marty!" Mrs. Alix's voice carried a hint of curiosity.

"Marty? That's my brother!" Matisse's heart skipped a beat. Since the upheaval of the coup, she hadn't heard from her brother. Now, suddenly hearing his name, her heartbeat quickened, a mix of expectation and anxiety surging within her. She eagerly took the letter, tore open the envelope, and her eyes quickly scanned the handwriting inside.

"Dear Sister Matisse,

I send this letter with endless thoughts of you and my sincerest blessings, hoping it reaches you safely. Please, do not worry about me. Though our home has undergone great changes, and I have been forced to be away from you, know that I am in better circumstances than you might imagine. I have found a job that lays the foundation for our future reunion.

This job is not only my means of livelihood but also a crucible for my self-improvement. Though we are separated for now, I have never forgotten your teachings. My swordsmanship improves by the day and is more than enough to protect myself.

You have always shouldered everything without complaint, and while I cannot return to you immediately, I hope my efforts make you proud. Continue to pursue those greater things, and I firmly believe that it won't be long before we meet again.

With all my love, Your brother, Marty"

As she finished reading the last word, a surge of emotion overwhelmed her like a tidal wave. Her eyes brimmed with tears, which silently streamed down her cheeks. This letter, like a ray of sunshine piercing through dark clouds, brought her a long-lost sense of hope and comfort. Knowing her brother was alive and well instantly dispelled all the worries and fears in her heart. She wept tears of joy, her hands trembling as she held the letter close to her chest. "My brother is alive... well done!"

Matisse felt an unprecedented sense of relief, as if a heavy stone that had weighed down her chest for so long had finally been lifted. She carefully folded the letter, treating it like a treasure, and gently placed it back into the envelope.

Then, she began to prepare dinner, no longer filled with tension and unease but rather brimming with hope for the future. Knowing that her brother was doing well brought her immense comfort.

After dinner was ready, Matisse sat alone at the table, savoring the meal she had carefully prepared. Her heart was filled with thoughts of her brother and dreams of the future. This city had taught her to be strong and independent, but she knew that the most important thing was still reuniting with her family; the power of those bonds was what kept her moving forward.

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After the meal, Matisse washed the dishes and sat by the window, her gaze penetrating the darkness as she looked up at the deep sky full of stars. She knew she needed time to process this joy and emotion, and she also understood that her brother's choice was a difficult but hopeful path. She only wished for his safety and health, no matter what lay ahead. She would always pray for him and wish him well.

A few weeks later, Matisse received another letter from her brother, detailing his experiences and progress in his new job. This letter, like a warm ray of sunshine, brightened her heart and filled her with immense relief. She believed that no matter the distance, the bond between siblings would always be their strongest support.

However, just as Matisse thought her life was returning to normal, an unexpected storm broke her peace.

It was a sunny morning, and Matisse held a steaming cup of coffee in her hand as she walked along the familiar path to school. But as she approached the school gates, a group of armored soldiers blocked her way like an impenetrable wall.

"Hey, the woman in black! Stop immediately!" A soldier's voice was cold and piercing, filled with unquestionable authority.

Before Matisse could recover from her surprise, a soldier roughly grabbed her arm. "We've warned you already; you are forbidden to proceed! If you don't comply, don't blame us for what happens next!"

Matisse raised her hands to show she meant no harm, then carefully asked, "May I know what's happening up ahead?"

"It's none of your concern, best keep quiet," the soldier's voice was as cold as a blade, devoid of any kindness.

At that moment, a woman in knight's armor emerged from the crowd, waving her hand to dismiss the surrounding soldiers with authority. "Stand down, I'll handle this." Matisse immediately recognized her—it was her old friend, Messers Beth.

"Countess Skykor?" Messers asked in a low, probing voice.

"Messers?" Matisse's voice was filled with both surprise and unease, trembling slightly. When Messers confirmed her identity, Matisse finally let go of her worries. "It's so good to see you. How have you been?"

Messers tightly gripped Matisse's hand, a flicker of concern and sympathy in her eyes. "I'm alright, but I heard about what happened to the Skykor family. I am truly sorry."

Matisse bit her lip and tried to muster a faint smile. "It's alright; we will get through this. But could you tell me what’s happening up ahead?" She stood on her toes, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening beyond the soldiers.

Messers sighed, her brows furrowed. "Do you remember Headmistress Monica? She’s been accused of possessing forbidden books and has been taken away for questioning."

“Headmistress Monica? She’s our most respected leader! I don’t understand why the state would—” Matisse began, but Messers quickly covered her mouth.

“Hush! Keep your voice down. Questioning the state’s policies could lead you into grave danger. The state is now in a frenzy, like a runaway ship. While we might try to resist with our bodies, we’re more likely to be crushed mercilessly.” Messers' voice was low, filled with warning and worry. She glanced around to make sure no one was listening before continuing, "By the way, I've heard they are about to issue a magic ban and have already started arresting mages as an example. Be very careful not to use magic recklessly; I don’t want anything to happen to you. Also, someone asked me to give this bag to you." Messers said earnestly, handing a small bag to Matisse, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, before quickly leaving.

Matisse stood frozen, staring blankly at Messers' disappearing figure in the crowd, her mind echoing with the words "magic ban." Her fingers clenched around the small bag unconsciously, and it felt as if a cold wave had swept over her, spreading chill throughout her body.

“Magic ban?” She silently repeated those words in her mind, the shock weighing heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Confusion and fear intertwined in her thoughts. What did this mean? Were they trying to take away the very ability that she relied on to survive?

She stood there, stunned as if the whole world had collapsed in an instant. All her past efforts, achievements, and even her identity would be obliterated by this ban. Without magic, what could she do? Where would her future lead?

As her consciousness gradually returned, despair, like an endless darkness, rushed over her, swallowing her hope and confidence. She knew there was nothing she could do to change any of this; the only thing left was to fight with all her might to find a foothold in this storm. But for now, all she felt was an overwhelming sense of confusion and helplessness.

Clutching the small bag tightly, her eyes vacant, she walked heavily away from the school. The city's noise echoed in her ears but felt as distant as another world. The future was filled with uncertainty, and after struggling so hard to climb out of one deep well, she found herself plunging into the depths of another ocean.