Getting over the rich female's luxurious appearance, Athen stayed quiet as the figure once again opened her mouth.

"Hello Student! Congratulations on your acceptance to Aetherhelm Academy! I am your principal and will be giving you a short introduction."

Principal... academy?

Athen, thankfully, had managed to learn the common language of the world through throwaway textbooks and conversation, but these words still boggled him.

Why was this diamond a principal?

And where the hell did an academy come from?

Looking at the holographic woman in front of him, Athen stayed silent with his questions and continued to listen.

"Aetherhelm is a magic academy, unrivaled in education and power, so your acceptance in itself is an amazing feat. Pat yourself on the shoulder for me!"

"..."

Hearing the word "magic academy," Athen began to realize what was going on.

"I got accepted into a magic academy...?"

Shaking his head, Athen continued staring at the holographic figure, but it remained still with its mouth closed.

"...?"

Taking a deep breather, Athen sighed before tapping himself on the shoulder.

Almost immediately, the principal began speaking again.

"Your textbooks and uniform will be available upon your arrival at the academy. Student, please arrive at the academy by..."

Stopping for a moment, the holographic female figure glanced at her arm before opening her mouth once again.

"Two days from right now! Best of luck, and I can't wait to see you all for orientation in two days!"

"Once you arrive at the capital city, head to the nearest train station and get off the Aetherhelm station. From there, your new teachers and advisors will guide you on where to go!"

After those last few words, the holographic figure on the diamond suddenly disappeared, and the alleyway became silent once again.

Digesting all the information, Athen came to a conclusion.

The smile on his face was gone, instead replaced by a grim and sorrowful expression.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Picking the diamond up, Athen stared at it for a few seconds before sadly muttering.

"It's worthless... the diamond is worthless. It's just an invitation, probably made by 'magic.' I-it's not worth anything."

Dropping the diamond on his lap, Athen covered his face with his hands before leaning backward.

Lying down on the pile of trash, Athen stared upward at the night sky, where the half-crescent moon, alongside a couple of stars, shined.

It was obvious to him that this diamond was worthless.

The gemstone was just a cooler version of a letter for students who had been accepted into whatever magic academy.

His hopes had been crushed.

Although Athen hated to admit it as he realized his way out of this shitty town was a dead end, he also felt somewhat relieved.

The visitor probably wouldn't care less about the missing diamond, so nobody would be searching for him.

No one would attempt to rob him of the diamond, so he was safe for the time being

In other words, he was right back where he started.

Right back to his miserable life.

Right back to scavenging trash in the hope of making a single bronze coin.

Right back to barely surviving, with the only joy being the occasional drink you're able to buy.

Raising the diamond above his head, Athen allowed the moon to shine down on it, causing the alleyway to be partially lit up.

Sure, one path out of this wretched town had closed... but another path had opened

"magic... huh?"

Athen had two options.

Return to the same monotonous and miserable life he had been living for the past sixteen years... or take a risk.

Somehow make his way to the capital with the allowed two days, catch a quick train, and finesse his way into this "Atherhelm Academy."

Well, he had taken a risk by stealing this diamond, so what was one more?

Was it even possible for him to travel from the farthest town in the human realm to the capital city within two days?

And even if he did...what would happen then?

What if the guards found out he had stolen the invitation from someone...what then?

He would most likely be hauled off to jail for stealing and lose the little freedom he had left.

But...what happen if he made it, and no one noticed he was a fraud?

The principal on top of the diamond had said it herself.

Aetherhelm is a magic academy, unrivaled in education and power.

Raising his hand up, Athen attempted to touch the shining moon.

"The best magic academy in the world..."

He could attend the best academy in the world and learn... magic.

These fairytales and stories he had heard from the town's visitors could become a reality for him.

No longer would he be some homeless teenager scavenging for leftovers.

He would be a... mage.

A part of the upper class of society.

Closing his eyes, Athen imagined the possibilities.

In his mind, Athen was holding one of those magic staffs that the principal had and shooting off fireballs like they were nothing.

He was drowning in money, having luxurious meals all the time, and...a smile was on the imaginary Athen's face the entire time.

As Athen's thoughts began to slow, he finally gave in to the nagging feeling of exhaustion that had been bothering him this entire time.

Placing one hand on the diamond, which was now on his stomach, Athen drifted off to sleep.

...

...

...

Woken up by the bright sun shining down directly on his face, Athen reluctantly opened his eyes, using his arm to shield them from the sun's rays.

Sitting upright, Athen took the diamond off his stomach before placing it in his pocket.

Time was ticking...

Getting up, Athen took one last glance at the pile of trash where he had slept last night.

"Well...no turning back, now."

Wrapping the black cloth around his chest, Athen climbed onto the roof of one of the huts.

Though nobody could see him, Athen still raised his hand and started waving.