Lucifer's POV
I took a deep breath and looked down at the parchment before me. The room was vast, filled with rows of desks stretching out in every direction and the atmosphere was nervous, each student ready to prove themselves. The first round of the entrance examination was a written test, designed to measure our theoretical knowledge of magic.
The first question read: Describe the fundamental differences between elemental and arcane magic.
I picked up my quill and started writing, grateful for all the nights I’d spent studying. I outlined the basic principles, explaining how elemental magic draws power from nature’s forces while arcane magic is all about the raw energy of the universe. The words flowed easily, my nerves gradually calming as I immersed myself more in the familiar subject.
A few desks away, Karl seemed to be scribbling furiously, his brow furrowed in concentration. Meanwhile, Erich sat serenely, his quill gliding smoothly across the parchment, likely writing an essay on ancient runes.
Just as I started to feel confident, a sharp poke in my ribs made me jump. I turned to see Umbral peeking out of my back, his gooey form practically vibrating with excitement.
"Master, this is so exciting!" he whispered, despite my attempts to shush him. "Can I help? Maybe whisper some answers?"
"Umbral, no!" I hissed back, trying to control the decibel of my voice, "You’ll get us both in trouble. Just stay quiet and let me do this."
Reluctantly, Umbral retreated into my pocket, grumbling softly to himself. I shook my head, trying not to laugh, and returned my attention to the exam.
The next few questions covered various topics: spell components, magical theory, historical events in the magical world, and famous mages. I answered each one methodically, drawing on everything I’d learned.
About halfway through the exam, a sudden commotion broke the silence. I saw Prince Leorin standing at his desk, his hand raised imperiously.
"Proctor!" he called out, echoing through the hall. "I require more parchment. A single sheet cannot contain my brilliance."
A ripple of laughter spread through the room, but it quickly died down as the stern-looking proctor hurried over with additional parchment. Prince Leorin accepted it with a nod of exaggerated graciousness, then resumed writing, his quill moving with ease.
I shook my head, amused despite myself. There was something almost comical about the prince's arrogance, it grated on my nerves though.
As the minutes ticked by, the room grew increasingly silent, save for the scratch of quills on parchment and the occasional cough or sniffle.
The final question read: Why did you come to the Academy?
I stared at the question for a very long time, my mind drifting away from the exam hall.
My golden eyes, a rare gift signifying the ability to see mana, constantly reminded me of my potential. Yet, at eight, I still couldn't perform even basic magic. Funny right?
My parents expected me to be the so-called Hero: The selfless saviour who would save the world, they believed I was destined to be.
But inside... I was tired. Tired of pretending, tired of striving for something that felt so out of reach.
From what I can remember, I was told only to study hard, to push myself beyond limits, always under the scrutinizing eyes of my parents. Every mistake was a disappointment, every small success a mere expectation. I envied the children who lived normal lives, free from the burden of great expectations. I longed for a life where I could be just Lucifer, not the would-be hero everyone saw in me.
I used to dream about running through fields of flowers, laughing with Leo and Canary, playing games without a care in the world. But every time I tried to join the other kids, I felt the stares and the whispers behind my back.
"He's the one," they would say, "he's supposed to be able to use magic. He will save us." I wished they would see me as just another boy, someone who could climb trees and chase butterflies, not someone destined for greatness.
The other kids would laugh and play, their eyes bright with the simple joys of childhood. I envied their freedom, their ability to be themselves without a worry of the world on their shoulders.
'I wished I could trade my golden eyes for a pair of ordinary ones, to trade my destiny for a chance at a normal life.'
I just wanted to be Lucifer, a boy who could laugh, cry, and dream without the shadow of the hero looming over him.
As I stared at the parchment, I could imagine the pride in my parents’ eyes whenever they talked about my future, their dreams intertwining with my own reality. Yet, deep inside, I wondered if I was pursuing my dreams or merely living theirs. The academy represented a world of possibilities, a place where I could forge my own path or fail spectacularly, falling short of everyone’s expectations.
I looked around the room at my peers, each absorbed in their work. Karl, Erich, and even Prince Leorin, all seemed so sure of their place here.
Did I belong here as well? Was I chasing a shadow, trying to live up to a legacy that was never meant to be mine?
I thought of Umbral, despite his playful nature, he said he had always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Maybe there was a reason to stay, to see this journey through, not for my parents, but for myself? To discover my true potential, whatever that might be?
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
But what can I do? My past clung to me like a shroud.
My parents' dreams for me felt like a heavy chain around my neck, pulling me toward a destiny I wasn’t sure I desired. They saw my golden eyes and expected greatness, a prodigy who would surpass all others. But inside, I felt like a fraud, a boy who couldn’t live up to the grandiose image painted for him.
Why was I here? This question echoed in my mind.
I didn't know if I even wanted to be here. I was good in theory, sharp and insightful, but was that enough? The academy was a place for those with magical prowess, something I seemingly lacked. The doubt was eating me alive, eroding my confidence.
The other students seemed so confident, their magic flowing effortlessly. Karl with his charming smile and easy control over fire, Erich with his profound understanding of runes, and Prince Leorin, who exuded an aura of natural leadership and power. They belonged here. But what about me?
Did I really belong here, or was I just fooling myself and everyone else?
Despite all the doubts and fears, maybe there was a reason to stay, to see this journey through, not for my parents, but for myself? To discover my true potential, whatever that might be? Umbral believed in me, my parents did, even when I couldn’t believe in myself.
Maybe, just maybe, there was something worth fighting for.
I took a deep breath and picked up my quill again. My hand shook slightly as I began to write, pouring my heart onto the parchment.
"I came to the academy not because I was certain of my path, but because I needed to find it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be more than the expectations placed upon me. I came here to discover who I truly am, beyond the shadow of others' dreams. Whether I succeed or fail, I need to know that I tried, that I faced my fears and sought my own destiny."
The words flowed each sentence a catharsis. As I wrote the final line, I felt relieved because even though I didn’t have all the answers, for the first time, I felt like I was on the path to finding them.
The bell rang, signalling the end of the exam.
I put down my quill, my heart still pounding. Around me, students began to stand, stretching and gathering their things. I took a moment to compose myself before doing the same.
As I exited the hall, Karl and Erich joined me, their faces reflecting varying degrees of relief and exhaustion.
"How'd you do?" Karl asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
I shrugged, a small smile playing on my lips. "I answered every question. That's all I can hope for."
Erich nodded sagely. "The final question was the hardest, wasn't it? Made me really think about why we're here."
"Yeah," I agreed, feeling a newfound resolve. "It did."
----------------------------------------
7 years ago (Can refer to Chapter: 11)
In the rock-strewn cavern, a tiny red reptile was trying very hard to flap its wings in anticipation that it could fly. The little red dragon as if unsatisfied walked towards a rock and climbed it with its claws. It stood upright with its hind legs and took a deep breath; it had a face full of determination and confidence that it would succeed.
Twinkling blue dots swirled around it and glowed as if excited. The blue dots like stars were none other than the ‘Pixies’ or ‘Fairies’.
They were creatures extremely small in size and thus appeared as dots of different colours radiating from their wings. These were ‘Blue Pixies’, with a lively caring nature unlike the ‘Yellow Pixies’ who were mischievous and loved to play pranks on humans or any other beings.
They had a human body with wings on their backs which were of different colours for different pixies. These twinkling blue dots like stars swirled around the little dragon as 'pixie dust' fell from their wings. (Fine grain-like particles formed when pixies flutter their wings)
“Achoooo” sneezed the little dragon due to the dust that fell on its nose.
The pixies started chattering among themselves.
“Look it’s a dragon!” said one with an expression of awe.
“The great red dragon! Hehe” said the other while giggling. The little dragon perked up its ears with a smug look on its face.
“Oh! But she is small” a blue dot said while taking a closer look.
“Yea! She is a baby” said a blue pixie named Tinker as she sat on the little dragon’s nose. She was the one that was comparatively bigger than the other pixies.
The little dragon narrowed her eyes and wrinkled her nose as if irritated.
“Awwww! Shooo cute!” said Tinker glowing even more.
“I’m not a baby I am the majestic red dragon who is 1 day old” exclaimed the little dragon looking really majestic with a puffed-up chest and wings opened wide.
“Oh!”
“Woww!"
“She looks cool !”
Clap. Clap.
Cheered all the pixies all together glowing even brighter. The little dragon smirked and started to speak again.
“Yes I’m….achooooooo” she sneezed again breaking the imposing atmosphere in an instant.
“Aiiiiii “ cried out Tinker as she was blown far away.
Sniff. Sniff.
Sniffing indignantly, the little dragon wiped its snout and glared at the scattered Pixies, who cowered and backed off.
She opened her wings wide, took a deep breath with an upright posture, and started to flap her wings again. Eyes shut tight, she leapt off the rock. Opening one eye cautiously, she realized with joy— she was flying!
“Look! I’m flying! I’m flying!!” She exclaimed in joy as she flew around with the pixies while flapping her wings.
Clap. Clap.
“Whoa!”
“Congo! Congo”
“The Great Red Baby Dragon” rooted the pixies for the little dragon who succeeded in flying after the nth time. ( She failed uncountable times)
Her wide smile revealed her brutal, sharp fangs, which contrasted oddly with her tiny, adorable appearance as her eyes twinkled with pure joy.
However, the next moment she stammered as if she was out of strength. With a sudden, heartbreaking defeat, her wings faltered and gave out entirely. She plummeted from the air with an undignified thud, hitting the muddy ground hard. The momentum sent her tumbling and rolling, the tiny dragon twisting and skidding until she finally came to a halt near a Glass Chest, its lid marred by a small hole.
“Ouch!” the little dragon cried out as she sat up straight. Her whole body was covered in dirt and she looked nowhere like her past majestic appearance.
The blue glow of the pixies died down as if they were dejected. Silence filled the cave and only the feeble breathing of the old red dragon could be heard along with the monotonous dripping sound of water.
“Daddy?” the little dragon called out in a weak voice. She shook her head, her hands trembling.
“When will you wake up?” her voice now as low as a whisper.
To be continued...