The salt on the road crunches beneath our feet as we cross the last intersection before city hall. Charles didn't actually know where the office was, so I had to look it up on my phone. Since our city is so small, the magic registration and management office is crammed into city hall. So me and Charles had to make the two hour long walk there. We walked past several sets of weird black orbs on poles mounted to boxes our way here. I'm pretty sure those were mobile sensor stations. The fact I didn't get blasted to pieces by trigger happy soldier means Charles was right, as long as I don't flaunt it, no one will know. I still have just under half my mana too, so I can probably make it back home without needing a rest stop. Keeping my horns and tail hidden instead of removed was definitely a good call.

"So, ready to become a superhero?" Charles asks as we near the street city hall is on.

"It's hardly being a 'superhero' Charles. Hell, I probably won't ever fight any demons. It's just not what I want to do in life. Especially now, after… you know"

"Yea fair enough. Still, having access to magic opens up a lot of career paths. Like those magic smiths out of the University of California. Supposedly their stuff is getting close to our high end tech in terms of effectiveness."

"Well that's cool, don't know if I wanna do smiting tho. I'll probably stick to enchanting or magical botany. Though, it would depend on what classes I get …….. wow"

Our conversation is cut short as we round the corner and city hall comes into view. The large and grandiose building inhabits the entirety of four blocks almost all on its own and it's five stories tall. It also has two additional blocks across the street from it containing the parking garage for the massive building. However, the normally prestigious and welcoming exterior is overridden by the intimidating scene of the entire structure and the parking garage being taken over by countless soldiers and defenders.

The main entrance has been converted to a heavy armored checkpoint. With barricades, energy shields, and all manner of guns being angled at every visible square inch of the surrounding streets. Large amounts of soldiers and defenders constantly ingress and egress from the building, some even flying in and out via the roof, giving the impression of an angry ant hill. From the parking garage a few humvees and an apc pull out and head in the opposite direction, going further into town. I turn to Charles.

"Hey Charles, I don't think they're open…."

"Really Lucy, what gave you that impression?" He asks sarcastically.

"I don't know, I think it might be the giant fuck off amount of guns out front." I reply while rolling my eyes.

"Nah, those are meant for demons. They would never…….. sorry."

Charles cuts himself off and apologizes to me as I just look at him like he's stupid. I really hope he's just being an over sarcastic ass and didn't actually forget that quickly.

"Come on, let's head back I guess." I say as I turn around and motion for us to leave.

Of course, the moment I turn my back I sense someone much bigger than us to my life senses drop in behind us from above. The crunch of snow, salt, and the metallic clank of their boots echoing out loudly as they hit the ground. Me and Charles quickly spin back around. Only to come face to face with a man clad fully in high tech metal armor, adorned with a bunch of symbols and ribbons, one of which indicates he's a registered defender. I swallow and start to panic a little as he looks towards me, then flicks his gaze over to Charles.

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"What are you kids doing out here?" His voice filters through the speakers built into his helmet.

He moves his gaze back over to me and I shrink down a little and step back.

"Uh, sorry sir. We were looking for the magic registration office but seeing it's closed we'll just be heading home and try again later." Charles manages to stammer out, drawing the man's attention back to him. I don't think he's onto me, but damn this is stressful anyways.

The man just stares at Charles for a moment, as if scrutinizing him, before asking for clarification.

"Despite the fact that the crisis has ended, government facilities are still shut down. Which one of you needs to register?" He asks while flicking his gaze to me.

“Uh, um, I do, sir.” I manage to stammer out, heart still thundering in my chest.

“Hmm. Wait one moment.” He says before pushing a button on the wrist panel on his armor.

The following wait is agonizing as the defender constantly fritters his gaze back and forth over us, occasionally moving his head as if acknowledging something someone is telling him. Finally he taps the button on the wrist panel again and speakers in his helmet click back on.

“My congratulations and condolences to you. As the number of people who have acquired magic during the last attack is high the registration office has opted for a mass registration event. It will be held at the Shimerview highschool gymnasium this coming monday at one pm. In the meantime, do not use your magic. Without proper training you are more likely than not to break something or hurt someone. Good luck, now both of you return home and stay out of trouble.” And with that he jumps into the air and flies off, not creating even the tiniest of wind as he jets away with his magic

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as he disappeared over the rooftops of the buildings.

“Huh, not how I expected that to end but that works.” Charles says.

“How did you expect it to end?” I ask him.

“Uhh, getting sent straight home.” Charles says.

Yea, totally what he was thinking. Still now that my panic has passed a bit I’m at least happy the registration thing got sorted out, sort of. The one problem…..

“Ugggghhhh, school is all the way across the city! No way in hell am I walking four to five hours to get there!” I bemoan out loud.

“Yea, if they are stealing the gymnasium for the day do you think school will be canceled?” Charles asks.

“I don't know actually. If it's not I won't have to worry about transportation unless it goes so long I miss the bus. I suspect we will get Monday off, maybe even tuesday. People need time to recuperate.” I say as we turn around and start heading back the way we came.

“Yea that's a good point, I wouldn't be surprised if we get the whole week off actually. Speaking of which, wanna go visit Anna? We’re actually fairly close to the central bunker.” Charles says while pointing off in the direction I assume the bunker is in.

“Charles, we’ve walked past god knows how many sensor stations and stared a defender in the eye. I’ve tempted fate enough today. I’m not walking into the equivalent of a murder hornet’s nest and kicking the damn thing.”

“Didn't we already do that by walking up to city hall already?”

“Maybe, but we didn't know it had been turned into a metaphorical murder hornets nest. To me atleast. Still I’d rather not risk it. Tell Anna I’ll video chat with her tonight if the connection holds up.” I say while turning to walk away.

“Awww come on Lucy, it will be fine! Think of how happy Anna will be if you visit her.”

I stop and think for a moment. It would be nice to see Anna, and I’m sure she could use the visit. Eh, fuck it. I stared a defender in the eye, well visor, today. If I was going to die it would have happened already. Speaking of, what's my mana at?

Mana: 1209/2871

Wow, that's convenient. Note to self, check system

“Fine, I’ll go. But we gotta be quick. My mana is holding but we shouldn’t drag our feet.”

Charles' face lit up as he grabbed me and started dragging me towards the bunker. I hope I dont regret this.