The morning sun peers through the window and reflects off my ring as I get up and look at the calendar. The first month of the new year is nearing its end.

“(You know what that means, right?)” Master says with her voice ringing in my head.

“Of Course, today is the day I leave for the Capital.”

“(Good. Now pack your things and get ready to go… is what I’d like to say but it seems you’ve already prepared, seeing how empty your room is. Well, it was a pretty empty room from the start so it’s not like much has really changed. Sometimes I wondered if you were really a young girl in the prime of your youth. You never asked for any luxury despite your noble status, nor have you once complained about my training. You truly worked hard these past 8 years, and it's about time I gave you a gift. As congratulations for breaking to the third stage just the other day… and most definitely not because I forgot to give you anything for your 14th birthday last week. So take out the multi-layered treasure box from the ring, I will unlock a new compartment, the item there will serve as my gift.)”

While I am rather certain she forgot about my birthday since it wouldn’t have been the first time, I still do as Master Yueliang instructs. Taking out the bright red jade treasure box and placing it on the nearby table. Following her instructions, I place my hand over the box as I feel Master’s qi flowing out from me and into the box as the 3rd of the 9 greater talismans begins to burns away. With the 3rd greater sealing talisman having been fully destroyed only 6 remain.

“(This one must admit that I am somewhat jealous of the speed at which you’re advancing. Your fortuitous encounter with mine self gave you your life and a tremendous boost to your cultivation speed. When this old one first started I was but a lone loose cultivator, relying on nothing more than the scare resources I could gather alone. And then… Well, things worked out eventually, anyways open up the compartment that was just unlocked.)”

With Master’s ramblings over at last, I finally have the chance to see what she stored away for me here. As I open the newly unlocked 3rd compartment I find several lesser sealing talisman to be removed as I continue to grow within the third stage, eventually finding a section that I can open. Pulling open the only unsealed section I find a gorgeous bright red robe. Take the robe and unfolding it I find that woven into it is a repeating flame pattern, adding to the beauty.

“(Nice, isn’t it. Its a robe made from hairs of the Huǒ shǔ… uhh, what’s it called over here? Ah right, a fire rat. Due to being made from the hairs of the fire rat, this robe is completely immune to fire. On top of that, it is far more durable than one would think at first glance. Those flame patterns aren’t just there to look pretty, they provide the basis for various inscriptions that are woven into the robe that increase your defences. So what do you think, pretty good for people like us right?)”

“Yeah it really is a good piece of equipment for people like us, even without the defence boost and fire immunity, I would still wear this often for its beauty.”

“(What are you waiting for put it on so we can see if you look good in it.)”

With little more than a nod to her words, I hurriedly change my clothes and put on my newly gifted fire rat robe. Looking into the mirror I see that the red robes complements my similarly red hair as well as my crimson eyes… wait since when were my eyes red?

“Maaaster…” I cry out.

“(What’s wrong, do you not think it looks good on you? I think it complements thy red hair and eyes quite well.)”

“That's the problem, I didn’t have red eyes before.”

“(Did you just realise this? Thy eyes had been gradually changing colour ever since the day I moved in here with you. They had completely turned red after about 3 years. Is it not a bit late to notice now.)”

“But I never bothered to look before. Nothing bad will happen right?”

“(Of course not, it just a change in your eye colour do not fret over such a small detail. Besides you are the last person in this household to have noticed the change, your parents and siblings have made note of this while ago. Now let us move past this issue. Put away the clothes you tossed aside as well as the box and show yourself to your family before we depart.)”

Seeing I had truly made a bit of a mess with my previous clothes thrown across the room. I quickly move to store the clothes as well as the red jade treasure box into my interspatial ring before making my way outside to see my parents and eldest brother, along with several servants waiting by the coach.

“Good morning my dear daughter Ceceania. That robe you're wearing, it once belonged to Miss Yueliang, did it not?” Father asks.

“Good morning, Father. Yes, I just received this as a gift from Master just a few moments ago. So does it look good on me?”

“Yes, I believe it’s a good fit for you as it complements your hair and eyes, giving you an appearance that is easy on the eyes.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Good response. At first, I was a little worried as you have not received proper manners and etiquette training other than the basics I had taught you when you were young. It would seem as if my worries won’t be much of a problem.”

“This one made sure that she had at the very least all the basics of her education covered which included manners and etiquette, lest I lose face for my only disciple acting like a moron. Although these teachings are from where I’m from but it should be good enough to pass here.” Master says aloud using a sound transmission technique.

“Greetings Miss Yueliang. It has been a while since we’ve last spoke. Tell me, how have my daughter’s magic studies been coming along? You two have been rather secretive of the progress these past years. Do you think you can have Ceceania demonstrate a little of what she has learned.”

“(Oops. I forgot about this.)”

“What did you forget, Master?” I ask in my mind.

“(To resolve this 8-year misunderstanding. It would seem Gottfried still thinks I am a Sage in the sense of a mage. I resolved this issue with you a long time ago but I never did fix it with anyone else now that I think about it. Since he is concerned over the issue of your training and we still need to resolve this misunderstanding, show him a little of what you learned.)”

“Since I have Master permission, the time has finally come when I can show my progress outside of Master’s inner world.”

I take out one of the training talismans I made along with my Crimson Moon sabre.

Throwing the talisman across the yard I yell out, “training dummy!” within a matter of seconds, the talisman burns with the flames solidifying coming to form a training dummy. With the dummy firmly planted into the ground, I focus and slash my sabre through the air forming a wave of flaming sabre intent flying out towards the training dummy. Using the cloud walking technique I instantly close the 30-metre gap between me and the dummy and call out my next move, “Unyielding fist of Vajrapani” hitting the dummy with enough force to uproot and send it flying into the air. As the training dummy begins to fall, I throw an explosive talisman into the air and upon the two colliding I call out, “explosion” causing the talisman to burst into a large explosion launching the dummy into a nearby tree. Using a variety of technique, I continue to hit the training dummy until it’s time expires and turns to ash.

“(That’s probably enough.)”

Heeding my Master’s words, I head back over to where my family was standing, only for their mouths to be left agape.

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“This is most certainly an impressive display of strength. But it is very different from what I understand as magic, as a mage myself.” Father says, being the first to regain their bearings.

“Yes, that because this wasn’t magic. I had already resolved this issue with little Cece, but afterwards, it had slipped my mind to fix it with you and the rest of the family. So it’s about time to resolve this little 8-year misunderstanding.” Master says aloud with her sound transmission technique.

After having everything explained with being a Sage having a different meaning in Master’s home country and how I wasn’t actually learning magic, but rather embarking on my cultivation path, he had a somewhat conflicted expression. But ultimately decided that it was of little consequence in the end after learning that cultivators having increasingly long lifespans the higher in rank they climb. Even going as far as to ask if he could start learning only to be denied for being far too old. With everything resolved we all say our goodbyes as my family sees me off, beginning the ride to the Capital of the Kingdom of Coruve, Coruvia.

******

After travelling for a few days the coach comes to a stop. Coming to open the door the family coachman says, “Young Miss, we have arrived at the front gate of Coruve Magic Academy.” After helping me out of the coach he hands me a letter, “this is the letter of acceptance that Baron Gottfried received for you. It has been marked with the Rees family seal and will serve as proof of identity when first entering the academy. I will be staying at an inn nearby for the rest of the day before starting the return trip to the Rees Barony tomorrow afternoon, If you need anything before then just come find me there. Now then if you’ll excuse me, Young Miss.”

“Of course, and thank you for help on the way here.” I say seeing our family coachman off.

As I walk up to the gate I feel a multitude of eyes, curiously gazing at me… or more specifically my unique appearance. While red hair isn’t particularly common, it isn’t very uncommon either. But my red eyes are very unnatural while my clothes are something completely new to most people here. Ignoring the onlookers I make way up and find some people standing at the front of the gate with a sash going from their shoulder to the waist that reads, New Student Supervisor.

Walking up to them they have a puzzled look as the whisper among themselves about my strange appearance, without knowing I could hear all of it. Drawing closer they regain the professional look as one asks, “are you a new student here Miss?”

“Yes, here is my acceptance letter marked with my family’s seal.” I say, handing him the letter.

“Hmm… so you’re the youngest daughter of the Rees family. I have your older sister, Alisha, in my homeroom class, I’ve heard her mention you before Miss Ceceania. Welcome to the Coruve Magic Academy. Let me remind you not to leave the school grounds until after you have received your Student ID, otherwise, you will need this letter to return to campus.” The Supervisor says before pointing off in another direction, “Head that way and you will reach the auditorium where the magic aptitude tests for new students are being tested.”

After walking around for a few minutes I find the auditorium. Upon entering the room is split between several queues, as students await their turn to be examined. While I still attract several stares I pay them no mind and start waiting around in what looks to be the shortest queue. With about 15 minutes having passed my turn finally arrives. In front of me is a small crystal ball sitting on a mat atop a stone pedestal.

“Have you ever had an aptitude test done before?” A supervisor asks.

“No.”

“Alright then, here is how it works, just put your hand on the orb and after a few seconds, a number between 0 and 1250 will be displayed on the orb. 0-249 would classify you as a D rank mage, 250-499 would be C rank, 500-749 would be B rank, 750-999 would be an A rank, with anything above 1000 being an S rank.” The supervisor explains.

Placing my hand on the orb a feel a surge of energy running around within the orb as it tries to grasp my power. And after a few more seconds a number is displayed…

“Oh my!” The supervisor yells out.

Hearing his voice several other supervisors crowd around to see what's going, only to have a similar reaction. With all the noise the supervisors are making many of the students who have finished take the chance to gather around.

“That has got to be a score for the history books. This is amazing, that’s the absolute… worst score in the history of Coruve Magic Academy, a zero, what trash.” Someone calls out from the back.

…

I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed ever before.

“(Uhh… if it makes you feel any better, I would probably get a low score on this myself. While there are some similarities between some of the techniques used by cultivators and magicians, they are fundamentally different. Cultivators tend to be unable to use magic while mages find it impossible to begin cultivating.)” Master says in an attempt to comfort me.

“Ahem! Settle down, everyone!” A loud gruff voice calls out. Walking out from the group of people is an old man with a long curved staff. Walking up he says, “I apologise for the commotion caused by my faculty members. I am the headmaster of Coruve Magic Academy, Roland of the Three Sages, Roland Rees Aurthura. Despite our name being the Magic Academy, it matters not if you have no talent for magic. At the end of the day, this is a school, and a school is a place of learning. Moreover, I can clearly see you are not as weak as that test implies. If your clothing is any indicator then these next few years will be rather fun to see. Anyways, you may or may not know, young daughter of Gottfried, but I am a relative of the Rees family, as such do come and find me if you ever need any help. Now then, since your done with the exam come up to this board and find your class assignment. Afterwards, head to the east dormitory and get your room assignment. Once you get yourself settled come join me for dinner this evening, I live in a villa on campus, it’s right next to the staff dormitory in the southern part of the campus, it’s impossible to miss. Now, I still need to prepare my speech for the welcome ceremony, so I’ll take my leave here.” Roland says as he lifts his staff from the ground and slams it back down, invoking a teleportation spell.

With Headmaster Roland gone from the scene, things calm back down and the new students resume their aptitude examines. I was once more reminded to go and check the board for my class assignment and told to go to the east dorm after I was finished for my room placement. Checking the board I look for my name and find I’m in first-year class 1-4. Making my way out of the auditorium, I garner even more attention than before as my low score of zero has become public knowledge. I quickly make way over to the east dormitory while trying to ignore the whispers flying around me. Under the torturous gaze of everyone, I walked past I finally arrive at the east dorm. Upon entering I quickly locate the dorm office and find someone to help me with my room placement.

“You are Miss Ceceania von Rees, correct?” one of the dorm staff asks.

“Yes…” I say reluctantly as my name quickly became synonymous to trash amongst the students.

“Headmaster Roland was here not too long ago and already sorted out your room assignment, please follow me.”

“Okay.”

“Allow me to explain a bit about how the academy dorm work. There are four dormitories on campus. In the north is the dorm where the children of the royal family stay when they’re attending this school. And with them are the children of the upper nobility, this includes Dukes, Marquis, and Counts. The east dorm is for the children of wealthy merchant families and lesser nobility. This includes Viscounts and Barons, such as yourself. The west dorm is for commoners of the nearby area and scholarship students. The south dorm is for all non-dormitory staff and faculty. And right next to the south dorm is the Headmaster’s villa. With the exception of the north dorm, everyone student has at least one roommate. The students of the east dorm will have 2-3 people per room while the west will have 4 people to a room. Furthermore, roommates are usually decided by putting people with similar magic aptitudes into the same room, however, your case is a little special. The second lowest score is 187, which is significantly higher than yours. This being the case the Headmaster pulled some strings to move you into to a room for two people, and your roommate will be someone who’s previous roommate just graduated and is someone you know very well.” The dorm staff says as she stops in front of room 203.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“This is your room, enter and you’ll see what I meant.” The dorm staff says before turning around to leave.

Without putting much into it I decided to open the door. After walking inside I sense a presence jumping out at me, tackling me onto the bed as I… get hugged?

“Ah, little Cece, I’ve missed you.” My assailant says, bring my face to her ample chest.

Wait… I know this voice.

“Big sis Alisha?”

Releasing me from her grasp and moving her long brown hair to the side allowing me to see her face, she says, “That’s right you get to room with you Big Sister Alisha now.”

Unfortunately, my freedom doesn’t last long as I am pulled onto her lap as she continues to hug me from behind. Despite being more than capable to overpowering her and forcing my way out, as usual, I find I lose all my strength from sitting in big sis Alisha’s lap as I lose out to the comfort.

“(Aww… how cute.)” Master says.

We spend some time talking about miscellaneous things until the hour for dinner approaches when I mention that the Headmaster wanted to have dinner with me.

“Why do you think he asked to have dinner with me big sis?” I ask.

“I’m not too sure myself. I have heard before that Headmaster Roland was related to us, but he never did the for when me and Walter enrolled. Perhaps it’s because of that teacher of yours. Roland is one of the Three Sages of Coruve after all, perhaps he noticed her. Anyways, I’m going with you. I finally get to see you again after so long, I don’t want to be away from you.”

“That’s fine and all but can you at least stop hugging me while we are walking, I attract enough stares when I am on my own but this is almost as embarrassing as getting that zero.”

“Only if you let me hold your hand on the way there.”

Giving in to her stubbornness I let her hold my hand as we make way to meet with the Headmaster.