Chapter 10
IT’S JUST A PIECE OF PAPER (2)
“Alicia…”
The voice floated through the corridor like a familiar thread tugging at my attention. I looked forward, and there she was—Athena, standing a few paces ahead, her hand lifted in a casual wave as she called me out.
Finally… I’ll make it to class on time after all.
I offered a polite farewell to the kind lady I’d accidentally bumped into earlier, then made my way to Athena. Matching our footsteps, we began walking together in the same direction.
“Who was that?” Athena asked, tilting her head toward the retreating figure.
“I don’t know. I didn’t ask for her name,” I replied, glancing back.
The woman’s graceful silhouette was already disappearing around a corner leading toward the headmaster’s office. Something about her lingered in my mind—not just the mysterious air she carried, but the fact that my mystical eyes… failed.
It wasn’t that I couldn’t read her status — it was more as if she didn’t have one, with no blue screen appearing. As for her magic power, it was wrapped in an impenetrable shroud.
Athena followed my gaze for a moment but shrugged. “Leave that. Tell me—why did the headmaster call you?”
Wait… I can’t tell Athena about Miss Fillia.
Not yet. After all, I had been carefully keeping all my adventure trips a secret from her. I didn’t want to keep it that way forever, but for now… I wanted the day I told her to be special.
I wanted her to hear it from me when I could stand before her as a successful adventure clan leader and as a top-ranked adventurer. Someone worthy of taking her along on an adventure of our own.
“Oh, nothing much. He just… wanted to do an extra check on my magic potential. And—”
“And…?” Athena’s eyes narrowed, as if she could tell there were many details hidden behind those words.
I scratched the back of my neck. “I… tried to hold back, but I think he suspects. He probably knows I’m strong.”
“It’s alright. He’s the greatest magician on the continent, after all. He might be a bit Eccentric, but he is a good human at heart.” Athena's tone softened, her eyes searching mine. “But how have you been feeling? Are you okay now?”
“What… would be wrong with me?” I asked, momentarily caught off guard.
“Didn’t you have an upset stomach a while ago?” she pressed.
“Right…” I muttered, glancing around. Today was my first day at this new school.
My gaze drifted to the high-arched windows, where sunlight poured through, scattering across polished floors. Outside, students laughed and hurried across the courtyard. Some were still saying their goodbyes to family at the entrance gate; others wandered in search of their classrooms.
“I… I—” I clutched my stomach, a twisting heaviness coiling inside.
Why… am I still uncertain?
I should have made up my mind long before stepping through those gates. And yet… here I was, wondering if I truly belonged.
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The road ahead stretched toward Grindelwald Magic Academy, bathed in the soft gold of the morning sun. The light shimmered across its towering spires, as if even the dawn itself bowed in reverence to the most prestigious magical institution on the human continent.
We were far from being alone on this path. Dozens of other luxurious carriages rolled steadily toward the city gates, crests and banners fluttering proudly in the breeze.
As we neared the gates, two armored guards stepped forward, their breastplates gleaming with the academy’s sigil, their eyes sharp and watchful.
The moment Athena presented both Regis’s and my admission papers, the tension eased; one guard stamped them with an official seal, while the other stepped aside, granting us entry.
“Welcome to Grindelwald,” one of them said, his voice deep and respectful.
And then… the Grindelwald Academy city unfolded before us.
The sight beyond the gates took our breath away. A vast magical city stretched out in every direction, bustling with life.
It was far busier than I had imagined—streets brimmed with shops selling magic artifacts, grimoires, potions, equipment, dresses, and exotic goods. Students in the academy’s distinctive uniform roamed the streets freely— some strolling in lively groups, others hurrying toward their destinations.
“This city is home to more than five thousand students currently enrolled at the Grindelwald Magic Academy,” Athena explained as we moved along. “The entire city exists to serve the student’s academic life. You’ll find everything—restaurants with food from every kingdom, and shops with rare goods from all over the world.”
“I can even see rare elven goods and herbs for sale!” Regis pressed her face almost against the carriage window, gawking at a shop lined with magic weaponry. “It’s all students… carrying swords, staffs, books… And there are even demi-humans and elves here.”
“Master, is something wrong? You don’t look well.” Hana’s hand fidgeted restlessly, searching for some way to soothe me. A strange sensation was welling up inside me—an unfamiliar tightness coiling in my stomach.
“Alicia?” Athena’s voice held a note of worry, her eyes glinting with unspoken concern… almost as if she already knew the cause, but chose not to voice it.
“What?” Regis smirked slightly. “Is the new school giving you an upset stomach already?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” I said quickly, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince them or myself. I was supposed to be in perfect health—my ultimate healing and regeneration skills made certain of that.
And yet… my stomach felt tight, as though a knot had taken residence there. Every meter that brought me closer to the academy seemed to pull it tighter.
This was supposed to be a fresh start for me, but I felt like a child on her first day of school.
For a fleeting moment, the thought crossed my mind—What if I just teleported far away from here? But I knew I wouldn’t. Not this time. I wasn’t alone anymore. This time, Athena, Regis, and Hana would be here with me.
Regis broke the moment with a grumble that pulled me out of my thoughts. “I still can’t believe it… How is it even possible for someone to learn the entire history of the past two hundred years in a single night and still score higher than me?” Regis crossed her arms, sulking.
"I can accept losing to you in anything magic-related—but History, Administration, Economics, Alchemical Theory, and even Star?Map Geography? That’s just unfair!"
Regis still had that sour look when the results of the admission assessment test came out, which she and I had taken before we left for home.
“It’s alright, Regis. You don’t need to beat yourself up over this,” Athena said with a reassuring smile. “You scored some of the highest marks I’ve ever seen. I’m sure you’ll land in the elite S-Class without any trouble.”
"Well, of course I knew I would," Regis said with confidence, though the slight pout on her lips showed he wasn’t fully satisfied with the compliment.
At first glance, no one—not even Athena and I—could have guessed Regis was the intellectual type. Yet her answers during the assessment had impressed both her and the examiner from the academy.
As for me… I’d never had much interest in those academic subjects—anything that didn’t involve actual science or practical magic theories bored me to tears. My method was always the same: cram everything the night before.
For the subjects I did care about, I studied with absolute focus—and those were the ones where I consistently scored highest.
But right now, none of that mattered. The dull ache in my stomach refused to fade, even with my healing ability.
Athena noticed. “If magic isn’t working, then I’ll look for some medicine. Maybe that’ll help ease it.”
“I’ll come with you,” Hana spoke up immediately.
Hana, too, was set to enroll in Grindelwald Magic Academy. The academy offered a special curriculum for noble retainers and maids, and Hana had been unusually driven ever since Athena gifted her a book on the course material.
“I need to know everything that can save Master’s life,” Hana declared with determination. “So I will go.”
I let out a quiet sigh at her choice of words, ready to assure her it wasn’t that serious—but the dull, persistent ache in my stomach stole the words before they could leave my lips.
“Alright,” Athena agreed. “We can go together.”
That left Regis and me standing at the grand entrance gate of the academy. The tall iron gates shimmered faintly with defensive magical circles and were decorated with the silver insignia of the Grindelwald crest, gleaming in the sunlight.
We stepped forward and presented the identification cards Athena had given us. The guard took a quick look and nodded us through.
“We welcome you both—Miss Alicia, and Her Highness, the Second Princess of the Ascalon Elf Kingdom, Regis Ascalon,” the guard said politely. His tone held respect, though it wasn’t the awe one might expect for royalty.
It was clear that Grindelwald saw royalty and high nobility often enough that it had become commonplace.
Another guard suddenly came running from behind as if carrying a missive. “Miss Alicia,” he continued, “the Headmaster has requested your presence in his office at the earliest opportunity.”
I blinked. The Headmaster?
Before I could question him, another wave of students began arriving behind us, and the guards ushered us aside to keep the line moving.
But Regis’s royal title had already been announced out loud, and in the blink of an eye, whispers spread through the waiting students like wildfire.
Soon, everyone, including humans and elves, started gathering around her. The elves bowed deeply, and others greeted her warmly, introducing themselves and naming the distant elf villages of the human continent they hailed from.
The crowd closed in fast.
And me? I was quietly… pushed to the edges.
Not that I minded.
“I should probably make my escape before I get pulled into this too,” I muttered under my breath. Casting a quick glance at Regis, I smirked. “Best of luck, Regis.”
It’s not like I was trying to get back at her for teasing me in the carriage. I just wanted her to have a chance to be free of me for a while and meet other people.
Without wasting another second, I slipped away from the growing crowd, moving deeper into the academy grounds.
The Headmaster’s summons gnawed at my thoughts. Why call me so soon? Was there some issue with my admission? But that didn’t make sense—Athena had worked so hard to get me this spot with her personal recommendation.
No matter the reason, I couldn’t afford to make a bad first impression. If the Headmaster wanted to see me, I had to be there on time.
Even when I looked around, the academy grounds stretched so far that I couldn’t even see where they ended. The sprawling campus felt more like a small city than a school.
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Moving away from the main entrance, I decided to follow the crowd. Eventually, we gathered before a massive bulletin board that had Roll Numbers written in bold across the top. Lines upon lines of names, ranks, and class assignments were neatly posted there.
Students swarmed the area, their voices a jumble of excitement, anxiety, and disappointment. Some cheered, some cried openly, others scanned the lists with tense, darting eyes.
I lingered on the edge of the gathering, wondering if I should ask someone for directions to the Headmaster’s office. But who? Wouldn’t it be strange to admit I didn’t even know where it was as a student of the academy?
This was Grindelwald Magic Academy, after all—the home of Eldruin Grindelwald, the greatest magician of this age. In his lifetime, he had discovered over two hundred and seventy-five original spells, reshaping magical theory itself. Even I had been captivated by his work, as I spent time reading his books on our way here.
Still, knowing his achievements didn’t help me find his office.
Maybe I should just—
My thoughts shattered when someone’s shoulder slammed into mine.
I turned, only to be met by a boy’s sneer. His gaze swept over me with thinly veiled disgust.
“Who are you? And what’s with that mask?” he said sharply, his voice loud enough to draw attention. “How dare you touch me… commoner.”
Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd. I blinked, stunned. I hadn’t even done anything—he was the one who bumped into me! My stomach churned harder, a sharp ache twisting inside.
For a moment, my temper flared. I wanted nothing more than to blow everyone around with a burst of magic… but instead, I forced myself to stand still, trembling slightly as I clutched my abdomen.
Then—
“Enough.”
A new voice cut through the tension. Someone stepped between us, shielding me from the boy’s glare.
I couldn’t catch up with the conversation and how it drifted so quickly until I realized that their help came with a price.
“Your mask,” they said without hesitation, eyes fixed on the one I wore. “I would like to try it myself.”
Even though I might have missed some of the context in between because of my tummy ache, I was sure she wanted my mask.
My breath caught. Mother’s mask… it was worth more to me than any treasure. I couldn’t give it away.
Through that brief encounter, I learned about the Watchers—a secretive group quietly maintaining order within the academy. And, at the same time, my eyes caught sight of something unusual… a presence that felt distinctly inhuman, yet masked perfectly under the guise of a human.
If anyone could help me reach the Headmaster’s office without drawing unwanted attention, it would be them.
I quickly thanked the girl who had stepped in to help me earlier, pressing the last of my money into her hand in exchange for sparing my mask. It’s all I can give… but I can’t part with Mother’s mask.
I could only hope she would let the matter drop.
Turning to the Watcher, I asked in a low voice, “Could you show me the way to the Headmaster’s office?”
She studied me for a moment—assessing, weighing—but in the end, she nodded and motioned for me to follow. After all, the Watchers must be working under the Headmaster’s authority and should be connected to him.
What I hadn’t expected, however, was how my visit would turn out.
The Headmaster—Eldruin Grindelwald— a human—to use a demonic technique to gauge my true magical strength and got one over me to reveal my true magical powers.
Still, Athena had spoken of him as a good man, so for now, I believed he would keep what he learned to himself.
On my way out, I accidentally bumped into a woman who was also heading toward the Headmaster’s office. I barely registered her features before we exchanged brief apologies and went our separate ways.
Catching sight of Athena again, relief flooded through me. At least I wouldn’t be late for class after all.
But my stomach… that ache still hadn’t gone away.
“Here, I got this medicine for you. Try it.” Athena handed me a small bottle filled with a thick green liquid. The moment I uncorked it, a pungent, acrid smell assaulted my nose.
I stared at Athena with wide eyes. I’m actually expected to drink this?
Normally, I relied on my magic-based remedies—potions infused with magic particles to speed up recovery. But magic had failed to ease my stomach today. That left only herbal concoctions as the next option.
Athena didn’t look away, her gaze steady, silently insisting I drink it to the last drop.
Fine. Let’s give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen?
I tipped the bottle back and drank it in one go. The viscous, bitter liquid slid down my throat like swamp sludge.
“Well?” Athena leaned closer. “Is it working? Do you feel better?”
I pressed my palm against my abdomen. It felt as if someone had driven a solid punch into my gut. “I… I’m not sure.”
Athena’s expression hardened. “Then let’s go back. I’ll find an inn where you can rest. We can return another day when you’re better. I’ll inform the academy. Let’s go—I’ll call for a carriage and a medic team to carry you out.” She was already on the move, deciding in a heartbeat.
But I reached out and caught her hand. “No.”
Athena stopped, looking at me.
I lifted my head, forcing a small smile. “I’ll do it. This is what I want. Thank you for bringing me here, Athena… but I can take it from here.”
“What about your stomach ache?”
“It’ll be fine. I can handle it. Besides…” I hesitated, then nodded to myself. “I think your medicine is already working.”
I knew how much effort Athena had put into securing my admission to the top magic school on the continent. And it’s not like I was simply too embarrassed to be carried out on a stretcher in front of the entire student body on my first day of school.
I already knew, from past experience, how important it was to attend the first day and make an effort to get to know others.
Athena gave a reluctant sigh. “Alright. But promise me—if anything happens, you’ll tell me immediately. After I drop you off at your class, I’ll go introduce myself to the other teachers.”
“Umu,” I said.
I didn’t know what awaited me inside those classrooms… but I was finally ready to face it.
From what Athena had told me, Regis had already gone ahead to her classroom. Hana’s classes, however, were held in a completely separate building for the attendants and maids. She’d be spending the day with others who had come to serve their masters during their studies at the academy. I probably wouldn’t see her again until evening.
“Alright, see you later,” I said, giving Athena a small wave as I stood at the corner near my classroom door. She waved back, watching me step inside.
I took a deep breath before crossing the threshold and entered the classroom.
The room was large—easily able to fit fifty students—and designed more like a lecture hall than a simple classroom. Rows of tiered seats rose higher and higher toward the back, each row arranged in a gentle arc, facing the enormous green crystal projection screen at the front.
Soft morning light filtered through the tall arched windows, casting a warm glow over polished desks and gleaming floors.
It didn’t take long for me to spot Regis. She was standing at the very front of the room beside a female teacher, her sharp eyes catching mine almost instantly. She gave me a quick “get over here” look.
I hurried toward her, ignoring the stares of curious classmates. Some students had already begun whispering to each other—after all, they’d never seen either of us before.
“What took you so long? And what about your stomach ache?” Regis whispered as I approached.
I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “Don’t say that in front of everyone. But… I think I’m fine now.”
At least I wasn’t alone here. Having Regis here made things easier.
The teacher cleared her throat, her pleasant voice carrying easily over the entire class. “Alright, everyone, settle down. I have an announcement.”
The low hum of conversation died down almost immediately, though a few curious glances still lingered in our direction.
“Today, we welcome two new students who have joined our class after successfully passing the academy’s special entrance tests.” Her gaze swept the room before resting back on us. “I will let them introduce themselves.”
A ripple of surprise spread through the room. The academy was notoriously strict about admissions—exceptions were rare. And now, on the same day, both a high elf princess and an unknown masked human girl were joining? It was no wonder the students stared in astonishment.
The teacher turned to Regis. “Why don’t you go first?”
Regis stepped forward with practiced elegance, her voice clear and confident. “I am Regis Ascalon, the Second Princess of the Elven Kingdom of Ascalon. I specialize in wind magic and archery. I’m happy to meet you all.”
Her delivery was flawless. I wondered just how long she’d been practicing that introduction.
The room erupted in applause. Excited murmurs broke out among the students, some leaning over to whisper to their friends. The words Elven Princess passed from desk to desk like wildfire, and faces lit with admiration.
There was no doubt they were captivated by Regis’s elven beauty and her strong, head?first personality.
“Now you can go next…” The teacher’s eyes settled on me, her tone encouraging but expectant.
Wait! It’s already my turn.
Dozens of eyes turned toward me, studying me from head to toe. The students seated in the front row seemed particularly intent on scrutinizing my every movement.
Regis glanced at me from the side, her look clearly saying, Say something already.
Come on, Alicia, you can do this. It’s simple.
Just follow Regis’s example: name, magic specialization, polite closing. That’s all. Don’t make the same mistake you did in your past life…
“My name is—hic!—oh no, hic! And I’m from—hic!—Oh no, hic! And I… am a healer—hic!”
A mortified squeak slipped from my lips as my hands flew to my mouth in a desperate attempt to trap the hiccups before they could escape again.
The room went silent for a single, terrible second… and then—
Pfft—haha!
Laughter rippled through the class. A healer who couldn’t even cure her own hiccups? I could practically hear the unspoken joke: What kind of healer is that?
But really, this was completely out of my control.
I clenched my jaw. It wasn’t a wound or an illness—it was just my stupid nerves, and my grumbling tummy ache acting up at the worst possible time.
The teacher’s sharp glare swept across the room, silencing the louder laughs, though the smirks lingered.
Then, before I could speak again, Regis suddenly stepped forward, positioning herself directly in front of me.
She raised her arm across my front, addressing the class.
“I think I forgot to add something earlier. She’s my friend.”
That single sentence instantly shifted the atmosphere. The low humor dissolved into a hushed, almost cautious quiet.
Regis gave me a small nod as if telling me to continue.
“I’m glad to be here,” I said finally, forcing my voice steady. “I’m a healer, and… the baroness of Oakhart from Hart Kingdom. My name is Alicia.”
I glanced at Regis, silently thanking her. I never expected she would step in like that for me.
The room remained oddly quiet—students staring at me with thoughtful, calculating expressions. It was clear something was turning in their minds.
“So she’s just a healer? How did she land in the S-Class?”
“She doesn’t look that impressive…”
“And she doesn’t even have a noble family name. Just a minor title from some backwater kingdom.”
“So, she’s merely a commoner who happened to luck into a meagre barony.”
“Quiet! The Elven Princess called her a friend. That alone makes her untouchable. No one else has ever built strong ties with the Elven Kingdom—how did she manage that?”
The murmurs buzzed through the class.
And then—
A chair scraped loudly against the floor.
“Did you say… Alicia?” The voice rang across the room, drawing every gaze.
A girl suddenly stood from her seat. Her long aquamarine hair shimmered faintly under the classroom lights, and I instantly recognized her—not by sight, but by her voice.
“Oh… you’re the one who wanted my mask.”
The girl stomped her feet. Did she dislike my previous offer?
My chest tightened. “I told you already—I can’t give you my mask. It’s important to me. And I’ve already given you all the money I had. If you want more, give me some time and I’ll bring you more.” My voice softened, almost pleading.
Regis’s brow furrowed, her head snapping between us. “I leave you alone for a few minutes, and you’ve already been robbed?” she said incredulously, fixing a stern look on the girl.
The girl crossed her arms, her expression hard. “I don’t want your money. Give me back my rank.”
Her words hit like a stone in still water, sending ripples of murmurs through the classroom.
“Wait… so she’s the Alicia with the fifth rank?”
“But she said she is just a healer? Was the exam botched?”
“We worked for months—how can someone just swoop in and take one of the top rankings?”
“This is unacceptable!”
The buzz of discontent rose in volume until—
A fierce aura erupted from the front of the room. The sheer pressure made the air feel heavy, prickling against my skin.
“Enough.” A loud bang on the desk.
“Young Lady, you need to remember where you’re standing,” the teacher said coldly from the front. “This is my class. Any more indiscipline, and I’ll knock everyone straight through the roof.”
The room went dead silent. The aquamarine-haired girl, who had been standing defiantly just seconds ago, sank back into her seat. The threat didn’t feel empty at all—judging by the nervous shivers from a few students, they’d probably seen that “roof-knocking” threat happen before.
“Girls,” the teacher continued, her voice returning to a neutral firmness, “please take your seats in any empty places you see.”
Regis and I descended from the platform, heading toward the seats. We found an entire empty row and sat together.
But even after sitting down, I could feel it—one unyielding stare drilling into the back of my head. A cold prickle ran down my spine.
Was my life in danger already?
The teacher moved to stand before the class once more. “Alright, students. Most of you already know me, but for those who don’t—I am Xu Shanlian—earth mage and spirit martial artist. I will be your homeroom teacher for the First-Year S-Class.”
Her gaze swept over us like a hawk sizing up its prey.
“I welcome you all to the elite S-Class of the Grindelwald Magic Academy. I see many familiar faces, and many new ones who have worked hard to find their way here. I’m sure your journey to this classroom has been rewarding—but in here, you will have to prove yourselves over and over again. To us, to your peers, to the world, and more than anyone, to yourself.”
Her voice had a certain energy that pulled the students in. Even Regis shifted slightly beside me, her usual self-assured posture turning thoughtful.
“Whether through individual assignments, group activities, tests, or your overall class performance—everything will be evaluated. And that evaluation will decide whether you are fit to remain in this academy… or not.”
I swallowed hard. So this is the S-Class…
But… why the elite S-Class?
The question howled in my head louder than any battle cry.
No one had told me. Not Athena, not Regis.
At the very least, Athena could have warned me! Even being placed in the lowest class would have been fine. It’s not like I was planning to spend all my days buried in the largest library of the Grindelwald Magic Academy.
“Let’s not waste time,” Our teacher’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Since this is your first day, I want to see exactly what you’re capable of. Right now.”
The classroom tensed instantly. A few students straightened in their seats; others exchanged wary glances.
Regis leaned slightly toward me and whispered, “She’s going to test us already?”
Her sharp gaze swept across us. “S-Class is not a place for resting on your results. Written exams, interviews, magic demonstrations—those prove only a fraction of what you can do. Show me your worth now, in the moment you can surpass your limits.”
The murmurs quieted. The surprise in the air slowly turned to determination. A few students were already grinning at the challenge.
“Alright then,” Ms. Lian continued, “your coats are already inscribed with teleportation magic linked to the training grounds. Simply raise the loose end of your coat in a swift motion over your head, and you’ll be transported there instantly by the magic circle.”
Skepticism rippled through the room—until the first student tried it. A faint shimmer enveloped them, and in the blink of an eye, they vanished.
That was all it took. One after another, students swept up their coats like loose capes and vanished in flashes of light.
Regis’s eyes lit up like a child’s. “See you there!” she grinned, pulling her coat. In an instant, she was gone.
I hesitated. “Fine… I’ll do it too—”
…
Seconds passed. Then a minute.
“I think everyone’s gone by now. I should head out, too.” Xu Shanlian smiled faintly to herself, her voice carrying a spark of excitement, as if she couldn’t wait to see her students in action. “Let’s see what they’re really made of and have some… Chii-yaa fun!”
“…Um… ma’am?” My voice echoed awkwardly in the now-empty classroom. “I think… I’m not able to warp to the correct location.”
I had already tried activating the warp circle in my coat—several times. Each attempt had sent me somewhere completely different. After more than two hundred random destinations—one of which almost had me plunging into an active volcano—I still hadn’t reached the training grounds.
The tall, young woman—barely in her mid-twenties—turned toward me, her athletic frame draped in a sleek, sleeveless red martial arts uniform. Long, vivid green hair cascaded to her waist, gathered into elegant side buns tied with deep crimson ribbons.
Her amethyst-purple eyes seemed both amused and assessing.
“No need to call me ‘ma’am,’” she said. “Just call me Xu.”
“Umu… Miss Xu,” I corrected myself awkwardly.
“That’s better,” she said with a small smile. “Don’t worry—it’s your first day. I know it can be unsettling with all those eyes on you. But you’ll learn, with time, how to open yourself to the world. Just leave it to me.”
She glanced at my coat with faint disapproval. “These fancy teleportation coats don’t suit me either. I know an even better way to reach the training grounds. Just grab on to me tight.”
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