Chapter 13

  DUST SHALL FEAR MY RESOLVE

  Whether she was too far or already too late—those thoughts no longer mattered. What mattered now was making her body move, as long as there was still a chance to do something. That was the principle Xu Shulian had hammered into herself through her own will, until it fused with her very instinct.

  Amplifying her fighting spirit to its limit, she dashed forward. But then, out of nowhere—another presence flared to life—sharp, blazing, and far beyond anything she could produce. By the time Shulian’s eyes caught it, a streak of blue light had already flashed past her.

  It was Alicia.

  The girl who moments ago had executed a form unmistakably familiar—the Shuyun Martial Arts, a style passed down through generations, refined from the legacy of the True Hero’s Companion, Xu Shuyun.

  Even among thousands who trained in the Shuyun school, not one could reach this level of mastery without direct inheritance from the successor. And yet, Alicia, who wasn’t even part of the sect, was executing it flawlessly.

  The precision, the rhythm, the flow of spirit and form—it was all too perfect.

  “How…?” Xu Shulian whispered to herself. “How is she using the Shuyun martial arts?”

  Before I could reach the exploding magic crystal, Alicia got there before me.

  And then it came—the Blazing Stone Palm technique.

  The truth was undeniable—Alicia had already mastered the art. While others spent years polishing each move, just to learn a single technique, she displayed mastery at such a young age.

  How was that possible? Xu Shulian couldn’t wrap her head around that fact.

  There was no record, nor had she ever heard of any prodigy by that name who had ever surfaced within the sect.

  The strike was powerful enough to shatter the Seven Gate Barriers, each requiring a progressively greater fighting spirit to break through.

  One could pass the first three gates using brute force and magic, but beyond the fourth, one’s aura—their true fighting spirit—was essential. To reach the seventh meant that Alicia had already attained the pinnacle of mastery: the Total Silence Domain.

  The magical crystal that Alicia had thrown away exploded in the distance, its aftershock shaking the ground. Tremors rippled across the field, tearing through trees and hurling clouds of dust into the air.

  And yet, Alicia stood firm, untouched.

  Waves of pure fighting spirit rolled off her in terrifying silence. Her eyes glowed faintly as she walked through the settling smoke toward Garrick, who lay sprawled and screaming in the dirt.

  “Save me…! Ah—my hands! I’m bleeding—make it stop!”

  Garrick writhed, his screams breaking the silence.

  His legs were twisted at unnatural angles. His arm—the one that had held the staff with the magic crystal—was torn open, veins burst from within, and spilling blood freely.

  His less-damaged hand clutched his stomach—where Alicia had only tapped him moments ago. That gentle kick had been enough to crush his inner body channels, leaving his spirit in ruins.

  “You are the one who did this! You’re a healer, right? Heal me—right now! I order you!” Garrick shouted, but Alicia remained still. Her white mask hiding the faintest hint of expression.

  Her gaze lingered on Garrick’s broken form, unreadable—caught between pity and something far colder.

  “What are you waiting for? Don’t just stand there!” he howled, tears streaking his bloodied face. Yet, when his gaze lifted to meet hers, it faltered. Pain drained from him as if a giant force had pressed down upon his very soul.

  All he could feel was the suffocating immensity of the blue light quietly seeping from beneath Alicia’s mask. He was nothing in front of it—small, fragile, utterly insignificant.

  “Alicia, are you fine? Is Garrick okay?” Miss Xu called, rushing forward.

  “Please… heal me… I beg you,” Garrick whimpered as Miss Xu approached. He could feel the oppressive weight on him begin to lift, and desperation edged his voice as his consciousness started to slip.

  Miss Xu hesitated, a shadow of shame crossing her face. She knew how cruel Garrick had been to Alicia, yet she had no other choice. “I’m ashamed to make this request,” Miss Xu said. “Miss Alicia, Garrick needs urgent treatment. Can you… Please heal him?”

  At that moment, the waves of raw fighting spirit Alicia had radiated vanished, as if she had deliberately hidden her strength. The massive aura that had once rippled across the battlefield receded, replaced by a hollow stillness.

  Even Miss Xu—trained in perceiving martial spirits—couldn’t sense her presence clearly, though Alicia stood right in front of her.

  Students, still recovering from the blasts, began to converge. Stopping a few paces away, witnessing Garrick’s devastated state, the extent of his injuries horrifying them.

  Miss Xu’s uncertainty deepened. Alicia’s response was unpredictable, and there were too few healers present. Even if the others rallied, it would take precious time for help to arrive.

  Then, a voice—broke the silence.

  “Sure. I will do it.”

  Miss Xu stepped back a little to give Alicia space for the treatment. But even looking at Garrick’s worse condition, she had little hope he would fully recover.

  She braced herself, expecting the usual casting of healing magic.

  Instead, Alicia reached into her school robe and withdrew a small glass vial, filled with a swirling blue liquid.

  “What is that? Wait—Miss Alicia!” Miss Xu called, her concern sharp.

  “It’s alright. This will work,” Alicia replied simply.

  She tilted the vial, letting only a few drops fall. The liquid glimmered briefly, then spread over Garrick as if responding to a hidden mechanism of magic beyond anything Miss Xu and others present had ever seen.

  In an instant, Garrick’s wounds began to knit, bleeding slowed, and his pain eased—though only momentarily.

  Garrick, clinging to the fragile hope of survival, reached out with trembling hands. “Give me more! Please! Heal me!” he begged, panic returning.

  Suddenly, Miss Xu noticed Alicia’s hand hesitate, holding the vial just enough to prevent more drops from falling. Instead, she witnessed Alicia shift the vial to the side, as if to let the remainder of the potion fall unused on the ground right beside Garrick.

  Garrick’s heart pounded waiting for the healing potion to be administered. As Miss Xu opened her mouth to call Alicia’s name, something cold and subtle flickered beneath her mask—a faint, almost imperceptible laugh.

  Garrick’s eyes widened, and Miss Xu felt a chill run down her spine.

  “Alicia.”

  The voice came from behind—the elf princess Regis speaking first.

  Until that moment, Alicia’s presence had felt almost ghostly, distant, and hollow. Suddenly, as if waking from a dream, she returned, radiating the same calm, pure aura as before. Miss Xu sensed it immediately.

  Without drawing attention, Alicia let the blue potion bottle slip from her hand. It fell onto Garrick, shattering. The liquid spread across his body in a shimmering sheen and, almost instantly, healed his wounds.

  “Alicia, are you alright? Let’s go back,” Regis asked, concern softening her tone.

  “Yes, I am fine,” Alicia replied as if she did not have the slightest inkling of what she was doing.

  Regis gently held Alicia by the shoulder, guiding her through the crowd. Around them, eyes followed like vultures—brimming with unasked questions and silent judgment.

  “What did she do? Was that even real?”

  “Maybe it was that unstable magic crystal that broke down the barrier.”

  “But it was almost like she disappeared for a moment.”

  “Then how did she defeat Garrick’s serpent spell?”

  “I don’t know… maybe his magic just malfunctioned. We all saw it happen.”

  “And what about the healing potion. Where did she get such a strong healing potion?”

  “I don’t know, maybe ask her.”

  Regis shot a brief glance at Garrick, a flicker of curiosity crossing her mind. Why had Alicia chosen the potion to heal him instead of her own magic when she did not like seeing others in pain? She had never seen Alicia behave in such a disrupted way before.

  “Come here, come fast…” Sir Alex called, returning with a group of medics to take Garrick for full treatment.

  “All students may now return to their dorms. Class is dismissed for today,” Miss Xu announced, her voice cutting through the murmurs as the crowd began to disperse.

  ◇◇◇

  All students of Grindelwald Magic Academy were required to live on campus within the academy's dormitories, which were strictly managed under the administration’s rules and discipline.

  The dorms were divided into separate buildings for boys and girls. Each room followed a two-bed arrangement, pairing students together regardless of their background.

  Grindelwald Academy upheld a firm policy of zero tolerance for discrimination, emphasizing that every student—be they noble or commoner, wealthy or poor—must learn to live, study, and cooperate as equals.

  Noble students were permitted to bring personal attendants, but even they were bound by the academy’s restrictions. Companions were housed in separate quarters adjacent to their masters’ dorms and were forbidden from offering any form of academic assistance. Their duties were limited solely to providing general, non-scholarly support.

  .

  Regis and I still had no idea what rooms we’d been assigned to—or who our roommates would be. The anticipation was oddly nerve-wracking.

  The farther we walked down the marble corridor, the louder the voices and footsteps became. Soon, we arrived at the girls’ dormitory, an enormous mansion that towered more than twenty stories high, sprawling across a space as wide as a football field.

  We entered through the grand archway and made our way to the reception hall. Rows of chandeliers glowed with soft blue light, and portraits of famous alumni of the academy lined the walls.

  After presenting our identity cards, the woman at the desk—a stern warden in a gray robe and silver-rimmed spectacles, gave a curt nod.

  “Follow me,” she said briskly.

  We followed her up the staircase to the fourth floor. The hallways were lined with doors bearing golden number plates, each inscribed with magic circles that had different features like keeping the room preserved, dust-free, soundproof, and many others.

  The old lady warden stopped and pointed with her clipboard.

  “Room 403 has been assigned to Miss Regis,” she said. “And room 402 has been assigned to Miss Alicia.”

  “Wait—what?” Regis frowned, clearly displeased. “Why don’t we get the same room?”

  Regis looked genuinely horrified, as if I’d just been sentenced to exile.

  Before the warden could say something, a far more irritated voice cut in.

  “You have got to be kidding me… I have to share a room with this girl?”

  We turned to see Ingrid standing there, her luggage piled high on a trolley. Her blue hair shimmered like the morning sky, but her expression was pure thunder. Clutched in her hand was a card that read: Room 402.

  The warden sighed heavily, as if she’d already dealt with too many similar complaints that day. “Unfortunately, room assignments are final. There will be no changes.”

  “I object!” Regis declared. “I can’t just leave Alicia with this—mask thief!”

  “How dare you call me a thief!” Ingrid snapped, slamming her hand against her waist. “I am a duke’s daughter and a proud member of the Aenswalt family!”

  “Quiet.”

  The single word from the old dorm lady sliced through the hallway like a whip. Silence fell instantly.

  She adjusted her glasses, her eyes cold and ruthless. “You are welcome to sleep outside on the cold stone courtyard if you find the arrangement so unbearable,” she said flatly. “But the distribution of rooms will not change. You need to learn to cooperate, even if you’re sworn enemies. That is Grindelwald’s rule.”

  And without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away—her gray cloak vanishing down the staircase that spiraled into the shadows below, leaving behind the stunned silence of three girls who had no choice but to obey.

  “Fine, if that’s how it is, I guess I have no choice. Just make sure not to disturb my personal life, Miss Fifth Rank Holder… or whatever your name is.”

  “How can you talk to her like that?” Regis argued.

  “Maybe you’re right. Just don’t talk to me,” Ingrid snapped back. “I came to this school to study. If you’re here to just merry around and make friends, then give up trying with me. If you were so strong that you could break Miss Xu’s barrier, why didn’t you take part in the activity? Do you think you’re better than the rest of us, or is it just pride? One day, I will beat you and take my position back. No. I will become the top student of this academy. So don’t talk to me. Don’t come near me. Don’t look at me.”

  “Alright,” I answered, my voice small and flat. Inside, I felt disappointed to have a roommate who didn’t want me. I folded my hands and decided not to be a trouble for her.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  With that, Ingrid strode into the room, her belongings trailing behind her, and slammed the door shut, leaving us staring at the closed wood.

  “She is so rude,” Regis muttered, frowning as she shook her head in disbelief.

  Suddenly, the door swung open again.

  “And I am not the least bit interested in your mask. Just so you know.”

  Before either of us could respond, the door closed once more with a decisive click.

  “Well… whatever. Seems like I can’t stay with you… But only for this year. Next year…” Regis’s hand clutched tightly into a fist, as if she was about to have a heartbreak from the situation.

  I tried to shift her focus. “Alright. Do you know where Hana is?” I asked, glancing at Regis. It had been a long time since I’d seen her, and the evening sun was already painting long shadows across the corridor.

  “I’m not sure,” Regis said softly, “but wherever she is, she’ll be fine. I’m going to my room to unpack. Let me know if that girl tries anything.” Regis warned, her voice sharp, as if she would bite off Ingrid’s hand herself if she dared.

  I nodded, took a deep breath, and unlocked the door to Room 402 with my key.

  The room was simple but tidy. Two beds lined the walls, each accompanied by a study table and chair placed right in front of a large window from which ample light reached. A large wardrobe stood against the far wall, its polished surface reflecting the fading light.

  Ingrid sat quietly on her bed, already unpacked. A book was open on her lap, her eyes scanning the pages with complete focus. She didn’t glance at me even once, as if I weren’t even there.

  It’s not like I was expecting any kind of welcome either from my new roommate.

  Ingrid’s silence stretched on, but I decided not to let it distract me. Instead, I decided to unpack and quietly organize my things while making sure I don’t disturb Ingrid.

  From my dimensional storage, I pulled out all the luggage I had.

  “What…?”

  For a second, I heard a sharp gasp behind me, but when I turned to look, Ingrid was her usual self—quietly reading, as if nothing had happened.

  Maybe I imagined it.

  Using telekinesis, I neatly arranged everything back into its proper place. I was just about to unfasten my coat to change out of the school uniform when—

  “Wait! Are you seriously going to undress in front of me?” Ingrid’s face had gone completely red.

  So, she was paying attention.

  “Not at all,” I said calmly, taking off only my outer coat and hanging it in the wardrobe. Then, the threads around my uniform shimmered faintly, unraveling and reforming around me into a simple white dress.

  The moment the transformation completed, I caught a glimpse of Ingrid’s expression—her eyes wide, her face frozen somewhere between astonishment and disbelief, as if she’d just witnessed something impossible.

  ◇◇◇

  I can’t believe I have to share a room with that masked girl, Alicia.

  I had no idea who she really was or how she’d managed to become friends with an elven princess, of all people. And besides being a healer, what was that strange magic she used back then—the one that erased Garrick’s family magic entirely? Or the powerful potion she used to heal Garrick. I have never heard of such a thing.

  There were too many rumors swirling around her, and if I wanted to focus on my studies, it was best to stay out of trouble… and out of everyone’s sight.

  After all, I hadn’t come here for friendship—I had come to survive and make a name for myself in the academy.

  Sooner or later, she’d realize there is no benefit in associating with someone like me if she wanted to move up in life. And when that happens, she’d ignore me just like the rest, and we’d go our separate ways.

  So, there was no reason to be on friendly terms to begin with.

  I had entered the room first, unpacked my things quietly, and sat down with a book to prepare for the next day’s lessons. A few minutes later, Alicia arrived still empty-handed. I had been wondering where all her luggage was.

  For a moment, she stood there scanning the room with those calm, unblinking eyes. Even with her mask on, I could sense the faint curiosity in her expression—the slight lift of her cheeks gave it away.

  Then, without warning, she flicked her fingers. A black hollow space opened in the air, and several suitcases tumbled out.

  “What—?” I almost cried out in surprise, but quickly regained my composure. Hopefully, she hadn’t noticed. So… she could use space magic, too? Or was that some kind of magic artifact she could be using?

  Before I could recover from the shock, she waved her hand again, and the luggage unlocked with the items inside now began to float, neatly arranging itself on the shelves one by one. She can use telekinesis, too? Just who in the world was this girl?

  My curiosity got the better of me. I didn’t even notice when my book slipped from my hands and fell softly onto my lap.

  When Alicia began unbuttoning her coat and fiddling with her clothes, I froze.“Are you really going to undress in front of me?” I blurted out, unable to hide my embarrassment.

  “Of course not. Just watch,” Alicia said calmly.

  And then, before my eyes, the threads of her uniform started moving magically as if they were alive and reformed into a simple white gown that fit her perfectly.

  “You see?” Alicia smiled cheerfully.

  “Hmph…” I turned my face away, feeling utterly foolish for reacting that way. “Even if you can do that sort of magic—or whatever technique that is—you should still be careful about what you do in front of a stranger.”

  “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. And also…”

  What she has more to say?

  “Alright, say it. I’m listening,” I muttered, perhaps I went too far ignoring her than I meant to.

  “I wanted to thank you—for helping me back there, in front of the result board.”

  “So, you finally realized,” I said, trying to sound indifferent.

  “And I guess I was mistaken… thinking you wanted my mask,” she added.

  “So, you finally realized that, too. That mask does look exquisite; it must be important. Don’t you feel hot wearing it? Maybe you should take it off.”

  “I’m still not giving it to you.” Alicia cried back.

  “And I told you—I don’t want it,” I said loudly in frustration, seeing how the conversation circled back.

  Alicia looked back at me as if her world was breaking apart, still feeling threatened.

  “—Hahaha… haaahhhaaa…” I chuckled. I didn’t even know why I was laughing. It had just been so long since I felt this free while talking to someone.

  “My name is Ingrid Aenswalt,” I finally said.

  “And my name is Alicia,” she replied, her voice suddenly louder—as if she wanted to make sure I remembered it this time.

  “I already know that. You don’t have to shout. What if you disturb the students in the nearby rooms?”

  Alicia’s eyes widened in alarm, her expression instantly turning worried.

  “Hahaha—did you forget? These rooms are soundproof,” I said, unable to help a small laugh.

  Alicia let out a relieved sigh and flopped down onto her bed, as though the exhaustion of the entire day had finally caught up to her.

  “Something bothering you?” I asked, glancing at her.

  “It’s just…” Alicia said softly, staring at the ceiling. “I had a friend who came with me. She’s in the maid course, but I haven’t seen her since we arrived.”

  “If she’s in the maid course, she must have it rough,” I said. “I’ve heard it’s one of the toughest courses here. They’re probably busy right now preparing for tonight’s welcome party. I’m sure you’ll see her there.”

  “Yes… I’m sure she’ll do her best,” Alicia murmured, though her face still looked clouded.

  “What now?” I asked again, raising a brow. “You look like something’s still bothering you.”

  “If there’s a party…” she hesitated. “I don’t even know what to wear. Or what I’m supposed to do. Or how to even get there.”

  “Is that all?” I said with a small sigh. “Don’t worry—it’s not that complicated. The formal dress is basically just the school uniform, and it’s really just a big feast with all the teachers, students, and a few upperclassmen. You really don’t know anything about this school. When I was in your place and it was my first day, I had already gathered every bit of information about the academy before I even got here.” I crossed my arms proudly.

  “So you were that excited to get into this academy?” Alicia asked, tilting her head slightly.

  “Of course not!” I said quickly, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I’m not some little kid to get excited about such little things. You see, it was all part of… uh, early information gathering. You know—to get ahead of the competition.”

  Alicia blinked at me with those same wide, starry eyes.

  “Alright, okay,” I muttered, giving up under that innocent stare. “Since you’re new here, I’ll guide you to the banquet hall.”

  “…” Alicia still looked hesitant, her deep ruby eyes glancing toward me as if asking for reassurance.

  “Alright, alright,” I said, giving in. “You can bring your elf friend along, too. We’ll go together.”

  “Thank you,” Alicia said, smiling now cheerfully, nothing like the cold, eerie expression she wore earlier during the confrontation with Garrick.

  But that wasn’t what I was interested in.

  “So,” I said, leaning forward, “why don’t you tell me what kind of magic that was you used to change your dress?”

  If I could learn that, I’d never have to buy another outfit again. Think of all the money I’d save!

  Alicia paused, her gaze drifting toward the window where the setting sun painted the sky in soft gold. Maybe she was still thinking about her maid companion. But then, turning back to me with a gentle smile, she began to explain the theory behind her magic.

  ◇◇◇

  Hana could hardly contain her joy at being allowed to accompany her master to the academy. It was a dream come true for Hana to be able to serve her master even within the academy grounds of Grindelwald Magic Academy.

  But when Hana’s master’s friend, Alice, guided her to her assigned class, that joy began to feel distant.

  They arrived before a grand building made entirely of glimmering glass, standing at the center of a lush, blooming garden. The sunlight danced upon its crystal walls, casting prismatic colors across the marble path.

  “This is where your first maid class will be held,” Alice said with a gentle smile.

  Hana froze. A cold flutter ran through her chest. It was her first day too—and she would have to step into a world where she knew no one. The thought of being surrounded by strangers while her master was elsewhere filled Hana with quiet dread.

  Alice seemed to sense her hesitation. She placed a reassuring hand on Hana’s shoulder and smiled warmly.

  “Hana, don’t worry. You’ll be alright. Alicia, Regis, and I are all here—we’re cheering for you. Remember what your dream was.”

  Hana straightened her back, clutching her small satchel bag close to her chest. “I’ll do my best,” she said softly, “to become the best maid in the world for my master.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Alice said in her charismatic voice. “This is your first step, Hana. Now go—show Alicia that you’re a maid worthy of serving her, through every trial and eternity itself!”

  For a brief moment, Hana’s heart soared. The words struck her like a gust of wind—she felt as though she were standing atop a great mountain, and waves of determination crashing against her spirit like roaring tides.

  “Alright… I’ll do it!” Hana said.

  “Good girl. Now, off you go.” Alice waved cheerfully as Hana turned to leave.

  As she walked along the path, the sound of her small footsteps echoed softly against the silence of the garden.

  She cast one last glance over her shoulder.

  I wish master could be here… but she has her own class to attend. If she’s giving her best, then I must do the same. Hana thought.

  Taking a deep breath, Hana faced the tall glass structure. The only problem was that the entrance in front of her had no handle or cavity to push or slide the door.

  She hesitated, then raised her hand to knock. But the sound was swallowed instantly by the glass.

  .

  “Who’s banging on the door? Did it malfunction or something?” One of the maid students asked, hearing the sudden knock.

  The door to the greenhouse maid training class was designed to open automatically when it detects a person’s magic.

  “No, I think it’s working fine. I have never seen that girl. Could it be the new maid student who’s supposed to join today… maybe she doesn’t have magic?”

  “How disgraceful!” another voice scoffed. “A maid serving a noble without magic? How is she supposed to handle the chores or keep up with the class?”

  “She must be some stuck-up commoner girl who doesn’t know her place,” another added. “She’ll fail and run away soon enough.”

  “Yeah, right. Everyone knows this maid class is the toughest course in the entire academy. Only two percent of the students pass every year.”

  The maid students inside giggled among themselves.

  .

  “Why isn’t the door opening? I can see others sitting inside just fine… Oh, I know.”

  Hana took a step back, and the maid students inside exchanged curious glances. Guessing she had already given up?

  Then, without a second thought, Hana strode forward toward the transparent glass door.

  The maid students’ jaws dropped the moment her head, then her hands, and then her entire body touched the glass door’s surface. Is she out of her mind?

  SHRR…

  …SHRR…

  The strained groan of the glass echoed through the room, making the maid students flinch. Eyes widened as they realized the door was resisting—but Hana showed no sign of slowing.

  And then…

  …CRRRAAACKKK…

  CRRRAAACKKKKK…

  The glass shattered in a violent cascade, shards flying in all directions. Some bounced along the hall, striking the first-row students. Panic erupted. Maid students ducked under tables, screaming, but none could escape the chaos entirely.

  Through the carnage of glittering shards, Hana walked calmly to the centre of the classroom, her presence unshaken.

  “Hello,” she said brightly, turning to face everyone as though nothing had happened.

  When the last echo of the shattering glass faded, the students picked themselves up, stunned.

  “How… how is this possible?” one whispered. “That glass… It’s made of magentite!”

  “It can withstand even a dragon’s breath… or a strike from a giant adamantine golem,” another added, voice trembling. “So how…?”

  “Who… who is she?” murmured a third.

  The entire classroom seemed to hold its breath when the teacher entered.

  All the maid students rose instantly, standing at perfect attention.

  “Good morning, madam,” they chorused in unison, wearing their black maid uniform.

  “Good morning, dears…” The teacher, dressed in a pristine white maid uniform, walked gracefully down the aisle, then paused mid-sentence. “—is what I would like to say… but why do all of you look so untidy? And why,” she glanced at the shattered entrance, “is the glass door broken?”

  With a graceful clap of her hands, a pair of brooms appeared, sweeping across the entrance. Then, a pair of empty gloves like invisible hands replaced the shattered glass with a new one. The students hurried to adjust their outfits and straighten their hair under her watchful gaze.

  “Remember,” the teacher said firmly, “as maids, you must always present yourselves at your very best. Neat, poised, and ready at all times to serve your master.”

  “Yes, madam,” the students replied in unison.

  “And… who is this little one?” the teacher asked, her eyes softening as they fell upon Hana.

  “Hello, madam. I am Hana, the new student,” Hana replied, bowing deeply. For the first time, she noticed just how small she was among her peers—most of them were older by ten, or even twenty years, and taller as well.

  “Alright, Miss Hana, step forward,” the teacher instructed. “In my maid training class, we do not merely ask for your name for your introduction. I want to know—what is your resolve? What can you do for your master?”

  Hana’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected question.

  “What… what can I do for my master?” she murmured.

  “Yes. Tell us how you feel about your master, and what lengths can you go to fulfill all the wishes of your master?” the teacher asked with an expectant gaze.

  Hana took a deep breath, her small hands clasped before her chest, and lifted her gaze to meet the eyes of her classmates. Her voice trembled at first, then grew steady, filled with earnest devotion.

  “For my master,” Hana began, “I want to be by her side every single day of the year—three hundred sixty-five days, twenty-four hours a day, every minute, every second—ready to serve her at all times. I will watch her, follow her, breathe the same air she does, feel her warmth on my skin! Her smile… her scent… her every heartbeat… It’s what I live for! She is my only world I need. I wuv my master so, so much! I’ll never let anyone take her away!” This was the first time Hana spoke this much, and it was all because it was about her master and so she stuttered a bit in the end.

  She paused and looked at the other maids. In the front row, a few had tears glimmering in their eyes.

  “We were wrong about her,” one whispered.

  “She is so pure…”

  “Indeed… she is a true maid,” another added.

  “And she’s cute too!” a third murmured, smiling softly.

  The teacher nodded with approval, her lips curling into a proud smile. “Excellent, miss Hana. Please take your seat. We shall begin our lessons.”

  Hana curtsied deeply and then looked for a place to sit, where all the maids welcomed her to sit beside them.

  ◇◇◇

  DING… DING… DING.

  The loud chime of the bells echoed through the corridor, drawing our attention. I glanced out the window from my dorm room and realized night had already fallen.

  “It’s time,” Ingrid said, standing up as she buttoned her school uniform neatly. “Let’s go to the welcome-back party—or maybe this will be your first welcome party.”

  “Yes,” I nodded softly.

  After getting ready, I went to call for Regis, whose room was just next door. Her new roommate had already moved in, but for some reason, she hadn’t returned from class yet—so there was no way of knowing who she was.

  Regis looked a little uneasy when she saw Ingrid waiting at the door to escort us.

  “I just hope she doesn’t lead us into some trap—or worse, lock us in a dungeon,” Regis muttered suspiciously.

  “Someone still doesn’t trust me, it seems,” Ingrid said with a sly grin. “But look, your friend Alicia here already does.”

  Before I could react, Ingrid wrapped her arm around my shoulder, pulling me right between the two of them as she stared off at Regis.

  “Well… I think we can trust her,” I said hesitantly.

  “You see, princess?” Ingrid smiled teasingly at Regis.

  “Alright,” Regis huffed, crossing her arms. “I’ll follow you—for now.”

  When we finally reached the grand hall, it was already filled with students from every class, and more kept pouring in through the doors. The space was enormous—easily big enough to hold everyone, and yet it still buzzed with noise and excitement.

  At the entrance stood a line of maids in uniform, bowing gracefully as each student entered.

  “Welcome,” they said in unison.

  Among them, I spotted Hana. She caught my gaze and smiled warmly—as if telling me to look forward to what was about to come. I smiled back before stepping inside, careful not to disturb her while she was on duty.

  We took our seats at an empty table near the center, the hall glittering with light and the sound of chatter filling the air.

  On the stage stood the Headmaster, surrounded by the other teachers — and among them, Athena was there as well.

  The Headmaster soon took center stage, his robes fluttering slightly under the glow of the chandeliers as he began his ceremonial speech.

  “Hello, my dear students! I welcome you all back for a new semester at this great academy. I hope each of you will have an amazing term ahead — one filled with learning, growth, and wonderful memories.”

  A wave of enthusiasm rippled through the crowd as he continued, “And well, the Headmaster’s fee isn’t high enough for me to give out tiresome speeches any more than this, so without keeping you waiting—let the feast begin!”

  The Headmaster raised his hands dramatically, and the entire hall erupted in cheerful applause.

  At that moment, the doors on all sides of the hall opened, and rows of maids entered, pushing silver trolleys laden with rich dishes. The air filled instantly with the aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries.

  From the stage, Miss Fillia could be seen tyrannically tugging the Headmaster back by the arm, whispering something before he could make any more odd remarks.

  At our table, Hana appeared along with a few other maids, gracefully setting the plates before us. Her movements looked more refined as she set the food on the plates next.

  “Hana, isn’t she the master you were talking about?” one of the senior maids asked. “Why don’t you join her? You’re a student here too, after all.”

  “But… what about all the work that’s left?” Hana asked, hesitating.

  “Don’t worry,” the senior maid smiled kindly. “You’ve already done plenty for today. Sit back and enjoy the evening.”

  “Okay!” Hana said cheerfully, bowing slightly before taking a seat beside us.

  “Hana, how was your day?” Regis asked, taking a sip of her sweet drink.

  “It was wonderful!” Hana replied, her eyes shining. “I met so many amazing maids, and they even taught me the maid anthem — A Maid Does Not Fear a Demon Lord! After that, we prepared all the decorations, the candles, and even the chandeliers!”

  “It’s all beautiful,” Ingrid said, swirling her glass thoughtfully. Even she, the proud noble, couldn’t help but acknowledge Hana and everyone’s hard work.

  I looked around the grand hall, taking in the laughter, the smiles, and the music that filled the air. It felt… peaceful. Warm.

  So much had happened today—I met so many new people, learned new things, and found kindness in places I didn’t think I would.

  And all of it was thanks to one person.

  My eyes drifted back to the stage, where Athena sat among other teachers. When she noticed me looking, she raised her cup toward me with a gentle smile, as if to toast to congratulate me on this new beginning. I lifted my drink in return and smiled back.

  I continued to celebrate the end of my very first day at the academy with everyone.

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