Uncovering the Key Character

I resided in the girls' quarters, directly opposite the boys' quarters. The girls' quarters in the building were quite spacious, yet it was unexpectedly quiet.

I looked around the wide empty bookshelf beside my long rectangular desk. In contrast, Yuri's bookshelf was packed, exuding the scent of leather-bound books and paper, while the space beside it—mine—remained comparatively empty.

Even Tian Wei's shelves seemed half full with different study books and resources.

On the fourth row from the bottom, an idle book lay creased with angry stretches of lines from being fitted in the smallest suffocating places.

Yet, my most substantial resource sat comfortably on my bed with the book in front of me.

Upon opening my drawer, I was greeted by an abundance of black fountain pens.

Delighted with this find, I cheerfully selected one.

Then, I turned to the slightly discolored pages at the back of my book, where I had written details about my novel's storyline.

I read the contents of the page intently: "Year 146, the third month, fifteenth day – confirming we were both fifteen."

I had written this with a black marker, resulting in a slightly blotched and messy appearance.

It was the only pen I could find at the time. Back then, it felt like a luxury because, under Madame Gong, the other kids weren't even allowed to write.

After finishing my reading, I sighed deeply, realizing how much time it would take to complete the five stages of the state exams in The State of Mortality.

I recorded with my fountain pen that the State of Mortality consists of five stages, each containing 20 to 25 levels based on one's skill or selected discipline, such as alchemy, martial arts, or other fields. Completing this could take as long as 25 years.

I brushed away the thought and decided to write the names of almost all the individuals I knew and their supposed importance in my novel:

Initially, I suspected Luo Luo to be an unknown character, but now I believe she may have been a side character. She appeared to be quite knowledgeable, leading me to think she holds the potential to become a significant figure in the future. "Luo Luo - a potential side/supporting character. Observe further," I noted.

Then there was Ling Er. He might be an NPC or a background character; he didn't seem as prominent as Luo Luo. But things might change—I couldn't be 100% sure. I scribbled, "Ling Er - possible background character. Observe for changes."

To be honest, both of them were characters the original holder of this body was not close with. It was only due to my personality change that they became my friends.

This made me wonder if I could alter parts of my novel's storyline. However, I doubted it, knowing that the main plotline hadn't unfolded yet.

As my pen glided across the page, I felt a sense of urgency. In the beginning, I had definitely forgotten a very big fact.

When I first arrived at this school, I was certain it wasn't an important feature in my story. How could I have been so clueless?

If I analyzed the details and remembered its creation, how could I not realize that this school was the root and birthplace of many important characters?

The realization hit me hard. I had completely overlooked the significance of this place.

"How could I forget something so crucial?" I muttered to myself. The pieces were starting to fall into place, but there were still gaps in my memory.

I needed to find a way to improve my Qi Refinement to recover those lost memories. I quickly jotted down this thought, making it a priority in my plan.

Next, I noted down other characters, like Jun. Considering his prestigious background, he might be a more important character than I initially thought.

I wrote, "Jun - I should attempt to know Jun better if I want to get more clues about his character or his importance in my novel."

Lastly, Viola Song. I remembered her character vividly, though not the exact moment she entered the storyline.

It recently came back to me; it was around Chapter 20 or so when she arrived at the school later than everyone else yet was accepted into the highest Dorm as a Prima Phoenix.

Her unprecedented talent catapulted her to the top of her class. I wondered, with my existence now intertwined, would that alter anything?

She played a crucial role in the early episodes as a future member of Li Wei's inner circle.

I wrote down, "Viola Song - Important supporting character in Li Wei's inner circle. Yet to appear, may appear later on."

I realized every interaction, and every decision might change things throughout the story in unforeseen ways. I had to be careful and strategic.

With renewed determination, I closed my notebook, feeling the weight of the task ahead. My journey was just beginning, and every decision mattered deeply.

As I prepared to go for a walk, I reached for my school nightwear—a long-sleeved silk dress that flowed gracefully to my ankles, dyed in the vibrant hues of our school's colours.

Over it, I draped a cosy cardigan that bore the emblem of our academy, a symbol of pride and belonging.

A soft scarf, woven with intricate patterns, I wrapped snugly around my neck, warding off the chilly night air that seeped through the dormitory windows.

I sprang from my bed, slipped into my school shoes, and navigated the lively dormitory corridor.

It was alive with my fellow students, their nightgowns fluttering as they moved energetically, embodying the spirited essence of teenage life.

This walk was not a walk for fresh air, or to admire the array of glistening stars in the sky, and to embrace the comfort of a world with newfound hopes and to imagine the future. This was a walk with a straightforward purpose.

Instead of sleeping, I decided to tackle one of my tasks: discovering more about the characters in this novel. Finding myself in this new world has made me a braver and more proactive person.

I wanted to do everything I could to help myself and learn more about the things I didn't know.

I pulled out the white sheet of paper, which bore a slightly disheveled but legible map, and glanced to my right where the twin orange East Towers stood, home to the herbalist and botany classes.

All the dormitories were located in the North Tower, which consisted of four identical towers, each distinguished and identifiable by the large flag on each dorm representing their status. The Phoenix Dorm was notably larger than the other dorms there.

I headed toward the west towers, a familiar smaller and wider more modern tower stood in front of me.

As I climbed the steps of the immense tower, I arrived at a reception desk where a thin yet kind-looking woman stood.

"Hello, I am looking for the principal. Is there any way I can meet him?" I asked.

Her thin, bony fingers met her keyboard in a calculated response. She looked at me kindly and asked, "What dorm are you in, your name, and reason for the request to meet the principal?"

I provided my details, and she promptly picked up the elegant telephone, dialed three digits, and to my luck, received an immediate response.

The woman spoke in a sweet, low voice, each word carefully measured. She nodded, granting me permission to enter the principal's office.

Before I left, I requested something from her.

She kindly agreed, handing it to me with a warm smile and gesturing toward the now-open doors leading to the waiting room.

The waiting room, a small, neatly organized space, was just beyond the reception area. I reached the principal's office, marked by a large, imposing oak door that seemed to carry the weight of authority with it.

I knocked, and a low hum beckoned me to come inside. The rich, unsweetened leafy aroma of daffodils enveloped my senses.

I saw the principal, who had a little water spray and was affectionately tending to his flowers.

He took no notice of me, almost waiting for what I was to say to him.

Though my heart was beating unusually fast, I calmly spoke, "Principal... I have come here to make a deal with you."

Remaining turned away, seemingly oblivious to my presence, he spoke in a cheerful tone. "Ah, youngster, you may have strayed into the wrong territory. Being the top student doesn't guarantee your standing here. However, if the deal you propose is fair, I might consider listening." 

"Well... I'm not sure if the reasonable one is you or me, or maybe we're both unreasonable because I recall you made a deal which you probably shouldn't have, right?"

The principal froze, and at that moment, I sensed a sinister tension thickening in the air despite the impulsiveness of my declaration.

He spun around faster than I could blink, yet his expression starkly contrasted the oppressive atmosphere—an icy smile.

As his lips rigidly shifted from the uneasy grin, he inquired, "And how did you, a mere student, come to know of this so-called deal?"