The Grimoire Ceremony

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Morning broke over Narin, with birdsong echoing across the forested mountains. Sunlight spilled into the half-open window of the girls' shared bedroom. A crisp spring breeze drifted inside, carrying the sweet scent of dew—quickly overshadowed by something even more enticing: breakfast.

***Rumble***

Emilia's stomach roared loud enough to shake the room, stirring several other girls awake.

"Ugh, why's her tummy gotta be so loud?" one girl grumbled, burying her face under a pillow.

"At least breakfast smells ready," muttered another girl, reluctantly pushing herself upright. "We'd better hurry before Kazuya and the boys gobble it all up."

Marie rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up, glancing down at Emilia. The older girl lay sprawled out, mouth agape, drool threatening to form a small puddle. A quiet giggle escaped her as she climbed down the bunk's ladder.

Kneeling by Emilia's bed, she gently nudged her arm. "Emiliaaa~ it's time to get up," she said softly.

However, the girl didn't stir; her snores continued unfazed.

Undeterred, Marie leaned into her ear. "Don't you remember what day it is? It's Grimoire Day!" she whispered, nudging her a bit harder.

That did the trick.

Emilia's eyes shot open, and she nearly headbutted Marie as she bolted upright.

"D-Did I miss the ceremony?!" she blurted, voice cracking with grogginess. Her gaze darted around, searching for any sign of chaos.

Marie stifled a laugh. "Relax, silly. You didn't miss anything. Your tummy woke us all up, though," she teased, nodding at the other girls, all grumbling awake.

***Rumble***

Emilia's cheeks flushed. "Er... sorry," she mumbled, pressing a hand to her abdomen.

"It's fine," Marie said, grinning. "We're used to it. Besides, breakfast smells done. I guess your belly was just letting us know."

Emilia let out a sigh and sprang from her bunk with renewed energy. "The Grimoire Ceremony," she thought, excitement fluttering behind her eyes. "Everything starts today. Gods, I can't wait."

Emilia glanced down at Marie, returning the girl's smile. "Let's go get ready." Gathering her clothes, she headed for the bathroom. A cluster of sleepy-eyed girls followed, chatting softly as they filed in for a quick wash.

Once they'd freshened up, they made their way to the dining room, where the savory aroma of eggs and ham welcomed them at the doorway. Emilia, Marie, and the other girls rushed to line up, especially now that the boys had started pouring in, clamoring excitedly for breakfast.

Kazuya's voice boomed above the chatter, extolling the smell of the morning feast. He wasn't alone—several others commented on the generous fare. "They didn't have to go all out like this," Emilia thought, grabbing a tray and falling in step with the line.

Behind the serving counter stood Sister Zaria Okafor, a tall, warm-eyed woman wearing a broad smile. She ladled fluffy scrambled eggs onto Emilia's tray, followed by a thick slice of glazed ham and a neat square of buttered toast.

"Eat up, hun," Sister Zaria said in a soft, musical tone. "Don't be shy about seconds, either. There's plenty to go around."

Emilia's stomach gave an appreciative rumble.

With a grateful nod, she clutched her tray and hurried off to find a seat, Marie by her side. After all, today, of all days, they needed every ounce of energy they could get.

"So... are you really leaving today?" The girl across from Emilia asked, her tone heavy.

Emilia, mid-bite of fluffy scrambled eggs, paused long enough to swallow. "Yeah," she confirmed, nodding. "Kazuya and I want to start training with our new grimoires as soon as we get them, so we'll be ready for the Magic Knight Entrance Exams. But don't worry—we'll be back before heading to the capital. We'll need somewhere to rest and refuel after all that training."

"And where exactly are you two going?" another girl chimed in through a mouthful of food, prompting Marie to scold her.

Glancing at her ham, Emilia tapped her fork thoughtfully. "Kazuya's heading south, out on the plains, so he doesn't burn down the forest. I'm going further east—there are some ruins out that way."

One of the girls sipped her orange juice and frowned. "Why leave? Can't you just train in the usual spot?"

"We're not totally sure what spells we'll end up with right after we get our grimoires," Emilia explained, slicing into her ham. "If we accidentally unleash something massive, we'd wreck the ecosystem around here. Plus, sometimes people travel through that way so its possible we could accidentally hurt someone. Better to go somewhere remote."

"What about your punishments?" Marie piped up, hands on her hips. "You still have another few weeks before they're done."

Emilia froze, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple. "Oh yeah... I, uh..." She gulped, panic sparking in her eyes. "Sh—!"

Marie's gaze turned dangerously sharp.

"C-Crap..." Emilia corrected hastily. She forced a tight smile, inwardly cursing herself for forgetting so quickly. "I-It'll be fine. We'll get them over with and be on our way. A few weeks late to train isn't that big of a deal."

Emilia took a final bite and stood, gathering her tray. "Anyway, let's finish up. The sooner we're done, the sooner we can hit the road. I'm ready to head out." She tried to hide it, but everyone could tell how excited she was.

Kazuya was even more fired up than usual. While Emilia had already stepped outside, he was on his third breakfast tray, regaling anyone who'd listen with grand tales of how spectacular his soon-to-be grimoire would be.

Outside, Emilia stood leaning against the church's stone walls, inhaling the crisp morning air. "I hope Kazuya doesn't take too long stuffing his face," she muttered. "I want to get my grimoire before the sun's out."

Several minutes later, a clamor of voices signaled Kazuya's departure from the cafeteria. He emerged with Marie and the twin boys, Finn and Felix, trailing behind. Sister Teresa and Sister Campbell followed at a distance, keeping a watchful eye on them all.

"Alright, the ceremony starts soon, so try not to lag behind," Sister Theresa started. Looking over to Marie and the twins, she states, "I know you lot wanted to tag along, but it's quite the walk. Are you sure you want to make the journey? We're not taking the brooms."

Finn flashed a confident smile and a thumbs-up. "No worries, Sister! We'll be fine!"

"Yeah! This is easy-peasy!" his twin, Felix added with an eager nod.

Sister Campbell turned her gaze to Marie, concern evident in her gentle expression. "And what about you, Marie? Those dress shoes aren't the best for a long walk. We can run back and grab another pair if you need."

Marie shook her head, her bright smile unwavering. "It's fine, really! I don't want to slow everyone down." Without another word, she darted ahead, calling over her shoulder, "Come on, let's stop worrying about me and get moving already!"

Kazuya laughed heartily before charging after her, the twins following close behind him.

"Hey!" Sister Theresa called, her voice stern. "Stick together, all of you!"

Once everyone caught up, they noticed a gathering of other fifteen-year-olds, all buzzing with excitement—each ready to finally receive their grimoires. Families hovered around them, voices abuzz with talk of the upcoming journey to the tower.

Kazuya glanced at the hopeful faces. "Think they're planning to join the Magic Knights like us?"

"Some will try," Sister Teresa answered calmly, "but most won't succeed. The Magic Knights only take the strongest applicants—the rest are eliminated during the exam."

Emilia watched a group laughing and messing around, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm sure half of them think this is just a ticket to an easy life. But not Kazuya or me," she thought. "We have bigger plans—getting our grimoires is only the first step."

As they began their journey with the rest, locals paused their morning routines to shout encouragement.

"There they go! Good luck, everyone!" a woman called from behind a produce stand.

"May your grimoires be thick and overflowing with spells!" another vendor cheered. A fruit seller even tossed out apples to the passing crowd, hollering, "Here! For the journey—on the house!"

Emilia and Kazuya each snatched one from the air, offering quick thanks. Farther along, Mrs. Alder stepped out from her bakery with flour still dusting her apron. "Good luck, you two!" she shouted, beaming. "I can't wait to see what kind of grimoires you'll get!"

"HAH! I'm certain mine will be the largest of them all!" Kazuya called back, giving her a spirited wave.

"A grimoire's size doesn't measure its strength," Sister Theresa reminded them, "I've worked with some of the strongest knights in the land, and quite a few wielded slimmer tomes. It's what's inside that matters."

Emilia had trouble buying Sister Teresa's claim. "Fewer pages mean less room to grow." Still, it wasn't worth arguing about. She just wanted to get to the tower and claim her grimoire.

At the town gate, she used a swift flick of mana to slice her apple into neat wedges, handing them out to a few of the younger children. She herself wasn't hungry—her stomach was in knots from anticipation. Kazuya, meanwhile, plowed ahead, practically bouncing on his heels.

They left the comfort of the town and continued on the trail through the forest, the shade of the surrounding forest filtering the afternoon sun.

Emilia slowed her pace until she was beside Sister Campbell. "Thanks again for yesterday," she murmured, just loud enough for the nun to catch. "You didn't get in too much trouble, did you?"

Sister Campbell offered a kind smile. "It's nothing. Sister Theresa was easy on me."

"So... what'd she stick you with?"

"Oh, latrine duty," Sister Campbell replied lightly. "Nothing new for me."

Emilia cringed. "Sorry," she said quietly. "I'll try to be more careful when I start training with my grimoire. I can't afford more delays, anyway." Her gaze flicked forward to Kazuya, who was entertaining the children. "Can't speak for him, though."

"As long as you two come back in one piece, I'll be happy," Sister Campbell said, her tone sincere.

Up ahead, Marie struggled to keep pace, her steps faltering despite her best efforts. She tried to mask her limp, but to Emilia, it was obvious. With a quiet sigh, she quickened her stride, quickly catching up.

"Should've just grabbed another pair," Emilia thought, shaking her head as she fell in beside her. "Hey. Want me to carry you?" she offered.

Marie's brow furrowed, uncertain, but relief sparked just as quickly. "If it's not too much trouble..." she whispered.

Bending down, Emilia hoisted the small girl on her back before continuing ahead.

Now perched on Emilia's shoulders, she could see a break in the trees up ahead. "I think we're getting close!" she called, voice bubbling with excitement.

The words sent a thrill through Emilia, and she quickened her steps. Before long, Kazuya and the twin boys tore after them at full speed.

"Please stay together!" Sister Theresa hollered from behind, though her plea went unnoticed as the kids stampeded forward. Sister Campbell only giggled at the sight while the elderly nun let out an exasperated groan.

The moment they crossed the treeline, a clearing came into view. Atop was a stone tower that rose on the hill in the distance. Emilia and Kazuya exchanged a charged glance—this was it.

"I challenge you to a race, Emilia!" Kazuya boomed.

She shot him a confident smirk. "Loser does the other's punishment chores for the day."

"Deal!" he shouted, taking off in a blur before she could reply. Felin and Finn quickly followed behind him.

Emilia rolled her eyes, securing her grip on Marie. "Hang on tight," she warned, a playful note in her voice. The little girl wrapped her arms around Emilia's neck, eyes shining with anticipation.

In an instant, a frigid flash engulfed them. Emilia's mana spiked, and they blinked forward, reappearing several strides ahead of Kazuya—and everyone else.

As soon as the flash of blue dissipated, Emilia continued her sprint, climbing the hill's steep path.

"You okay, Marie?" she asked in between breaths, glancing up.

Marie looked slightly dizzy but beamed. "I-I'm fine. That was fun! Again! Again!" she cheered.

Emilia smirked. "You better hold on tight," she warned, just as another flash of cold light enveloped them. Marie clung to her with a delighted squeal as they vanished and reappeared rapidly, covering ground instantly.

With a final blink, they landed at the foot of the tower's worn cobblestone steps. Moments later, Kazuya barreled up the hill, breathless, with the others trailing behind him, panting and out of sorts.

Catching his breath, he pointed an accusatory finger at Emilia. "You cheated, using your blink like that!" he panted, voice edging on a whine.

Emilia shrugged him off. "Stop complaining, Moleface. You never said magic was off limits."

Sister Theresa stepped forward, having caught up with the rest, "Alright, enough bickering. Now that everyone's here, let's head inside. It'll be crowded, so keep close; I don't want anyone getting lost."

Following her orders, everyone fell into a tight group and climbed the steps.

At the top, a broad stone platform bloomed with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, contrasting with the tower's weathered stone. Yet no one lingered to admire it—all eyes locked onto the massive wooden doors, swung wide to welcome the steady stream of hopefuls inside.

Emilia's breath hitched as they entered. Towering shelves of grimoires stretched toward the circular glass pane above, where soft light cascaded through, illuminating the air thick with the scent of ancient parchment and the quiet hum of dormant magic. A grand stage loomed at the front of the chamber, centered around an ornate podium. Behind it stood an elder mage, his presence commanding. His sharp gaze swept across the crowd, his robe adorned with arcane symbols that spoke of a lifetime dedicated to mastering magic.

"Attention, everyone! Attention, Please!" he began, his tone commanding yet imbued with a sense of gravitas.

The room fell into a hush, with everyone focusing on the elder.

"Thank you," he continued, a slight nod accentuating his words. "Now, I'm sure you all are eager to receive your grimoires, but before we get to that, I'd like to impart some wisdom."

He cleared his throat. "The grimoire you will receive today is not just a tool; it is a companion, a reflection of your soul and potential," he began, his tone imbued with the moment's gravity. "It will grow with you, challenge you, and guide you as you walk the path of a mage."

Emilia listened intently, her heart beating in rhythm with the mage's words. The significance of what he was saying wasn't lost on her or those around her. This was more than just a ceremony; it was a sacred bond being formed between mage and grimoire.

"The journey you embark upon today involves endless learning and discovery. You will face challenges that will test your resolve, courage, and wisdom," the elder mage continued. "But remember, the strength of a mage is not measured merely by their magical prowess, but by their character, heart, and will to persevere."

As his words washed over the assembled aspirants, a sense of solemnity and purpose settled over the room. However, some in the crowd didn't take his words seriously, snickering amongst themselves.

Eyeing them, Emilia quickly noticed their expensive attire. "Typical nobles..." she thought with disdain.

"...In a moment, you will each be called to receive your grimoire. Embrace it with an open heart and an open mind. Let it be your guide as you carve your own path toward your future," the elder mage concluded, his eyes twinkling with pride and hope.

His final words hung in the air, and the room tensed with anticipation. Every eye locked onto the towering shelves as the grimoires began to stir one by one. Glowing with vibrant auras of mana, they illuminated the chamber in a mesmerizing dance of light.

Then, as if guided by fate, the books drifted from their shelves, descending toward their destined owners.

Emilia watched in awe, her heart pounding. What kind of grimoire would she receive? Would it be as grand as she imagined? Excitement and uncertainty swirled within her as the books continued their graceful descent.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as intense heat and a fiery glow filled the room, drawing all eyes to Kazuya. His grimoire descended like a blazing star, its presence overshadowing the other magical lights. The tome was hefty and commanding, its cover adorned with swirling flames that converged around a bold red clover emblem—a testament to his raw power and affinity.

In that moment, Kazuya, typically so full of life and jest, was struck by a profound awe. His eyes sparkled with wonder as he reached out to receive the thick book. It floated into his hands, a silent yet powerful exchange signifying the formation of a deep bond.

Emilia smiled, ready to congratulate Kazuya, but the words died on her lips as the atmosphere shifted.

A flash of brilliant, icy light suddenly enveloped the space, its chill permeating every corner. From the heart of this ethereal glow, a grimoire descended gracefully towards Emilia, its light dimming to reveal its exquisite design.

The grimoire that presented itself to Emilia was strikingly different from Kazuya's. It boasted a regal royal blue cover, adorned with intricate patterns in lustrous white metal and dotted with white gemstones of all different sizes, adding a noticeable weight to the tome. The pages felt as smooth as the finest silk and had a faint blue hue to them. Even the little inking within was exquisitely written, adding to its sense of nobility and grandeur.

Kazuya couldn't contain his excitement as he ogled the shiny tome. "Woah, Emilia, yours is all fancy! It's really cold to the touch, too!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement as he poked her grimoire.

Emilia's demeanor softened into a look of mild bewilderment. "Yeah... maybe a little too fancy." She gazed down at the grimoire, her expression uncertain.

The design wasn't what she'd anticipated. She imagined a grimoire that'd reflect her personality, much like Kazuya's, adorned with red flame motifs, perfectly encapsulating his fiery and energetic character. Instead, her grimoire seemed to tell a different story—one of elegance and high society, qualities she didn't identify with at all. The thought that it might give others the impression of her being a royal or someone of high class irked her.

Meanwhile, Marie and the other children greet the scene. They clap and cheer, celebrating the momentous occasion as each of their peers receives their magical tomes.

The arrival of Emilia's elegant grimoire stirred a variety of reactions in the room. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd, painting the faces of those present with admiration and envy. Some gazed at Emilia with respect, their eyes wide with wonder, while others lamented the seeming plainness of their magical tomes.

However, amidst the mixed reactions, a distinct group stood out: the royals from earlier, their attire, posture, smirks, and disdainful glances focused on Emilia.

"Such a lavish grimoire is wasted on someone of her stature," one of them sneered. "It belongs in the hands of true nobility, not a mere commoner who can barely comprehend its worth."

Another chimed in, his voice laced with scorn, "Exactly. It's an insult to magic itself that you, of all people, should possess something so exquisite."

Emilia clenched her fists at their words. She fought to maintain her stoicism, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of seeing her ruffled.

With disdain, one of the royals remarked loudly enough for everyone to hear, "And just look at her and that ridiculous armor! She's dressed more like a man than a girl. How utterly repugnant and confusing. Can't decide what she wants to be?"

Another joined in, laughter in his voice but cruelty in his eyes. "Quite the spectacle, isn't it? Parading around in men's attire, as if she's lost all sense of decency. What a disgrace to proper womanhood."

Despite the remarks, Emilia kept walking, determined not to give some stuffy noble the satisfaction of seeing her rattled. As tempting as it was to pound their smug faces into the dirt, she had better things to do—like training with her grimoire. Stowing it carefully away, Emilia spun on her heel and headed back to her group, Kazuya quickly falling into step beside her.

"Ignore us all you want, peasant!" sneered a voice dripping with contempt. "It doesn't change the truth!"

"Yeah, crawl back to whatever hole you came from, worm!" added another.

"And take that foreign bastard with you!" a third spat venomously. "Filthy outsider shouldn't even be allowed a grimoire!"

Emilia's footsteps slowed, muscles tensing. From the moment Kazuya had arrived, he'd faced constant ridicule—from his robes to his accent, nothing was spared from their scorn. Yet, despite it all, he smiled as brightly as ever.

But just because he could shrug it off didn't mean she could. Every insult hurled his way set her blood boiling.

She started to turn, bracing for a fight—until Kazuya stiffened his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't give them the satisfaction, Emilia," he murmured, unusually calm and steady. "We've got better things to do. Let's head home," he gave his usual smile, adding, "You've got a brand-new grimoire to master, right?"

She exhaled slowly, forcing her anger down. "Yeah... you're right." Casting one last glare at the voices behind them, she smirked. "Let's go."

Rejoining the group, Sister Teresa nodded in approval. "Good on you both for ignoring those loudmouths," she said, giving Emilia and Kazuya a brief but meaningful look. "They're not worth your energy."

Felix piped up, "You guys could've beaten them easily anyway!" His brother nodded, eager agreement on his face.

"Now, now," Sister Teresa began, her tone shifting. "Let's head back. You two still have pews to dust, and the dining room floors need re-scrubbed."

"Ah, about that..." Emilia said with a slight shrug.

On their way out of the tower, Emilia explained to Sister Teresa about the bet—how Kazuya was covering her chores for the day since she'd won the race. Though the elderly nun looked hesitant, she eventually relented. Now with extra time, Emilia was determined to use it wisely. She was going to squeeze in some early training with her new grimoire.

Emilia slipped her grimoire into the carrier bag around her waist as they walked, finally giving it some use. She had saved up for weeks to afford it, brushing off every suggestion to wait until she received her grimoire. After all, she had been convinced her book would be massive, requiring a large, sturdy carrier to hold it.

Now she regretted that decision. While her grimoire was thick, it wasn't nearly big enough to fit snugly inside. It bounced awkwardly with each step, feeling unsecured despite the strap. With a frustrated sigh, she gave up and pulled it out, opting to carry it in her hands instead.

"Damn it... wasted my Yul for nothing," she grumbled under her breath.

Without warning, she yanked the satchel off and tossed it at Kazuya.

"Think fast, Moleface!"

Kazuya instinctively caught it, blinking in surprise. "Huh? What's this for?"

"It's too big for my grimoire, so it's useless to me," she said casually. "No point in tossing it when someone else could actually use it."

"Aww, isn't that sweet of you," Sister Campbell cooed.

A faint blush crept up Emilia's face. "Tch—it's nothing special," she muttered. "I just hate wasting things."

Kazuya's face lit up with a brilliant grin. "HAH! A most generous gift, my friend!" he bellowed, eagerly fastening the carrier around his waist. "I shall treasure it as though it were forged by the Gods themselves!"

Emilia snorted, shaking her head. "Just don't burn it, Moleface."

When they finally returned to the church, Emilia wasted no time. When they entered the courtyard, she whirled around and announced to the nuns, "I'll be at the usual spot!"

Kazuya, saddled with her share of daily chores, could only watch as she sprinted off, Sister Theresa's voice echoing after her. "Be careful! And try not to level the forest!"

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Emilia blinked once, twice—each burst of mana propelling her farther away. A few onlookers chuckled knowingly. After all, she and Kazuya had just gotten their grimoires. It was only natural she'd be this eager.

By the time anyone thought to object, she was already out of sight, zooming beyond the town limits and vanishing among the trees.

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At the familiar clearing, Emilia laid a hand on her new grimoire. Though its silky pages appeared blank, she felt its potential resonate with her magic the second she opened it. Heart thrumming, she let her mana surge through.

Suddenly, a soft, icy light flared at the center of the page. Startled, Emilia watched words weave themselves across the parchment—a brand-new spell forming before her eyes. Wisps of chilling fog drifted from the tome's edges, rime crystallizing at her feet, testimony to the power swirling within.

She inhaled sharply, eyes locked on the freshly revealed script. This... this is it, she thought, excitement mingling with nerves. Her gloved hand trembled slightly, fingertips grazing the shimmering text. "My first real spell..."

Once the glowing text in her grimoire stopped shifting, Emilia leaned in, studying the newly formed spell and the intricate designs beneath it.

"Looks like this spell revolves around magic blades..." she murmured, running a fingertip over the inscription. "Summons swords that obey the caster's commands." A grin tugged at her lips. "Sounds similar to my usual Ball of Light—just... more advanced. Still, I should test it before making any assumptions."

She turned toward a nearby tree. Taking a steady breath, she shut her eyes and channeled her mana into the grimoire's pages. The words glimmered, and in a pulse of chilly light, several ethereal blades materialized overhead, each angled toward the trunk.

"Huh. They look exactly like the sword I use in sparring," Emilia observed, letting her curiosity guide her. She fed the spell more mana; the blade count increased from three to six, each sword shimmering with frosty mist.

A thrill sparked in her chest. "Fuck yeah!" she thought, heart pounding. "How many can I create?" Without hesitation, she poured more mana into the spell.

One by one, more swords appeared until a dozen floated in the air, their tips gleaming with cold light. Emilia's eyes locked on the tree, and she raised her hand in a decisive motion. The blades shot forward in unison, leaving thin trails of icy fog behind them. All twelve struck dead center, the impact cracking the trunk before sending the tree toppling with a resounding thud.

"Their tracking's way snappier than my usual attacks," Emilia remarked, eyeing the spot where the tree once stood. "That, and it's much faster than that ball of light I fired at Kazuya the other day." She paused, remembering how it split into multiple orbs mid-flight. "Actually... what happens if I run it through my grimoire?"

Without a second thought, she stretched out her hand. The tome immediately responded, pages glowing with a cold, bluish light. As she summoned her usual ball of light, it formed larger and more intense than ever—pulsating with a restless energy she hadn't seen before.

"Woah," she murmured, a slow grin curving her lips. "It's so much denser than before..."

Her gaze flicked to another cluster of trees. "Let's see if I can split it up and hit each one. If I remember correctly, I could only break it into three projectiles. Wonder if that number's changed now..."

Emilia paused, taking one more steadying breath before hurling the oversized ball of light at a distant tree. As with her newly summoned blades, the spell felt more responsive, snapping to her will in a way it hadn't before. The moment it neared its target, she triggered the split. Instead of just three projectiles, eight smaller spheres darted off, each smashing into a tree, toppling all of them in a chain of loud cracks.

She stifled a squeal, already forming another old spell to see how it measured up when channeled through her grimoire. Sure enough, the results were amplified. But when she cast them on her own, they remained as before.

Her eyes narrowed as she realized one more thing: "It's taking longer to cast through the grimoire." She grimaced. "That's a problem... I can't risk downtime in a real fight, or an opponent will use it against me... And if I can't keep up, I'll never land a hit on that Vetto bastard."

With that singular goal in mind, Emilia poured her energy into honing the new and old spells, doing everything possible to shave down her casting times and to increase their effectiveness. 

The swords tore through the clearing, slicing down trees, and her massive balls of light tore through the remaining vegetation. Before long, most of the surrounding area flattened and a bit frosty as her mana chilled the space. 

A swirl of nausea rumbled in her gut, the telltale warning of mana fatigue. Still, she pushed on, conjuring one final volley of blades—over twenty ethereal swords that shot out in sweeping arcs. This time, she tried splitting them into smaller groups, each group aimed at a different tree. They slammed into the dwindling survivors of the forest, every impact punctuated by the resounding crack of breaking wood.

Emilia stood there, chest heaving, the frosty mist of her mana still swirling around her feet. Her eyes shone with an icy resolve, even as her body trembled with the aftershocks of overexertion. She took a step forward, readying her grimoire again. However, a massive dizzy spell nearly toppled her over. "A-Alright, I think that's enough for today," she thought, steadying herself. "I'm one spell away from mana down, and I really don't need that right now."

Gingerly lowering herself onto the frosted grass, she felt the chill soak through her bottom, but she was too drained to care. "I'll just... relax here until I can walk straight, then I'll head back," she decided, releasing a shaky breath.

Once the world stopped spinning, Emilia finally glanced around at the ruined clearing and felt a pang of regret. Throughout the debris, she could make out a few small creatures, lifeless victims of her unrestrained spells. "Damn..." she whispered, her gaze lingering on the fallen animals. "I should've been more careful. They didn't deserve to get caught in the crossfire."

She sighed. "At least the scavengers will eat well tonight," she muttered bitterly, brushing stray leaves from her lap. "I can only imagine how much worse it'd be if Kazuya and I both went all out here. We'd probably level the entire forest..."

Emilia sat in silence, her gaze fixed on the sky above. The sun dipped behind the mountains, and a cool evening breeze whispered through the remaining trees. Yet, she didn't mind; her magic naturally ran chilly, and years of training had left her numb to most lower temperatures. Even so, she still preferred the opposite.

"In just a few weeks, I'll be returning home..." The thought sent a shiver down her spine, far colder than any wind. It had been so long, and she had no idea how she would react once she set foot there again. Memories she'd fought to bury began to surface—bloodstained images and hollow eyes, her friend William's twisted grin before he—

She forced a trembling breath, feeling her pulse spike. "Calm down... relax, Emilia..." she whispered inside her head, willing her body to obey.

Slowly, the rushing panic receded, but not without leaving her shaken.

"Tch!" She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. "I thought I was over these damned panic attacks." Her face hardened. "If I can't handle this without freaking out, I might as well give up on becoming a Magic Knight." Her eyes clouded for a moment, shame seeping in. "I mean, who'd want a knight who can't keep herself in check?"

Her stomach let out a thunderous growl, interrupting her thoughts.

With a groan, Emilia rose to her feet. "I'd better get back. Dinner should be ready by the time I'm home," she mused, brushing off the lingering chill from her earlier panic.

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Right on cue, the scent of meatloaf wafted through the monastery's entryway. "Gotta hurry up and bathe," she muttered. "Moleface loves Meatloaf Day. If I'm not quick, he'll scarf it all down."

Of course, slipping into a steaming bath made it tough to leave. Sinking into the water, Emilia nearly forgot about dinner—until her stomach grumbled again. Reluctantly, she peeled herself away from the bath, hastily dressed, and dashed toward the cafeteria.

In her rush, she nearly bowled over a couple of startled kids, and by the time she reached the dining room, she saw trays of meatloaf rapidly dwindling—but fortunately, there was still enough left for her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Kazuya at a table, devouring his fifth helping.

"Where does it all go?" she sighs.

Feeling her gaze, Kazuya grinned and waved her over. Emilia huffed and rolled her eyes before trudging over to plop down beside him, her stomach determined to catch up with his.

"Emi! Emi!" Finn started excitedly, "You should've seen it!"

"Seen what?" she asked, an eyebrow arching in mild curiosity.

"HAH! That would be my incredible new spell!" Kazuya boomed, finishing the last of his meatloaf. He clapped his hands clean, then practically thrust his grimoire under Emilia's nose, forcing her to lean back.

"Behold!" he declared, "I can now fuse my flames into my very robes! And I don't burn them to ash, either. This means pesky gnats like you will find it all the more difficult to close in on me!"

Emilia's eyebrow twitched.

"It was super cool!" Felix squeaked, eyes shining. "My brother and I saw the whole thing!"

The other boy nodded vigorously. "Uh-huh! It got really, really, really hot, so some of the nuns had to help cool us off."

Emilia cast a wry glance at Kazuya. "Really now, Moleface? I'm surprised you didn't burn the church down."

Kazuya set the grimoire aside and puffed out his chest. "HAH! Fear not, Emilia. Sister Theresa and the others were on standby! Under her tutelage, I honed my technique to near perfection. I'm sure I'll have it mastered in a week's time. Though, I must admit," his tone dropped to a slightly dramatic hush, "she's quite the strict instructor!"

"Yeah, I can picture that," Emilia said, taking a hearty bite of her meatloaf. "I'm sure she had her hands full trying to keep you in check."

The twins both snickered. "She kept thwacking him on the head whenever he messed up or went too far." said Finn.

"But you know what's even funnier?" the other twin added with a mischievous grin, "it ended up hurting her more than Kazuya. Her hand got all swollen from whacking him so much."

Emilia smirked. "Figures. With that thick skull of his, I'm surprised she didn't break her hand outright."

"My skull's thickness merely proves how formidable my body is!" Kazuya proclaimed, thumping a fist against his chest with fiery pride. "HAH! If Sister Theresa had struck my roaring muscles long enough, the outcome would've been exactly the same! I'm that amazing! HAHAHA!"

"Aww, man, I want muscles too!" Isaac whined, his eyes lighting up at Kazuya's bold display.

"Me too!" his twin echoed while Emilia quietly devoured what remained of her meatloaf.

"Worry not, my young friends! All you need is diligent training!" Kazuya exclaims as he flexes his left bicep at them.

"Like how you and Emilia do it?" one asked, a hopeful lilt in his voice.

"Should we fight then?" the other added excitedly.

"No," Emilia cut in, swallowing the last bite of her meal. "You two are way too young for anything like our routine. Start small—help out around the monastery, carry things for people, but nothing too heavy that might hurt you. Eat well, and over time, you'll grow stronger. Once you're older, then you can tackle proper weight training."

The brothers exchanged crestfallen glances, but one perked up again, pressing, "Why can't we just do super light weights right now?"

"Yeah! Wouldn't that be faster?" his sibling insisted.

Emilia shook her head as she set her utensils down. "Even the lightest weights wouldn't be safe for you yet. Give it a few more years, and you should be good to go. No need to rush."

"Where are the weights anyway?" one of them asked, scanning the cafeteria as though expecting barbells to appear by magic.

"Sister Eulalia keeps them locked up, along with other important gear," Emilia explained. "But she'd just turn you away if you tried to borrow them right now. Believe me, she'd say the same thing I just did."

"Oh, Emila, did you receive any new spells while you were out?" Kazuya inquired, his eyes glinting as the girl stood up, empty tray in hand.

The twin boys perked up, nodding eagerly.

Emilia let a slight smirk curl at her lips. "Your fancy little flame clothes might be impressive, but I now have magic swords like the one I use during our spar. But this time, I can summon them as projectiles- up to twenty at once, slicing across multiple targets. They're way faster than my old light spheres—and a lot more lethal," she added, shooting Kazuya a look that practically screamed top that.

Kazuya's eyes sparkled with competitive fervor. "Impressive, but let's see how they match up against my flame armor next time we spar!" His voice was thick with challenge and excitement.

Emilia's smirk widened. "You're on, but don't blame me when you end up flat on your back again."

"How about we settle it right now?" Kazuya proclaimed, grabbing his grimoire with a flourish. "HAH! Let's have a quick bout and see whose new spell reigns supreme!"

The boys perked up immediately, ready to chase after them to wherever the duel might unfold. Their excitement, however, was short-lived as Emilia shook her head.

"As much as I'd love to drag you through the dirt, I'm too wiped out to bother," she said flatly. "In case you haven't noticed, my mana's practically scraping the bottom right now."

Kazuya froze, then laughed heartily, clapping his book shut. "HAH! Fair enough. There'll always be next time, Emilia!"

"Yeah," she agreed, a slight grin forming. "Count on it."

With that, Emilia turned on her heel, offering a casual wave over her shoulder. "I'm calling it a night, Moleface. Gotta crash early." A faint yawn slipped out as she walked off. "Goodnight, guys."

"Sleep well, Emilia! After all, you'll be joining me to resume our punishment starting tomorrow!" Kazuya called out.

Emilia groaned as she entered the girl's room. "Yeah, yeah... thanks for reminding me, ugh."

Slipping out of her clothes, Emilia flopped into bed, exhaustion hitting her like a ton of bricks. She rested well that night.

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Unfortunately, the following day brought no mercy—Sister Theresa roused her and Kazuya at the crack of dawn to begin their hell.

First came the floors. It might've been tolerable if not for people constantly coming in and out, forcing them to re-clean what they'd just finished. Afterward, there were the pews to dust, which took forever—immaculate was the standard, so they had to redo them multiple times. Finally, when that ordeal ended, heaps of laundry awaited them.

Their only breaks came in a few spare hours here and there, just enough to sneak in some basic grimoire practice nearby. Thankfully, the two weeks passed in a blur, and before they knew it, they stood at the church's entrance, toting small bundles of belongings.

"I'm still not keen on you two sleeping outside alone," Sister Campbell said softly. "Stay alert for wildlife, and watch out for highwaymen. It can be dangerous out there."

"They'll manage," the elderly nun chimed in, giving a reassuring nod. "If these two can handle all my chores and all their crazy training, they can certainly handle a few lowly thugs. After all, they're on their way to becoming Magic Knights, aren't they?"

"Right!" Kazuya chimed in, his voice brimming with fiery excitement. "Anyone foolish enough to interrupt our training will face the ultimate consequences!"

"Ain't that the truth," Emilia added, her tone worryingly eager. "Though I wouldn't mind some live target practice," she said, practically licking her lips at the idea.

A small group of children had gathered around, their eyes wide and filled with sadness at the thought of Emilia and Kazuya leaving. Some were already getting teary, clearly struggling to hold back their emotions.

Emilia waved them off gently, promising they'd return to rest before heading to the capital. But it didn't help much once Kazuya started openly bawling, prompting some of the kids to join in. Thankfully, Marie quickly stepped in to calm everyone down before it turned into a complete sob fest.

"Thanks, Marie," Emilia said gratefully. She turned back toward the others, a faint smirk appearing. "Alright, we really need to get going. Kazuya and I have a lot of training to do if we're going to stand a chance at the Magic Knight Exams." Her expression turned playful. "Behave yourselves—or else I'll have to come back and whip you into shape personally."

The children nodded eagerly, wiping their tears away as Emilia and Kazuya each grabbed a broom from the wooden bin by the door.

Flying was an essential skill for any aspiring Magic Knight, and though Sister Theresa had managed to teach them the basics, her other duties left them mostly to train on their own.

That wasn't a problem for Emilia as it came naturally—she'd easily mastered it from day one.

Kazuya, on the other hand, was another story. The first few times he tried channeling his mana through a broom, it caught fire and turned to ashes. Without Sister Theresa's careful guidance, he might have burned through half a dozen brooms before finding the right balance.

Even so, Kazuya never quite got over his fear of heights, and he'd rather trek on foot any day. Emilia had repeatedly tried to coax him into conquering that fear, but so far, no luck. She supposed it was yet another thing he'd have to "push past his limits" to overcome.

As they stepped outside, a small crowd gathered to greet them. Emilia and Kazuya exchanged steady glances, fists bumping in a silent display of resolve. The early sun silhouetted them, its golden rays stretching across the cobblestones.

"Remember to push past your limits, Kazuya," Emilia said, her voice quiet but firm.

He grinned, eyes shining with that familiar fiery spirit. "Of course! My flames will burn ever brighter once I return!" he declared, voice echoing with conviction. "Still, I'd say the same to you—though I doubt you need reminding!"

"Obviously not," Emilia said flatly.

"Oi! Don't push yourselves to the point of collapse!" Sister Theresa warned as she stood at the door, wagging a finger. "If you end up mana down out there, you'll be sitting ducks with no one around to help!"

Emilia glanced over at her, shrugging. "Yeah, we'll keep that in mind. I'm not about to miss out on training because I got sick, anyway."

Hopping onto their brooms, they waved to the group below one last time before shooting off in opposite directions.

True to form, one zoomed away at breakneck speed while the other took a more measured, cautious path—his fear of heights keeping his broom's pace in check.

As Emilia soared through the morning sky, she glanced back one last time, a determined glint in her eyes. "The next time you all see me, I'll be so much stronger..." Her thoughts trailed off as her anxiety grew, "...in more ways than one, hopefully."

Her nerves momentarily calmed as the crisp morning air reached her. The scent of dew and fresh earth grounded her, if only for a fleeting moment.

Unfortunately, it didn't last.

As the mountains parted in the distance, she could see the ruins of her old home—an empty husk that once held laughter, warmth, and love, now reduced to rubble.

Her hands clenched tighter around her broomstick. A tremor ran through her limbs, and her flight wavered. The broom dipped sharply, nearly throwing her off balance.

"Shit!" she hissed, forcing herself to steady both the broom and the storm brewing inside her. Her breath came quicker, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. The ghosts of the past loomed in the distance, waiting to swallow her whole.

"No," she muttered, jaw tightening. "Come on, Emilia. You can do this."

She exhaled sharply, her grip tightening. "Once you conquer this, there'll be nothing stopping you."

She surged forward with an anxious yet determined face, pushing past the hesitation. Her broom cut through the morning sky with renewed speed, her target locked—the front gate of the place she used to call home.

The moment she landed, she stood frozen in place. The once-vibrant streets of Droggo were nothing more than lifeless ruins, the skeletal remains of homes and shops looming like gravestones.

Her legs trembled, but she forced herself forward, her boots crunching over debris as she made her way deeper into the heart of the village. Each step felt heavier than the last.

"My god... did anyone survive?" she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

Then she saw it.

Dried blood splatters covered the deserted streets. As she pressed on, Emilia stopped short at one particularly large stain. A shudder ran through her when she recognized the spot.

"This is where I was forced to..." Panic seized her chest, memories rushing in unbidden. "Damian and the others—I didn't like them much, but they still didn't deserve to die."

Breath shaky, she tore her gaze away, forcing herself to keep going. She quickened her pace along the abandoned road. And then she saw it.

The old store still stood amidst the destruction.

"I'm surprised it's still here..." she muttered.

Her gaze lowered, scanning the dirt path beneath her feet. Her eyes widened and her mouth parted slightly.

This was the spot. The very place where she was forced to fight her own mother. The very place where she—

Emilia's breath came in short, shallow bursts. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms. The metallic taste of bile rose in her throat, but she swallowed it down.

She could still hear her mother's voice. The warmth in it, the fear, the pain-

Shaking off the memory, she gritted her teeth, "No."

Not now. She wasn't here to drown in the past. She was here to face it.

Taking a shaky breath, Emilia took another step forward. Her eyes locked on the shop as memories clawed at the edges of her mind, daring her to relive them.

Inside, the air was thick with dust and decay, but the sight of the dried blood spatters on the wooden floor made her stomach churn.

And then it hit her.

The image of him.

William.

That twisted, haunting smile—far too wide, far too wrong—as he dragged the blade across his own throat. The gleeful glint in his eyes even as blood poured from the wound, staining everything around him.

Emilia's entire body went rigid, her pulse pounding against her skull.

She could still hear it—the gurgling, the wet sound of his collapse, the way his body hit the ground with a sickening thud.

Her vision blurred, and the room warped. She could smell it again—the blood, which filled her nostrils with a metallic smell.

Her breaths quickened. Too fast.

Too shallow.

"No! No! No!"

Her hand shot up to grip her arm, nails digging into her flesh, grounding herself. "C-Come on, Emilia! You can master this! You have to push past your limits!" she yelled at herself.

She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing the image out, forcing herself back into the present. She was still standing in the old store when she opened them again. The blood was dried, and the room was silent.

Exhaled shakily, Emilia forced her body to move forward.

She wasn't here to break. She was here to conquer.

Emilia stepped carefully, her boots barely making a sound against the creaking floorboards. She avoided the bloodstains as best she could, but she could still feel the weight of their presence.

She moved behind the counter, her stomach tightening as her eyes landed on another dried pool of blood, darker than the others, seeping into the wood. The spatter on the adjacent wall sent a shiver down her spine.

"Pete..." Her jaw clenched. "This is where Vetto killed him."

Her fingers curled into fists. She swallowed hard, her gaze lingering on the stain. "Hopefully, it was quick."

She forced herself to move past it, stepping into the small back room where she and her mother had lived.

Her heart pounded against her ribs. "Home..."

Emilia let out a slow breath, steadying herself as she stepped further into the wreckage. "Gods, they tore through everything..."

Her boots crunched against broken glass and splintered wood as she made her way through the ruins of her childhood. Tables were overturned, cabinets ripped from their hinges and shattered dishes scattered across the floor like discarded memories. It was chaos, frozen in time.

"They must've searched top to bottom for that gemstone." The thought sent a flicker of rage through her chest. "Was it even worth it to them? To slaughter a whole village for a damn rock?"

Pushing forward, she ascended slowly, keeping her breathing even. The upstairs was worse. The doors to the bathroom, her mother's room, and her own had all been obliterated, reduced to shattered wood and twisted hinges.

Her feet carried her toward her room first.

The sight made her stomach twist.

A gaping hole where her bedroom wall had once stood yawned open, allowing the cool evening air to flow freely through. The elements had long since claimed the space, staining the floor with dirt and rain. Her bed was overturned, and the frame was bent and broken.

Stepping in, she carefully picked through what remained. The dresser had been emptied, its contents strewn across the floor, now caked in dust and grime. Her books lay scattered, pages warped from moisture, ink smudged beyond recognition.

Sighing, she turned away. "There's nothing left for me here."

Leaving her ruined room behind, she stepped toward her mother's doorway, stopping just before entering.

"The only times I was ever allowed in here were when I had nightmares." A small, fleeting smile tugged at her lips. "Mom would let me crawl into bed with her until I fell asleep. She always made everything feel safe..."

But as her gaze swept over the wreckage inside, her smile faded.

The room was just as trashed as hers—drawers overturned, furniture broken, personal belongings scattered carelessly. The only difference was that the walls were still intact.

Her stomach twisted. "Now it's nothing more than a reminder of what I've lost." Her face then hardened. "This is the perfect place for me to stay while I train here."

Tossing her belongings to the side, Emilia got to work. The frame was beyond saving, but the mattress and sheets remained intact. She laid them neatly on the floor and hauled the broken frame out of the room. Next, she turned her attention to the cabinets, straightening them and returning whatever belongings had been tossed out.

As she reached for the last piece of clothing, something beneath it caught her eye. "A necklace?"

She picked it up, feeling the cool metal chain between her fingers. At the end of the chain hung an old amulet. Curiosity prickled at her, and she gently pried it open. Inside, tucked behind the glass, was a faded photograph.

Two young women stared back at her. One smiled casually, while the other maintained a more formal posture.

Her breath hitched as her eyes locked on the first woman.

"Is that... Mom?"

The resemblance was unmistakable—Katherine, younger but undeniably her. Emilia's fingers tightened around the locket. "If this is her... then who's the other woman?"

"They looked so alike—practically mirror images, save for the differences in their expressions. "A sister, maybe? Or an old friend?"

She shook her head, "No, it has to be a close sibling; the similarities are too close. Why did she never mention her?"

But then her gaze drifted to something else.

The clothes.

Elegant, finely tailored. Rich fabrics with intricate embroidery—nothing like what her mother ever wore. Nothing like anything they'd ever owned.

A dull ache developed at the base of Emilia's skull.

"Why the hell is she dressed like that? Mom never wasted money on fancy clothes." Her brows furrowed as she studied the image, her mind racing. "Was it a wedding dress? She did say my father ran off on her right after the wedding, so maybe it's from then?"

The dull ache turned into a painful throb, and she exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm sure she had her reasons for hiding the fact that I have an aunt. Maybe she's a total bitch?" she reasoned as she slipped the necklace into her pocket.

 "I'll think about this later," she murmured, turning away. "Right now, I need to explore a bit. Maybe find a decent spot to train."

As she stepped into the corridor, a sudden idea sparked. "Mr. Potsdam's farm..." she said under her breath. "He had loads of open space—I could practice there."

Leaving the shop behind, she made her way along the battle-scarred street. Her gaze followed the ruined path leading toward the outskirts of town. "If I remember right... That's where the bandits came from."

A sick feeling settled in her gut.

"I doubt there's anything left."

Soon enough, the path led her to what used to be her old stomping grounds.

But what she found stopped her cold.

The vast, once-thriving fields were gone. In their place stood a sprawling makeshift graveyard. 

Rows upon rows of simple wooden markers jutted from the earth, some adorned with crude carvings, others left bare. The air here was still—too still. Even the wind seemed hesitant to disturb the silence.

Emilia swallowed hard. "Who... did this?" she murmured, stepping closer.

Her first thought was that maybe some survivors stayed behind. She doubted Yami or anyone from his squad would go through all the trouble. 

Regardless, a warmth settled in her chest.

"Whoever it was... I'm glad." Her gaze swept across the anonymous markers. "They deserve a peaceful resting place."

Emilia's face fell, her gaze sweeping across the endless rows of graves.

"Somewhere in here, Mom, Pete, and William are buried." The thought sat heavy in her chest, crushing, suffocating.

Her thoughts turned inward, looping through the same suffocating spiral of blame. Over and over, she cursed herself.

For keeping that gemstone.

For being too slow to dodge the woman's magic.

For being too weak to resist its influence.

Her nails dug into her palms, teeth grinding.

But then, just as quickly, another feeling surged up, white-hot and unrelenting.

Resolve.

Her sorrow tightened into something sharper—something focused.

Emilia's dull, empty gaze ignited, burning fiercely with determination as she slowly raised her grimoire. The pages flipped open violently, responding to her swelling mana. A dense mist seeped from the glowing script, curling through the air.

"I may have been weak once..." Her voice emerged as an icy whisper, breath crystallizing before her lips as the air around plunged sharply, frost rapidly spreading across the earth. "But not anymore."

The grimoire's glow pulsed brighter, matching her intensifying mana. Cold wisps of light and thick, frigid fog surged outward, her magic manifesting with an intensity she'd never felt before.

"I'll train relentlessly—until even those at the church can't recognize me. Until Kazuya himself won't know me. Until no one in Narin sees the girl I used to be."

The frost deepened, audibly cracking the earth beneath her feet.

"Mom... everyone..." Her grip on the grimoire tightened, knuckles turning pale as her face twisted into barely-contained rage. "I swear I'll become the strongest knight in Clover—and hunt down those monsters."

A violent wind ripped through the graveyard, drawn by her seething wrath.

Her voice dropped, a dark snarl lacing every word. "Vetto, that purple-haired bitch, their white-robed friends..."

Ice erupted from her feet in jagged spikes, slicing outward like frozen knives.

"All of them. Anyone connected, anyone responsible..." Her magic roared into a fierce tempest, thriving off the hatred boiling within her. "They will suffer at my hand—I swear it!"

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"My, my. Those are some frightening words..." a calm, amused voice remarked from behind her.

Startled, Emilia spun around sharply, her eyes widening in shock at the figure standing before her...