Today Is Not My Day(1)

Think of this as a magical word with swords, dragon magic, etc., and to be accepted by a prestigious academy with the greatest skill– Bang bang!

"Tsst-Ah!"

"WHAT THE HELL!"

That is one way to interrupt someone trying to monologue a couple of gunshots.

A male suspicious always looked back with a hood over his head blood on his face, holding a flintlock resting in a downward position, standing over a pack of wolves' corpses.

And there is me right below him Chloe Valastine, just your average eighteen-year-old, a third year at the Unicrest Academy doing her best to survive with this hunter, is what they call him.

"I'm trying to monolog her!"

"Try saying that to the group of wolves,"

"What? Oh, you gotta be kidding me..." A dreaded look over the girl's face. My face turned pale, looking over at a pack of wolves.

How could a sweet young girl like me get stuck with such a terrifying and gloomy guy like him?

***

The sun shined over a small village as beautiful as ever. The girl slept, twisting and turning whimpering in her sleep tears in her eyes. a nightmare from the past. "nooo – not again..."

Roused up from her slumber and wiping tears from her eyes, she mumbled to herself, "Not again. I keep having the same nightmare." – Sigh... 

Today is my first day going to the Unicrest Academy to become a Knight or some other profession. Fortunate enough to be accepted by my talented swordsman sparring with some of the local boys for a test that a professor was giving to see potential candidates. I was the only girl in the village passionate about swordsmanship. Although I was skeptical at first my friend persuaded me, and I ended up impressing the professor.

"I think your skills are something that this academy could use." That is what he said if I remember.

The first year is free for the students to get used to the aspects of the academy, but the next four years cost money. Thankfully, if you happen to get good grades and recognition from the Academy, it's possible to get a scholarship and don't have to pay for any of the tuition for the next year.

I looked over at the clock hanging up on my wall, half past none. – tick, tick, tick.

"Shit..."

Unfortunately, this was not my day, I had woken up late. My darkish lavender hair is a mess undressed in my undergarments. My pale skin and blue mint eyes. And I was in a panic.

I yelled downstairs at my mother, who was downstairs, cooking up breakfast. "What the hell, Mom, you were supposed to wake me up!" 

"You're seventeen now, sweetie, and you need to learn to be independent. Now, it should be your job to wake yourself up. You can't rely on me forever."

"Ughh," I whined I hated it when she was right from the age of sixteen to the age of twenty. People in the Unicrest are considered teenagers allowed to get married or drink.

Folding a fist in frustration, I hated when my mother was always right.

My hair is in a bundle of mess, and there is no time to brush it. I quickly got dressed in the academy uniform that the academy provided me with. I'm not sure how they know my size, but that is for future me to find out.

I was given the female academy uniform, a white skirt with a blueish-green seafoam outline of the skirt, and a white collared shirt with the unicast brand on the chest with the same outline as my skirt.

No time for breakfast. I ran past my mother in a flash. Almost forgetting my katana, thankfully my mother remembered.

"Don't forget your katana, honey!"

My mother threw me my katana. I graciously caught it spun back around and slammed the door shut.

I ran as fast as I could, looking past the horizon of the sparkling lake like twinkling stars overshadowed by the castle-like building. Isolated from the rest of the mainland The only way to get to the academy was by going through a bridge. The Unicrest Academy.

The Academy has many students, at least over five hundred or more. Many shops, training grounds, and other things any student could imagine. Guarded by many knights and professors the nickname the students "Citadel Academy" is one of the most protected places in Unicest.

It's a place where anyone who wants a good life in the empire after the academy. Thinking through the benefits, I wanted a good way to support my mother financially. We were poorly being lowly commoners. My mother had worked hard for me to get me where I am today. If I graduate, I can repay for what she has done for me. "My only goal is to graduate and get a job!"

I gave my temporary identification card to the two guards at the gate that were given the uniforms. A plain card with the word "New Student". I swept past the entrance In a hurry snatching the identification card from the guard's hands after he was done checking it he gave me a bit of a glare but I was all the way too focused on not getting late on the "first day".

I scurried my way onto the academy grounds. There was no time to admire the beauties of the academy many second years and above wandering the area. I ran like a psychopath pushing and passing by the other upper students. Some gave shivering glares as I ran up the pathway to the front campus grounds.

Many first years crowded the area, all waiting at the front campus, either playing some game or sitting around waiting for the announcements. 

"Chloe," a familiar voice yelled at me. I turned to my left to see... OMG, the best person to ever exist on his planet besides me, of course.

Lilia has blue eyes and black hair in the same uniform as me. She is a kind and gentle girl who comes from the same village as me. We were always together at all times. We would often get scolded by our parents for going into the forest outside of town by ourselves. She felt very connected to the wild spirits of the forest and always knew the way back home and always knew the best spot to pick fruits.

Impressive enough, she had even made different lower spirits and a few middle spirits in the village forest. A very talented girl who excels in spirit arts.

Spirits are invisible beings to the naked eye needed to pour mana into one's eyes to see them. It is hard to contract with spirits for needing to have a large enough mana pool and a similar feeling of mana with the spirit.

From what I remember, not many students in the Unicrest Academy could use spirit arts. I wouldn't be surprised if they let her pass without taking the test.t

"You were almost late, that's not like you, Chloe, and your hair is in a mess..." 

I stood awkwardly the look on Lilia's face she could tell I overslept "Well–"

Trying to hide it by laughing, "Hehehe..." That only made it look more obvious.

The two sat on a nearby bench. Lilia gently brushed Chloe's hair, then put it into a ponytail. "What would I do without you?"

"Anyway, I wonder when they are going to call us for the examination."

"Not too sure we have been sitting around for the past thirty minutes."

A loud pitch screech then picked up all of the gathered student's attention a male voice coming from the entrance of the academy "IF ALL STUDENTS COULD REPORT TO THE FRONT OF THE ACADEMY GARDEN FRONT FOR MANA EXAMINATION".

Mana is the main function of the world. All beings have mana.

Depending on the type of one's mana, they can use special mana techniques called arts. Elemental arts is the most common and basic type of art. All have an affinity for different types of mana arts. Those who do not have a strong affinity for elemental mana usually have a specialty for a different kind of mana art.

I have an affinity for the elemental arts; Pyro and Anemo mana. 

Hundreds of students gathered at the entrance hall. Twenty students were called upon each to get their manpower examined. Each student, depending on the purity and power of one's mana. To pass, a student can not have below the standards they would not be allowed to enter. Those who have a specialty for a different kind of art usually take a different test depending on the art.

All of the students here are pretty nerve-racking. I was on the verge of fainting, never had I seen such a crowd of people "Deep breathes–"

I would be taking the basic elemental mana purity test. I was the most anxious about failing, and everything I had built up for would be in vain, something I could not let happen!

"CHLOE VALASTINE"

I was called up next, and nothing could express the amount of stress I was feeling. The professor stood aside and an orb was in the middle of the room. All I had to do was place my hand and hope that I would qualify.

Not stressful at all, TOTALLY!

"Nice and simple," I mumbled. 

I place my hand over the orb. Bright colors shined in the room; the colors were red, light green, and white glow in between. I patiently waited, glancing over at the professor's response. The white glow threw me off a bit curiously. I had never seen a white element before. The fundamental elements are anemo, pyro, electro, kyro, and geo. Even the professor looked a bit surprised by the mix of mana.

"Pass, go ahead to the ceremony room, down the hall, and to your left."

I paused, and then my expression changed from nervous to joy 'I…I passed! I never felt so excited before in my life! My dream is one step complete'.

The professor paused and thought about the interesting student he thought to himself. 'An Affinity for anemo and pyro mana as well as for strong affinity for mantra pretty rare'. 

I went through an ominous hall. After a while, a shed of light Lilia stood aside and waved her hand, catching my attention.

The loud babbling of the passing students filled the air some crying with joy of passing and some jumping around in excitement even some saying "I will be a legendary knight someday" might as well let them dream on. 

"Seems you have passed as expected, Lilia,"

"You're giving me too much credit," she blushed.

A loud shout echoed in the hall, grabbing the passing students' attention. The room went quiet. "EVERYONE QUIET." A man dressed in a black suit walked up to the stage, with lick red hair, and a curly mustache. 

"Greeting students and welcome to Unicrest Academy. I am your principal, Iris Zoff, who will be working with most of the academic business within. If you have any questions or complaints, please report them to the professor's faculty. We expect great results, or you will face failure and possible death in the years you will stay."

"Ahem... A few words from the author of the school."

Another older gentleman came walking up the stage with a shiny bald head and a long beard. He wore a white mage's robe and glasses and a gleaming smile on his face that shed a bit of warmth to the new students. All the students felt at ease.e

The author is said to be the strongest sorcerer on the continent who had mastered all kinds of mana arts given the title of The Author by his majesty the King and also who is currently the main head of Unicrest Academy above the principal.

There were three previous authors written in the World History book. Lucia Silva, Jacob everharts, and kira hein. Lucia Silva, the first author, is said to be the one who founded the academy alongside a great swordsman whose name was not revealed to the public. There is even a statue of author Lucia Silva out in the middle of the citadel square.

 my eyes blurred for half a second;『Forced partial activation: Perfect Vision』 

A faint glimmer in her eyes for a split second no one noticing behind not even her for a second she could see something distant off, a person.

I rubbed my eyes to see if whatever I saw disappeared. "Was I seeing things?"

Lilia noticed my uneasiness, she whispered to me, "Is everything alright?"

"Y-yeah..." 

The Author raised and spoke out "Hello Students I want to make a couple of notable students of the academy with the highest points; The crown prince Lucas Crest, Saintess Aria Louisbarne, house of the Absolute Noble family Candice Hart, Silena Slike, and the most important the newly appointed Hero Kaioh Ryio."

Other than the authors, there are also other titles such as hero, sage, counsel, and runic. During the golden era, these titles are said to have been dormant for more than two centuries. No one had earned the titles since. The only way Said to get the titles is to be approved by all the continent arbiters.

Besides the title Hero. Every two hundred centuries, a hero is born to fight off the demon lord. The Demon Lord said to be the strongest thing in the world against humanity is reborn after the birth of the Hero.

It's not my problem, thankfully. 

"I hope you all will treat these people well." 

Soon after, the Author's speech the students left back home. Dorms and other information would be given the next day. 

I opened my bedroom door, my arms slouched, setting my katana against my shelf, and threw myself onto my bed, completely exhausted. After the author was finished with his speech, the principal came up to speak again for a good hour and a half, mentally exhausting.

The clock ticked and dwelled over the pros and cons. A chance of death but a possible good scholarship and money to be able to support my mother. I turned over and cradled my pillow. The dark particles lingered in my mind. I am certain that I saw someone in those shadows.

The sun rises, glaring in her eyes, waking her up from her slumber. "Ugh," she groaned. " I have mornings,"

I sat up from my bed, my hair a mess like always in the morning. I looked over at my clock. "I have time." I put on my collared shirt and straightened out the tie, zipped up my skirt. My mother, like usual, made me breakfast what she was making smelt good "Morning" I yawned halfway down the stairs.

"Morning Honey," my mother noticed that I was already about to leave. My katana strapped around my waist "Leaving already?"

I opened the door half. " Yeah, I don't want a repeat of what happened yesterday."

Her mother smiled. "Have fun then."

I closed the door, giving out a yawn stretching the sun bright as ever, and the aroma of grass always smells the best in the morning, with no signs of winter anytime soon. The town locals are doing their normal routine.

I gave my identification card to the guards up front, one of which gave me a strange look, and he whispered to the other guard, "Isn't that the crazy girl from the other day?"

"Shush your mouth!"

I acted like I didn't hear them and patiently waited.

"You're clear to go, ma'am, "Passing through the town, I thought I would other kids, but the place looked almost barren other than the local patrol knights and some upper students. Where is everyone? Same with the academy building, the place is also deserted, with not a single soul. Tick tock, tick tock, time passed, and passed. Nobody showed up as for me.

I tried to push open the door, but nothing. No way I'm getting into there with only brute for. " Only if I could see a way to get in."

『Forced partial activation: Perfect Vision』 

Runes appeared in the middle of the door curiously. I placed my hand on the rune. My mind went fuzzy and dizzy. I could feel my mana slowly being sapped away! After a minute that felt like years, it stopped regaining focus, and the huge door opened. I weakly smirked. I don't think anyone would mind if I look myself it's not like anyone here can stop me right now anyways!"

"WHERE THE HELL AM I!?"

The castle is like a maze everywhere I go. I paced back and forth either way, leading to some random classroom or a dead end. All the rooms are practically the same, with no signs or guides and where are the professor(and the other students)?! "Did I come at the wrong time? Did I come too early?

A slight thumping sound close behind me. I slowly turned around please, don't let it be a ghost. "EEP!" I jerked back warily out of reflex

A male student is lying on the ground. Wavy Shadow black hair that reaches down just above his ears and somewhat light tan skin. Having lacking hair which is extremely rare to see in this country is usually a sign of a bad omen having been born with those features. This was the first for I had seen someone with black hair.

He was a student from here by his uniform. He doesn't look much older than me. 'Will I be cursed?' I questioned myself

But why was he on the ground? Did he just come from the sky? Was this a sign? He looked as if he was asleep kind of adorable. 

I knelt and poked his face a couple of times. "Uhhh, are you alive?" I asked. The student turned over, giving off a soft moan "Uhhmmm". That answered my question.

"Hey, umm, do you know where the office is?" 

He twisted and turned, giving off more soft moans. "– uugh"

"And you're completely useless," I grunted

『Partial activation: perfect vision』 

The girl's eyes glowed without her notice, a slight black particle from before emitted from his body. 

I felt a cold and uncomfortable aura emitting. Like before lingering around this feeling behind my shoulders, I wiped my eyes, and whatever was there was now gone.

 Ignoring that, like the kind girl that I am, I lifted him from underneath his armpits and dragged him. "I'm taking you with me now." With no resistance willing allowed me to take him. Surprisingly, he was quite light, even though he was a bit bigger than I was. "I should probably find a professor to deal with you." This academy castle is way too big.

How frustrating.

"Now then, where is the office?"

After walking around for who knows how long. A golden glow from a door caught my attention, a strong sensation of mana emitting from that door. Tempted to see what is on the other side.

The kid's student's muscles tensed up as if he were disturbed.

"Oh, maybe here. What do you think? " A shook him a bit as if he were a toy. Yeah, I messed with him, but he seemed not to care. "Hehehehe."

His head dangled like a bobblehead, 

Out of curiosity, I reached for the door nob. Astonished and amazed by everyone

A golden vibrant outlier with many pictures, and looked to be artifacts enclosed behind glass cases.

A male in white sitting at a desk made me a bit weary but looked closer.

They looked familiar. Shiny bald head, long white beard...

"Well, shit."

None other than the author

The author smiled at me, his hands together. I was in the author's office, not the place I was looking for or wanted to be.

"Excuse me, sir, I'll take my leave. "

"No- Wait"

" –Epp!" I jumped back. Please don't hurt me.

The author lifted his hand and a key floated above his hand.

"I think you might be needing this. I'll trade you the key for the boy leave the boy,"

I nodded. I wanted to leave as soon as possible. I placed the boy on one of the couches, and the boy groaned. "–Ugghh"

some kind of distress? 

I went to the front of the desk of the Author and hesitantly took the key and I quickly scurried on out no way I was spending another second with the Author the amount of mana emitting from him was something. My eyes hurt just to look at him. What pure light, my eyes!

The author's purity disappeared as soon as the girl left in frustration, clearly angry at the male.

"Sit up and stop your acting."

The student who was faking sleeping sat up from the somewhat grim expression in his darkened eyes, resting his arms on the board of the couch.

"..."

"You weren't supposed to show yourself yet, and you let a commoner student notice you! I had no other choice but to give her your dorm key."

"- you know how frustrating it is now that I have to change how dorms work one person, let alone a commoner?!

The student wasn't listening, focused on something else, thinking that made the author upset. The author stood up and walked to the student, clenching his fist with a furious look and clocking the student in the face. 

"– keuk!"

He fell to the ground, blood dripped from his mouth to the ground.

–Drip, drip

Still, his eyes kept the same and did not waver, then looked back at the high and mighty author. The author said,

"Look how pathetic you look, nothing more but a tool!"

I left through the front door. Ironically, I had to go back to the author's room and ask if he could lead me out. Instead, he teleported me out. Just now, the professor and students showed up. 

"WHAT THE FUCK!" 

I was on the edge of having a mental breakdown everyone looked at me as if we were crazy scratching through my hair a habit when I feel stressed. Continencdently Lilia appeared. 

"Chloe!"

I paused and put my hand in front, interrupting her. I looked terrible . " don't wanna hear it. I'm leaving and going to bed".