Luminary

"In the year 2895, the world had transformed beyond recognition. Magic and science, once separate realms, had merged into a new, unpredictable reality. At the heart of this world stood the University of Arcane Sciences, a beacon of knowledge and discovery."

-Rafael Mayer's, Introduction to Arcane,year 2895

I stood in the grand library, my fingers tracing the ancient runes etched into the cover of a weathered journal.

It had belonged to my ancestor, Alisante Winters - one of the greatest scientists of her time. My auburn hair fell in loose waves over my shoulders as my green eyes scanned the faded text, trying to decipher its secrets.

As I opened the journal, the words seemed to leap off the page, pulling me into the past.

"Today, I am torn between right and wrong. This discovery could be groundbreaking, but are we ready for it? The uncertainty is …"

I closed the journal with a sigh.

My great-great - plus maybe fifty greats - grandmother. A legend. A woman of science and unshakable will. One of a kind, I would call her. Some people called her that too.

Others had far less flattering names - the woman who nearly wiped out an entire population in the name of science.

But there are always two sides to a story. And I chose to wear my family name proudly, as was expected of me.

I heard footsteps behind me, but I was too lost in thought to turn.

How many times had I read these pages, hoping for clarity? The smudged, barely legible words seemed to mock me. The paper, yellowed and fragile, felt like it might disintegrate under my touch. Yet, despite its age and wear, this journal held secrets I was desperate to uncover.

Maybe even an explanation for why Alisante Winters did what she did.

"Put it back, Skyleen" my father scolded, his voice sharp and commanding. His stern gaze bore into me, making my hands tremble.

His tall, imposing figure and sharp features always made me feel small and insignificant.

Jeremiah Winters, one of the most respected man in this country and my father.

Sometimes, I thought he found it inconvenient to be a father.

After what felt like a miniature heart attack, I finally managed to respond.

"Yes, Sir," I murmured, putting the journal inside the protective case warded with runes that held this piece of history unchanged through time.

I turned toward the window, seeking a moment of solace. The university stood atop the ruins of what had once been a great city of the old world.

New York that was my best guess so far.

Now, it was nothing more than a graveyard of towering skeletons, crumbling skyscrapers swallowed by nature's slow, patient revenge.

I glanced at my father. Silence stretched between us, heavy and unyielding.

Like most families in Antara, we smiled for the public while falling apart behind closed doors.

His control was absolute. The mental abuse - constant.

Pretty messed up, sure. But nothing 'special' about it.

I exhaled quietly. Why does my father have to be like this? Why can't he be normal or at least something less than what he is now?

Hovering platforms and magical drones zipped overhead, carrying books and supplies to their destinations. My thoughts were interrupted.

A man entered the library, immediately capturing my attention. He looked like a fusion of man and machine, his mechanical eye glowing faintly in its socket.

"What a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Winters! We've been eagerly anticipating your arrival," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Rafael Mayers, the dean of this esteemed university."

Clearly, he was very proud of this place.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice wavering slightly. His words made me feel both welcomed and a little less nervous.

And I was nervous a lot.

The unhealthy kind that had plagued me for most of my life. Of course, I'd learned to hide it well, buried beneath flashy smiles and the coldness that had always suited my part. And if people called me a relentless bitch because of it, well... I didn't really care. Or at least, I told myself I didn't.

Maybe this won't be a complete train wreck after all.

Just moments before he walked in, I had been on the verge of a full-on, hand-shaking, mind-gripping panic attack with my father right there. And naturally, he'd never approve of such an undignified display of actual human emotion.

"Mr. Winters," Dean Mayers nodded at my father, stepping forward with an easy smile. "We'll take good care of your daughter here. It's an honor to have her a legacy, just like you and your father before you."

My father gave a curt nod. "I would not expect anything less for her." He stood to his full height, radiating that intimidating aura he loved so much.

Daddy dearest really enjoyed making people squirm,probably something to do with his job as an Arcane Arts Prosecutor. But from the looks of it, he hadn't made much of an impression on Mr. Mayers. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was losing his touch. Then again, I guess the dean was used to powerful men and their egos.

Mayers gestured toward the hall with a broad sweep of his hand. "I'll take you to the grand hall now, where the guild initiation will begin."

He paused, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.his tone dropping to a low murmur. "Remember, The Choosing is more than just a ceremony - it tests you in ways you won't see coming. The guilds have their secrets, Skyleen. Keep your wits about you. Not everyone walks away unchanged."

Wow, thanks for that completely clear and reassuring message. Definitely not unsettling at all. I'm feeling super confident now.

I stood there in complete silence, trying to figure out how exactly I was supposed to respond to… whatever that was.

"I'll give you a moment to say goodbye to your father," he added, his voice louder now, stepping back gracefully. His posture was straight and composed, leaving me and my father alone.

My father turned to me, his eyes hard and unreadable. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm, almost mechanical.

"Skyleen," he said, his voice steady and devoid of warmth.

"Father," I nodded, smiling politely the dutiful daughter I clearly wasn't.

He sighed, and with a subtle flick of his wrist, a small device appeared in his hand, glowing with a soft green light. He pressed a button, and as he stepped into the portal, a faint trace of sparkling particles lingered in the air behind him.

I watched the portal close, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. For once, he hadn't given me the usual lecture about making the family proud and living up to expectations.

He probably figured I knew it by heart. I closed my eyes and did what I did best shoved all my feelings into a little box and followed the Dean toward the grand hall.

"I can't believe I'm actually here," I said, glancing at the Dean, who strode just ahead of me.

"You'll get used to it. And remember, you're not alone. We're all here to support you," he replied.

His reassurance was nice, I guess, but something about this place told me it wouldn't be that simple. Students here? Cutthroat, scheming, from the most powerful families across the country.

"I appreciate that. I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations," I said, forcing a polite smile.

"You will. Just be yourself and trust in your abilities. Now, Skyleen, have you thought about which guild you'd like to join? I know your family has a strong legacy in the Dark Science Guild."

My stomach twisted. Of course, I'd thought about it. My entire family had been part of the Dark Science Guild for generations.

It was practically carved into stone that I'd continue the tradition.

But was that really what I wanted?

A great existential crisis before the most important event of my life. The dean really knew how to push people's buttons. In the end, I chose the answer I'd been giving everyone since I was little,the safest one, the one I was expected to say.

"I think I'll be in the Dark Science Guild. I'm a legacy, after all," I said, resigning myself to the conversation. My long, wavy hair fell forward, hiding my face as I stared at the ground.

Damn this guy. Out of all the things we could've politely chatted about, he chose this?

As we approached the grand doors, Dean Mayers paused and turned to me.

"All the best of luck," He said with a reassuring smile before pushing the doors open.

What I saw left me speechless. The Grand Hall of Arcane Sciences stood as a testament to resilience and innovation, a fusion of ancient tradition and cutting - edge technology.

High, arched ceilings were reinforced with sleek, metallic beams. The walls, though lined with ancient stone, were interspersed with dark obsidian panels etched with faintly glowing runes, casting a soft, ambient light.

Students filed in, their footsteps a soft echo, mingling with the hum of magical energy that filled the air.

The Master of Ceremonies stood at the center, a young and charming mage with a confident smile that seemed to light up the room. He wore a tailored suit that hugged his frame perfectly, exuding an effortless elegance.

I tore my gaze away, my eyes drifting toward the banners representing the three guilds - Mechanist, Dark Science, and Bio-Arcanists - proudly displayed along the walls.

Focus, Skyleen. You're here to shape your future, not to gawk at some guy.

The Master of Ceremonies raised his hands, and a hush fell over the hall. "Welcome, students, to the Choosing Ceremony," he began, his voice smooth and captivating. "Today, you will discover your true path and join our magical society."

He gestured to the leader of the Mechanist Guild, a stern woman with sharp eyes and a mechanical arm. "The Mechanist Guild," he announced, "is dedicated to the fusion of magic and technology. They design and build magical machinery, create enchanted robotics, and explore the principles of arcane mechanics. Their innovations drive our society forward, blending the arcane with the mechanical to solve complex problems."

Next, he turned to the leader of the Dark Science Guild, a tall figure cloaked in shadows, with eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. "The Dark Science Guild," he continued, "delves into the more mysterious and often controversial aspects of magic. They study arcane cybernetics, merging magic with technology to enhance the human body. They also master the art of curse craft, creating and countering powerful curses. Their work pushes the boundaries of what is known, often walking the fine line between brilliance and danger."

Finally, he nodded to the leader of the Bio-Arcanists Guild, a figure dressed in simple dark green kimono with an aura of calm authority. "The Bio-Arcanists Guild," he said, "focuses on the harmony between magic and nature. They study magical genetics, manipulating the essence of life to create new creatures. They explore arcane botany, uncovering the magical properties of plants for use in potions and spells. They also practice life weaving, using magic to heal and enhance living beings. Their work ensures the balance and well-being of our world, nurturing life in all its forms."

The Master of Ceremonies raised his hands once more, signalling the beginning of the trials.

As I stood there, trying to calm my racing heart, the doors at the far end of the hall swung open with a dramatic flourish.A group of students strode in, each radiating confidence and power.