Light and Shadow 17: Officially Enrolled “Now, sweetie, you have to get near the book and place your hand right in the middle. That artifact will decide which rank you’ll belong to,” Mimi said while looking at me with her soft eyes. “But always remember: whatever rank the book puts you into, it won’t define who you are. Because the sky’s the limit when it comes to improvement.” Mimi’s words gave me courage.But honestly, I could’t care less what my rank would be, but I still smiled at her, showing her that I appreciate her words. Naglakad naman ako palapit sa nagliliwanag na libro at hinintay na marinig ang boses na narinig ko kanina.Ngunit ilang segundo na akong naghihintay ay hindi ko na ulit narinig ang boses na ‘yon. Siguro ay guni-guni ko lang? Bahagya akong umiling bago dahan-dahan na inangat ang kamay at nilagay sa gitna ng libro na mas lalong nagliwanag.Hindi ko mapigilang ipikit ang aking mga mata dahil sa sobrang pagliwanag nito. But I felt enveloped by its light, as if I
Light and Shadow 16: Registration and Assessment“We have arrived at the main building, students! Have a great day!”The robotic voice announced as the bus gently came to a halt. Hindi manlang namin napansin ni Ingrid na nandito na pala kami dahil sa kwentuhan naming dalawa. Unang araw pa lamang ay mayroon na kaagad akong nalamang isang interesanteng bagay.“Tara, Hopie!” Excited na yaya sa akin ni Ingrid sabay tayo at hila sa akin.We stepped out of the bus, and the moment my feet touched the ground, I almost held my breath at the sheer beauty before me. I looked around and noticed that this area, where the waiting areas were located, was similar to the one at the girls’ dormitory.I also noticed that there are other buses parked neatly to the side, too, and I couldn’t help but remember the bus terminal at the Mortal Realm. The school buses were lined up and parked in designated platforms as if they were charging.Na-realize ko namang parking lot ito ng mga bus na mayroon ding waitin
Light and Shadow 15: Orientation BeginsIngrid mentioned that the main building, the breathtaking castle I had seen earlier, was twenty minutes away from the dormitories. However, school buses were driving around, serving as transportation for students who preferred not to walk.We waited for one at the designated waiting area located outside the girls’ dormitory, on the left side. This side of the dorm was a driveway, bordered by a long waiting shed with benches where students could wait for the school buses.I hadn’t noticed this earlier this morning since Nana and I were directly transported to the main gate when we teleported. Mayroong button dito na kapag pinindot ay ma-a-alert ang mga school bus na mayroon silang kailangang sunduin dito sa dorm, either here or in boys’ dormitory.Ingrid further explained that those buses were automatic, imbued with magic, which was why they didn’t need a driver. However, the routes programmed into them were limited to the area around the main bu
Light and Shadow 14: Heartfelt ReunionI look at the mirror, the Lumina Academy uniform is a stunning ensemble that exudes elegance. It’s predominantly white, symbolizing purity and light, with intricate gold detailing that evokes the stars’ brilliance and the sun’s warmth.It consists of a crisp white long-sleeved polo shirt paired with a white and gold ribbon tie. The pleated skirt, adorned with intricate gold patterns at the hem, flows gracefully. A tailored blazer, with its gold epaulets and celestial motifs.The wide, gold belt with a star-shaped buckle cinches my waist comfortably, adding a touch of glamour without compromising comfort. The uniform is completed with long white socks with gold accents and ankle-high white and gold boots featuring a two-inch heel.The academy’s emblem, a golden sun, crescent moon, and seven tiny stars, is prominently displayed on the lower chest. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, mesmerized by the beauty of the Lumina Academy uniform.Ang gan
Light and Shadow 13: Looming ThreatHindi ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko, alam kong dapat hindi na nakagugulat ang malamang hindi rin sila ordinaryong tao ngunit hindi ko pa rin mapigilang magulat. Ngayon, hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin na ang lugar na nilipatan ng mga pinsan ko ay ang lugar na ‘to…“Nandito rin pala sila…” bulong ko na narinig pa rin ni Nana dahil narinig ko ang pagtawa niya ng mahina bago tumayo sa kinauupuan.“I must leave you now, dear. Remember to read the academy’s handbook thoroughly. It contains important information about the rules and regulations, as well as a map of the academy grounds. Most importantly, avoid the forbidden forest. It’s a place of great power, but also great danger,” Nana warned, her tone serious.Her voice carried a note of caution, a reminder of the serious consequences of disregarding the academy’s rules. Tumango ako habang itinatatak ang mga paalala niya sa isipan ko. The forbidden forest, with its dark secrets and hidden dangers, was
Light and Shadow 12: Academy’s HierarchyKinuha ko naman ang inaabot ni Nana sa akin na uniform, and I just felt a surge of excitement. Especially seeing how enchanting the academy’s uniform was. The crisp white fabric, accented with elegant gold trim, exuded an air of sophistication and power.I couldn’t wait to wear it, to feel a part of this magical world.“The academy has two kinds of uniforms: one for regular classes and another for training,” she paused, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “These uniforms are imbued with magic,” Nana explained, her voice filled with wonder. “They can protect you from the extremes of weather, ensuring comfort in both the coldest winter and the hottest summer. Additionally, it was used to detect the unauthorized use of magic within the academy grounds, and it can also track you down. And finally, your training uniform is designed to protect you during rigorous training sessions, minimizing the risk of injury.”I was amazed by the sheer ingenuity