Light and Shadow 18: First Day TroubleNagpatuloy ang aming paglalakad at inumpisahan na niyang ituro sa akin kung na saan ang mga classrooms, training rooms na minsan daw ay ginaganap sa field, ang library, at syempre ang cafeteria na ngayon ay puno na ng mga estudyante dahil lunch break na.The cafeteria was vast and abuzz with a cacophony of voices. Finally seeing the other students stirred a knot of nervousness within me, especially as several pairs of eyes turned our way upon our entrance. I was accustomed to being stared at; it wasn’t new to me anymore.However, the energy emanating from these students felt distinctly different, siguro dahil iba talaga sila sa nakasanayan ko. I took a deep breath, hoping to quell the sudden wave of dizziness that suddenly washed over me.Just looking at the bustling surroundings made my stomach churn with an unsettling nausea. Nakapila kami ngayon ni Ingrid, at buti na lamang ay tatlo ang pila rito. There are three cashiers, and I noticed they a
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