A few hours later, the car cruised steadily along the quiet road, heading back toward Aisha's house. The hum of the engine was soft, almost like a lullaby, as the sky outside slowly transformed into shades of gold and amber.
Aisha sat by the window, her cheek resting lightly against the glass. The world outside looked calm, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The clouds were tinged with orange and pink, stretched across the sky like a painted dream. It was 6 PM a peaceful hour when the city began to slow down, and everything was wrapped in a golden hush.
She stared out silently, watching trees blur past and lights flicker on in distant windows. Her thoughts drifted quietly.
I still don't know what really happened on my birthday… she thought. So much changed so suddenly.
Her fingers tightened slightly on her lap.
And now I know this world holds things I never imagined magic, power, people who can control elements with just a word or a gesture. It should've shocked me. But it doesn't. Not anymore.
She lowered her eyes slightly, watching the reflection of the sunset dance on the glass.
Maybe because I don't even understand how I came back to life. How I was… reborn.
A small breath escaped her lips.
But even though I don't have all the answers, I'm not afraid anymore.
She turned her gaze back to the road ahead, eyes calm yet burning with a quiet determination.
This is my second chance. A new life. And this time… I want to live it my way. I want to learn magic. I want to understand the world I was never allowed to see before.
Behind her, Sakura and Yuna sat in calm silence, giving her the space to think. They didn't interrupt perhaps sensing that Aisha needed this moment. Needed to let these feelings rise and settle on their own.
And so, as the sun dipped lower beyond the horizon, Aisha leaned back into her seat, her heart beating with purpose.
The old life was gone.
But a new one… was just beginning.
Four Years Later
The sky was draped in soft gray clouds, and a light drizzle fell over the city, painting the streets with a glistening sheen. It wasn't gloomy—just enough rain to give the morning an elegant, dreamlike calm.
A sleek black car pulled up outside the gates of a prestigious high school. The moment it stopped, a man in a dark suit—Aisha's personal guild escort—stepped out from the front seat. Without a word, he moved to the back door and opened it, holding up an umbrella with practiced grace.
From the car, a girl stepped out.
Her presence was instant.
She wore a pristine white blouse tucked neatly into a black skirt that brushed just above her knees. A black coat with silver accents hugged her frame, and a sleek black tie completed the school uniform. Her long dark hair flowed gently behind her, slightly tousled by the breeze. Her eyes, calm and unreadable, glanced up at the soft rain.
"You don't need to hold the umbrella for me," she said, her voice poised yet gentle. "You can go."
"But Miss Aisha," the guild escort hesitated, "it's raining outside."
Aisha extended her hand beyond the umbrella's cover, feeling the soft droplets land on her skin. She looked up at the sky with a faint smile. "It's just a little rain. I'll be fine."
The man nodded respectfully and stepped back, remaining by the car as she began to walk forward.
Her shoes clicked softly against the wet pavement as she took her first step toward the school gates. The rain continued to fall, but she didn't care. She was focused on something else.
When I was twelve, she thought, I used to stare at this school's gates and wonder if I'd ever get the chance to enter. I always dreamed of walking in like a normal student.
Her lips curved slightly.
Now I'm sixteen. And finally… it's my turn.
As she entered the school grounds, the courtyard was already filling with students arriving for the day. Laughter, footsteps, and the rustling of umbrellas surrounded her. But the moment Aisha passed through the gates, everything seemed to slow.
Students stopped in their tracks, turning to look.
Whispers followed in her wake.
"Who is she?"
"She looks like a model…"
"No, maybe a celebrity?"
"Look at that uniform… Is she new?"
It wasn't just her beauty—it was the way she walked, composed and confident, as if she didn't belong to the ordinary world around her.
Aisha didn't react to the attention. She kept walking, her gaze straight ahead, as if the rain and the stares didn't exist. Deep down, she wasn't here to impress anyone. She had a goal a promise to herself from long ago.
Aisha moved quietly inside the school, her presence catching the attention of everyone around her. Students glanced her way, whispering to one another as she passed. She walked with an air of calm confidence, though inside, she was still adjusting to her new environment.
As she reached the hallway, a staff member approached her, his steps swift and purposeful. "Are you Miss Ashai?" he asked, his voice polite but formal.
Aisha smiled softly, shaking her head. "You can call me Aisha. No need for the 'Miss' here."
The staff member nodded, seemingly surprised by her casual response. "Understood. The principal is expecting you. Please follow me." He led her through the school's hallways, his pace quick as he guided her toward the principal's office.
When they arrived, the door opened, and Aisha entered the office. Inside stood a tall, composed man with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a neatly pressed suit. His expression was kind, but there was an undeniable authority in his presence.
"Ah, you must be Aisha," he said, his voice warm but firm. "Please, come in. Have a seat."
Aisha sat across from the principal, feeling a bit nervous but doing her best to remain composed. The man smiled at her, his eyes twinkling with a hint of familiarity.
"I am Principal Takeshi," he continued. "Welcome to our school. I hope you'll come to love this place. Your sister, graduated from here not too long ago, and your family has contributed greatly to our school's success over the years. We're proud to have you join us."
Aisha blinked in surprise. She hadn't realized her family had such a history with the school.
"Haruka's family is one of our most respected," Principal Takeshi went on, his tone warm and inviting. "I'm sure you'll find your time here to be just as enriching as hers. And, of course, if you need anything at all—whether it's help with your studies or adjusting to life here—don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you."
Aisha nodded, feeling a strange comfort in his words. "Thank you, Principal Takeshi. I'm looking forward to learning magic here."
Principal Takeshi gave her a welcoming smile. "You're very welcome. I have no doubt you'll thrive."