1 An Unfortunate Start

The sun was shining brightly and I felt the warmth spreading from the bright rays on my face. Gone were the frigid days that I always felt in my home village of Ziv that would send chills down my neck and trigger the growth of white hair on my arm. 

While I stared at all the carriages that were passing by the streets, I was equally impressed by the buildings made of concrete surrounding the area where I was standing. Even the concrete path beneath my feet feels warm.

I can't believe it. I finally made it to the country of Gilead!

With a small case clutched to my right arm, a brown backpack tied around my back, and a small sling bag slung across my shoulders, I set out to seek accommodations in Citadel, which is the capital city of Gilead.

 If someone was to observe me now, they would notice that I look like someone who has just run away from home. 

At that thought, I walked along with the multitude as the wheels of my trolley bag made unnecessary noises on the path I am passing through.

My name is Krisella Lancaster, an 18-year-old girl dreaming of becoming a master wizard, like how my father was before he died from a terrible illness. And that is precisely why I'm here at CitadeI.

I could likewise learn how to use magic in my village, but there is only one tiny problem... girls in our village are not allowed to use magic for offense. We...or they... are basically taught how to utilize magic for healing purposes ONLY.

Boring, is it not?

As soon as I read the news from Dexter's letter - who was sent here as well by his parents to learn magic - that girls are also taught to learn magic in Gilead Academy, a well- known magical institution - I was thrilled.

I did not hesitate to leave my home after reading that letter in order to fulfill my childhood dream. I knew my mother and older brother would not understand my desire to learn magic, even if I told them about it. 

I have to take mom's savings in the process for me to survive this place.

Love you, Mom!

However, where are we again? Oh right. I was planning to find a place to stay. I hope mom's savings is sufficient for me to pay the rent. I will then have to get an additional job to support myself while studying.

I know it may sound like a lot of work... but, if it is for my dreams, then I am willing to do anything just to fulfill it!

***

"400 gold coins for a single room?" I almost gaped in disbelief after hearing what the old man just said, who's standing right in front of me right now.

"Yes, young lady. How many times do I have to repeat myself?" the old man answered in a grumpy tone.

I sadly looked at the purse I was holding. Darn it! There were only 300 gold coins in it.

Heaving out a sigh, I had no choice but to refuse the old man's offer and left the apartment building. I never thought living here would cost me that much. 

And so I went again on another search to find myself a cheap place to rent.

I was still thinking about the brief conversation I had with that old man as I prepared to put my purse back into my sling bag. My eyes narrowed suddenly as I saw a hand reach out for my purse, and in an instant, it was gone.

I jerked my head towards a kid in a red cap, black t-shirt and brown pants who had just stolen my purse... who was now running away from me.

"Hey! Give me back my purse!"

The boy turned around towards me and gave me a smirk before turning around and proceeding to run.

What. The. Actual. Heck!

I proceeded to chase that kid immediately. I ignored the people who were bumping into me today in order to remain focused on that child who stole my purse.

Noooo...I can't lose him. If that happens, then I'm doomed! I'M DOOMED! I'd see myself sleeping in the street with concrete sidewalks and lamp posts all around me as I'm sleeping.

This is why girls should also learn magic for offense! How else can we ever protect ourselves from thieves or other persons? I am not the type of person who only relies on men for protection!

I snapped out of my thoughts when I noticed again that I was returning to the subway station, which I had just left a few hours previously, when someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me back to the side. Unfortunately, I saw the boy get across the road.

Talk about being unfortunate!

Then, just as I stopped, a speeding train appeared out of nowhere. My eyes widened in disbelief. 

"Are you trying to kill yourself?" said the guy from behind.

With my brows drawn together, I turned around to this person who's the reason why I lost the kid who took my purse… and saved my life at the same time.

I paused for a moment and took my sweet time to scrutinize the guy standing right in front of me right now. I must admit he is tall... like 6 feet tall. He has this tousled warm chestnut hair, almond-shaped jet black eyes, with lips that turned into a frown as his eyes bore into me... somehow making him seem a little unfriendly.

When I turned to look at him, I noticed his nonchalant expression had suddenly changed to an expression of bewilderment, as if he had just witnessed an actual ghost.

"I was just about to cross the railroad to catch that kid who took my p--" 

"Who are you?"

I was about to explain myself when this guy rudely cuts me off with this question.

His almond-shaped eyes almost widened as he inspected my face, and I witnessed a bead of water start to glisten on his face. 

I found myself panicking at the sight of a guy crying. They say guys do not cry very often, especially when they have just lost someone that they truly loved for the rest of their lives.

"W-Why are you crying, mister?" I asked back before I could stop my big mouth from talking.

"I said who are you?" he repealed his question, only more sternly this time.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed and scared at the same time, I decided to introduce myself to this stranger.

"I-I am Krisella…" I replied hesitantly.

"Krisella huh?" The man dried his tears with the back of his right hand before looking at me again.

"Well then Krisella, I'm afraid you have to come with me… now."

And before I could react, this guy, whom I barely knew, grabbed my wrist and almost dragged me out of this subway station.