CHAPTER 1
Main Character's Point of View
Yo, everyone! I'm Levy Heimsworth Vermillion, I was an orphan living in a humble but peaceful magical village of peasants. But I'm not an orphan anymore because when I was a toddler, my Mama Amelia adopted me.
Today, I'm training myself with the whip that Mama made, in order to pass the entrance exam for Serene School, the only school in our lavishly rich Serenity kingdom.
In our kingdom, there are four levels or classifications of citizens. The lowest are the Peasants like us, who struggle to make money or even fill our stomach everyday every day, they live out of scraps and leftovers of the higher classes. Next are the Commoners, who can support their families with a steady income. The third level is comprised of the Justice Servers-the Marines, who protect and secure the kingdom. Above them are the Nobles, extremely wealthy individuals living in mansions near the Royals, as they serve as advisors of the Royal Family and holds a political position. And at the top, we have the Royalties, the two ruling families who hold the justice system in their hands.
Everyone possesses magical attributes, which are either received or acquired through magic once a person's strength has reached a certain level, at a young age, usually before turning 18, individuals receive either grimoire, sword, or wand attributes as their rightful magic.
As for me, I'm still 17, and tomorrow is my birthday and the day of the exam. Unfortunately, I haven't received any attributes yet. That's why I'm training with this temporary attribute, hoping to unlock my own. Maybe the reason I'm struggling is because I'm not strong enough yet.
I pause for a moment and raise my left hand slowly, my fingers trembling. My eyes widen as black smoke escapes from my hand. Startled, I run towards the nearby stream, kneeling down and touching the water. I gaze at my reflection. Whatever I just did is not normal. Suppressing my nerves, I unknowingly touch the water again with my hand.
I scream in astonishment and awe as the water ripples and rises. I feel like a mad person, grinning and trembling in anticipation.
I haven't seen or heard of anyone who can do this without possessing attributes. Even Mama has a wand. Oh well, maybe this is a sign that tomorrow, on my 18th birthday, I will finally receive my attribute.
I return to where I was earlier, still grinning and trembling like a mad person.
"Levy, it's time to eat, my child!" Mama calls.
"I'm coming, Ma," I say as I make my way to the table.
"How was your training?" she asks while placing rice and boiled potatoes seasoned with salt onto my plate.
"I still don't have an attribute, Ma," I say, pouting and suddenly bursting into laughter. "But, Ma! Isn't it amazing? I can produce black smoke from my hand and even manipulate water! Cool, right?"
My eyes sparkle as I laugh, but I'm taken aback when I don't hear any response from Mama.
"Ma," I call out to her as she stares blankly.
"Child, that's not possible. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you feeling unwell? Don't you want potatoes anymore?" She furrows her brow and touches my forehead.
"I'm serious, Ma. Look..." I stand up and take a step back. I do what I did earlier, slightly raising my hand and moving my fingers. Once again, the black smoke emerges, just like before.
"See, Ma? Do you believe me now?" I proudly proclaim. Even before she can say anything, I kneel down and touch the ground. I push it slightly, and the earth moves. I stand up with a smile on my face.
"Well, Ma? What do you think?" I say with a smirk.
She nods, still in disbelief, and pulls me into a tight embrace.
"Child, even though I've never seen it before, I'm happy that you can now defend yourself, even without me," she says, her voice filled with sincerity, as she gently strokes my cheek.
"I will achieve our dreams, Ma. Tomorrow, I'll pass the exam, and we'll finally have a decent home and food every day," I say softly.
"Child, your dream is what matters. My dream has already come true-seeing you grow up to be a kind-hearted person, capable of standing up for yourself, even when I'm no longer in this world," she says, chuckling and readjusting herself in her seat.
"Come on, don't say goodbye just yet," I say, sticking out my tongue playfully. Laughing, she runs her fingers through my hair.
"Don't worry, I'll be watching your rise, my child," she says sincerely.
Our conversation is interrupted as we overhear voices outside. Mama and I open the door.
"There was a strong earthquake. Our village must be cursed," someone says.
"We were having lunch when suddenly the ground moved," adds another villager.
Whispers fill the air, and Mama and I exchange glances, placing our index fingers over our lips, signaling for silence.
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_Amaethystine
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Mama accompanied me to the capital, where the residences of the nobles and the kingdom of the Royals were located. Serene Capital was vast, with its clean-looking people and pristine surroundings-a stark contrast to the dark scenery of our village.
"Come on, dear, let's find a restaurant so you can eat," Mama said, her smile filled with sweetness.
"But Mama, the food here is expensive. We don't have much money," I replied, raising an eyebrow and then proceeds on furrowing it. She gently stroked my hair and took hold of my hand, guiding me towards a dining establishment.
"It's just this once, my child. It's your birthday, and besides, I've been saving up for this. You're becoming a young lady," she said, as if marveling and persuading at the same time.
"Yes, Mama, but you saved up for ten years for this. We could have used that money to buy potatoes for the next ten months," I said still acting stubborn. However, Mama's smile remained unwavering.
"Now, now. Don't argue with me, child. All you ever talk about is potatoes. Don't you get tired of them? Forget about them and have a proper meal today, so you'll gather strength for your exam." she insisted, helping me to a chair. I was about to protest when a waitress approached our table, so I seized the opportunity to quickly search for a more affordable food item on the menu.
"Ma'am, we have no leftover food," the waitress said, raising an eyebrow. My eyes shifted from the menu to the rude waitress. I don't like her choice of words.
I was about to respond, but Mama interjected, "We have money, dear." The waitress left after Mama ordered lasagna, rice, and curry.
"See, Mama? The prices are so high. Fried potatoes with salt taste better," I said, pouting.
She laughed again as our order arrived. We ate together, and Mama even spoon-fed me. Seriously, she should just take care of herself more. But I don't dislike how she shows how much she cares for me. Afterward, she accompanied me to Serene Campus.
"Take care, my dear. Don't neglect yourself, especially when I'm not by your side. Don't fall ill, okay? I love you so much, my child," she said, her face radiating joy.
Mama sure knows I always do what I please.
"You too, Mama, make sure you have fried potatoes waiting for me when I come home, alright?" I said, nodding. She smiled and hugged me tightly. I have to admit, I didn't want to be separated from Mother, but it was the only way to relieve her burdens. I don't want the thing that happened a while ago to repeat itself in the future, where they look down on us, thinking we are there to beg for leftovers.
"I'm leaving now, my child. Goodbye," she said with a smile. I waved at her and entered the campus, unaware that behind Mama's smiles, she was concealing tears that wanted to escape from her eyes.
_Amaethystine
