Chapter One: Ceremonial Breaking!
[ NRC Student Arc: Start! ]
The room was filled head to toe with boys, all wearing the same robes that were purple in color and lined with golden details.
A short boy with red hair looked around the room " Were done with orientation and dorm assignments? " he asked, more to himself than anybody else.
He huffed as he turned his attention to a group of students, who were all gathered behind him. " All right, new students-- let me be clear. At Heartslabyul, I am the law. Break the rules, and it's off with your head! " he declared, stern eyes raking over the new students of his house.
A tall, tan-skinned male yawned into his hand-- making an obvious show of his boredom as his lion tail swished from under his robes. His green eyes lazily looked over the new students of his own dorm.
" Well, that ceremony was as boring as ever. " He offhandedly complained, looking sideways before bringing his attention back. " I'm going back to the dorm. If you're in Savanaclaw, follow me. " He motioned with clawed hands.
Next, another tall male with well-groomed silver hair and glasses grinned at his own first years, hands folding in on each other as he scanned the crowd. " New students! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your achievement. "
He tilted his head to the eyes as a rather fake smile made its way onto his charming face. " As dorm leader of Octavinelle, I am honored to have the opportunity to support you in what I hope will be a fulfilling campus experience! "
A male with shoulder-length blonde hair hummed, eyes looking around the room in search of a certain crow-mask-adorned man. " Hey, does anyone know where the head mage went? He disappeared midway through the ceremony," he commented.
A floating tablet swayed in the air " Some head mage he is. "
Another boy, who was rather short compared to the others, nodded in agreement as he also looked around the room. " Maybe he had a stomachache? " he suggested with a smile.
The large and grand doors of the room threw themselves wide open, the named man of the hour standing in the middle with his hands on his hips-- and a scowl on his face at his students' suggestion.
" I most certainly did not! "
The red-haired boy hummed, silvery-blue eyes raking over the head mages form with curiosity. " Ah, speak of the devil. "
Crowley cleared his throat awkwardly " If you must know, I was searching for the new student who'd failed to show up for orientation. " he commented, subtly gesturing to the rather feminine figure beside him.
At this, you almost curled in on yourself from the sudden attention that was just thrust on you.
Almost.
Your curiosity far outweighed the current predicament of attention you had, because all you could notice right now was that there was not a single woman in the room.
It was all testosterone-filled, horny teenagers who had probably never even seen a woman in their life besides their mothers and sisters.
Great.
Crowley turned his head to you, and you noticed his glowing yellow eyes even seemed to almost glow even brighter at you.
Perhaps that was a figment of your imagination.
" You are the only one who has yet to be assigned a dorm. Step up to the Dark Mirror and be quick about it. I'll watch your weasel. " he said, eyes slowly drifting to the tied-up cat demon.
At this point, all you could do was go with the flow. Something you never chose to do.
You took slow steps towards the glowing mirror, a large mask covered in green fire appearing before you with a rather stern yet grim expression.
" State your name," it said, in a rather deep voice.
Now, let's be clear. You've never been one to shy away. You were confident in yourself, and your abilities so there had been no reason to.
But this?
You were in a very weird predicament, with a talking and floating mirror wanting to know your name. Not to mention, you were surrounded by mysterious men clad in cult-like attire.
So, of course, your confidence wanted to waver.
You held it together, though. Because you lived by the idea that first impressions mattered, and in a room full of men as the only girl-- this moment of showing how you reacted was crucial.
You sucked in a deep breath before making eye contact with the mask in the mirror.
" Y/n L/n. " you said, loud and clear.
The mask hummed, tilting back and forth as it decided its next words " The nature of your soul is... "
It blinked.
" Unclear to me. "
Crowley seemed taken aback by such a statement, " What did you say? "
The mirror continued.
"Strong-minded, independent, and hard to please. She is not to be taken lightly, yet she has no magic. It is soundless. Colorless. Shapeless. Utterly vacant. " it finished.
" Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate for such a girl," he stated, eyes staring at you carefully.
It felt like the mask wanted to say more, but refrained from doing so in front of such a large audience.
" A girl? Really? "
" Is this some kinda' joke? "
" Attending school with a girl? Hell yeah! "
Crowley raised a fist, effectively silencing those in the crowd who spoke. He furrowed his brows at the mirror.
" Are you suggesting that the black carriage went to receive a student, who cannot even use magic? And a girl, nonetheless! "
He looked at the mask in the mirror, puzzled as he threw his hands around " But that is absurd! The student selection process has not erred once in its century of existence! " he argued.
Crowley paused before looking away, hand on his chin in deep thought as he began to mutter to himself. " How could this have happened? "
You silently fiddled with your fingers, a nervous habit you've picked up from your Mother in the past. You looked at Crowley before speaking up, voice coming out in a whisper.
" Obviously, there has been some sort of mix-up. I will gladly, and happily, leave here and go home if you-- " You were cut off by Grim, who had managed to wrangle himself out of the whip and now stood before everyone.
He scowled at the head mage " Me! Let me have this girl's seat! " he exclaimed, almost jumping.
Crowley glared down at the cat demon, yellow eyes glowing brighter. " Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel! "
Grim crossed his arms, a smug expression on his face as his eyes flitted from your form to Crowleys " Unlike that human, I can actually use magic! And, I'm a boy! So, let me be a student here! " he argued, eye narrowing up at the crow themed man.
Before Crowley could get another word in, Grim backed up and spread his arms out in a dramatic action-- making your eyebrows curl upward in curiosity.
What a dramatic little cat.
" Look, I'll show you! My spells're the cat's meow! " he grinned.
The red-haired boy, sensing something catastrophic was about to happen, looked back at the students " Everyone, get down! "
You did as told and ducked just as Grim let out a wave of blue flames. They went in all directions, eating up the floor and air around you. They even made their way to a student, the one with the pretty red eye's you noticed.
You silently watched as he panicked, seeing the flames crawl up his robes.
" AHHHHH! HELP! I'm on fire over here! " he screeched.
Nobody was even paying attention to the poor boy, who looked like he was on the verge of a panic attack. Quickly, you dashed over to him and approached him.
" You need to calm down! I need you to stop, drop to the ground, and roll around. It sounds silly, but I promise it will help. " you instructed the boy.
Without question, he did as you told him. Sure, it looked silly-- but it was surely better than dying and going up in flames.
He stood up once the flames were gone and grinned widely at you, hands on your shoulders as he looked into your eyes. " Thank you so much, nice lady! How did you know to do that? " he asked, tilting his head to the side.
You blinked.
Was he...not taught this in elementary? This was common knowledge, you thought.
You smiled sweetly at him, wincing as you pried his hands off your shoulders.
You really did not appreciate the sudden touching.
" Ah, it's something I've known since childhood," you explained, backing up from the happy boy.
He nodded, looking away deep in thought.
You turned around, pulling your attention from the ruby-eyed male and onto Crowley instead.
" Someone catch that blasted animal before it sets the entire school ablaze! " he screamed, pointing at the grinning Grim.
The tall tan male with a lion tail groaned, throwing his head back (and effectively throwing his robe's hood off as well.) " Ugh. Can I go now, or....? " he asked.
You blinked at the male's appearance.
He was attractive, that, you would not deny. But what intrigued you the most, were the lion-like ears on his head that twitched at every sound and movement someone made.
That's an interesting discovery, you mused.
The boy next to him looked at him slyly, a smirk crossing his face " Oh? I thought you fancied yourself a hunter. Go and help yourself to that plump little cat! " he sneered.
The tan male was obviously not amused at the joke and closed his eyes in frustration. " Too much effort. Do it yourself. "
Your eyes turned as a male with beautiful eyes stepped forward, hand coming to his heart as he smiled.
You were able to tell the saccharine smile was fake, though.
After all, you were a master at it.
" Allow me to handle this, head mage Crowley. " he offered.
His eyes gazed over the crowd of students around him. " If none of you are up to the task of catching a small animal, I will accept the responsibility. "
You almost screamed at the sight of a floating tablet, which drifted close to the student in question.
" WTG Azul. Rackin' up those participation points. " it sneered.
Crowley frowned, displeased at the lack of attention his previous statement was getting.
" I'm sorry, were my instructions unclear?! " he yelled.
The male with lion ears crossed his arms, almost disappointed in the head mage.
Almost.
" Preeetty sure you can handle catching one mangy weasel all on your lonesome there, head mage. " he pointed out.
In all honesty, you had to agree.
From what you've heard and seen, everyone here had magic. So, you weren't surprised that any of them had the capability of handling the situation themselves.
The problem, however, is that they are students. Students, who are obviously not well equipped to deal with such a life-threatening matter.
Nor should they have to. It was the adult's job to do this, not the students.
It was terribly irresponsible.
You hummed, finally deciding to speak up since you'd stated your name.
" Mister Crowley I have to agree. If I'm right in my assumption, this is a school and you are the head mage. You should not have your students do your dirty work. Especially if it involves fire, Mister Crowley. It's terribly irresponsible of you. " you frowned.
The tan male's eyes widened, only a fraction. He was surprised to hear you speak so suddenly, and of all things to agree with him.
You were ignored.
Typical.
Grim growled at the lack of attention " How many times do I gotta' tell you?! I'm Grim, spellcaster extraordinaire! I am NOT a weasel! "
The now-named Azul, thanks to the floating tablet, crossed his arms and looked at Grim with amusement. " Aren't you a spunky little fellow? Riddle, would you be so kind...? " he asked, turning to the small redhead beside him.
Riddle smirked, looking down at Grim " Furry miscreant. I will abide by no rule-breaking. You will be judged by my hand. " he sneered.
The pair corned Grim quickly, Riddle standing in front and pointing his jeweled pen at the cat demon.
" OFF WITH YOUR HEAD! " he screamed.
A rather pretty collar appeared and clamped itself onto Grims' neck.
The cat reeled back in surprise at the hunk of metal around his neck.
" MYAH?! What are you doing?! " he asked.
Riddle huffed smugly as he stared down Grim " The Queen of Hearts Rule 23: ' One must never bring a cat to a formal affair. ' Your very presence here is a violation of order. You will vacate the premises immediately. "
You furrowed your brows at the odd rule, curious where it came from.
Grim scowled up at the redhead" But I ain't a cat either! " he yelled.
" Yet you make cat puns... " you muttered.
" Don't you try to collar me! I'll burn it right off! Huh...? What- what gives? My fire ain't workin'! " he frowned, trying to summon his fire.
Riddle smugly peered at Grim " Until I decide to remove that collar, you won't be using any magic. You're naught but a pet cat now. "
" ME-YEOW WHAT?! I ain't nobody's cat nothing! " he growled.
Riddle flippantly waved his hand at the cat demon " Oh, you've nothing to worry about there. I certainly have no interest in having you as a pet. " he stated.
Azul grinned, stopping next to Riddle and he observed the collar around Grim's neck. " Ha-HA! Good show as always, Riddle. Your signature spell locks down any magic. It's quite handy. "
His expression soured and turned dark, " I've just got to have it-- ah, I mean, I've just got to have respect for it! " he stuttered.
Before you could comment on Azul's weird statement, Crowley turned to you and sternly glared at you with his glowing eyes.
You really wanted to curl up on yourself, right now.
By no means was Crowley intimidating anyone, but you were terrified as the crow-dressed male leaned over you.
" Y/n! Was it not clear that you are expected to take responsibility for your familiar? " he asked.
You frowned as you backed up and out of Crowley's shadow.
First, he had the audacity to possibly kidnap you.
Then, he order's his students to deal with a life-threatening situation.
Now, he decided to blame the entire situation on you for not disciplining Grim. Your supposed familiar?
You were absolutely done with this man-child.
" Let me be clear, Crowley. Grim is not my familiar, I don't even have a familiar. I have no idea where I am, who you are, or why I'm here. I am surrounded by boys dressed in cult-like attire, and I am utterly terrified at being the only girl in this room. You leaning over me like my Father is not helping my situation. The only thing you are achieving right now is that you're pissing me off. And if that was your goal, congrats! You've done it. "
Silence.
Everyone could only gawk at you and your rant.
Crowley leaned away, awkwardly looking at you in silence.
The tall and tan male with lion ears could only whistle quietly, " Kitty's got claws... " he whispered.
" Oh...is that so? Then I shall have it expelled from campus. I shall even spare it from being served as dinner. " he looked away.
Now, he was ignoring everything else you said besides the fact that Grim was not yours.
A pair of students quickly dragged Grim out the doors, and you watched silently as he mourned his opportunity of becoming a student.
" Well, that was quite the unexpected fracas. I hereby declare that orientation has concluded. " Crowley stated.
" Housewardens, please escort your students back to the dorms," he orders, ushering students by you.
He paused before tapping his chin in thought " Hm? Come to think of it, I don't see Housewarden Draconia of Diasomnia anywhere. "
The lion-like male huffed, grinning at the head mage " And that surprises you? Dude's a total recluse. " he pointed out.
The boy with ruby red eyes, who was previously on fire, nodded " Wait a sec...Did anyone even invite him? " he wondered aloud. The lavender-tipped boy looked at him. " If you're that worried about him missing out, maybe you should have told him yourself. "
Ruby eyes sheepishly smiled and shrugged, " Maybe, but I don't know him too well either... "
Student began to part like the red sea as a small male with pink-striped hair floated through. " Ah. Just as I'd expected. "
He glanced around " I figured I'd come down and see for myself whether Malleus had made an appearance. But once again, he was evidently not informed that his presence was required at an official ceremony. " he frowned.
Azul glanced at the pink-haired boy " You have my sincerest apologies. I assure you, this oversight was in no way intended as a snub. " he explained.
And yet it certainly did not feel that way, you mused.
Riddle nodded " I mean, you must admit, he's not exactly the easiest person to strike up a conversation with. "
The pink-haired male waved his hand at the poor excuses. " No matter. All who were assigned to Diasomnia, follow me. I just hope he doesn't sulk about this... " he mutters.
He floats by you and shoots you a small but kind smile.
He is followed by the lion-like boy, who glanced at you and shows off his canines at you. His ears and tail flick as your eyes trail after him.
Riddle follows after and briefly glances at you.
Azul also does the same but offers a saccharine smile.
The tall male with lavender-tipped hair follows soon after and glances at you before raising a brow and hurrying away.
The tablet really just flies by you.
Lastly, the ruby-eyed boy trots happily by you with a wave. " Bye! Miss pretty nice lady, I hope I'll see you again~ " he grins before leaving out the door.
After every student was gone Crowley turned to you.
" Well, Y/n. This is a most unfortunate turn of events. I'm afraid that you will not be attending Night Raven College after all. Surely you realize that I cannot very well admit a student with no magical ability to my academy. Much a less, a girl. " he faux frowned.
You merely showed him a fake saccharine grin " Mister Crowley I assure you, I do not wish to attend your academy. "
You didn't really like how he made it seem like you wanted to be there.
He frowned before turning away. " But worry not. The Dark Mirror will see you safely home. Now step into a gate and visualize the place from whence you came. "
He motioned.
You carefully stepped into a coffin and leaned back, closing your eyes.
You visualize your room.
Your pet.
Your Mother, who surely would be worried about you.
Your friends, who would not believe you of this all happening.
And yourself, happily walking down the street from school.
" O Dark Mirror! Return this soul to where it belongs! "
Silence.
Crowley stutters a bit as your open one eye and looks at him. " Let- let us try this again. O Dark Mirror! Return this soul-- " he was cut off by the mask in the mirror.
" There is no such place. "
" What? "
" There is no place in this world where this soul belongs. None. "
Crowley hums.
" How can that be? My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomena! This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess I am at a loss. "
He turns to you, who has already stepped out of the coffin.
" Tell me: From what land do you hail? " he asked.
" America... "
He nodded but looked away. " I'm afraid I am not familiar with such a place. I am intimately acquainted with the origins of every student who has ever come here, and yet...This mysterious homeland of yours eludes me. Let us go to the library and look it up, shall we? " he grins.
If you weren't already shaking from the mirror's words, you were now.
You don't belong here.
The mirror said that, despite you already knowing it.
But for your home to not exist?
Your Mother, your Friends?
For them not to exist is...
Impossible.
Isn't it?
AUTHORS NOTE!
I'm very impressed with myself for getting this done lmao
Also, can you tell I favor Leona?
Anyway, I really hate Crowley. I want to try on writing this book from the eyes of a girl trapped in a school of boys and only boys, with no choice but to stay because she's in another world. That's why there's such an emphasis on the fact that she's the only girl surrounded by boys and that she's scared. Because I would be too, in her place.
I'm not trying to villainize men or anything, but being subjected to some pretty creepy shit all performed by men-- I imagine the same has happened to MC, and that's why she's so cautious.
Did you like MC getting to her breaking point? Yeah, that's not even the tip of the iceberg.
Leona making a cat pun was the highlight of this chapter, in my opinion besides MC at her breaking point lol
If you have any thoughts or questions just comment, I'm sure I'll reply.
Maybe I'll see you next chapter.