Morning came faster than Sela expected.
That night, she could barely sleep. Everything her parents had told her kept replaying in her mind, the truth about her origins, the Magic World, and the fact that she would be leaving everything behind today.
Sela stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.
'So… this is the real me…' she thought.
Her ocean-blue hair… her eyes… and everything about her suddenly felt different now that she knew the truth.
A soft knock was heard on her door.
"Sela, are you ready?" her mother's voice called gently.
"Yes… I'm coming," Sela replied.
She took a deep breath before stepping out of her room.
Downstairs, both her parents were already waiting.
Her mother approached her and gently fixed her hair, as if trying to memorize every detail of her daughter's face.
"Take care of yourself there, alright?" she said softly.
"I will, Mom," Sela answered.
Her father stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Remember, no matter what happens… this will always be your home."
Sela nodded, though her chest felt tight.
Suddenly a bright light appeared in the middle of the room. A magical circle formed on the floor, glowing with unfamiliar symbols. Sela instinctively stepped back.
"Don't worry," her father said calmly.
"That's the portal."
Within seconds, two figures emerged from the light. It was Gildi and Stev.
"Good morning," Gildi greeted politely.
"We're here to escort Sela to Crystal Academy," Stev added.
Sela looked at them, then at her parents. This was it. There was no turning back now.
After saying her goodbyes, Sela stepped into the portal. The moment she crossed it, her surroundings changed completely.
Colors swirled around her, lights flashing like stars. It felt as if she was being pulled through space itself.
Then everything stopped.
Sela slowly opened her eyes. What she saw left her speechless. A vast, breathtaking world stretched before her.
Floating islands hovered in the sky, connected by glowing bridges. Towering structures made of crystal shimmered under a radiant light. The air itself felt different lighter, filled with energy.
"This… is the Magic World," Gildi said.
Sela couldn't take her eyes off the view. It was beyond anything she had ever imagined.
After a short journey, they arrived at a massive gate. Standing tall before them was a grand academy unlike anything Sela had ever seen. The entire building was made of crystal, reflecting light in dazzling colors.
"This is Crystal Academy," Stev said.
Students in elegant uniforms walked around, some practicing magic, others chatting casually as if this was completely normal.
Sela felt out of place. As they entered the academy grounds, many students began to notice her.
"Who's that?"
"She's new?"
"She came from the human world, right?"
Whispers spread quickly.
Sela ignored them, keeping her usual cold expression.
They walked into a large hall. At the front stood a woman with an elegant yet intimidating presence.
"Welcome," she said.
"I am Mrs. Dela, the headmaster of Crystal Academy."
Her sharp gaze landed directly on Sela.
"So… you are the chosen one."
Sela frowned slightly.
'Chosen? What does she mean?'
Mrs. Dela stepped closer.
"You may not understand it yet, but you will soon."
She turned to Gildi and Stev.
"You've done well. You may return to your duties."
"Yes, Headmaster," they replied in unison.
Now, only Sela and Mrs. Dela remained.
"From today onward, this academy will be your home," Mrs. Dela said.
"You will learn everything about your power… and your destiny."
Sela clenched her fists slightly. "Destiny…" she repeated quietly.
A student was then assigned to guide her. As Sela walked through the academy, she continued to observe everything around her. Magic. Creatures. Powers.
Everything here was real. This was no longer the world she used to know. When she finally reached her dorm room, she placed her belongings down and sat on the bed.
Silence filled the room. For the first time since arriving…
Sela allowed herself to feel everything. Confusion. Fear. Curiosity. And something else, a strange sense of anticipation.
She looked at the necklace in her hand, the one her parents had given her.
"This is where my story begins…" she whispered.