The morning sun crept lazily over the rooftops of the town, its golden glow pouring into the modest room Sayaka now called her own. The mattress was softer than anything she'd slept on before—not that she had many memories of comfort in her past life. But something about this world… it felt oddly more alive, more colorful, more... real.
She sat on the bed, tugging at the hem of the plain cotton dress Elara had gifted her.
"Sayaka, are you ready?" Elara's voice called from outside the door, warm and motherly.
Sayaka blinked. "Yes—coming!"
The walk to the academy wasn't long, but Sayaka's nerves twisted like tangled threads in her stomach. Every step echoed louder in her ears than it should have. Was it fear? Or excitement? She wasn't sure anymore.
The Hunter Academy loomed ahead—tall gates, towering spires, and walls of solid white stone. Dozens of young people milled about inside, all laughing, sparring, showing off colorful bursts of magic like it was second nature.
Sayaka's breath caught.
So... this is the world of magic.
A boy her age shot a fireball into the air like it was a party trick. Another floated lazily two feet off the ground while reading a book. And here she was—barely able to walk confidently.
Elara gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'll speak to the principal. Wait for me on that bench, alright?"
Sayaka nodded, swallowing dryly. "O-okay."
The moment Elara disappeared into the building, Sayaka sat awkwardly on the stone bench. The longer she sat, the more eyes she felt on her. Whispering. Chuckling.
And then they came.
Three older students—two boys and a girl—approached with smug expressions. Their robes were marked with an emblem she hadn't seen before. Advanced students?
"Well, well," one of them said, arms crossed. "You're the new one, huh? You don't look like much."
Another leaned forward. "C'mon, show us some magic. Even a spark will do. You can at least light a candle, right?"
Sayaka froze.
I… I don't have…
They laughed. "What, cat got your mana?"
She bit her lip, fists clenched in her lap.
Why did I come here? Why did Elara think I could belong in a place like this?"
"Hey, don't cry now," the girl smirked. "You're going to need thicker skin than that, mana-less."
Before they could push further, a loud voice rang out.
"Sayaka!"
It was Elara. She stood at the academy doors with the principal—a tall man with a stern face and silver-rimmed glasses.
"Come. It's time to complete your registration."
Sayaka stood quickly and rushed to them, not daring to look back at the laughing trio.
The principal's office was surprisingly cozy. Books lined every wall, and the desk was filled with old maps and magical scrolls. The principal studied her in silence for a moment before speaking.
"First name?"
"Sayaka."
He paused. "And your surname?"
Sayaka hesitated.
…Surname…?
In her old world, she had one. But that identity felt like it belonged to someone else—someone weak, lost, and confused. She didn't want to bring that part of herself here.
Her lips parted, but no words came.
Elara gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"She's Sayaka Frostbite. I'll vouch for her myself."
Sayaka blinked.
Frostbite…?
The principal nodded and wrote it down.
"You may prepare yourself for the selection exam tomorrow. Prepare yourself."
As they left the room, Sayaka looked up at Elara. "Why… Frostbite?"
Elara smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Because you needed a family name. And you're part of mine now."
Sayaka didn't respond. But her eyes stung, and something warm fluttered in her chest.
…I'll carry it with pride. I swear.