The heavy rainfall casted a dark cloud over the sky. It should've been a usual sunny day but the weather took a surprising turn. Even the forecast was predicted otherwise.
Admist the stormy weather, a figure in a black cloak was fast approaching a building. Drenched in rain, Nefari cursed at her unwillingness to carry an umbrella even after having a premonition. However, now was not the time to dwadle on such thoughts as she had matters to focus on.
Arriving at the doorstep, she gave two quick knocks on the door, ringing the doorbell also. Hoping for someone to answer immediately. Anymore in this rain and she would surely catch a cold.
Her wishes were fulfilled. A guard opened the large mahogany door for her, giving a perfunctory bow to which Nefari responded with a polite nod.
Stepping in to the building, Nefari took in the sight of the students cramped in the hall. Her eyes wandering about to find her target. There she found her, atop the podium, addressing the students.
Deciding to wait until she was done, Nefari took a sit by the corner. Away from the gathering.
Pulling her wet cloak off, her brown eyes observed her surrounding. From the beautifully decorated large hall to the uniform of each student and the individual bearing of each one.
It didn't take long for the gathering to conclude. All Nefari had to do was wait patiently.
The crowd dispersed. The minority noticing her presence, staring in curiosity while the majority were focused on something else as they all exited the building.
A few staffs left the building, some stayed behind and her target, Mrs. Donavon took a detour towards another exit in the building.
Nefari stood up hastily and made her way to the woman. A bit slowly as she maneuvered through the crowd.
She approached Mrs. Donavon as she was about to open the door.
"Ma'am!" Nefari called out to her.
The woman paused as she turned to the direction of the calling.
She stared at the stranger coming towards her. An unfamiliar face. Black curly hair, glistening brown eyes, heart shaped oval like face and a tall slender figure.
The two engaged in an eye contact as Mrs. Donavon waited for the strange youth to speak.
The first time Nefari saw Mrs. Donavon's picture, she felt the older woman looked no less than a woman in her late twenties. With special features that gave her a hint of 'villainy'. Whether it be her slanted eyes or thinly pressed lips and oddly pale face. One couldn't easily tell. Then up at the podium, she felt the aura of a ruler from her. But now, in her presence by a close distance, the imposing visage was not an illusion.
Straight black hair, gray irises and a tall figure. Though Nefari never stopped observing Mrs. Donavon, her purpose stayed rooted in her mind.
"Hello, I'm Nefari Silverheart. I was sent by Mr. Rutherford to deliver a message to you."
As she spoke, the woman's eyes remained focused on hers. And for some reasons, Nefari felt unknown tension. But as soon as the thought came, she dismissed it. It was too unlikely. They were peaceful strangers, no?
"Follow me." Mrs. Donavon replied curtly. Taking her eyes off the girl as she opened the door and walked in.
Nefari followed after as instructed, coming into a wide passageway that stretched to different destinations. The roof was made of enchanted glass that protected and blocked the outside world. It was eerily quiet as she walked on the dim lighted path along with Mrs. Donavon.
A few seconds into their walk, with Nefari following a few steps behind, she heard the woman speak.
"Nefari."
"Yes?" Nefari responded. Increasing her pace and moving forward to walk by Mrs. Donavon's side.
"I'm certain Ivan has informed you of the consequences of your existence being known to the public."
"Yes, Mrs. Donavon." Nefari replied with a solemn look. Brows furrowed as she subconsciously got lost in thoughts.
It wasn't shocking in the least when Nefari discovered her talent was once more defined as a threat and gathered forces against her. It was shocking, however when she realized she was affinated to divinity.
"You could've lived in peace." The woman paused on her steps and turned to Nefari, and Nefari did the same, mimicking her actions.
A moment of silence ensued before Nefari responded with a whisper.
"I couldn't." She really couldn't. That peaceful life was a disguise of slow torture to her. Hide? run? submit? no. It was not in Nefari's blood to do any of that.
Eyes locked in a stare as unspoken energy roused, Mrs. Donavon wondered if Rutherford truly wanted to groom a disaster. This was no joking matter. But something in the girl's eyes made her realize that this was what Rutherford recognized. It might not be the greatest will, but it was an undying flame.
"Fine." Mrs. Donavon accepted. She would like to see how long this story lasts. It wouldn't be the first nor the last, but understanding that life is not always generalized, Mrs. Donavon had a feeling it would be unique.
In a laxed tone, she informed Nefari, "Ultra Academy's first academic session of the year will resume in three days. Prepare for your classes."
"Yes." Nefari nodded, releasing a little smile.
"And. I have three basic rules you must adhere to if you respect Rutherford's risk."
Mrs. Donavon slowly raised her hand and indicated with one finger.
"One, your only affinity is Water. You have no talents, and you're only a novice mage. Your specie is human with no abnormal trait and your potential is an average C+. Understood?"
"Noted." Nefari replied.
"Pray you don't miss the script Nefari, the 'gods' would kill you."
"I have been told, ma'am."
"Good." Mrs. Donavon raised a second finger.
"Your sessions with me will be under a guise. Details would be given at the first week of resumption."
"Sure." These were not issues to Nefari, they were life saving reminders. Nor constricting rules. She needed them in effect at all times.
The third finger. "Nefari... even if you're dying, don't let a noble find out."
"I understand."
Then Mrs. Donavon's lips carved into a surprising small smile. You would think her icy aura and expression could never be thawed. Thereafter, she outstretched her hand for a handshake. Gladly, Nefari placed her hand on hers and the deal was sealed.
And just when Nefari thought the discussion was over, Mrs. Donavon continued. Retracting her hands back, she said;
"Ivan told me you took the test but I'd like to reconfirm with advanced equipments. I advise we do it now and conclude your Student profile through verified means."
Not quite understanding what the woman meant but having an idea, Nefari nodded.
With a snap of her fingers, Mrs. Donavon warped the elements of space.
When Nefari's surroundings became disrupted and she found herself in a different location, she was already on the verge of vomiting.
With a twisted face that seemed like she swallowed an abomination, Nefari stumbled, her surrounding in a blur before becoming clear.
It took a few seconds for Nefari to regain balance albeit a bit dizzy from the teleportation. It wouldn't have hurt to be prepared mentally, but unfortunately, it all happened in a snap. Literally.
Mrs. Donavon watched as the young girl regained herself and moved forward to a large Crystal ball in the area. Making Nefari aware of the unusual room she appeared to be in. Devices and crafts she mostly didn't know of filled the room.
'The testing area, I suppose.' She thought.
The area was a large space encompassed with advanced technology and the repeated colors of white, black and gray. The roof however, was a magical enchantment that covered the area in an arc. Transparent to see the sky outside yet protected from external disturbances. Much like a replica to the enchanted glass but with better qualities. The pattering of the rain or signs of the storm was closed off with only sight to witness.
Approaching the large Crystal ball, Mrs. Donavon informed Nefari. "The testing room is a simulation room that monitors the data you release and grade it according to the Academy's standards. All you have to do is follow the instructions of the system and if you ever need help, I'll be presiding over this test for you. And please note Nefari, Rutherford told me of you being a 'threat' but I'm unaware of your level. Certain variables may prove this dangerous but this is compulsory."
"Understood." Nefari replied with determination. Eyes watching Mrs. Donavon as she placed her hand on the Crystal ball. Then said;
"Sierra, activate beginner test for the Heroes selection."
Removing her hand, blue light flashed from the area she placed it on, highlighting her palm print and finger print on the white surface. And an electronic female voice was heard.
"Authority approved, initiating... Test number 1, 2, 3... Preparing simulation, data configuration... Mana activation... Security checked, double confirmation... Test may begin."
The moment after the voice concluded the initiation of the test, the palm print erased along with the blue light.
And an open door appeared on the Crystal ball, along with it, a flight of stairs to climb onto.
"Step in, Nefari."
Mrs. Donavon commanded as she turned to Nefari.
Nefari, watching all these had her thoughts racing but nevertheless, hoping for the best and everything good. She played with the chain on her neck as she moved forward. Visibly tense but with her all-time poker face.
"Good luck." Mrs. Donavon smiled as she approached the door.
"Of course." Nefari responded.