I'm already making a list of what to bring the moment I go to Mellowdale. I don't care whether the apartment is small, as long as there's a piano in it.
I haven't won yet, nor has the competition even started, but I know I can do this. I'm a fast learner—even when it comes to things I hate—if I'm motivated enough. So even if our training hasn't started yet, I'm already prepared.
Phone ringing
"Hello? Harmony? Is it time? Should I come outside?" I said excitedly as I answered the phone. I've never been this thrilled to learn magior, but for the sake of music, I'll do it.
"Mary… we have a problem." I could feel the nervousness in her voice.
"What problem? Location? We can do it in the forest. Books? We have the internet an—"
"No. It's about the day of the competition."
"What do you mean? Isn't it on the first Saturday of next month?"
"Yes, it is. But the post was made a month ago—I didn't notice it. I just found out now, Mary. I'm sorry It's all my fault" And with that, everything I'd imagined earlier turned to ash.
How could I possibly learn magior in less than 24 hours? Mind you—it's already 2 in the afternoon.
In my rage, I ended the call and ran straight downstairs to my uncle's library.
"Uncle, what the fuck?!" I yelled as I barged into his office.
"What—what in the hell is your problem, young lady?"
"You! Why did you sign me up for that stupid show?!"
"You mean the magior show? Why would I sign your name up? Big visitors are coming to watch. Do you really think I'd risk our family name—and the school's name—being ruined by you?"
"Then who else would do it? Obviously not me."
"I don't know. But it wasn't me. So stop throwing around baseless accusations. I have work to do. Now leave."
I left. I've been living with my uncle my whole damn life, even before my parents died, so I know when he's lying. There's no difference between him and Jad when it comes to that.
"If it wasn't your uncle, then who?" Micah asked. She, Reina, and I were on a video call, trying to solve this massive problem. How was I supposed to practice in less than a day? For heaven's sake, I don't even know the basics.
Not my fault I am born with no special abilities.
"Why don't you try practicing on your own? Who knows—you might have a hidden talent for science and magior," Reina joked.
"You're fit to be a comedian, Reina. Very funny," I said sarcastically. "A 'special talent,' my ass. Where's Jad anyway? I haven't heard anything from him since this morning."
"I don't know. Maybe he's hanging out in the garage like he always does."
Gosh. What am I going to do now? I can't just hide. I'll be at the center of everything the day after.
I hung up the call and started studying on my own. It's ridiculous and impossible—but I can't just wait around. I looked the old books my parents once owned. God, they're so thick.
"Calculus Code... Algebraic Code... Elements of Surprise... Gene Code?"
These books are packed with words I don't understand, numbers everywhere… Do numbers and letters collaborate now? Much worst some of it wasn't written in English.
My head is already hurting.
Then my phone rang. Jad's name lit up the screen. I answered immediately.
"Jad, where have you been?! Do you know—"
"I know. I know everything, Mary. At first, I was dumbfounded. I even talked to the coordinator to try to remove your name, but they said it can't be done. Then I ran into Luis, and that's when I learned something else. If you don't show up as a contestant tomorrow, you'll be expelled from school. And..."
He paused.
"Everything connected to you will be erased. The things your parents left behind at this school—they'll be banished. As if they never existed."
"That's…"
"If you think that's a good thing, then damn it, Cousin—wake up! This might affect you, sure—but it's your parents who'll suffer. They died saving this school. Mary, they're trying to erase your parents!"
Erase them…
He let out a deep sigh. "Like it or not, you have to join that bullshit show." I could feel how worried he was.
"But Jad, how? I mean—if it were only general knowledge, I might have a chance. But no, I need to use some lightning spell or whatever. And to do that, I need a ring and to have ring I must have special abilities first. And I... I don't have it. I don't have anything, Jad."
I couldn't help it—tears started to flow.
"Read the books, Mary. I'll help you. But first, I need to find ways for you to do magior without ring"
We ended the call. I kept scanning through the books. This school is my only link to my parents. Flipping through the pages, reading different topics, then I'm interrupted by a knock at the door.
"I'm not eating, Ynah. I'm busy!" I shouted, assuming it was the maid.
"It's me, Mary."
I stood up as soon as I heard that voice. I opened the door.
"Reina? You're alone?" I asked, surprised to see her without Micah. I guess I'm just so used to them being together.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you all day, so I came by. I'm worried about you."
She hugged me—and I hugged her back. Reina and I often have misunderstandings, but I'm grateful for her and Micah.
In times like this, I usually run to Micah. So it meant a lot to me that Reina came in person. They're one of the reasons I've stayed in this crappy school. I could've skipped class, but I didn't. I love spending time with them—her, Jad, Micah, even Harmony.
They're my everything.
"Anyway, I'm in a rush, but I brought you your favorite—pasta. Eat it. I know you haven't eaten."
"Thanks, Rei. I'll definitely eat this."
She left, and I returned to the books.
Hours passed I keep reading, but my stomach was really hungry. I pushed the books aside and started eating the pasta Reina brought while flipping through a book titled Geometry of Dreams and the Magior Beyond the Microscope.
Catchy name, I know.
"Ardos Sapiens."
Unique. Is that a name?
I kept eating while reading. I was actually enjoying it—until a sudden, strong breeze rushed in through the window. I was about to stand up to close it, but suddenly I felt dizzy. My mind started flashing—bright and fast.
A message popped up on my phone just as I was losing consciousness.
I didn't see the name…
But I did see the time:
11:11 Post Meridiem.