On a Sunday morning, at 7:03 am, a knocking sound resonated through the chamber where Cornelia Davenfall and her four roommates resided. Out of the five living inside these quarters, only the said girl was not awake. The noise did not bother her and nor did she want to get out of her bed, that is until her roommates wildly shook her and forced her out.

“What is it? Why are you waking me up on a Sunday morning for crying out loud?” Asked Cornelia nonchalantly.

“The headmaster wants to talk to you,” came a reply in unison.

“And the four of you have to yell at me for that? Bug off and get lost,” replied the girl who went back to sleep, not forgetting to cover her body with a warm blanket.

“You don’t care at all, do you? Why are you even studying at this academy, Cornelia? Your grades are rubbish, your criminal record is not washed away, and the only thing retaining you here is the talent that you possess. Hell, it is not even that but the high affinity to electricity. Rare, yes, but this does not give you any right to be in this place. The headmaster whom you owe so much is asking for you, and you are too lazy even to get up? Are you fucking kidding me?” Said the most senior of the four girls.

“Why should I bother? Like you said yourself, I am trash. I will be expelled in a month. Now, leave me alone and let me sleep, Dania.”

“That is the thing, you foolish girl! The headmaster is waiting for you with an offer. Get up, and you might get a chance to continue your lazy life here,” replied Dania who genuinely seemed to care about the current situation more than the person it was related to.

Cornelia fell into thought for a moment. After analyzing the situation, she slowly crawled out of her bed. “Fine. You win. Please let him know that I will get dressed. Give me ten minutes.”

Dania nodded and left the room, allowing the girl to get dressed up and fix herself. Fortunately, Cornelia's hair was not long so combing it was not too much of a hassle. As she washed her face, the girl looked into the mirror.

Dear god. If you exist, I hope that someday you will fall into the pit of the abyss while I stand at the top and laugh. Perhaps I will even get a chance to spit at you. Rot in hell for creating me. What did I ever do to deserve being born into a family that raised her daughter on the streets? Why did I deserve to be abused and sold into slavery? But then again, I am here now. In a place where I can start a new life. Heh. If only it were as easy to fulfill as to tell.

Finishing up, she walked downstairs and joined the party.

“Good morning, headmaster. Did you ask for me?”

“Hello to you too, Cornelia. Indeed I did. I have excellent news for you. As is of today, you are to begin a particular errand. Complete the simplest tasks, and I will allow you to accumulate points.”

“I do not understand. Can you please elaborate? If I remember correctly, I am to be expelled if I fail next month exam.”

“Yes. And that is the beauty of it. First, let me say that this will not come to pass; so long as you take care of a special guest who got admitted into the academy as of yesterday. You have heard the news, yes?”

“I apologize, headmaster, but she has not. Cornelia was asleep,” replied Dania in her stead.

“Ah, I see. Well, that is irrelevant. All you need to know is that there is a new student and she is officially being assigned to your care. You are to keep her company, show her around the academy, show her our various facilities, explain to her our dress code, and more importantly - learn alongside her.”

“W-what? Can you repeat that? Are you suggesting to me that I become a babysitter and in return, I will not be expelled?”

“Correct. And to make it even better, you will not have to pay for the tuition fee. The two years that the student plans to stay here will be included in my deal. How about it?”

“It sounds… promising. And if I refuse?”

“Girls, would you mind leaving the room for a few minutes?”

Dania nodded and gestured to other roommates to follow her out.

“Well, what is it?” Asked Cornelia nonchalantly.

“Look, child. I understand everything that has happened in your life. It is tragic, yes. But hear me out, please. I had a daughter, and she was just like you. Genius level when using electricity based magic. I know that behind your hardened mask cowers a girl that is scared, misunderstood and broken. A talented and a witty mind that wants to be free, explore, and live. A girl who lacks love, passion, and motivation in her life. A child that wishes to grow but is scared to do so. I know of your present situation and am providing you with an opportunity, a gateway of sorts, to exit your cage. This new student is exciting. I think you might learn from her.”

“No. Stop. What gives you the right to dictate the flow of my life? I understand and appreciate your care. Headmaster, you are the only person that took me into this place and accepted me for who I am. I am eternally grateful for saving my life from execution after the incident. However, you said it yourself. You understand what I have been through. But you can not honestly see what is happening inside of my mind, can you? Why is it so easy for everyone to tell me how simple it is to start a new life when in reality it is not.”

“But if you were my daughter, how would I be able to endure this? How would a parent feel, watching her offspring be this devastated?”

“Stop trying to make me into your daughter. She is dead and can not be brought back. Taking care of me will not solve your problem! I hate this world! Stop trying to help me because you feel bad or because I resemble someone close to you!” Shouted Cornelia, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I-I apologize,” said the headmaster wholeheartedly. “However, I still care. Even if you tell me to do otherwise, I am selfish and stubborn. Please, think about my offer and come back to me in an hour. Thank you,” said the man as he bowed to the girl and started to walk out of the room.

Cornelia felt as if the ceiling of the dormitory was about to collapse on her and the walls were to squish her. I am an idiot. Why did I shout at him? He is the only person who is remotely caring about me. I hate my life! I hate my temper! I hate my misery. I… The girl ran towards the headmaster and tightly hugged him.

“Stop. Please. I am a fool. I apologize for my bad behavior; please do not leave. I will accept your offer. I am sorry for what I said. I did not consider your feelings,” said the girl, elegant tears sliding down her cheeks.

Seeing that the feelings were sincere, the man gently rubbed her cheeks and landed a kiss on her forehead. “Look, kiddo. As I said, I know what hides behind that mask of yours. I genuinely believe that the new student will be able to become your real friend. Now, come here and let me comb your messy hair, miss sleepyhead,” he said with a chuckle.

The girl snapped back into reality and lightly kicked him in the gut.

“Ow, why though? What did I do?”

“You woke me up! This is for making me cry,” replied Cornelia with a giggle before embracing him one more time.

Yes, I know my life up to last year was horrible. A lot has happened to me. However, this one man, I can honestly treat him differently, said Cornelia as a light sensation of joy jolted through her body.

“Now then, allow me to explain what you will be doing, ok?”

“All right. I am listening,” replied the girl sincerely, taking a seat and tilting her head towards the speaker.

“As I said, you will not get expelled. I have ensured to communicate this to every instructor. However, you are to begin studying. The new student I mentioned is going to be primarily focusing on Divine schools of magic with elemental being her back up. Regardless, the barrier she has shown me is rather impressive. It wholly devoured my electricity. So I would still be careful around her.”

“I understand. And the points that you mentioned, I assume that those were said to hide your intentions in front of my roommates?”

“Correct. Speaking of which, it has been over seven minutes now. It is best that I get going as I have my errands to run. You take care of yourself, Cornelia and please, go to her as soon as you can. She has not registered for any classes yet, and I am allowing you to change yours. Here are a letter and a seal for it. Good luck.”

“Wait, where is she anyway? What floor do I find her on? And uhm, what is her name?”

“Oh. My mistake. I forgot. The girl is on the fifth floor inside the majestic quarters. Her roommate is a dwarf. You will not miss the room as she is accompanied by a male guard. The name to her is Alviona. Her companion is Janine, but I do not remember where she was placed.”

“All right. I will get to work right away. If you think that the girl can help me, then I will believe you. Only this one time. Remember, trust is easily broken,” said Cornelia coldly.

The headmaster grinned and left the room.

***

*Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock*

“Ah, good morning, Mr. Tock. How are you today?” Asked Alviona as she opened her eyes and looked at the clock that stood next to her.

*Tock, Tick… Tock*

“Lovely! I am happy to hear that. I am also good, thank you for asking,” replied Alviona to the clock that ran in its usual rhythm. Looking beside her, Janine was still holding her waist and appeared to be asleep.

I do not understand this at all. Why do I not feel anything right now? Argh, this is a mystery to me, thought Alviona as she got up and stretched, not forgetting to glance at the body. Despite not feeling any emotions, the girl still ended up slightly blushing.

“You know, mistress, I do not understand why you wasted precious amount of your energy to create me,” said Janine as she opened her eyes.

“I am sorry, me. It is because I wanted to experiment. For some reason. I can not get rid of the feeling from the previous day,” said Alviona with a guilty face.

“Well, understandable. However, would it not be wiser to ask grandma Mira or Janine herself? Why make me?”

“Because, as selfish as it sounds, I wanted to replicate the emotion. Alas, it is not the case. I apologize. Would you like me to move you back to the core?”

“Yes please,” said Janine with an excited face. “That is where I belong. Performing an infinite amount of tasks is what makes me happy. Motion is my life, nothing less and nothing more.”

“Very well then. But first, would you mind telling me if I look good in this shape?” Asked Alviona as she took the shape of her father.

“Yes. That is a magnificent sight. However, you might want to make it a little more substantial. Otherwise, it is hard to see as you are the primary source of light right now.”

“But aren’t I pretty?”

“Words can not and should not describe your beauty, mistress. Your father was the spear of the sunlight clan, the highest rank achievable by the overseers. You should avoid falling into such pits,” scolded Janine.

“I apologize me. You are correct. I also appear to be delaying your work,” said Alviona as she clapped her hands once and dissolved Janine into the particles, gently sucking in and nomming on every remain.

Now then, I am awake, but my body is not. What should I do? Well, there are still three hours to go before it is waking time so perhaps I should hold a discussion? Oh, an excellent idea. I know what the topic should be, thought Alviona to herself as she exited her resting dimension and moved into her library.

“Good morning, library!” Shouted Alviona joyfully towards the red beam of energy that had a humanoid shape and appeared to mind its business.

“Good morning, mistress. Did you sleep well… why are you dressed in that today?”

“Again, curiosity. That set aside, library, can you arrange the space? I want to hold an important discussion.”

The figure obeyed. Various comfortable sofas materialized inside what appeared to be an infinite space. Library also ensured to bring out teacups and placed them by the table for each member that was to present itself.

“Excellent. Now then, allow the discussion to begin. Library, I would like you to stand beside me and help me ask relevant questions. I also want you to help me find some answers if I fail to formulate my own. Is that all right?”

“Quite,” came a reply. “However, would you like to be addressed by your name or would you like the members to use your father’s name?”

“Hmm. A good question. Well, no. Using my father’s name, no, I would not dare to. It is okie, please refer to me as me,” said Alviona with genuine laughter.

The library nodded in affirmative.

“Ahem. Now then. Dear Alvionas, first and foremost, I would like to welcome you to our first important meeting ever since our creation. Are we in good spirits today?”

“Oh yes!” Came a reply in unison. The former space was now packed with multiple Alvionas, each having a distinct hair color and eyes, but otherwise resembling her true self.

“I am rejoiced to hear that. Is every me excited that we are going to learn more about this world and how its magic operates?”

The question was met with cheers, applauds, and whistles.

“Well then. First, let us discuss our security. Yes, Alviona #233, you raised your hand first. You are permitted to begin.”

“Thank you, mistress,” said the girl that walked up to the stand. Her hair was pitch black, and her eyes were crimson. “I would like to ask everyone present to pull up their {} screen.”

{} - Status: Active

Permissions: Sub-Administrator

Access Level: 3

Username: Temporary Alviona #233

Origins: Main Core

Replicating...

Replicating...

Replication complete. All panels are functioning as normal.

Name: Alviona Health01 Obsolete for Essence Primary Race: Unknown Creation Health02 10,387/10,387 (-0.03 Per Second) Secondary Race: Pure-blood Elf of Unknown Origins Mana01 Obsolete for Essence Age: 1.4 years Mana02 0/200 (+200 Per Conversion) Physical Age: 18.3 (Permanent) Physical Body Stats: Known Intrinsic Abilities:

Vitality -566 Always Activatable

Resistance 99 Obsolete (Will become active if Solomon is erased)

Strength 1 Always Active Dexterity 3 Obsolete; Disabled (Will become Activatable upon meeting certain conditions) Agility 5 Always Activatable

Intelligence -537 Always Active

Wisdom -884

The audience fell into a state of panic upon seeing their diagnosis. It was horrible. Disgruntled and confused voices filled the library.

"We are well aware of the situation, correct?" Asked #233, waiting for the response. However, there came only silence. "Look. I understand what we are feeling. All of us are a part of one system and one entity. Right now, our mistress was kind enough to use her precious core's infinite supply of energy to summon us and address several concerns that we have. Please, we need to co-operate during this dire situation. Silence is understandable, but I urge you not to panic this much. I have come up with several answers as to why we are in such a state. But first, I would like to allow Library to share her findings."

"Thank you. All right Alvionas, listen up. There are three facts that we all must go over. It is crucial that each and everyone one of you understands this.

First, we must discuss our knowledge of this world. It is unfortunate, but we must understand that being alive is a new concept for us. We have an in-depth understanding of how to deal with deities and what the scope of our abilities are if enemies such as overseers of balance were to present themselves. However, when it comes to microorganisms that inhabit this place, we are in for a blind trip.

Second, mortals work much different from us. We are slowly learning about mixed emotions and what they do. On the other hand, these beings and creatures are born with it.

Lastly, our food consumption rates are insufficient. We are not intaking enough required nutrients to keep up with the blood production. This can be mitigated when our essence expands, but right now, most of our energy goes into doing just that.”

Alviona sitting in the far end of the row raised her hand.

“Yes, Alviona #399. You may speak,” said the Core who observed the discussion.

“T-thank you very much. I would l-like to a-ask a question. If I may.”

“Proceed.”

“All right. This question is directed to the Library. If food is our concern, why do we not nom on the creatures such as meanies that we slay? What about the corpses from the battlefield that we saw back in the forest? Surely if we were to find such objects in higher volumes, the core could transform it into its primitive form? Atoms are edible, and we can rearrange them to get the proper nutrients that you speak of. The best part is, we do not need to be meanies to achieve this. All we need to do is find a battlefield likes of the one that Mr. Solomon spoke of and gently nom on the corpses. We do not need to do anything else.”

“Your point is valid. However, it is flawed. By your logic, eating corpses is fine. Ok, well what if our mother was to become a corpse like that? What of Mira, or Anita? Or Janine? Would you be able to eat them?” Asked the library coldly.

“N-no. Of course not,” replied Alviona #399 with a saddened face, realizing the mistake that she had committed.

“Look, it is a good idea. Do not get me wrong. But if you are applying one concept, you must use the same thought process for both ends. You can not be selective in this scenario. Besides, you can not expect that you would not be labeled as a monster, right? Our body is already different from the inhabitants. Mira confirmed this.

Furthermore, our status is a mess. We are an unknown race. If this information was somehow leaked, what would the world think of us? This is the reasoning behind my refusal of your suggestion.”

“I understand,” said Alviona #399 with a grim expression, her eyes widened from shock, and fully understanding the horror she had suggested. It was a horrible idea. “In that case, may I ask a different question? This one is for #233.”

“Permission granted,” said the core.

“#233, how will we protect ourselves if our condition is this dire? I do not think that it is feasible for us to utilize something such as [Spectral Prison] to contain these lifeforms, no? Plus, who or what are our priorities? It is rather scary not to know what the dangers are.”

“Fair point,” replied Alviona #233. “I am going to address it right now. Thank you for your concerns. You are correct; we can not use that ability for microorganisms. Our priority is to protect those that we care for, and live our life. There is nothing else to it. Our ambitions and dreams can come and go. They can sprout or wither. It is the way of life, or so I read in one of our books that mother Reiolle wrote for us in our world. The critical point is to live and be happy. What this thing is depends on our point of view. However, I am sure that the Core will agree that being Alive is already happiness. Ability to talk to different creatures, play with them, learn from them or even teach them at times, and being loved by our mothers, grandmother, Janine and even Solomon. All of this adds up to what we define as this emotion. Our parents sacrificed their essences to create us. The core’s existence signifies their determination and is proof of them being alive as part of her. As such, we have a responsibility. It is why we must do whatever we can to live and be happy. Do not forget this under any circumstances.

Now, let us start addressing the actual security. As you may have noticed, and are disabled. We are vulnerable until the essence reaches stage 2. Unfortunately, as Library noted, we do not know too much about how this world works. Remember how exhausted we became after the dungeon or how much water we had to drink? Note how our grandmother got scared? It is awful. We must start prioritizing our safety first. As such, I urge the core not to utilize more than five set of instructions per spell and to limit Power to Mana (PtM) conversion to three rounds, or 600. Anything beyond this and our vessel will get damaged. Everyone content with this decision, raise your hands."

All Alvionas, including the core, fell into thought. After a few minutes of glancing at each other, everyone simultaneously did as told.

“One last thing. If we are to ever engage in combat with any gods, I want to ensure that all of us understands what needs to be done.” Seeing that everyone nodded, #233 grinned. “And if the overseers are to hunt us?”

“Non-Existence!” Replied all Alvionas in unison. It was a perfect reply.

The core looked around. Seeing that there was no need for any further discussion, Alviona looked at #233 and expressed her personal concern.

“Listen, there is one thing that bothers me…”

“Are you referring to your odd tickling feelings towards Janine?”

Alviona nodded. “I can not comprehend what it is. I love her just as much as I love every other important to me people. And yet, when I slept with her the other day, I had this odd desire not to wake up. A strange, nagging feeling that I could not shake off. What was it #233? Why am I so… out of my character?

“Honestly, core. I do not know. I think that we will find out as time moves on. The Library is here to give you advice for it. In the meantime, do not let it bother you. We are always here to talk if need be. Remember, you are the core. One and only. The real and true Alviona. You hold the keys to every door. However, there is one advice I would like to give you personally. Please do not get upset with me and think about it. Not right now, but over time. Will you do it?”

Alviona was confused. Why would she ask herself such an odd question? Curiosity took over her body as she nodded to allow #233 to speak her mind.

“All right. Thank you very much, mistress. Now here is what I wanted to tell you. Understand that your body is imperfect. I am aware that our supreme parents created it. However, if this world is genuinely this different from our records, it means that the vessel is severely flawed for this place of inhabitance. Bare this in mind. I think, at some point in time, you will have to choose what race you belong to… I. No. It is fine. Please, ignore me,” said #233 as she tightly embraced Alviona and landed a soft kiss on her cheeks. “Be careful, ok?”

The girl felt slightly irritated. What could her words mean? And what was she about to say? Why did she not finish the sentence?

It was all irrelevant then, for a moment afterward Alviona woke up.

*Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock*

Getting up, Alviona got dressed up and walked downstairs. She was greeted by Mimi who gently sipped on her red tea.

“Good morning to you too, Mimi,” replied Alviona.

“Huh? What is wrong. Yesterday you were all chirpy. Now you look and sound somewhat sad. Do you miss home? If so, do not worry. I had that happen to me last week too! Heh, could not help but wonder how my papa was doing. Silly one he is,” said Mimi with a grin. “Worry not. Sending a letter to your family eases that feeling. Do you want to try writing one to your mother or father?”

“I do not know. Right now, we are in a state of war of sorts. This is what my grandmother told me so sending mail would probably not work.”

“Ah. I see. Well then, it is ok. By the way, did you receive your uniform yet? You do not seem to be wearing it.”

“No. I have not received anything school related. I believe the headmaster said that there would be someone coming here to help me with that.”

“That would be me,” said Cornelia as she entered the room. “Greetings. My name is Cornelia. I will be your… oh my. You are a demon, like me. How interesting,” said the girl as she looked at Alviona. “And a pretty one too,” she mumbled. Her heart seemed to skip a beat but quickly managed to come back to her senses. “Are you Alviona?”

Huh? But I am not a demon; I am an elf, thought Alviona. Her eyes displayed excitement from seeing a creature that also had the similar features like herself. “Oh, if you are like me, does this mean that you have wi… wiggling ears?”

“Uhm, no. I have ears that somewhat resemble elven, but they are pointier and shorter. See? Hm, are you perhaps a crossbreed between elven male and a demonic female?”

“Yes, I am,” replied Alviona with confidence since Mira had prepared her for this.

“I see. The headmaster was correct when stating that you were interesting. Regardless. We only have today to get you enrolled in classes that you desire so let us make haste. It is also crucial that we get you a proper uniform.”

“In that case, can we please meet with my companion? She and I are going to take the same classes preferably.”

“That is doable. Is it Janine you are speaking of?”

“Correct,” replied Alviona with a slight blush.

“I see. And what about the man that was supposed to be stationed outside of your chamber, where is he?”

“Well, he, erm. I sent him to guard my friend’s chamber so that I would know where to find her. They are on their way right now,” said Alviona chirpily.

Two minutes later, Solomon and Janine entered the room and introduced themselves.

“Well then. Let us get going. There is a lot that needs to be done today.”

“By the way, Mimi. Would you be willing to accompany me?” Asked Alviona curiously.

“Well, I have nothing to do except to read some books, so I do not see any harm in that. Let’s go,” said the dwarf who finished drinking tea and moved the dishes into the sink.

As they were exiting the room, Alviona stopped mid-way and looked around.

“Are you all right, child?” Asked Janine who picked up on the girl’s behavior. Something was wrong. “Uhm, you guys go ahead without us for a moment, we will catch up.”

Cornelia nodded, while Solomon understood that something was awry. However, he decided that it would be best to leave his mistress be with Janine. If anything, he would immediately rush to help.

“What is wrong, Alviona? Please, tell me,” said Janine softly, gently placing her slender hands on the girl’s shoulders.

Alviona felt odd. A sensation of heat jolted through her body, reminiscent of her utilizing the Power to Mana (PtM) conversion. However, it did not feel uncomfortable. It ached, but for reasons that she was unable to comprehend. She was confused by the current situation and furthermore, kept thinking back to what #233, #399 and the library had told her. Without realizing it, her hands were touching Janine’s.

“I-I. I do not know. I am sorry. Janine, what do you see in me? Do you like me as a person? Or am I like the goblin meanie? Am I scary? Am I a monster? ” asked the girl, her eyes welling up with tears.

“What? No. No. Stop, come here. You are not a meanie. You are Alviona, a girl that spared my life. Yes, you are somewhat odd, but that is about it. Me and Mira, we know of your background. We both understand what you are going through, kiddo. So do not worry. Aren’t I here? Is it not the reason why I want to take the same classes as you? Cheer up. Of course, I like you as a person. You are wonderful,” replied Janine, taking out a handkerchief and wiping away Alviona’s tears. “Now, now. What happened?”

“I don’t know. I can not answer you truthfully without giving out some information that might change the way you and everyone perceive me. I am not as gentle of a creature as you believe me to be. I apologize, Janine. Thank you for your words. I also like you, a lot. I love you the same way I love Solomon, Mira, Anita and my mother. Again, I am sorry,” said Alviona as she stepped back from Janine and walked some distance towards the door. Tears seemed to have dried up from the heat that her body currently emitted due to the PtM being used for an unknown instruction. “Okie, let’s go. Today will be a lot of fun!”

“A-are you sure you will be all right?” Asked Janine suspiciously.

“Oh, yes!” Replied the girl in her usual chirpy voice. “Hurry,” she added with a giggle.

A meanie, huh? What was that all of a sudden? Yes, she has a potential of becoming a monster. And yet. Good grief. Why did she ask me if I liked her as a person? Was she implying if I viewed her as a friend or a foe? Did I answer correctly? Thought Janine as she followed Alviona.

Catching up to Cornelia, the party exited the female dormitory. Despite Alviona acting as chirpy as possible, fear still loomed over her essence. Fortunately, she was soon distracted by the excursion that was about to begin.