The Sword Alchemist

The Sword Academy of Magic

Eighteen years had passed. Claire was very excited because it was the first day that she's going to enter the most awaited opportunity of her life, the Sword Academy of Magic. Actually, it was the very first time that she's gonna enter in a school. The Sword Academy of Magic offers magic classes for all mages of different races from 18 years and older.

"Good day mages! Welcome to the Sword Academy of Magic. The Sword Academy of Magic is a positive, safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment. We proudly embrace all genders, s****l identities, s****l orientations, nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, religions, abilities and everything in between." an announcement was made all over the campus. 

Claire went to the Introductory Sword Magic classroom and took her seat. All other students were hurriedly and chaotically entering and chatting with each other. Suddenly, an old-looking professor entered the room.

"Good morning class. I'm Mrs. Harrington. Our courses cater to anyone looking to advance their skills in sword magic, also known as 'sword alchemy'. We have divided our material to allow aspiring sword mages, and even professionals to find the perfect level to fit into. We recommend that beginners enroll in our Introductory Sword Magic Level 1 class, which is here in this classroom. If you have prior experience with sword alchemy and are unsure which level is right for you, you can come to the Registrar's Office for more information." she said. "Now, let us check your attendance. When I say your name, please raise your hand."

"Belinda Winchester, white mage." Belinda raised her hand as Mrs. Harrington called her name.

"Madeline Harringfield, white mage."

"Mary Morgan, white mage."

"Kira Asterio, white mage." some students became a little noisy when Kira raised his hand. 

"He's the Prince of Pharagon,right?" one of the students whispered to her seatmate.

"Yes, he is. He's so cute," the other replied. Other names in class were also mentioned until it became Claire's turn.

"Claire..." Mrs. Harrington was confused because there was no surname on the list. Claire knew that it was her so she raised her hand.

"You're Claire?" asked Mrs. Harrington.

"Yes, Mrs. Harrington." 

"Why didn't you write your surname?"

"Uhm...I don't have one," she hesitatedly said. Students started to murmur again. 

"You don't have one?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Harrington, I'm an orphan. Mr. Hutcher just called me Claire. I'm a black mage," Claire explained which caused more commotion among the class.

"Did you hear that? She's a black mage," one of the girls gossiped.

"Yeah...what a shame."

"Oh, a black mage. I see. The only black mage in class," Mrs. Harrington concluded. "Anyway, for our first lesson, we are going to enter the Slavernake Forest to test your preliminary skills and abilities. I assume that all of you have sword fighting abilities because you would not be able to enter this academy in the first place if you don't."

"Slavernake Forest is a mystical forest wherein magical swords are made and found. Also, you can find some dangerous and scary mystical creatures and places. From there you will have your first test. You have to find your first and very own sword."

x-x-x

"Students, we're now here in the Slavernake Forest. This Forest is an Enchanted Forest. Many mystical creatures are residing inside. Do not do anything unnecessary. We're now going to divide you into four groups," said Mrs. Harrington together with her co-professor Professor Snake. They arrived at the dark and scary forest. It gave everybody the chills. There are 24 students and they were divided into four with 6 groups each. 

"Kira Asterio and company, you're assigned to go to the east side of the forest," Mrs. Harrington instructed Claire's group with Kira as the leader. Listen everyone, there are 4 exits from this forest. After you become successful in finding your sword, you can pass through those exits. You must go together as a group. Stay as a group and leave as a group. No one should be alone. You must not enter the heart of the forest, do you understand?" she continued.

"Yes Mrs. Harrington," the students replied.

Claire and her group started exploring the east. There were 5 boys in the group and she was the only girl and the only black mage. Other guys started whispering and making fun of her.

"Hey Claire, where did you come from? Should your surname be Black, as in Claire Black? You don't have a surname anyway," teased Ryan.

"Don't bully her Ryan, she might cry. I heard black mages are crybabies," sarcastically said Ben. "Do they even have powers?" he continued. Then they laugh at her. Claire was just holding her temper.

"Hey Claire, what powers have you got? Show us some," Tristan added to her annoyance.

"Guys, just shut up. Let's focus on our test," Kira changed the topic in order to help Claire. Claire was just quiet and continued walking, finding for the sword.

"Guys, I know what to do. What if we scatter around this part of the forest, let's just put a mark on this area. After an hour we go back to this place. That way we can find the swords faster, suggested Tristan.

"Mrs. Harrington said no one should be alone. We should go together as a group," Claire reminded him of Mrs. Harrington's instruction.

"Why Claire, are you scared?" Tristan teased her again.

"No. I was just following instructions," Claire denied.

"Guys, come on. Tristan is right. It's just one hour. We can find the swords faster if we do that. Then we just have to go back to this place," Ivan convinced the group with Tristan's suggestion.

Kira sighed. "Ok. One hour you said. Remember this place everyone."

"I will go further north," Tristan said.

"I'm gonna go east," Ben said.

"I'll just check around this place." Ivan said.

"I'm gonna go south," Kira said and then he left immediately.

"Wait. Where should I go?" Claire asked the other guys.

"You should go west. I'll go with Ben," said Ryan. 

"Uhm...okay," said Claire and then she left. 

Ben suddenly whispered to Ryan, "The hell man. That route is toward the heart of the forest."

"Let her go. Let's see what will happen to her," Ryan replied while smiling evily. Ben laughed silently. "Goodluck to her."