บท 1: The Witch of Valen!
After the cataclysmic war, the once lush and vibrant lands lay desolate. Scorched earth stretched as far as the eye could see, and the silence of desolation hung heavily in the air. The very planet seemed to weep, its oceans reduced to tears and its forests to ashes. Echoes of life wailed through the empty canyons, and once-great civilizations crumbled into dust.
Amidst the ruins, she collapsed to her knees beside an unmarked grave, the resting place of her last companion. Tears carved paths down her dirt-streaked face as she stared blankly at the barren landscape. In the vast emptiness of space, the planet that had once birthed countless miracles, now drifted silently, devoid of life.
"Are you okay?" a gentle voice echoed within her mind, resonating with the very core of her being.
Startled, Lyra looked up. "Who's there?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Civilization has lost its way," the voice continued, sorrowful yet soothing. "Even I, the world that nurtured them, am not immune to this disaster."
"Who are you?" Lyra's eyes darted around, searching for the source.
"I am the spirit of this planet you call home," the voice replied softly. "I am sorry that I couldn't let you grow up safely in this once vibrant land."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "It's not your fault," she choked out.
"Perhaps," the spirit sighed. "But time is short. Fortunately, I still have enough strength left to send you and other children with strong souls away."
"Send us away? Where?" Lyra's heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope.
"To a new world," the spirit said. "Go, Lyra! Carry the glory of Earth's civilization and my final wishes to a place where life still flourishes."
"Can I come back? Is there any way to save you?" she pleaded.
A soft light enveloped her. "I'm giving this to you," the spirit whispered as a small, glowing crystal materialized in her hands. "If one day you possess the power to save a world, it will guide you to find me in another timeline."
Lyra clutched the crystal tightly. "But I don't want to leave you," she said, tears streaming down her face.
"Remember," the voice cautioned gently, "don't force it. I've used all my strength to send you away, not so you would rush back and waste your life. As long as the essence of our civilization lives on within you, I will not truly die."
"Go to sleep now, my child," the spirit soothed. "And wake up to embrace a new life."
---
With a gasp, Lyra jolted awake from her nightmare, her heart pounding in her chest. Her amethyst eyes; deep and enigmatic, reflected the aged wooden beams of the attic ceiling, resembling the bright stars in the night sky. She reached up to touch the sweat-soaked collar of her nightshirt.
"I'm having that dream again," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ever since she'd arrived in the world of Valen years ago, the last memories of her previous life had transformed into haunting nightmares. She swung her legs over the edge of the narrow bed, the cold floor sending a shiver up her spine.
"When the end truly comes," she thought, "humanity won't have a Noah's Ark to save them." Instead, it was the wounded and devastated Earth that used its final ounce of strength to send away souls capable of enduring the journey between worlds.
"We didn't even ask them to save our world," she reflected sadly. "We just hoped they could carry our memories and cherish the new lives they were given."
She stood and walked over to the small window, pushing it open. The cool night air brushed against her face as she gazed at the stars scattered across the velvet sky.
"If I hadn't asked," she whispered, "the Earth might never have told me how to save her."
In her previous life, she was an orphan with no family, struggling to survive in a wasteland. She eventually died peacefully, unburdened by any ties. But the image of the lifeless planet, the home she could not save, was etched indelibly in her heart.
"It shouldn't have ended like that," she said firmly, clenching her fists. "It was humanity's war that destroyed it."
"The power to save the world..." she repeated softly, her eyes reflecting the distant galaxies.
Lyra felt fortunate and grateful that it was the world of Valen that had accepted her soul. In her previous life on the Earth, the idea of one person having the power to save the world was pure fantasy. But here, in Valencia, a city brimming with magic and miracles, it wasn't impossible.
She glanced down at the faint glow emanating from beneath her skin, the crystal given to her by the spirit of the Earth, now a part of her very being.
"I won't let your sacrifice be in vain," she promised softly. "I'll find a way."
As the first rays of dawn began to break, bathing the city in a golden hue, Lyra felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was uncertain, but she was no stranger to hardship.
With one last look at the awakening world below, she turned away from the window. There was much to do, and she was ready to begin.
In the world of Valen, power is something one earns and holds personally. Those who ascend to the pinnacle of their abilities gain access to a mystical place known as the Skywell. This enchanted well connects Valen to other dimensions and worlds, allowing the strongest individuals to traverse these realms in pursuit of greater knowledge and power.
"One day, that'll be me," Lyra whispered to herself, gazing out of her attic window at the endless horizon. The thought of the Skywell filled her with a mix of awe and determination. Although she was still just a young witch who could only learn about magic from the Little Witch Book Series, she firmly believed that she would one day gain enough strength to reach the Skywell and find her way back to the Earth, the home she had lost.
And today, her thirteenth birthday, marked the beginning of that journey into the magical world.
"The admission letter to the Witch Academy should arrive any moment now," she murmured, a flutter of excitement in her chest. She had been waiting for this day for as long as she could remember.
Lyra had long admired her grandmother, a skilled witch whose magic seemed effortless and wondrous. She remembered watching her turn raindrops into floating lanterns and make flowers bloom with a mere touch.
"I can't wait to learn magic like that," Lyra thought, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. However, she knew that for a young witch under the age of thirteen, attempting to tap into her innate magical powers too early could harm her development and damage her magical foundation.
"But after today, everything will be different," she said aloud, a smile spreading across her face.
Feeling a surge of energy, Lyra sprang out of bed. She folded her floral quilt neatly and placed it at the foot of the bed. It was midsummer, and as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the coolness of the night gave way to a sweltering heat.
"Phew, it's going to be a hot one," she sighed, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.
The ice in the bucket that her grandmother had frozen using a simple freezing spell had long since melted, leaving behind water that was still pleasantly cool to the touch.
"At least the water's still cool," she thought gratefully.
She couldn't tell whether it was the heat or remnants of her fading nightmare that had woken her. Her skin was damp, and her nightgown clung uncomfortably to her body.
"Time to freshen up," she decided.
She slipped off her nightgown and dipped a towel into the cool water. As she wiped herself down, a warm breeze drifted through the open window, caressing her damp skin and sending a refreshing chill across her body.
"Ahh, much better," she sighed contentedly.
However, her back and neck were still swathed in her thick, curly purple hair, which felt like a warm, fuzzy blanket draped over her.
"This hair is like wearing a wool coat in the middle of summer," she chuckled, gathering it up.
She wet her hands and ran them through her unruly locks, smoothing them down a bit. With practiced ease, she braided her hair into a loose pigtail.
"There we go," she said, admiring her reflection in the small mirror propped on her dresser. Her amethyst eyes sparkled back at her, full of hope and excitement.
She grabbed the black hairband hanging from her bedpost and tied off the braid, letting it hang casually over her shoulder. She finished wiping down her arms and legs, feeling instantly more invigorated.
"Today is the day," she reminded herself, slipping into a light, airy dress that fluttered around her knees.
She walked over to the window and pushed it open wider. A hot, humid breeze greeted her, rustling the pages of the open book on her desk.
"Another sunny day in Valencia," she noted, leaning on the windowsill.
The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, without a single cloud in sight. In the distance, rivers wound their way through the landscape like shimmering ribbons, the water so clear it reflected the sky above. The lush green meadows stretched out like an exquisite emerald carpet laid over the rolling hills.
By the riverbank, she spotted her mother, Elara carrying a woven basket, gracefully collecting gifts brought by the local water birds, colorful shells, shiny pebbles, and occasionally, a rare flower.
"Maybe I should go help her," Lyra thought, her fingers drumming on the windowsill. But then she hesitated. "What if the admission letter arrives while I'm gone?"
She bit her lip, torn between wanting to assist and not wanting to miss the arrival of the letter.
Just then, a soft knock came at her door.
"Lyra? Are you awake?" called a familiar voice.
"Yes, mother! Come in!" she replied, turning away from the window.
The door creaked open, and Elara peeked inside, her hazel eyes bright with excitement.
"Happy birthday!" Elara exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug.
"Thank you!" Lyra laughed, returning the embrace. Her mother was had studied at the Witch Academy. She couldn't wait to join her.
"Guess what?" Elara said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"What is it?" Lyra asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I saw the post owl flying this way! Your admission letter must be arriving any minute!"
"Really?" Lyra's heart skipped a beat. "Are you sure?"
Elara nodded. "Absolutely! You want to go wait by the front door right!"
Lyra's earlier hesitation vanished. "Let's go!"
She dashed down the wooden stairs, their footsteps echoing through the cozy cottage.
As she reached the front door, her mother followed, her basket now filled with nature's treasures.
"Well, aren't you in a hurry this morning," the neighbor aunt remarked with a gentle smile.
"Lyra's letter is coming today!" Elara explained eagerly.
"Ah, that's wonderful," the neighbor replied, setting the basket down. "Happy birthday, dear."
"Thank you, Auntie," Lyra said politely.
"Why don't you have some breakfast while you wait?" Elara suggested. "I made honeyed bread and fresh berry jam."
"That sounds great! But I think I'll wait here, if that's okay," Lyra said, her eyes fixed on the sky.
Elara chuckled softly. "Of course, dear. The post owl won't be long now."
As Elara moved toward the kitchen, Lyra stepped outside onto the sun-soaked porch. The wooden planks were warm under her feet, and she could hear the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
She shaded her eyes with her hand, scanning the sky for any sign of the post owl.
"Come on, come on," she whispered, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Minutes felt like hours as she waited. Just when she began to worry that perhaps the letter wouldn't come, a distant speck appeared in the sky.
"There it is!" she cried out, jumping up and down.
The speck grew larger, revealing itself to be a majestic owl with shimmering feathers that glinted in the sunlight.
"Mom! It's here!" Lyra called over her shoulder.
Elara her mother hurried back to the porch just as the owl swooped down gracefully, landing on the railing in front of Lyra. It extended its leg, to which a sealed envelope was attached.
With trembling hands, Lyra untied the letter.
"Go ahead, open it!" Naomi urged, practically bouncing with excitement.
Lyra broke the wax seal embossed with the emblem of the Witch Academy, a crescent moon cradling a star.
"Dear Miss Lyra," she read aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Witch Academy for the upcoming term."
"Congratulations, dear," Elara said warmly. "I knew you'd be accepted."
Lyra's eyes filled with tears of joy. "This is the first step," she thought. "The first step toward becoming a powerful witch."
As the excitement settled, the owl hooted softly, drawing their attention.
"Oh! Thank you," Lyra said to the owl, offering it a small treat from the pouch at her waist.
The owl took the offering gently before spreading its wings and taking flight, disappearing into the azure sky.
"Now the real journey begins," Lyra said, clutching the letter to her chest.
Elara grinned. "Just wait until you see the academy! There's so much to learn, and the professors are amazing."
"I can't wait," Lyra replied, her mind already racing with possibilities.
Elara placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Remember, becoming a witch is not just about power. It's about understanding, responsibility, and heart."
"I understand," Lyra said sincerely. "I'll do my best."
"I know you will," Elara said with a nod. "Now, how about that breakfast?"
"Yes, please!" Lyra agreed, suddenly realizing how hungry she was.
As they headed back inside, Lyra took one last look at the sky.
"Earth," she thought, "I'm one step closer to finding my way back to you."
But she also felt a deep affection for Valen and the people who had become her family.
"Maybe I can find a way to bridge both worlds," she mused silently. "But for now, I'll focus on becoming the best witch I can be."
With renewed determination, she joined Naomi and Elara in the kitchen, ready to embrace whatever the future held.
By the riverbank, the grass was piled high with an array of treasuresñ gleaming stones, colorful shells, and other curious items washed ashore by the gentle current. Naomi's mother had done well today; it looked like the harvest was particularly abundant.
As Lyra admired the collection from her window, a sudden flash of golden light streaked across the sky. Before she could blink, it appeared right before her eyes, a paper bird adorned with intricate golden ink patterns. The patterns shimmered more brilliantly than the midsummer sun, casting a radiant glow that made her heart race.
"Is this...?" Lyra whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
She had read about such moments countless times in the Young Witch Book Series. In those tales, the admission letter from the Witch Academy always arrived as a magical paper bird, seeking out the destined young witch.
With a mix of excitement and disbelief, Lyra stretched out her hand. The paper bird fluttered gracefully, then gently landed in her palm. As it touched her skin, it transformed into an elegant envelope.
She gazed at the envelope's seal, a combination of a book, fireworks, and a golden quill. These symbols represented the master of the wilderness and the patron saint of witches, the Saint Witch herself.
"Saint Witches were born from witches, but they are different from ordinary witches," she recalled from her readings. Unlike regular witches, the Saint Witches possessed magical powers far superior to standard spellcraft. They had unlimited growth potential and unique talents that set them apart. Only three such Witches had ever been born among the witch families.
"It was these three who stood against the masses, conquered the wilderness from the various tribes of Valen, and established its sovereignty," Lyra mused. Now, the witches scattered across the land had their own tribal territories, and the wilderness, protected by the Witch, had become the fourth forbidden area after Heaven Mountain, the Abyss, and Dragon Island.
Her hands trembled slightly as she broke the seal and unfolded the letter within. The parchment shimmered softly, and elegant script began to appear:
---
"Ms. Lyra,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to the Witch Academy. The entrance ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. three days from now (June 13th).
At that time, the admission letter's mark will automatically activate and transport you to the Witch Academy. Please make the necessary preparations.
All study materials and living accommodations will be provided by the Witch Academy.
Also, please ensure that you are wearing your school uniform when you arrive at the academy.
Enclosed with this letter is your set of academy robes.
— Headmistress Amisha"
---
Lyra's eyes danced over the words again and again. "I've been accepted," she breathed, a radiant smile spreading across her face. Joy bubbled up inside her, threatening to burst forth in laughter or tears; she wasn't sure which.
As she finished reading, the parchment began to glow softly. Before she knew it, the letter melted into her palm, transforming into a small emblem resembling an envelope; a magical mark connecting her to the academy.
"Wow," she exclaimed, examining her palm. Curious, she touched the emblem, and the letter materialized in her hand once more. She couldn't help but laugh. "This is incredible!"
She repeated the process several times, making the letter appear and disappear, completely engrossed in this newfound magic. Her laughter filled the room, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else.
Down by the river, neighbor aunt; looked up toward the attic window. She noticed Lyra standing there, eyes fixed on her palms, an expression of pure delight on her face.
A knowing smile spread across her's lips. "It seems the moment has arrived," she murmured to herself.
Recalling when her own daughter had received the admission letter, she felt a surge of warmth. The same excitement, the same wonder, it was a rite of passage for every young witch.
Gathering her basket filled with the day's finds, Aunt Michelle made her way back to the cottage. As she entered, she called out, "Lyra, dear! Has your admission letter arrived?"
Upstairs, Lyra snapped out of her reverie. Hearing Naomi's mothers voice, she realized how long she'd been standing there. Leaning out the window, she beamed down at her. "Yes, it just arrived! I got in!"
Michelle's face lit up. "That's wonderful news! Come down and tell me all about it Naomi also want to hear about it!"
"I'll be right there!" Lyra replied, her excitement reignited.
Before heading downstairs, she glanced around her room and noticed a neatly folded set of robes on her bed, the academy uniform. Made from fine, dark fabric with subtle silver embroidery, it looked both elegant and comfortable.
She ran her fingers over the material. "So this is the school uniform," she thought, holding it up against herself. It fit perfectly.
With a final twirl in front of the mirror, Lyra carefully placed the robes back on the bed and hurried downstairs.
In the cozy kitchen, Michelle was already brewing a pot of herbal tea. The aroma of chamomile and lavender filled the air.
"Sit down, dear," Michelle said, pulling out a chair. "You must be over the moon!"
Lyra nodded eagerly, taking a seat. "It's like a dream come true," she admitted. "The letter arrived just like in the stories; a golden paper bird! It landed right in my hand and turned into this letter." She showed Michelle the emblem on her palm, making the letter appear and disappear again.
Michelle chuckled softly. "I remember when I received mine. I couldn't stop playing with it either."
"Speaking of aunt Naomi, where is she?" Lyra asked, looking around.
"She went into town to fetch some supplies but should be back any moment now," Michelle replied. "She'll be thrilled to hear your news."
Just then, the front door swung open, and Naomi burst in, her arms laden with packages.
"Mother, they finally got the new potion ingredients—" She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Lyra's glowing expression. "Wait, did it come?"
Lyra grinned widely. "It did! I got my admission letter!"
"Yes!" Naomi exclaimed, nearly dropping her parcels as she rushed over to embrace her friend. "I knew you'd get in! This is fantastic!"
"We'll be at the academy together!" Lyra added, her excitement matching Naomi's.
Michelle watched the two girls with fondness. "Now, now, settle down," she teased gently. "There's much to do before then."
"Right," Naomi agreed, pulling back. "We need to get you ready!"
"The letter says the entrance ceremony is in three days," Lyra said. "And the admission mark will activate to take me to the academy."
"Three days isn't a lot of time," Naomi mused. "We should start preparing."
Michelle nodded. "Even though the academy provides your study materials and accommodations, there are personal things you'll want to bring."
"Like what?" Lyra asked.
"Well, perhaps a journal to record your experiences," Michelle suggested. "Maybe some keepsakes from home, and definitely some homemade treats for your first night."
"Oh, and don't forget practical items," Naomi added. "An enchanted satchel can be really handy."
"That's a great idea," Lyra said, her mind buzzing with possibilities.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in a flurry of activity. They made lists, gathered supplies, and shared stories about the academy. Naomi recounted her first days there, the fascinating classes, and the friends she'd made.
"You'll love Professor Thistlewick," Naomi said enthusiastically. "She teaches elemental magic and makes the lessons so engaging."
"I can't wait to meet her," Lyra replied, carefully packing a small box of mementos.
As evening approached, Elara prepared a special dinner to celebrate. The table was adorned with fresh flowers and lit by candles that flickered softly.
"To Lyra's acceptance into the Witch Academy," Elara toasted, raising her glass.
"To new adventures!" Naomi added, clinking her glass against theirs.
"Thank you both," Lyra said sincerely. "I couldn't have done this without your support."
"Nonsense," Elara replied warmly. "You've worked hard, and you deserve this opportunity."
After dinner, they sat by the fireplace, sipping tea and enjoying each other's company. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and dreams of the future.
Later that night, as Lyra climbed back up to her attic room, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Standing by the window, she gazed up at the starlit sky.
"Three days," she whispered to herself. "In three days, everything changes."
She thought about the journey ahead, the magic she would learn, the challenges she would face, and the goal that had driven her for so long.
"To reach the Skywell," she mused. "To find a way back to the Earth."
But as she looked out over the peaceful landscape of Valen, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life she had here.
"Maybe," she thought, "my path isn't just about returning home but about connecting both worlds."
With a contented sigh, she prepared for bed. Before drifting off to sleep, she held the emblem in her palm one last time, letting its gentle glow soothe her.
"Goodnight," she whispered, to no one in particular but feeling as if the universe was listening.
---
The next morning, the sun streamed through her window, waking her gently. Stretching, Lyra felt a renewed sense of purpose. There was much to do before the ceremony, and she was ready to embrace every moment.
As she dressed and headed downstairs, she heard the familiar sounds of breakfast being prepared. The aroma of fresh bread and herbal tea filled the air.
"Morning!" Naomi greeted cheerfully. "Ready for another busy day?"
"Absolutely," Lyra replied, joining her at the table.
Elara placed a plate of warm pastries before them. "Eat up, girls. You'll need your energy."
They chatted animatedly about the plans for the day; visiting the market, practicing simple spells, and finalizing Lyra's preparations.
"Don't forget to enjoy these moments," Elara advised. "They'll become cherished memories."
Lyra nodded thoughtfully. "I will."
As they set out into the vibrant town, Lyra felt a surge of happiness. Surrounded by friends and the promise of new beginnings, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she wouldn't face them alone.
And so, with a heart full of hope and determination, Lyra stepped forward, toward the Witch Academy, the Skywell, and the myriad possibilities that awaited her in the magical world of Valen.
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