Fuka Kingdom was a land governed by a kind and honest, yet weak, king who lacked the strength to restrain his greedy nobles. These nobles exploited the economy, leaving the kingdom's poor to suffer under rising prices for basic necessities. One of Fuka’s largest cities was Pero, situated near the border with Syrana Kingdom—a hostile land with a long-standing grudge against Fuka. Years ago, Fuka failed to aid Syrana during a devastating goblin invasion, igniting deep animosity.

  The goblins were vicious creatures with green and silver skin, their forms ranging from small, cunning hunters armed with bows and poisoned daggers to towering, muscular brutes stronger than any warrior. These larger goblins were relentless predators, indiscriminate in their killings—whether deer, humans, weak sorcerers, injured witches, or even children. Anything that provided fresh meat and warm blood was fair game.

  Though the goblins often attacked Fuka Kingdom, its border cities—Reno, Guty, and Pero—served as shields, holding back the creatures' relentless assaults. Like any shield, however, these cities bore their share of scars. Over the years, goblin attacks became a grim routine, and life within these cities, while far from peaceful, carried on with a semblance of normalcy.

  In Pero City, the last major attack had occurred a year ago. The city was large and bustling, protected by tall stone walls sturdy enough to withstand even the fiery boulders that goblins hurled during sieges. Three main markets offered what little goods people could afford, while a modest, beautifully crafted fountain stood at the city’s centre. Locals often tossed coins into the fountain, hoping for long-forgotten wishes, only for the destitute to retrieve them under cover of night.

  Near the city walls, in a humble house, lived Mia, a kind-hearted woman in her fifties. She cared for her two adopted children, 17-year-old twins named Dam and Lifa. Though they shared the same black eyes and brown hair, their personalities were vastly different. Dam bore a small scar over his left eye, a mark left by a goblin years earlier. He was protective and strong-willed. Lifa, on the other hand, was a bright and cheerful girl, known for her kind heart and infectious smile that left a lasting impression on anyone she met.

  Grandma Mia, as the twins called her, had a warm smile, green eyes, and blonde hair streaked with white. She worked tirelessly as a tailor, doing her best to provide for her small family despite the hardships they faced. Together, they found comfort and solace in each other, creating a fragile haven amid the chaos of their world.

  Grandma Mia was busy preparing dinner while the twins sat in the corner of the cozy room, absorbed in their books. Dam was deeply engrossed in a volume about the southern kingdoms, lands he dreamed of visiting despite their cold and unforgiving climates. His fascination with travel had grown over the years, fueled by the stories of adventurers returning to the city with tales of far-off places and daring exploits.

  Lifa, on the other hand, was more pragmatic. She had her nose buried in a book on magic, eagerly preparing for her entry into a witch’s school—a goal she had tirelessly worked toward. Magic fascinated her, from its scientific foundations to the possibilities it unlocked. Dam and Grandma Mia had always supported her ambitions, offering help and encouragement wherever possible. Lifa, in turn, showed her gratitude through hard work, determined to master her craft and one day use her skills to benefit her family.

  Magic was a rare gift, and not everyone possessed the talent. Those who did were highly sought after, often charging steep fees for their services. Yet, the firepower and efficiency a witch or sorcerer could bring made their presence invaluable, especially in a world fraught with danger.

  After a long session of reading, Dam finally closed his book and rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the dizziness that came from staring at the pages for too long. He glanced over at his sister and asked, “Not tired? Dinner’s ready.”

  Lifa sighed, shutting her book with a soft thud. “I’m exhausted. My head’s spinning,” she replied, though her tone was lighthearted.

  At the dinner table, Mia watched the twins dig into their food with gusto. Their manners left something to be desired, but the sight of them enjoying her cooking brought a warm smile to her face. “Are you ready for your entry exams?” she asked, her voice filled with both curiosity and pride. “I hear they’re pretty tough.”

  Lifa nodded confidently, her smile brimming with determination. “Of course! It’s all about staying calm and focused.”

  Dam grinned as he added, “And if something goes wrong, there’s always next year.”

  Lifa responded with a confident smile, “Not worried at all, really. I’m excited to finally meet real witches and learn everything I can master!”

  Dam grinned mischievously, his tone playful as he said, “And the money you’ll make when you become a witch! I mean *our* money.”

  Lifa burst into laughter, almost choking on the sip of water she’d just taken. She quickly covered her mouth, coughing a few times before managing to reply, “You’re as greedy as ever, brother. *Our* money? I haven’t even earned a single coin yet!”

  Mia chuckled softly as Dam defended himself, “But you will! You’ll be a witch, after all. Not everyone can manipulate magic, and your skills will be in high demand—meaning costly, as usual. Look at the witches living in this city! They have everything: wealth, recognition, respect. You’ll work less but earn a fortune. Why wouldn’t I dream of how easy our lives could be?”

  Lifa tilted her head, thoughtful. “I guess... I never thought about it like that.” A grin spread across her face as she added, “You’re right! I will be rich!”

  Dam’s eyes lit up. “*We’ll* be rich!”

  Mia smiled, her heart warm as she watched the twins banter. She rose from her seat, gathering her knitting supplies, while Dam and Lifa started clearing the table to wash the dishes.

  Later, the family huddled together in their tiny, single-room house for the night. Dam fell into a deep sleep almost instantly, but Lifa stayed awake, lighting a small candle. She opened her book, her nerves prickling as thoughts of her exams swirled in her mind.

  Morning arrived quickly. Grandma Mia was by the door, handing Dam a small meal as he prepared to leave for work. He hugged her tightly, but as he stepped outside, a soft voice called out, “Leaving? To that dangerous place again?”

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  Dam turned, smiling at his sister. Lifa stood in the doorway, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  “I have to,” Dam replied, his tone light but firm. “Until you become a witch and help us out, someone needs to keep earning.”

  “But that place is dangerous,” Lifa protested, worry etched on her face. “There are so many thieves there.”

  Dam nodded, acknowledging her concern. “I know. But the shop owner is lazy and avoids hard work, which means I get more hours and earn more money. Yes, it’s risky, but it pays well for those willing to take the chance. We sell adventurers’ gear—weapons, spells, armour, potions—so when adventurers are nearby, it’s usually safe.”

  “*Usually*,” Lifa repeated, her tone skeptical.

  Dam sighed and nodded apologetically. “Yes, most of the time. But it’s the best way I can help our family.”

  Lifa glanced at Mia, whose sad expression revealed her unease. “But…”

  “Please, Lifa!” Dam’s voice rose, frustration clear. “Grandma Mia is already against this job. Just this once, have my back!”

  Lifa looked at her brother’s determined yet weary face and finally relented with a nod. “Fine. But promise me—promise you’ll leave the moment you find safer work or when I become a witch.”

  Dam forced a smile, nodding. “I’ll try asking around, but I promise.”

  Mia and Lifa shared a faint, forced smile as Dam stepped out into the cold morning.

  After he left, Mia sat on her bed, trying to catch a few hours of rest before the entry exams, while Lifa returned to her book, focusing on her final review. A fierce drive set on her face as she imagined her brother walking that lonely road in the biting cold—a reality she was working hard to change.

  Two hours later, the city centre was alive with excitement. A bustling crowd had gathered to witness the future witches of the city take their first steps into the world of magic. The air buzzed with conversations, laughter, and murmurs about the importance of this day.

  Among the group of aspiring witches stood fifteen girls, one of whom was Lifa. She wore a long blue dress lovingly knitted by Grandma Mia. In contrast, the other girls were adorned in dazzling, expensive magical attire, reflecting their affluent families. Even the simpler outfits worn by some hinted at modest but stable backgrounds. Lifa alone bore the mark of poverty, yet her head remained high.

  Here, family status held no weight. The young witches shared the same emotions—nerves, excitement, and a tinge of fear—as they awaited the moment the school doors would open.

  Inside the school, Lilithra, a fire witch, adjusted her appearance in the mirror. Her piercing blue eyes shone with focus as she smoothed her elegant black dress. Jasmine, a light witch, approached with a cheerful wave. “Lilithra! It’s time. I bet those girls are trembling out there.”

  Lilithra turned, a smile softening her regal features. “Tell Jeffrey to open the doors. I’m ready.”

  In front of the school, Lifa stood trembling, her nerves threatening to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes and took slow, deliberate breaths to steady herself. When she opened them, her gaze landed on Grandma Mia standing a short distance away, smiling warmly.

  Although the crowd’s noise drowned out her voice, Lifa could make out her grandmother mouthing, *Be brave. Stay safe. I love you.*

  Bolstered by the unspoken encouragement, Lifa nodded to herself. *You can do this. They’re just witches. What are you afraid of?* she whispered.

  Her resolve hardened as the massive school doors swung open on their own, bathed in a shimmering blue light. The young witches gasped in awe, their nervousness briefly replaced with wonder.

  Two figures emerged from the doorway, their presence commanding immediate attention.

  The taller of the two was Lilithra, her long black hair flowing like a shadow behind her. She wore a striking black dress and a wide-brimmed hat that radiated authority. Beside her stood Jasmine, shorter but no less captivating. Her white dress ended just above her knees, complementing her snow-white eyes and blonde hair. Her warm, radiant smile eased the tension among the young witches.

  The presence of the two witches captivated the young girls. Even the crowd couldn’t help but erupt into cheers, applause, and excited shouts, mesmerized by the stunning duo.

  Lilithra leaned slightly toward Jasmine, whispering, “What exactly are they cheering for?”

  Jasmine replied with a mischievous grin, “Our dramatic entrance? Our looks? Or maybe the dresses?”

  Shaking her head, Lilithra turned her attention to the young girls. In a clear, pleasant voice that carried over the crowd, she addressed them. “My little witches, today we will test your abilities to determine who will join our prestigious school. We’ll assess your magical capacity, manipulation, and defence. Just the basics—there’s no need to be nervous.”

  The girls collectively exhaled in relief, their tense shoulders visibly relaxing. But their moment of calm was interrupted by a loud voice from the crowd.

  “I heard they’ll have to fight to the death!” a man shouted.

  A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, and Lilithra’s brow furrowed in disbelief. She scanned the sea of faces until she spotted the source of the rumour—a bearded man with muscular arms, likely a blacksmith.

  “What kind of school do you think we’re running here?” Lilithra asked, her tone a mix of bewilderment and amusement.

  The blacksmith scratched his head. “Aren’t they? I mean, I was worried for those poor girls’ lives!”

  Lilithra shifted her gaze back to the young witches. Noticing their nervous glances and hesitant stares, she addressed them directly. “Don’t tell me you all believed that nonsense too?”

  A few girls avoided her gaze, clearly embarrassed, while Lifa and a noble girl named Risa exchanged sheepish glances before nodding in agreement.

  Lilithra sighed but maintained a comforting smile as she raised her voice to address both the crowd and the girls. “Let me clear up this ridiculous misunderstanding. No one will be harmed today. We’re simply testing their abilities—nothing more, nothing less. Magic wielders are rare, and harming them would be an unforgivable waste. Besides, these young girls are far too beautiful for us to make them any more nervous!”

  The girls smiled, some even giggling at Lilithra’s words, while the murmuring crowd began to settle.

  Jasmine leaned closer to whisper, “You handled that perfectly. The girls look calmer, and the crowd has quieted down. Nice way to start the exams.”

  Lilithra whispered back, “But where did all these rumours come from? And why is there such a massive crowd today?”

  Jasmine chuckled. “This is the first time we’ve had 15 young witches taking the exams at once. Magic wielders are rare, after all.”

  Lilithra tilted her head. “Still, why *this* many people?”

  Jasmine glanced toward the young witches. “They’re from all sorts of backgrounds. Risa and her cousin Kila are nobles, and half their extended family showed up to watch. Then there’s Sysa, Jake the merchant’s daughter—his employees and business contacts are all here to cheer her on. Mofa, Gyva, and Roxana come from working families, and their parents brought everyone they could. And don’t forget, word spreads fast in this city. The crown alone is enough to attract half this crowd.”

  Lilithra nodded thoughtfully. “And you’ve memorized all their names?”

  Jasmine smiled knowingly. “Of course. Addressing a witch by anything other than her name is disrespectful.”

  Lilithra smirked. “Dusty old traditions.”

  Jasmine patted her on the shoulder. “And someone has to keep those traditions alive.”

  Returning her attention to the young witches, Lilithra raised her voice. “READY, MY LITTLE WITCHES?!”

  The girls nodded in unison, determination gleaming in their eyes. Lifa turned back one last time, searching the crowd. Her face lit up when she saw Grandma Mia standing beside Dam, who was drenched in sweat and panting heavily, as if he had run all the way there.

  “You can do it!” Dam shouted, his voice ringing above the murmurs of the crowd.

  Lifa smiled at her brother, nodding with gratitude before facing forward again. Her gaze locked on Lilithra, who raised her hands, conjuring dark fire that danced in her palms.

  “WELCOME TO ARGANDIA, OUR HUMBLE HOUSE!”