Rin was sitting at her desk, eyes shining with excitement, as Miss Liora rolled in a huge, wooden box.
And with a flourish, the teacher opened it-and inside were dozens of exquisitely carved magic sticks in shining colors.
"They look like fancy chopsticks for giants!" gasped Rin.
Crowlius whispered, "Don't eat with them. They explode."
---
✨ Magic Theory 101 (Rin's Brain: Error 404)
Miss Liora began explaining magic basics with a wand that sometimes misfired and shot confetti.
"Magic," she said, "is the energy flowing through the world. You channel it through your stick. But remember—"
The confetti wand sprayed her face mid-sentence.
She sighed. "Yes. THIS kind of disaster also counts as magic."
The class erupted in laughter.
Zephyr acted like he didn't.
Rowan smiled politely.
Crowlius stole a piece of confetti and wore it as a hat.
---
Bonding with the Magic Stick
Miss Liora clapped her hands.
"Now, students! Step forward and let a stick choose you!"
"What do I do?" Rin whispered to Crowlius.
"Just touch one and hope it doesn't turn you into a mushroom."
"WHAT—?"
But before she could utter any protestations, Zephyr stepped in front of her.
"Don't worry. If you turn into a mushroom, I'll water you."
Rin glared. "Is that supposed to be comforting?"
"Not sure. Never comforted anyone before."
---
Selection… or Rejection ????
One by one, students walked up and immediately got chosen.
A glow. A spark. A fancy magical whiiinnggg sound.
Boom-bonded. Easy.
Then came Rin.
She stood up.
She reached for a shimmering silver stick—
Pfft.
It flickered and rolled away from her hand.
She blinked. "Uh… did it just RUN?"
Miss Liora winced. "Try another one, dear."
Rin picked up a golden stick—
It faded.
Like a phone battery dying at 1%.
She tried a blue one—
It slipped from her grasp like a slippery fish.
She tried a green one—
It screamed.
THE STICK ACTUALLY SCREAMED.
Rin jumped back. "WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Miss Liora coughed. "Rare reaction. Very… creative."
Zephyr smirked. "Even the sticks are scared of you. Impressive."
Rin glared. "At least I didn't punch someone unconscious on day one!"
Crowlius whispered, "Technically you got punched—"
"NOT HELPING!" Rin hissed.
-
???? Rin's Confidence… Dripping Away Like Melted Ice Cream
After several futile tries, Rin slumped into her seat.
"I can't even bond with a stick. Maybe I'm not good enough."
Crowlius put a wing on her shoulder.
"Hey, magical sticks are dramatic divas. You're not the problem."
Miss Liora smiled pleasantly.
"Rin, dear, remember—you do not choose the stick. The stick chooses you."
Be patient. The right one will appear." Zephyr muttered from the back, "Unless it runs away too." She shot a deadpan look at Rin. "I hope your stick turns into a chicken." The class burst into laughter. Even Rowan laughed. Zephyr acted like he didn't—but his ears turned red. --- Chaos in Class ???? Suddenly, Timmy's wand conjured up another pigeon. Faye sneezed glitter again. Lysander's desk began to levitate for no apparent reason whatsoever. Lyra fell over in her chair, laughing at Zephyr's red ears. Crowlius sighed proudly. "Ah… the smell of magic and stupidity. My favorite." She looked at the magic wands once more. Someday, she'd get her match. Even if it screamed at her first.
To be continued…