Chapter 14 Book 1 Yang Oscar
The announcement boomed through the Ghost Ship, a disembodied voice resonating from the enchanted hull itself, startling a few slumbering mana beasts in the lower decks. "Attention all esteemed passengers! We have reached our destination. Welcome to Minx Jinx Magii School. Please prepare for disembarkation."
A ripple of excited chatter spread through the ship. Xu Mei, who had spent the last three days exploring every nook and cranny of the ethereal vessel, her eyes constantly drawn to the shimmering, game-like status window that only she could perceive, felt a surge of anticipation. Beside her, Chu Xinxin, her usually shy demeanor replaced by an infectious giddiness, practically bounced on the balls of her feet.
"We're here, Mei Mei! We're really here!" Xinxin squealed, clutching Xu Mei's hand.
Xu Mei squeezed back, a genuine smile gracing her lips. "I know! Can you believe it? Minx Jinx! It's even more exciting than I imagined." The faint glow of her telekinesis progress bar flickered, responding to her inner thrill.
Just then, Lyra, Rong, and Iris, all a few years older and radiating an air of sophisticated anticipation, approached them.
"Ready for the grand entrance, first-years?" Lyra teased, her dark eyes sparkling.
"Absolutely!" Xu Mei said with a cheerful tone.
Iris chimed in, adjusting the elegant clasp of her travel cloak. "Though I know you will miss this ship. Which is truly a marvel. You will now enter into the world of the magii, so prepare yourselves."
Rong nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Indeed. You two are in for a big surprise."
Lyra hit his head and scolded. "Don't tell them. It would not be a surprise if you do."
"I know… I know…" Rong said while rubbing his head awkwardly as if he was really hurt.
Suddenly, Chu Xinxin pointed at the other ships from the window. "Look at those other ships! There are many… kinds! Some even resemble giant, bizarre plants. Imagine traveling on a carnivorous lily pad!" She shivered dramatically, making Xu Mei giggle.
Together, the four girls and a boy, a motley crew of new friends, made their way to the main deck. As they ascended, the ethereal mist that perpetually clung to the Ghost Ship began to dissipate, revealing a breathtaking vista. Below them, a bustling port teemed with activity. A myriad of ships, each more fantastical than the last, bobbed gently in the shimmering turquoise waters. There were majestic galleons with sails woven from starlight, sleek, silver vessels that glided silently, and indeed, a few truly bizarre constructs resembling colossal, glowing fungi or gnarled, ancient trees, their branches laden with curious passengers.
Students of all ages, dressed in an array of colorful or dignified robes, streamed from the disembarking vessels, their voices a vibrant hum that filled the air. The port itself was carved into the side of a colossal, emerald-green cliff face, adorned with intricate, glowing runes that pulsed with a soft, protective energy. In the distance, rising majestically above the cliff, a cluster of impossibly tall, spired towers, seemingly crafted from moonlight and stardust, pierced the sky – the Minx Jinx Magii School.
Xu Mei gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's… It's magnificent."
Xinxin squeezed her hand again, her own eyes reflecting the school's grandeur. "It's like a dream."
As their Ghost Ship, a graceful, spectral schooner, docked smoothly alongside a solid stone pier, a small group of adults stepped forward to greet the arriving students. They were clearly Masters from Minx Jinx, identified by their distinguished robes and an aura of profound magical power that subtly emanated from them. One, a stern-faced woman with braided silver hair, surveyed the disembarking students with an appraising eye. Another, a jovial man with a booming laugh, was already exchanging pleasantries with some of the older students.
"Welcome, young magii, to Minx Jinx!" the stern-faced woman announced, her voice carrying clearly above the din. "Please proceed to your designated assembly points. Elementary First-years, follow Master Fa. Second and Third years, with Master Elena. Fourth-years and above, with Master Theron."
The group began to separate. Xu Mei, Xinxin, Lyra, Rong, and Iris exchanged quick goodbyes.
"We'll see you later, Mei Mei, Xinxin!" Lyra called out, waving as she and the others headed towards Master Theron. "Don't get into too much trouble!"
Xu Mei grinned and waved back. "You too!"
Xu Mei and Chu Xinxin, along with a throng of other first-grade students, turned to face Master Fa. He was a lanky man, unusually tall and slender, draped in a simple, dark robe that seemed to absorb the light around him. His movements were fluid, almost unnaturally silent, and there was an undeniable vibe of mystery that clung to him like a second skin. His eyes, set deep within his gaunt face, were a startling shade of pale grey and held a certain unkindness, a sharpness that seemed to pierce through pretense. Yet, when he spoke, a surprising calmness enveloped his aura, his voice a low, resonant murmur that seemed to soothe the bustling energy of the port.
"First-years," Master Fa began, his voice devoid of any warmth, yet strangely compelling, "follow me. We will proceed to the carriages that will take us to the school grounds. Maintain orderly lines. Any disruptions will be met with immediate disciplinary action."
Despite the chilling edge to his tone, Xu Mei felt a strange warmth spread through her. It wasn't because of Master Fa, but because of the small, reassuring hand that slipped into hers. Chu Xinxin, still slightly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything, instinctively reached for her friend. Walking beside Xinxin, feeling her warm, soft hand in hers, Xu Mei felt a profound sense of comfort and belonging. This new world, full of magic and wonder, felt less daunting with Xinxin by her side.
They began to walk, a long line of eight-year-olds trailing behind the enigmatic Master Fa, their heads swiveling, trying to take in every new sight and sound. Some whispered excitedly, others looked nervous, clutching small satchels or ancient-looking scrolls.
The group then stopped as Master Fa faced everyone. "Hmm… It seems that our carriages were delayed. Everyone, wait for me here and do not run around," he said. This time, his voice contained a hint of coldness it, which made the students feel a hint of fear.
Xu Mei and Chu Xinxin also stopped and began talking to each other about what they wanted to do next. Suddenly, their path was abruptly blocked. A young boy, no older than Xu Mei and Xinxin, but with an air of immense self-importance and an almost comical haughtiness etched onto his finely featured face, stepped directly in front of them. He was dressed in impeccably tailored robes of deep sapphire, far more elaborate than the simple travel clothes of the other students. His dark hair was meticulously combed, and his chin was held high, his gaze sweeping over the 'peasants' with disdain.
"Out of my way, commoners," the boy declared, his voice a reedy, arrogant whine that grated on Xu Mei's ears. "Do you not know who I am?"
Xu Mei raised an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation sparking within her. She had encountered enough self-important figures in the orphanage to recognize a bully when she saw one, regardless of his fancy clothes. Xinxin, however, instinctively recoiled, shrinking slightly behind Xu Mei.
The boy puffed out his chest. "I am… Yang Oscar."
A collective gasp swept through the surrounding first-year students. Whispers erupted, a torrent of shocked murmurs. "Yang Oscar?" "The Yang family?" "From the Capital?"
Even Master Fa, who had walked a few paces ahead, paused, his head turning almost imperceptibly, his pale eyes briefly flicking towards the scene before returning to his stoic forward march. He did not react, at least not outwardly, but the subtle acknowledgment from such an unyielding figure only seemed to amplify the boy's already inflated ego.
Xu Mei frowned, confused by the sudden uproar. She didn't understand the significance of the name. To her, he was just a rude boy. But the reactions of the others, the wide-eyed astonishment, the hushed reverence in their whispers, told her this 'Yang Oscar' was no ordinary child.
Oscar, basking in the attention, turned his haughty gaze specifically towards Xu Mei and Chu Xinxin. His eyes narrowed, a furious glint appearing in their depths. The reason for his sudden fury was simple: Xu Mei and Chu Xinxin were undeniably beautiful girls, even at their young age. Their delicate features, bright eyes, and innocent charm were captivating. And yet, they had not even noticed him. They had not bowed their heads, had not gasped in awe, had not shown the slightest sign of recognition or deference. This perceived slight, this utter lack of attention from two mere 'peasants,' as he thought of them, was an unbearable insult to the son of a noble lady and a high-ranking official.
"You two," Oscar sneered, pointing a perfectly manicured finger at them. "Are you deaf? I said, Out of my way! Do you not realize who my father is? He works in the Magii Bureau! And my mother is from a noble family of the Budeo Continent! You should be bowing to me!"