The next day, I woke up at 6:30 A.M., earlier than usual. I got out of my comfortable bed and did my morning routine: brushing my teeth and eating a quick breakfast. I thought about taking the day off, but money doesn't grow on trees.
I decided to look for a part-time job. I picked up my mobile phone from the desk and opened the "Part-time job" website, a popular site where people post tasks they need done. I scrolled through the listings until I found an interesting one: someone needed their furniture modified. I sent a request and, while waiting for a reply, started gathering my tools.
I left my house early to get to the job on time. Stepping outside, I locked the door, a habit I would never forget.
The streets were already busy. The sky was a bright, cheerful blue, seeming to encourage everyone on their way. As usual, my first stop was the bakery to buy more sandwiches. When I entered, I saw a few customers were already there, so I joined the line at the counter.
Rose was busy working, looking as beautiful as ever. She moved with a happy energy as she served people. Soon, it was my turn.
"Hi, Sparx! The usual again?" she asked, her voice bright and cheery.
I nodded. She quickly packed my usual order of sandwiches and handed me the bag with a happy smile. I paid her, adding my usual tip. As I turned to leave, she waved goodbye. Her body moved with the gesture, and her breasts swayed. I waved back, feeling my face grow a little warm, and hurried out the door.
Just then, my phone chimed. I checked it and was happy to see my job request had been accepted. Time to head to my next destination! I thought.
I walked to the bus stop to wait. A few moments later, I saw a familiar face: it was Cherry, the girl from the bus. She had the same long black hair and mature figure. Her large breasts were, as before, barely contained by her college uniform shirt.
"Are you going to college?" I asked, trying to start a conversation to break the awkward silence. Instantly, I felt stupid; of course she was, she was in her uniform!
"Yes," she replied, looking at me. "I go to Magica Academy."
I'd heard of the various academies in the city, but I was never interested in them. I had never set foot in one. I didn't know whether to be sad I missed out on that experience or happy I never had to wake up early for classes.
"Oh, that's a unique name," I said. "What do you all do there?"
It was probably an awkward question from someone who had lived in the city his whole life. But Cherry didn't seem to mind.
"It's a magic academy," she explained, giving me a puzzled look. "You've never heard of it?"
Oh no, what do I say now? The truth was, I was never allowed to go to any school or institute. I decided there was no point hiding it.
"No," I answered simply.
Just then, the bus arrived. "We can continue talking on the bus," Cherry said.
We boarded and sat together. Just like last time, I felt the jealous stares from other passengers because I was sitting next to such a beautiful girl.
"You really haven't gone to any college?" she asked, wanting to confirm.
I shook my head. "No."
"Oh," she said, pausing for a moment. Then a smile spread across her face. "How about this? A new season is about to start at the academy. Do you want to enroll in it?"
Enroll in a magic academy?! I was surprised. I'm only a year or two older than her, and the idea of a new experience—and getting to spend time with her—was appealing. I could learn about a side of the world I never knew. It sounded like it could be fun.
"Is it okay?" I asked.
She nodded happily. "Yes! Actually, there are a few slots left in my class. You might still have time to join!"
I thought about it for a moment. "Okay," I said finally. "I think I'll give it a try. I don't mind some new experiences in my life."
Cherry looked thrilled. She took out her phone, opened a map app, and showed me the academy's location. It wasn't too far from my house, which was convenient.
"Okay, it's decided then," I said with a smile. "Thank you for suggesting this to me." I was genuinely grateful. I also remembered the books Mrs. Samuel gave me; maybe they would come in handy now.
We spent the rest of the bus ride talking about her academy. Soon, her stop arrived. She waved goodbye and got off the bus. The angry glares from the people around me felt even stronger than last time. Are they mad that she waved to me?
A few stops later, I reached my destination. I got off the bus and headed towards the client's house, ready to start my work.
---
In a dark, hidden room, the only sounds were choked cries. "Mmph!"
Naked people were chained to the walls, suffering in the gloom. The air was thick with the smell of fear and pain.
Tok, tok, tok.
The sound of footsteps echoed from a staircase. A man walked into the room. He had long brunette hair and a very muscular build. He was dressed in a long black cloak and wore a plain black mask that covered his face.
Clap, clap, clap.
He slowly clapped his hands. "Thank you, you pitiful souls," he said, his voice cold. "Because of you, I am growing much stronger. Keep suffering. Become the fuel for my power. Hahahahaha!"
The chained people could only cry, tears streaming down their faces. They had seen terrible things, and this man was a monster.
"Hmm? Oh, I almost forgot," the man said. He waved his hand, and a strange energy flowed through the room. The prisoners' wounds instantly healed, their bodies returning to normal. But their relief was short-lived. A moment later, swarms of black insects crawled out from the shadows, covering their bodies. The insects began to bite and chew on their skin, flesh, and bones.
The room was once again filled with screams of agony. The man watched them with a look of disgust, then turned and left.
He walked down a long, well-decorated corridor. Paintings hung on the walls, with decorative plants and glowing chandeliers lighting the way. It looked like the hallway of a rich person's home.
He entered a bright and lively room—a large library filled with books. He pressed a hidden switch, and a bookshelf slid back into place, perfectly concealing the entrance to the dark corridor.
He walked over to a desk where he had left his things: a book and a badge. He picked up the book with his left hand and pinned the badge to the right side of his coat.
The badge had clear, bold letters written on it: "Magica Academy Instructor."