The day had finally arrived. The moment they had all been waiting for, the acceptance ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation as students gathered in the large hall, each one hoping their name would be called. The tension in the room was palpable, like the calm before a storm.
Winny sat on the edge of her seat, trying to look calm, though her hands trembled slightly in her lap. Her heart raced with uncertainty. The words from Veronica echoed in her mind, cutting through the excitement like a sharp blade.
"Please, you don't even stand a chance. Maybe they'll send you off to some farming village, just like the others who don't have what it takes."
Those words had been spoken casually, but they stung in a way Winny couldn't shake. She had always known that Veronica could be cruel, but the way she dismissed Winny's chances left a mark on her heart. Sometimes, those words resurfaced, making her doubt herself even more.
"Chill, Winny. You'll get accepted," Catherine whispered beside her, sensing the tension radiating from her friend.
Winny forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks, Catherine… I hope so."
The ceremony began, and one by one, the names of those accepted were read aloud. Catherine, Eli, Melissa, Jazmine, Mateo, and Shun's names were called in quick succession. Each name brought cheers from the crowd, filling the room with pride. They were all talented, destined for greatness, just like the others who had been selected.
But Winny's name had yet to be called.
Her heart thudded in her chest as she tried to keep her composure. She thought back to all the hours she had spent working hard, pushing herself to be better, to prove her worth. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that it was enough, doubt crept in, and fear gnawed at her resolve. What if Veronica was right? What if she was just a dreamer, reaching for something she couldn't have?
She felt a hand on her shoulder. When she turned to look, Catherine was smiling at her, though her eyes showed concern. "Don't worry, Winny. You've worked hard. You deserve this."
Winny nodded, but inside, she felt like she was going to implode. Every passing second seemed to drag on longer than the last. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to focus on something—anything—to take her mind off the uncertainty. But it was impossible. The room was too quiet, the tension too thick.
Then, suddenly, the loud voice of the headmaster broke the silence, shattering the stillness in the room.
"The letters HAVE ARRIVED!"
A ripple of excitement swept through the hall, and every student sat up straighter. Mr. Tenido, the headmaster, stood at the front, holding a stack of crisp, white envelopes. He nodded to the gathered crowd, and the room fell eerily silent again. Everyone's eyes were locked on him, waiting for him to speak.
Mr. Tenido cleared his throat, his voice calm yet firm as he began to announce the names.
"Congratulations to Catherine, Eli, Melissa, Jazmine, and Mateo."
The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and shouting in excitement. Winny felt her stomach churn, jealousy twisting inside her, even as she tried to push it aside. Each name called made her heart sink a little more until it felt like she could hardly breathe.
And then…
"Winny."
The world seemed to stop. Winny's breath caught in her throat, her heart slamming against her ribcage. Did she hear that right? She had barely registered the sound of her name before it sank in—her name had been called.
Her eyes flew to the front of the room, where Mr. Tenido held an envelope, smiling warmly at her.
"Congratulations, Winny. Here is your letter."
For a moment, Winny just sat there, staring at him as if everything was happening in slow motion. The room around her faded into a blur. Her mind raced, the uncertainty she had carried for so long evaporating in an instant. She had made it. She had actually made it.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, not wanting to embarrass herself in front of everyone. She stood up slowly, her legs feeling like jelly, and made her way to the front. The cheers grew louder with each step, and she could hear Catherine's voice above the noise, shouting her name in excitement.
When she reached Mr. Tenido, he handed her the envelope with a smile. It felt weightless in her hands, yet it held the whole world inside. She clutched it tightly, the paper crinkling slightly under her grip.
As she turned to face the crowd, she saw Catherine's face glowing with pride, her eyes wide and sparkling. It was a look of complete happiness, making Winny feel like maybe—just maybe—everything would be okay.
She tore open the envelope with shaking hands, the world waiting for her next move.
Inside was a letter, sealed with a golden emblem she recognized. Her heart skipped a beat as she pulled it free, reading words that confirmed what she had only dared to hope.
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Dear Winny,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to join the elite program at the magical fief of Eloria. Your skills and potential have impressed us, and we believe you can thrive in a place where magic flourishes. Welcome to the next step in your journey.
The words blurred for a moment, but she read them again and again, each time sinking deeper. She had done it. She was in. The future was no longer a distant dream—it was real.
_____________________________________________________________________
However, Winny's eyes shifted to the group around her, and her smile faltered. Jazmine stood off to the side, her face somber. They had not been picked for Eloria; instead, they had been assigned to different fiefs.
Jazmine had been selected for the peaceful fief of Almaris, renowned for its natural beauty and magical healing arts. The fiefs were prestigious in their own right, but they were very different from Eloria.
Her heart dropped slightly, realizing that not everyone had been chosen for the same path. It was a bittersweet victory.
"Winny..." Catherine whispered softly, noticing her hesitation.
"Are you okay?" Eli added, his voice filled with concern.
Winny turned back to the front and nodded, though she felt a twinge of guilt. "I… I made it. But... Jazmine..." she trailed off.
"Don't worry, Winny," Catherine said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll support each other. Even if Shun and Jazmine aren't coming to Eloria, it doesn't change what we've all worked for."
Winny smiled weakly, but the guilt remained heavy in her chest. There was so much excitement ahead, yet she couldn't ignore the loss of her friends.
Still, as she looked down at the golden-sealed letter in her hands, she knew this journey was just beginning. The magic, the mysteries, the possibilities—they were all waiting for her.
And with that thought, she allowed herself to believe, for the first time in a long while, that maybe, just maybe, she was enough.