“You’re the culprit from the Grave Tower are you not? Dear goodness, Thank goodness nothing is actually burned to ashes at the tower. I think that’s enough trouble for someone who just arrived at the academy. Letting your familiar running rampant, destroying a few doors as well. What a troublesome student you are” the eccentric man said with such a strict tone. The way he talks kinda makes the girl think of something. But she simply could not place a finger on what it is. It’s just something relating to someone of power over students.

“Hmph!!! I’m not her familiar!” Cath shouted before the bird man snatched it by the face - effectively silencing the creature and tucking it under his arms.

“Yes yes. That’s what all disobedient familiar said. Now would you please come with me, little miss” the bird man said, walking towards the crooked door that was destroyed by the girl who had crashed onto it earlier. The girl shook her head.

“W-Wait. Excuse me, before that… Who are you? Where am I?” she asked and the man stopped in his tracks, looking at the girl who was frowning at him.

“Oh? Could you possibly not be fully awake yet?” he threw an idle question at her, further adding to the confusion.

“A-awake?”

“Hm, your memories might be distorted due to the magic transportation. Well, never mind. It does happen very often. Now, let us hurry to the Hall of the Black Mirror. I will explain to you as we go” the bird man said. Thinking she had no choice, the girl let out a tired sigh and followed the eccentric man out of the library.

She has decided to trust her guts and she felt like if she is to start anywhere to clear up the fog in her head, it’s probably best to follow and listen to this guy. Cath has been silent for a while now and it’s much easier to hear the bird man speaking without the odd creature’s shouting in the background.

The birdman cleared his throat. “… This is Ba’athoris Night Academy. A place where talented magicians come together to learn. It is the most prestigious magicians training academy!” he explained.

“And I am the Principal of this institution, the Board Chairman, Faraday Krow. Please feel free to call me Principal Krow” he introduced himself.

“... Academy…?” the girl murmured to herself.

“The only ones who can enroll in this school are those with exceptional qualities of a magician and only those who are chosen by the Black Mirror. Those who are chosen are called to the academy through the “Coffins” that serve as the doors from all over the world” he continued.

“As if for you. I believe a carriage with a “Coffin” came to pick you up as well” hearing that statement, the girl looked confused. Wait, a carriage?

“Mghh!!! Hmprghhhh!!!” the silent Cath suddenly made noises but ignored by the Principal who called himself Krow.

“Now then, we’re here. We made it before the ceremony ended, `` Krow said as they stood before large dark doors ornate to the brim with precious metals and gems. She couldn’t help but left her mouth slightly gape open as the door opened and to her fright, she saw a large hall with a lot of students wearing black and white robes. She stood frozen in place even when Krow walked forth with a struggling Cath at the crook of his arm.

“Little miss- hm, come to think of it, I have not been told of your name…” Krow asked, finally noticing the pale look on the new female student’s face.

“What are you doing standing over there?” he asked the student who looked so troubled.

Meanwhile, in the historic Hall of the Black Mirror, the ceremony is supposedly done with.

“Well then, I believe the dormitory divisions are done?” a youthful male voice said. A petite boy wearing the same ornamented black and white garb, his face slightly obscured behind the hood over his head.

“Listen, new students, in Efren Dorm, I am the rule. And if you disobey… There will be consequences to pay. Do your best to remember that until you’re no longer part of the Dorm” the Dorm Leader said, his red bangs peeking from his hood as he announced his speech to his new dorm residents.

On the other side, a tan-skinned hooded lion yawned tiredly. “Thank god this tiring ceremony is over. All of you Alfala Dorm, hurry up and let’s get back to the dorm. Follow me…” he said, apathetic.

“All new students! Congratulations on your enrollment! For all of you to experience a fulfilling school life, I, Serenia’s Assistant Dorm Leader Azura will ensure to support you as much as possible” the rather dramatic male announced to the freshmen.

At his side, a rather beautiful man crossed his slender arms in a graceful manner. “Come to think of it, where is the Principal? He suddenly left in the middle of the ceremony” he said.

“Is he abandoning his duties…?” asked a voice from a nearby floating device.

“Maybe he got stomachache?” suggested a rather cheerful girl with hair the colour of the cherry blossoms when they heard the doors being swung open loudly.

“No! That’s not it!” Krow announced flamboyantly as he entered, Cath and a nameless girl in tow.

“Goodness, there is a new student missing so I went to go and look for them!” he explained to the wondering Dorm Leaders before turning towards the girl who looked around nervously and with his keen eyes, could it also be in an alerted reflex?

“Now then” he said, gaining the attention of the girl.

“You’re the only one who has not gotten your dorm. I will take care of this raccoon for now. Please quickly go to the mirror” he directed the girl who looked at the large completely dark mirror at the centre of the hall - feeling her heart beating loudly in her ears as all eyes focused on her. She ascended the circular stairs leading to the mirror, only the sound of her heels heard to her ears as the murmurs faded to the background. It is just her or the mirror is dimly pulsing as she comes to a stop right in front of it.

She couldn’t help but stare at herself in the mirror. An empty, confused look in her silver eyes. A girl with silver hair, a completely black uniform and nothing more adorning her look. She… couldn’t even recognize who she is… It’s like seeing a foreign reflection that doesn’t feel like it belongs to her.

“Recite thy name…” a voice from the mirror shocked her.

Her name?

Wait, her name?

She stood silent.

“What are you doing just standing there in front of the mirror?” suddenly someone from her back asked. It sounded young.

“Hurry up and recite your name to the mirror, oh goodness” the red-haired Dorm Leader said, starting to turn impatient. The girl looked at the mirror and almost jumped when seeing something moving inside the blackness of the mirror.

“I--” she stammered.

“I… Don’t…” she trembled.

“I don’t know my name” she announced to the surprise of those hearing at the back.

“Huh???” A collective sound of shock and bewilderment of varying degrees just resounded behind her.