Casting Line Sect, Girl’s Dormitory

  Pitter-patter.

  Light drops fell, followed by the gradual roaring of rain. The air was humid, and all afternoon the sky was overcast.

  Once evening arrived, the rain came soon after.

  Mila, like Hubert, was separated from most of her old classmates. Although she did not yet have a roommate to talk to like some of the other girls did, she was fortunate enough to have her quarters be in very close proximity to Hiyono and Lucille, whom she both recognized from her school.

  She figured she would try to make friends with them, but Lucille was a bit frigid. She was still polite and willing to speak but seemed a bit icy. Mila felt like she was being a bother if she troubled Lucille too much.

  Hiyono was a bit more favorable, as she was quite energetic and funny. She was also serious at times and trained like she was a boy, which seemed a bit alarming. She was a bit hardcore... kind of like a tomboy, which was different from the girliness that Mila possessed.

  ‘I can’t help but wonder about her upbringing and how she became that way...’ Mila thought.

  Thinking about her own upbringing now, she really missed her family.

  She really wanted to see them again. She was sure there would be opportunities to do so in the future.

  She also thought of Orien and Geno. Geno was here in the sect, she just hadn't seen him yet.

  As for Orien... she felt a little disbelief that he hadn't passed the evaluation but held hope for him.

  She had felt torn between the two as of late. Orien was always making her laugh and had a very upbeat and reliable personality when he was hanging out with her.

  Geno was also reliable, even more so in a financial way. He had even secretly gifted her a water marble, which was more than she would ever ask for. It was her last birthday gift, and also what she believes enabled her to pass the evaluation on the first go with her medium water affinity.

  This was a point that made her sympathize with Orien, for his background and finances were truly unfavorable, causing him no small amount of grief and ultimately limiting his ability to perform well on the evaluation.

  Sssshhhh. The rain raged on as her thoughts continued along.

  Her studies and training were going well, but she couldn't sleep tonight. Mila felt restless, finding herself staring out of her window, into the rainy night.

  Knock knock.

  "Little sis, are you awake?" A voice from beyond the door called out.

  ‘At this time of night?’ Mila thought before replying, "What's the matter, big sis?"

  The sister in question was one of the older girls in her dormitory. She was kind and had taken to some of the new girls, including Mila.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "I'm passing a letter for you. A boy had a disciple deliver it since the boys are not allowed in our dormitory. It may have gotten a little damp as I tried to get here before the rainfall. Sorry about that!" She said through the closed door.

  An envelope slid under the door.

  "Thank you, big sis, did they say who it was from?" Mila inquired.

  "Nope, I'm just a messenger. Goodnight, Mila. Talk to you tomorrow. If it's a boy harassing you, be sure to tell me. I'll take care of it," The voice on the other side of the door said with confidence.

  Footsteps echoed away.

  The damp envelope in her hand wasn't soaked to the point that she had to worry that the writing would fade, but she was still careful in opening it.

  Her eyes sparkled upon seeing the contents of the letter. It was short and to the point but put her at ease.

  Dear Mila,

  I hope you are well.

  I haven't seen you in a week and would love to catch up soon. Knowing you, you've probably made a lot of new friends, but don't forget about me.

  - Geno

  She placed the letter on her nightstand and smiled, putting her face into her pillow.

  Ssssshhhhh, ruuumble. The rain raged on as a bit of thunder started to rumble within the clouds.

  Lucille lay in bed, expressionless. This was not because she was asleep, but rather, she was lost in thought. She rolled her neck-length hair around her small fingers.

  Her room smelled of sandalwood incense that she lit before bed, and the air was humid and cool due to the rain. Under these circumstances, she just couldn’t understand why she was unable to sleep.

  Lucille's background was actually quite formidable, and she carried a burden nobody could help her with. She always felt it was best to distance herself from others, and so she did.

  ‘Since my birth, it's been one obstacle after the other,’ she thought.

  Despite being from one of the strongest families on Castaway Island, she received little in the ways of love and warmth, but had her essentials taken care of.

  She needed to prove herself constantly. Her parents were present, but she rarely saw them unless she made an achievement or did something that made them proud.

  Historically, both of her elder siblings had already passed countless trials and left the island. They had gone to make a name for themselves in the outside world. This is what her parents wished for her to do, but perhaps to an even higher standard.

  She was the youngest but was not pampered or spoiled in any way. She had not been given preferential treatment at her school, and she would not be given preferential treatment at the sect. Whether there was anyone aware of her background that would dare to harm her was another story.

  The sound of the rain was soothing, but somehow, it reminded her of how lonely she was.

  Her mind ran upon Hiyono, the only one brazen enough to constantly challenge her. If that was all, she wouldn't mind, but she had actually put in great effort, and Hiyono was always on her tail... somehow, this ignited her competitive nature.

  She balled up her small fists and thought, ‘Yes, I suppose that is good too. She will prevent me from slowing down or getting too comfortable.’

  Ssssshhhhh, Ruuumble, Kkroooomm

  Rain fell, thunder clapped and lightning flashed, but this girl was unaffected.

  Hiyono was fast asleep, and the rain hadn't disturbed her in the slightest. Her dark red, shoulder-length hair was all over her face as she hugged her pillow and slept soundly.

  She dreamt that she was a mighty swordswoman, one unlike any other. She could split the sky with her sword, and she could pierce the earth with her spear. In this dream world, she was not held back by the physical limitations of her gender. She was strong! She could fly through the sky and cut down any enemy.

  Fire blazed beneath her feet when she soared through the skies, bolstering her speed. She met an opponent in the air, but she felt as though they were going easy on her.

  “Going easy on me, huh?! Take this! Radiant tower strike!” She shouted and sent out a thrust with her spear, calling out an attack that she made up on the spot. The silhouetted man sent his own spearhead down to meet her own and lightning scattered in every direction.

  She couldn't see who it was, but even more incredulously, it didn't feel like an enemy, nor did he aim to strike her down.

  She murmured in her sleep and rolled over.

  Ssssshhhhh.

  The rain continued to beat down mercilessly on the earth.

  Scenery art in Ch 3