**Attention!!!** This chapter was co-written, so the narrative style differs slightly. Enjoy reading!
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### **Aida's First Days in Her New Home**
Aida was taken from that terrible place. The carriage traveled for weeks before finally reaching its destination—a city in the Kingdom of Asura. Upon arriving at the house, everyone went inside… except Aida. She stood at the doorstep of what was now supposed to be her new home, staring at the door, unable to bring herself to step inside. Memories of her enslavement, of Hiro, of the days she spent alone, haunted her. But she knew she had to be strong—for herself, and for Hiro.
The door opened, revealing a woman with silver hair and kind eyes—Lina, her new mother.
**Lina** (smiling): *"Aida, come in. Don’t just stand there. This is your home now."*
Aida slowly crossed the threshold. The interior was warm and cozy—paintings adorned the walls, a soft rug lay on the floor, and a fireplace crackled in the corner. Garrett, her new father, sat in an armchair reading a book. He looked up and nodded at her.
**Garrett**: *"Hello, Aida. Welcome."*
Aida smiled shyly. She didn’t know what to say. It all felt too good to be real. Her past experiences with people made it hard for her to trust anyone.
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### **First Magic Lessons**
Lina decided the best way to help Aida adjust was to keep her occupied. She began teaching her magic. Lina was a former **B-rank mage**, and her knowledge was vast.
*[Aida and Lina stand in the garden behind the house.]*
**Lina**: *"Magic consists of several elements—magic circles, incantations, and special magic. Nowadays, everyone uses incantations. Try saying: ‘Great power of water, grant me strength—Water Ball!’ and extend your hand toward that tree."*
Aida stretched out her hand, recited the incantation, and watched as a watery orb shot forward, splashing against the tree.
**Aida** (surprised): *"Wow."*
**Lina** (smiling): *"That’s magic. You’re already making progress."*
Aida smiled. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was good at something.
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### **Garrett’s Stories**
Garrett, a former **A-rank swordsman**, loved telling stories of his adventures. Every evening after dinner, he’d settle into his armchair by the fireplace and begin.
*[Garrett sits in his chair as Aida and Lina listen intently.]*
**Garrett**: *"Once, I fought a massive dragon. It was the size of a mountain, its scales gleaming like gold."*
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**Aida** (eyes wide): *"What happened?"*
**Garrett** (grinning): *"I won, of course—but it escaped. Dragons are dangerous opponents."*
Aida listened, breathless. She loved these stories. They reminded her of Hiro. She often wondered if he, too, would become a great adventurer.
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### **Longing for Hiro**
Despite settling into her new life, Aida often thought of Hiro. Every time something reminded her of him, her heart ached.
*[Aida sits on the balcony, gazing at the stars. In her hands, she holds the small figurine Hiro made for her as a child.]*
She closed her eyes and pictured his face—his black hair with violet tips, his determined eyes. She promised herself she would find him, no matter what it took.
**Aida** (inner monologue): *{Hiro… where are you now? How are you?}*
Meanwhile, far away—
*[Hiro lies in bed at night.]*
- *"Hic… hic… hic… Ugh. Water. Where’s the water?"* —**Hiro**
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### **Preparing for the Academy**
Aida decided that the **Arcane Magic Academy** was her chance to grow stronger and find Hiro. She began preparing for the entrance exams. Lina helped her with magic, while Garrett taught her basic combat.
*[Aida stands before her parents, her voice trembling but resolute.]*
**Aida**: *"Mom, Dad… I want to enroll in the Arcane Academy. I need to get stronger."*
**Lina** (surprised): *"Aida, are you sure? This is a big step."*
**Garrett** (proudly): *"If this is what you want, we support you."*
*[Aida nods, her eyes filled with determination.]*
**One month later—**
*[Aida and Garrett spar in the training yard. Garrett holds a wooden sword.]*
**Garrett**: *"Magic is good, but you must learn to defend yourself without it. Try blocking my strike."*
Aida gripped her wooden sword and braced herself. Garrett swung—she blocked.
**Garrett** (smiling): *"Not bad. You learn fast."*
Aida grinned. She could feel herself growing stronger every day.
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### **Moving to the Academy City**
On Aida’s **9th birthday**, the family moved to a city near the Arcane Academy. Aida was excited—but also afraid. She knew this was her chance to find Hiro.
*[Aida stands on the balcony of their new home, gazing at the city. The Academy’s towering spire looms in the distance.]*
**Aida** (inner monologue): *{Hiro… I promise, I’ll find you.}*
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### **A Fateful Glimpse**
After settling in, Aida decided to explore the city. As she walked the streets, she spotted a boy her age—**Hiro**. But she didn’t recognize him. His dark clothing, black-and-violet hair, and gloved hands (hiding his black nails) made him nearly unrecognizable.
Meanwhile, Aida had dyed her **red hair blonde** and went by **"Eliana"** (the name of the figurine Hiro once gave her)—so Hiro didn’t recognize her either.
*[Aida walks down the street when she notices a boy standing by a fountain, staring into the water. His violet eyes seem mysterious.]*
**Aida** (to herself): *{Who is he? Why does he look so… lonely?}*
*[Hiro lifts his head and turns—their eyes meet. For a fleeting moment, something flickers between them, but it fades just as quickly.]*
**Hiro** (to himself): *{That girl… Why does she feel familiar?}*
*[Hiro looks away and walks off, leaving Aida with a strange pang in her heart.]*
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### **A Letter to Hiro**
While still living in the **Kingdom of Moonlight**, Aida writes Hiro a letter—hoping, somehow, it reaches him.
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#### **Aida’s Letter to Hiro**
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**Dear Hiro,**
I’m writing this letter, hoping it finds you. Maybe you’re far away by now, or maybe you’re still trapped in that hell. But I want you to know—I’m alive, I’m safe, and I think of you every day.
After I was taken from slavery, I ended up with an elderly couple—**Lina and Garrett**. They’ve become my new family. Lina is a former **B-rank mage**, and Garrett was an **A-rank swordsman**. They take care of me, teach me magic, and tell me stories of their adventures. I’ve even started learning swordsmanship—though I’m nowhere near your level yet.
We live in a small house on the outskirts of the city. It’s quiet and peaceful, but I often think back to the days we spent together. Remember that little figurine you made me? I still have it. It reminds me of you—and the promise you made. I believe we’ll meet again.
If you ever want to find me, our address is:
**7 Moonlight Street, Breeze City.**
Hiro, I miss you. Every time I see something that reminds me of you, my heart aches. I promise I’ll grow stronger—strong enough to find you one day.
Take care, Hiro. I’ll be waiting.
**Yours,
Aida.**
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**To be continued…**
