"What are you talking about? I don't get it! What prophecy??? Who is Sarina? Who is that woman? Can you please answer all of my questions Ms. Gina?"

After what happened that time, I no longer knew what happened. After that woman on that stage disappeared like a bubble, I apparently lost consciousness, according to Ms. Gina. I also cannot remember everything about how people were able to move normally again.

I saw Ms. Gina staring blankly, as if she did not know how to explain everything that happened to me.

"Calista.... It is hard to explain, but I just want you to know that everything I will tell you is the truth. Everything you will find out, you need to accept. I know it is difficult, but that is the reality."

"What do you mean?"

"You are an immortal. You are not a normal human. We are living in an immortal world. I have powers. You have powers, and in the coming days you will also know everything."

"But why can't I know now? Who am I really?"

Before Ms. Gina could speak, I suddenly asked her a question because I remembered something. "By the way Ms. Gina.... After what happened that night. What happened to the people? How did they return to moving normally?"

She smiled at me and stood up. "Come, come with me outside, there are many people there."

Even though I was curious, I followed Ms. Gina. I don't know if she plans to answer my question.

"What are we doing here outside? Is there an answer to my ques-"

My eyes widened at what I saw. Ms. Gina snapped her fingers while I was speaking, and I was shocked when the world stopped just like what happened at my pageant yesterday.

"Do you believe me now? Calista you are not dreaming. Try to snap your fingers."

Even though I was nervous, I still did it. I snapped my fingers and my face was totally shocked.

When Ms. Gina snapped, the world and surroundings stopped. But when I tried to snap my fingers, it suddenly returned to normal.

For a moment, I just stood there, my heart pounding so loud it felt like the frozen world could hear it. The people around us moved again as if nothing strange had happened, laughing, walking, talking, completely unaware that time itself had just stopped and restarted.

I slowly looked at my hand, flexing my fingers as if they no longer belonged to me. "I... I did that?" My voice trembled. "How is that possible?"

Ms. Gina turned to me, her expression serious now, no trace of a smile left. "That is only a fraction of what you can do, Calista," she said softly. "What you just witnessed is proof. Proof that what I told you is real."

My chest felt tight. Questions flooded my mind, faster than I could speak them. "Then the pageant... that woman... Sarina... all of it wasn't just my imagination?"

"No," Ms. Gina replied firmly. "Everything that happened was meant to awaken you. Your powers are beginning to surface, and once they do, there is no turning back."

I swallowed hard. "Then tell me the truth," I said, meeting her eyes. "If I'm an immortal... if this world is real... then what is my role in all of this?"

Ms. Gina took a step closer and lowered her voice. "That," she said, "is the part of the prophecy you are not ready to hear yet."

The weight of her words settled heavily on my chest, making it hard to breathe. I looked around once more at the ordinary world that now felt unfamiliar cars passing by, children laughing, people glued to their phones none of them knowing that reality could be bent with a simple snap of a finger.

"Then what happens now?" I asked quietly. "Do I just go back to pretending everything is normal?"

Ms. Gina sighed, her eyes softening. "For now, yes," she said. "You must live as you always have. But things will change, Calista. You will start noticing strange dreams, sudden emotions that don't feel like your own, moments where your power reacts before your mind does."

A chill ran down my spine. I remembered the nightmares I used to brush off, the voices I thought were just thoughts. "And Sarina?" I asked. "Who is she to me? Is my name sarina or what? Why they called me Sarina?"

Ms. Gina hesitated, and that pause frightened me more than any answer could have. "Sarina is connected to your destiny and past," she finally said. "Whether as an ally or an enemy... that will depend on the choices you make."

"Choices?" I repeated. "You mean this isn't already decided?"

"The prophecy shows possibilities, not certainties," she replied. "Even immortals are bound by choice."

I clenched my hands into fists, feeling a faint warmth pulse through my palms. Power. Mine. The realization was terrifying and thrilling. "Then teach me," I said. "If I have these abilities, I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to lose myself."

Ms. Gina nodded slowly, a small smile returning. "That is why I'm here," she said. "To guide you... and to protect you from those who will come once they sense your awakening."

My heart skipped a beat. "They're coming?"

"Yes," she answered honestly. "And when they do, Calista, you will finally understand why the world had to stop for you that night."

Ms. Gina wasted no time after that night. The very next morning, she came to my room carrying an old leather bag filled with unfamiliar symbols stitched in silver thread. The moment she stepped inside, the air in my room felt heavier, charged with something unseen. Even the curtains fluttered despite the windows being closed.

"Calista," she said firmly, placing the bag on my desk, "it's time to prepare you. We're leaving today."

My heart began to race. "Leaving?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. "Leaving where? You can't just say that and expect me not to panic."

She gave a small, knowing smile. "You're already panicking," she said gently. "But you'll understand soon. We're going to the Immortal World."

I swallowed hard. "The... Immortal World?"

"Its name is Aetherion," she replied.

The moment the word left her lips, something inside me stirred. My chest warmed, my heartbeat shifting into an unfamiliar rhythm, as if my body itself recognized the name. I pressed a hand over my heart, confused and unsettled.

"Why does it feel like I've heard that before?" I asked.

Ms. Gina's eyes darkened slightly. "Because your soul remembers things your mind does not."

She opened the leather bag and pulled out several items, old scrolls, crystal shards glowing faintly, and a dark cloak folded neatly at the bottom. "Aetherion exists parallel to the human world," she explained. "Hidden by ancient seals and protected by immortal guardians. Humans cannot enter unless invited, and even then, their minds would not survive the truth."

She handed me the cloak. The fabric felt impossibly light, yet warm, like it was alive. The moment I touched it, glowing symbols appeared and then vanished beneath my fingers.

"This will suppress your aura," she said. "Your power is awakening too fast. Others will sense you the moment we arrive."

"Others?" I echoed. "You mean... dangerous ones?"

"Yes," she answered honestly. "And curious ones. Both can be equally dangerous."

Before I could ask more, Ms. Gina raised her hand and traced a glowing symbol in the air. The rune pulsed, humming with energy, and the floor beneath us rippled like water. I felt dizzy as the world twisted, sound fading, colors bending inward.

"Don't fight it," Ms. Gina said firmly. "Trust me."

I barely had time to nod before the world collapsed into light.

When my feet touched solid ground again, I gasped.

Before me stood a massive castle made of white stone and crystal towers that reached into a sky painted with violet, gold, and deep blue. The structure floated slightly above the ground, as if gravity had no authority here. Golden bridges connected spires suspended in the air, and glowing runes pulsed along the walls like a heartbeat.

"Welcome to Aetherion," Ms. Gina said softly. "And to Aetherion Academy."

I couldn't move. "This... this looks like something out of a legend," I whispered.

"It is a legend," she replied. "Just not a myth."

As we walked forward, my shock only grew. Immortals filled the courtyards and floating platforms, students training, sparring, and studying. One boy summoned fire that curled around his arms without burning him. Nearby, a girl controlled the wind, lifting herself into the air with a flick of her wrist. Water formed sharp blades in another arena, while someone nearby bent shadows into living shapes.

Then there were powers I couldn't name....light folding space, time slowing briefly around certain individuals, energy crackling in colors I had never seen before.

"They're students?" I asked, overwhelmed.

"Yes," Ms. Gina said. "Every immortal must train. Power without discipline leads to chaos."

I felt small standing there, my hands trembling beneath the cloak. "What if I can't do any of this?" I asked quietly. "What if I don't belong here? What if I don't have any power that won't come out?"

Ms. Gina stopped and turned to face me, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. "Calista," she said softly, "you don't just belong here. Aetherion has been waiting for you."

"For me?" I repeated.

"Yes," she said. "Your power is ancient. Different. That's why the prophecy exists.... and why Sarina's name follows you."

The massive doors of the castle slowly opened on their own, releasing a wave of warm, unfamiliar energy that made my breath catch. Something deep inside me stirred, stretching, awakening.

As I stepped inside Aetherion Academy, fear and excitement collided within me. I didn't know what awaited me beyond those doors but one thing was clear.

This world wasn't just new to me. It was home and yet, it felt like a home I had abandoned long ago.

The moment my foot crossed the threshold, a sudden rush of memories I couldn't fully grasp flashed through my mind.....laughter echoing through stone halls, the sound of my own voice calling a name I couldn't remember, and the feeling of power flowing freely through my veins without fear or doubt. I staggered slightly, clutching the edge of my cloak.

"Calista," Ms. Gina said quickly, steadying me. "The Academy is reacting to you."

"Reacting?" I whispered. "How is that even possible?"

She glanced at the towering pillars and glowing sigils above us. "Aetherion is alive in its own way," she explained. "It recognizes ancient energy. It recognizes you. They are welcoming you."

As we walked deeper into the academy, I became painfully aware of the stares. Conversations hushed. Training slowed. Some students turned fully toward us, their eyes narrowing with curiosity, amusement, inspiration, and something else I couldn't name recognition. I could feel their powers brushing against mine, testing, probing, like unseen fingers.

"Keep your focus," Ms. Gina murmured. "Do not respond to them yet. You are still new so they don't know you. But once they found out who you are, they will definetely love you."

A group of students passed by, their uniforms marked with different crests. One of them, a girl with silver eyes glowing faintly, stopped and stared at me. "That aura..." she whispered to her companion. "It feels... old and strong."

My heart pounded. "They can feel me," I said under my breath.

"Yes," Ms. Gina replied calmly. "And that is why your training must begin immediately."

She led me into a vast circular hall at the center of the academy. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, constellations moving slowly above as if the sky itself had been trapped indoors. In the middle of the room stood a crystal platform, pulsing softly.

"This is the Initiation Hall," Ms. Gina said. "Where immortals first learn what they truly are."

I stared at the platform, dread and anticipation twisting inside me. "And what happens if I fail?"

Ms. Gina met my gaze, her expression unwavering. "You won't," she said. "Because this time, Calista... you won't face it alone."

"I'll drop you off at the registrar so you can settle everything you need to fix. I'll be leaving now, Calista... I still have something to finish in the mortal world."

Before I could even respond, Ms. Gina suddenly vanished. I had no idea where the registrar was in this place, until a guard finally spoke.

"Please follow me, Ms. Vespera."

I didn't ask any questions, assuming he was taking me to the registrar anyway. We walked through a massive hallway lined with elegant doors on both sides. He led me to the left side of the door, then left me standing there alone.

I breathe and close my eyes for a second and knock on the door.

"Come in!"

I entered and I looked around and saw nothing but paintings, creatures I couldn't even identify. My eyes eventually landed on the name engraved on the registrar's door.

'Freeda Wales'

"Good morning, Ms. Vespera," she said coldly. "I have been expecting you for a very very long time. It's good to finally see you. This is your schedule."

She handed me a paper, which I immediately looked at.

"The days, time, and corresponding professors are all indicated there." She then gave me another small piece of paper. "This contains your dormitory number, key, and you are assigned to the Alpha Class."

"Alpha... what?"

"Alpha Class, Calista. No more questions. Now go to the west wing, to the admission hall, for your ID picture. And don't forget to secure your secondary name."

She was so rude, acting like she owned the entire place huh! I wanted to ask more questions, but she was already dismissing me, so I just walked out and headed toward the west wing.

How was I even supposed to know where that was? I was new here, hello! and she wouldn't even let me ask!? As if I already knew my way around Aetherion.

I kept walking until I finally reached the west wing mentioned by the registrar. When I found the admission hall, my heart sank, there was a very long line. Around forty students were waiting. Bruuuh! It would probably take an hour, and I hated waiting.

"Ms. Vespera! Come over here and take your ID picture."

I was startled when a man suddenly called out to me. He looked about my age, tall, with an impressive build. Without hesitation, I walked toward him. Who was I to refuse when the line was that long??That's a priviledge.

"What a bitch."

I heard a woman mutter those words as I walked past.

Did she really just call me a bitch?

I stopped and faced her.

"Pardon?" I asked.

She only rolled her eyes and stayed silent, so I turned away and entered the admission hall where the man had gone.

"Have a seat. I just fixed the printer, and we're ready to snap." I looked at his ID and saw that he is also belong to the Alpha Class like me.

"And oh.... by the way, you're in the Alpha Class.... huh?! We should hang out sometime. Wanna come join us on dinner?"

I looked at him, confused. How did he know I was in the Alpha Class? I hadn't even told him which section I belonged to or I haven't give him my section and paper.

"You're wondering how I knew?" he said, grinning. "Well... let's just say I can read other people's minds. So you guys better learn how to control it."

Dang. He could read minds? How cool. I was still wondering whether this was all real or if I was just dreaming.

"Here. Take a seat and smile."

I sat in front of the camera and smiled, though it annoyed me that I wasn't wearing any makeup. I was used to being in full glam.

"What is your secondary name?"

'Sarina ... ... sarina. .. ..... .. .sarina'

"SARINA..."

Why did I use that name?? Where did it come from?? Dang!

"Okay! All done! This is your ID. Wear it at all times so everyone knows which class you belong to. You can head to the dormitory now and arrange your things."

I took the ID from him, the surface still warm from the printer. My name stared back at me in bold letters, Calista Vespera.... with Alpha Class stamped beneath it like a warning rather than a title.

"Dormitory's at the north end," he added casually. "You can't miss it. The Alpha crest is carved above the doors. Abby and Aoife are there. They are really nice."

"Thanks," I said, clipping the ID to my collar.

As I stepped back into the hallway, the noise of the admission hall faded, replaced by an unsettling quiet. The air here felt different, thicker, heavier, as if the walls themselves were watching me. Students passed by, some whispering, others openly staring at the mark on my ID. A few nodded in recognition. A few were shock. Most looked... wary.

So this is what Alpha Class means, I thought.

The walk to the dormitory felt longer than it should have been. The architecture shifted the farther I went, arches grew taller, the lighting dimmer, and strange symbols were etched into the stone floor. When I finally reached the north end, the doors towered over me, carved with a sigil I didn't recognize but somehow felt familiar.

[ALPHA'S DORMITORY]

I hesitated before knock and pushing them open.

Inside, the dormitory was nothing like I expected. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, glowing softly as if lit by starlight itself. Floating orbs illuminated the halls, and staircases curved upward without visible support. It was beautiful, unnerving, but beautiful. It was like a whole mansion house not a dormitory.

"New Alpha?"

I turned to see a girl leaning against the railing, her silver eyes scanning me from head to toe. She smiled at me and walked.

"Sarina Vespera... from the Alpha.... class?" I said and it was like I'm asking them if I said it right.

Her brow lifted in interest. "Ah. That Calista."

"Your room's on the third door, in front of Atticus room, be careful to him, he is a living dragon," she continued. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. By the way.... Alpha Class always attracts attention. Especially when someone new arrives without any training."

Without waiting for a response, she walked away, leaving her words hanging heavily in the air.

I tightened my grip on my bag and walked to my room, my heartbeat echoing in my ears. Every step felt like I was crossing an invisible line, one I couldn't turn back from.

Ms. Gina's words echoed in my mind.

'This world is no longer just watching you, Calista. It's waiting for you.'

And for the first time since arriving in Aetherion, I realized something chilling. Whatever Alpha Class truly was... I had been placed here for a reason.