The next morning.
“Argh, this is so annoying!”
Lilith buried her face in her pillow. Holding the card in her hand, she tossed and turned, her heart growing more troubled the more she thought about it.
“School... magic... freedom... classes... homework... exams...”
These keywords circled in her mind, giving her a headache.
On one side was the fear of being dominated by the schools of her previous life—those places were essentially miniature prisons, and just thinking about them made her skin crawl.
But on the other side was the temptation of flight magic, or even more dazzling and free spells. It made her heart itch with anticipation. She had been reincarnated, after all—who wouldn't want to play around with magic for a bit!
“My brain just isn't cut out for this,” she muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling. “I’m already the Demon King, so why do I still have to face the ultimate life dilemma of going to school? Why couldn't I just start with maxed-out magic?”
She rolled around on the bed twice more until her hair was a complete bird's nest.
Finally, she sat up abruptly with a look of grim determination.
“Fine. Magic is important. For the sake of being able to fly, I’ll endure it!”
She clenched her small fists, psyching herself up.
“However...” Her eyes darted around, and a sly smile played on her lips. “If that Magic Academy is just like my old schools, then don't blame Lilith here for showing off her special talent—making a run for it.”
Thinking about the possibility of bailing out made her feel strangely better.
Since the decision was made, it was time to take action.
Lilith jumped off the bed, dressed at lightning speed, and headed out the door.
The streets in the early morning were still quiet, with only a few passersby. After leaving the inn, Lilith broke into a light jog toward the bookstore from yesterday.
Fortunately, it wasn't far, and she arrived in no time.
Lilith looked at the bookstore, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
A voice came from inside. Lilith pushed the door open and immediately saw the man with the cane from yesterday.
He was currently standing behind the counter, wiping a crystal ball.
Seeing that it was Lilith, a smile that said 'I knew it' immediately spread across his face, his eyes crinkling into slits.
“Good morning, young lady.” He set down the cloth, his tone as warm as ever. “I knew a young person with such a thirst for magic like yourself would definitely return.”
Lilith gave an awkward smile and waited a moment before saying, “Sir, I want to learn magic!”
“Excellent!” The man clapped his hands, his voice booming with delight.
“Then let me officially introduce myself. My name is Arret, a teacher at the Holy City Magic Academy and a Rank 5 Great Mage. If you are willing to enroll, I can serve as your mentor.”
“Really? Thank you so much!” Lilith’s eyes lit up. A Rank 5 Great Mage must know a lot of spells.
But then she remembered a critical issue. “But... Mr. Arret, didn't you say yesterday that registration requires a recommendation letter? I don't have one.”
“Oh, that.” Arret gave her an 'I've got this' look and waved her off easily. He wasn't about to let a magical genius slip away.
He raised his right hand, and a soft, pale blue light shimmered at his fingertips.
Magic power, like flowing threads of light, rapidly interlaced above his palm. Within seconds, it formed an official recommendation letter stamped with a magical crest and text!
“Here, a recommendation letter.” Arret handed the sheet of paper, which still carried a faint magical glow, to the stunned Lilith. “A Magic Academy should always have some magical conveniences, after all.”
Lilith took the conjured recommendation letter and praised him sincerely, “That’s amazing! Thank you, Mr. Arret!”
“You’re welcome. Cherishing talent is a teacher's duty,” Arret said with a smile. “You can take this letter and report directly to the Magic Academy this afternoon. The academy is in the center of the inner city, near the largest White Tower. It’s easy to find. I’ll be waiting for you at the academy gates.”
“Go this afternoon? So soon?” Lilith was a bit surprised.
“For geniuses, the academy gates are always open.” Arret winked. “Go get ready. I look forward to seeing you this afternoon.”
“Uh, student, I haven't asked your name yet. What is it?” Arret added.
“My name is Lilith.”
“Alright, student Lilith. See you this afternoon.” With that, Arret went back to wiping his crystal ball.
Lilith walked out of the bookstore, clutching the recommendation letter. Standing in the morning sunlight, she still felt a bit dazed.
She looked down at the letter in her hand, its magic not yet fully dissipated. “Is this also a type of magic? It’s incredible.”
Lilith looked up at the distant, faintly visible spire of the White Tower in the center of the Holy City.
“Magic Academy...” she murmured. The bit of resistance she felt toward school was temporarily suppressed by the excitement and curiosity of opening the door to a new world.
“Fine, I'll go check it out this afternoon. If things don't feel right, I'll just run for it.” She clenched her fists, her gaze turning firm.
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