Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"There\'s supposed to be an Election within your class for the position of Class Rep. If you are interested in running for this position, you can raise your hand." Professor Lawcroft posited.

There were little side talks in the hall, students whispering among themselves and deciding whether or not to raise their hands.

"I think I\'m gonna give it a try." One said.

"No way, like I could win." Another murmured.

"W-What if \'She\' competes too?" Someone else added.

Ciara heard these and realized that many students actually wanted the position, but were restrained from acting on it.

Ciara felt the position of Class Representative would be too much trouble for her. She came here to get stronger, and that would be her goal.

Mia raised her hand, and then there was an uncomfortable silence.

The class stopped discussions, and from what it seemed like... The winner had already been determined.

"Oh my. It seems there aren\'t any other contestants other than me." Mia said with a smile, looking around the class.

"Well, The Election is by the end of the week. If any of you still wish to contest you can do so then." Mr. Richard coughed.

Mia looked a little displeased, and Ciara was also getting anxious about what would happen. Though, by the looks of it, no one was going to contest other than Mia.

"That\'s fair then," Mia finally said, a smile plastered on her face.

"That\'s all for today\'s class. You may have a little break until your next lecture. Have a lovely day."

The Lecturer hurried away, leaving the class. By the looks of things to Ciara, it seemed like he was relieved the class had finally ended.

Ciara sighed, what was she to do now?

"What\'s wrong Ciara? Are you upset with me?" Mia asked with an innocent smile.

Ciara looked at Mia, who looked confused and concerned about Ciara\'s sudden change in behavior toward her. Who was Mia, really?

Ciara felt foolish. How could she judge Mia based on the reactions from the students and the Lecturer? She was sure to have circumstances of her own.

Mia was her first real friend in the Institute, who didn\'t care about the fact that she was a Tier 2 or an Exception. She was friendly to her and reached out to her when others did not. She didn\'t deserve this.

"Oh, sorry. I was a bit out of it. I\'m surprised you came late though." Ciara answered her.

"Haha, something came up." Mia smiled awkwardly.

Ciara smiled back, genuinely. Looks like she was right about Mia. What a sweet girl.

They talked some more, and when Ciara brought up the issue of walking to class together, Mia smiled.

"Why not?" Mia said.

"Great! But we\'ll be going to class early!" Ciara said seriously.

"Are you still on about what happened today? Don\'t worry. I\'ll be early." Mia said laughing.

Ciara joined her, and that was how they whiled away their break until the next lecture.

The day went by quicker than Ciara had expected. She had lots of fun with the classes she had, and she learned so much in such a little while. The Institute was amazing after all.

Ciara and Mia walked back to their dorms, and while Ciara offered to escort Mia to her room, she refused.

"Maybe next time." She said with a smile.

Ciara decided not to push her further. It was only a matter of time anyway.

"Goodnight, Byee" Ciara waved to Mia, who said and did the same.

They parted ways, and Ciara felt happy and fulfilled. Things were going perfectly. She barely missed Galand, Lorna... even Noir. She was happy.

Little did she know that her happiness would be cut short...

...Very soon.

*

*

*

Mia walked to her room, opened the door, and shut it.

"Haa..." The young girl rested her back on the door.

Suddenly she started to chuckle and eventually burst out in laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!!" Her voice rose and echoed ominously

"Oh, Ciara, you idiot. Such a cute and precious doll. I\'ll have fun playing with you." She talked to herself with a sadistic grin.

She then went to her inner room, where a rune was carved on the wall of it.

She touched the wall, and the runes inscribed there glowed and shone brightly. The color... was \'Orange.\'

She immediately vanished from the location she was at, and suddenly she was in a large mansion.

"Welcome back Milady." A puppet spoke to her. He was dressed in a luxurious suit, the perfect butler.

His plastic look and oddly mechanical body parts didn\'t seem to faze Mia one bit.

"Oh Butler, it\'s good to be back." She said with a smile.

"Milady, your parents are waiting for you at the dining area. Let me get you ready to see them." A puppet maid said to her.

"Yes, do so." She replied the maid, who bowed her head. Same with the butler.

The Maid bowed as she made her way up the stairs to get herself ready for dinner.

Moments later, she descended the stairs. She wore an exquisite gown, adorned with several ornaments. The perfect lady. The maids present all bowed their puppet heads in homage to their princess.

"Mom, Dad... I\'m here.

"Oh dear, welcome... We\'ve been waiting for you." The dad\'s voice sounded.

"Oh my lovely girl, I\'ve missed you so much. Please sit." The mother\'s voice echoed.

Mia\'s face shone with an overjoyed smile.

"Yes! Let\'s eat together... as a happy family!" She beamed.

The puppets who sat at the table, both father and mother, smiled at Mia.

"Yes, as a happy family." They said in unison.

The entire mansion was filled with puppets, a playhouse... It was filled with laughter, and FUN!