The car moved steadily along the wide road, gliding past clusters of trees and quiet neighborhoods as it headed toward the main city. Aisha sat by the window, her face almost pressed against the glass, eyes filled with wonder. The world outside moved so fast cars, people, signs, colors. It was all so different from the quiet garden views she'd grown used to.
Sakura sat beside her in the middle seat, and Yuna was on the other side, calm as always, scanning their surroundings like a silent guardian.
Aisha leaned forward a little, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's so… big."
Sakura smiled and turned toward her. "Miss Aisha," she said gently, "today I'll show you the heart of the city. You'll see places that people from all over come to visit."
She pointed ahead, her eyes lighting up. "Look over there."
Aisha followed her gaze, and her eyes widened.
A towering structure came into view its glass walls shimmered under the sunlight, reflecting the busy street below. Next to it stood an enormous mall, its digital banners glowing even in the daylight.
"That's the Central Mall," Sakura said warmly. "One of the biggest in the country. Around this area, you'll find luxury stores, famous restaurants, and offices in those tall buildings."
Aisha's mouth parted slightly in awe. "It looks like something from a movie…"
Yuna, who had been quiet until now, glanced over. It's not just the size. At night, this place lights up like a festival. You'll love it even more when you see it then.
The car slowed as they entered the busier streets. Aisha watched people crossing roads, laughing, walking with bags and drinks in hand. The city was alive messy, beautiful, and full of stories.
She felt the corners of her lips lift into a smile.
For the first time, she wasn't watching the world from behind curtains.
She was in it.
A few minutes later, the car came to a gentle stop near a wide, stone-paved path. Yuna opened the door first and stepped out, followed by Sakura. Aisha hesitated for a moment before climbing out as well.
The moment her shoes touched the ground, she paused.
The breeze brushed against her cheeks, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers and morning dew. It felt... fresh. Alive. She took a deep breath, her eyes slowly lifting and then widening.
In front of her stood an enormous school building. Its tall gates were open, and students dressed in polished uniforms walked in groups, chatting, laughing, and some even running. Teachers stood near the entrance, guiding the morning flow. It wasn't just big it looked more like a prestigious academy than a regular school.
Sakura smiled and pointed ahead. "Miss Aisha, this is Hargrove High the very school your older sister attends."
Aisha blinked, turning her gaze toward the gates again. Big sister studies here? The thought made her feel both nervous and excited.
Yuna stepped forward calmly. "Shall we go inside? There's a lot for you to see."
The three of them entered through the main gate, the buzz of voices growing louder around them. As they passed through the courtyard, Aisha's attention was suddenly drawn to the open field to the left.
Dozens of students stood in neat rows across the wide training ground, each partnered with a teacher. But they weren't just learning physical exercises.
A swirl of light flashed through the air one student raised their hand, and a glowing circle formed around their palm, followed by a burst of wind. Another nearby summoned a small flame in midair, carefully shaping it into a hovering orb.
Aisha froze in place, eyes wide with disbelief.
"They're using… magic?" she whispered, barely able to believe what she was seeing.
Sakura chuckled softly beside her. "Yes, Miss Aisha. Those are basic magic spells. They're learning how to form and control them."
She couldn't take her eyes off the scene. "Everyone… knows how to use magic?"
"Of course," Sakura replied with a nod. "It's a normal part of life here."
Aisha's brows furrowed slightly. "But I've never seen anyone using magic before… at least not outside."
Sakura turned to her gently. "That's because magic is strictly regulated. It can only be used for defense or during training. Outside, people follow the rules carefully. That's why you've never seen it openly before."
Aisha looked back at the students, still stunned. For the first time, she realized just how much she didn't know about the world she'd grown up in how much had been hidden from her.
And yet… for the first time, she was seeing it for herself.
Aisha looked at Sakura with wide eyes, curiosity bubbling inside her. "Sakura… you know magic too?"
Sakura smiled gently. "Yes, Miss Aisha. I do."
"Wait—Yuna too?" Aisha turned to the other side.
Yuna gave a small nod, a rare smile on her face. "I've trained in it since I was young."
Aisha's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Then… can I learn it too? Can I use magic like you?"
Sakura's expression softened even more. "Of course, Miss Aisha. Anyone can learn magic if they work hard enough."
"Really?" Aisha stepped forward with excitement. "Then teach me! I want to learn!"
But Sakura raised a hand gently. "Not yet, Miss Aisha."
Aisha blinked, confused. "Why not?"
Sakura crouched a little to match Aisha's height. "Because of the rules, dear. You're only twelve right now. To join a magic academy and officially begin training, you need to be at least sixteen."
Aisha's shoulders slumped slightly. "So… I can't start yet?"
Not officially," Sakura said with a chuckle. But that doesn't mean you can't learn little things. You have time. And if you truly want to, I believe you'll become amazing one day.
Aisha smiled, determination glowing in her eyes.
Aisha's eyes wandered toward the tall entrance doors of Hargrove High. Through the glass, she could see students walking down the wide hallways, chatting with friends and holding books. Her heart thumped with curiosity.
"Sakura," she said, tugging lightly on the hem of Sakura's sleeve. "Can we go inside the school? I want to see the classrooms… how they study… everything."
Sakura gave a small, apologetic smile and gently shook her head. "I'm sorry, Miss Aisha. We can't go inside today."
"Why not?" Aisha's voice was soft, disappointed.
"It's a school rule," Sakura explained patiently. "Outsiders aren't allowed to enter without special permission. Even for a quick visit, we'd have to inform the school head first."
Aisha looked back at the doors, a little sadness in her eyes. "So… we really can't go in?"
Not today," Sakura said kindly. "But I promise, we'll come back another time. I'll speak with the school head and arrange a proper visit. Then you can see everything.
"Okay…" Aisha murmured, but her gaze lingered on the school entrance, wondering what it would feel like to sit in those classrooms and learn magic like the others.