Aleophoros Academy

Chapter 1: Starting A New Life Pt. 1-Moving Up

As Izumi walked home he only had one thought on his mind: what the hell was he supposed to say to his parents about his earlier encounter. Not many people would believe you if you said "I got bullied again, then some strange figure talked to me, dropped this invitation to a new school and a white rose healed me of what happened in school."

Only those who are brave and at the same time, ridiculous would say that to their parents. Well? He intended to do just that once he got home.

Whilst on the trip back he noticed something on a nearby pillar --- the same exact picture of Aleophoros, the academy he was invited to. It was an exact replica of what was on the flyer.

"Hm.. Guess they're recruiting?" he asked out loud as he took a look at the photo up close. "Only logical thing is that they're getting people to join their school for unknown purposes.. Besides to help me get a 'better life' I wonder what's in it for the rest of the students. It can't just be a me thing."

The streets were empty. The sun started to set. The wind blew in oscillation: gently to hard. The lamps on the sidewalk turned on. A calming sunset.

Izumi's home was just up on the horizon. He kept walking in a steady pace looking down on the pavement. A puddle was just up ahead.

He looked straight into the puddle with a pause in his step.

One thing about Izumi is that, he wore a mask that covered his scarred left eye and cheek and his mouth and nose. Nevertheless his scar would slightly be visible in the side view.

As he looked into the puddle he tilted his head slightly. His only visible eye widened. To check, he removed his mask.

"No way..." he said. "M-my scar is gone..?" he asked in disbelief. He touched his cheek and around his eye for clarification and to his shock it wasn't there. "I don't believe this shit. Am I in a dream? Please don't tell me..."

"It isn't a dream, Izumi-kun." said a female voice.

"Alright who's there?" he looked around and saw no one.

"Ufufufu~" the voice chuckled.

"Show yourself!" worry and fear evident in his scream.

"Do not worry, I'm not here to bring you harm." was the calm reply.

"How can I trust you?! I don't even know who you are!"

"My, my, paranoid much aren't you?"

"I-is it not obvious yet?"

"How cute. You stuttered. I think I'll have fun with this~"

"Please tell me you're not a rapist or a kidnapper." he said.

"I'm neither, if you must know." she appeared in front of him; a cloaked woman, he thought.

She removed the hood and discarded the cloak. A light-skinned, beautiful woman wearing formal attire was revealed. The woman was shorter than Izumi at 5 feet 2 inches tall, whereas he was 5'7".

"Izumi-kun, you have been invited to Aleophoros Academy, yes?" she asked, firm.

"Umm.. Y-yes I have." he managed to stutter out.

"You know, you're a fine young man. I'll be happy to have you over in the Academy." she smiled.

'I presume she's the headmaster. If she's saying that then she has to be.' he deduced in his mind. His eyes narrowed at her.

"And if you're going to ask, yes. I am one of the headmasters." 'She reads minds? You know what I won't even ask.'

"I see. Could I know your name, please?"