A Tree of Eris's Hope (Circu Series #1)

Prologue

After exiting the portal at the back of Hiraya University, I wore my cloak while holding my wand. It's been what? 20 years already. It's my first time coming back here on Eterna. I suddenly hear the voices of people around me. They are talking and laughing. It's good to be young, huh? As I walk toward the university exit, I see a bunch of young wizards flying with their broomsticks.
 
 
 
“Moro! That's not how you use the broomstick, stupid!” the teacher said. She looks pissed while shouting at her students.
 
 
 
Their balance is not good, and I think they're nervous, which is why they can't fly properly. They're nervous because of this teacher. She keeps shouting, even for little mistakes she notices.
 
 
 
“Nero! You dumbass, put more power! Remember, this is the test to enter Hiraya University!”
 
 
 
His eyes look scared, and his hands are shaking. I took a deep breath and used my wand to balance him on the broomstick. I just used a little bit of my power, okay? I just pity him, that's it.
 
 
 
“Are you a student here?”
 
 
 
I looked beside me and saw a girl smiling with curiosity in her eyes while looking at me. I pointed to myself, looking like a fool while staring at her. Has she been there this whole time? How come I didn't notice her?
 

“Uh... yes?” What the hell? What kind of answer is that?! Now she looks suspicious of me! I see a badge on her uniform. She's a member of the disciplinary committee. Did she see me doing that to the boy?
 
 
 
Ah, never mind, I'll just knock her out if she sees that.
 
 
 
“You don't look familiar to me, and I saw you using your magic.”
 
 
 
“Huh? If I don't look familiar, it's because there are so many students here that you can't remember every face. And I didn't use my magic, so I don't know what you're talking about,” I said. Then I smiled at her while walking past, as if nothing had happened. I hope I can leave peacefu—
 
 
 
A rope?
 
 
 
I fell down when I noticed a rope tied to my ankle. It caused a commotion, so I can't use my spell here.
 
 
 
“Welcome to the disciplinary office.”
 
 
 
The next thing I know, I'm sitting inside the disciplinary office while the girl I was talking to is reporting to their president.
 
 
 
“I saw her using her magic to help the examinees there,” she said, glaring at me.
 
 
 
Not gonna lie—I didn't notice her presence earlier. Maybe because I let my guard down. If I assess her now, she's pretty strong for a kid, huh?
 
 
 
“What is your name, miss?” They finished talking, and the president put on his eyeglasses and looked at me carefully.
 
 
 
“Eris Hecate.”
 
 
 
“Why did you do that?”
 
 
 
“Did what?” How can I get out of here? I just arrived on Eterna, and this is what greets me?
 
 
 
“Don't lie to us. Shelly has an ability that can record a scene she saw.”
 
 
 
“Where? Play it.”
 
 
 
She looked at me, irritated. I looked out of the window, holding back laughter because she looked cute while her bangs were blown by the wind.
 
 
 
“What's wrong, Shelly?” The president looked confused as he stared at Shelly. Shelly looked confused too, as she glanced at me.

 
“Why didn't it show her using her magic?!”
 
 
 
“I told you I didn't do it.” I stood up already. “I'll leave now.”
 
 
 
“What?! Wai—”
 
 
 
“Just let her go, we don't have evidence! Next time, make sure of it. We can't just accuse a person!”
 
 
 
“But, Pres, it's true!”
 
 
 
 
I had already left and didn't hear any more talking. When I reached the market, I saw people happily shopping, food stalls everywhere, and some families bonding. It's getting dark, and the lights in the trees are starting to appear one by one.
 
 
 
I entered the restaurant when I felt hungry. I ordered one whole cake, three burgers, and an alcoholic drink. I swallowed as the aroma hit me, especially the cake. I just love sweets—I’ll never get tired of eating them.
 
 
 
“Thank you! ” I happily said to the waiter. I started eating, and after almost an hour, I suddenly remembered what I came here for. How do I find Eury? After we parted ways 20 years ago, I had no communication with her.
 
 
 
How is she doing now? Does she have a family? Is she doing fine? Is she eating properly? I know she's immortal like me because the blood of the gods runs in our veins, but still, I want her to be happy.
 
 
 
I need to find her immediately so we can go to Hirama. We promised each other that in 20 years, we’d both visit Hirama to see the graves of our friends who died fighting demons during the last invasion.
 
 
 
I finished my drink, left the bill on the table, and decided to leave.