ECHOES OF DESTINY

"Rose, her hair was like a cascade of spun moonlight, framed eyes that sparkled like blue sapphires."

Rose, a girl with a sorrowful past, lived a solitary life. She was a hardworking girl. During the day, she attended school, and at night she worked in a 24/7 supermarket to support herself. She had recently taken a scholarship exam for a prestigious academy, and while returning from her part-time job, she received an email from the school saying she had passed the exam. Overjoyed, she couldn't contain her happiness, but in her excitement, she became unaware of her surroundings.

As she walked through a dimly lit alley, a sudden sharp pain pierced her side. Staggering back, she looked down to see a knife protruding from her abdomen. "Why? Just when I was about to have this happiness," she whispered in disbelief, feeling the warmth of her blood seeping through her fingers as she struggled to stay conscious.

The next day, she woke up in her bed panting, touching her waist. There was no pain. She thought the night's events were just a dream and felt relieved. She went to the bathroom, and when she looked in the mirror, she freaked out and fell. She checked her mobile. But all her contacts were gone. Not a single person in her family or friends. She checked the state, It said Arnold.

The body she saw was not hers. She had awakened in the body of a side character from a high school magic novel—Aira Alberst, the very character who harassed the female lead, Beatrice Sweeny.

Aira was a beautiful girl with white silver hair flowing like molten iron. Her red eyes were like ruby. She was the definition of beauty. But in the original novel, she didn't let her beauty be revealed because of over-make-up.

The villainess was supposed to be wealthy, but her surroundings were identical to her past life. She was hated by everyone.

She noticed a letter on a table stating she could attend the school. However, according to the novel, she was enrolled in the school with money. Confused, Aira decided to search for clues. Firstly, she died at the end.

She resolved to avoid interacting with male leads. The first was Asahi Eckart, the son of a prominent businessman, distinguished by his white hair and blue eyes.

The secondary male lead, Issac Seymore, son of a renowned doctor, had black hair and golden eyes. Both wielded formidable magic and came to Beatrice's rescue from Aira's bullies.

Issac, Asahi and Beatrice defeated the demon lord according to the novel while Aira was the hidden boss.

During her search, Aira couldn't shake off the feeling that something was not right. Everything around her felt so vivid and real that she had to remind herself it was all just a fantasy.

She saw the present date on the letter. It was the first day. It also was the beginning of the novel. So, she decided to go to school.

Finally, she arrived at the academy. As she stepped through the towering gates, she was greeted by the elegant architecture of the school building. Students in their stylish uniforms chattered excitedly, oblivious to the turmoil in Aira's mind. Taking a deep breath, Aira resolved to uncover the truth behind this strange twist of fate.

Approaching a group of students, Aira hesitantly asked, "Excuse me, can you tell me where the auditorium is?"

One of the students smirked and replied, " It's not the place for someone like you. You poor people just take advantage of scholarship things while we pay. Don't make us laugh."

The student's smirk widened. "Haven't you heard? Only students with money or powerful connections can hope to join this prestigious academy. The doors are closed to the likes of you."

Aira felt a chill run down her spine. What was going on? If she couldn't attend this school, how was she supposed to find a way back to her own life?

She retreated to a corner, suddenly hearing a voice, "Go back."

Too scared, she checked her surroundings but saw no one. The voice grew louder and louder, so she decided to go back home. The voices stopped just as she left the academy gates.

When Aira returned, she found her room in complete disarray. She began to investigate, trying to understand what had happened, when she heard a noise from her bed. She noticed a small bulge in the blanket.

"Boom!" shouted a fluffy, small white rabbit with eyes like ruby and fur like sweet cotton candy.

Aira was bewildered. She wrapped the creature in the blanket and left the room at once. But curiosity got the better of her. She returned and unwrapped the blanket, but the creature was no longer there.

"Ha ha ha, you think you can wrap a divine fairy like me in a blanket, stupid human," the creature exclaimed.

"Who are you?" asked Aira, regaining her composure.

"Ruby," replied the fairy. "I know you are not from this world. I don't know what is going on either, but I can help you understand your existence here, Aira."

Aira's eyes widened. "You can help me? How do you know my name? Were you the one who told me to leave the academy?"

"Yes, it was me. I changed my voice," Ruby said proudly. "Wait, didn't you read the first chapter of that novel? It would have been bad if you had continued."

Aira remembered. On the first day, a holy lyre was stolen, and Aira was blamed because Aira had dark magic and the holy lyre's holy power would be dangerous for her.

"So that's why you told me to leave, But what about Beatrice?" asked Aira, concerned.

"She is the main lead. I'm sure she's fine. All I wanted to do was save you," said Ruby. "And one more thing, I don't know why, but your living standards and status haven't changed."

"It's complicated," said Aira, worriedly.

"Don't worry, Aira, we will figure it out together. Tomorrow will be your first day of school, but before that, we have to find a job for you," said Ruby. "Also, one thing, only you can see me, so keep me a secret," whispered Ruby. They stepped out of the apartment into the bustling city. They roamed a lot and found a poster. It said that they wanted an assistant. Aira asked the way to the shop, which led her to an alley. She opened the door and saw a man welcoming her.

The magic shop name was Enchanted Haven that Aira stumbled upon a whimsical establishment tucked away in a colourful alley. The shop's exterior was adorned with vibrant, mystical symbols that seemed to dance in the sunlight. As she opened the door, a cascade of chimes greeted her, the sound filling the air with a sense of enchantment.

Inside, the shop was a treasure trove of wonders. Shelves lined with spellbinding artefacts, flickering candles, and jars brimming with colourful powders and shimmering substances. The air was infused with the pleasant aroma of exotic herbs and enchanting flowers. Mystical orbs and crystals twinkled in the warm light, casting a captivating glow throughout the space.

Every corner of the shop was adorned with luscious green plants, adding a touch of natural magic to the atmosphere. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient enchantments and mythical creatures. Soft, ethereal music floated through the air, transporting visitors to a world of wonder and possibility.

"Welcome, Aira. I was expecting you," said the shopkeeper.

"Thank...W...wait, how do you know my name?" said Aira, startled.

"I know the name of those who need me. I am Lixon Druce. I look forward to working with you," said Mr. Lixon.

He was as old as his father. He had black hair with white streaks and black eyes. He also looked wealthy.

"Guess that's how magic works," murmured Aira. "What should I do then?" asked Aira.

"For now, you will be cleaning. Handling customers and the store at once is difficult. I hope you work well," said Mr. Lixon.

"Uh... cleaning? Shouldn't I help you with potions, artefacts, and magic, Mr Lixon?" questioned Aira.

"No, for now just cleaning. Your flow of mana(magic power) seems too weak. So this is not the time, young girl. Join from tomorrow," said Mr Lixon.

Hearing that, she agreed to the job. She gave him her phone number and left. She was so disappointed while Ruby was teasing her and laughing.

"Ahh....Ruby! Now you don't make fun of me. That man could have given me a better job," complained Aira.

"Sorry, Aira, you will do great. Let's get home and eat food. I am so hungry," said Ruby, cheering Aira.

As they got home, Aira heated ready-to-eat food which they had brought while passing by. They were full and sleepy, but Aira was so nervous. She couldn't stay still thinking about what would happen in the academy the next day and why the students were acting like that.

Ruby noticed it and said, "Aira, don't worry, everything will be fine. Remember, I am by your side, right?" Aira smiled and nodded.

"If you can't sleep, why don't you tell me about your past life? It wouldn't take much time," said Ruby.

"O...ok, it's a little uncomfortable, but it would be a new step in our friendship," said Aira, smiling.