Chapter 3: A Promise Sealed

Back in the present, reflecting on the events that unfolded at school today only fueled my frustration. How unlucky could I be for something like that to happen to me? Sigh.

"Don't be so downcast. You have your parents' support, and that counts for something," Sarah interjected, her voice filled with genuine concern. She had been a friend of mine since our first year, brought together by our shared love for reading at the library. Gradually, our friendship grew stronger, and we found solace in each other's company.

I knew Sarah meant well with her words, but they failed to provide solace. She was unaware of my family situation. If she knew, I doubted those words would have escaped her lips.

Similarly, I knew very little about Sarah's family. Since our friendship began, an unspoken agreement existed between us not to delve too deeply into each other's lives. Sarah had always been an enigmatic figure at our school, known for her reserved nature and mysterious background.

Rumors circulated about her origins, suggesting that she hailed from a distant land beyond Miston City. Whispers of her being a prodigious mage or having ties to influential magical families made their rounds among the students. However, Sarah never confirmed or denied these speculations, maintaining an aura of secrecy that only added to her mystique.

She sought refuge in the library, immersing herself in books and knowledge. Few students dared to approach her, intimidated by her aloof demeanor and the inexplicable incidents that seemed to follow her.

Once, a senior in our school, notorious for his bullying ways, attempted to forcefully court Sarah. However, the following day, he and his entire family vanished without a trace, leaving the entire student body in shock and awe. The incident left everyone apprehensive, avoiding Sarah out of fear of incurring her wrath.

I couldn't fathom what led her to befriend me. Other students frequented the library as well, yet she never sought their companionship. Perhaps it was our shared love for books and the solace we found in the quiet corners of the library that drew us together.

Though I pondered my parents' capabilities, I doubted they possessed the power to make influential families disappear from our city. In terms of background, Sarah seemingly stood on higher ground. Yet, her friendship never wavered, and I was grateful for her unwavering support.

Nevertheless, this mystery didn't bother me. Our friendship, as it stood, was enough for me. Sarah's presence in my life brought comfort and a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before.

"Thanks, Sarah. I know you're right. It just takes time to calm my emotions," I admitted, trying to muster a smile.

Sarah merely smiled in response, her eyes sparkling with an unwavering faith in my potential. "I know you're resilient. Don't give up. This world is full of mysteries, and who knows what the future holds? Perhaps you'll have a unique encounter that will lead to your ascent. Maybe one day, you'll become so powerful that even I'll be envious."

"Haha! Yeah, right. If that happens, I'll take you with me, and together we'll stand at the top," I replied, Sarah's words lifting my spirits and reigniting a glimmer of hope within me.

Sarah laughed, finding my response amusing. "It's a promise then," she declared, playfully extending her pinky finger. I mirrored the gesture, and we sealed our pact with a pinky promise.

In that moment, amidst the laughter and camaraderie, I realized that this friendship was more than just a passing connection. It was a bond forged in the face of adversity, a promise to support each other no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Little did anyone suspect that this promise would one day be etched in history, an unforgettable testament to the unbreakable bond between two young individuals destined to shape the future of the magical world.