The First Lesson: An Unexpected Instructor

“Sister…”

“Sister, wake up.”

“If you don’t get up soon, Stella’s going to crawl into your bed.”

*Hmm?!*

Mylian’s eyes snapped open. She sat up, glancing around, only to see Stella smiling beside her.

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing at all, Sister. I just got here. Hurry down for breakfast. Father said he has something to discuss with us, and we’ll be gathering soon.”

Stella outlined the day’s schedule. Bertrand intended to put the sisters, who had just acquired their new magical treasures, through pre-enrollment training. To this end, he had specially invited a mage for a three-day intensive guidance session.

The instructor, Raphael, was the Head of the Magic Department at Twilight Academy. A Grade V mage, she excelled in multi-elemental magic and even possessed some skill in swordsmanship.

After breakfast, Mylian and Stella changed into white training uniforms. Delilah personally tied Mylian’s hair into a practical ponytail, making it easier for movement. The sisters then stood together in the sunlit backyard, where Bertrand had been waiting for quite some time.

“Mylian, did you give it much thought last night?” Bertrand turned to ask.

“I have,” Mylian affirmed, her expression far more resolute than the previous day. Della’s late-night conversation with her had certainly played a significant role in this change. “I’ve decided to pursue further studies at the academy.”

“That’s excellent. Twilight Academy is the most suitable institution for you in the long run. Their instructor will arrive shortly, so you two should warm up first.”

Bertrand seemed to leave after giving his instructions. However, whenever Stella glanced back, she could spot her elderly father watching with concern from a third-story window of the manor.

*He agreed so readily last night, yet he still can’t help but worry about us, can he?*

Stella smiled faintly, continuing to stretch her arms and loosen her body. She also took a moment to mentally review the plot’s development.

Raphael was a female instructor who would be exceptionally nurturing towards Mylian at the academy. Their first meeting would likely spark a mutual appreciation for each other’s talents. As for Stella, she was naturally destined for frustration.

In the original plot, Stella, overly confident in her magical aptitude, had many flaws pointed out by Raphael. Her indignation led her down the abyss of dark magic, from which she never returned, ultimately being captured by her sister, who had become a Holy Knight, and imprisoned for severe punishment.

Of course, the current Stella would never make such mistakes. Let whoever wanted to study dark magic do so; she would never touch it, even if it meant her death.

*All I need to do is stay by my sister’s side, act as a background character, and praise her brilliance, right?*

Stella had long since made up her mind. As long as Raphael and Mylian saw eye to eye, she would simply comply with the instructor’s arrangements. Partiality didn’t matter, for talent could be compensated with magical treasures. With so many artifacts in the basement whose uses only she knew, there was no need to envy anyone.

*Rumble, rumble—*

The sound of wheels turning echoed from afar. Stella and Mylian simultaneously looked in one direction. A carriage, with peculiar golden wheels and a pumpkin-like shape, pulled up to the backyard gate.

*Given that she’s an instructor from Twilight Academy, it’s normal for her carriage to be somewhat unique,* Stella initially thought. However, when the carriage door automatically opened, a white-haired girl lay sleeping inside.

A staff, inlaid with blue gems, lay on the floor. The girl, dressed in a white cloak and a black pleated skirt, leaned back against the seat, her head tilted upwards. Her white thigh-high boots were casually tipped to one side, presenting the image of someone who had overslept.

“…”

“…”

Stella and Mylian exchanged glances. With an unexpected synchronicity, they both took a step forward.

“Uh, Sister, are you going to call her too?”

“Of course. Class has begun.”

Mylian frowned, a flicker of doubt in her heart. Instructor Raphael sleeping on the first day of class? Was she truly a Grade V mage? She didn’t seem very reliable.

The sisters approached the carriage. They gazed at Raphael, still deep in slumber, and both reached out to tap on the carriage.

*Knock, knock.*

“Don’t make noise… I’m sleepy.”

Raphael’s lips pursed, her brow furrowed with the annoyance of insufficient sleep.

“Instructor Raphael, please begin the lesson,” Stella reminded her with a solemn voice.

Sensing the serious tone, Raphael squinted, peeking a glance.

“The lesson… hasn’t it already started? You are both students with legendary magical treasures. Comprehend it yourselves.”

Raphael turned her head and went back to sleep, her disdainful reason for not teaching proving quite irritating.

Stella’s brow furrowed slightly at the provocation. She recalled Raphael’s teaching methods.

*Special students require special treatment, but the trials are also special. She wants to see the unique value each student possesses.*

“Is your first lesson for you to step out of the carriage, Instructor Raphael?” Mylian suddenly spoke. Stella had intended to say the same thing, but then thought it unnecessary. *My sister is the protagonist; let her take the spotlight.*

“…” Raphael silently glanced over, but maintained her sleeping posture, unhurried.

“My apologies.” Mylian reached out, intending to take Raphael’s staff from the floor. However, a faint blue barrier suddenly sealed the carriage door, pushing Mylian back!

“Ugh!”

“Sister, be careful!”

Stella acted as a buffer, catching Mylian from behind. The two retreated several yards before regaining their footing. Mylian then stepped forward, actively separating herself from Stella, and looked back at her with a complicated expression.

“Are you alright, Sister?” Stella tilted her head, her expression utterly devoid of ill intent.

“I’m fine… but keep your distance from me.” Mylian’s words sounded more like they were directed at herself. She took several steps forward, finally remembering the magical treasure she possessed.

*Chant of the Full Moon.*

A sword-shaped magical treasure. Its basic effect is ‘Tearing Fang,’ which inflicts a short-duration bleeding effect that prevents healing upon hitting an opponent.

“Come!”

Mylian instinctively gripped the pendant hanging at her chest. With a downward tug, she summoned a golden sword-shadow.

A golden-yellow light, like that of a full moon, enveloped the blade, while a blue glow flowed across the silver-white hilt. Mylian held the longsword, and with a light flick, it left a golden arc in the air.

Witnessing Mylian personally summon her magical treasure, Raphael opened her eyes, beginning to pay special attention to Mylian.

Stella, observing from the side, smiled. This was the moment she had been waiting for—the moment Raphael focused on her sister.

*Since my sister has made an impression on Instructor Raphael, I should also step in to advance my sister’s path to triumph, clearing any obstacles in her way.*

Currently, Mylian couldn’t break through Raphael’s defense, so Stella decided to take over and push the plot forward. *My sister’s talent is exceptional; mastering sword spells will be effortless for her, so the sooner she starts, the better.*

“Come! Come out! Hurry and come out!”

Stella deliberately put on an act, holding her breath for dozens of seconds before pulling out her ‘Oath of the New Moon’ wand.