Opening Ceremony

Headmistress Selinofoto stood tall and regal, her flowing robes billowing in the breeze as she ascended the platform on a hovering podium. The students gazed up at her in awe, eagerly anticipating her annual address.

With a clear voice, the headmistress introduced the esteemed faculty and outlined the rules and regulations that every student was to abide by. Each guideline was delivered with a stern but fair tone, reminding the students of their responsibilities to themselves and to the school.

No student is allowed to go to any other dormitory except for the one they are assigned to.

Students must show respect towards all other species.

Students must attend all classes, unless they have a valid excuse approved by the school administration.

Students are not allowed to use magic without the approval of a teacher or administrator, or during class. This includes using magic for personal gain or harming others.

Physical violence is not tolerated at school. Any student involved in a fight will face disciplinary action.

Students must show respect towards teachers and school administrators. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

Students must be in their dormitory rooms by a certain time each night. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, except for vampire students who will have their classes held at night.

No unauthorized leaving of the school grounds.

Students are not allowed to use dark magic or practice any type of forbidden magic. Any student caught doing so will face severe disciplinary action.

The headmistress continued, listing off more rules with unwavering authority and concluded her speech with a reminder of the school's core values of integrity, respect, and compassion. She urged the students to embody these values in all aspects of their lives, both within the school community and beyond.

Crystal felt her energy dwindling as the speech stretched on, marveling at how the senior students managed to stay so alert at every year's opening ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, Crystal found herself encircled by curious faeries, their eyes glinting with wonder and amusement. The fae's astonishment was palpable as they gazed upon Crystal with a mix of fascination and curiosity.

"Are you truly from the Earthly Realm?" one fae asked, a mischievous glint in their eye, and Crystal chuckled nervously. She did not plan to be the center of attention, especially not so soon.

“I have never seen someone from the Earthly Realm. She does bear an image somewhat distinct from us,” another fae said, and the already insecure Crystal took a step back. She knew she seemed different, but all of that was making her nervous as she looked down at the ground.

In that difficult situation, someone stepped forward, and Crystal felt grateful. “Come on, fellow faeries. Let us refrain from troubling our peer with our inquisitiveness,” said the faerie with light brown locks and golden eyes, standing beside her roommate, Marina. She was a stunning faery and her beauty was matched only by her kindness, as she smiled at Crystal with warmth and hospitality.

The faeries looked disappointed in the slightest, but they did accept that they might be making Crystal uncomfortable and decided to take their own routes to their scheduled classes.

“Thank you very much,” said Crystal gratefully, and the fae with golden eyes shook her head.

“Fret not, for any companion of Marina is also a companion of mine.” The fae with golden eyes reached her hand forward, and Crystal shook it without hesitation.

“Crystal, allow me to introduce you. This is Chroma Iris, the fairy of colors and hues, and Chroma, this is Crystal Smith, my roommate that I told you about.” Crystal and Chroma exchanged greetings, and Crystal sighed in relief, feeling that she was meeting decent faeries out there.

“Crystal, it seems as though you are uncomfortable with your attire and appearance. Would you like me to offer any assistance?” asked Chroma, and Crystal looked at Marina, uncertain of what Chroma was trying to say.

Chroma gracefully raised her hand, twisting her wrist with ease, and flicked her fingers. In an instant, Crystal's drab jeans and plain tee were transformed into a stunning orange gown that flowed elegantly down her body. Her hair, previously a simple jet black, had been transformed into a vibrant ginger hue and was now artfully styled in a twisted vine updo with a delicate dew drop bun.

As Crystal took in her stunning transformation, Chroma's gentle voice broke through her thoughts, "What do you say, my dear? Are you feeling comfortable now?"

Crystal was momentarily stunned by the breathtaking beauty of her new appearance, but as she looked down at the unfamiliar gown, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort. She had always preferred the comfort of her own clothes, even if it meant standing out as a bit of an oddball. She shook her head hesitantly, "Thank you, Chroma. But I think I'll stick with my own clothes for now."

"My dear friend, your wish is my command," Chroma declared with a flourish, and with a flick of her fingers, Crystal's previous attire returned, prompting a satisfied grin over her lips.

"As Chroma possesses near-perfect mastery of her powers, she may not be joining us for many of our classes. However, some classes are similar, so let us proceed without delay," said Marina.

Crystal nodded, and the three companions made their way towards the north towers, where the enchanting lecture on the 'Legends of Magic History' awaited them.

…

Upon entering the classroom, Crystal noticed that, like the west garden, merfolk students were given a small pond inside the class. For seating arrangements, each student had an assigned seat with their name written on their desk. Demons, faeries, vampires, and werewolves were segregated in separate corners of the room with goblins in between, which Crystal understood was to prevent potential crises that could arise.

Just as the first-year students settled in, a sudden fluttering caught their attention, and all eyes turned to see a bat swoop into the room. It flew towards the front of the class, and with a sudden burst of smoke, Professor Marcus Nightshade appeared. Crystal immediately recognized him from the morning's welcome ceremony, and a shiver of excitement ran down her spine as she realized that this was going to be a year like no other normal years she had spent in school.