My name is Rendra Mahesa Satria, but people usually call me Satria. I am a child who lives without magic. People call me 'the cursed child.' I don't understand why people who can't use magic are called cursed children. It makes no sense to me.
Even though I'm called a "cursed child," my parents still love me as their son. They don't care about what other people say.
Today is my first day at Apollo Magic Academy. To be honest, I've never had any friends before. Every time I enter a magic academy, people look at me with eyes full of contempt.
I hope… I can make at least one friend.
"Dad, Mom, I'm leaving now!"
I said goodbye to my parents in a hurried tone because I didn't want to be late.
"Wait, dear. Take this."
My mother took out a necklace with an emerald pendant and handed it to me.
"What is this for, Mom?"
I asked in confusion.
"Because you don't have magic, this necklace will grant protection and good luck to its owner."
My mother explained with a smile. I quickly took the necklace and put it on.
"Alright, thanks, Mom. I'm going now!"
I immediately ran so I could arrive at the academy on time.
. . .
After a fairly quick journey—since my house is quite close to the academy—I finally arrived at the academy gate, which looked like a royal palace.
I pushed the gate with all my strength, and it finally opened.
. . .
I hurried toward the main hall. When I arrived, the large room was filled with new students standing in neat lines. As soon as I entered, their gazes turned toward me—confused looks, and some even looked disgusted.
"Hey, isn't that the 'cursed child'?"
"I don't know, maybe it's him."
"How can he enter a magic academy if he doesn't have magic?"
I quickly moved to the back of the line while listening to their conversations about me.
It didn't hurt that much.
Not long after, the headmaster appeared to give a welcoming speech.
"Welcome to Apollo Academy. Thank you for registering at this academy. I truly appreciate all of you who were selected,"
The headmaster looked very proud. This academy is quite famous for producing outstanding graduates—knights, combat commanders, and many others.
"Alright, without further ado, I will explain today's agenda."
The headmaster's expression turned serious, and the atmosphere in the hall became tense.
"First, all of you will go to the building beside this hall to test your magic level."
He pointed to the right, indicating the building's location.
"Second, after the test, your classes will be assigned fairly for tomorrow's lessons. That's all. Thank you for listening. Everyone, move!"
At that command, all the students began to disperse and walk toward the designated building.
. . .
"Man, the line is so long…"
I muttered to myself while crossing my arms. I was extremely bored.
Maybe I should peek ahead…
I stood on my toes to see what was happening at the front. The students were asked to touch a crystal ball that would display their magic rank, from A to E, and F.
Ranks A to C were considered high-level magic, D and E were intermediate, while F was the lowest level—or those who had no magic at all.
Great… if that's how it works, I'm definitely the lowest of them all.
I pouted slightly and accepted the fact that I had no magic.
Step by step, it was finally my turn to measure my magic level. But… I felt no joy at all. I had no magic, and I was sure I'd become a target of bullying for being the lowest.
As expected, when I touched the crystal ball, a single letter appeared inside it: F.
I wasn't surprised at all. However, the people behind me struggled to hold back their laughter when they saw the result.
I didn't care. I just wanted to leave this place and lie down on my bed.
I slowly walked to the table beside the crystal ball. A woman handed something to me.
"This is your academy uniform. You must wear it every day, so… don't forget to wash it."
She gave me the uniform. The design was quite nice, with slightly long sleeves and soft fabric.
"Oh, yeah. Thank you."
I bowed slightly to her, then hurried to the next table to check my class assignment.
"Rendra Mahesa Satria, you will be in Class B."
Even though my magic level was low, it seemed that the class distribution here was fair. No class was too weak or too strong; everything was balanced.
I felt relieved.
"Alright, thank you, sir."
Once again, I bowed and ran out of the building. Classes would start tomorrow, so I just wanted to go home and hug my soft bed.
Today was exhausting enough.
. . .
It was already late afternoon when I arrived home. My parents immediately welcomed me warmly.
"Oh, my child is home! Come eat, you must be hungry."
"Come on, son. Dad's hungry too."
Their warm smiles instantly brought a smile to my face. I quickly took off my shoes and washed my hands before heading to the dining table. Mom cooked grilled fish—my favorite—and fried chicken, Dad's favorite.
Mom really is the best.
"Enjoy your meal!"
We said it together, then enjoyed the food until we were full. Mom's cooking is truly unbeatable.
After eating, I immediately took a bath after a long day outside, then put on my comfortable pajamas.
"Finally… sleep."
I felt incredibly happy as soon as I touched my bed. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
-> To Be Continue