Return of the Magic

The magic of the world was fading, and the hero had no way forward. Then she appeared.

A beautiful fairy, with black straight hair flowing down to her shoulders, holding a crystal ball. She was the key to bringing back the magic.

"Wow, Ren, this is really amazing!"

Two boys flipped through loose manga pages. The taller one eagerly turned the pages, captivated by the story. But Ren, the shorter one, wasn't as excited.

"It's okay, it's not at a professional level."

Ren had messy black hair and was content with the compliments on his work, even though he didn't believe it was good enough. His gaze was tired, even for a young man in his final year of high school.

"But bro, this is really good. Don't you still want to become a famous mangaká after you graduate? Imagine if I studied with a famous mangaka!"

Leo was Ren's best friend. Much taller, with light brown short hair, and always wearing a radiant smile.

"Of course not, Leo. That doesn't exist. My level is nowhere near that of a real professional. I've tried various contests, and you know I never win."

Leo felt disheartened by the conversation. His friend always had big dreams and saw the world in a unique way, but lately, he seemed increasingly discouraged.

"You should give it a try. Weren't you complaining about how adult life lacks magic? Oh, look, it's the same theme as your story. But hey, if life doesn't have magic naturally, you can bring it yourself."

"Yeah, when you realize that all the magic you saw as a child was nothing but an illusion, that's what happens. I'm going to have a boring job in an office, and that will be the rest of my life. It's already decided."

The words were uncomfortable to say, but it was what he truly believed. His dream was to draw. He didn't want fame or success; he simply found true peace when he was drawing. However, the life of an ordinary worker wouldn't afford him that opportunity, at least that's what he believed.

Leo inspected the last page once again, his mind already wandering to the next topic, focusing on the fairy that appeared at the end.

"Why do all your female protagonists have the same design? From this story, the robot girl in the last one, and even the previous goddess. Is this girl someone you know?"

Immediately, Ren blushed.

"No! It's not like that... It's not someone I know..."

Although it was true, the lack of explanation made Leo more suspicious. Ren realized he wouldn't be able to escape and approached his friend, ensuring no other classmates would hear their conversation as the classroom filled up, signaling that class was about to begin.

"I don't know her, but... I constantly dream about her. This girl is in my dreams like a magical apparition, and I don't know, just feels right to draw her as the protagonist."

"You dream about a girl you've never seen in your life? That doesn't make sense."

"Maybe not, but it's the truth. I've tried to remember if I knew her from somewhere, but I have no memory of her."

Leo pondered for a moment, then flashed an excited smile and spoke louder than Ren would have liked.

"That's the magic you love! How can you say there's no magic when you dream about a mysterious girl!? Wow, this could be the plot of your next story!"

Ignoring Leo's suggestion, Ren went to his desk to prepare his materials for class. Lately, though, he spent every class scribbling ideas from his mind instead of paying attention. His grades were never the best, and he had accepted that he would attend a less prestigious college.

Everyone in the class was already seated as the teacher entered. Ren no longer bothered to look forward; he had opened his notebook and sketched the girl from his dreams, contemplating the next story she would be a part of.

He already had an idea for the protagonist, the Small Shining Knight, belonging to a legendary order of knights, but he was the smallest and weakest among them, doomed in a world where hope was fading away.

When all the teenagers were silent, the teacher spoke up as another student were by his side.

"Alright, before we begin, I would like to introduce a new student. Aria will be joining us for the rest of the year, so please make her feel welcome."

Ren continued to ignore, focused on his art, when he heard whispers he knew were coming from Leo. Sometimes, his friend would call him to tell a joke or make him pay more attention in class, and he wasn't in the mood for any of that.

"Pleasure to meet you all. I hope we can get along," said an unfamiliar shy female voice from the front of the classroom.

Leo's whispers continued, now calling Ren's name, whispering but loud enough not to be discreet.

Irritated, Ren turned to Leo, who stared at him wide-eyed, completely surprised. Ren didn't understand why until Leo pointed to the front of the classroom.

"Very well, Miss Aria, you can sit in that empty desk."

When Ren turned, he saw the girl walking towards the desk in front of him, and he was left speechless. With her black straight hair flowing down to her shoulders, she was identical to the protagonist of his stories.

And she was walking in his direction.