𝑂𝗏𝔩xt.𝚌𝗈𝓶
“First of all, we need to get you a Raven,” Professor Ophelia said as she walked side by side with the blue-haired boy, who was busy looking at his surroundings like the country bumpkin that he was.
“A Raven?” Ethan asked, “A Raven as in a bird Raven?”
“Yes,” Professor Ophelia. “Although common people use these… telephones that were invented not long ago. Wizards and Witches still use Ravens to deliver messages to people in the Magic World. You will be staying in the Academy for a time, so it will be useful if you use a Raven to send letters to your family.”
Ethan nodded his head in understanding. When his Grandma forced him to go to a “normal academy” in order to study, he planned to leave after a few days of his arrival.
But, now, he couldn’t leave because there was a chance that the Professors of the Academy would make their move, and hunt him down, involving his Grandparents in the situation he was involved in.
This was something that Ethan didn’t want to happen, so he decided to stay in the Academy for the time being and better understand the mysteries of the Magical World.
“Are all Ravens the same?” Ethan asked with curiosity. “I mean, in my eyes, all of them look the same. Black birds that my Grandma said were the messengers of death and misfortune.”
The corner of Professor Ophelia’s lips rose as he listened to Ethan’s words.
“Well, your Grandma is half right,” Professor Ophelia replied. “In some cultures, they are seen as harbingers of misfortune, but to some, seeing a Raven brings good fortune. They are very loyal, and intelligent creatures. We have a saying here in the Magical World that a Raven knows how to hold a grudge, so you better treat them well.
“We had an incident where a student mistreated a Raven, and the bird decided to fight back by telling its kind to attack that student on sight. Well, they didn’t really hurt the child, but he found himself constantly on the lookout for bird droppings everytime he found himself in an open field. Very ugly business I tell you, especially since the Academy has thousands of Ravens in its Aviary.”
The blue-haired boy gulped after hearing this story. It was at that moment when he vowed to treat his Raven well, so that he wouldn’t find poop on his head every time he left Dud Manor.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at a large Manor where countless Ravens could be seen circling in the sky, and countless more were perched on its windowsills and rooftops.
Some of these Ravens were sleeping, while some were curiously watching the passersby, as if they found entertainment in watching people walk past their Manor.
Professor Ophelia ignored the countless stares and walked towards the door with steady steps.
Ethan, on the other hand, was close behind the Professor, doing his best to not stare at the black birds, who were staring back at him.
“Ah… Ophelia. To think that I would see you so soon after you purchased a Raven for your niece,” a middle-aged man said with a smile as soon as Ophelia and Ethan entered the Manor. “What can I do for you on this ominous day?”
“Don’t say the word ominous, Mr. Robert,” Professor Ophelia replied. “When you use the word ominous, the day really becomes ominous.”
“Hahaha. Don’t worry, Ophelia. The Ravens tell me that the one that will suffer an ominous day is not you, but the boy beside you.”
“Oh? That’s good then. I thought you were talking about me.”
Ethan blinked in confusion as he heard the exchange between the two adults. If his understanding was correct, the middle-aged man said that today was going to be an ominous day for him!
“Hmm… have we met somewhere before, child?” Robert asked as he eyed Ethan from head to toe. “For some reason, I feel like I’ve met you in the past.”
“Sorry, Sir,” Ethan answered. “I’m very certain that this is our first meeting. I grew up on a farm you see, and this is the first time I’ve been away from home.”
“Interesting,” Robert rubbed his chin as he continued to stare at the boy in front of him.
The Raven Master was the type of person who had a very good memory, and was very sensitive when detecting the presence of a person. Even though it was faint, Ethan’s aura felt familiar to him, which made him wonder where he had seen him in the past.
‘Well, it’s not important,’ Robert thought. ‘I’ve seen countless people in the past, so I might have mistaken him for someone that looked like him.’
Robert then glanced at Professor Ophelia to talk business.
“Since you are here, that means you need a Raven, yes?” Robert smiled.
“Indeed, Mr. Roberts,” Professor Ophelia rested her hand on Ethan’s shoulders in order to introduce him formally. “This boy here is Ethan Gremory. We are here today to get him a Raven.”
Robert gave Ethan a devilish smile as if very eager to conduct business with him. “You came to the right place. Aside from Ravens, I don’t have anything else to trade. Come here, My Boy. It is best if we look for a Raven that is willing to become your messenger, and guide, in the Magical World.”
Robert tapped his wand on the wall, and a door magically appeared on it. With a slight push from Professor Ophelia, Ethan entered the door and found himself in what seemed to be a rainforest where Ravens lived in peace.
“I formally welcome you to Robert’s Aviary,” Robert said with pride. “Serving the Magical Community since 1449. Now, wear this leather gauntlet, and try to call out to the Ravens here. This gauntlet shares your senses and thoughts with the Ravens, allowing them to better understand you.
“They are very smart creatures, and once you resonate with one of them, they will perch on your gauntlet, which means that they recognize you as someone worthy of their services. I told you earlier that Ravens serve as guides as well. In time, you will understand what I’m talking about. For now, just focus on finding your life-long friend.”
Ethan nodded and wore the gauntlet on his hand. As soon as he did, he felt as if he was connected to countless living things, whose beating hearts, synchronized with his own.