Starless Reincarnation

The beginning of the training with Alaric was simple, the first step was testing Raven's swordsmanship skills, seeing whether or not if she was more fit to be a mage, or to learn the family's swordsmanship technique. 

Though, Raven already had her own technique with the katana, but she couldn't show it off obviously. 

"I must say Lady Raven, you have talent in swordsmanship. Have you practiced with a katana before?" Alaric asked. 

Raven shook her head, "Not that I remember, perhaps I learned a few techniques before I came here." 

"I see." Alaric said. "Though I must say, it's been a while since I've taught someone who is more proficient using a katana. Everyone in the Vermillion family wields a sword." 

"Well, you know my situation." Raven said, rubbing the back of her head. 

"That's true, but don't let that tie you down. I have a feeling you'll be just fine." Alaric said, wrapping the sword training up. "Now, moving on. Let's see your magic affinity." 

Alaric pulled out a piece of paper. 

"This is a more traditional way of finding one's magic affinity. Although there are more modern ways to do it like using technology, I am quite fond of this method more. Shall we give it a try? Just pour your mana into the paper and the color will tell you your magic affinity." 

Raven grabbed the piece of paper by her thumb and fingers. Slowly, she started to pour her mana into the object. It was just like pouring tea into a cup, making Qi flow through a weapon to make it sharper, it was as simple as that. 

"Oh my, now this is...different." Alaric said, his voice laced with an unfamiliar tone. 

Raven's purple eyes focused on the paper, instead of a proper color, it was covered in a deep shade of purple, almost black.

Raven's gaze stayed fixed on the parchment. "What does it mean?"

"It's rare," Alaric said, his voice carrying a weight of uncertainty. "I've seen many affinities like fire, water, wind, earth, even rare elements like light. But this... this is something else. Your magic appears tied to dark magic, but perhaps it is dark magic. Not a lot is understood about this form of magic."

Raven tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Is that a good thing?"

"It's a power often misunderstood," Alaric explained, his tone cautious. "It is not inherently evil, but it carries a stigma. Stories of corruption, destruction, and chaos surround it. Yet, like any magic, it depends on the wielder's intent. And with proper guidance, it can be as noble as any other form."

She set the parchment down carefully, her fingers lingering for just a moment. "Then what am I supposed to do?"

Alaric's composure returned, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "For starters, you can embrace it, learn about it. I will first inform your parents about your situation and try to get you situated as much as possible. But understand, not everyone will have the same reaction as me. I am someone who has seen it all. There will be people, a lot, who will see you as a threat to society."

Raven's gaze lingered on the shimmering paper. The dark hue seemed alive, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. 

Alaric turned to leave, his voice calm yet purposeful. "Tomorrow will be an important day for you, Lady Raven. Get as much rest as you can. Good luck."

Raven remained alone in the training yard, her gaze following his retreating figure until he disappeared into the manor. The sun had long since set, the world now bathed in the cold glow of the moon. Above her, the sky was an endless expanse of black, devoid of stars. The sight tugged at her in a way she couldn't quite explain, as if the darkness itself was a part of her.

She held up her hand, dark mana swirling lazily around her fingertips. The energy responded to her will, dancing in intricate patterns before dissipating into the night air. It felt familiar—too familiar. Mastering mana was no different than mastering Qi in her past life. Yet, there were differences, subtle and profound, that she had yet to fully grasp.

Raven glanced around the training yard, ensuring she was alone. The silence was reassuring, the shadows offering her a sense of solitude she hadn't realized she craved.

Once she was certain no one was watching, she turned her attention to the katana in her hand, its polished blade catching the moonlight. The weapon felt natural in her grip, like an extension of herself, despite the unfamiliarity of her current body. She approached a training dummy at the center of the yard, her posture relaxed, almost lazy.

To the untrained eye, her stance might have seemed careless. But to a seasoned fighter, it spoke volumes. There were no openings, no wasted movements. Her body was a coiled spring, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

"Let's see what this body is capable of," Raven muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with curiosity and determination.

She exhaled slowly, tightening her grip on the hilt of the katana. In the blink of an eye, she moved.

Swish

The blade whistled through the air, a blur of motion almost too quick to follow.

Swish Swish

By the time she stopped, the dummy stood dismembered. Its head and arms lay scattered on the ground, severed cleanly as if by a master craftsman. The precision of her strikes was impeccable, but it was the speed that was truly remarkable. For a fifteen-year-old girl, it was nothing short of impossible.

Raven's chest rose and fell heavily, beads of sweat forming on her brow despite the cool night air. She planted the katana's tip into the dirt and leaned on it for support, catching her breath.

"Just a simple technique, and I'm already this tired," she murmured, frustration creeping into her voice. Her stamina was lacking, a stark contrast to the boundless endurance she once had. "I'll need a lot more training if I want to reach even half the level I was at before."

She wiped her brow with the back of her hand, her gaze shifting to the ruined dummy. For a moment, she stood there, lost in thought.

"Still…" she muttered, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Not bad for a first test run."

The katana pulsed faintly in her grip, as if responding to her thoughts. Raven glanced at it, her smile fading into a more serious expression.

"This body… this magic… everything feels different, yet the same," she said quietly. "It's almost like starting over, but with echoes of a life I can't fully leave behind."

She stepped back from the remains of the dummy, looking up at the starless sky once more. The darkness seemed to call to her, a silent reminder of the path she was now heading towards.

For now, though, she sheathed the katana and turned toward the manor. Tomorrow was indeed an important day, and she couldn't afford to oversleep because she decided to sleep late.

"Yeah, let's get some sleep. Don't wanna be set up for adoption already." Raven nodded to herself.