New Beginnings

8:15 AM

I stood in front of my dorm room mirror, adjusting the pink crop top one more time. The soft knit hugged my curves perfectly, ending just above my belly button to show off that tantalizing strip of skin. Paired with high-waisted jeans that made my ass look incredible, I was ready to make an impression.

Time to show this campus what Miyuki Shadowmere is all about.

"You look really nice, Miyuki," Maya said from behind me, her voice carrying that nervous energy she'd had since yesterday.

I turned to see her in a conservative button-down and khakis—safe, boring, and absolutely not going to get her noticed by anyone.

"Thanks. You look..." I paused, trying to find something encouraging to say. "Clean. Professional."

Elara emerged from her room in what could only be described as effortless perfection. Cream sweater that somehow looked both expensive and casual, fitted jeans, delicate gold jewelry. And of course, her chest looked absolutely amazing.

Fuck. Even in casual clothes, she's got that natural elegance thing going.

The contrast hit me immediately. Here I was, spending twenty minutes on my hair and carefully choosing an outfit designed to get male attention, while Elara just... existed beautifully without trying.

Focus, Miyuki. Confidence is key.

"Ready for orientation?" I asked, forcing my most self-assured smile.

"I suppose," Elara said with that cultured voice. "Though I do hope the other students will conduct themselves appropriately. First impressions matter at an institution like this."

Yeah, like the impression your tits are about to make.

9:00 AM

The Grand Dining Hall buzzed with nervous freshman energy as Dr. Sarah Mitchell welcomed us to AMU. I'd positioned myself strategically—close enough to hear everything, with a clear view of the room and its occupants.

Let's see what this year's competition looks like.

Scanning the crowd, I spotted the mix I'd expected. Humans, high elves, dark elves like me, and even some Therians scattered throughout—Vargar ears, a Feles tail, and what looked like Drekar scales catching my attention in different sections. The integration was real, with mixed groups chatting like race didn't matter.

Perfect. Level playing field.

But what really caught my attention were the guys. College men were definitely a step up from high school boys—more confident postures, better builds, the kind of maturity that came with actual life experience.

This semester is going to be fun.

"Your orientation includes campus tours, academic advising, and social activities," Dr. Mitchell announced. "Group assignments are posted by each exit."

As we stood to find our tour groups, I noticed Maya practically vibrating with anxiety while Elara moved with that infuriating grace that made everything look effortless.

Time to establish dominance.

"Group 7," I announced after checking the board. "Tour guide is Dex Morrison, Lightning Magic specialization."

Let's see what you've got, Dex.

The guy who called our group together was exactly what I'd hoped to find at college. Tall, athletic, confident smile, and the kind of presence that suggested he knew how good he looked.

Hello there.

"I'm Dex Morrison, your guide today," he said, his eyes sweeping over our group. They paused for just a moment when they reached me. "Lightning magic, football team, been here two years."

I made sure to position myself near the front as we started walking, close enough for him to notice me.

Strategic positioning is everything.

10:00 AM

The tour hit the major buildings—Arcanum Hall for core classes, Elemental Sciences Building with its specialized labs, the impressive Combat Training Complex that made my heart race with anticipation.

This is where I'm going to become exactly what I want to be.

But I found myself distracted by the social dynamics playing out in our group. Maya asked nervous questions about everything, clearly overwhelmed by the scale and sophistication of AMU. Elara observed with cool assessment, occasionally making comments that showed off her knowledge.

And me? I flirted.

"What about combat applications?" I asked when Dex mentioned the fire magic labs.

His attention focused on me completely. "You thinking about the security track?"

"Fire magic specialization, following my dad's footsteps," I confirmed, adding just enough confidence to my voice to be interesting.

"Nice. The Combat Training Complex is next—you'll love the facilities."

He's definitely interested.

But as we walked, I couldn't help noticing how other guys in the group—and from passing tour groups—kept glancing at Elara. Her natural beauty and that damn perfect figure drew eyes without her even trying.

She's not even flirting and they're staring.

Meanwhile, I was working for every bit of male attention I got. Smiling, positioning myself advantageously, making sure my personality and confidence shone through.

Why does she get to look effortless while I have to perform?

The thought stung more than I wanted to admit.

12:30 PM

Professor Diana Stormwind's office felt like the real deal—magical artifacts, research awards, the atmosphere of serious academic achievement.

"Impressive entrance exam scores," she said, reviewing my file. "Your father works in magical security?"

"Senior Magical Security Technician, Astoria Metropolitan Defense Grid," I replied proudly.

At least my academic credentials speak for themselves.

"The security track is rigorous," Professor Stormwind continued. "Advanced courses, combat certification, ethics training. And with your scholarship requirements..."

Here it comes.

"You need to maintain a 3.5 GPA each semester. One semester below puts you on probation. Two consecutive semesters, you lose the scholarship."

The pressure settled on my shoulders like a weight. This wasn't just about proving myself—it was about not disappointing everyone who believed in me.

No room for error.

"I understand. I didn't get this far by accepting failure."

"Good attitude. Classes start tomorrow at 9 AM—Magical Theory in Arcanum Hall, Room 215."

Tomorrow. My real adult life starts tomorrow.

7:30 PM

The Student Union hummed with orientation night energy. I'd changed into a black dress that hit mid-thigh—casual enough for the setting, designed to get attention.

Time to establish my social presence.

Maya stuck close to me and Elara, clearly overwhelmed by the college social scene.

"There are so many people," she whispered.

"That's the point," I said, scanning the room for interesting possibilities. "More options."

Elara, naturally, had already been approached by two different guys who seemed fascinated by her combination of beauty and intelligence.

Of course.

I spotted Dex by the pool tables and walked over. Perfect opportunity to continue our conversation from the tour.

"Hey Dex," I said with my most confident smile. "How's your evening going?"

"Pretty good. Nice to see some of the tour group again." He seemed genuinely friendly, giving me his attention. "You settling in okay?"

"Yeah, loving it so far. I forgot to ask during the tour—when's the first football game?"

"Three weeks from now. Should be a good one, we're playing Goldspire."

Our rivalry school. That should be fun.

"I'll definitely be there. I love watching—"

"Excuse me, Dex?"

Elara appeared beside us, her elegant voice cutting through our conversation. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to ask about the library hours you mentioned during the tour."

Of course she did.

"Oh, hey..." Dex's attention immediately shifted to her, and I watched his posture straighten slightly. "Elara, right? From the tour group?"

"Yes, that's correct." She smiled politely. "The restricted section access—is that available to all students?"

Such a thrilling question, Elara.

But Dex was clearly fascinated. His eyes kept lingering on her face as he explained library policies, barely glancing back at me even though I was still standing right there.

"You'll need professor approval for most restricted materials," he said, his voice taking on a more attentive tone than he'd used with me. "Are you planning advanced research already?"

He's actually impressed by her asking about library access. Seriously?

"I like to be prepared," Elara replied with that effortless grace that made everything sound sophisticated.

I stood there feeling increasingly invisible as their conversation continued, watching Dex become more engaged with every word she said.

She asks one boring academic question and suddenly I don't exist.

"I should probably let you two get back to your conversation," Elara said eventually, though Dex looked like he didn't want her to leave.

"Actually, I was just about to go mingle with more people," he said, clearly hoping she'd join him.

Right. Sure you were.

I watched them walk away together, leaving me standing alone by the pool tables.

She's not even trying and she's got his complete attention in under five minutes. Meanwhile, I was building rapport and got instantly forgotten the second she showed up.

The familiar sting of inadequacy settled in my chest.

Tomorrow classes start. Time to prove I belong here in every way that matters. Because apparently confidence and personality aren't enough when you're competing with effortless perfection.