Chapter 1

The mid-February sunlight filtered through the hall as one by one students were called to receive their diplomas. I was among them, waiting to receive our training missions to become Magister Magis.

"Jacob Magistrate, please come forward." Called the headmaster of the magic academy with his wise voice, though ancient the old wizard still had a firm voice of a man in his 20's. Walking across the room which seemed to stretch on forever, my feelings were a mix of anticipation, and nervousness. Taking the parchment from the gnarled hands of the master, I looked into his face, which had wrinkles like chasms across the pale earth of his skin. I walked out alone, for I didn't make many friends having devoted almost all of my 14 years to studying. I stared at the diploma as my task illuminated itself before my eyes. In the pale gentle green glow I read the illuminated words "A student in Japan".

"MAGUS!" I screamed bursting into the headmaster's office. "Pardon my rudeness, but my diploma says I'm going to be…"

"I know what your diploma says young Jake, please sit." I obliged his request a thousand questions thrown together like a mosh pit. "But, sir…" I began "I thought I was done with school, I mean isn't that what graduation is all about?" The old man raised his hand to stop the stream of questions.

"Jake, what you must realize is I can't go against the diploma. It's your duty to fulfill the task given to you, if you are as diligent in Japan as you are here I'm sure you will succeed. Besides, I understand you speak fluent Japanese."

"Well, yes but… Alright sir, I'll do it you won't be disappointed." I, with those words, I left his office.

One week later…

(Author's note: From this point on any English dialogue will be italicized)

"Where the hell is track one?" I said to myself scanning the cold, industrial surface of the train platform. I removed the headphones blasting Dimmu Borgir as I turned to ask a couple of people in front of me.

"It's right over there, kid." Said the older of the two pointing towards the sign above the track.

"Really, domo!" I said giving a quick bow as I walked on. On the train I grabbed hold of one of the rings as it sped forward. After a little while I reached Mahora school district (which until recently was an all girls district, but after an educational reform boys were allowed in too). I glanced at my watch and let out a huge scream. "SHIT, I'M GONNA BE LATE!" I sprinted outside of the door using a little wind magic to propel myself forward. As I ran I caught sight of two girls running near me.

"I can't believe we're gonna get a new student, and a American too." Momiji Nagase squealed in excitement. She always was fascinated by American culture, and loved to talk to Americans.

"Don't get your hopes up Momiji. Remember the other American guy in our class." Piped up her roommate Sakura Kodenshiwa.

"Oh, Jason-san. I don't think they're all like that. Besides someone into an Englishman doesn't get to say anything."

"Oh shut up about Negi-Sensei, I have respect for him because he about our age and is our professor."

At this point a boy with ocean-blue hair and steel-gray eyes came trotting next to them. As soon as Sakura and Momiji took notice of him he was gone.

"Who was that?" asked Sakura with a glance to where he used to be.

"Maybe he's the new student, he's actually pretty cute." Said Momiji.