"Phantom Rebirth: The Last White Raven’s Path to the Ultimate Assassin"

As the day slowly dimmed into evening, the soft golden hue of the setting sun gently bathed the town, casting long shadows across the streets and glinting against the crystalline buildings. The crowd had begun to quiet, a tired murmur replacing the earlier chaos. Seraphis stood before them, still brimming with authority and calm. Her voice rose, soft but clear.

“Now, I know you all are tired,” she began, her hands loosely clasped before her. “But stick with me just for a little longer. We’re almost done.”

Her tone shifted slightly, more formal now, more focused. “For those of you who wrote down your specialties, I want you to form a line—single file—to your left. You’ll be seated shortly.”

With a snap of her fingers, a faint shimmer passed through the air as dozens of chairs appeared in a neat row beside her. The people she addressed began moving, forming an orderly line with quiet curiosity and fatigue. Some looked relieved, others proud as they clutched their specialty papers or tokens. A few whispered softly, sharing what trades or crafts they had written down.

“Now, for the rest of you,” Seraphis continued, turning to address the broader group. “I have a few words before you can go.”

She raised a hand and pointed down the road. The crowd followed her gesture with their eyes to a large, beautiful building at the far end of the plaza. It had elegant arches, clear glass windows, and was built with warm stone and pale wood. The sign above the entrance shimmered faintly with magical lettering.

“There will be two things that may help you. First, schools,” she said. “That building down there? That’ll be your school.”

A few parents exchanged glances, some surprised, others excited.

“Children between the ages of five to ten are encouraged to attend,” she explained. “Now, I won’t force anyone. You’re the parents, not me. You can homeschool them if you want. Or not at all—it’s up to you. But the school will be open.”

A person from the crowd raised their hand. Seraphis nodded, allowing them to speak.

“My name is—” the woman began, but faltered slightly, then asked, “What exactly will our children be learning?”

Seraphis smiled softly, her voice warm. “They’ll be learning the basics—or what should be the basics. Reading. Writing. Simple math like addition and subtraction. Just enough to get them through life. There will also be optional courses—like merchant studies for those who want to go into trade, and more advanced subjects for older kids.”

She paused, scanning the crowd, ensuring they understood.

“There’ll also be a swordsman class for those seven and up, for kids interested in swordsmanship or adventuring,” she added. “And a magic basics class—also for seven and older. It’s not a magic academy, mind you. But enough to help prepare your children for the world, no matter what path they take.”

A murmur of approval spread through the crowd. Some parents were already making plans, others whispered excitedly to their children.

“Alright,” Seraphis said, clapping her hands once, “if that’s clear, the rest of you are free to go. Head to your homes, walk around town, settle in. This is your new home now.”

People began to disperse, moving slowly in small groups or families, a mixture of exhaustion and curiosity guiding them. Some lingered, glancing back with hopeful smiles. But those who had lined up as instructed—those with specialties—remained seated in the conjured chairs, waiting quietly.

Seraphis turned her attention to them, her expression focused once more. She held several sheets of parchment, each one marked with a name, race, age, and profession. Her eyes scanned the pages as she read aloud.

“Let’s start with our five notable specialties,” she said.

She walked toward the first chair and looked at a broad-shouldered man with soot-smudged arms and a sturdy leather apron.

“Blacksmith,” she said with a nod. “You’ll be given a forge near the town’s edge. I’ve already prepared the space—it’s enchanted and outfitted for elemental forging.”

The man bowed slightly, clearly honored.

Next, she turned to a younger man with a short beard and calloused hands.

“Carpenter,” she said. “You’ll be working on furniture, repair work, and home construction. There’s already a shop area for you near the market.”

The man nodded eagerly, his eyes bright.

She moved to the third, a plump, elderly woman with flour on her sleeves and a kind smile.

“Baker,” Seraphis said. “Your bakery is already halfway stocked. I heard you're known for your spice buns. I'm looking forward to them.”

The woman chuckled warmly, dabbing at her eyes with a cloth.

The fourth was a stern-looking woman in dark robes, her eyes glowing faintly with magical symbols.

“Magical artisan—specializing in relics,” Seraphis confirmed. “You’ll have a lab near the academy area. It’s warded and reinforced to handle magical experiments and relic infusion.”

The woman nodded deeply, her tone calm. “Thank you.”

Then Seraphis turned to the final two—two women seated beside each other, their matching silver ears and soft tails identifying them as cat demi-humans. One was younger, wide-eyed and gentle; the other older, with composed dignity.

Seraphis approached them warmly. “Pleasure to meet you two. I assume you’re the apprentice, Yuria?”

Yuria nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I’m her apprentice.”

The older woman stood gracefully and extended a hand.

“My name is Althaea,” she said softly. “I’m a healer and a herbalist. Yuria is training under me.”

Seraphis shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure, Althaea.”

She tilted her head slightly, curiosity evident in her eyes. “If you don’t mind me asking… what happened? You two seem close.”

Althaea’s smile faded slightly, her gaze dropping. “We lived in a small village,” she said. “Quiet, peaceful. But it got burned down… We had to run away. Lost everything.”

Seraphis’s expression softened. “I’m sorry to hear that. Truly. But… I hope things will be better for you here.”

Yuria nodded, clutching the pouch at her hip. “Thank you. We… we really hope so too.”

The three of them talked for a few more minutes, Seraphis giving details about their assigned shop—a cozy place nestled near the central garden, with space for herbs, a brewing table, a patient ward, and a tranquil back room for meditation and rest.

As night fell, the stars began to twinkle gently overhead, and the once chaotic square had now become peaceful. People had started settling into their new lives, their new town, and the promises of tomorrow.

And for the first time in a long while… hope blossomed again.