Story chapter 29: Magical Mugshot

A soft metallic click echoed through the cell. The restraints around Haruka's wrists finally opened. She immediately brought her hands forward and rubbed her wrists, flexing her fingers as she became reacquainted with the freedom she had been missing. “Ahh… finally.” The knight stepped aside and reached for something on a nearby table. “Before anything else, we need to record your identity.” “My identity?” “Yes.” He handed her a small wooden nameplate. Haruka looked down at it. Her eyes widened. Carved across the wooden surface in elegant cursive writing were the words: “Haruka Tachibana” She slowly traced the lettering with her eyes. “They actually made a nameplate…” “It is part of the registration process.” Haruka stared at the strange wooden plaque. “This place really has procedures for everything, doesn't it?” The knight ignored the comment and gestured toward a marked spot on the stone floor. “Stand there.” Haruka reluctantly positioned herself. Another knight approached carrying what looked like an old wooden box mounted on a tripod. Haruka tilted her head. “What is that?” “A recording device.” “That thing?” “Yes.” The knight adjusted several small mechanisms on the wooden apparatus. A faint blue glow began forming inside its frame. Haruka's expression changed immediately. “Wait… is that magic?” The knights didn't answer. The device suddenly gave off a soft magical hum. Haruka blinked. “Whoa…” “Hold still.” Haruka raised the wooden nameplate in front of herself. “Like this?” “Yes.” She looked toward the strange camera. “Do I really have to look at it?” “Yes.” Haruka sighed. “Fine…” She faced the device. A bright flash suddenly filled the room. Haruka flinched. “Ah!” The magical light vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Haruka stared at the wooden camera in disbelief. “That… actually took my picture?” The knight calmly examined the device. “It did.” Haruka looked from the strange magical camera to the nameplate in her hands. “I think I'm starting to realize just how different this world is…” The knight carefully recorded the image. Haruka could only stare in astonishment. And the chapter ends.