(Third POV)
Year 421 of the Armored Dragon Calendar.
The world has not known peace in recent years. The cataclysmic erasure of the Fittoa Region, the politically charged assassinations of nobles from two of the greatest kingdoms, the mysterious vanishing of both the Silver and Gold King Dragons—all of it left a deep scar on the world's fragile stability. Even the brief eruption of an S-Rank Labyrinth on the northern parts of the Demon continent sent tremors through the guilds and the Demon Kings alike.
Yet amidst this global chaos, the Begaritt continent has experienced an oddly fortuitous calm. Bandit raids on trade caravans have dwindled to almost nothing, replaced by a more manageable fear: monster attacks. Merchants and travelers have welcomed this small godsend with open arms.
In the wake of these world-shaking events, a new name has emerged in whispers: Ryuta. A once-in-a-generation prodigy whose rise began in the northern territories at the Ronoa Magic Academy in Sharia. He first demonstrated the magical talent that rendered even seasoned professors obsolete right then and there.
But it wasn't just Ryuta's ability to cast Magic without the chant that drew attention.
At his side stood a mysterious young woman known only by the alias Silent Seven Stars. While Ryuta dazzled with raw magical power, she subtly revolutionized academy life, reworking the curriculum, upgrading daily life through technological innovation, and even introducing new cuisines into the cafeteria. Her reforms left lasting impressions, while her porcelain-white mask kept her past shrouded in secrecy.
Together, the two earned the Special Student status, exempt from traditional responsibilities and rarely seen attending standard homerooms. Instead, they pursued private research of such importance that even the faculty hesitated to interfere.
Ryuta devoted himself to crafting Magical Tools, venturing personally into dangerous lands to obtain the rare materials needed for his inventions.
Silent Seven Stars, meanwhile, pursued the ancient and near-extinct art of Summoning Magic, a field long forgotten by modern sorcerers.
Both guarded their work silently, except for Ryuta, who sold schematics of non-combat Magic Tools he created to the Magicians Guild. Rumor has it that he keeps the combat tools to himself. Either because he refuses to affiliate with any conflicts, or because he hasn't fixed all the errors in his creations. And his comment to the people who asked was 'The less people knew, the better.'
Of the two geniuses, only Ryuta occasionally showed his face around campus, and the city itself occasionally, and today was one of those days.
He strolled down the cobbled streets leading toward the academy, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows behind him. Passersby stopped to stare, murmuring as he passed. His appearance was impossible to mistake: a worn grey leather robe draped loosely over his shoulders, wild brown hair slightly damp from travel, and eyes of mismatched colors—one gold, one deep violet—each containing a vertical silver slit that shimmered in the light.
He was known simply as: The Odd-Eyed Magician.
***
(Ryuta POV)
It's been about three years since I was reincarnated into this medieval fantasy world. All things considered, I've adapted pretty well. Sure, I miss modern conveniences—things like the internet, air conditioning, and flavorful food—but I've learned to make do in the grand scheme of things.
The mystery behind my existence—and Nanahoshi's arrival in this world—remains unsolved. Why were we brought here? Why this world? Why us? The only link we have is the truck accident on that rainy night.
She's determined to return to Japan. I'm... content to stay. I age normally here. She doesn't. And back in Japan, I had no real place, no real home, and no real loved ones. And frankly, I don't want to imagine what happened to the body I left behind.
The body I call mine at the moment? It's strong. But more importantly, it has benefits way too abnormal for any human standards. And I'm not talking about my guy down there, but he's still an extra pack I appreciate to be blessed with.
Nanahoshi, though—she has people waiting for her. Family. Friends. A life.
So, I support her however I can. Most of the time, she has the brain; I have the mana. Together, we've made real progress.
After I got picked up in the Begaritt Desert, I started traveling with Orsted, the Dragon God, ranked second among the Seven Great World Powers. A man so terrifying most people can't meet his eyes without panicking.
Under his mentorship, my magic evolved beyond anything I imagined. But I keep most of it under wraps—especially my Healing Magic.
Most mages here can't chant their way out of a paper bag. Reaching King-rank in all four schools of Attack Magic before twenty? That's the kind of thing that makes people nervous. Even Orsted isn't sure if I'm entirely human, which he voiced out more than once.
So yeah, I freak people out. That's fine. They should be scared. I work for someone far scarier.
At the academy gates, the guard gave me a tired nod. My irregular appearances had long stopped surprising him and his coworkers.
The courtyard buzzed with motion—students, professors, assistants rushing between buildings.
And something new caught my eye.
New uniforms.
"Huh. So they finally implemented them," I muttered.
Nanahoshi and I had advocated for a standardized dress code. The old system practically screamed class division. This was a crucial next step if this school were serious about creating a harmonious teaching environment.
The tailors also nailed Nanahoshi's design, which made me want to pick mine up sooner rather than later. Not that I hated my leather robe—it was functional—but with these eyes, I already stood out enough as it is.
"Ryuta, you're back."
Great. That voice again.
Enter Frederic. Mid-twenties. Chestnut hair. Glasses that somehow made him look sharper. Wearing the new uniform as if it were tailored just for him. His little squad of student council flunkies trailed behind him like ducklings.
He used to think I was just some upstart brat. Then I handled the beast princesses. Now, he keeps trying to dump the responsibility of his job on me, only to receive firm rejection from me.
"Hello, Frederic," I muttered. "What fresh hell is it this time?"
He smirked. "You always look so thrilled to see me."
"Long trip," I said as I cracked my neck. "Not in the mood. Skip the foreplay and cut to the chase."
He chuckled at me. Bastard.
"Can you spare me just a little of your time? Maybe in the cafeteria?"
I sighed. "Fine."
We headed toward the cafeteria, separate from the main school building, which always made it feel like a diplomatic zone rather than a lunch spot. Floors were sorted by status: nobles on top, commoners in the middle, and adventurers on the ground floor. As if those snobs weren't looking down on the lower class already.
As usual, people stared. The council president and the school's big shot? Of course, their attention would lead to them. But mostly due to the latter one, aka me. Frederic soaked up the attention anyway.
"Let's go to the third floor," he said.
"Not a chance," I snapped. "Those noble brats are still mad I turned down their gold-digging parents. I'm not in the mood to get eye-stabbed by entitlement."
He sighed, relenting, and led us to the second floor—the commoner section.
Thanks to my work with Magic Tools, many nobles and merchants try to cozy up to me: offers, gifts, and even marriage proposals.
Polygamy might be normal here, but that doesn't mean I'm in a rush.
Sure, I dream of having a harem one day, but I've got two good reasons to hold off on it.
First, I don't have time. Between Magician Guild contracts and my debt to Orsted, I barely had time for a proper social life.
Second, most nobles only care about profit. I only work with people who want to make real change—like Vice Principal Jinas, the Principal, and other like-minded people.
We sat down. Frederic leaned back like this was a board meeting. His lackeys stayed quiet, probably under his instructions.
"Alright," I said. "Talk before I get bored."
He leaned in and lowered his voice.
"It's about the two new special students. Problem cases."
I frowned. "Since when are problem students my problem specifically?"
"Because leadership as a Student Council President is about directing conflict productively and efficiently."
Gods, he sounded like a guidance counselor. How does he think I would be suited as his successor?
"And these two are... unique," he continued. "One's a threat. The other's unbearable."
I groaned. "Hit me."
"The first is Zanoba Shirone. Third prince of the Shirone Kingdom. He's a blessed child with superhuman strength. Picked a fight with Linia and Pursena over a figurine."
I rubbed my temples, already dreading what was to come next. "Please tell me they didn't pull the 'who's boss' routine."
"They did."
"Ice baths are in order," I said coldly. It may be considered bullying at this point, but those two never learned their lesson after the mating season incident a few months ago.
"The other is Cliff Grimoire," Frederic continued. "Grandson of the Millis Pope."
That made me pause.
The Millis Church, the world's largest religious organization, hoards high-tier Healing Magic like treasure at their capital. If the Pope's grandson is here, I without a doubt need to keep my Healing Magic rank hidden.
Dammit! Now it IS my problem. And I wanted to get to King class soon.
"He calls himself a genius," Frederic continued once more. "Advanced rank in Healing and Attack Magic. No chantless casting, though."
"Let me guess. Talks big. Acts bigger. But he isn't imposing at all."
"That basically hits the nail on the head."
Oh, if only he knew. If that Cliff doesn't have enough brains to tone it down, he might end up hanging naked in front of the school, just like another hotheaded student I know.
"He pissed off the wrong group of people and got beat up for it. He healed himself before the faculty noticed."
I crossed my arms. "And you want me to... babysit?"
"Not babysit. Guide. As another special student, they might listen to you."
I scowled. "You mean humble them. Gently."
He smirked. "Just avoid anything extreme, like dunking them into glacier water."
I stood. "We'll see. I'll check them out when I have the time. No promises on the glacier thing, though."
"Off to see your girlfriend?" he teased.
I stopped, coldly glaring at his smug ass grin.
"Say that again," I said darkly, "and I'll show you real torture."
He raised his hands. "Message received."
As I left, the irritation around me bubbled again.
Why does everyone assume Nanahoshi and I are a thing? We're allies. Partners. Nothing more. She wants to go home. I want to build something here.
Rumors at this school are more exhausting than Orsted's missions.
///