Emberfall Capital
In the worn-down commoners' district, a sharp shout echoed through the narrow alleyways. The nearby passersby paused, sighing as they glanced toward the source of the noise.
"Is that guy beating his son again?" a girl asked, her face full of concern.
"I think so," another replied, shaking her head. "Such a pity... he's ruining that handsome boy."
Inside the crumbling house, a furious middle-aged man banged relentlessly on a door.
"Get up, you bastard! Today's your last day under this roof!"
Behind the door, on the cracked and dusty floor, lay a boy—around sixteen years old—with black hair, his body bloodied and bruised.
"...Huh? Where am I?"
Groaning, he sat up slowly, blinking as he tried to process his surroundings.
"Ehh? What is this place? Was I kidnapped? Where are my bodyguards?"
He attempted to stand but winced as pain surged through his limbs. Looking at his hands, his eyes widened in shock.
"These... these aren't my hands!"
Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through his head. He clutched it tightly as unfamiliar memories flooded his mind. After a long moment, he finally opened his eyes and looked around again, this time with growing realization.
"Did I... get transmigrated into a fantasy world?"
As he sifted through the foreign memories, a grin slowly spread across his face.
"Haha… there's no technology here, no drinks... I can become a billionaire easily in this world. Unlike in my old one."
A loud knock jolted him from his thoughts.
"Bastard Carl! Wake up, or I'll beat you again!"
Carl scowled at the voice.
"Tch. This bastard doesn't even deserve to be called a father. Just a cruel, alcoholic wreck..."
As Carl struggled to his feet, wincing from the pain, he limped toward the door and slowly opened it. Standing outside was a worn-down, middle-aged man with graying hair and hollow eyes. A half-empty bottle of cheap beer dangled from his hand as he took another swig.
"Hey, bastard," the man slurred, barely looking at him. "Today, you're going to the Gorvanna Continent. You'll be studying in the commoners' class."
Carl furrowed his brows, surprised.
What the hell? He scoured the memories of the body's previous owner. That man never gave him anything. Why is he suddenly being so generous?
As if reading his mind, the man sneered. His eyes glinted with greed as he took another long gulp of beer, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Haha! When you become a magician, give me all your money!" he cackled, stumbling away. "I'll drink unlimited beers! Hahaha!"
Carl stood silently behind him, eyes narrowing as the man's laughter faded into the distance.
"So that's his plan, huh?" he muttered coldly. "What a jerk... Don't think I'm the same weak kid you used to beat. You won't have it that easy anymore."
Meanwhile, at the academy...
After the duels, the students made their way to the ceremonial hall, their chatter echoing through the marble corridors.
Zara walked beside Mia, both still buzzing from the events of the match.
"Mia, do you know what they're going to announce?" Zara asked curiously.
Mia shook her head. "No idea. I tried asking around, but even the senior students didn't know anything."
As the students settled into the grand hall, the air buzzed with curiosity. Suddenly, the principal, Elric, appeared on stage, his presence immediately silencing the room.
"Silence, students," his voice rang out firmly, commanding attention.
Once the hall quieted, Elric's gaze swept across the sea of young faces.
"I have several important announcements to make today," he began. "First—starting this term, the Commoner Class will officially begin."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the room.
"And let it be made absolutely clear—every student, whether noble or commoner, will be treated equally in this academy. If anyone is caught trying to order or mistreat another student based on status…" His eyes narrowed. "They will be expelled immediately. No exceptions."
Gasps and shocked whispers followed his declaration.
"What? Expelled—for ordering a commoner?" one student whispered in disbelief.
Mia remained calm as she turned to Zara and the group. "You know, my brother studied here a few years ago. He once told me a story… about a prince who openly tried to command a commoner student. The very next day, he was expelled."
Zara blinked. "A prince? Seriously?"
Mia nodded. "Yeah. Apparently, the academy has always enforced this rule. Nobles might still give orders behind closed doors, but no one dares to do it openly."
Principal Elric raised his hand once more, commanding silence as he delivered the next bombshell.
"Now, for the second announcement," he said, his tone heavier. "Starting tomorrow, this academy will no longer be exclusive to humans. It is now open to all sentient races—with the exception of demons and monsters."
For a moment, silence gripped the hall like a vice.
Then chaos broke loose.
"What?!"
"All races?! Even demi-humans?"
"Is he serious?"
The entire student body stood up, voices clashing in confusion and disbelief.
A wide-eyed boy with spiky hair laughed nervously, nudging his friend. "Does that mean even succubi will enroll? Heh… maybe this academy won't be so boring after all."
Thwack!
A sharp fist landed squarely on his head as the girl beside him rolled her eyes. "Idiot! Succubi are demons, you pervert. Stop turning everything into your twisted fantasies."
Groans and embarrassed chuckles spread across the rows as students tried to make sense of the news.
Zara glanced at Mia. "This is... unexpected."