Grade 1 was divided into two classes: Combat Class and Support Class. Unfortunately, the division wasn't exactly balanced. The Support Class had more than 40 students, while the Combat Class had only 12 students, making it feel rather empty.
Raizo, now known as Raisa, walked toward the classroom with a confident expression. She had styled herself as handsomely as possible, even though she was wearing a girl's uniform. Her hair remained short, and although her face was quite cute, she still aimed to dominate the class with her presence.
However, as soon as Raisa entered the classroom, her confidence was shattered. The room was chaotic—8-year-old kids were running around, some playing house, and others making paper airplanes. It was like walking into a kindergarten instead of a prestigious Combat Vessel class.
Raisa, with her mature mindset, instinctively took a step back, planning to retreat and rethink her life choices. Unfortunately, her mother, Sakura, was already behind her, catching her by the shoulder.
"You'll be in this class for six years," Sakura said, blocking her way.
"Mom, can't we just study at home?" Raisa replied, trying to sound reasonable.
"Do you think hiring a private tutor is cheap? Besides, enjoy your school life and make some friends. You don't have any, right?" Sakura countered.
"I have... some!" Raisa stammered.
"Oh really? Who?" Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Uh... does Dad count?" Raisa mumbled.
Sakura sighed while massaging her temples. "Just go inside and try to make friends."
Reluctantly, Raisa looked back at the noisy class full of rowdy 8-year-olds. Her mature heart and mind were filled with anxiety.
Afraid of her mother's wrath, Raisa finally picked a seat—the one closest to the teacher's desk. Sitting near the teacher seemed like the safest option since elementary school teachers were usually more mature. Plus, most elementary school teachers were women, and some were even young and pretty. She silently prayed that her teacher would be one of those gentle and beautiful ladies.
However, her hopes were crushed when a middle-aged man with rugged muscles entered the classroom and took his place at the teacher's desk.
Raisa felt instant regret. Was it still possible to change seats? She glanced back, only to see that the other kids had already occupied random desks, leaving her stuck in the front.
"Alright, kids, let me introduce myself. My name is Macau, and I'm your tutor for the Combat Vessel class. I've already reached 8 stars, which means I possess 8 Vessels.
This is an important topic that we will be learning about over the next six years. At the start of this lesson, we will also check your Vessels and their levels.
A Vessel is a body that you can use, but it's different from your main body. The most important thing to remember is that if a Vessel dies, it can be revived using a Resurrection Stone. However, if your main body dies... well, that's it—you'll be meeting God.
The first thing we'll learn today is how to use your Vessel.
The keyword to transform is "Transform Vessel", followed by the name of the Vessel you wish to activate.
Now, let's start from the back row."
Macau then turned his gaze to a young boy who was visibly sweating.
"Teacher, why not start from the front?" the boy asked nervously.
"Ah, that's my decision. Seeing how nervous you are, it's better for you to go first. Once it's over, you won't feel as anxious anymore," Macau replied casually.
"But, teacher... I'm embarrassed to be the first," the boy muttered.
"Just go ahead. If not, I might have to call your parents for not following instructions," Macau said with a firm tone, folding his arms.
With heavy steps, the boy reluctantly moved to the front of the class, his sweat dripping even more.
"Good, you finally stepped forward. Now, introduce yourself," Macau said, patting the boy's shoulder to encourage him.
"Ah... but, can't we just start with the practice?" the boy whispered softly.
"Today's the first day, so it's better if we get to know each other first. Come on, tell us your name and your Vessel!" Macau replied with a reassuring smile.
"My name... My name is K-Kenji..." he whispered, barely audible.
"Speak up, Kenji!" Macau barked.
Startled, Kenji nearly jumped out of his skin.
"I'm Kenji!" he yelled, louder than he intended. The whole class chuckled, and his cheeks turned bright red.
Macau put a hand on his shoulder, both reassuring and a little heavy.
"Good start. Now, tell us about your Vessel."
Kenji gulped, his hands trembling as he took a deep breath.
"M-my Vessel is called... Hercules. It grants me... super strength."
Macau nodded after hearing Kenji's introduction.
"Alright, Kenji. Let's see Hercules in action. Transform!"
Kenji took a shaky breath and nervously whispered,
"Transform Vessel: Hercules!"
In an instant, his skinny frame bulked up, his muscles swelling to impressive proportions. His clothes vanished, replaced by a simple sarong wrapped around his waist. His upper body was bare, revealing glistening, well-defined muscles that looked powerful yet natural. The sunlight streaming through the window made his skin gleam, giving him an almost heroic aura.
For a brief moment, the entire class was in awe. Even Raisa couldn't help but stare, slightly mesmerized by how muscular and robust Kenji appeared.
"Whoa... those muscles... they look so real," Raisa muttered, feeling a mix of admiration and disbelief.
However, just as quickly as the powerful atmosphere settled in, it shattered when Kenji looked around, clearly overwhelmed by the attention. His posture became awkward, his face turned crimson, and his mighty presence crumbled as his nervousness returned.
"U-uh... is this... okay?" Kenji stammered, his hands fidgeting despite their bulky appearance.
Macau couldn't help but chuckle.
"Not bad, Kenji. You've got the power—now you just need the confidence to go with it."
Kenji returned to his seat, still flushed from the unexpected attention. As he sat down, a confident-looking girl immediately stood up, striding to the front without hesitation.
Raisa glanced at her but quickly lost interest. Despite being a Combat Vessel user, the girl's presence didn't feel particularly impressive. Her Vessel was that of a female fighter, but something about it seemed rather ordinary.
The girl smiled confidently at the class, clearly unfazed by the situation. Raisa sighed inwardly, already dismissing her as just another run-of-the-mill fighter.