"My name is Ryan... or at least, that was what they used to call me in my previous world."
My inner voice barely echoes; as if, in the chaos of this new world, I still can't let go of the past. The world I came from had no magic. No spells, no mythical beasts, no swords that breathe fire. Only boring classes, teachers who didn't understand my dreams, and loneliness.
The day everything changed was right in the middle of one of those classes. When everything suddenly turned white, like light devouring every cell in my body. And when I opened my eyes, I was no longer in that world. And now... I'm here. In a place where people call me "Ryan."
Soft blue light illuminated the main hall of the Magic Academy. Its high arched ceiling was covered with carvings of dragons, and hanging between them, shining crystals sparkled like stars.
Thousands of new students sat in neat rows. A lively hum filled the air; some practiced spells with their fingers, others whispered incantations, and some, eyes full of fear, simply looked around.
Ryan, his hair messy and clothes slightly oversized, sat on one of the back seats. His gaze was locked on the wooden stage ahead—where the headmaster was supposed to soon appear and announce their fate.
Meanwhile, just a few hundred meters away, outside the tall academy walls, three figures sat beneath a tree near the gate.
"You really think you would've passed if you'd taken the exam?" That was Yuri's voice, his usual smirk playing on his lips even when anxious.
Satoru shrugged, uninterested. "I didn't take it. We just have to wait and see what kind of mess Arne made."
Arne bit his lip, eyes fixed on the sky. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. "It wasn't that hard... just... maybe a bit too much calculation."
Yuri squinted. "Calculation? What kind of magic needs math?!" Satoru smirked. "Actually, it does. Just not for someone like you."
Yuri chuckled, but the ringing of the academy bell cut him off.
---
The chime of the bell still echoed as the lights in the hall dimmed. All eyes turned to the stage.
But the headmaster never appeared.
Instead, a young man in a dark cloak stepped confidently onto the stage. His gray eyes scanned the room with a piercing gaze. His hair was short and neat, and his expression was so serious that even the boldest students fell silent.
Teach stood on the stage. A heavy silence settled. His gaze moved calmly across the students, as if piercing through them, not just watching.
In the back row, Yuri whispered: "That's not the same Teach from our world... he's really changed."
Satoru, eyes still on the stage, replied: "Who hasn't changed in this world?"
Arne muttered under his breath: "Wish I hadn't passed that second exam..."
Teach suddenly turned his head, shooting a sharp glare at Yuri. His silence spoke louder than words.
Yuri straightened up and whispered: "Okay, okay... got it."
Whispers spread across the hall. "Isn't that the girl who won the tournament yesterday?" "I thought she'd be more cold and emotionless..."
Yuri frowned and muttered, "About time someone noticed I have feelings too."
Satoru smiled quietly and said: "Keep going like that and you'll get expelled before term even starts."
Teach's voice echoed once more: "Now, we begin class assignments. Based on your exam results and initial preferences, you will be sorted."
He pulled a list from his cloak and began reading:
"Arne, Wind Element Class." Arne exhaled in relief. "Finally, something easy."
"Yuri, Sword and Magic Division, Combination Class."
Yuri gave a satisfied smile to the audience, but didn't joke this time.
"Satoru..."
Satoru said: "I just want to use the library. I don't need a class."
Teach, expression unchanged, replied: "There are rules here. You must choose a course."
Satoru sighed. "Pfft... fine. Lightning Magic and Basic Magical Theory."
Teach gave a small nod and continued.
---
"Ryan, Lightning Magic and Basic Magical Theory."
A few murmurs rose from the corner. "Isn't he the kid from some countryside?" "They say he's special, but why is he in the basic class?"
Ryan lowered his head. His gaze was a mixture of fear and focus. His eyes briefly met Satoru's before he quickly looked down at the small note in his hand. His fingers trembled slightly.
Teach paused, then said more firmly: "Santara... Special Admission. Access to all classes."
Silence.
Then whispers: "All classes? Seriously?" "Heard she trained for only four days and came second in the final test!" "What kind of academy is this..."
Santara, a girl with silver hair and violet eyes, stood from a special seat. Her expression was blank, her steps measured, her gaze locked forward. Even from afar, she gave off an intense, unnatural aura.
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Well... looks like I got myself a rival."
He leaned toward Satoru with a grin: "Don't fall for her, bro. She's the kind of girl that brings entire kingdoms to their knees with just a glance."
Satoru glanced back, unfazed: "I'm here for the library, not drama."
---
In the corridor leading to the dorms, Yuri stretched and said: "Looks like the three of us are sharing a room... with three others."
Satoru looked at the room assignment paper and mumbled: "Three more... Ryan... Santara... and the last one... Zelophis? That name sounds intense."
Yuri lit up with excitement: "Wait... Santara? That silver-haired girl with those freaky violet eyes? She looks like she walked out of a light novel!"
Arne smirked and shrugged: "Just what we needed..."
When they entered the room, it was spacious with several bunk beds and personal shelves. Ryan was sitting quietly in a corner reading. Santara sat by the window, organizing her things, her silver hair glowing in the sunset.
Satoru took a deep breath, tossed his bag onto the bed, and muttered: "I'm going to lose my mind in Room Seven this year..."
Yuri clapped his shoulder, laughing: "Come on, big bro. Things are finally getting interesting."
Just then, the door opened and a boy with a stern face and cold eyes entered. Without looking at anyone, he said: "I'm very particular about timing. Everything must be off by ten o'clock sharp. No exceptions."
Everyone froze for a moment. Yuri whispered to Arne: "Okay... this room is officially an all-star team."
---
Narrator: In this world, four great nations and a forgotten darkness exist...
In the North lies a frozen land where winter never ends. Its people have learned to harness the cold, mastering water and ice magic as part of their daily life.
To the East is the land of warriors; once a mighty military empire, now weakened by countless wars. Pride of old lingers in its battle-worn streets.
The West is ruled by nature. Spirits of beasts, elements, and forests live in harmony with humans. Their magic flows with rivers and breathes through trees.
In the South, diversity reigns. Magic of all kinds is found there—from fire and earth to illusions and mind arts. It is the cradle of pure sorcery and home to many legendary mages.
But beyond the borders, in a realm known only as "Hell," lies a twisted world full of corruption and monstrosities.
Once, a messenger from that realm appeared. One who could wield both light and dark magic. But they vanished without a trace.
To this day, no one has possessed both magics again. People call it "the key to salvation... or destruction."
And now, unknowingly, among the first-year students, a girl bears this forbidden power...
---
Satoru glanced at the enchanted wall clock in the library: "Hmm... it's getting late. That's enough for tonight. Better get back."
He called out to Santara to return together. On the way, he asked about the strange stone and the book she had. She only smiled and gave a vague reply. When he asked why she got into all the classes and why she suddenly seemed so friendly, she looked at him and said: "Maybe because I understand where you came from."
That sentence froze Satoru. Memories of his past world rushed back. But he shook his head and whispered to himself: "Focus, idiot. You need to figure out what the hell is going on in this world."
They walked in silence, reaching the door of Room Seven, where a storm of new stories awaited them.