AN: HI GUYSSS! Plsss stick with the story, we know the LeBron thing might be a little weird at first but it'll make more sense later! And you don't need to know anything about basketball to read the story!

The second India clicked "ACCEPT OFFER," her phone screen flickered. The sleek black interface of the Kagako University website dissolved, replaced by a new message in the same overly fancy, borderline pretentious font:

Welcome to Kagako University.

To ensure a seamless transition, we offer complimentary enchantments to integrate our human students into magical academia without disrupting their lives.

Before she could process it, she heard the doorbell ring.

"India, could you get that for me?" her mom called from downstairs, her voice muffled by the clatter of dishes in the kitchen.

"Yeah, yeah, coming." India tossed her phone onto the bed and trudged down the stairs. She yanked the door open—and promptly lost her grip on reality.

LeBron James stood there in a night robe, flashing a friendly smile.

Oh my God. For a long moment, India simply stared. She knew about her mother's amorous activities with him, but she had always managed to avoid meeting him by either staying out late, or locking herself in her room, blasting ATEEZ noise music so she couldn't hear anything that might be going on in the room next door.

The man was enormous, taking up the entire doorway like some kind of basketball deity visiting mere mortals. He stepped inside, nodding in polite acknowledgment, and India inhaled sharply, turned on her heel, and stormed back upstairs.

"Nope, can't do this," she muttered, slamming her bedroom door shut.

Her gaze fell back onto her phone. The screen was still on, waiting.

Would you like to accept our Reality Stabilization Enchantment? This will ensure that your family and peers believe you are attending a standard, accredited human university. Required documentation will be provided via magical means.

Yes No

India stared at it for a long moment, then at the scroll still clutched in her hands. If this was a dream, she was already too deep. And if it wasn't—well, did it really matter?

She tapped Yes.

Immediately, the screen changed again.

Please select your major. You may also choose a minor.

A list appeared, but it wasn't very long.

Magical Theory & Ethics

Magic for Dummies

Practical Alchemy for Beginners

Magical Creatures & Their Care (strongly discouraged for weak humans)

Historical & Cross-Dimensional Studies (time travel and alternate realms NOT included)

India pursed her lips. "Kinda lame," she muttered. Apparently, humans weren't allowed to study things like Advanced Necromancy. Where were the cool classes? No spellcasting? No enchanted weapons?

After a moment of deliberation, she selected Magical Creatures & Their Care as her major because it sounded the least like a filler gen-ed requirement. Also, if she was going to be surrounded by weird magical creatures, she might as well know which ones could eat her. She then selected Historical & Cross Dimensional Studies as her minor.

Another message popped up.

Would you like to live on campus?

That one was easy. India's home life had been suffocating ever since her mom started hooking up with LeBron James on the down-low. It wasn't even the relationship itself that weirded her out—it was the fact that LeBron, actual basketball legend, would just show up. And she wasn't allowed to talk about it.

She tapped Yes so hard her phone screen almost cracked.

The moment she did, her bedroom lights flickered. A faint chill passed through the air, and with it, a thick envelope materialized on her desk, along with a small cardboard box sealed with the same wax emblem from before. India picked up the box cautiously, half-expecting it to burst into flames. It didn't, whether that was fortunate or unfortunate would be up to debate. The magic at this Univershitty so far just seemed lame.

Inside the box was a branded hoodie and a bag, and various other typical university paraphernalia like pens and badges, as well as a few information pamphlets about various services and programs that the school ran.

She picked up the letter, broke the seal and unfolded the paper inside.

Dear India Rookpafh,

As a newly accepted student of Kagako University, you are expected to arrive promptly at 3:00 AM tonight. Please pack accordingly. Below is a list of recommended items. Your textbooks will be given upon arrival.

Clothing suitable for varied magical climates (there will be snow and lava pools)

A good, sturdy pair of boots

More comfortable shoes

A journal

Any personal effects that bring you comfort.

Your transportation will arrive at precisely 3:00 AM. Be prepared.

India read it twice, then tossed the letter onto her bed. "Well, guess I'm moving out."

Downstairs, her mom was setting the table for dinner. LeBron sat on their couch, scrolling through his phone. India awkwardly cleared her throat.

"Hey, Mom? So, I got accepted into college. Like, for real, for real. And I'm leaving... tonight."

Her mom blinked, setting down the wine glass she had just poured. "Oh, wow! See, I knew you could do it!"

LeBron nodded sagely. "Congrats."

That was it? No questions? No asking about applications, tuition, why she was leaving in the middle of the night?

Welp, guess the spell was working.

Packing was surprisingly easy. She hauled the largest suitcase she could find from the basement and threw in every item she owned. A Twilight hoodie she stole from her ex-best friend in middle school, her beat-up sneakers with one shoelace missing, a K-pop lightstick she got scammed into buying for a concert she never went to. A random anime plushie she hadn't looked at in years, but now suddenly needed to bring.

At 2:59 AM, she stood by her bedroom window, clutching her bag and feeling a little ridiculous. What if nothing happened? What if this was just an elaborate prank by the universe? What if this was all some kind of psychosis?

Then, at exactly 3:00 AM, the air outside shimmered.

From the darkness, a carriage emerged, gliding through the night on wheels that didn't touch the ground. The carriage door swung open. Inside, a familiar figure sat waiting: the same small, round man from before, still in his same obnoxious green top hat.

"Miss Rookpath," he said cheerfully, "right on time. Shall we?"

India glanced back at her house one last time. There was no movement inside. Thanks to Kagako's spell, her mom wouldn't even question her sudden departure.

She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped into the carriage.

The door shut behind her with a soft click. Immediately, the interior glowed, the air thick with magic. Outside, the world ripped open— like when you drag your pen too hard across paper and it tears everything up.

Colours blurred. The stars above twisted into unfamiliar constellations. The carriage shot forward, faster than physics should allow, soaring past floating islands, rivers of molten silver, and forests with trees that seemed to breathe.

India clutched the seat. "I feel like I just got isekai'd." she grimaced, even though she already said the exact same thing last chapter.

The man in the green hat chuckled. "Oh, my dear, you haven't even seen the half of it."

Ahead, rising from the mist, Kagako University came into view. It wasn't like any school India had ever imagined—it was impossible. Towers that twisted in ways that defied logic, bridges that faded in and out of reality, staircases leading to places that shouldn't exist. The entire campus floated above a shimmering lake that reflected not the sky, but something much deeper, like. As the carriage descended, India let out a slow breath, her heart hammering.

Okay.

This is real.

The carriage rumbled to a stop, the glow fading as India stepped out into a courtyard lit by soft, floating orbs of light. Morning mist clung to the cobblestone paths, and tall stone archways stretched toward the sky like skeletal fingers. Kagako University loomed before her, a collection of twisting towers and bridges that defied physics. Her breath caught. It was everything—more than everything—she had imagined.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

India adjusted her bag on her shoulder, glancing around. The campus seemed empty at this twilight hour, save for a few figures in the distance. A silver-haired elf shot them a disinterested glance before rushing off in a blur.

A dark centaur with an afro and robes that swirled around her like shadows approached, holding a clipboard. They looked like someone who just got called into a meeting that should've been an email. "India Rookpath?"

India nodded.

"Follow me."

She was led through the courtyard and up a flight of steps into a much plainer building compared to the rest of the campus. The Human Dormitory. The entrance was unassuming—simple stone walls, a squeaky wooden door, and absolutely no magic in sight. If the main campus felt like stepping into a fantasy novel, this was like checking into a mediocre youth hostel.

Inside, the air smelled faintly of cleaning products and cheap carpet, like the staff had just finished a mad rush to clean everything up before they arrived. A few worn couches lined the common room, and a bulletin board was tacked with reminders about fire drills and laundry schedules.

They walked down a small corridor to the left, with a timber floor and flickering LED lights in the ceiling.

"This will be your room," the centaur said, opening a door to a modest double room. Two twin beds sat on opposite sides, along with two identical desks and two small wardrobes. At the end of the room was a window overlooking the campus. It was bare but functional.

The centaur then turned back to India.

"Put your bags down then come back out in five minutes for an orientation." before they trotted off.

Almost as soon as the centaur had left, someone else rushed forward. And this someone, despite the pink streaks in their hair, and somewhat morally objectionable fashion (some weird-ass fusion of punk and lolita) was so... normal. Could this be...

"Whew, I thought I was going to be late... Oh hey, you must be my roommate. I'm Riri," she smiled, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."

Yes! Another human! Finally. India was starting to think she might have to deal with all these creatures alone.

"India," she said, dropping her bag onto the floor.

"I've got some unpacking to do," India said, dragging her suitcase to her side of the room. She unzipped it and immediately began dumping her things onto the plain carpeted floor: clothes, her posters, a tangled mess of chargers and cables, and her expansive plushie collection. Her Stray Kids photocard collection flung loose of their plastic bag and scattered all over the room, with one hitting Riri in the forehead.

Riri took the chance to examine the card closely before placing it aside. "Urm, you sure you want to unpack now? We're going back out for an orientations in a few minutes, right?"

"Nah, I've got it," India said, kicking a pile of clothes toward her bed.

For a moment, Riri watched in silence as India scrambled around the room, gathering the cards, then stood up. "Well, I'm going. See ya!" they said, dropping off their bags on their own bed before scooting off.

By the time India finally made it out to the common room, Riri was yapping away to two other humans, both guys.

One was a bit short, with glasses and a laptop bag slung across his shoulder. Another stood a little behind him, tall, well-dressed in a way that screaaaamed 'old money' with a seemingly permanent frown etched into his face. Neither looked too pleased to be talked to by the feral ball of energy that was Riri.

"So anyway, I told him 'what murder? I ain't seen nothing!' and—" they turned to the sound of India's footsteps, "Oh, hey India!"

"Is it just us four?" India said, walking forward, not bothering to return Riri's greeting.

"Must be," responded the shorter one. "I'm James, by the way."

"Everest," added the other dude.

"India, India Rookpath," India chimed in.

"So, are you guys ready for this magical journey or whatever?" James asked.

"Hell yeah, brother!" Riri grinned.

Everest adjusted his collar. "Maybe."

India shrugged. "It's better than where I was."

"Cool," James said, unsure how to respond to that. In the corner of India's eyes, she thought she saw Everest roll his eyes at Riri, although she couldn't be sure whether the disdainwas directed at her or at Riri, because the latter had just mispronounced Dolce and Gabana twice while trying to read the logo on Everest's bag.

Soon, the centaur from earlier came trotting back.

"I see you are all prepared... come along now." they said briskly, leading the four out of their dormitory.

They were shuffled into groups for the campus tour. India couldn't help but notice a pair lagging at the back of another group. One was some ABB wearing an orange varsity jacket and holding a massive Bose speaker on his shoulder, blasting Drake songs at maximum volume. Like, didn't that guy diddle kids? And hanging off his shoulder was an ethnically ambiguous bleach-blonde girl sipping on a Starbucks drink.

First of all, they have Starbucks here? Second of all, what freaks... India turned back to the guide with a scoff.

After the tour, they returned to the human dorm for breakfast. The dining hall was unremarkable—long tables, beige walls, and a buffet that could've been ripped straight from any university cafeteria. India piled her plate with scrambled eggs and toast, sitting with Riri, James, and Everest.

"Ugh, I know we just had an orientation, but I feel like I'm still going to get lost tomorrow when we start classes for real..." Riri groaned, chugging their orange juice like it was beer.

"This feels... anticlimactic," India said, poking at her food. "Like, we're at a magical university. Shouldn't our food sparkle or something?"

"Be glad it doesn't," Everest said. "Magical food can have unpredictable side effects. The school sent us all a pamphlet about that in the box. You should've looked through that..."

"Of course you read all that crap," India muttered, still bitter from the possibly-directed-at-her eye roll she thought she had seen earlier.

"So, where are you guys from?" Riri asked, trying to get the mood back up.

"Chelsea," Everest replied, "England."

"Hey, we're both from Australia, I think," James said to Riri.

"Really? Small world." Riri replied.

"I'm from San Clemente," India

"What? Where's that?" James asked.

"In LA."

"In the United States of America?" clarified Everest, seeming a bit exasperated.

"Yeah, I thought it was common knowledge," India said, internally rolling her eyes at him.

Back in their room, India flopped onto her bed, exhausted. She spread out her things even more—her lightstick on the desk, her Twilight hoodie hanging off the bedpost, her anime posters stuck to the wall with hastily torn bits of tape. She did try to shove all her plushies under her bed, but they inevitably spilled out and took up part of the room's floor. She saw that Riri had a few snacks on their desk.

"Hey, what are those?"

Riri glanced over from their side of the room. "Some food. You've kind of taken over the whole room, huh? At least leave some space for me to put up some of my posters, eh?"

India frowned. "Jeez, I'll get around to cleaning it."

Riri nodded, turning back to their laptop. "That's fine, take your time."

"Ugh, I didn't get to sleep last night. I'm so tired," she groaned, plopping herself down on her bed, curling up for a nap.

"I'm gonna turn in. Wake me up when we have to go to dinner."

When she woke at 5 p.m., Riri was at their desk, textbooks spread out in front of them.

"You were productive," India said, yawning.

"Yep. I got all my textbooks sorted and my desk set up." Riri glanced at her. "Did you forget about that?"

India blinked, slowly realising that she had forgotten to do everything that she was supposed to do like collect textbooks. "Oh, crap."

"Oh yeah, and we have fifteen minutes until dinner, so you better hurry."

Riri had changed from their earlier outfit into slightly less objectionable clothes: a long-sleeved black button-up shirt with a wine red cable knit vest over the top and black shorts. But now India was wondering why Riri was dressing for winter and summer at the same time.

"But don't worry, we'll wait!" Riri said with a smile, before heading out, leaving India alone to figure out an outfit.

India poked through one of the piles of clothes on the floor, finding an Evanescence hoodie, black aespa tshirt, grey adidas tracksuit pants and an old pair of converse shoes with her sketches of Hisoka from HxH on the left foot and Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan on the other. As she checked her fit in the mirror, she saw her pile of books in her periphery, and, deciding that she might get bored at the dinner, picked up her comfort book, Twilight.

She descended the stairs to the common room, where she found the other three humans talking.

"You're finally ready!" James said. He was wearing a button up shirt, patagonia vest and work pants. Is he trying to cosplay a finance bro? At any rate, it didn't look good on him.

Everest glanced at India, with what she sensed might be disapproval at her tardiness. He was dressed in a light linen shirt and khaki slacks. It looked simple, but knowing him, it would probably have costed several thousand dollars.

Smiling, Riri turned to her, and spoke a little quietly.

"Hey, I don't know if the centaur told you, but the dress code was smart casual. Just in case you didn't know."

India shrugged nonchalantly.

"Nah, I don't need to be fancy and all that stuff you guys might care about, I just want to be comfortable and express myself."

"Well okay then, we better go. We are late, after all."

The dining hall for the welcome dinner was a different world. The ceiling was covered in paintings like the sistine chapel, but the clouds moved, swirling above their heads. Legless tables floated off the ground, covered in linens. Foods she had never seen before were piled on golden platters - she thought she saw a plate of raw meat in the far corner, surrounded by a group of hairy, eared humanoids.

For the first time, she felt a pang of envy. Why did the human dorm have to be so... boring?

The dining hall was already pretty full, but there was an empty table in the back corner. Riri, Everest and James began to make their way over, but not India. She saw something out of the corner of her eye that made her turn. India's eyes widened as she realised she had spotted Xiao Hu across the room. She waved, and he made his way over, grinning.

"Fancy seeing you here," he said. He was wearing a red, chinese-style velvet jacket on top of a black shirt and white pants, with a small silver dragon earring in his right ear.

"Small world," India replied, still enthralled by the magical ambulance.

"Yeah," Xiao grinned, "Honestly, I was pretty amazed when I first saw everything myself."

He drew out a chair from his table and gestured for her to sit.

"So, uhhhhhhhhhh, what's your major?" India asked, a little bit flustered from this unexpected chivalry.

"I'm doing Environmental Magic, which is kind of like the application of magic in creating and sustaining eco-friendly-"

"Uh huh, that sounds a lot more advanced than what I'm taking - magical creatures, minor in history," India said, not really taking in a word of what he just said, "So, hey, you said you were a river dragon?"

"Yep. Kind of the reason why I'm doing that major. So, because we're the first educational institution in our realm to accept humans, we offer the basic stuff. My dad told me it's just for you guys to understand our world more to open trade and communications."

"Oh, your dad?"

"Yeah, he's a board member of the university. By blood, actually. Descended from one of the four founders. You might see an illustration of my great-great-great-great... Uh, eight greats - grandfather in the university pamphlet."

"Is he a river dragon too?"

"Yeah. We're all of the same river, but we're separate entities. You can drain the river and it won't hurt us or anything, it just drops our semen count to zero so our lineage dies. Bet your family doesn't have something like that," he chuckled, eyes glittering in the candlelight.

"My father abandoned me when I was twelve. My mom... Uh, do you know anything about basketball?"

"Not really, but I've heard of it. The dean's actually a huge fan of the Bulls. Hey, I'm guessing you haven't read the pamphlet, right? Do you know about the two realms-"

"Nope, I haven't had the chance yet. But uh, yeah. My mum's dating LeBron James."

"Lebron James, really?" He said, quirking an eyebrow.

"I wish I were joking..." India chuckled humorlessly.

"Anyway, uh, you'll learn this in history - we used to just be one realm, but a few hundred years ago, we branched off into two separate realms - like, it's the same place, kind of, but just a different plane of being. Humans can't access our realm, but some of us integrate into the human realm, and a lot of us holiday there, covertly. Some sapienophiles watch your tv and sports, you know."

"Mhm, cool," India nodded, not really paying attention to the words, but staring at his perfect face.

"Heyyyyy, India, we got you food!" Riri exclaimed, walking over from the opposite side of the room, waving while holding a plate of various bits of food. Looked like she took a piece from every section of the buffet. Meanwhile, Everest seemed to have been stuck with holding both his plate and Riri's. In the corner, James seemed to be engaged in conversation with the ABB and his girlfriend from earlier.

"Thanks, Riri," said India. Riri looked at Xiao and smirked, giving India a thumbs up as they walked away.

"Ah, your friend's so thoughtful," Xiao remarked.

"Yeah, she's my roommate. She's nice." India said, poking at the food.

Xiao nodded, looking down at the food Riri picked out.

"Ooh, good choices. Especially those fried wontons. Probably the best part of the buffet..."

And just like that, India was swept back up into those eyes again.

When she had finally finished chatting with Xiao and returned to the dorm, Riri was putting up posters on their side of the room for stuff like Alien Stage and Honkai Star Rail... specifically the pairings... a lot of parings. Like India knew there were people in fandom that really liked shipping characters, but Riri had to be in the top 1 percent of that group...

But whatever, she'd deal with her roommate's weirdness later.

She collapsed onto her bed, her mind buzzing with the magic evening. Somehow, talking to Xiao felt effortless—like pressing play on a favorite album and losing track of time. One minute, they were almost strangers; the next, the night had blurred into a warm haze of easy conversation between friends.

Kagako University might not be exactly what she'd expected, but it was hers now.