I had just killed the spectral deer when I heard a deep, hoarse laugh behind me. Surprised, I turned around suddenly. There, a strange figure stood before me, almost lurking in the shadows. She wore a long black coat that hid her body, leaving only her head visible... a wolf's head, with piercing yellow eyes.

—“Congratulations, little human,” she declared in a rumbling voice. “You passed the first test.”

I stood frozen for a moment, unable to tell if I was dreaming or not. A talking canine cosplay creature?

—"Wait... Do you have the face of a dog? Or a wolf? Seriously, isn't that a bit cliché?"

The Guardian, visibly annoyed, curled his lips in what looked like a forced smile.

—"I'm the Guardian. Not a dog. Not a wolf. I've been watching over this sacred place since before you were born, so a little respect, okay?"

—"Okay, okay... No need to make a big deal out of it, Lassie," I whispered, raising my hands in a peace sign.

The Guardian's ears twitched slightly, but he decided not to raise it. "This place, young man, is the entrance to a unique academy. It trains those chosen by various systems—including, of course, the Evil Hand."

I frowned. “Systems? Like, it’s not just the Evil Hand?”

—"Exactly. Other systems exist, each with different powers. Those who pass the entrance test have the chance to learn how to master them here."

Before I could ask any more questions, the Guardian raised a clawed paw and, with a simple gesture, caused a glowing portal to appear right in front of me.

—"Come in. This portal will take you directly to the academy."

I looked at him, suspicious. “You know this looks a lot like an ambush, right?”

The Guardian looked up at the sky—well, at what I guessed was the sky for him. "If I wanted to eat you, I would have already done so. Now move on."

Good. I shrugged my shoulders and, with a sigh, walked through the gate.

The other side was breathtaking: I found myself in a huge entrance hall. Marble columns soared toward a ceiling so high it almost made me dizzy. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles, and the floor sparkled like polished crystal. All around me, students were chatting in small groups, all very different — some seemed human, others...much less so.

—“Welcome to the academy,” a soft voice announced.

I turned around and saw a slender woman with white hair and bright blue eyes. She wore a long dress that seemed to float around her.

—"I'm the headmistress of this academy," she said with a warm smile.

—“I am delighted to welcome you among us.”

She explained to me that the academy trained those who had been chosen by various systems. Each student developed their unique abilities and prepared to take on challenges in this new world.

—“You will soon discover others who have received systems like you,” she added. “Together you can learn, grow, and above all… support each other.”

I took a deep breath. A new life opened up before me, with as many challenges as it was mysteries. But after everything I had been through so far, I knew I was ready for what lay ahead.

—“And between us,” I muttered to myself, taking one last curious look around the hall, “I bet that Keeper is always nicer when you scratch behind his ears.”

She gave a kind smile, but Kyotaka frowned slightly.

—“So what? What is all this for, exactly? Why am I here? » he asked in a detached voice, without emotion.

Surprised by his frankness, the director remained calm. “You are here to learn how to master your powers, Kyotaka. This system you have is unique. Your potential is immense, but with that power comes responsibility. »

Kiyotaka raises an eyebrow, indifferent. —“Powers, responsibilities… Frankly, that doesn’t interest me. I just want to know: are there others like me? »

She scrutinized him carefully, her piercing gaze softening her smile. —“As of now, you are the only user of the Evil Hand system that we know of. You are a pioneer. »

Kyotaka shrugged. “Pioneer? Great, great. »

She just smiled and gestured for her to continue walking. As they walked through the corridors of the academy, Kyotaka noticed the frescoes adorning the walls. They depicted epic battles and legendary creatures.

—“This academy has been around for centuries,” the headmistress explained. “We have seen users from many different systems come and go. But no one has ever had a system as… powerful as yours. »

They stopped in front of a display case containing old weapons. Kyotaka glanced inside absentmindedly.

—“Other systems, yes I am already informed. But each system must be governed by specific rules, right? »

—“Yes,” the headmistress confirmed. —“Each system has its own rules and powers. Some are common, others rare. But the Evil Hand system is unique. »

Kyotaka thought for a moment, his gaze lost in the reflections of the window. “And those who had it before me? What have they become? »

She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. “Some have become heroes. Others descended into madness. And a few…just disappeared. »

A shiver ran down Kyotaka's spine. The weight of what he was carrying was starting to take its toll.

—“I don’t intend to end up like them,” he whispered.

The headmistress, placing a light hand on his shoulder, replied softly: “No one is forcing you to do anything, Kyotaka. You are free to chart your own path. But remember that the power you possess is not trivial. »

Kyotaka remained silent, his gaze fixed on the weapons on display. The inner chaos he felt seemed as old and heavy as the relics before his eyes.

As they continued their walk, several students crossed their path. Their curious gazes immediately fell on Kyotaka. Some exchanged enthusiastic murmurs, blushing behind their books. Others gave a slight gasp of surprise when meeting his intense gaze. His appearance, impeccable like that of a K-drama actor, did not fail to captivate.

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—“Wow, have you seen his eyes? It looks like he could pierce your soul…”

“And that face… I’m ready to marry him right away. »

Kyotaka, used to this kind of reaction but deeply annoyed, let out a slight sigh. “Can’t they just leave me alone? »

She – who until then had feigned indifference – let out a discreet laugh. “You are a new student, Kyotaka. And, obviously, you make a strong impression. »

He gave her a blasé look. “I don’t care. »

She smiled mischievously. —“You’ll have to get used to it. And, by the way, I don't think I gave you my name. I am Yuna Kanzaki, director of this academy. »

Kyotaka nodded absently. “Good, Mrs. Kanzaki. I guess we'll make this all go by quickly. »

Yuna Kanzaki shook her head, amused by his casualness. “I doubt it’s as simple as you imagine, Kyotaka. »

With a last mysterious smile, she led him further into the academy, towards the stranger who awaited him.

Mrs. Kanzaki guided Kyotaka through the great hall. The sound of their footsteps echoed on the marble floor while bursts of voices and training escaped from the neighboring rooms. Each door revealed students in black uniforms, absorbed in their exercises, the air heavy with a strange combination of sweat and magic.

They stopped in front of a massive wooden door. Mrs. Kanzaki knocked twice and entered, Kyotaka close on her heels. Inside, about twenty students turned their heads towards them, interrupting their concentration on the teacher, a bearded man with a stern look, who was scribbling something on the board.

—“Class, this is your new classmate,” Ms. Kanzaki announced. “His name is Kyotaka. »

All eyes converge on him. Kiyotaka simply shrugged his shoulders in greeting, a smile barely concealed at the corner of his lips.

—“This is Professor Azuma. He will be your main instructor,” she added.

Azuma put down his pen and waved. " Welcome. Take a seat where you feel comfortable. »

Kiyotaka looked around the class casually and moved to the back, away from the others. He slumped into the chair and crossed his arms without a word.

—“Kyotaka, could you introduce yourself to your classmates?” » asked Ms. Kanzaki gently.

The young man sighed, exasperated. —“Why do it? You must already know everything about me, right? »

Ms. Kanzaki maintained her professional smile. “It’s just a courtesy. »

Kyotaka stood up abruptly, hands in his pockets, and slowly walked towards the board. He paused for a moment, as if to think, then turned to the students.

—"My name is Kyotaka," he said in a calm but defiant voice. “I have nothing to prove to anyone here. You don't love me? Perfect, I don't care. We'll be even, I guarantee I won't love you either. »

A murmur ran through the class. Some students exchanged amused glances, others stared at him suspiciously.

Professor Azuma frowned, visibly annoyed. “Kyotaka, I understand that this may be difficult, but that is no reason to disrespect your comrades. »

Kiyotaka shrugged, as if it didn't matter. “I don’t respect anyone. »

Mrs. Kanzaki placed a light hand on his shoulder, a gesture as caring as it was preventive. “I know it’s complicated, Kyotaka, but at least try to make an effort. You can't take on the whole world alone. »

Kyotaka quickly freed himself from his grip. “I didn’t ask to be reincarnated here. I don't need anyone. »

Without another word, Mrs. Kanzaki sighed and left the room. Azuma resumed his lesson, but Kyotaka, arms crossed, looked away, absorbed in his thoughts.

At that moment, a student in the front row decided to call out to him.

—“Are you done being cool?” » he said in a mocking tone.

Kiyotaka slowly turned his head towards him, a flash of anger in his eyes. “And you have a problem, perhaps? »

The student – a tall young man with a provocative smile – stood up from his chair. “Yeah, actually. I can't stand pretentious little people who think they're tough. You're just a loser who thinks no one can touch him. »

Kiyotaka narrowed his eyes. “Be careful. »

—“Otherwise what? » replied the other, crossing his arms. “Do you think this is where your lone wolf attitude will work? Wake up. You're not the only one having problems. »

The other students watched the scene with growing excitement. Some were whispering among themselves, silently betting on the outcome of the clash.

Kyotaka stood up slowly. Silence settled in the room.

—“You think you know everything about me? » spat Kyotaka. “You have no idea what it’s like to wake up in a world where you didn’t ask for anything. Where you start from scratch with no one to explain why. »

The other student gave a smile, still arrogant. “Don’t cry too much. You're not the first to give up, and you won't be the last. So stop playing the victim. »

Kiyotaka clenched his fists, his eyes flashing. Professor Azuma immediately intervened, his deep voice cutting the escalation short:

—“That’s enough!” Kyotaka, sit down. And you too, Riku. »

Kiyotaka and the student look at each other for a moment, looking tense. Then Kyotaka slowly sat down again, his jaw still clenched. Riku, with a satisfied smile, did the same.

But one thing was clear: the war between them was only beginning.

Professor Azuma wiped the board with a slow gesture. “Alright, let’s move on to a fundamental topic: the world we live in.”

A murmur ran through the class. The students were expecting explanations on combat techniques or systems management, but the professor's tone indicated something else, deeper.

—"We are on a planet called Astrals," he began. “It is a world where the spiritual and the material overlap and constantly interact. Here, reality is not fixed by physical laws as in the world that some of you may have known. Miracles are common and accessible there.

Kyotaka frowned. "Why the weird name? Astrals?"

Azuma smiled. "The word comes from 'astral', which designates a spiritual plane beyond matter. Ancient mages and alchemists used this term to describe invisible realities. Here, these planes are not myths: they exist and directly influence our daily life."

The teacher paused, capturing the attention of the entire class. “The spiritual world is like an infinite ocean, while the physical world, which we know, is only a drop of water. Space and time are malleable. What seemed impossible to you there can become achievable here.”

He turned to Kyotaka. "Your system, Evil Hand, draws from this spiritual dimension. It grants you powers that exceed human physical capabilities. But this is only one facet of the possibilities offered by this world."

Kyotaka's eyes widened. “You mean there are other systems even more powerful than mine?”

—"Of course. There are endless systems, each with their own rules and logic. Some manipulate the elements, others reveal future events, and still others allow travel between dimensions."

The teacher returned to the board and drew several concentric circles. "Think of this as a series of spheres. The central circle represents our material world, but each sphere around it corresponds to another dimension, governed by unique rules."

He paused briefly and continued, this time with a more concrete example: —“Think of these dimensions as mathematical sets. If our world is a set A limited by physical laws – such as gravity and energy – the spiritual world is a larger set B, containing not only A, but also other laws as yet unknown.

He added an amused smile. "You are surely familiar with the concept of infinity in mathematics. Infinity minus a finite number always remains infinity. Likewise, the physical world is a tiny part of the spiritual world, without ever being able to exhaust it."

A respectful silence settled in the room, everyone gradually realizing the magnitude of this revelation.

Kyotaka raised his head shyly. "And these other dimensions... are they inhabited?"

—“Absolutely,” the professor replied, pointing out the spheres on the board. —“These dimensions are full of creatures, intelligences and civilizations that perceive reality in a completely different way than we do. Some of them have been using systems like yours for eons."

Kyotaka felt a shiver run through him. Everything he thought he knew was only a small part of something much bigger.