Inside the director’s office at Phoenix academy, a team of five eagerly awaited Madam Isabella’s decision. After handing her the paperwork from Flintbender, they grabbed each other’s arms while waiting for the woman to read it.

“Hmm, survived an invasion... restrained the enemy commander? Impressive, Ivan didn’t hold back on the pen, I see.” She threw the papers into a corner on top of about 50 more. “Congratulations young cubs. You have shown your fangs and are now qualified to take on the next challenge.”

After coughing several times, she pulled out a list of names from her drawer. “These are your classes as well as your teachers. You still have a month left until the school year starts, so choose wisely.”

“Isn’t there a third exam?” asked Tommy.

“This is the third exam. Just because I’ve given you the names of your teachers, it doesn’t mean they will accept to teach you. Pick a class, then go and prove your potential. If you fail to impress one teacher, then feel free to pick another. Of course, if you cannot gain anyone’s approval, then... Need I say more?”

Madam Isabella showed them out of her office with a warm smile. However, as soon as the door closed, she pulled out a purple crystal from below her desk and activated it.

Around half a minute later, a dwarf with a droopy mustache appeared on the other side. As soon as she saw him, Isabella asked “Where are the other children?”

The dwarf took quite some time to respond: "There were several unexpected attacks which culminated in an invasion. The kids fought bravely, but half of them fell in battle."

Madam Isabella felt strength leaving her body. She slumped into her chair as fire burst out of her, covering the entire office. The purple crystal started melting, and although the flames could not reach Ivan, the dwarf started sweating profusely.

Before the crystal could be reduced into nothing, Isabella muttered "So, the children's papers were true... Ivan, do not visit my academy again. Do not send send me another quest and do not contact me. Because if you do..." The crystal melted before she could complete her sentence. Although the office's walls were enhanced with magic, they too started to creak as the entire castle's defensive array was strained trying to contain her power.

Knowing nothing of this, the teens left the building, glad they had some time to prepare. Just in case, they decided to spend the next week doing all they could to increase their chances.

Each morning, Natalie, Tommy, Michael, and Annie left for the lone oak tree outside the city in order to spar and polish their techniques. Finn, on the other hand, used some of the gold he had earned to gather intel on each of the academy’s first year teachers. Three days later, he had a comprehensive list of their quirks and backgrounds.

“Miss Bella White: age 25, former prodigy of the director herself, rumored to be in love with the swordsmanship teacher. She’s highly disciplined, a bookworm, strict on theory, strict on etiquette, strict on manners...” Finn gave Annie a look. “We might need to get you a suit.”

Before the girl could protest, he moved on:

“Cassius Mendoza, age 42, former lieutenant in General Gryla’s army. He was made a Count for his war efforts, and he’s also a giant supremacist asshole who thinks all other species should lick his boots.”

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From the side, Michael crossed his arms.

“Finally, we have Andrei Bailey, the mustached man in the black suit who appeared at the entrance ceremony. There’s sadly not much intel on him, other than he loves tea and his lessons are focused on theory.”

“But he teaches swordsmanship,” said Natalie.

“Yes, he’s a bit weird. Any questions?”

“Yes,” Tommy raised a hand. “What about the archery teacher?”

Finn did not answer right away as he seemed to be thinking about something. His eyes wandered on the ceiling, and his mouth opened and closed several times in a row.

“Are you trying to catch flies?” asked Michael. “What’s up?”

“About the archery class, I’m still weighing my options.”

“What!?” Natalie all but shouted. “Have you lost your mind?”

“Did that elf say something?” asked Michael. “I will knock his ass out.”

“No, nothing like that.” Finn took a step back. “It’s just... You guys will need tools, weapons, intelligence and some serious backing if you are to succeed as warriors and mages. I can be that for you...”

“Finn, this team does not work without you,” said Tommy.

Annie walked up to him and grabbed his arm. She did not open her mouth, but her eyes said everything. Feeling his cheeks growing red and a tightening in his chest, the boy ran out of the room without another word. He left the building while slamming the door behind him and started roaming the streets aimlessly with no particular direction in mind.

‘Damn it... I’m not a fighter, you’re the fighters. I can do so much more if I just start a business and arm you to the teeth. Flintbender’s a cheap asshole. With enough gear, you can beat anyone.’

His steps took him to the academy’s gates. Most roads led there, so it was not much of a surprise.

‘This is where I’m at my best, among books, merchandise, and problems with a clear solution. They need a warrior leading them, not some geek who messes up half the time.’

He walked past the gate, entered the academy’s building, and headed straight for Madam Isabella’s office. If there was anyone who could confirm his plans, it was her. He opened the office's door in a huff, all but slammed it behind him and gave a hasty apology before trying to start his speech.

However, after the initial “Sorry,” not a single additional word came out. The boy’s mouth all but fell to the floor and his eyes threatened to leave their sockets. Finn slapped his thigh, pinched his arm and eventually punched himself in the gut in order to come to a conclusion:

“So, I’m not dead.”

“Lol, of course not. Do you see any asteroids or planets or space? Relax Mark, this happens all the time in manga, remember? Your great benefactor has come to check up on you. Now, have a seat.”

There was no seat available, only the one behind the desk which Loki used while rubbing his mustache. He wore the male equivalent of Madam Isabella’s dress, a bright red suit with a handkerchief shaped like a bird in the front pocket.

Finn felt a chill run down his spine. “Is Madam Isabella...”

“Still alive?” Loki burst into laughter. “Of course, she was so much fun to watch over the years. Do you want to know how she lost her virginity? Hmm, Mark?”

“My name’s Finn.”

“Whatever, Isabella is sitting in her office and so are we. Or would you prefer we talk elsewhere?”

Loki clapped his hands and the walls, ceiling and floor moved away until they disappeared completely. Finn found himself on top of the asteroid from before his rebirth.

“Congratulations on passing the second exam.”

‘You’re lying.’ There was something seriously off about God’s words, even more so than usual.

“You’re now supposed to pick a class, I believe. You haven’t done so already, have you?”

“No.” Finn averted his eyes, as if he was standing in front of a snake and eye contact would make it bite.

“Perfect.” Loki leaned back in his chair and the pressure somewhat lessened. “Then I’m right on time. Let me give you some Godly advice.”