"Hah…hah…"

I gasp for air as I finally catch up with Arthur. This body needs more physical activity.

"Wow, Doms, I didn't expect you to catch up with me."

Arthur manages to say between breaths. Despite his panting, he seems to fare better than I do, a testament to his better physical state.

"Ahem."

We turn toward the sound, and that's when I see him—a muscular man in a dark blue tuxedo. His short red hair is tousled yet somehow perfect, and his green eyes sparkle with an almost disarming intensity.

Seeing him, my heart skips a beat. Maurice Réel. His appearance here is unexpected.

Maurice is depicted as a distinguished professor at Verdant Arcanum in the web novel. Still, the author does not fully explore his character.

But more importantly, what is he doing here? To gain experience in teaching, perhaps?

"You're both very late," Maurice states, his voice blending authority and disappointment.

"We're sorry, Professor," Arthur quickly apologizes.

"Take a seat."

Maurice's directive is simple, yet it carries an undercurrent of understanding. Despite the reprimand, his demeanor hints at leniency—a balance that only someone of his experience can manage.

-Flick!

With a flick of his fingers, Maurice invokes a spell that envelops me in a blue aura, lifting me off the ground.

"Woah!"

Arthur's surprise mirrors mine as Maurice's magic guides us through the air.

Floating above a chair, I glance down to see a girl with long white hair and red eyes observing me. Our eyes meet, her face marked by an indifferent expression.

The white-haired girl is Lumi Everheart. In the future, she will be one of the protagonist's closest friends and future girlfriend.

I'm surprised to see her in this middle school. The author never stated what middle school she attended. However, I'll try my best to ignore her. Do you know why? Like the protagonist, Lumi always attracts trouble, and I want to avoid getting involved.

-Flick!

Another flick from Maurice, and I descend smoothly, landing squarely on the chair.

"If you're late again, I will toss you both into a Stargate."

Maurice warns, his tone hinting at jest but not fully masking the seriousness of his words.

The mention of a Stargate sends a shiver down my spine. In the web novel, he is known for his kind and wise demeanor. However, he is not one to make idle threats.

"Huhuhu!"

The class chuckles, amused by the professor's warning, though it is clear many don't grasp the gravity behind Maurice's words.

Embarrassed by the spectacle we've caused, I chuckle nervously, scratching my head to brush off the situation.

-Clap!

-Clap!

With a clear signal, Maurice commands the classroom's attention once again.

"Since we have latecomers, let me introduce myself again. I'm Maurice Réel, your Homeroom and Advance Mana Theory teacher."

His smooth and authoritative voice leaves no room for distractions.

-Flick!

Maurice flicks his fingers again, and a small whiteboard and black marker materialize.

"For our first agenda today, we'll introduce ourselves. Write your name, magic attribute, and dream job on the whiteboard."

In Sylvestria, the magic system is deeply ingrained in society's fabric. Every magician possesses a unique attribute that resonates with a certain element or concept. This attribute dictates the type of magic they can wield, ranging from elemental spells to more nuanced magical abilities.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

Taking the marker in hand, I write my name first, followed by my attribute—Manaless. As for my dream job… I want to be stronger and prepared for the unfolding events I've read about in the web novel.

However, I can’t say that. So, I’ll just write that I aspire to become a Stargate Raider, a profession both respected and fraught with danger.

"Okay, first to present their whiteboard is…" Maurice's voice trails off as he scans the room, finally settling on Arthur. "…you."

The room's focus shifts to Arthur as he stands up, whiteboard in hand, ready to share a part of his identity with the class.

Arthur arrives at the front and presents the whiteboard to the class.

"I'm Arthur Lyon. My magic attribute is Light, and my dream job is to become a Stargate Raider."

A charismatic smile accompanies his declaration, and almost as if on cue, a radiant light emanates from him, casting a brilliant glow around the classroom.

"Gah! It's too bright!" one of my classmates complains, shielding their eyes from the unexpected brilliance.

"I know!" echoes another, joining the chorus of squints and shielded gazes.

I also cover my eyes, internally cursing yet marveling at Arthur's dramatic presentation.

Besides his striking appearance, the Light attribute is a rarity among magicians, marking Arthur as exceptionally fortunate.

"Thank you, Arthur. You may now go back to your seat," Maurice says.

Arthur nods, his task completed, and returns to his seat. The classroom's standard lighting is restored as he dims his attribute's brilliance.

"Okay, next person…" Maurice's gaze sweeps across the room before settling on Lumi. "You."

Lumi nods, her demeanor reflecting a reserved coldness, as she stands and goes to the front. The way she carries herself—with a distinct air of detachment—speaks volumes before she presents her board.

"My name is Lumi Everheart. My magic attribute is Ice, and I want to become a Stargate Raider."

Lumi’s voice as cold as the attribute she claims, her expression impassive.

Observing Lumi's icy demeanor, I can easily piece together a bit of her backstory, especially considering what I know from the web novel.

Louise Everheart, a renowned Stargate Raider and the founder of "Les Pilleurs de Portails"—the biggest Stargate Raider Guild in Verdant Haven—is trapped in a Stargate. Before help arrives, the Stargate closes, making rescue impossible. The protagonist in the web novel never rescues her father. This event shapes her aspirations and frosty exterior.

"Everheart?! Is she related to Louise?!"

"I guess so!"

The revelation of Lumi's surname sparks a flurry of whispers among the classmates.

Their reaction is understandable; after all, "Les Pilleurs de Portails" isn't just any guild in Verdant Haven—it is renowned, a symbol of prestige and adventure within the magical community.

The connection to such a notable family name adds an aura of intrigue and respect around Lumi, who had been an enigmatic figure of quiet coldness until that moment.

"Thank you, Lumi; you may return to your seat now."

Maurice instructs, acknowledging her brief introduction with a nod.

Lumi nods, returning to her seat in the same composed and detached manner, her gaze never straying to meet those of her classmates.

Her indifferent return to her seat marks a quiet but poignant moment, reinforcing the sense of solitude that seems to envelop her despite the whispers and glances from her peers.

"Okay, next…" Maurice's gaze shifts through the classroom until it lands on me. "…you."

I take a deep breath and nod, rising from my seat to approach the front of the room. Holding my whiteboard in front of me, I prepare myself for the inevitable reactions.

"My name's Dominic Eneforte. I'm Manaless, and I want to be a Stargate Raider."

I announce, my voice steady despite the absurdity looming over my declaration.

"HAHAHAHA!"

Laughter erupts almost immediately. The idea of a Manaless boy aspiring to become a Stargate Raider is, understandably, met with disbelief and amusement among my peers.

However, amidst the sea of laughter, Arthur and Lumi remain silent. The former offers a supportive presence, while the latter appears indifferent, her interest seemingly elsewhere.

Their reactions, or lack thereof, are a small comfort in the face of widespread mockery.

"Dominic, you have a great dream, and I hope that you achieve it," Maurice says, his voice carrying a sincere tone of encouragement over the laughter.

I smile, touched by his support. "Thank you, Professor."

"P-Professor—pfft—please don't be sarcastic!" a classmate interjects, barely containing their laughter.

At that moment, Maurice's demeanor shifts. His eyes glow with a subtle intensity, and his expression hardens.

"Ecnelis."

Maurice whispers, and I do not understand what he says.

I notice that my classmates stop laughing and all have blank faces.

Did he perhaps silence them?

"Thank you for sharing, Dominic. You may now go back to your seat," Maurice says, his voice returning to its usual calmness.

I nod and make my way back to my seat.

I can't help but feel a newfound respect for Maurice. His intervention demonstrates his formidable abilities and commitment to a respectful learning environment.

"Okay, let's continue with the introductions, shall we? Starting with you!"

Maurice's directive, aimed at the next student, momentarily catches them off guard.

The abrupt shift in focus from the tension-filled room to the routine of classroom introductions leaves the designated student scrambling to gather their thoughts and composure.

The classroom watches as they hesitantly stand, contrasting the atmosphere only moments before.

Maurice's skillful handling of the situation restores order and subtly reinforces the importance of respect and attentiveness in his class.

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"Thank you for sharing. You may now go back to your seat."

Having shared their dreams and magical attributes, the last of my classmates nodded in response to Maurice's words and returned to their seats, marking the end of the introduction session.

As I observe each student take their turn, it becomes increasingly clear that I am the only Manaless in the class.

"Alright, class, since the introductions are finished, let's start Homeroom."

-Flick!

With a casual gesture, Maurice flicks his fingers, and just like that, all of our small whiteboards vanish, dissipating into thin trails of white smoke that slowly fade into nothingness.

The effortless way he wields his magic leaves me in awe, and a question bubbles up in my mind—I wonder about his magical attribute. His control and the effects of his spells are unlike anything I have read explicitly about in the lore of Sylvestria.

His attribute must be something unique, possibly rare, contributing to his distinguished position as a professor here.