Should I enter?
[Class A1 – 1st Year] Gazing at the door ahead, a sigh escaped my lips.
Arcanum Blades Academy. It was a sprawling complex divided into five sectors, labeled A to E.
'A' denoted the section housing the very building I was in. A gem among St. Sebastin's magic institutions, renowned for its fusion of magic, science, and engineering. Arcanum Blades was so vast—about 75 km²—that it rivaled a small town in scale. It also housed the biggest magic research facility in Kundanika, making it a pivotal center for magical studies. And through the academy lay a narrow stretch of land known as the Selvari Corridor, which connected the isolated region of Selvora to the mainland. The corridor was not only crucial for trade and resource access but also a highly perilous area due to the constant threat of high-breed monsters. This made Neharika an important strategic point for St. Sebastin.
In this vast area, there were over eight thousand occupants. But only some of them were under the Hero Program.
‘The Hero Program’ was a mandatory initiative under the jurisdiction of the Central Union. It targeted teens with the potential to reach rank C and above, requiring them to enroll in a two-year course at a magic institute. Upon completion, students were eligible to become official hero cadets and could seek apprenticeships with professionals or employment in guilds or the Central Union.
While Arcanum Blades Academy hosted various academic disciplines such as engineering, medical studies, and esoteric fields, such courses were pursued voluntarily.
In contrast, the Hero Program was compulsory. Refusal to join a magic institute resulted in automatic reassignment as a soldier trainee at a regional wall, with no option for refusal.
Not that anyone refused, though.
Who would? Not with the glittering promises society fed them—titles, fame, fortune. The name “Hero Program” painted a perfect illusion, a picture of valor and prestige. A hero to be admired, with good jobs, wealth, and respect. But I felt skeptical about all this.
I stared at the nameplate on the classroom door, lost in thought, when a sudden voice interrupted from behind: "Move aside."
I turned around to see a girl standing there. Sharp features, flawless dark hair cascading down her shoulders, and eyes like molten gold. They were unlike any eyes I had ever seen. Before I could process my thoughts any further, a translucent blue box suddenly appeared above her head: [Tetartagonist].
This time as well, information began to flow into my head, but unlike before, there was no accompanying pain. Instead of relief, the absence of pain left me feeling oddly unsettled.
She scowled, “Done staring? Would you mind stepping aside now?” Her voice carried irritation.
Her frown deepened.
My breath got stuck. According to the Manuscript, she was Emily Reed —one of the key characters in this world. Somewhere in my heart, a trace of fear arose, and I felt as though Emily was seeing straight through me. I felt an invisible pressure in the air.
Unable to bear the pressure, I quickly moved out of her way.
As Emily walked past, she muttered something about fools being admitted into Arcanum before continuing on her way.
If I had to guess, she was talking about me.
According to the Manuscript, Emily was the daughter of a high ranked hero named Edward Reed.
I sighed again, the interaction leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
What happened, happened, I thought as I stepped into the classroom.
As I stepped in, I was greeted by a beautiful sight.
The polished stone floor, with natural veins and textures creating patterns, gave the room a certain elegance.
At the front stood a raised platform—the teacher's desk.
The desk was surrounded by a semi-circle of seats. The seats rose up in tiers.
The room felt spacious and airy. It was… beautiful.
“Hmm, now where should I sit?” I scanned the entire area, and soon my attention was drawn to one student in particular.
The Japanese seventeen-year-old stood at an average height with a lean, athletic build. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, defined features that gave him a mature look beyond his years. From time to time, I could see girls taking peeks at him.
Just by looking at him, one could sense an air of superiority emanating from him. It was unsurprising, given that he was from the Takahashi family, who were owners of a platinum-graded guild. Perhaps his upbringing instilled in him a sense of entitlement, coupled with his bullying tendencies, making it obvious that he had young master syndrome.
"It would be best to steer clear of him." I nodded to myself.
Next to him was seated Aurora Lewis.
She was shapely, and her uniform skirt ended just above her knees. I could see boys glancing at her from time to time.
"Definitely not going to engage with them." I nodded to myself again.
Yes, they are important characters in this world, just like the protagonist. But they would also be at the centre of every dangerous event. Dying like a side character wasn't my aim here.
They were at the very top left corner of the classroom. I decided to sit as far away as possible from them, preferring the middle row at the front.
While scanning the classroom, I sensed a sharp gaze boring into my back with intensity.
Now what?
Turning, I met the eyes of a girl. She had an angular face, raven-black hair, and violet eyes that seemed to be full of disdain. She looked at me like I was something unpleasant.
Her expression was mild, but the disgust... that was clear.
What's her problem? I thought. Suddenly, memories—foreign, unfamiliar—flooded my mind. A throbbing pain bloomed in my skull.
“Akh—what the hell?!” I instinctively let out a sharp whisper. There were flashes in my mind, like recalling something that had never happened: camera lights, the distant toll of bells, classmates laughing, teachers frowning. Bits and pieces of moments. The pain peaked and then vanished, leaving me shaken.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Then it all made sense.
This time, it wasn't the Manuscript.
The memories actually belonged to Noah Grey, not me—the other one. From them, I learned two things: The girl glaring at me was Freya Fretel, Noah’s junior high classmate. And she hated him.
Apparently, Noah had been framed for taking photos of Freya and her friends in the bathroom—a scandal that had ruined his reputation. Though it wasn’t his fault, the damage was done. Freya clearly hadn’t let it go.
Great... another problem.
While I mulled over how to handle the mess, a voice interrupted my thoughts: "Mind if I sit here?"
I looked up, only to see… who?
"Sure, go ahead," I replied hastily to the boy. “By the way, what’s your name?” I asked.
He reached out his hand and greeted me with a smile, "I'm James Reeves.”
I shook it. "Grey. Noah Grey. Nice to meet you," I replied with a smile.
His grip was firm but not overbearing. His black hair, neatly styled, fell lightly over his forehead. He looked a little skinny, but... in a healthy way.
Overall, he seemed like a good guy.
Just then, the classroom door creaked open with a slow, drawn-out groan. Ghrk!
Right, the roll call incident was going to happen today, I thought to myself, directing my gaze to the door.
***
Chic, fluffy black hair bounced around her shoulders; her rich brown complexion had a hint of pink on the tip of her nose. Her confident brown eyes gleamed. She was dressed in formal academic attire. An indifferent, cold expression was etched on her face. She was Professor Date.
“I’m Advika Date, and I will be your magic arts teacher,” she declared nonchalantly.
Something in her gaze and tone made it clear she didn’t consider this class worth much of her time.
Hers wasn’t a booming voice that would echo the entire class—no. It was more like a whisper that made its way directly into my ears, as if… as if she was speaking only to me. But seeing how easily everyone else understood her, I was certain she was likely using some kind of voice magic.
-“Heh, she's quite the hottie, isn't she?”
-“Shush! Keep it down! She might hear us.”
I overheard some youthful prattle from the back of the class.
Another glance at Advika told me they weren’t wrong. Her movements were fluid and deliberate…it was like watching a silent assassin glide through shadows.
But my mind wasn't in the game to care about such details.
Suddenly, a tiny tablet appeared in Professor Date’s hand, as though she had conjured it from thin air, and my eyes flew wide open in surprise.
“Fascinating!” I exhaled.
Did she use that thing called dimensional bracelet?! I wondered.
Holy…holy. Magic, huh?
No matter what, magic excited me a bit. I was not a kid but…come on. It’s magic, who wouldn't be excited?
Back in my world, magic was nothing more than sleight-of-hand tricks I'd seen in videos. But here magic was real. And I couldn't ignore the nervousness—or was it excitement?—bubbling in my stomach.
“Let’s check if everyone’s arrived!” Professor Date’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“I’ll call out your names and your Hero Program designated ranks in Arcanum. Come and collect your brooches.” She held up a square-shaped metal ornament between her index finger and thumb for display, then put it back.
“These will be part of your academy attire. You are to wear them on your blazer lapels, shirts, skirts, or trousers. They aren’t ornaments; rather, they are sophisticated magic items integrated with tracking magic. They will capture and store your unique mana signature, work as access keys, and can send distress signals to alert Academy security. They can also trigger a mass broadcast signal, which sets off a beeping alarm for all students and staff. You’re only being lent these devices, so try not to break them—not that you could. They’re quite durable. But if you do, well…you’ll have to pay for them. Each one is a level four magic device and costs about 20,800 dens.”
Some students gasped at the price.
They were probably thinking, ‘So much money for such a small thing?!’ But it was a level 4 magic item; what did they expect?
After taking in the reactions with a satisfied look, Advika began, “Alright, now. Choi Iseul.” She called out.
A boy stood up nervously and replied slowly, “P-present!”
“A1, First Year. Rank 25. Category V. Come and collect your brooch,” Advika said with a nod.
The boy walked up to her and collected the brooch. After inspecting it, he returned to his seat with a bitter expression.
Bitterness was expected. Category V meant low potential.
‘Category’ referred to a marker given by the Hero Program, ranking students based on their potential, mana reserves, pre-academy performance, and estimated future value to the Central Union.
I would likely get a Category V too. Not that it mattered to me.
“Ezekiel Basilio,” Miss Date called out the next name.
“Present!” Ezekiel replied with more enthusiasm than necessary.
“A1, First Year. Rank 24. Category V. Come and collect your brooch.”
. . .
“Noah Grey,” Advika finally called out my name.
Hearing my name, I hastily replied, “Present, ma’am.”
Nodding at my response, Advika continued, “Rank 20. Category V. Come and collect your brooch.”
As expected, I thought, walking up to grab the small piece of well-crafted metal.
It looked like a mechanical chip but was clearly magical in nature…
Should I try channeling my mana into it? I thought as I held the brooch in my palm.
“Any problem Noah?” Professor Date suddenly asked, breaking my musings.
I looked up, dazed, and stammered, “No, ma’am.”
“Then why are you still standing here? Go back to your seat,” she said coldly.
“Sorry.” I straightened up and quickly returned to my seat.
Got lost there for a second, I thought, embarrassment washing over me. The excitement of magic in my stomach faded.
. . .
Professor Date continued calling names in boredom as students kept going and collecting their brooches.
“Kai Lee. Rank 6. Category III.”
“Present.”
“Rank 5, David Smith. Category III.”
“Present.”
Professor Date then called, “Rank 4, Emily Reed. Category II.”
As soon as Miss Date revealed Emily’s Category, a wave of surprise rippled through the class, with students exclaiming in shock.
- “A Category II! She's a Category II!”
- “Reed? Isn't she the daughter of Edward Reed?”
- “Someone like her is in our class?!”
This was the first Category II student since the roll call began. It was only natural for the students to get shocked. Category II meant high rank potential. Potential to reach the likes of rank A and above. Such students were rare. What others didn’t know though was that the upcoming names would shake them even more.
This roll call incident was clearly present in the Manuscript, and things were going exactly as the Manuscript showed them in my head. It was kind of scary… now that I thought about it.
I found myself frowning.
Is the ‘Manuscript’ really a supernatural gift? I pondered. It's almost like someone or… something recorded the events that would happen in the future, crafted them like a story, and injected them into my head directly. What exactly is the Manuscript? It's not like a gift at all…it can't be. It almost feels like…like remembering from amnesia—
“Present!” Emily replied, breaking my reverie and I came back to the present.
I saw Emily, standing right before Professor Date. There was a smile on her lips that soon turned smug, clearly enjoying the attention of the class.
She collected her brooch and immediately returned to her seat as Advika called the next name in the list, “Rank 3, Aurora Lewis. Category II.”
Another murmur spread through the class, equally shocked.
“Present,” Aurora replied, coming forward and collecting her brooch. She too was clearly proud, though trying her best not to show it.
Everything was happening as said to happen in the Manuscript. In that case…
“Rank 2, Takahashi Aoi. Category II.”
“Yes.”
Any moment now…
Miss Date checked her tablet and continued, “Rank 1, Aeravat Indrath. Catego—” She paused.
She squinted at the screen as if expecting something to change.
Then, she looked around the room uncertainly, her eyes flickering with an unknown emotion.
It took her a few seconds.
Having discerned something, Miss Date finally revealed a faint smirk; her indifferent expression fading for the first time. She then called out with deliberate emphasis so that everyone in the class heard it properly: “Rank 1, Aeravat Indrath. Category I. Come and collect your brooch.”
Silence.
For a moment, the classroom fell silent before someone whispered in disbelief, “It can’t be! Someone with the potential to break into rank S is in our class?!”
Other students began whispering as well.
Emily Reed’s smug smile evaporated, replaced by wide-eyed shock.
Even Aurora and Takahashi looked startled by the sudden revelation.
Their expressions were to be expected.
Category I. It was extremely rare—only those with the potential to break rank S and ascend higher were marked as Category I in the Hero Program.
Advika’s gaze swept the classroom before she asked again, “Is Aeravat Indrath present?”
The door creaked open, and every head turned. A figure strode in, calm and unhurried.
"Apologies for being late, professor," he said, his tone smooth, unbothered. Above his head, a white box materialized: [Protagonist].
There he is.