"Good morning, class," Professor Ashbourne began, her voice carrying a tone of both warmth and authority. "I am Professor Lillian Ashbourne, your homeroom teacher for this academic year. It's a pleasure to welcome you all to Nova Academy."
She continued after a brief pause seeing that she had gained the attention of the students
"I'm a [ S-rank] hero. My ranking is 1050 But my World rank is 2737. By the Association's classification."
Students' eyes bulge out Well can't blame them she is an S-rank Hero plus her rank alone in the world is 10737. And her rank in the human domain is 3050. Of course, people will be shocked when they hear these ranks.
"I think that's enough for my introduction."
Professor Lillian Ashbourne seemed to have liked the students' reactions as the corners of his mouth curled up into a grin.
"The first day will feel special. You might not have slept due to excitement and worry, or maybe you're feeling great about being able to improve yourselves. Heh, maybe you even find a boyfriend and girlfriend."
The cadets broke out into a small laughter. But the instructor froze her expression sternly.
"But this is not a laughing matter, Nova is a place where you train, learn, and again train nonstop, This place is where heroes will born. You will experience several real combat situations. So don't even think you have time for a relationship."
Her, roguish smile sent a chill down my back.
Man, I'm telling you she started to show her real self.
"Now I'm going to check how strong you are right here, Be prepared".
What? What was that again? She is going to do what?
I didn't have enough time to complete my thoughts as shockwaves started up.
Swish-
Bam!
Slapping her hand on the table a small shockwave spread across the classroom.
The impact sent shockwaves surging across the room, causing the tables and chairs to rattle and tremble.
It felt as if an invisible force had struck, and I watched in astonishment as the shockwave spread through the classroom.
People were quick to react. Students and even some faculty members took a step back, their expressions a mix of surprise and caution.
It was as if they were accustomed to Professor Ashbourne's sudden displays of I, too, took a fall back, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
My eyes remained fixed on Professor Ashbourne, who stood there with an air of calm authority despite the chaotic scene she had just created.
As the shockwaves subsided and the room settled back into its usual state, I exchanged glances with a few nearby students.
It was clear that this was not an everyday occurrence, and the mixture of awe and respect in their eyes told me that Professor Ashbourne's display had left an impression.
The room fell into a momentary silence, only to be broken by a murmur of awe and surprise that rippled through the crowd.
Whispers of "incredible," "did you see that?" and "Professor Ashbourne is no joke" filled the air.
I could practically see the gears turning in the minds of the students.
Some looked at Professor Ashbourne with newfound respect, others exchanged impressed glances with their peers.
It was clear that her display of power had left an impact, both physically and mentally.
Not all students are in the same position as mine.
Some students managed to withstand the shockwave and all of them were main characters and some others.
I turned my gaze to the other main characters.
And they are fine, most of them are.
Adrian's calm expression held a hint of intrigue, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the shockwave's effects.
Aric's competitive demeanour softened into genuine interest, his eyes following the waves as they subsided.
Isabella's posture remained poised, her silver hair almost shimmering as she stood unfazed.
Lyra's grace shone through, her delicate form appearing untouched by the disturbance.
Emma clung to a table for support, wide-eyed and caught off guard by the sudden burst of energy.
Among the other students, reactions varied. Some stumbled and fell, while others managed to stay on their feet through quick thinking.
Murmurs of surprise and amazement erupted around the room, with many students exchanging glances of awe.
Scanning the whole classroom, Adrian, Aric, Noah, Kael, Lyara and Evelyn her eyes briefly paused on Emma, and the few others who managed to withstand her shockwave. If one looked closely you could see traces of satisfaction on her face as she looked at them.
Nodding at herself she began to speak again.
"Now let's take attendance."
"Rank 1001, Lucas DarkHart."
Hearing my name being called, I eagerly shot my hand up and declared, "Present!"
As Professor Ashbourne continued down the list, my enthusiasm was met with Taisen Morris and Julia Allowing me to respond in kind.
"Rank 956, Taisen Morri."
"Present!"
"Rank 776, Julia Allowing."
"Present!"
And then the names kept coming, one after another, in ascending order. With each new name, I noticed the ranks gradually decreasing. It was a stark reminder that I was indeed at the lower end of the spectrum in terms of magical aptitude.
The realization hit me like a gust of wind, and I let out an almost resigned sigh as I slumped slightly against the surface of the table. My name was among the first she had called, making it clear that I was positioned at the weaker end of the class hierarchy.
As Professor Ashbourne continued to call out names, I observed the diverse array of ranks being revealed.
It wasn't long before the numbers dwindled into the double digits, and then the single digits.
Among these, the top 10 rankings held a special significance, as I knew that they were occupied by the main characters of this story.
"Rank 11, Isla Hawthorne."
"Present!"
I frowned at myself as I heard the Names being called. Isla Hawthorne should be in the Top 10 but her rank is 11. Why does the sudden change happen?
After thinking about the moment letter I know the answer.
"Rank 10, Elara Frostwind."
"Present!"
"Rank 9, Linnea Stoneheart."
"Present!"
"Rank 8, Evelyn Nightshade."
"Present!"
Because of Evelyn whom I did nothing to know about, it seems she knows me and there is some bad history between us.
But what could happen? I have to investigate this matter.
"Rank 7, Kael Darkwood."
"Present!"
"Rank 6, Lyra Morningstar."
"Present!"
"Rank 5, Noah Black."
"Present!"
"Rank 4, Isabella Evergreen."
"Present!"
"Rank 3, Aric Thornheart."
"Present!"
"Rank 2, Emma Rivers."
"Present!"
"Rank 1, Adrian Blackthorn."
"Present!"
"Now that attendance is complete let's get out of Class Now."
Now what?
***
Arriving in front of a large room, Professor Lillian Ashbourne turned on the lights and addressed the assembled students, "There's a wide selection of weapons here, so feel free to choose what you deem to be the best fit for you."
The room that lay before us was expansive, and the array of weapons on display left me awestruck. From nunchucks to broadswords, weaponry of all sizes and types was neatly organized, forming a tantalizing tableau of options.
A sense of excitement filled the air, but Professor Ashbourne quickly added a dose of reality, "I'd be very careful if I were you. If you damage any weapon present, you better be ready to pay up to 500,000 C."
The enthusiasm was momentarily dampened as the students absorbed the implications of her words. Some exchanged wary glances, while others eyed the weapons with newfound respect.
After taking attendance, Professor Ashbourne led us to Wapen Hall, where an assortment of weapons awaited our selection.
The hall itself was almost overwhelming, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and hesitation as I surveyed the options.
"All of you can choose two weapons at each,
but I recommend you choose a weapon you are familiar with After all you don't have time to master 2 weapons at the same time." Professor Ashbourne instructed, and the room buzzed with excitement and uncertainty.
As I examined the choices, I was struck by the diversity of weapons. Swords, staffs, bows, and more were laid out before us, each with its unique design and purpose.
I observed my fellow students, most of whom seemed to make their decisions with a measure of confidence.
However, I couldn't help but gravitate toward a pair of weapons that resonated with me.
My gaze settled on a long, slim sword with an elegant hilt, its blade reflecting the light in a mesmerizing pattern. It felt balanced and formidable in my grip, the weight of its history apparent in its design.
Beside it, a beautifully crafted bow caught my attention.
The wood was polished to a deep sheen, and intricate carvings adorned its surface.
The bowstring looked strong and supple, ready to launch arrows with precision and force.
I imagined the satisfying tension that would accompany drawing it back, releasing an arrow to soar through the air.
"Two weapons, huh?" Professor Ashbourne's voice carried a hint of amusement as she approached me. "You do know that if you lag behind others it's all up to you, Do you still want to choose 2 weapons?"
I chuckled, feeling a touch self-conscious. "Well, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have options. and I always wanted to learn Bow."
She smiled a glint of appreciation in her eyes. "It's an ambitious choice. Just make sure you can wield both effectively."
With a nod, she moved on, leaving me to make my decision.
I carefully attached the sword to my waist, relishing the weight at my side. The bow, when slung over my shoulder, felt like a natural extension of my being.
As I made my choices, I caught snippets of conversation from other students.
"Look at him, choosing two weapons like he's some kind of expert."
"He's got the lowest rank, but he's acting like he's untouchable."
I sighed inwardly, tuning out the murmurs. My decision wasn't about arrogance; it was about versatility. I wanted to be prepared for different situations.
Amidst the array of choices, I noticed the selections of the other main characters.
Adrian Blackthorn strode confidently toward a sword display. His choice was a sight to behold—an exquisitely crafted blade with a hilt that gleamed in the light. It was a weapon befitting a protagonist, radiating both power and determination.
Emma Rivers, the skilled archer, approached the bows with a serene focus. Her fingers traced the curves of several bows before selecting one with an intricate design. The bow seemed to respond to her touch, and I couldn't help but be impressed by her connection to the weapon.
Evelyn Nightshade's eyes fixed on a bow as well, her expression determined. She chose a bow that was both elegant and lethal in appearance, the embodiment of her resolve for vengeance. Her choice echoed her desire to be a force to be reckoned with.
Seeing Evelyn choose a bow, I couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity, even though I had no memory of her. It was as if some distant echo from the past was trying to reach me, to remind me of something significant. I watched her with a mixture of curiosity and confusion, wondering why her choice resonated with me.
As she held the bow in her hands, a sense of determination shone in her eyes.
It was clear that this weapon meant something more to her than just a tool for combat. I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was a deeper story behind her decision, one that was intertwined with my presence in this world.
The way she handled the bow, her focus and precision, spoke volumes about her skills. She was no novice. But right now I don't have time to think about her.
I turned to Isabella Evergreen and others.
Isabella Evergreen's decision diverged from the traditional weapons. Instead, she approached the display of magic wands, her fingers trailing over them thoughtfully. She chose a wand that seemed to pulse with hidden potential, a reflection of her insatiable curiosity and drive to uncover secrets.
Noah Blackthorn's inventive spirit led him to a technomancy-infused gauntlet that crackled with sparks of lightning.
Kael Darkwood's affinity for earth magic was evident in his choice of a massive war hammer. The weapon's head bore intricate engravings depicting earth elements, and its handle was a blend of polished wood and metal.
Lyra Morningstar, with her ethereal aura, chose a staff that seemed to radiate with nature's energy.
The staff's wooden body was adorned with delicately carved vines and leaves, embodying her connection to healing and nature magic.
Elara Frostwind's weapon of choice was a slender silver rapier with a blade that gleamed like ice.
The hilt's delicate design mirrored Elara's elegant demeanour, while the blade's icy sheen captured her mastery of ice magic.
The rapier's craftsmanship was a testament to Elara's focus and precision.
Isla Hawthorne's vibrant personality was embodied in her choice of a pair of dual daggers.
The daggers' blades were sharp and deadly, and their handles were wrapped in shimmering red fabric.
Isla's weapon exuded energy and readiness, a reflection of her alchemical expertise and determination.
Linnea Stoneheart, a practitioner of earth magic, wielded a formidable war axe with an imposing presence.
The axe's wooden handle was polished to a deep sheen, and the blade bore symbols representing the earth's strength.
Linnea's choice embodied her unwavering loyalty and steadfast determination.
Aric Thornheart, embodying his masterful warrior persona, chose a large, ornate greatsword.
The blade's silvery sheen glinted under the light, and the hilt's intricate patterns exuded an aura of authority. Aric's weapon exuded power and confidence, a perfect match for his competitive spirit.
As I observed my peers making their choices, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unity and anticipation. Each weapon spoke volumes about its wielder's personality and strengths.