Carrying two papers, the woman from the front office approached and knocked on the door.
"Come in," responded a voice from within the room.
As she entered, she saw a tall and confident man standing before a board covered with complex equations.
His neatly trimmed beard emphasized his sharp jawline, and a monocle rested over his right eye.
He wore a tailored dark navy suit that was complemented by a crisp white shirt, silk tie, and pocket square.
"Could you tell me why you've sought me out so early? The students have just begun their tests," he said, his focus remaining on the equations.
"I apologize for the intrusion, Professor White. I have two test papers from students whose responses to the final question are remarkable," she explained.
"Leave them on my desk. I will review them when I have a moment," Professor White replied, gesturing toward his desk.
She nodded, placed the papers on his desk, and quietly exited the room.
***
After my brief encounter with Alice, I returned to class and waited for everyone to finish the test. During that time, I realized I had been approaching everything incorrectly.
Initially, I planned to operate from the shadows, subtly manipulating events to create a favorable outcome. However, this seemed like a waste. I possess knowledge of multiple possible futures and understand how to achieve each of them.
Instead of lurking in the shadows, I should leverage my knowledge and shape the timeline without fear. My encounter with Alice led me to this conclusion; I know her strengths and weaknesses, just as I do for every character.
Rather than slowly influencing the timeline, I could directly assist the main characters in becoming stronger. Although this approach might create an unknown timeline, it will result in characters far more powerful than usual, making future missions significantly easier.
I understand this might seem reckless, but I find myself in a world many would dream of experiencing. I intend to make the most of my situation, especially after the life I lived on Earth. And Maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to bring Lily and my family back to life.
Once the time for the test had passed, Ana stood up, stretched, and said firmly, "Alright, time's up. Anyone still writing will watch their paper get decimated. Bring your papers up here immediately."
The students quickly made their way to the front, handing in their tests.
"Good," Ana nodded as she collected the papers. "Your test results will be posted at the end of the day. For now, head to the Center of the North Wing to select your classes. You're dismissed."
I made my way to the center of the north wing to choose my classes. My plan was to enroll in a few classes with the main characters and select a couple more for my personal benefit.
Upon arrival, I saw hundreds of first-year students writing their names on various sheets, each corresponding to a different class.
The academy's method of selecting classes serves as a way to study the students. They analyze the types of classes chosen, the motivations behind these choices, and whether students avoid certain classmates, seek friendships, opt for easier courses, or join classes with lower-level students to bully them.
The first class I wanted to join was Magic Artifact Crafting. Although this class was fairly empty and contained no main characters, it was invaluable for someone like me, who possessed knowledge unknown to this world.
I noticed people glancing at me, though not with disdain. Most nobles had no idea what Silas looked like; even some of the major families didn't recognize him because he bore no resemblance to his mother, father, or sister.
Despite being part of the Raven household, Silas was always secluded in training to meet his father's expectations. After being disowned two years ago, he left the kingdom's edge and wreaked havoc elsewhere, gaining notoriety for all the wrong reasons.
In short, aside from a few individuals who had seen Silas before, he was relatively unknown at the academy—a situation that wouldn't last the day.
I began writing my name for the classes I wanted. After selecting my six classes—Magic Artifact Crafting, Alchemy, Combat Training, Strategy Debate, History, and Reading, which was one of the many entertainment classes available. I headed to the cafeteria next door.
The cafeteria was vast, filled with hundreds of tables and an array of food choices.
Feeling particularly hungry and tired, I grabbed a plate and noticed two individuals seated at a table: Derek and Emily Vale, both in the A-Class. Emily was the girl Derek meets on the train; another commoner like him, so they quickly became friends.
I found myself staring at Emily longer than usual; seeing her in person was far better than in the game. Everything about her was more captivating in reality than behind a screen. Even the prideful nobles who looked down upon commoners couldn't help but admire her beauty.
I quickly shook my head and approached their table with a smile. "Hi, can I sit here?" I asked.
Emily looked at Derek, who shrugged, and she replied, "Yeah, it's no problem at all."
"Thank you," I said before taking a seat beside Derek.
"You must be Derek. It's nice to finally meet you."
"You've heard of me?"
"Of course. You're all anyone talks about—the commoner who's number one in the S-Class. That's quite an achievement."
Derek narrowed his gaze at me. "Is me being a commoner an issue?"
"On the contrary, I believe some people need to be put in their place." My words drew angry glares from nearby nobles, but they dared not act with Derek beside me.
Derek smiled. "So, you must be a commoner like Emily and me," he said, pleased to find another commoner in a school full of nobles.
I shook my head. "I'm a disowned noble. I'm basically a commoner now. So, Emily, you're a commoner too. How did you meet Derek?" I asked, feigning ignorance.
"We met on the train during our trip here."
"I see," I said, stuffing my mouth with food. Derek and Emily raised their eyebrows at my eating habits.
I didn't care because, at that moment, my hunger was insatiable, and it needed food.
"Wow, this is some great food," I said with my mouth full, making my words nearly incomprehensible.
"I would never have guessed you were a noble, given how you eat," Emily said, chuckling.
Derek nodded in agreement. "Same."
"When it comes to food, nothing else matters. Plus, I'm no longer a noble."
I finished my meal faster than some competitive eaters and asked, "How did you two do on the test?"
"I knew most of the answers; some were difficult, though," Derek said, glancing at Emily for her response.
"I think I did well, except for the last question. I knew most of the other answers."
"That's good to hear. In my case, even though I'm in the F-Class, when it comes to knowledge, there's no one smarter than me at this academy," I declared, drawing even angrier glares from nearby nobles.
I could tell they wanted to put me in my place; I could even hear some threatening to teach me a lesson for claiming to be the smartest when Alice was around.
Derek and Emily exchanged awkward glances. My behavior puzzled them.
I was about to ask another question when someone placed a hand on my shoulder. Looking up, I saw Xander standing over me.
"This is the second time you've disgraced the S-Class, Derek. Hanging out with this F-Class and A-Class trash," Xander said with disdain. "Get out of here," he commanded me.
I wasn't on Xander's level yet, and he was somewhat unpredictable, so it was best not to provoke him.
I stood up, prepared to leave, when Derek grabbed my arm. "You don't have to listen to this weakling. And Xander, I'll warn you just once: if you ever talk about my friends like that again, I'll rip your tongue out."
The cafeteria's atmosphere grew tense as Xander and Derek clashed again, with Emily and me the reason for Xander's approach.
"Don't worry; I was planning to leave anyway. See you around," I said to Emily and Derek before leaving.
Emily stood up as I left, understanding my intent. "Same here, Derek. I'll see you later in class."
Derek said his goodbyes, turning back to face Xander, who left a few seconds after Emily and me.