The classroom began to fill with the murmur of conversation and shuffling footsteps as more students arrived. Ritsuka glanced around, taking note of the faces filtering in—people like him, Commers. The sunlight creeping in through the window cast a golden hue on his desk. Annoyed at the glare making his already cracked smartphone screen even harder to read, Ritsuka leaned over and shut the window with a quiet click.
Slipping his phone out of his pocket, he studied the familiar web of cracks across its surface. It was a relic of another life, broken but still functional—much like him, he mused. He unlocked it and opened his notepad app, the soft glow of the screen illuminating his face as he hunkered over the desk.
"I should revise what I've done these past two weeks," he thought, sparing a glance at Yuji and Ayaka, who were chatting excitedly about what the first semester might bring.
His fingers hovered over the screen as his mind wandered to the academy system. It prided itself on nurturing talent, favoring those blessed with powerful Gifts. Skill, he noted bitterly, was secondary here. Those rare individuals whose abilities rivaled Gifts were exceptions, and exceptions didn't dictate the system in Guilds eyes. Many Guilds which from globally tries to scout heroes from all academies regardless of birthplace.
No wonder, he thought, that commoners had stopped attending academies over the past decade, choosing instead to become mercenaries. Even Yuji, with his carefree attitude, often muttered about leaving once they'd learned enough. It was tempting, Ritsuka admitted. Ritsuka can tell the academy system is curel for Commoners.
"The system is cruel for people like us," he muttered inwardly.
Ritsuka thought this might be not bad idea to leave academy in next year. He was not sure about future. He needs to create more safety cover and become strong to face his future enemies. He needs to be ready for any situations. Mainly he needs to create a organisation with Strong allies.
His focus returned to the screen as he opened Document 1, the repository of his observations and experiments over the past fortnight.
The first entry detailed his discovery about the internet. Advanced AI monitored search histories, a precaution against demon worshipers. A system this invasive made research dangerous. Even a slight misstep could draw unwanted attention.
"I need to be careful," he thought grimly. "If they catch on to what I'm looking for, it's over."
Another entry chronicled his disappointment upon learning that this world lacked any record of Holy Grail Wars. The stories his Servants—especially Lord El-Melloi II—had shared didn't align with this world's history. Perhaps the Hero Association had covered up the evidence, but the divergence was still striking.
"Or maybe," he mused, "this world is fundamentally different."
This realization deepened his resolve to dig further. He wants to find a way where he can find Information illegally.
His eyes lingered on the section about his powers. The inability to summon Shadow Servants had hit him hard. Their absence was a painful reminder of how much he'd lost.
"I should find out the reason why I can't summon shadow servants," he thought, though the ache persisted. " Also I still have other abilities to master."
A glimmer of hope emerged as he reflected on his physical prowess. His movements, especially in martial arts, were far sharper and natural than they had been in his previous body. This one had a natural talent for combat, particularly swordsmanship.
But a question lingered: Should he dedicate himself to the sword, or stay true to his path as a Spirit Summoner?
'I should not think lightly, just because I have talent and it was cool to use sword doesn't mean I should choose sword. This is same level important decision similar to a 18 years kid who tries to choose his career path' Ritsuka thought and continued reading
Another troubling thought surfaced as he read about his experiments with magic rituals. He'd sought the original soul of this body, hoping to understand its previous owner.
"If he exists," Ritsuka thought, "then I owe it to him to return this body once my work is done."
Yet every attempt had failed. No trace of the original soul remained.
"This body… it's mine now," he concluded, though the weight of that truth felt like a chain around his neck. Another goal crystalized in his mind: "Find the original Ritsuka's soul, wherever it might be."
Finally, he reached the section about his deteriorating mental state. His sleep was a mess, plagued by nightmares and restlessness. The temptation to buy sleeping pills loomed large.
"I miss smoking" he murmured Himself
Quitting Smoking only compounded the problem. The craving gnawed at him like an unrelenting itch. Yet he clenched his fists and reaffirmed his decision. "No smoking," he whispered to himself, as if saying it aloud would make it easier.
The last note stung. His extensive knowledge of quantum physics—once his pride—was practically useless here. Instead, he'd have to master new type magic, starting from scratch.
"What a trade-off," he thought bitterly. "Science for sorcery."
After skimming the document one last time, Ritsuka deleted it. His thumb lingered over the confirmation prompt before pressing it. The document, a testament to his struggles and growth, vanished into digital oblivion.
Slipping the phone back into his pocket, he sat back and closed his eyes for a moment.
The classroom buzzed with idle chatter as Ritsuka rubbed his eyes, staring blankly at the system message hovering in his vision:
[You lost 0.2 charm.]
[Your mental stat is decreasing.]
Ritsuka sighed, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder," he thought, dismissing the message with a flick of his hand. This system wasn't like the overbearing, self-aware ones from fantasy novels he had read. It simply existed, cold and mechanical, stating facts without care or intent.
Leaning back in his seat, Ritsuka turned his attention to the other students trickling into the room. His gaze roamed across the unfamiliar faces, cataloging them one by one until his eyes landed on someone immediately recognizable: Olga Marie Animusphere.
She sat near the center of the room, her posture impeccable and her presence commanding. Her aura practically radiated confidence, a stark contrast to the Olga he had known in his world—a woman burdened by insecurities and self-doubt.
Yet, no one dared to approach her. It was as if an invisible barrier kept everyone at bay, leaving her to sit alone despite the undeniable charisma she exuded.
"I should talk to her," Ritsuka thought. But he hesitated. Approaching her now might make him look like some desperate weirdo. "Later," he promised himself.
His gaze shifted to the front row, where Shirou Emiya sat near the door. Ritsuka's first thought was how unsuited Shirou's short, almost military haircut was for him. Surrounding him were a group of commoners, each vying for his attention.
Ritsuka frowned. It was obvious they were trying to curry favor with him, exploiting whatever naive kindness Shirou possessed. He remembered some of them who talked back on Shirou in stadium.
"Poor guy," Ritsuka muttered under his breath. "He probably doesn't even realize they're using him."
He could have told him but he wasn't in that position to give advice to others. As many say frist you need to save your home to give shelter for others.
His eyes continued their search, pausing when he spotted a girl whose face sent a jolt of familiarity through him: Fujino Asagami.
Her hair was shorter than he remembered, and her expression was far more serious—a quiet, almost somber aura enveloped her. She sat alone, her focus fixed on a book in her lap, seemingly indifferent to the bustling classroom around her.
Ritsuka felt a pang of nostalgia as he watched her. "So even Fujino exists in this world," he thought. Her presence here, like Olga's, was both a comfort and a curiosity.
'I guess this world timeline is messed up'
A burst of laughter pulled his attention to the other side of the room, where Luviagelita Edelfelt sat. The golden curls framing her face seemed to shimmer under the classroom lights, her aristocratic noble aura practically glowing.
Excitement lit up her features as she spoke animatedly, her gestures as grand and refined as the ribbons in her hair. She seemed entirely at ease, as if the academy was her stage and everyone else mere players. Her Noble energy is Highlighted with her cheerful noble lady spirit.
Next to Luvia sat Sakura Matou, her presence no less striking. Though quieter than Luvia, Sakura exuded a composed elegance. Ritsuka couldn't help but recall the myriad of Servants she resembled—BB, Parvati, Kama, Durga. Her face carried with it an avalanche of memories, each one bittersweet.
Two rows behind her, her younger brother, Shinji Matou sat with his arms folded, his gaze fixed on someone else in the room. His posture oozed arrogance, his blue-gray eyes sharp and calculating.
Following Shinji's line of sight, Ritsuka's eyes fell on Manaka Sajyou.
She was stunning. No, stunning didn't do her justice. Manaka's doll-like features were framed by silver hair that cascaded like liquid moonlight, her crystal-blue eyes seemingly endless in their depth. Every aspect of her—from her delicate features to her graceful posture—seemed crafted to perfection.
"I guess he had a crush on her, well she is Beautiful after all," Ritsuka thought. "But beauty doesn't guarantee kindness. Looks can deceive." It was a lesson he had learned from his mother who always says Beautiful womens will kidnap kids who don't sleep or eat food, one he vowed never to forget.
As if sensing his gaze, Manaka turned, her eyes meeting his.
For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Ritsuka's heart skipped a beat, an involuntary reaction he cursed himself for. He quickly dropped his head onto his desk, feigning sleep as he felt her gaze linger on him for a few seconds longer.
"Her eyes..."
Even with his head down, her lifeless gaze lingered in his mind. There was no light in them, no spark of joy or interest in life.
"What happened to her I wonder?" he wondered, the thought leaving a sour taste in his mouth.
Across the room, Shinji's hands clenched into fists as he noticed the brief exchange between Ritsuka and Manaka. His jaw tightened, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
"That filthy commoner... how dare he look at her?" Shinji hissed, his voice low and venomous.
Turning to the group of boys seated around him, he gave a curt order. "Teach that bastard a lesson later. Let him know his place."
The underlings exchanged wicked grins, eager to carry out their master's bidding.
Unaware of the storm brewing, Ritsuka remained slouched over his desk, his thoughts swirling as the classroom began to settle.
It was 8:00 A.M., and the classroom hummed with quiet anticipation. With thirty minutes to spare before class officially began, Ritsuka rested his head on his arms, letting the soft murmurs of idle conversations fade into the background. Closing his eyes, he welcomed the brief escape from reality.
Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the room like a whip, startling him awake.
"Attention!"
Ritsuka snapped upright, his sleep-addled mind struggling to catch up. Standing at the podium was a man he recognized all too well—a face from his world, one that carried the weight of authority and intellect. It was Lord El-Melloi II.
"Today is your first day, so there won't be anything special planned," he began, his tone as sharp as his gaze. "But I sure hope you haven't slacked off during the short interval where you were accepted here. How do you expect to graduate from this place if you can't be diligent?"
Without warning, he slammed his hand onto the table in front of him. A small shockwave rippled through the classroom, rattling desks and chairs. The force pushed back nearly everyone, including Ritsuka, who stumbled slightly, regaining his balance just in time. Only a select few—Olga, Luvia, Manaka, the Matou siblings, and a handful of others—remained unfazed, their composure earning a fleeting look of approval from the strict instructor.
"There will be no slacking off in my classroom!"
Lord El-Melloi II's steel-gray eyes swept across the room, pausing briefly on those who had managed to withstand his display of power. Though his expression remained stoic, there was an almost imperceptible trace of satisfaction in his gaze.
Ritsuka, who had seen Lord El-Melloi II in action before, couldn't help but feel this version of him was different. Stricter, perhaps—more commanding.
"He looks more serious than a math teacher," murmured yuji beside Ritsuka.
Ritsuka smirked at the comment but quickly turned his attention back to the podium as the noble students infornt of him whispered among themselves. Their hushed voices died instantly when Lord El-Melloi II's cold gaze swept over them, silencing the room.
"Now, let's start with the self-introductions. I'm Lord El-Melloi II, your personal instructor for this year and possibly future years," he said calmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Ritsuka's mind raced as he tried to piece together the differences between this Lord El-Melloi II and the one he had known. The man before him was more serious, more authoritative. Yet, there was something undeniably impressive about him.
"As it is your first day, I won't take too much of your time. I can already see some people who look exhausted in the classroom," Lord El-Melloi II continued, his sharp eyes glancing briefly in Ritsuka's direction. "Perhaps they did not sleep enough because they were too excited, or they trained all night. So, I'll make this first session short."
Ritsuka felt a glimmer of appreciation for the man. "Seems like this version of Lord El-Melloi II is much better than the one in my world. He instantly noticed I was exhausted," he thought, his respect for the instructor growing.
As the classroom settled into an uneasy silence, Ritsuka's gaze lingered on the man at the podium.
"Alright, first things first," Lord El-Melloi II announced, his voice sharp as he tapped the tablet in his hand. "Let's take attendance."
The room quieted further as he began to read off names, his tone firm and efficient.
"Rank 1000, Ritsuka Fujimaru."
Hearing his name, Ritsuka's hand shot up as he called out enthusiastically, "Present!"
Lord El-Melloi II gave a curt nod and continued down the list.
"Rank 989, Haruto Takashi."
"Present!"
"Rank 974, Yuji Nakamura."
"Present!"
"Rank 935, Ayaka Sajyou."
"Present!"
Ritsuka furrowed his brow. It didn't take long to notice the pattern. He's calling names in ascending order of rank…
Most of the names aren't familiar with his knowledge of his world.
He just observing the students with names Instructor spoke and found out only few commoners are present.
The next name nearly made Ritsuka's heart stop.
"Rank 50, Daybit Sem Void."
The name echoed through the classroom like a thunderclap. Ritsuka froze in his seat, his mind racing as he processed what he'd just heard. Daybit Sem Void? Here?
His eyes darted around the room, scanning for the person associated with the name.
"Rank 50, Daybit Sem Void," Lord El-Melloi II repeated, his brow furrowing as he glanced up from the tablet.
Silence. The classroom was so quiet that the sound of breathing seemed deafening.
"Is Rank 50, Daybit Sem Void in the classroom?" the instructor asked again, his tone sharper this time.
The students exchanged glances, their confusion mirroring Ritsuka's. No one responded.
Just as Lord El-Melloi II seemed ready to mark the name absent, the heavy creak of the classroom door opening drew everyone's attention.
A figure stepped inside, and the air in the room shifted. With blonde hair, light purple eyes, and a strong, commanding presence, the man who entered exuded an aura unlike anyone else. His movements were deliberate, his expression unreadable, but there was a subtle weight to him that made the room feel smaller.
"Pardon my tardiness," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I had a slight accident before coming here, hence I was not able to make it in time."
He gave a polite bow, though his gaze never left Lord El-Melloi II's.
The instructor raised an eyebrow as he observed the newcomer. "I remember you. The one who scored exactly 50 marks on all theoretical tests during the entrance exam. And Even your Rank is 50. I wonder—was that deliberate, or merely a coincidence?"
Daybit's response came without hesitation. "I only remember half."
The entire room seemed to collectively hold its breath, stunned by both the statement and the odd tension between the two.
"Interesting," Lord El-Melloi II remarked, a small, almost imperceptible grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well, find a seat."
"Thank you," Daybit replied smoothly before making his way to the last row, choosing a spot near Ritsuka and Ritsuka friends.
Fujimaru let out a shaky breath as Daybit walked towards his row. His heart pounded as he instinctively covered his face with his hands, memories flooding back—memories of Lostbelt 7, of the Daybit Sem Void he knew from his own world. The shadows of that hell lingered, refusing to let him forget.
Is he the same? Or is this just a version of him shaped by this world?
Ritsuka closed his eyes and forced himself to breathe. He couldn't let his emotions get the better of him now. He needed to stay sharp, to observe, to plan. Mistakes were not an option, not when Daybit was involved.
When he finally steadied himself, Ritsuka glanced toward Daybit, only to find the man looking at him. Their eyes met briefly before Daybit shifted his attention back to Lord El-Melloi II, who had resumed taking attendance.
Ritsuka clenched his fists under the desk. Whatever this Daybit's intentions were, Ritsuka vowed to be ready.
Lord El-Melloi II slipped the tablet into his pocket and crossed his arms, surveying the classroom with a sharp, calculating gaze.
"Wealth and status don't matter here," he began, his voice slicing through the murmurs that had begun to ripple across the room. "Yet, I know many of you will still try to use your connections, flaunt your pride, and bask in your arrogance."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as his tone grew colder.
"So, to all of them," he continued, his voice like steel, "beware."
A chilling, bewitching smile curved on his lips, freezing the room in place.
"You are free to flaunt your useless pride here, but your conceitedness will be your downfall," he said, his words laced with an undeniable authority. "And the proof of this lies in your ranks."
The students shifted uncomfortably, some glancing at each other with nervous expressions.
"By the end of the term, all your ranks will change," Lord El-Melloi declared. "Except for a select few, none of you will maintain your current positions. The ones at the top, drunk on power and complacent in their status, will fall. And those at the bottom, grinding their teeth and honing their skills in the shadows, will rise."
The air grew heavier with the weight of his words.
"There was a year," he continued, his voice calm yet commanding, "when a commoner ranked at 300 rose to Rank 1, surpassing all the nobles who underestimated him."
Ritsuka blinked in surprise as he heard the gasps around the room. He glanced at Yuji, who looked equally intrigued.
"And you all know him very well," Lord El-Melloi added, his words laced with pride. "The SS-ranked mercenary, Flat Escardos. He was my student."
The classroom erupted in murmurs, the name carrying a weight that no one could ignore. Yet the noise quickly subsided as Lord El-Melloi's sharp eyes scanned the room.
Ritsuka tilted his head in thought. Flat Escardos? I wonder what kind of person he is.
"And as for those of you from noble families," Lord El-Melloi continued, his voice taking on a harsher edge, "you already know what happens if you lose your family's favor due to underperformance. Expectations can be heavier than any blade."
His words struck like thunder, making several students flinch. The fear in their eyes was palpable.
"I am merely reminding you," he said with a faint smirk. "We'll see how things unfold."
Pausing for a moment, Lord El-Melloi's tone shifted, growing softer yet still firm. "This academy provides equal opportunity for all. Commoners and middle-class students may lack the resources, skills, and arts you nobles take for granted. But here, you can exchange your efforts for Academy Points—the currency of this institution."
The sincerity in his voice was striking as he concluded, "Do not waste them on trivial things. It will be difficult at first, but if you persevere, you can rise to the top."
With that, he straightened, his authoritative presence unyielding. "Now, all of you move to Practical Combat Class. I hope you'll take this opportunity to learn something new."
The students rose from their seats, the tension in the air heavy as they followed Lord El-Melloi II out of the classroom.
Ritsuka kept his eyes on the instructor, his thoughts racing. He's not just strict; he's honest and fair. He's someone who sees potential, no matter where you come from.
As they walked toward the combat class, Ritsuka felt a renewed sense of determination.
To be continued...
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Character Profiles
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Luviagelita Edelfelt
Luvia is one of the kindest individuals in this story, rivaling Ritsuka Fujimaru in her compassion , kindness and generosity. She embodies every noble trait associated with traditional aristocracy in a world steeped in darkness. Innocent and pure, she is blissfully unaware of the sinister undercurrents around her. Luvia has a passionate interest in magic, and her excitement for learning sets her apart. Unlike others who view magic as a tool for power or duty, she genuinely enjoys the art and process of mastering it. She also has a soft spot for Sakura Matou, stemming from an emotional connection yet to be fully explored.
Author Note: I hope you guys look forward to her character development. From an innocent and pure girl, she will grow to become one of the best supporting Ally to Ritsuka Fujimaru. Of course, she won't be reduced to a mere "waifu" character like in Fate lore.
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Asagami Fujino
Fujino is a mysterious and enigmatic presence within the story. She lacks the ability to feel pain and often suppresses her emotions, maintaining a stoic demeanor. Despite this, she outwardly acts like an ordinary human, blending into her surroundings with a serious and calm disposition. Fujino deliberately avoids forming friendships, as she views herself as different from others. Her focus is singular: she has a personal goal to achieve, and her enrollment in the academy is a stepping stone toward becoming a hero.
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Matou Family History
The Matou family is intricately tied to the history of Japan's top-ranked guilds and government.
Tokiomi Tohsaka: The father of the Matou siblings, Tokiomi is a prominent figure as the founder of Japan's first-ranked guild. He married twice—first to Rin's mother, who tragically passed away during childbirth, and then to a woman from the Matou family. The second marriage was a strategic move to prevent war between the two most powerful guilds. His second wife, though kind-hearted, insisted on her children carrying the Matou name. Tokiomi agreed, provided his daughters received love and care from her.
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Sakura Matou
Sakura is a kind and gentle soul who radiates purity despite the trials she has faced. As the daughter of Tokiomi Tohsaka, her family was targeted by demon worshippers from an early age, forcing her and her siblings to live sheltered lives. Her childhood was filled with love and cherished memories with her siblings and stepmother, who treated her as her own. However, at the age of 9, a tragic incident involving demon followers shattered their idyllic lives, profoundly altering Sakura's fate and that of her brother, Shinji.
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Shinji Matou
Shinji is the son of Tokiomi Tohsaka and the grandson of a prime minister on his mother's side. As a member of two powerful lineages, he has every right to be arrogant and prideful—and he possesses both the talent and power to justify his attitude. After the same tragic incident at age 9 that affected Sakura, Shinji's perspective darkened. He adapted to the harsh realities of the world and grew fiercely protective of his family, especially Sakura. This transformation led to his deep-seated hatred for commoners and demon followers, as he views most commoners as potential threats who could turn to demon worship. Shinji's belief in the superiority of nobles shapes his disdainful interactions with others.
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Lord El-Melloi II
Lord El-Melloi II serves as the personal instructor for the prestigious 2024 year, 1-A batch. Renowned for his strict yet fair demeanor, he possesses a sharp eye for potential, recognizing talent irrespective of one's background. He is the current head of the El-Melloi family and is celebrated for his expertise in modern magical development. In his youth, he gained fame as a ruthless killer of demon worshippers, earning a reputation that continues to command respect and fear.
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Daybit Sem Void
Author Note: I frankly don't have any intentions to tell anything about this character to you guys. Find out about him in the story journey