This world had three realms and four planes, and one of them was the Nether Plane. The Nether Plane was a world where humans and monsters were perpetually hostile to each other. Monsters inhabited the western Demon Kingdom, and their favorite meal was none other than humans.
Humans who could fight these monsters possessed a power derived from the mana scattered in the air—they were called Hunters. Among Hunters, there were the fortunate ones who rose to great strength, and then there were those with trivial talents, such as beast tamers or summoners. These roles were often underestimated by society, considered the weakest among magic users.
However, when a Hunter achieved the rank of Swordmaster or Elemental Wizard, the other three kingdoms would clamor to recruit them. Clay's mother, for example, was a Swordmaster of the eighth rank out of ten—a title held by only a handful of individuals across the entire world. Her strength was legendary, and her reputation formidable.
And what about our female lead? Gwyneth was not from this plane. She hailed from the upper realm where fairies and gods resided. Despite this origin, Gwyneth was neither a fairy nor a goddess. She was an ordinary human endowed with exceptionally rare and unpredictable magical powers. In terms of potential, Gwyneth could rival an eight, even ninth-level mage. Yet, due to her lack of control, she was currently no stronger than a fifth-level mage.
Now, this powerful but low-ranked wizard was standing in front of her new classroom, awaiting the homeroom teacher's summons.
"My dear students, starting today, you will have a new friend. Come in, my darling," Lady Emilia announced, her voice warm and inviting.
Lady Emilia's motherly smile put Gwen at ease, but she couldn't ignore the subtle waves of mana radiating from her teacher. Gwen's instincts told her that Lady Emilia, a water mage, was at least a seventh-level wizard. Even though the teacher hadn't reached the eighth level, a seventh-level wizard could still rival an eighth-level knight in battle.
Taking a deep breath, Gwen stepped into the classroom, standing tall as she faced her peers. "Good morning, everyone. My name is Gwyneth, but you can call me Gwen. I hope you all will be willing to be my friends!"
Silence.
Dozens of bewildered faces stared at her. Some students tried to suppress their laughter, while others exchanged incredulous glances. They seemed unsure whether to laugh outright or remain polite. After all, Lady Emilia had drilled the importance of respect into them.
But then…
"Pfft! Hahaha!" A girl burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. "Are you serious? You're asking us to be friends while looking like that? What's with your uniform?"
Lady Emilia cleared her throat sharply, and the girl's laughter cut off mid-chuckle. Instantly, the room fell silent again. The teacher's expression remained gentle, but her eyes held a warning. "Have you forgotten what I taught you? We do not judge others by appearances. Respect is paramount. Do I need to remind you again?"
"No, Teacher Emilia," the class chorused, bowing their heads.
Gwen blinked, impressed by the teacher's ability to command respect. No wonder Wisdom Academy was so prestigious—its faculty members were truly exceptional.
"I'm sorry, Gwyneth… Gwen," said the girl sheepishly. "I didn't mean to insult you. My name is Sofia, and I… uh… I'm willing to be your friend."
Although Gwen didn't particularly care about Sofia's apology, her face lit up at the word 'friend.'
"Awesome! I'm so happy to hear that!" she exclaimed, pulling out a small notebook from her backpack.
Before anyone could react, Gwen approached Sofia's desk. "Can you sign here? I'm keeping track of my friends."
Sofia stared, utterly dumbfounded. "You… want me to sign a book?"
"Yes!" Gwen said enthusiastically. "It's my Friend Tracker. I'm trying to reach a hundred friends, and you'll be my first!"
The classroom erupted into muffled giggles, and even Lady Emilia seemed at a loss for words.
"Gwen, darling, perhaps you should take a seat now," Lady Emilia said with a patient smile. "We're about to begin the lesson."
Gwen hesitated, glancing longingly at the rows of students she hadn't yet approached. But before she could protest, Sofia grabbed her arm and guided her to an empty desk beside her. "You can sit with me. You're doing it wrong. That's not how to get new friends."
"But... then how?"
Right before Sofia answered, Lady Emilia cleared her throat in a threatening way.
"Sst... I'll show you around later," Sofia whispered.
Gwen's mind immediately calculated the possibilities: touring the school = meeting more potential friends. She nodded eagerly. "You promise!"
Lady Emilia began the lesson, her voice firm and commanding the class's attention. "Since this is a magic class, it's only fitting that our new friend demonstrates her abilities. Gwen, darling, I heard, you just awakened your power a few days ago. Would you mind showing us your magic?"
Gwen hesitated. She wasn't like other students who had recently awakened their powers. She had been born with magic. Using and creating it as easy as breathing, but controlling it was a different story altogether.
Reluctantly, she extended a finger toward the small book on her desk. The book floated into the air, drawing murmurs of awe from her classmates.
"Telekinesis? It is a telekinesis magic!! What a gifted child!"
But before anyone could say more, chaos erupted. Students began to rise from their seats, their bodies levitating against their will.
"Ah! What's happening?!"
"Why am I floating?!"
Desks, chairs, and even Lady Emilia herself were now suspended in midair. The classroom was a swirling mess of floating objects and panicked cries.
"Gwen, darling," Lady Emilia said, remarkably calm despite the situation. "I understand your magic now. Could you kindly bring us all down?"
Gwen's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She fidgeted nervously. "I… um… I don't know how."
The room fell silent for a moment before Sofia let out a loud laugh. "You don't know how?!"
WHAT!!?