I sat in my seat at the very back, trying to look interested while Carmilla continued explaining at the front of the hall. She moved calmly in front of the board, arranging her notes with precise motions.
But honestly?
I wasn't listening to every word.
Most of what she was saying, I already knew from the original novel—the world I came from. Arkaleon Academy, its system, its rules… all of it was familiar.
But still, I kept myself alert. Any small difference here could change a lot… and maybe change my future as well.
I exhaled slowly, staring at my fingers resting on the desk. My left blue eye caught the sunlight slipping through the window, while the golden one shimmered faintly. A few students kept glancing at me from time to time. They were almost used to my strange appearance… almost.
Carmilla stopped at the center of the hall and spoke in a steady tone:
"Alright, let's begin with the basics. First—our curriculum is divided into four main specialties."
She raised her first finger.
---
① Combat Department
"Combat aims to strengthen a student's ability to use mana inside and outside the body—enhancing physical strength, speed, sword techniques, and mental endurance. You will train against various monsters, practice solo combat, and group coordination."
I nodded slightly.
This department mattered the most to me… everything comes down to power.
---
② Mana Engineering
She raised her second finger.
"Mana Engineering focuses on analyzing mana flow and understanding its structure. From it, advanced techniques, formations, enchantments, and mana weapons are created. I will be your instructor in this field, as well as in mana theory."
A few students' breathing changed. Carmilla was well-known for being strict.
---
③ Summoning Department
"The Summoning field teaches students how to form connections with spiritual beings or mana creatures. It depends on mental strength, spiritual compatibility, and mana reserves. Though rare, summoners possess overwhelming potential."
Yeah… I knew exactly who would excel in this field later on.
---
④ Elemental Control
"Finally, Elemental Control. This includes fire, water, wind, earth, and the rarer elements such as light and darkness. It requires understanding how mana interacts with each element. Every person has one or two elements that match the structure of their mana."
My thoughts drifted automatically toward the darkness inside my chest…
the void that not even I fully understood.
And that alone… terrified me sometimes.
---
Carmilla continued flipping through her notes.
"There will also be midterm exams held halfway through the year. Students from Class A can transfer to the Elite Class… and some of you may drop out of it if you're not good enough. So, work hard."
Hmm… this part was a little different from the novel.
The competition seemed harsher here.
She then spoke louder:
"Fighting between students is prohibited unless granted permission by me or the Student Council. There must always be a supervisor present. If you're unhappy with your rank, you may challenge someone—if both sides agree."
My eyes drifted to Lucas in the row ahead.
His short gray hair shifted whenever he moved.
This idiot caused a commotion in the novel because of his rank.
Carmilla raised her hand:
"In one month, the mission board will open. You can take missions individually or as teams. Completing missions earns points and privileges."
The hall buzzed with excitement.
"There are also school expeditions. And at the end of the year, there is the annual academy tournament, where students from different academies participate. Details will come later."
Then she smiled… a rare expression from her.
"And finally… the Point System."
Now everyone paid attention.
Even I straightened up.
---
The Point System – The Foundation of Competition
Carmilla explained:
"Every student begins with a set number of points. Points are earned from missions, practical lessons, exams, or contributions to your department. Your starting points depend on your rank."
Then she added:
"You can exchange points for many valuable things: – Training materials
– Mana tools
– Access to the Gravity Room
– Enhancement cards
– Even special leaves of absence"
Her tone hardened:
"If your points drop to zero, you will be put under supervision and may lose access to certain classes. So… don't be careless."
Good… I could exploit this system.
---
After finishing the explanations, Carmilla closed her notebook.
"Now… let's begin today's lesson."
The hall grew silent.
She walked to the board and wrote in large, clear letters:
"History of the World and Mana"
---
The Origin of Mana
She turned to us:
"About a thousand years ago—exactly 1000—our continent had no mana at all. Humans lived normal lives, with no magic, no abilities, and no mana beasts."
A few students raised their brows.
"Then came an event we call 'The First Opening.'"
She wrote the phrase on the board.
"A strange crack appeared in the sky above the central region. From it poured an unknown energy, spreading through the air, land, and water… and into the bodies of humans."
She rested her hand on the desk.
"Most humans couldn't adapt. Many died in the first year."
Soft murmurs filled the room.
"Those who survived… began developing abilities. Some controlled fire, others water, and some gained immense physical strength. After a century, these abilities evolved into what we now call mana."
She turned a page.
"And shortly after the first crack appeared, not all the beings that came through were monsters. A race resembling humans emerged—taller, more graceful, with long pointed ears and a natural affinity for mana."
"The Elves."
"They came from another world connected to ours through the same crack. They weren't invaders—only refugees escaping a catastrophic war. Despite their shock, they helped humanity understand mana flow and even built the first structures of our magical systems. In return, they were given a place to live—forming what we now call the continent of Élyren."
She opened an old book.
"The earliest written record of mana was by a king from the ancient kingdom of Valsern—with help from the elves."
My eyes drifted instantly toward Leander Vallis.
He seemed unusually focused.
Carmilla continued:
"Since then, the world has grown through academies, armies, and guilds…"
She faced the class.
"And now… the most important point:"
Her voice deepened.
"Mana is not just energy. It is a living force that interacts with the soul. That's why no two people have identical mana. Some possess pure mana… others wield dark mana."
My chest tightened—
thinking of what lay sleeping inside me.
She continued:
"Each student here has a unique mana structure. We'll discover yours during the Mana Compatibility Test."
---
Questions followed.
Naera raised her hand first, her long black hair and violet eyes shining under the classroom lights:
"Professor, is it true some mana types cannot merge at all?"
"Yes," Carmilla replied.
"Some types reject fusion. Their users struggle to develop—or require significantly more time."
Lucas asked next:
"When will we get to fight real monsters?"
Carmilla sighed.
"When I'm sure you won't die in the first lesson."
A few laughs escaped.
Leander raised his hand politely:
"Will we be allowed to join exploration expeditions this semester?"
"That depends on your progress. Expeditions are not field trips—they may involve real battles."
Naera nodded beside him.
---
While the class continued, my mind wandered to more important things:
Strength.
Speed.
The limited time I have… to bring my family back.
For some reason, I felt time tightening around me.
Every lesson, every mission…
I needed them to push forward.
---
After another hour, Carmilla finally said:
"Alright. Today's assignment is simple:
Write a summary on the origin of mana and its effect on ancient civilizations. Submit it tomorrow."
She closed her book.
"And tomorrow… we begin the Mana Compatibility Test."
Then added:
"You will also have your first Combat Class."
My chest tightened.
The compatibility test…
What would happen when they examined my mana?
Would the void appear?
What am I supposed to tell them?
I tried to keep calm as students began packing their notebooks.
______
If you enjoyed the chapter, don't forget to leave a comment. And add some Power stones