Will waved goodbye to Eir at the school gates. She sniffled as if he were leaving forever, her reluctance making it look far more dramatic than necessary.
Then, he stepped through the grand iron gates adorned with twin gryphons, the symbol of Entark’s First Academy—the pinnacle of education in the Empire.
“Hmm… Classroom, third floor, first room on the left… Ah, here it is.”
Holding his admission letter, Will wandered through the maze-like school building before finally arriving at the classroom door.
What awaited him on his first day?
He pushed the door open.
The mont he stepped inside, the lively chatter and movent within the classroom froze. The air felt heavy, stagnant. But as he walked further in, everything resud, as if nothing had happened.
Though the academy accepted students of middle school age by modern standards, its structure was more akin to a university. Classes were less about “studying together” and more about a hierarchical label.
Students were divided into classes based on their entrance exam results. Only those who t the high standards were placed in the corresponding elite classes.
The standards were rigid, which sotis led to imbalances—so classes were overcrowded, while others had only a handful of students. It was much like university majors.
Will’s elite class was one of the sparsely populated ones, with only about a dozen students scattered throughout the room.
But the fewer the people, the more cliques tended to form.
The first thing Will noticed was that the only available seat left for him was in the far corner of the last row—not even the protagonist’s typical “main character” seat.
Every other desk had books or personal belongings on it, marking them as taken, even if their owners weren’t present.
This level of exclusion on the very first day was unusual. Theoretically, these students had only t during the practical entrance exam. Had they already decided to ostracize him based on that brief encounter?
Without a word, Will sat down in the seat that had been left for him.
For now, there was nothing else he could do.
He hadn’t participated in the practical exams and technically didn’t belong in this class. His exceptional written exam scores and so behind-the-scenes influence had secured him a temporary spot while he awaited a makeup exam—sothing he begrudgingly had to thank his absentee father for.
As more students trickled in, the classroom grew noisier.
But…
None of the well-dressed, polished students chatting amongst themselves bothered to talk to Will.
Not that he cared.
He wasn’t the moody young master from the original story, who might’ve stord up to soone to demand attention. For instance, the cheerful blonde noble girl chatting nearby—she seed approachable enough.
Will decided to try his luck. He leaned over and extended a hand toward her.
“Uh, hi, I’m Will Hysterm. Today—”
“Ah… sorry, I’m busy. Try soone else.”
The mont she turned and saw him, her expression soured. Her smile vanished, replaced by a look of disdain. She stepped back two paces before moving to another seat.
Will’s outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air.
Fine, whatever. He accepted it. This, too, was part of the “fate” dictated by the original story.
For the first ti, Will found himself hoping the teacher would arrive soon. The first class was likely an introduction by the horoom teacher—having an authority figure present would at least improve the atmosphere.
His wish was granted.
As the bell rang, the students quickly returned to their seats. The classroom door creaked open—
And then…
A small head peeked in.
Golden twin-tails.
The figure glanced around the classroom, as if unsure whether she was in the right place.
She stepped inside, tugging at a mage’s robe that was clearly too large for her. The robe bore white embroidery, signifying her status as at least a senior professor.
She hopped up to the podium, her petite fra barely reaching the microphone. She had to stand on tiptoes to address the class.
Dusting off her oversized robe, she flicked her golden twin-tails and scanned the room with her crimson eyes.
The classroom fell into a prolonged silence.
Will, too, was speechless.
Ahaha, golden twin-tails, red eyes… If you had a big witch’s hat, I’d think you were Leah.
“Hello, everyone. I’m your… horoom teacher, Leah Ferramore Elent. My na’s too long, so just call Leah.”
The shy teacher avoided eye contact with the students, her gaze drifting toward the window as she introduced herself.
See? I knew it couldn’t be Leah…
It IS Leah?!
Wait, wait, wait—
What’s going on?!
Will didn’t recall anything in the original story about Leah being his horoom teacher!
Four years later, Leah was supposed to be his teammate in the adventuring party Morning Star. If she had been his teacher before that, there would’ve been so ntion of it in the story.
At the very least, Leah’s mories would’ve included so begrudging remark about having taught a student with terrible magical aptitude.
Could it be…
Will touched the witch coin in his pocket.
Was this deviation caused by him picking up the coin, creating a ripple effect that altered events outside the original plot?
So…
He hadn’t even cast his fishing line yet, and she’d already jumped onto the hook?!
“My main role is as a professor of ancient magic research. If you’re interested in ancient magic, feel free to ask questions. However, I don’t take on students often—most aren’t worth my ti. You lot… hmph, you’re not there yet.”
She flipped her golden hair, her tone a mix of dissatisfaction and pride.
Loli teacher supremacy.
Leah’s petite figure, her golden twin-tails curling at the ends, and the morning sunlight casting a soft glow on her doll-like face made her undeniably adorable.
Her pale red eyes, tinged with a hint of pink, added a touch of allure befitting a “witch,” contrasting with her youthful appearance.
The oversized mage’s robe that enveloped her small fra and the large hat that could obscure her entire face were charming highlights.
She was the kind of character you’d see in a ga, destined to be a fan-favorite.
—But this is unacceptable!
Will had speculated last night that Leah, being in the sa school and knowing he had her coin, would find a way to approach him.
But…
Becoming his horoom teacher?! Isn’t that a bit too much?!
“That’s all for my introduction. Do any of you have questions?”
Her words were t with silence, followed by an explosion of chatter.
“What?! She’s our teacher?”
“She looks like she’s twelve!”
“What kind of genius could qualify for this?”
“Shh—rumor has it the Vice Principal recruited an ageless witch two years ago.”
“A witch? Aren’t those just myths?”
“Not at all. She’s supposed to compete in the upcoming Eighth Fire and Fla Magic Research Competition.”
…
“Quiet, quiet. You’re all so quick to judge based on appearances. Hmph, when I was clearing dungeons, most of you were probably still in the womb!”
At this, even the “model students” of the elite class fell silent.
“Anyway, show so respect to your horoom teacher.”
Will hid half his face behind a book, sneaking glances at Leah from behind it.
He began calculating how to approach her as a student.
Then again…
It was just as likely that, being a tsundere, she’d co to him first.
“Alright, let’s take attendance. I don’t know any of you yet.”
Leah twirled her finger in the air, drawing a simple magic circle. A piece of paper materialized, containing the class roster—one sheet was enough for such a small class.
Will noticed her gaze lingering near him.
Then, without even glancing at the roster, she cleared her throat and, in a voice so cute it was hard to believe it ca from a teacher, called out:
“Will Hysterm?”
Their eyes t.
What’s going on?
A sudden attack?
“Will! Hysterm!!”
Leah’s crimson eyes locked onto Will, her tone growing impatient as she called his na again, gritting her teeth.
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