The World After The Fall—that was what Earth became following the emergence of the gates. It was approximately three months after Kai's transmigration that the unimaginable occurred—something that was thought to be just fiction.
Enormous portals, resembling rifts in space, appeared in every city across Earth, unleashing monsters upon the world.
Yet just as humanity teetered on the brink of extinction, hunters emerged—individuals with extraordinary abilities who stood against the monstrous threat.
Despite their efforts, Earth remained fragmented. Humanity sought refuge behind metallic domes, shielded from the creatures that prowled outside.
Meanwhile, the hunters—both heroes and rulers of this new world—fought for the protection of lives and resources.
-------
"This is what happened since you disappeared—Uncle turned cold, so did Aunt and Unnie." Hari curled up on the lodge's couch, her legs swaying gently in the air.
"Hmm..."
Based on Hari's explanation, it seemed my parents had searched endlessly for me during the so-called kidnapping—something that only added to the turmoil.
My hometown, Korea, was one of seven nations to harbor not only a Tier Five gate but also—S-ranks.
'Apparently, my dad, after awakening as an S-rank, used references from my novel as Earth's terminology in an attempt to soothe my spirit.' A smile crept across my face as I handed Hari a cup of tea.
"So you were an A-rank before now?" I asked, sinking into the couch.
"Mmm..." Hari grinned, mischief dancing across her face. I instinctively shifted to the next seat in the small, white living area.
"What are you scheming?"
"Nothing... It's just... Why am I calling you oppa? I'm eight months older than you, aren't I?" she asked with a smirk.
'This brat!' I screamed inwardly.
"Hahaha... Say it, big bro... Say Noona." She demanded, crawling across the chair on all fours.
"Never." I replied flatly.
"Huh? Is that disrespect I hear? Do you want your big sis to discipline you? Greet me properly."
"Never!" My voice was firm, but I gently set down the cup, knowing full well Hari would never back down.
"Just once... Say it." she insisted, her tone obsessive.
"Calm down, okay... I'll say it." I gave in, because of one reason. Hari wasn't just a school psycho—she was even hospitalized in a mental facility before. "Noona... Are you satisfied?"
Hari's face lit up with joy. "Mmm... Now pat my head."
I leaned forward, only to snap my head back midway. "Ajumma."
Hari's eyes darkened, her fingers snapping. "Seems like a day away erased your memory of how dangerous I am." Her steps were deliberate as mana filled the room. "Have you forgotten who saved you from bullies?"
"I'm fairly certain that was because you didn't know what to write in the exams." I shot back.
"No, I did it out of pure sisterly love. Now call me Noona."
"Okay." I stood and bolted to the farthest corner of the room. "Never!"
"Get back here, you bastard! I'll remind you why they called me a psycho!"
Before I realized it, she had caught me. I could only blame my stamina as my head was relentlessly assaulted like a sledgehammer—all while my so-called saints stood by the door, too terrified to intervene.
ONE HOUR, THIRTY MINUTES TO NOCTIS GATE CEREMONY
---
"Today is the moment you've all been anticipating!" A news reporter faced the camera stationed behind us—mere inches from the colossal gate. "The biannual opening of Noctis' gate is upon us."
Waving for the cameraman to follow, she stepped beside the instructor. "The eighty-four students standing here are about to enter the most prestigious academy—some may withdraw, others will be eliminated, but only the elite will survive to lead the next generation."
'They really know how to add drama. Was this even in my original setting?' I sighed, my gaze drifting to Hari, who stood beside me in our uniforms.
An off-white blazer, paired with a white shirt and black tie—boys wore white trousers while girls had pleated skirts that ended above the knee, which made it a bit too revealing, but the uniform fit like a tailored two-piece.
"Why did I have to cut my hair? You even made me wear contact lenses." I asked Hari, who was deep in thought.
"Well... That messy hair would've drawn too much attention. Nobody wants that." Hari seemed to be trying to open the gate telekinetically—which was amusing, given that four A-ranks were required to unlock it.
"From this point on, you are students of Noctis." Neko-sensei snapped her fingers, and phones appeared in every student's hand.
"That's the only device permitted at school. Through it, you'll check assignments, rankings, and chat with classmates."
I didn't need to worry about my laptop being discovered—it was part of me, invisible to anyone else.
"Now!" Professor Kelvin bellowed as the gates creaked open, revealing a vast expanse the size of a city—spanning over 65 acres.
Wind swirled—so did mana, the scent of spring filling the air and silhouettes of figures loomed within the gate, causing all the students, myself included, to tense up.
My heart raced from both excitement—Trill—but also from the looming dangers and the trauma that would soon unfold beyond these very gates.
My lips trembled—my hands clenched into a fist.
Hari clutched my sleeves tightly, while Amy, standing at the front, shot a quick glance in my direction.
'Did the weather suddenly get cold?' I thought, shivering ever so slightly.
Neko-sensei's voice echoed through the air, her gaze fixed on all the new cadets.
"Welcome, diamonds in the rough—to hell: Noctis Academy."