"Snap." A resonant sound echoed from within the gate, drawing students' attention.
But no matter how much we scanned the area for the source of the harmonious sound—nothing appeared.
Dread settled in my chest as I recalled who could create such a delicate snap that echoed loud enough for even the students at the back to hear.
"Damn it!" That was all I could say as the ground itself seemed to shatter into countless shards yet remained completely whole.
'Kami Zone'—an ability that could rank among the top ten most broken in the entire verse if utilized correctly.
While my thoughts raced for solutions—I vanished, along with twenty-one other students.
It seemed the entrance ceremony wasn't going to happen for us.
I steadied my mind, focusing on the star-filled sky projected before me and my soon-to-be classmates.
Glancing at those closest to me, I recognized a few as their creator, but thankfully neither Amy nor Hari was in my group, much to my relief.
Just as I considered lowering my guard, my gaze met Joshua—who clicked his tongue and looked away.
'That bastard made it.' Suddenly, the world trembled, and we began plummeting from what seemed to be the sky—at least 20,000 feet up.
Students screamed, while a few boys grinned at the once in a lifetime sight—causing the girls to shriek and instinctively cover themselves, forgetting their earlier fear.
'She just had to make a grand entrance.'
Some students like Matthew who was shockingly in my class. Alongside Isabella Abraham, the Latina cupcake who, according to the story, wasn't meant to share a class with Matthew the protagonist.
And others like Kira and Reozaki—channeled mana through their bodies to soften the landing.
'Amateurs.' I remarked, unbothered by the height we were falling from due to Neko-sensei's ability.
As if the heavens flipped—the students, myself included, found ourselves lying atop the clouds instead of falling, as if gravity had been rewritten.
A soft, warm breeze brushed our skin, the sunlight filtering through the clouds gave out the sensation of paradise.
"Welcome, Class 1-C, to my world."
We turned to the stunning woman perched atop a swivel chair. "Hope you enjoyed the ride?" she asked, though it was clear she didn't need an answaer.
"Was that the teacher's talent?" one student asked aloud.
"So is she our homeroom teacher?" his friend inquired.
"Settle down, kids..." she paused, raising the tablet in her hands—her eyes shifted, and for a brief moment it felt like they met mine, accompanied by a smile.
"What am I even thinking," I whispered, standing behind a group of students near the rear.
"I will now announce the rankings of your class and your class representative."
After a dramatic pause, gauging her new class's reactions, she continued. "In this class, we have the top student in combat... The top in written, the third and fifth in combat, and third in written—so if you hear your name, step forward."
"Do you think you made it?" a blue-haired boy asked his female friend.
"No chance," she replied quickly.
"Fifth rank in the Combat section—Reozaki."
A boy with black hair and lightless black eyes walked to where Neko-sensei sat. "Yes, ma'am."
"Congratulations." Her words came with a soft smile as he moved beside the desk.
"Third rank in Combat section—Isabella Abraham, step forward."
Isabella—the breathtaking woman with both stunning beauty and a body that more than matched it, which prompted many male students to stare.
Her crystalline eyes shimmered as her platinum silver hair fluttered gently. "Yes, ma'am."
"Congratulations."
Her expression darkened at the words, it seemed she wasn't pleased with third place. But I couldn't help thinking how fortunate she was that Hari didn't participate.
Taking her place beside Reozaki, Neko-sensei continued. "Fifth in the Written section—Cyrus Dover."
A young man with a cocky grin, crimson eyes, blonde hair, and a well-built frame—walked to the front and stood beside Isabella without a word.
Neko-sensei sighed, then looked at the tablet. "Top rank in Combat—Matthew Von Sliver."
At her words, a young man, striking and oddly calming—stepped before the class. His black hair and icy blue eyes seemed both piercing and kind.
"Yes, ma'am."
With a nod, Neko-sensei declared, "Congratulations, Rank One."
Cheers filled the hall as he stood beside Cyrus.
'Damn you, Matthew, at least pay me for all the broken talents I gave you and for ending my writing career.' I cursed mentally as the charming guy smiled at everyone who looked his way.
"Tch."
Clicking my tongue in annoyance, I turned my focus back to the announcement.
"And finally, Rank One in the written test… Huh? How can this be? He got everything right, even the ones I added just to mess with people." A grin spread across Neko-sensei's face.
'I feel bad for the unlucky soul who aced her course, she won't ever let you go—imprisonment isn't off the table.' I shook my head, mourning the poor guy, only to be stunned by what came next.
"Kaiser Vanguard," she announced.
"Kaiser Vanguard? Who's that?"
"Isn't he the one they call Wildcat, or was it Ice Cub?"
"Yeah, I didn't know he was smart."
"No wonder Lady Amelia said he didn't cheat."
"But… can you remember his face?"
The murmurs only grew as I walked forward, cursing silently.
'Good thing I wore black contacts.'
Only then did it dawn on me that the lenses had been lost during the fall.
Students stared as I approached Neko-sensei.
"Yes, ma'am."
A pleased smile touched her lips. "So you're the pretty boy—Congratulations… But do see me after this."
'Just my luck.' I nodded reluctantly, stepping beside Matthew, who smiled like he'd been waiting for me.
"Hey, I'm Matthew, but just call me Matt." His cheerful expression beamed as he extended a hand.
"Oh, hey, I'm Kaiser Vanguard, but Kai works." I shook his hand formally.
"Nice to meet you, Kai. I loved what you did to that immoral professor."
"Yeah… I think we'll annoy the teacher if we keep talking," I said, trying to change the subject.
"Right, right."
'I completely forgot about Matthew's power.'
Matthew Von Sliver—the illegitimate son of England's king.
As a child, he was neglected and mistreated until he awakened a power that drew strength from mysterious deities—something even I didn't know, since I never finished writing them into the story.
Long story short—Matthew was your classic protagonist: kind, naïve, slightly foolish, noble-hearted and the type who carries the weight of the world through self-imposed heroics.
'Poor guy, I'd never want his life, where danger chases you constantly and you're burdened with saving everyone—but I still plan on helping you.'
"Okay... Okay." Neko-sensei's words put a hold to all conversations.
"Just because I called these five doesn't mean they're superior... It's just a standard to aim for. After this, you'll meet your peers and select your class, so think carefully."
The students nodded and dispersed, quickly electing Matthew as assistant class rep and Isabella as the class rep, since she clearly had more brains.
Now, only I and Neko-sensei stood at the far edge of the clouds—a place glowing gold instead of sky blue.
'How did I end up in this mess?'
"Wildcat, how would you feel about becoming my apprentice and training to become a full-fledged mage?"
'I knew it would come to this and no offense Neko-sensei, but you're very possessive.'
With a straight face and firm resolve, I answered, "I think I'll pass, Ma."