I fidgeted in my seat. Every so often, my eyes would flick sideways to where Rumia sat, completely focused ahead as if I didn't even exist.
Awkward didn't even begin to describe how I felt. First of all, she was one of the main characters of this world. Second… well, she'd literally stared at me with indifference and disgust not too long ago. Yeah, not exactly the most welcoming gaze.
Honestly, this just confirmed my earlier decision: stay the hell away from her. Far, far away.
Before I could spiral any further, Professor Argois's voice sliced through my thoughts.
"Before we begin class, there's something I need to address."
The room quieted almost instantly. Argois continued, explaining how—as in every previous year—Arcadia Academy would soon hold the Arming Ceremony, where students would be granted their weapon of choice… or rather, the weapon that chose them. He emphasized that once chosen, their weapon could not be changed.
Immediately, the room erupted into murmurs. Some wondered what others would choose. Others excitedly whispered that "the weapons choose the wielder, not the other way around." A few were practically bouncing in their seats at the thought of getting a sword or wand.
I stared blankly ahead, my thoughts already running.
The Arming Ceremony huh…
In the game NOTFH, there were three big academy events: the Enrollment Ceremony, the Arming Ceremony, and the Grand Competition. This one was a pretty big deal. Weapons ranged from swords and staves to enchanted accessories… and the rarest of all, Grimoires.
As much as I wanted to pretend it didn't matter, I couldn't help frowning and scratching the back of my head.
"This is gonna be annoying," I muttered under my breath.
…Though, I'll admit—I was a bit excited.
Then the reality check hit me. Most weapons either contained or required mana to use. I had neither. No mana, no affinity, no talent. Just like in the original Dean's story, I probably wouldn't get anything. I'd end up having to forge my own weapon… just like before.
I slumped forward onto my desk with a loud thud. The thought of gathering those materials again made my head ache. The "Reverse Blade" wasn't exactly easy to make.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Rumia glance at me briefly before returning her attention to the front. Great. Now she probably thinks I'm weird and pathetic. Perfect combination.
…..
Later, Class S gathered in the grand ceremonial hall. Classes A and B joined shortly after, the massive space buzzing with students.
As expected, I stood alone. No friends. No allies. Just a useless commoner in S-Class. My self-esteem took a hit, but I straightened my back and stared ahead with feigned indifference.
Professor Argois clapped his hands sharply, commanding attention.
"Is everyone accounted for?"
Once the noise died down, he sighed and snapped his fingers.
Clack—clack—clack!
Panels along the walls opened, revealing an array of weapons: swords, staves, wands, accessories—all floating in the air, supported by glowing runes on the floor.
"These are the Arms prepared for this year's ceremony," Argois said. "From lowest class to highest, they await their wielders. Approach the weapon that calls to you—or rather, the one you wish to call to you. If a contract is possible, you will be taken to your Inner World, where the weapon will judge your compatibility."
His gaze swept across us like a hawk.
"And remember—once chosen, there are no second chances."
The class burst into motion. Students scattered to inspect the weapons, some bragging about what they'd pick, others whispering nervously.
I walked among the floating arms, scanning the rows.
Swords. Staves. Wands. Accessories.
In the game, Dean didn't even get to touch a weapon—none of them acknowledged him. F-Class laughed him out of the ceremony. Now, though… I was in S-Class. Maybe, just maybe, something could change.
Still, I wasn't optimistic. Most of these swords were magic swords, which meant they'd ignore me entirely.
Whispers followed me like an annoying chorus.
"Does he really think he can get one?"
"He doesn't even have mana."
"Gutsy for a commoner, I'll give him that."
I ignored them. If I'd given up every time someone mocked me, I wouldn't have survived the prologue.
Then—
"Hey, you!"
I turned. A scowling boy with folded arms stood behind me.
"Who are you?" I asked flatly.
"Trefor," he snapped, as if the name should mean something.
"…Okay?" I blinked.
He clicked his tongue in irritation.
"You planning to pick a weapon or just stand around looking lost?"
I glanced around the hall, then shrugged. "I'll pick something. Maybe."
Trefor's lips twisted into a mocking grin.
"Pick a lower-class weapon. Then again, even that's too good for someone with no mana. Having nothing suits you better, commoner."
I stared at him blankly. He stepped closer, hand clamping down on my shoulder with false authority.
"Don't cause trouble for the professors. Got it?"
I swatted his hand away. "You should focus on finding something befitting your status too, Trefor."
His face flushed as the nearby students snickered. I turned to leave.
"You damned bastard!" he yelled. "Fine! I'll show you what a real weapon looks like!"
He scanned the room frantically before locking onto something. He pointed dramatically.
"I'll claim that one!"
My gaze followed his finger—
And my stomach dropped.
"Ophnear…" I muttered.
The ornate wand floated gracefully, humming with power. In the game, it was Hayden Break's weapon—an insanely overpowered wand that required absurd amounts of mana. No one else ever managed to form a contract with it.
In truth, it was more so on display rather than anyone actually being able to wield it.
My eyes darted over—
Trefor marched toward it like a man on a mission.
"…Idiot," I muttered.
I turned my back, ready to go and look at the rest of the arms.
But then—
I felt it. A cold chill ran down my spine.
BOOM!
Trefor's body went flying past me at frightening speed, slamming into the wall with enough force to send dust and debris everywhere. I barely ducked in time.
Professors rushed to his side, healing spells already weaving around his broken form.
My eyes snapped to Ophnear. The wand floated calmly in the air, raw mana flaring like a wild beast baring its fangs. It wasn't just rejecting him. It was furious.
This wasn't supposed to happen. In the original story, no one but Hayden ever touched it. There was never an accident like this.
And now…
A bead of sweat trickled down my temple.
"I've got a bad feeling about this…"