Vol3 Chapter 19 I Didn’t Think It Was Possible

The conversations inside the classroom gradually died down as footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Click.

Click.

Click.

The classroom door slid open, and a young woman strolled in at a relaxed pace. She looked to be in her late twenties, with long chestnut-brown hair flowing neatly over her shoulders and warm amber eyes that held both smarts and confidence. Wearing the crisp navy-and-white robes of an academy professor, she carried an easy smile that instantly lightened the room’s mood. Under one arm was a stack of documents, which she set down neatly on the podium.

"Good morning, everyone."

Her voice was gentle, yet every word reached every corner of the classroom with surprising clarity.

"My name is Selene Marak."

"I'll be your homeroom professor throughout your first year here at Arianne Academy."

Several students straightened their posture. Amos, meanwhile, quietly blinked.

...Marak?

His thoughts wandered to a certain man—his guildmaster. A loud, boisterous veteran who could drain a tavern’s ale supply before sunset, laugh at almost anything, and tackle most problems with the swing of his fist. Amos glanced at the woman standing before the class, then imagined the guildmaster again. And then, back to Selene.

Same surname...

Related?

Probably.

No.

There is absolutely no resemblance.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

How in the world does someone like him have a daughter who looks this refined?

His gaze remained perfectly calm on the outside.

Life truly is full of mysteries.

Content with his conclusion, Amos quietly set the matter aside. Maybe genes just worked in mysterious ways. Or maybe all the credit belonged to her mother. Meanwhile, Selene beamed warmly at the class.

"First of all, congratulations."

"You twenty are the students selected for Class A."

"That title carries prestige, but it also carries expectations."

She folded her hands together.

"Don't let that pressure consume you."

"My responsibility isn't to turn you into someone else."

"It's to help each of you become the best version of yourselves."

Her words earned several thoughtful expressions.

"Now then."

She picked up the attendance sheet.

"Since this is our first meeting, let's start by introducing ourselves."

"Nothing complicated."

"Your name, where you're from if you'd like to share, and perhaps one thing about yourself."

Her smile widened slightly.

"I promise I don't bite."

A few quiet laughs spread throughout the classroom. Selene looked around the room before pointing toward the first row.

"We'll simply go from front to back."

"Who would like to begin?"

For a moment, the classroom fell completely silent. Then, the girl in the front row rose to her feet with effortless grace.

"My name is Seraphine R. Dusk."

Her composed crimson eyes swept across the room.

"I am from House Dusk."

"I look forward to studying alongside all of you."

It was a simple, elegant introduction—exactly what everyone anticipated from one of the Empire’s most prestigious noble houses. Professor Selene nodded, smiling warmly.

"Thank you, Seraphine."

The next student rose immediately after. The large beastkin boy folded his arms confidently.

"Garron Tusk."

"My tribe lives in the northern highlands."

"I like fighting."

"That's about it."

He took his seat again, prompting a few students to grin. Professor Selene let out a light chuckle.

"Straightforward."

Next came the quiet girl reading the thick book. She calmly closed it before standing.

"Nyra Pierce."

"I enjoy reading."

"I dislike unnecessary conversations."

"I hope everyone understands."

Without another word, she resumed reading before she had even fully sat down.

"..."

"..."

Professor Selene blinked once before smiling awkwardly.

"Well... thank you, Nyra."

The classroom buzzed with newfound energy as Kael rose to his feet, flashing a smooth, well-rehearsed smile."Kael Veyron."

"Heir of House Veyron."

"I enjoy swordsmanship, horseback riding, and making new friends."

He looked around the classroom.

"I hope we'll all get along."

His polished manners earned several approving nods. The next two students stood one after another.

"I'm Andrew R. Darkhan."

The older-looking twin gave a polite bow.

"I'll do my best this year."

Then—

"Andre R. Darkhan."

The second twin's voice was almost identical.

"I have nothing else to add."

He immediately sat back down. The contrast between the brothers drew a few amused looks.

Bruno stood next, scratching the back of his head.

"Bruno G. Morrest."

"I don't really have anything fancy to say."

"I like training."

"And... eating."

A few quiet chuckles rippled through the class. Even Bruno let out a sheepish laugh. Kal Boreal stood up with flawless posture.

"Kal Boreal."

"I seek strength."

"I have no intention of wasting my time."

His icy statement brought the room to an abrupt hush. Even seated, his expression remained unchanged. Milfort pushed his glasses up before rising to his feet.

"My name is Milfort J. Mildred."

"I enjoy researching mana theory and magical engineering."

He sat down, looking relieved it was over.

Finally, Rafael stood.

He casually twirled his pen once before slipping it into his pocket.

"Rafael H. Wright."

"I don't have any grand ambitions."

"I just want to survive graduation."

The room erupted into soft laughter. Professor Selene laughed along.

"A very realistic goal."

Rafael grinned before sitting down.

Professor Selene glanced toward the Hall of Stars students.

"Now..."

"I believe it's your turn."

Chester immediately leaned slightly toward Amos.

"Please don't say something weird."

Amos looked at him with complete sincerity.

"I wasn't planning to."

"...That somehow doesn't reassure me."

Frida, who had overheard them, covered her mouth to hide a laugh while Lucra simply shook his head. Professor Selene smiled as her eyes settled on the first student from their group.

"Let's continue."

"The next introduction, please."

Professor Selene smiled warmly as her gaze settled on the blond young man seated near the window.

"Mr. Kyros."

"Would you begin?"

Twenty pairs of eyes turned toward Amos.

Amos slowly stood up, suppressing a yawn with the back of his hand.

"...Hello."

"My name is Amos E. Kyros."

"I'm from House Kyros."

He looked around the classroom for a moment before continuing.

"I like winning."

"..."

The classroom fell silent.

Professor Selene blinked.

"...That's all?"

Amos nodded honestly.

"Yes."

"..."

A few students looked at one another. Rafael couldn't help letting out a quiet laugh.

"Simple."

Professor Selene smiled helplessly.

"Thank you, Mr. Kyros."

Amos calmly returned to his seat. Professor Selene shifted her attention.

"Mr. Reinhart."

Chester immediately stood.

Unlike Amos, his posture was perfectly straight.

"My name is Chester Reinhart."

"Heir of House Reinhart."

"I enjoy swordsmanship."

His crimson eyes swept across the classroom before stopping on Amos for the briefest moment.

"And I hope to become the strongest student in this academy."

Several students immediately recognized the declaration. Professor Selene nodded approvingly.

"A wonderful goal."

Chester sat down. Frida leaned toward Lucra and whispered,

"He sounds serious."

Lucra quietly nodded.

Next came Aurelia.

The green-haired girl stood with her usual elegant posture.

"My name is Aurelia Maria Edward."

"I am from House Edward."

"I enjoy studying magic."

A brief pause.

"If anyone wishes to discuss magical theory..."

She looked completely serious.

"...please do."

Then she quietly sat back down.

Milfort was already jotting notes in a notebook as Professor Selene smiled.

"I have a feeling you'll have many visitors."

Aurelia gave a simple nod as Estelle stood up, gently clasping her hands together.

"My name is Estelle Celeste."

"I come from the Celeste Holy Kingdom."

"I hope we can all become friends."

"If anyone ever needs healing..."

She smiled softly.

"...please don't hesitate to ask."

The atmosphere instantly became lighter. Professor Selene gave an approving nod.

"A wonderful introduction."

She then turned toward the pink-haired twins.

"Miss Edith?"

Edith rose to her feet, and the classroom fell silent. She glanced around, a hint of nervousness in her eyes, before opening the notebook she always carried. With practiced ease, she turned it toward the class, revealing in neat handwriting the words:

My name is Edith Cassia Markult.

It's nice to meet everyone.

I enjoy reading books and drawing.

I hope we can all be friends.

She offered a small, shy bow to the room. A few students blinked in surprise before understanding set in. Professor Selene’s gentle smile followed.

"As everyone can see, Miss Edith communicates through writing."

"She has been unable to speak since childhood."

"Please be patient with her."

Edith smiled warmly as she took her seat, clutching her notebook close. Her quiet, gentle demeanor fit perfectly with the impression others had of her. Moments later, Elodie rose to her feet, greeting the room with a bright, confident smile.

"My name is Elodie Cassandra Markult."

"I'm Edith's older twin sister."

She glanced toward Edith with obvious affection.

"If you need help talking with her, I'll gladly help."

She then smiled mischievously.

"...Of course, consultation fees may apply."

The classroom erupted into laughter. Even Professor Selene laughed.

"A merchant through and through."

"Thank you, Miss Markult."

"I learned from the best."

Elodie replied proudly before sitting down.

Willow stood next.

"My name is Willow Brew."

"I'm a commoner."

"I enjoy learning."

"I hope everyone can improve together."

Her introduction was simple but heartfelt, and Professor Selene smiled.

"Thank you."

Then Mira arrived, the elf rising with effortless grace.

"My name is Mira Cedar Dale."

"I am from the Great Forest."

"I specialize in archery."

"I also enjoy peaceful places."

She paused.

"Please don't make too much noise."

Frida immediately looked away innocently. Lucra sighed quietly.

"I'll apologize in advance."

Frida pouted.

"I haven't even done anything yet."

Laughter spread through the classroom once again. Professor Selene smiled before looking toward the fox beastwoman.

"Miss Frederica."

Frida jumped to her feet with an energetic grin.

"My name is Frida Frederica!"

"I like snacks!"

"I like pranks!"

"I like shiny things!"

She proudly pointed toward Amos.

"And I think he's fun!"

Every eye immediately turned toward Amos. Amos blinked once.

"...Thank you?"

Professor Selene pinched the bridge of her nose to suppress a laugh.

"I somehow expected that."

Frida settled into her seat with a happy sigh, her fluffy tail swaying lazily behind the chair. At last—Lucra stood, the dragonfolk girl holding herself with graceful dignity.

"My name is Lucra."

"I wish to become stronger."

She looked around calmly.

"I hope we can learn from one another."

Professor Selene nodded.

"Excellent."

She looked across the classroom.

"Wonderful."

"It seems Class A has quite the diverse group."

She clasped her hands together.

"Now that introductions are finished..."

Her smile became noticeably more playful.

"Let's begin your very first lesson at Arianne Academy."