Volume 01, Chapter 05

  Middle School [2]

  What the hell is this?

  I stare at the glowing text, stunned for a moment. This screen has popped up a few times since I arrived, but its strange messages only confuse things.

  “Hey, you! Don’t ignore me!” the bully shouts, dragging me back to reality.

  He steps forward, grabs my shirt, and slams me against the wall—hard. “You Manaless piece of shit have no right to ignore me!” he yells.

  His face is twisted in anger, inches from mine. The air feels heavy with tension. But I notice something—he can’t see the glowing screen.

  “You Manaless shit, do you hear me!?”

  His words hit harder than his grip. Something inside me snaps. I’m not Dominic—not the version he’s used to. I’ve dealt with people like him before. I know what happens when you let bullies walk all over you.

  Not this time.

  Without thinking, I drive my knee straight up, aiming for the one spot that’ll hurt the most- the balls.

  “Gah!”

  He groans, loosens his grip, and bends over in pain, clutching his groin.

  But I’m not done.

  While he’s doubled over, I lift my leg and kick him hard in the face.

  -Thwack!

  His head snaps back. Blood spurts from his nose as he drops to the ground, limp and groaning.

  I step back, breathing heavily. My heart pounds, adrenaline rushing through me. Seeing him like that—broken and humiliated—feels… right.

  “I’m not Dominic as you know him,” I say, staring down at him. “And I’m not putting up with this.”

  This feels like a line in the sand—not just for him, but for everyone in this new world.

  In my old life, I had reasons for staying quiet. I didn’t fight back at first. I was scared that if I caused trouble, I’d mess up my future—college, scholarships, a way out of poverty. But eventually, I broke. I had to fight back. It was the only way to take control again.

  Now I’m here. And that same fire is stronger than ever. The rules are different. And so am I.

  -Creak!

  A door opens. I turn and see Arthur walking out of the administration office.

  His eyes go wide the second he sees me and the guy on the floor. He hurries over, worry all over his face.

  “Doms, are you okay?”

  His voice is gentle, filled with concern. It’s a sharp contrast to the violence just moments ago.

  I give him a small nod and a faint smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  But his eyes move back to the bully, still groaning on the ground. He looks at me again, shocked.

  “Doms, you… you did that!?”

  “Uh… yeah,” I answer slowly, realizing how weird this must seem to him.

  Dominic—the old one—probably never stood up for himself. He would’ve taken the hits, stayed quiet. To Arthur, it must feel like I’ve become a different person.

  “Y-You!”

  The bully groans from the floor and starts to get up. He holds his face and… other parts. But he’s still glaring at me, shaking with anger.

  “How dare you, a Manaless, attack me?!”

  Seriously? I’m supposed to feel bad? He slammed me against a wall first! Where does he get the nerve?

  “Doms, you did great!”

  Arthur’s voice cuts through the tension. He ignores the bully and walks up to me, throwing an arm over my shoulders.

  It’s a simple move, but powerful. He’s making it clear—he’s on my side.

  The bully’s face twists again. His confidence is gone. Now he just looks desperate to get some control back.

  “H-Hey! Don’t ignore me!” he cries out, his voice cracking.

  But it sounds more like whining now. He’s not scary—he’s pathetic.

  Heh. Sucks to be you right now.

  Wait, what?

  The familiar holographic screen appears in front of me, catching me off guard with its timing. At the same time, I feel a sudden weight in my pockets—heavy and unfamiliar.

  Frowning, I reach in, curious. My fingers touch something solid, and when I pull it out, I see two shiny red guns.

  They’re beautiful—sleek and polished, with double barrels and gold details along the sides. Even though they’re small, they’re heavier than I thought, and their weight makes them feel important.

  Guns? Seriously? That’s awesome.

  I hold them in my hands and take a second to admire how well they’re made. They feel balanced, built for all kinds of situations, with grips that fit perfectly in my hands.

  In Sylvestria, where people without magic rely on magical weapons to keep up, these guns are more than just a prize. They’re my shot—my way—to find a place in a world where power usually means magic.

  As Galahad’s Judgment rests in my hands, something shifts inside me. I feel a rush of confidence. It’s not just about having a weapon—it’s about having something that gives me a real chance, something that helps me stand alongside those who’d normally look down on me.

  For the first time since I got here, I actually feel ready for what’s coming.

  Arthur suddenly gasps, and I turn toward him. His green eyes are wide as he stares at the guns in my hands.

  “Whoa, Doms, where’d you get those?” he asks, clearly surprised and confused.

  That pulls me back to reality.

  Oh no. I’m still at school. The thought hits me hard. Should I tell him about the red holographic screen?

  The flashing warning glows bright and urgent—it makes the choice for me. I can’t tell the truth. But lying? I’m terrible at it!

  “Uhh… I can explain—”

  -Creak!

  The door to the Administration Office swings open. Principal Cloud steps out, his tall figure and serious expression filling the hallway. His sharp eyes take in everything—the bully on the floor, Arthur looking worried, and me, standing there holding weapons I shouldn’t have.

  Panicking, I shove the guns into my pockets. They feel heavy and wrong.

  “What’s going on here?” Principal Cloud asks, his voice calm but strong. He walks toward us quickly.

  My stomach twists. Oh no—it’s the principal.

  My heart pounds. It’s my first day at middle school in Sylvestria, and I’m already in trouble.

  Memories from a web novel flash in my head—there was a story about a Manaless student who got kicked out for being bullied by Magicians. The principal in that story said the student made the school look bad. It wasn’t fair.

  What if this principal is the same? What if he believes Renard? What if he thinks I’m dangerous and expels me?

  I clench my fists to stop them from shaking. Sweat sticks to my back. I’ve felt this way before—back in my old life. I grew up poor, and that made me an easy target. Teachers ignored what I went through, always siding with the rich kids.

  I thought this world would be different. I thought I’d get a fresh start. But the way Principal Cloud looks at me… it’s the same cold feeling.

  Arthur steps forward and points to the bully on the ground. “Renard bullied Dominic again,” he says firmly.

  I stare at him, shocked. “Arthur…” My voice shakes. I don’t know whether to cry or thank him.

  We just met today, but he’s standing up for me. Probably because him and the original Dominic are close.

  Principal Cloud turns his gaze to Renard, eyes like lasers.

  “W-What!?” Renard stammers. His finger shakes as he points at me. “He kicked me, Principal!”

  The hallway goes quiet. I realize I’ve been holding my breath.

  The principal looks at me. “Is this true, Dominic?”

  I force myself to breathe and meet his eyes. His stare feels heavy, like it could crush me. But I can’t back down.

  I shake my head and speak, trying to sound steady. “Principal Cloud, he grabbed me first and shoved me against the wall.” I point to my torn vest. “I only defended myself.”

  Principal Cloud doesn’t say anything at first. His eyes narrow as he thinks.

  “I didn’t want to cause trouble,” I add, my voice lower now. “Renard’s been picking on me since I got here. I just… couldn’t take it anymore.”

  Renard laughs bitterly, folding his arms. “Liar. You’re just a Manaless making a scene.”

  That word hits hard. I open my mouth to say something, but Arthur steps in again.

  “I saw everything, Principal. Renard started it. Dominic didn’t do anything until after he was shoved.”

  Principal Cloud looks between Arthur and Renard. His face doesn’t give anything away.

  “Renard, is that true?” he asks calmly. “Did you start the fight?”

  Renard freezes. His fake confidence slips for a second. But then he shrugs and smirks. “I was just messing around. Didn’t mean anything by it.”

  The principal’s expression turns sharp. “Picking on others is never okay.” He straightens. “Mr. Renard, to the office. Now.”

  The words cut through the air like a blade.

  Renard’s smirk vanishes. “I—” he tries to argue, but one look from Principal Cloud shuts him up.

  “Now,” the principal repeats.

  Renard’s face goes pale. He walks to the office slowly, stiff and quiet.

  But just before he disappears through the door, he turns to me. His voice is low and angry. “Next time, you won’t be so lucky, Manaless boy.”

  I don’t flinch. I watch him go, feeling both shaky and relieved. It’s not over, but it’s better than it could’ve been.

  I let out a long breath. I’m still standing. Someone believed me.

  I glance at Arthur, and warmth spreads through my chest. I’m so grateful he spoke up.

  It could’ve ended so badly. Renard could’ve lied more, turned the story against me.

  And thank goodness—Principal Cloud didn’t see the guns. If he had, and realized I’m a Manaless with weapons? I’d be kicked out for sure. Or worse.

  And Renard—why didn’t he call me out about the guns? Maybe he didn’t see them earlier, or maybe he was too distracted by his own problems to use them against me. Either way, I got lucky. I doubt I’ll be that lucky again.

  “Hey, Doms, are you okay?”

  Arthur’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up and see the worry on his face.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” I say with a smile. “Just a little shaken.”

  Arthur nods. “I get it. Renard can be a pain. But you handled things really well.”

  “Thanks,” I say. “I was worried it would go a lot worse.”

  “Principal Cloud is strict, but fair,” Arthur says. “And don’t worry about Renard. He probably won’t bother you again after this.”

  Then Arthur suddenly steps forward and hugs me tightly. I freeze, completely surprised.

  “Uh, Arthur?” I mumble into his shoulder.

  He steps back, grinning awkwardly. “Sorry. You just looked like you needed a hug.”

  I blink, still surprised. “Oh, um, thanks. I guess I didn’t realize I did.”

  “Anytime, Doms.” He laughs and pats my back. Then he tilts his head. “By the way, where did you get those guns?”

  His question catches me off guard, pulling me back to reality. My brain scrambles for an answer.

  “Uhh…”

  There’s a short silence while I try to think of something believable. I definitely can’t talk about the red holographic screen that gave to me.

  “…My dad gave them to me for protection.”

  It’s a lie—but it’s the best I’ve got. Since Dominic’s dad is known as a Stargate Raider, people think he knows a lot about weapons and fighting. If anyone found out the truth, the holographic screen might react badly.

  Arthur’s eyes go wide, and he lights up. “Whoa, that’s awesome, Doms!”

  Thankfully, he believes me. He’s so excited I can’t help but smile, even if I feel a little guilty for lying.

  “Yeah, I guess,” I say, trying to act chill. “But I have to be careful. Can’t exactly show these to others.”

  Arthur nods quickly. “Totally. But it’s still really cool that uncle trusts you with them.”

  I laugh a little, hoping to move on from the topic. “Yeah, well… he’s just a little overprotective.”

  Arthur grins. “Still, I’m glad you have them. Better safe than sorry, right?”

  “Right.”

  Some of the stress fades. At least Arthur isn’t asking more questions.

  -RING!

  The school bell blares, cutting off our talk.

  “Crap! Doms, let’s go!” Arthur shouts and takes off running.

  “Ah, wait up!”

  I chase after him, running through the hallways as fast as I can.

  ════ ?★? ════

  "Dude, she's pretty!"

  "I know!"

  A group of boys whisper to each other, stealing glances at a girl who stands out.

  She has long white hair that flows like silk and deep red eyes that shine brightly, making her seem almost unreal in the ordinary school setting. She reads her book, not paying attention to the stares and whispers around her.

  "Dude, you should ask her out."

  "...Alright then."

  Pushed by his friends, one boy stands up. He looks nervous but determined.

  "Uhm...hello."

  The girl looks up from her book. Her cool, blank stare says it all. Still, the boy tries anyway.

  "We-well-uhm...I was wondering if..." His voice fades under her gaze. Realizing he's getting nowhere, he backs off. "Uhm...actually, it's nothing. Goodbye!"

  He rushes back to his seat, defeated.

  The girl watches him for a second, then returns to her book like nothing happened. The moment passes, barely a blip in her day.

  —Creak!

  The classroom door opens. Everyone turns to look.

  A man walks in. He’s lean and strong, and his presence grabs everyone’s attention right away.

  His short red hair is slightly messy, and his sharp green eyes stand out. He wears a dark blue tuxedo that makes him look even more impressive, very different from the usual teachers.

  Both boys and girls stare, stunned by how good-looking he is.

  Even the white-haired girl looks up, clearly interested for the first time.

  —Flick!

  He snaps his fingers. A piece of chalk appears, glowing with a dark blue light that matches his suit.

  —Flick!

  The chalk floats and writes on the blackboard, moving smoothly and skillfully. The class stays quiet, amazed. When it stops, the words read: "Maurice Réel."

  "Good morning, class. I'm Maurice Réel, your Homeroom and Advanced Mana Theory teacher."

  His voice is smooth and charming, and it holds everyone’s full attention.

  "G-Good morning, Professor Maurice!"

  The class responds all at once, snapping out of their daze.

  The white-haired girl doesn’t speak, but she nods politely.

  —BAM!

  The loud sound turns everyone toward the door again.

  Arthur and Dominic stand there, panting and bent over, clearly out of breath from running.