That day was supposed to be an ordinary day. As the teacher on duty, my task was simple, patrol the school, make sure there were no violations, and confirm that all the students had already gone home.
After checking that the first floor was empty, I climbed the stairs to the second floor. The corridor there was quiet too. No one else remained but me.
As I was about to head down the stairs toward the toilet near the corridor, I saw Dito standing in front of the door. His face was pale, his breath unsteady, and his eyes were glued to a strange light glowing from the floor beneath his feet, as if he couldn't look away.
"Dito… what's going on here?" My voice came out tense.
But he didn't react at all. He was too focused on the light under him.
I stepped closer to the toilet door, and for a moment, a sight hit me so hard my chest tightened. It was Vira, the quiet girl who always sat at the back of the class, was cornered. Her head was bleeding, and her sketchbook was scattered across the wet floor. The sight sparked fear and anger inside me. What was happening here?
Before I could move, the circle of light grew brighter, blinding my eyes. A strange force pulled my body, the world spun around me, the floor melted under my feet, and I felt both weightless and heavy at the same time.
Eri's panicked scream cut through the chaos. That voice was the last thing I heard before darkness swallowed everything.
In that panic, my thoughts spun wildly. What happened to Vira? What was that light? But all those questions vanished as I was pulled into unbearable darkness.
y consciousness slowly returned. Cold. That was the first thing I felt, the cold floor against my cheek.
When I opened my eyes, my breath caught. I was no longer in the school toilet. The place around me looked like a palace from a movie, high ceilings with beautiful paintings, huge floating crystals, and polished marble floors.
"Wake up, everyone!" a heavy voice echoed
Hearing that, I slowly got up, overwhelmed by awe and confusion. My eyes scanned the magnificent room around me.
There stood an old man in a golden robe with flowing white hair and beard and sharp blue eyes stood upright, holding a shining crystal staff.
Beside him sat a red-haired man in his forties with pale skin and piercing red eyes, wearing a purple velvet robe lined with gold and a jeweled necklace. Armored knights and servant in black and white uniforms stood around him.
A little further away, Vira was trying to get up, her body trembling. Her pale face showed nothing but confusion.
When my gaze focused on Vira, I was stunned. I clearly remembered her head bleeding earlier, but now… there was no wound. No blood. Not even a scratch. As if everything I saw before had been an illusion. Confusion filled my mind.
Not far from her, I saw Eri, Dito, Sari, and Maya also starting to rise. Their expressions were equally confused, mouths occasionally agape, eyes glancing around, as if not believing what was happening.
"W-where are we?" I whispered.
The old man in the golden robe introduced himself as Eldrin, the archmage of this kingdom, and the red-haired man on the throne was King Thorian, ruler of this kingdom.
I could barely believe what I was hearing. They said we were summoned here to become heroes. And to fight a dragon? That made no sense. I had a wife and child waiting for me at home and I had responsibilities as a teacher.
"Wait! There's a mistake!" I protested, my voice trembling.
"I was just a teacher checking on a disturbance! I need to go home!"
King Thorian took a deep breath, his expression radiating understanding yet firmness.
"I understand your fears, Your Excellency, and on behalf of the kingdom, I apologize for taking you from your previous lives. But the summoning has been done and cannot be undone. Fate has chosen you. This is not just about you…
he paused, letting his words hang in the air.
"It is about all of you. The future of this kingdom… now depends on all of you."
Panic gripped me. "But I have a family! My wife and children are waiting at home! This isn't fair!"
Before there could be further response, Eldrin interrupted with an echoing voice.
Before he could respond, Eldrin spoke loudly.
"First," as if ignoring my protests. It seemed I had no choice but to follow for now. I had to find a way back to my world, but at the moment, I could only obey Eldrin and King Thorian.
As a teacher who had taught for years, I was usually accustomed to assessing everything logically and systematically. But now, I felt strange, a feeling between awe and curiosity, as I watched Eldrin and King Thorian explain about the Orb of Affinity. The large crystal ball emitting mysterious light seemed so alive, as if waiting for someone to touch it.
I tried to listen carefully to every talent rank he explained, from the most basic Rank F to the extremely rare Rank S, imagining how this system worked in a world completely new to me.
What worried me was when Eldrin mentioned the Mortal Grade, people with no talent at all. King Thorian said those people were usually placed as workers or servants in the kingdom.
I stared at the crystal ball longer, imagining the fate of someone with talentless, and that thought made me realize one thing, this world judges everyone based on who is strong.
If you're strong, you rule. If you're weak, you're cast aside…
Imagining how such a world operated made me shiver. Forget magic, I had only ever seen magic in fiction movies. I was just an ordinary math teacher, never dealing with talent rankings, power, or mysterious energies like this. All of this felt so far from my normal life.
A terrifying thought seized me
What if I'm... talentless?
Would that mean I'd have to spend the rest of my life as a servant in this strange world?
But what did it matter if I was talentless? I had to remember I was the only adult here. My duty was to protect my students, no matter what.
Especially Vira, who looked the most fragile and confused among them all. I couldn't leave her alone, I had to always help her, ensure she was safe and didn't get lost in this chaos.
When the talent test began, my heart pounded. Eldrin called us one by one to touch the orb.
Eri stepped forward first with confident steps. "I'll show how a true hero is born," she whispered before placing her hand on the orb.
Her arrogance hadn't changed since school, even seeming to grow larger in this new world.
When Eri's hand touched the crystal surface, suddenly bright golden light radiated, filling the room.
"Sacred Magic, Rank S!" exclaimed Eldrin with an admiring voice.
Eldrin and King Thorian explained that this was an extremely rare talent, and in this entire kingdom's history, only one person had possessed power this great. This ability allowed Eri to heal severe wounds, create holy protections, and even repel dark creatures.
Eri's face shone arrogantly, remnants of golden light still bathing her face. She glanced at us with a superior look. Now she was even more uncontrollable.
With power this great, she would definitely become more arrogant. She would consider herself more superior than others, feeling that no one could match her.
I quickly dismissed the thought, hoping my bad thoughts wouldn't come true. Next, my eyes turned to Dito, who slowly began to step forward.
His crystal ball glowed red, as if pulsating with wild energy. "Battle Rage, Rank A!"
Dito smirked, his muscles already looking enlarged.
"HAHAHA! That's perfect for me!"
As a teacher who often handled disciplinary issues, I knew Dito's nature well. He had always enjoyed fighting. Now, with an ability like this, I worried about how he might use his new power to escalate his violent tendencies.
Next was Sari's turn. Soft green light radiated from the orb. "Nature Affinity, Rank B!"
Sari offered an awkward smile, despite her rank being lower than Eri and Dito's. Among Eri's friends, Sari had always been the quietest and least active in various matters. But her silence when witnessing bullying was as bad as Eri's actions themselves. She was still part of that group, and with gaining this nature power, I worried she would become more involved in their actions.
Maya stepped forward next. The orb emitted clear blue light. "Aqua Magic, Rank B!"
"Water is the most elegant element. It suits me," Maya said while standing confidently.
This ability really suited Maya personality which always appeared perfect and controlled. But behind her graceful appearance, I knew Maya often joined in mocking with hurtful words. This water control power gave her a new way to show her influence over others, and that worried me.
I let out a heavy sigh. There wasn't a single truly virtuous person among them... I could only hope they wouldn't use their powers to hurt people.
After those four students finished their turns, the room atmosphere changed. All eyes were now on me, the teacher who was suddenly dragged into this foreign world.
My heart beat fast. With heavy breath, I approached the crystal ball. When my fingers touched its surface, steady brown light immediately radiated.
"Terra Magic, Rank A!" exclaimed Eldrin.
"This is a rare evolution of ordinary Earth Magic! This ability allows you to not only control earth and stone, but also manipulate mineral structures at a higher level. A very solid and defensive power!"
King Thorian nodded slowly, his face showing deep appreciation.
"Terra Magic... its a truly precious gift. With your ability to control the earth element, you can build the strongest defenses for our kingdom."
I sighed in relief. Thank goodness I got a useful ability to protect my students in this foreign world. But in my heart, the hope to return home and see my family again never faded. Hopefully with this power, I could find a way back to our world.
And finally, only Vira was left to be tested. All eyes were now on her.
Watching Vira walk forward, my heart felt sliced. With weak steps and a pale face full of fear, she approached the crystal ball. Her trembling hand touched the orb's surface.
Please, let her receive a power that can help her.
But what happened next made the entire room silent. Only a faint gray light appeared, barely visible, before finally extinguishing completely. A chilling silence enveloped the palace hall.
Eldrin took a deep breath. "No talent detected. Mortal Grade."
No, Impossible…
My chest felt tight as if something was pressing from inside. I stared at Vira standing there, her eyes wide, breath ragged.
I could see how all her hopes collapsed just like that. That girl had suffered enough even in our original world. And now, in this foreign place, fate was toying with her again.
As her teacher, I knew her struggles well. Vira might be quiet, but she always tried, even though often put down by others.
Seeing her lower her head again, and holding back tears from falling, made my chest ache.
I wanted to step forward, comfort her, say that everything would be okay... but my tongue was tied. There was an invisible distance holding back my steps.
As her teacher, I knew her struggles well. Vira might be quiet, but she always tried, even though often put down by others.
I remembered clearly how she often received punishments cleaning toilets just for late school payments, something actually beyond her control.
Even so, she never complained. She just stayed silent, bowed her head, then did her punishment quietly, as if accustomed to bearing the world's burdens alone.
And then, the mockery erupted. Eri and her group laughed at Vira cruelly, mocking her mercilessly. The same words they used in school, but now with more painful intensity.
"Even the gods hate you, Vira. Trash is still trash, no matter the world." Eri mocked.
Dito joined in, slapping his thigh while laughing hysterically.
"I always knew you were trash, but I didn't know you were this stupid! You have no talent at all? Even a rock is more useful than you!"
Maya smirked. "At least on Earth she could clean toilets. Maybe here she'll finally be useful as a servant."
I tried to intervene. "Enough! That's too much! You can't—"
"Shut up, sir!" Eri interrupted boldly, her eyes flashing with challenge.
"We're not in school anymore! This is a new world, and we are a heroes! Do you think we still have to listen to teachers we didn't choose?"
Dito supported with an arrogant attitude. "Yes, we're in charge here! We have the power"
His lips twisted into a superior smile. "We're the chosen ones!"
I clenched my fists, holding back nearly exploding emotions.
"Why are you talking like that? I'm still your teacher! Have you forgotten who always tried to guide you all this time?"
Eri looked at me with a sneering smile, taking half a step forward.
"Teacher?" she said in a belittling tone.
"You were just a teacher in that world, Sir. A world that means nothing now. Here, the strong determine everything."
She glanced at Dito and Maya with a satisfied expression, then looked back at me sharply.
"You have no power over us anymore."
Before I could respond, a heavy, firm voice echoed from the throne.
"Enough," said King Thorian with a deep yet calm tone. His gaze swept across the hall, then paused briefly on me and my group of students.
"Let it be. This world will judge them itself. Power and fate will speak louder than words."
The atmosphere fell silent. The king's words were like a hammer of justice that decided everything. There was no room for protest, no words I could reply with. I could only bow my head, feeling how small my position was before a powerful figure like him.
After a few seconds, King Thorian slowly turned toward the servants standing at the side of the room.
"Take them to their respective rooms," he commanded in a calm yet authoritative voice.
"The heroes deserve resting places according to their ability ranks. Prepare the best rooms for those with the highest potential."
Several servants immediately bowed deeply, answering in unison,
"Yes, Your Majesty." They then moved quickly, forming a line, and began escorting us one by one.
A woman with neat chestnut hair approached me. She offered a respectful curtsy.
"My name is Amelia," she introduced herself with a warm but professional smile.
"I will be your guide. Please follow me, Hero."
Before following Amelia, I looked to the Vira and asked.
"What about Vira? Why is no one escorting her?"
Amelia bowed slightly before answering, her voice sounding cautious.
"Sorry, Hero-"
"My name is Anton, "Not 'Hero'." I cut in, my voice sharp with frustration I could no longer contain.
Amelia bowed deeper "My apologies, Sir. I will correct it immediately."
"So why is it that no one is escorting Vira?"
"According to His Majesty's orders, only those with Talent are considered chosen." she replied, her voice formal and rigid
She hesitated, her eyes flickering toward Vira with what almost looked like pity before returning to me.
"That girl... simply doesn't qualify for the same treatment. She will be placed in the quarters for those without talent."
A cold knot tightened in my chest. The injustice of it all stole the air from my lungs.
"What do you mean? So just because she has no power, she gets treated like this?" My voice rose, sharp with disbelief
"My apologies, Sir... These are the palace rules. I'm afraid there can be no exceptions." She whispered, her voice thick with genuine discomfort.
She glanced around nervously before continuing, her words barely audible.
"We serve at the king's pleasure, and questioning his judgment isn't a right any of us possess."
My heart felt shattered. I wanted to scream, protest that treatment, but I knew it would be useless.
Before leaving, I looked back at Vira one more time
The girl now standing alone in the middle of the magnificent hall looked small among the light and shadows.
I wanted to go to her, but my steps felt heavy, as if the world itself was holding me back.
With a heavy breath, I finally followed Amelia out of the throne hall, carrying a guilty feeling that pressed on my chest like a large rock.
Each step felt increasingly difficult, while the shadow of Vira's bowed, listless figure remained in my thoughts.
She led me through magnificent corridors that made me feel increasingly small. Ten-meter high ceilings were adorned with frescoes depicting epic battles between knights and monsters.
Shining marble pillars supported a building structure so large it made me dizzy. high stained glass windows filtered the afternoon sunlight into colorful patterns dancing on the marble floor.
"We're passing through the Hero Hall." Amelia said while pointing to a large room on the left. Inside, bronze statues of past heroes stood gallantly, each holding different weapons.
"One day, Sir statue might stand here."
I bit my lip. I didn't want to be a hero. I just wanted to go home.
We continued walking along a corridor that seemed endless. I passed an indoor garden with dwarf trees and fountains spraying blue-green water. The smell of strangely fragrant flowers filled the air.
"Your room is in the east wing, specially for the summoned with rank A and above," Amelia explained while opening a large carved wooden door.
What I saw amazed me. This room was larger than my house in the old world. A blue silk canopy bed with dark wooden posts intricately carved. Beside it, a marble fireplace was already lit, warming the cold room. White animal fur rugs of some strange creature covered the entire floor.
"There's a private bathroom on the right." Amelia said, gesturing toward it.
"I do hope these quarters are to your comfort, sir. Dinner will be brought to your room shortly."
With a final polite nod, she left, closing the door behind her and leaving me alone in the overwhelmingly large room.
I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the softness of a mattress that was almost too comfortable.
Back in my old world, I would've had to teach extra classes for months just to afford a mattress half as good as this one.
Shortly after, there was a knock on the door. A different servant carried a silver tray of food. The aroma of roasted meat and strange spices filled the room.
"Dinner for you, Sir," She said in a flat voice before placing the tray on a small table near the window.
"Excuse me," I asked while approaching, "could you tell me about Vira?"
The servant frowned, looking confused. "Who's Vira?"
"The female student who was alone in the hall earlier," I explained.
The servant's face showed understanding. "Oh, the talentless one? She's probably been placed in the lower-class servant dormitory. Certainly not as luxurious as your room here."
"Where exactly is the lower-class servant dormitory?" I asked, trying to hold back the worry beginning to cling to my heart.
"The dormitory is next to the horse stables," the servant answered in a low voice.
"But I beg you, Sir, don't try to visit that place. It's not suitable for an honored guest like you."
He then saluted and left, leaving me with mixed feelings. That information actually made me more worried. Next to the horse stables? It must be smelly and uncomfortable. I couldn't imagine Vira, having to live in a place like that.
I stared at the still steaming food tray. The dishes made me feel guilty. A large piece of meat with golden sauce, steamed vegetables still crisp, baked potatoes with butter, and wine in a crystal goblet.
Meanwhile Vira...i wondered what she was eating tonight.?
I tried to take a bite, but it tasted like ash in my mouth. Every chew reminded me of the injustice I had just witnessed.
Eri and her group proudly showed off their powers, while Vira was cast out like trash.
I looked out the window, hoping the night air could calm my thoughts a little. But the view outside actually worsened my feelings. From here, I could see the palace's vast courtyard, illuminated by torchlight and the pale moon hanging in the sky. In the distance, I faintly saw thin smoke rising from a small building behind the palace.
Somehow, my heart immediately felt uneasy. That building looked remote and dark, far from the luxury of the room I was in.
Maybe it was the kitchen... or the servants living quarters. I wasn't sure. But somehow, my intuition told me Vira was there.
I bowed my head, gripping the spoon in my hand tightly. This world was truly cruel. And I couldn't even do anything to protect my own student.
That night, I lay on the luxurious bed, looking at the ceiling adorned with gorgeous paintings. Sleep wouldn't come. My mind was filled with shadows of my wife and child who must be worried, and Vira suffering somewhere in this magnificent palace.
Perhaps due to accumulated physical and mental exhaustion, my eyelids finally closed slowly. My breath caught, waves of guilt and anxiety competing in my mind before consciousness gradually faded.