Are You One Of Us?

I look at the 25 students in front of me.

The Elite Class is supposed to have only eight students—the hero, the female lead, the rival, and a few other key characters.

So where did these extra 17 students come from?

A sudden uneasiness creeps over me.

"Hey, newbie, take your seat."

Nicolas' friendly reminder snaps me out of my thoughts as I quickly find a seat in the middle of the row.

Sitting beside me is a young girl with short brown hair and a soft smile.

I know her. Amy.

She isn't an important character, but she sticks around until the end of the Academy Arc.

Her scenes are mostly embarrassing moments—or more accurately, she's one of those side female characters who occasionally provide light fan service.

It's not extreme like in some other novels, but there are a few moments. Most of them happen around other female characters or the MC.

Even so, after seeing her smile, I don't return it. It's not like I have a problem with her… but my mind is a mess right now.

After a moment, she looks away, embarrassed.

I can feel a lot of eyes on me—watching, observing.

Nicolas continues his lesson, completely unfazed by the tense atmosphere.

There are only three theoretical classes in the academy:

History of Human Martial Civilization – Nicolas' subject. It focuses on the development of martial arts and how it affected human life after the Death Door Incident.

Modern Cultivation – This subject explores how modern technology can be utilized in cultivation and the possibilities of merging the two.

Theoretical Study of the Human Body & Martial Arts – A detailed study of how the human body changes after undergoing constant martial arts training.

After that, everything is practical training sessions.

Before leaving, Nicolas walks toward me and gives instructions to take notes from someone for the class I missed. Then, just as quickly as he entered, he rushes out of the room.

The next person to enter is a female teacher.

Her name is Alicea Red. She teaches Modern Cultivation, and she is one of the characters who supports the MC in the early stage of the story.

She is also an exceptional beauty.

The moment she steps inside, most of the eyes that were focused on me suddenly shift toward her.

She is well-mannered and elegantly dressed. Her silver hair enhances her charm, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

But seriously…

"Have these people never seen a woman in their entire lives? How pathetic."

In modern society, many technological innovations have helped cultivators grow stronger, faster, and more accurately.

Over the past century, humans have utilized countless technologies to enhance cultivation.

And one of the most important inventions is—

"The Artificial System," Alicea says, her voice firm as she surveys the class.

"It constantly analyzes your body and provides real-time feedback on your development," she continues.

Her sharp gaze sweeps over the students, and I can tell—she's not impressed.

To her, these students—who are supposed to be the best in the entire academy—look like nothing more than children lacking proper manners and discipline.

"Teaching is an art. If students don't respect it, then it simply becomes just another job to earn money," she thinks.

Of course, there are exceptions.

Her eyes briefly land on a boy in the second row.

"What was his name again…?"

Ah. Jin Ayush.

There are a few others who have caught her attention as well, and people like them are the reason she still hasn't quit the profession yet.

Then, her gaze shifts to me—the new student.

"He looks like an innocent kid."

But despite that... he's not paying attention to the class at all.

Alicea sighs in disappointment but continues her lesson.

After her class ends, a young man enters the room with a gentle smile.

He wears black pants and a black shirt, a simple yet elegant combination that makes him stand out. No matter the angle, his looks are undeniably attractive.

But I'm not impressed.

And judging by the expressions of a few others, I'm not the only one with a bad feeling about him.

Alex Wain.

A spy placed by the demonic faction.

He's one of the major villains of the Academy Arc. I need to be careful around him.

Despite his handsome and kind-hearted appearance, inside him is a vicious beast—one that craves tearing the students' bodies apart.

The demonic faction has spies all over the world.

The only place they might struggle to infiltrate is probably SIF.

To gather intel, recruit talented individuals, and monitor the movements of governments and major sects, they have to play the long game. And Alex Wain is perfect for it.

As the class continues, I force myself to focus. The last thing I want is to draw his attention on my first day.

The lesson drags on, unbearably dull, but the atmosphere in the room remains tense. It feels like we are all under pressure—like an invisible weight bears down on us.

It doesn't ease until Alex finally stands up and walks out.

Only then do I let out a breath of relief, watching his figure disappear through the door.

*****

I don't like this feeling…

The thing that gives me the weirdest feeling is the way these new students are approaching the main characters.

Some of the boys are acting overly friendly with Ayush, like they have been close to him for years. But what catches my attention the most is a particular girl—she hovers near him, almost like a shadow, sticking by his side as if they share some deep connection.

Then there's a boy with glasses. He's hanging around Mitsuri Oka.

Mitsuri Oka—the second most important female character in this novel.

She plays a crucial role in the final arc, making massive contributions to the story. But at this point in the novel, she should have been closer to the MC.

So where the hell did this glasses guy come from?

And how did he get this close to her?

I clench my fists, my jaw tightening as frustration boils inside me. Everything is messed up. I have no idea how these changes will affect the story.

These damn people...

I grit my teeth in anger.

And then there's Mira Aurora—the main female lead, the one who is meant to be Ayush's potential love interest.

She's surrounded.

Boys trail after her like lost puppies, trying to catch her attention. Even some of the girls are trying to get on her good side, training with her, sticking close, hoping to gain favor.

This isn't how it's supposed to be.

Damn it... Whatever is happening around me, it's really pissing me off...

Clack...

The sound of the massive classroom door slamming shut echoes through the room, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I turn my head, my chest tightening with unease.

More than six students stand at the entrance, their eyes locked onto me.

A boy with long, flowing hair moves first. With a fluid motion, he leaps over a desk, landing effortlessly in front of me. His lips curl into a smirk as he leans forward, his gaze assessing me like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Hey, newbie…" he drawls, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"Are you one of us?"