The ability to wield mana was revered as the highest form of power in this world. Those gifted enough to harness the elements could transform their mana into an Aura, a form of magical energy that could enhance their weapons, making them sturdier and more formidable.
For those like me, who somehow got transmigrated here—ordinary humans without the spark of mana—life was significantly harsher. We relied on mundane weaponry, stripped of the enhancements that mana could provide, leaving us at a tangible disadvantage.
Daggers, while capable of dealing damage, were often dismissed by most heroes. They were viewed as the tools for those lacking greater potential—an emblem of inferiority. In the landscape of weaponry, they were unceremoniously regarded as half-baked options, suitable only for the uninitiated or the hopelessly naive. In real battles and missions, daggers meant little more than a child's toy, ineffective and flimsy.
Weapon rarity also played a significant role in the hierarchy of advantage. Each weapon fell into categories from Common to Rare, Legendary, Mythical, and finally, Ultimate. The most powerful weapons were often hidden away in treacherous dungeons, towering fortresses, or mysterious portals that sprang up unexpectedly. Only the most skilled heroes had a chance to uncover these ultimate tools capable of tipping the scales of battle—sometimes even enabling heroes to break through limitations imposed by their class grades.
Weapons with ancient origins were especially sought after, rumored to help heroes advance those stuck in their current standing.
"Remillia…" Jude's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present.
"Yes?" I replied, trying to mask my unease.
Jude regarded me with an odd expression as he activated a tablet he was holding, fingers flying over the screen. "Isn't your main weapon supposed to be a bow?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at the dagger in my hand.
"I want to try something different," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
"You wanted to try a new weapon?" He repeated what I said to which I nodded.
"After coming all the way here?" he replied, incredulous.
"Yes," I affirmed with a firm nod.
Jude looked as if he wanted to argue, then stopped himself. I could almost see the internal debate raging in his head.
'Heck how would I know that Remillia's original weapon was bow and arrow,' I internally chided myself. 'Oh well. No use crying over spilled milk.'
"Cadets like yourselves are free to make your own choices, and we instructors respect that," he said, his tone shifting to a more formal register. "But remember, your choice means you accept the responsibility that comes with it."
With that, he turned his back to me, heading back to the podium. But as I prepared to breathe a sigh of relief, the atmosphere shifted as the murmurs around me intensified.
"Dagger, really? Pfft." One student scoffed, and I chafed at the audacity.
"I would have dated her if only she'd use her brain," another chimed in, snickers rippling through the gathering.
"Now that's what they call beauty without brains," someone added, eliciting more laughter.
"Useless. She shouldn't have come here if all she wants to be is an assassin," another voice piped up, and my blood boiled at their thoughtless cruelty.
I would have shouted back at them for their audacity, but they were whispering, hiding behind a wall of pretense as they chuckled together, casting glances in my direction.
Oh, wow. My gift. Amazing. I rolled my eyes mentally at the irony.
All cadets must pass through the entrance exam of Glacial Sphere, followed by this selection process to find a weapon that aligned with their Gifts. However, daggers didn't require a Gift to wield; they were often seen as a childhood weapon—the first thing introduced to newcomers in the world of combat.
"You still have time to change your weapon, but only for today. Regardless of your choice, all of you will go through the same training, trials, and combat. This means that any failures will be attributed to your choice of weapon," Jude reiterated, his gaze explicitly aimed at me.
He didn't even try to disguise it!
If only I could yell back, "Hey, I'm not from this world! Can I skip class? I'm older than you! I don't even know how to fight and my gift is useless!"
I had no choice. While my classmates had spent their lives honing their skills, I had been worlds away, writing this damn novel. I was different, wholly unprepared for this new reality. I didn't know how to aim, and while I could handle a bow and arrow in theory, my dagger skills came from self-defense classes.
"One by one, step forward when I call your name. You will be assigned your rooms, and your personal belongings will be sent there," Jude instructed. "Keep in mind that the dorms are co-ed, so I trust you all to use good judgment and act maturely. Also, class begins next Monday. That will be all; you're free to go."
Jude's last glance toward me was filled with something akin to pity, and I wanted to scream.
Damn this instructor!