Lich reborn as a magic school student

—————————————————[Reuben Davies’ Pov]

My name is Reuben Davies. I’m 18 years old. My apartment is in the northeast section of Montruy, which has the highest crime rate in the city. I am a student at the Cere Magical School, but that is just a mask for my true self. While hiding myself in the guise of the most ordinary school student, I, in fact, operate as one of the most powerful gang leaders in Montruy. one of the few people with direct contact with Bluefang. While I do not partake in combat, I am certain that there are few that can challenge me.

I do not wish to be at the top, for I would find such a position troublesome. Second place, the right hand of power. That is where I find the most comfort in. To fight for the peak will lead to a life of stress and fatigue, but I just want a quiet life as the second strongest. Serving under someone is a lot more convenient.

Like most mages, I am talented. I can see connections others do not, and for that reason, the rise and fall of different gangs around Montruy are completely predictable for me. I always choose the victor, never fighting a battle that is not predetermined. However, a variable that does not exist within my predictions appeared. Bluefang shared with us a picture of a boy with white hair and sickly skin. I knew this boy, Kashra, from my class. He stated, “No matter what you do, do not mess with him.”

This… Is a situation beyond predictions. What is going on? I had already noted Kashra as utterly useless. A person who would have no impact on the world, but now the mostly wise Bluefang is saying that he’s a threat? I need to observe the situation. Had I messed up or did Kashra change? Then the next day, Bluefang summoned us again and gave another picture. It was Alexander Cintio from my class, and he said, “No matter what you do, do not mess with him either.”

What is happening? First Kashra and now him too? I was aware Alexander was hiding something, but was he so powerful that we need to tread carefully? Suddenly, two variables appeared over one weekend. I must re-evaluate both of them, and redraw all of my predictions. Those thoughts cloud my mind and disturb my peaceful slumber, but I persevere knowing that I will handle this momentary issue.

Four or five hours was it? Kashra and Alexander. They ruined my sleep, but before I let any emotions of anger or hatred come to me, I must figure out whether they are beings for whom such emotions can exist. A peasant cannot hate a king, for he would die. My restless night still does not stop the moving of the clock hands, so I take one step after the other, reaching the school before long.

Entering the classroom, I with trained steps, not too heavy, not too light, walk towards my desk. Making sure that nobody is paying attention to me. With the slightest of gazes, I peer towards Alexander’s seat, finding it vacant. I fight off my natural finesse, acting more rough while taking out my phone. My phone hides a secret as well, while to the untrained eye I am scrolling through a news article. In fact, if looked at with magical eyes, you can see the truth, surveillance cameras of the entire school.

Is he late? I haven’t seen either Alexander or Kashra even enter the school, yet the sand of the hourglass is nearing its end. Then suddenly, in one of the interior cameras, Kashra appears from a shadow, walking with the regality of an emperor. I am dazed at the sight, but my training prevails and my expression remains neutral. Confident steps which resound with a domineering echo herald his arrival.

In the corner of my eye, I notice an odd irregularity. John Knight, someone who I once considered like myself, but was utterly disappointed, is shaking. This… It’s a sign, isn’t it. John Knight, his innate magic, allows him to see the truth of the world, and his shaking while looking at the door. This shaking, which started with Kashra’s appearance, points to John sensing that something has changed in Kashra.

Then, after many breaths, Kashra strides with a steady rhythm into the classroom. His gaze from right to left examines all of us. Arriving on myself, I feel something eerie pierce my skin. John Knight, even with his eyes that see all, did not have this uncomfortable feeling, as if a mountain looking down at an ant. Then John Knight suddenly leaps up and looks down as if he had seen a specter. His friend asks, “Hey John, what’s wrong?” With dread, horror, and fear, John speaks up, “Everything!”

This even more so proves the point that something changed in Kashra, but not caring for my thoughts, Kashra walks towards Kaede and speaks, “Good Morning.” Those simple words haunt me even more. This is the first time Kashra has spoken, isn’t it? Kaede responds with a simple, “Good morning.” But my mind is in disarray from the information overload.

I clear up my mind with mental imagery of mountains and beaches. Finally, achieving my normal tranquil state just in time for the class to start. Archibald, our new teacher, explains how our school life will continue and presents evaluations from our previous teachers. Mine are very generic and not helpful as I hid my strength and weaknesses in those classes. Finishing the reading, Archibald states we must now choose what to major in. I have already chosen Magical Theory as it will allow me to most easily continue the life of an ordinary person.

Then, “May I pick multiple?” those words come out of Kaede’s mouth. Ah, the genius of the class is trying to do more once again. Archibald affirms to the question, and with no hesitation Kashra with force gets up, and with confidence arrives before the teacher. “All of them, except ritual magic.” He states… Who is this person?

My mind blanks out for a moment, and by the time I have collected myself, Kashra has already left the classroom. Did he really just pick six majors? No matter, I don’t have time for this. I need to further observe him. With practiced clumsiness, I walk towards Archibald and say, “I’ve chosen to focus on Magical Theory.” Then head outside of the classroom while looking at my phone.

What? Where has Kashra gone already? I look through all the cameras, but he’s disappeared from all of them. Then I get a call, it’s from Bluefang. I immediately answer. “Big boss is calling. All the leaders are to assemble in the council room.” Not allowing me to question, Bluefang instantly hangs up. Who is Big Boss? What’s going on???