The Shut-In Prince’s Splendid Social Debut — Me, a Villainous Imperial, Have Spent the Last Fifteen Years Fighting the “Wicked Thoughts” Eating Away at My Mind. When I Finally Returned to High Society, There Were Way Too Many People I Didn’t Recognize

“I believe you already know, but my name is Anima Ray Melfi. I serve as the Commander of the Magic Corps of this country and hold the rank of ‘Magic Minister.'”

The entire hall erupted in commotion.

That reaction was only natural. Anima had assumed the position of Magic Minister three years ago at the young age of twenty-five, and she was already considered one of the most powerful individuals in the world. Her ability was unquestionable—after all, even in ERT she had been set at a higher level than Yoan.

She was tall for a woman, with a punk-rock appearance and blunt manner of speaking. In ERT she had been an extremely popular character.

“And I have been honored with the role of homeroom teacher for the first-year A Class. Since I was entrusted with such an important turning point in your lives, I intend to fulfill my responsibility properly. I expect you to do the same.”

With that, Anima concluded her introduction.

“Anima-sensei, I have a question!”

A bespectacled young man raised his hand straight up.

A serious class representative type.

“What is it?”

“Earlier you said that class and ranking within the class are determined by Level. What exactly does that mean?”

Yes, that.

I had also been wondering.

It sounded like a death sentence for me—but surely I was just overthinking it, right?

“It’s simple. First, regarding class ranking: this academy has four classes, A through D. Each class contains the same number of students. Placement is determined by highest level, with the strongest assigned to A Class and the rest following in descending order.”

…Now that she mentioned it, what exactly was my level?

Since Fryure’s Spirit Armament had supposedly frozen my level growth, I decided to check my status just in case.

――――

[Overcomer Display: ON]

Yoan Joachim Rodenze [Overcomer] Lv. 1 (Fixed – Max 57) Limit Break: 7 times

▼ Vitality 6554 (+1989)

▼ Mental Strength ♾️

▼ Strength 5806 (+1761)

▼ Dexterity 4299 (+1322)

▼ Intelligence 6501 (+1979)

▼ Faith 4287 (+1309)

▼ Agility 4977 (+1547)

Equipment: Curly’s Treasure Sword (Wind)

Magic Power: 13th Tier Magic Change: 13th Tier

Attributes: Darkness / Overcoming

Sword Arts: [Vertical Slash], [Sword Wave], [Strike Flash], [Blood Mowing – Reason Slasher]

――――

No matter how I looked at it—

Lv.1.

And it even said “Fixed.”

Yes.

D Class confirmed.

Thank you very much.

“Order of the highest level…? B-But until now classes were determined through prior evaluation of academic ability, swordsmanship, and magical skill!”

“The requirements have changed. That is all. Or do you have a complaint regarding the academy’s decision?”

“…Tsk! N-No…”

Glasses-kun wisely swallowed his complaint.

“Then let us continue. Another important difference between classes lies in the benefits you receive.”

“Bene… fits?”

Glasses-kun’s glasses slid down slightly.

“The most notable one is the amount of Alf Coins you receive.”

“…Gulp.”

Someone audibly swallowed.

—Alf Coins.

Now that I thought about it, that currency had existed in ERT as well.

“You are aware that Alfhein uses a unique currency called Alf Coin, correct? Because of that, ordinary Azellan currency cannot be used within this city. All purchases and transactions must be conducted using Alf Coins distributed by the academy.”

Anima held up two different types of currency while speaking.

At that moment, the chubby freckled boy sitting beside me suddenly stood up, trembling.

“Wha—! What does that mean?! I have plenty of money! Don’t tell me that I can’t use it here!”

Charl-kun frantically pulled out a handful of gold coins.

…Hey.

Everyone was staring at him with cold eyes.

That move was definitely a mistake.

“What? You didn’t know? Unfortunately, that currency cannot be used here.”

She paused.

“—It is nothing but trash.”

Charl-kun stared blankly as the gold coins spilled from his hands.

…If you really don’t need them, you could give them to me.

“No way…! T-Tyranny! My papa won’t stay silent about this!”

“…Haa. To think we admitted someone with such a low level. What exactly was the Director thinking?”

Anima sighed.

“Wha—what did you say?!”

“Let me make something clear. Hero Academy follows absolute meritocracy. The only indicator of merit is Level. Status means nothing here.”

She looked straight at him.

“In other words, trash whose only redeeming feature is wealth has no place here.”

“~~~~urghh!”

Charl-kun turned bright red.

I leaned toward him and whispered quietly.

“(Charl-kun, you should probably apologize.)”

It would be unfortunate if he were expelled on the first day.

After all, I wanted to stay on good terms with people who had money.

“Yoan-sama! Even your own noble status is being denied!”

…This guy was hopeless.

“There is no way I can tolerate such a thing! If it comes to this, I’ll inform my papa—”

“Ahii!”

Before he could dig himself any deeper, I lightly struck the back of his neck.

Charl-kun collapsed instantly.

“Anima-sensei, it seems he fainted from anemia.”

“…Good grief. How weak. Leave that trash alone.”

“Yes.”

I laid him down on the bench.

Honestly, what a troublesome fellow.

“…Now then, one final point. I will explain the ranking within each class.”

Anima continued calmly.

“This concerns decision rights during the examinations you will face from now on. Decision rights are granted in order of highest level. Regardless of how unreasonable those decisions may seem, those ranked lower must obey.”

She paused briefly.

“You will understand the details gradually.”

(I see.)

The real concern for now was class ranking.

After all, one’s standard of living here depended entirely on it.

And as someone confirmed for D Class—

I seriously wanted to hear at least one encouraging piece of news.

“Anima-sensei. May I ask a question?”

“What is it?”

This time a blonde girl with elegant drill-shaped curls raised her hand.

She looked like a high-ranking noble daughter.

Naturally, I had no idea who she was.

“Once class placement is determined here, will it remain unchanged for the next three years? Personally, I have no concerns since my A Class placement is assured, but I wondered if those placed in lower classes might find it unfortunate.”

Hmm.

What a wonderful status she had.

Meanwhile I was confirmed for D Class.

If she truly felt pity, she could trade places with me.

“A good question. Class rankings can change. Placement depends on the total number of Star Emblems you acquire—rewards obtained through the academy’s examinations.”

In other words—

Even an A Class student could fall to B, C, or D if they failed to gather Star Emblems.

“I see… but that is not all, correct?”

The blonde young lady asked while hiding her smile behind a fan.

“Fufu… correct.”

Anima smiled faintly.

“You may purchase the right to transfer classes using two Alf Platinum Coins. Of course, that amount is extremely difficult to obtain. The only realistic methods are collecting from others or acquiring extremely valuable dungeon drops.”

I see.

So the message was simple.

If you wanted stability, earn money.

If you want money, enter the dungeon.

“I understand now.”

The blonde girl smiled mischievously.

“It would not be entertaining otherwise. If the others had no hope, there would be no challenge. Despair is far more interesting.”

Yes.

She seemed to have quite the personality.

“Any other questions?”

This time a crimson-haired young man raised his hand.

…His face somehow resembled mine.