The Main Character Everybody Hated Is Back

The door swung open, the sharp clack of high heels cutting through the low hum of the classroom.

"Sorry for the delay, class. Monster outbreak. Took longer than expected." Her voice boomed with ease, rich with confidence.

There she was.

Aeris Livrein.

An A-rank now, future S-rank.

Fiery, loud, a little annoying, but beloved all the same. Emerald-green eyes that curved up in a constant smile. Dirty blonde hair tied into a messy bun, a few strands dangling near her cheek.

She wasn't the kind of beauty that stopped the room. Not like the heroines. But there was something warm about her, like a stubborn flame that refused to go out.

She was the youngest professor at Atherion. Barely a few years older than her students. A monster in the making, no doubt.

But that's not why Axel remembered her.

She was the only person who had ever shown him kindness in this world. 

Aeris spun around, her heels tapping lightly against the floor as she scribbled her name across the whiteboard.

"I'll keep this quick since most of you probably know me already."

She capped the marker and turned, leaning casually against the edge of the desk.

"I'm Aeris Livrein, your Dungeon Ecology professor."

She pointed the marker toward the class, her grin widening.

"First question. Quick show of hands. Who's here because you want to learn how to clear dungeons faster?"

Axel's hand lifted automatically, along with most of the room. Even Yanin's hand was raised.

"And who's here just to study organisms?"

The rest of the class raised their hands without hesitation.

Aeris chuckled, nodding like she'd seen this play out a hundred times.

"Knew it. Every year, more and more students think they're ready to dive into dungeons, that they're cut out for the frontlines. And maybe some of you are."

Her voice softened, just a bit.

"But remember, being a hero isn't the only job in this world."

The students quieted. Even the ones who looked like they weren't paying attention tilted their heads slightly, as if something about her words lingered in the air.

Aeris tapped the marker against her palm.

"Some of you will be explorers. Some will be researchers. Some might work in logistics, or support, or in the labs figuring out why dungeon cores behave the way they do. Clearing dungeons? That's just one path."

Her gaze swept across the room, still smiling, but there was something sharp in her eyes now.

"And most of you won't make it."

No one spoke. Not even Yanin.

"Anyway!" She clapped her hands together, instantly shifting the mood. "Let's get started. Flip to page three in your book. Today's topic is dungeon ecosystems: how mana circulation affects monster habitats. We'll just learn the basics before tackling specific areas."

"Dungeons aren't static," she said, tapping the board. "They breathe mana in and out like lungs. If circulation gets blocked, the monsters weaken, sometimes die off completely. If mana builds up, the dungeon strengthens… and worst case?"

She tossed the marker into the air and caught it without missing a beat. "It ruptures. The monsters spill out into the real world."

She underlined the word rupture with a lazy flick.

"Now normally, circulation blockage happens when a dungeon malfunctions. That's rare. But mana overaccumulation?" She spun, facing the class.

"That's becoming a problem."

Axel's fingers drummed faintly against his notebook.

She clicked to the next slide. A crude sketch of low-ranking demons.

"Recently, it's been traced to a group we've labeled 'The Hunters.' You've probably heard of them. Unnamed demons sent to disrupt dungeons and overcharge the mana flow."

Yeah. He was more than familiar with them.

In the novel, "The Hunters" were a minor antagonist group. Supposed to be taken down with the power of friendship. In his first life, he'd carved out their leader's ribs and passed out before the final blow.

When he woke up, someone else had claimed the victory.

His name? Forgotten.

The lesson continued. Aeris's voice filled the room, her chalk tapping against the board in sharp, rhythmic beats.

Axel stopped taking notes. His mind drifted. He'd already lived this. He knew everything she was about to say.

From the corner of his eye, he caught Yanin glancing at his empty notebook.

She didn't say anything. She didn't bother to nudge him or call him out.

But she was watching him.

Class ended. Axel packed his things in practiced, slow movements, like there was no reason to rush.

He filed out with the crowd, blending in, ignoring the low murmurs, the excited chatter.

His next class didn't start for another ten minutes. He didn't feel like waiting in a packed room, so he drifted through the campus, letting his feet carry him wherever. The walkways were crowded with students, some rushing, some loitering in clumps. It was so loud and noisy. 

Axel weaved through them, tuning it all out.

The academy grounds were massive. The dormitories, lecture halls, and training facilities were separated by long bridges, elevated paths that overlooked gardens filled with weird plants. Some pretty, some poisonous, and whatever else the alchemists had made. 

This place hadn't changed.

In his last life, he'd walked these same paths. Back then, he'd stared up at the towering buildings, the banners of Atherion fluttering in the wind, and felt something close to excitement. Like he had a chance to belong here.

Not anymore.

His fingers absently skimmed the cold railing as he crossed a bridge, the sound of distant magic bursts and sword clashes leaking from the open-air training grounds nearby. He glanced at his phone.

Five minutes left.

Axel turned down the next hall and made his way to the classroom. He arrived exactly on time. Not early. Not late. Just perfect.