School life had grown far more hectic than before.
It wasn't just students and teachers coming and going anymore—guild recruiters and merchant representatives were scattered across the campus, scouting for promising students like they were rare treasures.
In this world shaped by awakened professions, the system wasn't all that different from modern times.
Some students—those who had awakened life-oriented or auxiliary classes—no longer needed further academic study. Instead, they were encouraged to dive into society, find their own paths, and build their futures through experience.
The most representative among them?
Blacksmiths, gardeners, trainers, basketball masters… and many other life-related professions.
They had little to no combat capability, so college wasn't a necessity. It was often better for them to start working straight out of high school or join a guild that needed their specialized skills.
So now, the campus resembled a bustling job fair more than a school.
"The Silver Sword Guild is forming a new squad! Looking for knights and warriors—come learn more!"
"University? Bah! Come to my smithy and learn to forge steel every day. I'll give you a future brighter than any lecture hall!"
"Gardeners, carpenters, masons—get certified in three days and start work right away. Top benefits and pay!"
"Yilian Youmeng Custom Boutique—we're looking for fresh faces! Think you've got the looks? Come have some fun~"
"What the hell?! Why's a custom shop even here?! This is a school, not a red-light district!"
"..."
Compared to the guild booths, the merchant stalls were even more numerous.
After all, combat classes were rare. Life classes were far more common.
It was the same every year, and everyone had gotten used to it.
Sitting under sunshades, sipping tea, the recruiters chatted with each other and laughed, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
"Ah, youth... how wonderful."
"I wonder if Petalspire City will produce any good talents this year."
"I heard there's a student who awakened the hidden class Dimensional Divine Wearer. Still don't know what that does, though."
"Anyone with a hidden class is bound to be snatched up by the top universities already."
"So jealous..."
"Wait—what's going on over there? What's with the commotion?"
"Is someone fighting? Come on, let's go take a look!"
Curious onlookers abandoned their booths and flocked toward the source of the noise.
Then came waves of exclamations:
"Oh—hoooh!"
The crowd had formed a wide-open circle around a girl, leaving her at the center like a drop of water in calm glass.
Everyone stared at her, their expressions mixed—stunned, admiring, confused.
Luceris, unfortunately, had gotten used to this kind of reaction ever since she'd started appearing in public alongside Leanne and Selene.
But this was school—on campus, even the smallest ripple drew attention like a magnet.
"These people are... way too free," Luceris muttered under her breath, face flushed.
This was worse than the time she disguised herself as a girl to attend the Awakening Ceremony...
More people squeezed forward, murmuring complaints.
"Is it a celebrity?"
But the moment they laid eyes on the breathtaking girl in the center—
Boom.
A collective emotional impact hit them straight in the heart.
"Holy crap!"
"Who is that?!"
"She's in our school?!"
"Is her skin glowing? She looks like an angel!"
"Take pictures, quick, take pictures!"
"Is she single?!"
"..."
Luceris had never felt more helpless.
She wanted nothing more than to teleport out of the sea of admiration and chaos.
She understood it, though.
Her appearance had always been cute, but ever since awakening, the elven aura she carried—imbued with purity, flawlessness, and divine grace—had enhanced her beauty to a surreal level.
That charm was partly from Elysia, the origin of her hidden class... and partly from herself.
She shuddered to think what would happen if she donned her Dimensional Divine Wear here.
People might literally pass out.
At that moment, someone pushed through the crowd.
It was Teacher Lurg—Luceris's homeroom instructor.
Upon seeing her, he let out a long sigh. "I knew it was you."
Luceris offered a nervous smile, unsure how to explain the mess.
But Teacher Lurg just chuckled helplessly. Sensing her distress, he reached out and gently took her hand. "Come on. Someone's asked to meet with you. Let's go."
"Okay!"
Luceris grabbed the opportunity like a drowning girl clutching a lifebuoy and practically fled the plaza with her teacher.
Dozens of eyes followed her, unwilling to look away until she disappeared from sight.
A long silence fell over the crowd.
Then someone finally broke it.
"Wait… did he just call her Luceris?"
"Luceris… why does that name sound familiar?"
"Isn't that the student who awakened the hidden class?"
"But wasn't that student supposed to be a guy?"
"…Don't freak me out."
Another pause. Then someone muttered thoughtfully:
"Actually… doesn't that make it even better?"
A collective silence.
Then—
"…Oh."
Outside the spotlight, Luceris wiped the sweat from her forehead.
"These people are scarier than dungeon mobs…"
"Thanks, Teacher Lurg…"
Teacher Lurg glanced over and gave her an approving nod.
"You know, when I was young, I was kinda cute too," he muttered wistfully. [What?]
Then he cleared his throat and turned serious. "There are several government officials here today. Probably regarding your hidden class. We'll make sure to handle things carefully and fight for the best benefits for you."
Officials? Again?
Luceris's expression tightened. Her class might be rare, but the attention it brought was… overwhelming.
Still, today might be the day they judged her professional value. She had to take it seriously.
As they neared the school office, she could already hear the principal's voice from down the hall—enthusiastic and uncharacteristically obsequious.
Sure enough, when they stepped inside, the principal was pouring tea for a group of serious-looking individuals, his smile stiff with effort.
It was clear these people were not ordinary.
When Luceris walked in, the principal's eyes lit up.
"Luceris is here! Quick, come greet our leaders!"
Before he could finish, an elderly man sitting in the center jumped up.
His eyes sparkled with genuine delight.
"You're Luceris? Ah! What an honor! Truly, truly an honor to meet you, young lady!"
The principal froze.
So did the woman sitting across from the old man, legs crossed in elegant brown stockings.
They both stared in stunned silence.
"…Wait," the principal blinked. "Young lady?"
"Girl?!"