KamiKowa: That Time I Got Transmigrated With A Broken Goddess-Chapter 27: [] Peacocks in a Basement

Professor Valdez concluded her lecture, dismissing the holographic displays. "That’s all for essentia theory today. Professor Fox will be here in five to ten minutes for your next class. Use this time wisely."

As soon as she exited, the classroom erupted into chatter. Xavier leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms above his head.

"Well, that was enlightening," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

A tall, broad-shouldered student with black hair and piercing grey eyes stood up. "Since we’re going to be stuck together for three years, we might as well introduce ourselves properly." His voice carried an unmistakable air of authority. "I’m Alexander Shepard."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. His personality reminded him of politicians he’d dealt with in his past life—people born to lead, whether for good or ill.

"Speak for yourself, rich boy."

Xavier turned to see a lean, muscular student with dark skin and vibrant pink eyes. His black hair was styled in well-maintained locs, the tips dyed a pink that matched his gaze.

"I’m getting out of this shit class and headed straight for the top," the boy continued. "The name’s Kyrie Walker, and you all better remember it."

Xavier studied Kyrie, noting the tension in his jaw and the way his eyes darted around the room, as if daring anyone to challenge him. Classic overcompensation. He’d seen it a thousand times—people so afraid of being seen as weak that they armored themselves in arrogance.

"Bold words," Xavier said, leaning forward on his desk. "Got the skills to back them up?"

Kyrie’s pink eyes locked onto Xavier, narrowing slightly. "You’re one to talk, snowflake. Nice party trick with the glowing meter. What’s it do, measure your bullshit?"

"Why don’t we find out during combat practical? I’d hate for you to embarrass yourself based on assumptions."

"Guys, come on," the girl with curly green hair beside Xavier spoke up. Her voice was soft but carried a note of steel. "It’s the first day."

Xavier turned to look at her properly for the first time. Her large green eyes met his gaze steadily, contrasting her timid posture. She clutched her sketchbook to her chest like a shield.

"You’re right," Xavier said, his tone softening slightly. "My apologies. Xavier Valentine." He extended a hand to her. "And you are?"

She hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "Sayuri Tanaka."

"A pleasure, Sayuri." Xavier’s gaze flicked to her sketchbook. "Artist?"

A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Sometimes. It helps me focus."

"I’d love to see your work sometime," Xavier said. In his experience, artists often noticed details others missed—a useful skill in any profession.

Alexander cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself. "As I was saying, introductions might be in order. We don’t have to be friends, but we should at least know who we’re working with."

Xavier leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. He watched as his classmates began introducing themselves one by one.

Calypso turned in her seat, pink eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement. "This is so fun!" she stage-whispered to Xavier. "Human school is way more interesting than I expected."

"Just try not to blow our cover," he muttered back. "We’re here to learn, not entertain you."

She pouted. "You’re no fun."

"I’m practical," he countered. "Now pay attention. These are the people we need to work with—or potentially compete against."

As introductions continued, Xavier’s gaze was drawn to a girl with long, blonde hair that faded to ocean blue at the tips. She sat with perfect posture, her expression a mask of polite interest. But there was something in her eyes—a calculation, a guardedness—that resonated with Xavier’s own instincts.

"Selena Miller," she said when it was her turn. "Looking forward to working with you all."

Xavier made a mental note to keep an eye on Selena. People who worked that hard to seem unremarkable often had the most to hide.

The muscular redhead beside Xavier introduced himself as Luka, his booming voice filling the classroom. "I hope we can all become good friends and rival!" he declared, slapping Xavier on the back hard enough to make him wince.

"Rival, huh?" Xavier said, rubbing his shoulder. "You might want to dial back the friendly fire first."

Luka’s face fell. "Oh no! Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry! Sometimes I don’t know my own strength!"

Xavier waved off his concern, secretly impressed by the raw power behind that casual gesture. "No harm done. Just... maybe save it for the combat ring, yeah?"

As introductions wrapped up, Xavier reassessed his initial impressions of Class 1-D. They might be the lowest-ranked first-years, but there was potential here. Raw talent, unique abilities, and personalities that could either forge a cohesive team or tear each other apart.

The real question was where he and Calypso fit into this dynamic.

The classroom door swung open, admitting a woman who could only be described as breathtaking. Auburn hair cascaded in waves around a face that belonged on magazine covers. Her outfit pushed the boundaries of professional attire, emphasizing curves that made several students sit up straighter.

"Good morning, darlings!" she trilled, her voice carrying a musical quality. "I’m Professor Belle Fox, and I’ll be teaching you Hunter History." She winked, eliciting a collective sigh from half the class. "Don’t worry, I promise to make it far more interesting than it sounds."

Xavier watched Professor Fox saunter to the front of the room, her hips swaying in a way that had to be deliberate. He’d known women like her in his past life—people who weaponized beauty and charm as effectively as any blade. The real question was whether she was genuinely scatterbrained or if it was all an act.

"Now then," Professor Fox said, perching on the edge of her desk. "Who’s ready to learn about the exciting world of post-Cataclysm hunter traditions?"

A collective groan rose from the class, quickly stifled as Professor Fox’s smile turned predatory. "Now, now. Don’t be like that. After all..." Her eyes swept the room, landing on Xavier. "You never know when understanding the past might save your life."