Chapter 1 REINCARNATION WITH THE WEAKEST CLASS

I died in a very unheroic way-not saving someone, not fighting a villain, not getting hit by a truck like most isekai protagonists. I died of exhaustion, having stayed up three nights in a row for schoolwork, drinking too much coffee, and then passing out on the way home. It was truly embarrassing.

The last thing I remember was the sound of a horn, blurred vision, and then darkness. I thought it was all over, but it wasn't. When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a vast white room, marble floors, golden pillars, and a ceiling that never seemed to end.

There were many people around me, familiar faces. My classmates, about thirty of them. They were all wearing the same high school uniform and all looked confused.

"What happened?"

"Where are we?!"

"I had an accident-"

The atmosphere was starting to get tense, and I massaged my temples. So it wasn't just me. The whole class? Great, if this was a prank, the cost was outrageous. Suddenly, a golden light descended from above. The entire room fell silent. A figure appeared, tall, clad in a golden-white robe. His features were too perfect to be human. Long silver hair, a holy aura, and he was clearly a god.

He looked at us with a calm expression.

"Welcome."

His voice echoed throughout the room.

"You have died in the original world."

Some people immediately panicked. Some cried, some got angry, some were in denial. It's a standard human response to bad news. I just sighed.

Okay. Dead. Makes sense. The god continued.

"You are chosen to be reincarnated into a new world."

That sentence made everyone freeze. Then the room exploded.

"SERIOUSLY?!"

"Is it really possible?!"

"GOOD GRIEF!"

Some of the boys seemed even more excited. What a fast-adapting species. Dewa raised his hand, and everyone fell silent again.

"In the new world, you will receive classes and blessings."

Well, now everyone was fully focused. Light screens appeared in front of us one by one. It looked like a game status system. Interesting.

The gods began to call out names.

"Kevin."

My friend stepped forward, the light descended.

A notification appears.

Class: Flame Knight

The room immediately became excited.

"WOOOAH!"

"Crazy!"

Kevin laughed out loud.

"Good!"

Next.

"Feel."

Class: Saint Healer

Again the voice of amazement.

"Reno."

Class: Thunder Spearman

"Alia."

Class: Spirit Mage

More and more cool classes appeared. Swordmaster, elementalist, paladin, assassin, beast tamer, and necromancer. The gods seemed especially generous today, and everyone was getting more and more excited. Their faces were filled with anticipation. Adventure, power, a new world. It was like every fantasy lover's dream. Then my name was called.

"Cancer."

I stepped forward, all eyes on me. Okay, time to see my fate. The light descended, warm. The status appeared. I read it and froze.

Class: One Tree Trunk

...

I blinked once, twice and still the same.

One Tree Trunk

The room was silent for a few seconds. Then-

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The laughter erupted so loudly, so unempathetic, Kevin even slapped his thigh.

"What is that?!"

"Tree stalk?!"

"Not a Tree Mage or a Druid?"

"Literal stalk?!"

Even some of the usually quiet ones laughed. Amazing, school friendships are so fragile. I stared at the screen, and something appeared in my hand. A small stalk, really just a single stalk. About a foot long, a dull brown color. No aura, no effect, nothing. Just a twig.

I looked at the god.

Seriously?

Is it true?

This?

Dewa just stared at me expressionlessly, not helping at all. Kevin approached with a grin.

"Bro, what weapon do you use to sweep?"

Laughing again, I sighed.

"Funny."

"Thank you for your contribution."

He laughed even harder. Dewa spoke again.

"Class doesn't always determine the future."

Ah yes, a standard motivational line. Usually comes up when someone clearly has a bad result, but not very convincing. Everyone began to be led to the portal one by one. Before entering, I saw a lot of stares. Some mocking, some pitying, some thinking I was finished. Interesting how quickly people judge others. I held the twig in my hand, okay. If this was my class, I'd figure out a use for it, or at least hit someone with some creativity.

The portal opened, and light enveloped my body. My vision darkened for a moment, then I emerged into a new place. A forest, large trees, cool air, the scent of wet earth, birds chirping in the distance. The fantasy world was confirmed. Several classmates appeared not far from me. Everyone looked around in awe. But when they saw me, their expressions changed. Kevin grinned, and trouble quickly arrived.

"Hey, Raka."

His tone was unpleasant. I looked at him.

"What is it?"

Kevin crossed his arms.

"We had a little discussion."

"You're a burden."

Direct. Efficient. Brutal. I chuckled.

"Wow. Your villain adaptation is fast."

One of my friends stepped forward.

"We can't bring people with trash class."

"The monsters here are definitely dangerous."

"If you come along, you'll just be a burden."

Honestly? It makes sense, but the way it's delivered is still annoying.

"I didn't ask to come with you," I replied.

I thought that was enough, but it wasn't. Kevin shook his head.

"That's not enough."

Oh? I squinted.

"Explain."

Kevin's smile widened.

"We don't know if resources will be limited."

"It would be safer if the problem was resolved now."

The room immediately felt colder. I looked at them one by one. There were about six of them, and some seemed to agree. They weren't even hiding their intentions. Amazing, just an hour into the new world and already there was a murder plot. Rapid progress.

"I understand now," I said softly.

Kevin laughed.

"Good."

He drew his sword, flames blazing on the blade. Flame Knight, of course.

"Any last words?"

I gripped my handlebars, my heart beating fast. The situation was dire, yet I felt strangely calm. A little angry, a little disappointed. But mostly cold. So this is how it is, classmates, people are always the same. The world changes, people don't. I smiled faintly.

"Yes."

Everyone was waiting, I looked at them carefully. Memorizing their faces one by one. Then I said

"I will remember this."

Kevin's expression changed slightly, perhaps he didn't like my tone. Good, he attacked. I turned and ran into the woods.

"CHASTING HIM!"

A scream rang out behind me. The small twig in my hand felt so light, so weak, so useless, or maybe I just didn't know how to use it yet. I ran, a tree branch hitting me in the face. The roots nearly knocked me off my feet, the footsteps getting closer. They were serious, they really wanted to kill me. Interesting, well, if this is how the world is going to start, I'll play by the rules. I'll survive, I'll grow, and one day they'll regret this decision. Really regret it.

In my hand, the small twig suddenly throbbed softly. It was like a response to my emotions. I looked down. What?

Then a notification appears.

Skill unlocked: Devour Root

I smiled for the first time. Oh, so you're not completely trash. Interesting, I continued running deeper into the dark forest, and before I knew it, my first steps towards becoming a real monster had just begun.

[END CHAPTER 1]