A refreshing breeze swept through the spacious room of the academy building, carrying with it the bright rays of the sun and the sounds of cicadas and lotus leaves.
Through the window, one could see a young man with messy brown hair. His face was hard to make out because of the sun's glare, but even so, it was clear he had rather average looks.
— I've become a student!
I managed to enter the academy I dreamed of.
But my family had to plunge into debt to pay for my studies and living here.
I must not let them down.
Yet I never expected what awaited me right here, right now.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone was knocking, and I rushed to the intercom camera to see who it was.
The knocks were loud enough that even the neighboring rooms might have heard them.
And there he was—the number one student of our academy!
I quickly opened the door, and he stepped inside.
— Quickly, quickly, give me your money!
— Money? Why do you need money? I already have problems with it myself…
Without hesitation, he pulled out a dagger and infused it with D-level mana.
— Hey, what are you…
I was struck in the most unfortunate place.
I watched as he took my gadget, and now he would likely take my money and cover up my death.
What a tragic fate…
Ah?
Is this heaven? Why am I floating around my room?
Could this be my innate ability?
But the fact that it only works after death is hardly encouraging, and the ability itself is strange.
I flew toward him—the top student who secretly killed me… Arthur.
I could pass through walls, change my appearance, teleport short distances.
So I reached him quickly, in just a couple of minutes. But the ability to change appearance felt useless… Why bother if only I can see it?
When I approached him, I touched him, and my finger passed right through.
Then I struck him with all my strength.
But even if I could hit with full force, he could easily deflect it and counterpunch.
As expected, my fist went straight through him.
Then I infused my fist with the lowest level of mana—
And it actually worked!
Even in ghost form, I could still use mana!
I struck Arthur, who was calmly sipping his soda, once more—this time with mana-charged fists.
— Whoosh!
The blow passed through his body, and nothing happened.
I slowly began to think that I would remain a ghost forever, wandering aimlessly.
But Arthur's body began to glow, and I was pulled into the core of his soul.
I flew through complete darkness until I saw a pleasant light.
I drew closer with every second, and soon I was engulfed in that light entirely.
Suddenly, I began to hear people's voices and footsteps all around.
I smelled the soda Arthur had just opened.
I had no idea what was happening, but when I opened my eyes, I saw the academy's marketplace before me.
— I've been reborn?
No… I had become Arthur. Damn, I don't know anything about him or his life.
And I haven't even repaid my parents' debt.
What should I do now?