The moment Ryo opened his eyes, he felt a rush of panic surge through his veins

But here he was, standing in front of the grand golden gates of Celestia Academy, just as he had been before.

His body trembled. He didn't understand what was happening, but one thought burned in his mind: I have to go home.

Without hesitation, he turned around and bolted.

The trees, the road, the world around him blurred as his feet pounded against the ground. Faster. Faster. His only goal was to get as far away from this place as possible.

But then—he realized something horrifying.

He wasn't just running fast. He was moving at an impossible speed.

Buildings, forests, entire landscapes rushed past him like a blur. He should have been exhausted, but his body felt light, almost weightless.

How… am I running this fast?!

Before he could even process it, the distant glow of his city appeared on the horizon. He had crossed over 80 kilometers in mere minutes. It was beyond human capability.

And then—blinding headlights.

A deafening horn.

A massive impact.

Darkness.

Ryo gasped as he opened his eyes again.

The golden gates of Celestia Academy loomed before him. Again.

His breathing turned ragged, his heart hammering against his chest. He clutched his arms, struggling to understand.

I just died… but I'm back here?! Again?!

His mind screamed for answers, but all he could do was stagger toward a bench in the academy garden and sit down. His hands were still shaking.

Nothing made sense. He had died twice now. And both times, he had returned to this exact moment.

His gaze darted around, searching for something—anything—that could explain what was happening. That was when he saw him.

The teacher who had told him he didn't belong here.

But this time, the teacher's reaction was different. Instead of calling him an outsider, he simply said, "What are you doing here? The entrance ceremony is about to start. Hurry along."

Ryo froze. What?

That wasn't what he had said last time. No, the first time, he had clearly stated that Ryo wasn't supposed to be here. But now, it was as if they had never met before.

A cold shiver ran down his spine.

Had the teacher… forgotten? Or had time truly reset?

His thoughts spiraled as he walked toward the ceremony hall. And then, more things began to feel wrong.

The sky looked a shade darker than he remembered. The bell chime that signaled the ceremony sounded slightly off-pitch. A student tripped over a loose stone, but this time, no one reacted.

Every small inconsistency sent chills through him.

Is this really the same timeline…? Or is something changing every time I die?

By the time the ceremony concluded, Ryo barely remembered what was said. Everything felt surreal, like a dream he couldn't wake up from.

The academy assigned him a dorm room, and the moment he received his key, a thought settled in his mind:

I just need to get through tonight. Once classes start tomorrow, I'll figure things out.

Still dazed, he followed the students toward the dormitory. But just as he turned down the hallway leading to his room—

A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Ryo stiffened.

Before he could react, a voice—low and unfamiliar—spoke behind him.

"Wait."