Reincarnated With a Cheat System

Chapter 20 – Fame, Failure, and Fangirls

The next morning, Phyro and Klein strolled through the grand hallways of the Magic Academy, the morning sun casting a golden glow through the enormous arched windows. The Academy was always lively at this hour, with students moving between classes, chatting, and preparing for the day's lessons.

But today, things were different.

All around them, whispers followed their every step.

"Is that really him?"

"The kid who took down Lucian? He doesn't look that strong…"

"I was there! He literally turned the arena into a furnace!"

And, of course, the most noticeable change—the girls.

Everywhere Phyro looked, wide-eyed admiration greeted him. Girls who had never even glanced his way before now blushed when he walked past. Some whispered excitedly behind their hands, while others just stared, unblinking, like they were trying to memorize every detail of his face.

A bold one—a blonde girl with a playful smirk—winked at him as he walked by.

Klein let out a low whistle. "Damn, you're really living the dream, huh?"

Phyro smirked. "Hey, can't blame them. Greatness is attractive."

A girl overheard and let out a small squeal, nearly dropping her books. Her friend elbowed her, but her love-struck expression remained.

Klein sighed. "God, your ego is gonna be unbearable after this."

Phyro chuckled, but he couldn't deny it—he liked the attention.

Of course, not everyone was happy about it.

As they passed a group of noble students, several guys shot them envious glares. Some scoffed, while others muttered insults under their breath.

"Tch. One fight and they treat him like a king."

"He just got lucky against Lucian. No way he's actually that strong."

But before Phyro could even respond, something unexpected happened.

His fangirls turned on the haters instantly.

One of them—a girl with short black hair—snapped her head toward the guy who spoke, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Oh? You think you could've done better?"

The guy flinched. "I—uh…"

Another girl, a petite one with glasses, pushed them up and glared sharply. "I don't recall you ever defeating Lucian in a duel. In fact, have you ever even fought him?"

The guy paled, realizing he had zero comeback.

"…Tch." He turned away and stormed off.

Phyro and Klein exchanged glances.

Klein grinned. "Bro, you literally have an army of bodyguards now."

Phyro chuckled. "Not bad, huh?"

But even as he enjoyed the attention, he had no idea how much worse his day was about to get.

Eventually, they reached their homeroom class—a spacious hall filled with rows of desks, glowing chandeliers, and walls lined with magical tomes.

The moment they stepped inside, they spotted their new group of friends sitting in their usual corner.

Jude, a messy-haired commoner with an easygoing grin, waved them over. "Yo, you two really shook the Academy yesterday."

Lana, a red-haired girl with sharp eyes, smirked. "More like Phyro did. Klein just stood there looking cool."

Klein leaned against the desk, smirking. "And yet, here you are, still noticing me."

Lana scoffed, looking away—but her slight blush betrayed her.

Phyro plopped down into his seat. "Yeah, yeah, let's just get to class already."

Just then, the classroom door swung open, and their instructor strode in.

Professor Edgar Vael was a tall man with silver hair, glasses, and piercing blue eyes. He had a reputation for being one of the strictest but smartest professors in the Academy.

The moment he stepped in, the entire class fell silent.

He adjusted his glasses and scanned the room. "Good. You all remembered to shut up when a professor enters."

Some students gulped. Professor Vael was known for humiliating students who didn't meet his standards.

He stepped up to the board and wrote a large equation.

"Today's lesson is Mana Theory and Application. While many of you may excel in combat, true mastery of magic requires understanding its foundation."

His eyes scanned the students before finally stopping on Phyro.

"Mr. Phyro."

Phyro blinked. "Huh?"

The professor smirked slightly. "Since you made such an impressive entrance into our Academy, let's see if your knowledge matches your skill."

He tapped the board.

"Can you explain the fundamental principle behind the Mana Conversion Process in elemental spells?"

Phyro stared at the equation.

The what now?

At that moment, a familiar blue screen popped up in his vision.

New System Quest!

Challenge: Answer the Professor's Question

Correct Answer: +1000 EXP, +Professor's Respect

Failure: Public Embarrassment

Do you accept?

Phyro exhaled sharply. This system is really setting me up for failure, huh?

Still, maybe if he just bullshitted something, it'd be close enough?

He took a deep breath. "Uh… the, um, Mana Conversion Process works by… converting mana into, uh… elemental energy through… uh…"

Silence.

The entire classroom stared at him as his sentence fell apart.

Professor Vael raised an eyebrow. "Fascinating. And entirely incorrect."

The system flashed again.

Quest Failed.

Phyro winced. Damn it.

Then he heard it—snickering.

A few noble students in the class burst into laughter.

"Haha, so much for the Prodigy."

"Guess he's all brawn, no brain."

But before they could keep laughing—

A murderous aura filled the room.

The fangirls, who had been admiring Phyro all morning, slowly turned their heads toward the laughing students, their expressions darkening.

The temperature in the room dropped.

The guys froze in terror.

One of them gulped audibly, sweating. "I-It was just a joke…"

Another one whispered, "Dude, I think they might actually kill us."

Satisfied with their work, the girls turned back toward Phyro, smiling sweetly.

Phyro raised an eyebrow. Okay, this is actually kind of scary.

Professor Vael cleared his throat. "While some of you may find amusement in this, I assure you, failing this class is no laughing matter."

He turned back to the board. "Moving on."

Phyro slumped in his chair.

Klein leaned over, whispering. "Bro, you just took your first big L in front of the whole class."

"Shut up."

Jude chuckled. "Damn, you really got saved by your fangirls though."

Lana smirked. "Maybe if you actually studied, you wouldn't need them to intimidate people for you."

Phyro groaned, rubbing his face. This was not how he wanted to start the day.

As the lesson continued, one thought stuck in his head.

I seriously need to start learning this stuff… or I'm screwed.

End of Chapter 20.