7 I really did just switch timelines

"At the beginning of the human race, there was a grand wizard called Adam and a grand witch called Eve. They were the first to discover the source of all magic, which, in the oldest record we have of these events, was a purple apple. We do not know the capabilities of this apple and why it is the source, but supposedly the tree it comes from has its roots entrenched throughout the entire world." Upon hearing the origin, I instantly knew that this world was indeed the same as my old one, clearly taking after the Bible but changing to explain magic.

However, what shocked me was the apple Hasumi mentioned; it so happened to be the exact same apple I ate before I was transported… at least in appearance.

'Maybe the apple is off that tree, and the magic from that transported me here, but why the hell was it there in the first place, and most of all, why me?' It was hard not to make the connection, and what seemed like an answer only conjured up more questions.

"You may ask, wouldn't the tree be the source? You would be correct, but it only emits the ambient mana in the air that allows us to even manifest the elements. What the apple did was allow Adam and Eve's children and thousands of generations later to be able to use the mana in the air. Be sure to make this distinction since if it wasn't for Adam taking a bite of that apple, we would not have evolved to use magic." Hasumi wrote the key points in the air, and as she wrote them, most of the students wrote them down.

But of course, Caspian had something to say, and judging by his face, it would indirectly relate to me.

"So does that mean Adam and Eve are our ancestors? Because if so, then what's the point of nobility if we are all of the same blood?" There was clear disdain in his voice, which Hasumi could only sigh at.

"Because the concept of nobles is something created by us. Caspian, if it were me, there would be no nobles since, in reality, we are all the same." Everyone in the room held their breath as Hasumi's tone shifted, showing clear disdain for the nobles.

"Tch." Caspian clicked his tongue and looked away, trying to avoid eye contact with Hasumi.

'Now this is quite the first day.' It was easy to say Caspian has made an impactful first impression, and I could only hope he continues since it could lead to his expulsion. However, knowing that the corrupt noble trope runs strong through this world, it wouldn't surprise me if he never gets a real punishment.

"Moving on to other facts about the tree, it is actually in the world of the magic association's possession. They maintain the tree and are completely separated from any government. No one knows where they actually are, but if there are any problems with the tree, they will be the first ones to respond."

The organisation sounded pretty suspicious, but if I were to get any answers about a time-warping apple, then they would be the people to go to.

'Should I even find them? If I tell them I ate an apple off the tree, then I feel like I'm turning myself in to be punished. It's probably best I keep it a secret and try to live out my life normally.' It would be the fastest way to get answers, but did I need them? No, I would rather just take the opportunity I was given to live my new life.

"Ma'am? How do we know the tree exists, then? Have you seen it, or are we trusting the word of people that sound like a secret organisation?" A student raised their hand while asking their question. It was a good one since how are we supposed to believe something that seems to have no presence in the world?

"Glad you asked; to answer, in this very school, one of the tree roots protrudes from the ground and is what supplies the school with most of its magical power. Much of the technology you see, like the arena we were in, would not be possible without it." Hasumi had a smirk, knowing it would incite a few reactions.

"Really? When do we get to see it?" One of the students stood up in excitement, which I found a bit of an exaggeration, but I guess this tree is almost like a god to them.

"Calm down; you will for one of your classes, but for now, be patient." Hasumi raised her hand, signalling the students to quiet down.

"Now…" Hasumi then began to talk more about recent history, which wasn't really anything of note. I almost fell asleep since I knew most of it already, but now it just had a magical twist.

Lyra, though, noticed I was dozing off a few times and would step on my foot lightly, keeping me awake. Not wanting to look bad, especially since Lyra was keeping an eye on me, I tried my best to pay attention.

*

"Alright, that concludes this period, at the end of the compulsory alchemy class you will get given the rest of your subjects. You are free to go eat and explore the school. I recommend finding your next class during this time so you do not get lost." Right as she finished speaking, the sound of a bell resounded throughout the entire school. Some people packed up their things, while others had brought food to eat already.

Luckily for me, my mother had packed me food, so I didn't actually need to go anywhere, but it looked like Lyra did.

"Did you want to head to the cafeteria to eat?" Lyra looked like she was ready to plead to get me to go, but there wasn't a chance I would say no.

"Of course." I packed my things quickly so as not to hold her up, and we headed towards the cafeteria.

"I'm assuming you know where the next class is?" I knew we had an alchemy class next, and I saw the staircase leading to it, but it still worried me that somehow I would get lost.

"Mhm, don't worry too much about it; take a seat here, and I'll go get some food."

Arriving at the cafeteria, it was packed full of students, so Lyra opted to sit outside in a courtyard of sorts, where there were plenty of tables for students. Taking my seat, Lyra walked off inside to get her food while I ate alone.

It didn't take long before some students I hadn't seen took advantage of the situation. Luckily, I had already finished my sandwich and, out of precaution, kept my other snacks hidden, so lunch wasn't ruined.

"If it isn't the lucky peasant that got into noble school." It was a group of girls, but what struck me was that I recognised the voice.

'April…' It was a person I vividly remember from my high school days who made my life miserable. She would put on the act of being nice and flirty, but right as you get hopeful, she crushes it right in front of you just for fun.

Her fun consisted of manipulating every guy that was more or less a loner, and I happen to be a victim of it as well.

"Ignoring me now, are we? That's not how you should treat those above you." With a clear, bitchy tone, April leant in close from behind me, invading all of my personal space. Her little goons were also in front of me, giggling to themselves as they watched everything unfold.

"Come on, talk back." April finally took physical action and pulled on my hair, which, surprisingly, was more painful than I thought. It forced me to sit up in an attempt to reduce the pain.

'Argh! No wonder women try to pull hair when they are in a fight.' I gritted my teeth, trying not to give a reaction, hoping April would get bored and leave. However, I found myself getting more irritated, and flickers of yellow flames came off my body, but not enough for them to notice.

"Fox got your tongue~? If you keep this up, we will just throw you out of the school ourselves." April pulled harder, forcing me to stand up, and even tried to reach for my ear. The other girls that were watching also took the liberty and spat in my face.

That was the final straw for me and the yellow flames around me got more intense, but I would be interrupted.

"Oi!" Ice spike flew right past April's face and hit the pillar behind her. A layer of ice formed on her skin, which was painful as she was instantly given frostbite, prompting her to let go of my hair.

"Tch, Lyra, the outcast noble. Let's get out of here, girls." April quickly left the area with her goons, clearly annoyed that they were interrupted.