When it comes to the start of the school year, all I remember is feeling depressed.
Because, starting school means spring break is over, right?
And to me, spring break is the only time when you’re not dragged down by all that annoying stuff—entrance exams, job hunting, studying, your future, all of it.
That brief period of rest is completely gone, and now we have to dive into a brand-new darkness.
Putting it mildly, it sucks, doesn’t it?
I feel seriously down, like turning completely blue.
Hating the idea of entering society—does that make me socially unfit?
Well, considering I’ve been antagonizing society this whole time, I guess I really am socially unfit.
Anyway, I passed the school.
Which, I mean, was only to be expected.
I complained a lot, sure, but it’s not like I could just throw it all away.
Apparently, I even got evaluated pretty highly.
Didn’t think I’d end up third in the grade, though.
So yeah, I’ve become one of those “promising new students.”
Obviously, the uniform was the girls’ uniform.
I’m really not good with skirts. It just feels too… girly, and I hate it.
I mean, I still have the memories and awareness of being a guy, you know?
Though they’ve eroded pretty badly—full of holes and all.
My class is the top advanced class.
From here on, we’re expected to learn a lot as budding magicians and eventually go on to become great mages.
Not that I plan on doing that.
I came here with my own goal in mind.
Everything else? Honestly couldn’t care less.
I’ll just slack off and drift through these three years, I think.
“Students. You have done well to choose our Klein Magic Academy—and to be chosen by us.”
I’ve always wondered—why are principals’ speeches always so long?
Is it like a rule or something?
Well, I don’t know yet if this one will drag on, though.
More importantly, the other students are kind of amazing.
Eyes sharp, all serious, actually listening.
I could never muster that kind of motivation.
They’re so earnest, it’s almost impressive.
…Though maybe that’s just a dumb thought from not thinking hard enough.
“You will struggle, hesitate, and grow into accomplished magicians. That is the purpose of this academy. There is not a single lazy incompetent among you. Therefore, entrust a part of your lives to us, who have the duty to guide you properly.”
Still… that principal is pretty strong.
Ignoring things like age or status, by my standards, they’re definitely strong.
Probably one of the top-tier people in the world.
Maybe they’ve stepped down from the front lines and become an educator?
If they’re only half-retired, that’s a waste. They’ve clearly still got it in them.
“We are your allies. This environment will not be gentle—but it is not your enemy. Remember that. That is all.”
Someone who rose through the battlefield, huh?
That would explain it.
Short speech, too—despite being the principal.
“Next, the representative of the incoming students.”
The one who stepped up after the principal was Chrono-kun.
No idea about his written scores, but after how he dominated the practical exam, this was inevitable.
Ah—everyone’s staring at him.
Probably because most of the new students are nobles, yet he’s a commoner giving the speech.
And if you’re wondering how everyone knows that—well, blame that guy glaring daggers at him.
“Why is a mere commoner…? That position was supposed to be mine—mine, mine, mine, mine, mine…!”
Hey, stop biting your nails. Bad habit.
A man consumed by jealousy is really ugly.
If I tried talking to him, he probably wouldn’t even respond.
Can someone really lose their sanity like this?
Honestly, it’s kind of funny.
…What would happen if I poked him right now?
Nah, better not. That’d probably end badly.
“First, my gratitude. To my master who raised me, to the teachers who selected me as the top student, and to all of you, with whom I will strive together.”
“This is a milestone. One of the goals we have reached in our lives.”
“But it is not the end. It is not the end here.”
“We came here to aim even higher. Never forget to strive. There is always another goal—after that, another, and another, until the day we die.”
“Don’t waste time resting. Never forget to strive. Not for your whole life.”
Alright, clap clap clap.
That was a good speech, I guess. Don’t really know, though.
Should I pat him on the head or something?
Not like it’d change anything.
And that wraps up the entrance ceremony!
On to the next thing!
※※※※※※※※
“These are your classmates in the advanced class. Try to get along.”
Aside from the teacher at the podium, there are six of us gathered in the classroom.
I already know Noble-kun and Chrono-kun, but the other three are new faces.
One flashy Playboy-type pretty boy—don’t know his name.
One timid, unfortunate-looking beauty—don’t know her name.
One sharp-tongued, prickly beauty—don’t know her name.
…Well, introductions are about to happen anyway.
Kind of weird to label them as “don’t know their names,” huh?
Though come to think of it, I don’t even remember Noble-kun’s name either.
“Woohoo! So many cute girls here—this is great!”
The playboy kicks things off.
Just as shallow-sounding as he looks.
Blond hair practically sparkling—he definitely knows he’s attractive.
Yeah… I’m not going to get along with this guy.
I already dislike him.
“I’m Rush Libreum! Let’s all get along—especially the ladies!”
Ah, the prickly girl just clicked her tongue.
You don’t like that type either, huh? Same here.
Only the timid girl responds with an awkward smile.
She seems kind. Like, genuinely kind to the core.
The way she bows politely—yeah, she’s been well brought up.
“You are Lord Rush, second son of the Marquis Libreum family, correct? I have heard much about you.”
“Eh, ‘heard’ probably means bad rumors, right? I’ve got this kind of personality, after all.”
“Not at all. I’ve heard you excel both in academics and martial ability, worthy of the Libreum name.”
“I ranked last in the entrance exam among this class, you know? Was that sarcasm, Alicia-san?”
This conversation feels very… noble-like.
Do they all research each other beforehand?
She’s probably from a lower-ranking noble family—viscount or baron, maybe.
Oh wait, isn’t she the one Noble-kun was pestering before?
Couldn’t resist because her family lacks power, maybe?
Yeah, pretty common story.
“My name is Alicia Corines. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
Well, I won’t be getting along, though.
If possible, I’d rather you not interact with me at all.
I’d hate to end up pulling out that fluffy chestnut-colored hair of yours.
“I hope we can all become friends.”
“...Tch.”
The prickly girl responds with a clear click of her tongue.
Yeah, she’s the only one openly hostile here.
No need to say it—her attitude says it all.
“I am Lilia Liv Rockford. I have no intention of socializing.”
…We might actually get along.
I don’t want to socialize either.
Also, wow, she’s such a classic type.
Red hair, sharp personality—feels like you see that everywhere.
But that ability to clearly reject others, and those fierce upturned eyes… points for that.
“You’re an exchange student from the Misea Empire, right? I heard rumors—fourth place in the entrance exam, a prodigy.”
“Flattery is unnecessary. And I said I have no intention of socializing. Do you want me to repeat myself?”
The timid girl smiles awkwardly again.
Still, very noble of her.
She’s probably trying to build connections with everyone here.
Not kindness—pragmatism.
And now… It’s time.
The main event, as far as I’m concerned.
“Guess it’s my turn…?”
Woo! So cool!
That sweet face is dangerously charming, you pretty boy.
“I’m Chrono Dizaus. I’d like to get along with everyone, if possible.”
…Wait.
Now that I think about it, everyone’s introducing themselves in order.
This is bad.
I really don’t want to introduce myself.
Even speaking feels like a hassle. And if it leads to socializing, that’s even worse.
It’s not that I’m socially awkward, okay?
It’s just… it feels pointless. A waste.
“Then, the rest—”
Ugh… what a pain…
Can I somehow push this off…
“Bo—”
“How long do you intend to drag out this farce?”
N-Noble-kun!?
What’s wrong, Noble-kun!? Got a complaint or something!?
“A mere commoner stands above me as top student…? And I am second…? Don’t make me laugh!”
Oh—this flow…!
Is this my chance to skip introductions!?
Go, go, keep it going!
If I miss this, it’ll only get more troublesome!
“I don’t know what dirty tricks you used, but there’s no way someone like you surpasses me!”
“……”
“A duel! I’ll crush you!”
Perfect!
Hurry it up!
And please, let this skip the introduction segment!
Though seriously, the teacher isn’t stopping this at all.
Meritocracy taken to the extreme, huh?
Does this kind of thing actually happen?
“No, I—”
“What? Afraid!? So that stunt during the entrance exam really was fraud!”
Didn’t expect things to escalate this much.
He’s seriously twisted up inside.
That level of pride is something else.
Well, nobles generally look down on commoners.
This guy’s just the standard type—everyone else here seems more moderate.
The prickly girl’s probably just like that with everyone, though.
“I refuse to acknowledge you! If you are truly the top student, then prove your worth!”
Yeah, Chrono-kun looks pretty annoyed.
From his perspective, this is just a nuisance.
The others are watching with exasperation, too—except Noble-kun, who doesn’t notice a thing.
Tunnel vision at its finest.
Still, I don’t hate prideful people.
And honestly… I’d like to let this whole thing blur out and skip ahead.
Best move for me is to jump in.
“Don’t look so bothered.”
Oh crap, I just spoke for the first time today.
Wait, does that make me look like a total loner?
And why is everyone staring at me all at once? That startled me.
…Wait. Did they only just notice I was here?
“Maybe it’s a nuisance to you, but for him, this is serious. His pride is on the line. You want to get along with everyone, right? Then humoring him once wouldn’t hurt.”
I just want to skip introductions.
If this turns into a duel, we can probably skip everything else today.
“You’re a guy too, right? Then try to understand how he feels. He’s not just some nobody—he’s your classmate.”
Looks like that worked.
He had a blank expression for a second, but now… yeah, that’s a good face.
He’s ready.
Though his opponent looks ready to kill.
“…Alright. It’s sudden, but I accept.”
“…I will defeat you and prove myself.”
…If I just leave now, will they notice?