The entire class moved as a sluggish herd toward the auditorium under the teacher’s direction for the entrance ceremony.
It was, frankly, a colossal waste of time.
First came the principal’s endless speech, followed by the address from the representative of the incoming students.
Determined to salvage something productive from the experience, I let the speeches pass through one ear and out the other while quietly surveying the girls from the other classes.
A few caught my attention.
None of them, however, truly matched my tastes.
Once the ceremony ended, we returned to the classroom.
Our homeroom teacher, Tamai Kanae, explained the basics of school life and various administrative matters. After that came the inevitable round of self-introductions.
”I understand,” Tamai-sensei said in her usual crisp, efficient manner. “Please proceed with your introductions in an orderly fashion. We have a schedule to maintain.”
”The two of us diving in by ourselves? That is not actually happening, is it?” I quietly asked the girl beside me.
Chifumi turned toward me, her eyes sparkling.
”Ehhhhh!? Minoru, I am totally happy to be paired with you, but charging in with just the two of us? That sounds way too reckless! We’d get flattened in no time!”
Then, as though suddenly remembering herself, she cleared her throat and adopted a calmer tone.
”I would prefer it if you refrained from making such uninspiring jokes. Naturally, I shall follow your lead if you insist, but… surely you are not serious?”
”Sorry. Just joking.”
”Good. For a moment there, I was genuinely concerned.”
”Those two are our best candidates,” I whispered, subtly gesturing toward the back of the room.
Chifumi followed my gaze.
A broad smile immediately spread across her face.
”Eeeeeh!? They are absolutely adorable! Leave the girl on the left to me. I shall secure her with flawless precision!”
”…Please do not phrase it like that.”
”I regret nothing.”
Ignoring that concerning declaration, I stood up.
There was no point hesitating.
I walked over to the girl with the ponytail.
”Do you have a moment?”
Kibe-san raised her eyes from her desk.
Her expression was composed and elegant, carrying an air of quiet distance.
”I would greatly appreciate your discretion,” she said. “I am currently occupied.”
”I am Tanemiya Minoru. You are Kibe-san, correct?”
”Indeed.”
She inclined her head slightly.
”I am Kibe Yurina. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
”Likewise. This is a little sudden, but… you are ‘Free,’ right?”
For the briefest moment, Yurina’s expression stiffened.
”I… suppose that description would be accurate.”
Her voice remained calm, though something about it felt guarded.
”Would you be interested in joining my group? We are a little short on members.”
”I must apologize.”
Her answer came immediately.
”I cannot join your group.”
”Huh? Why not?”
”That is…”
For the first time, she seemed uncertain.
”…not a matter I can discuss publicly.”
Before I could ask another question, a sharp voice cut in from the side.
”Hey. Knock it off already.”
I turned.
A girl was glaring at me with her arms folded.
Her eyes were narrowed, and irritation practically radiated from her.
”You’re really getting on my nerves, you know?” she said bluntly. “That girl’s already spoken for.”
I found myself staring at Naruse-san.
Summary:
Minoru and Chifumi are navigating the first day at their new sorcery high school, tasked with finding two more members to complete their four-person dungeon diving group. Minoru sets his sights on two mysterious, solitary girls, Yurina Kibe and Risa Naruse, based on their appearance. Minoru’s attempt to recruit Yurina is immediately rebuffed, and he is confronted by a hostile Risa.
Trivia:
The school is the 13th High School, a prestigious institution for the regional elite.
Dungeon entry requires a four-person group and a special safety item to prevent death.
Free Girls are defined as those without pre-existing contracts with strong men.