Time continued to roll forward, leaving behind last year’s memories and stepping from December 2058 into March 2059.
The world situation was currently in a heated Cold War phase amidst the prolonged period of World War III.
Although large-scale global battles had begun to subside slightly due to extreme resource exhaustion, geopolitical tensions were at a boiling point.
The existing silence was merely a preparation for even greater destruction.
The Great Asian Alliance continued to strengthen its dominance in the East.
This year, internal factions in China, such as Dahan and Northern China, were in fierce competition for supremacy in magical technology, jostling to prove who was most worthy of leading the alliance.
On the other hand, the global food crisis had reached a terrifying peak.
The world population had drastically decreased to only about 3 billion people due to a combination of mass starvation and incessant conflict.
Small nations unable to survive began to collapse one by one, only to be absorbed by giant powers like the USNA (North America) and the NSU (New Soviet Union).
In Japan itself, the Yotsuba Clan further solidified their position at the pinnacle of military influence as the nation’s most feared “secret weapon.” Meanwhile, dark organizations like the Kunlunfang Institute began conducting inhumane research on Magicians, ambitious to create more efficient “magical weapons” to win the remaining scraps of the war.
In short, 2059 was the year of “the calm before the storm”—a transitional period marking the world’s shift toward major incidents that would permanently change history.
However, for Yuuta, all that global upheaval seemed to have nothing to do with him.
At least, that was what he thought at the moment.
His routine over the past few months had felt very monotonous.
Heading to school in the morning, returning to the main house in the afternoon, followed by intensive study in the library to sharpen his understanding, and occasionally accompanying Maya and Miya at play.
March 17, 2059.
8:40 AM.
Yuuta arrived at the elementary school, driven by Tajima in a private car as usual.
With his school bag on his shoulder, he walked toward the main building along with the flow of other students who looked listless.
“Good morning, Yuuta-kun!
I missed you so much~” Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around his neck.
Nonoa hugged Yuuta from behind in a very spoiled tone, drawing the attention of several passing students.
“Morning, Nonoa.” Yuuta replied flatly without breaking his stride.
“And also, how many times have I told you to mind your behavior.
Remember, women in this era are very conservative regarding physical contact with the opposite sex.” “They are them, and I am me!
I don’t care about those ancient rules.” Nonoa answered while releasing her hug but remaining clung to Yuuta’s arm.
“Rather than that, let’s hurry and see the final semester exam results.
I’m sure you’re rank one again!” Yuuta’s advice seemed to go in Nonoa’s left ear and out the right.
Without waiting for consent, the girl immediately pulled Yuuta’s hand toward the notice board already swarmed by students.
To be honest, Nonoa found it strange.
How was it possible for women in the year 2059 to become so conservative, almost resembling the norms of the years before the 2000s?
Logically, shouldn’t the advancement of time and technology make individual freedom even more uncontrollable?
Just look at the feminists who always shouted that they didn’t need men, even though almost all their infrastructure and life comforts were managed and protected by the men they looked down upon.
A vivid contradiction, wasn’t it?
But that was women for you; they tended to prioritize feelings and impulsivity over common sense and logic.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆ “Geez…
There are so many people.” Nonoa complained, pouting her lips as she saw the crowd of students jostling in front of the notice board.
Yuuta just watched the scene calmly, his hands still in his pockets.
“That’s natural, Nonoa.
The more a student achieves, the more resources and allowances they receive from the school.
For orphans without a strong family background, these grades are their only golden ticket to changing their lives in this war-torn world.” Nonoa let out a long sigh, her eyes turning to Yuuta with a bit of playful envy.
“Well, you’re right.
But speaking of resources, I’m really jealous of you, Yuuta-kun.
You don’t have to compete desperately just to get extra facilities.
The Yotsuba Clan behind you will give you whatever you need before you even have a chance to open your mouth.” She then chuckled softly, realizing her own position.
“But I guess I don’t have the right to criticize others either.
Even though my foster family can’t be compared to the grandeur of the Yotsuba Clan, I still live a life much better and more comfortable than the orphan friends who have to stay in those cramped school dorms.” The two walked slowly, slipping through the crowd that began to make way automatically upon seeing Yuuta’s presence.
Once they reached the front of the board, Nonoa’s eyes immediately sparkled at the top row.
“See!
What did I tell you!” Nonoa exclaimed, pointing enthusiastically at Yuuta’s name.
“Rank one with perfect scores in all subjects!
Yuuta-kun, you really are a genius monster.
I don’t think anyone can take your spot.” Yuuta only glanced briefly at the board, not feeling surprised in the slightest.
To him, this was merely a logical result of his efforts.
He then shifted his gaze downward, looking for a certain name.
“You’re not bad either, Nonoa.
Rank nine out of hundreds of students this academic year is a solid achievement.” Nonoa’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment.
She nudged Yuuta’s arm while smiling shyly.
“Hehe, that’s all because you taught me every afternoon, Yuuta-kun.
Honestly, if it weren’t for your strict guidance, forget the top ten, I doubt my name would even be in the top thirty.” “Damn…
I lost again this time.” A heavy, determined voice sounded from the side.
Yuuta turned to find Saegusa Kouichi standing there, staring at the notice board with clenched fists.
“Rank two.
Even though I studied to the point of not sleeping for the past three days, the point gap between us remains unmoved.” Kouichi turned his face from the board, looking at Yuuta with the fire of competition burning in his eyes.
“But don’t get too happy yet, Yotsuba.
I won’t give up.
Next exam, I’m the one who will stand in that top position!” Yuuta responded to the challenge with a provocative thin smile.
“Is that so?
Then I’ll look forward to it, Saegusa.
Don’t let me get bored at the top all by myself.” Watching their interaction, anyone would feel like they were watching a classic rivalry scene from a shounen manga.
Unfortunately, entertainment industries like manga had long been extinct and had become historical artifacts due to the economic and social destruction during World War III.
Meanwhile, not far from Yuuta’s position, Yukinoshita Yukino stood frozen.
She bit her lower lip quite hard when her eyes landed on rank fifteen—where her name was listed.
In the past, while she lived in Chiba City, Yukino was the definition of perfection.
From elementary to middle school, she always held rank one without opposition.
Feeling there were no more worthy challenges if she continued to Sobu High School, she decided to move to Tokyo and attend the prestigious Seirei Private Academy.
Then, she was hit hard by reality during her first year exams.
She had thought she would dominate as before, but to her surprise, she even struggled to make the top ten.
It was a devastating blow to her sky-high pride.
(How is it possible…) Yukino shot a sharp glare at Yuuta’s back.
(How can a lazy playboy like Yamabuki get perfect scores?
He looks like he spends all his time just having fun with girls, while I dedicate all my time to studying.) She clenched her fists beneath her neat uniform, a cold aura radiating from her body.
(This isn’t over.
I won’t let my pride be trampled by someone like him.
Enjoy your victory for now, Yamabuki…
because one day, I will definitely defeat you and prove who is truly superior here!)