It was just after I finished dinner and was about to make some notes to teach Rina—er, Katrina.
I received a message from Marino-san.
She said she had something to discuss.
It’s not common for Marino-san to call me like this.
I immediately closed my notebook and headed to the living room.
Several people had already gathered there, one of whom didn’t live in the Hanamura mansion.
“Yukine-san?”
When I said that, Yukine-san smiled.
“Good evening, Ludi.”
“Were you called here too?”
When I sat down next to Yukine-san, she nodded, turning her body toward me.
“Oh, that’s right.
I suddenly got a message from the Director, you know?”
Yukine-san turned her face toward Marino-san.
She stopped chatting with Nanami and looked at all of us.
“With this, everyone is present♪”
I looked around the room.
There were six people in total: Marino-san, Hatsumi-san, Yukine-san, Nanami, Claris, and me.
And given that he wasn’t here, the agenda was naturally derived.
It was about Kousuke.
“Now, I think some of you have already guessed, but this is about Kou-chan.”
Just as I thought.
The members gathered here all harbored some kind of special feelings for Kousuke.
Myself included.
“Actually, I’ve found out that Kou-chan is planning to do something astonishing, extremely dangerous, and completely insane♪”
Hearing Marino-san say that, I involuntarily furrowed my brow.
“Is that true…?”
“That’s right.
With that said, Nanami-chan… Hm, what?
You don’t want me to use ‘chan’?
Eh, you want me to use ‘san’ instead?
That would make us seem so distant… You don’t need to look at me with such scary eyes~”
Why does Nanami get mad if I don’t call her without honorifics or by a nickname, but she makes Marino-san use ‘san’?
“Ahem.
After consulting with Nanami-san, we’ve decided to support Kou-chan.”
I had been staring at Marino-san and the others, but I quickly snapped back to my senses.
It seems he’s planning to pull off some stunt.
And it’s something dangerous, at that.
“Director, what exactly is this plan?”
When Yukine-san asked, Marino-san nodded with a smile.
“Yes.
It seems he’s going to skip the written exams, finish in first place among the first-years, and leave behind a result in a completely different dimension.”
I tilted my head at Marino-san’s words.
“Is it even possible to skip the exams and be ranked first in the entire year?”
Then…
“…I see.”
“I get it.
By skipping them… There was that method, huh?”
Hatsumi-san and Yukine-san murmured.
I couldn’t quite read Hatsumi-san’s expression, but Yukine-san nodded as if she were convinced.
“Actually, it is possible, you know~”
Claris also seemed interested, leaning forward slightly and resting her hands on the table.
“How on earth is that possible…?”
She asked.
“Since he won’t be taking the exam, there’s no way his name would appear on the scoreboard.
So it’s impossible to imagine how he’d achieve this.
If he took the exam at least once, it would be a different story.”
“Let’s see~.
I think you’ll understand once the exams are over.
Ludi-chan, you know the graduation requirements for our school, right?”
“Yes.
You can either earn the credits in the compulsory subjects or clear the 60th floor of the Tsukuyomi Academy Dungeon… Wait, that’s impossible.”
Suddenly, a thought struck me.
If you can graduate by clearing the 60th floor of the Dungeon, then what about the grading?
“Yes, perhaps just as you’re imagining right now.
The overall grade at the Tsukuyomi Magic Academy is determined by a combination of your exam scores and your Dungeon floor progression.”
I see.
If you skip the exam, you can still get first place.
You just have to challenge the Dungeon.
“Director, I have a question.”
Yukine-san spoke up.
“The Dungeon score carries a lot of weight, so if you reach the 10th floor, you could easily get first place in the first year.
But why are you saying this is so dangerous and insane?”
“I have the same question.
The 10th floor is a walk in the park for the current Kousuke.”
Marino-san nodded in agreement as she listened.
“You’re right~.
I think he could easily reach the first-year final goal, the 20th floor.
But what Kou-chan is aiming for is much, much deeper…”
After saying that, Marino-san took a deep breath.
It was Nanami who took over the explanation.
“Goshujin-sama said, with extreme casualness, that he is going to solo the 40th floor.”
Yukine-san stood up with a loud clack.
“That can’t be true!?
Did you say the 40th floor!?”
“…Unbelievable.”
And Hatsumi-san’s face, which was always completely expressionless, was now tinted with sheer astonishment.
“Um, is the 40th floor really that amazing?”
Claris asked, voicing my exact doubts.
Yukine-san took a deep breath and slowly opened her mouth.
“The 40th floor is the target for us second-year students.
Certainly, many people, myself included, have already cleared it, but it wasn’t our first time inside that Dungeon.
Above all, doing it solo…”
“Irrational and reckless.
Is Kousuke ignorant of the danger?”
“I laughed too, saying it was impossible, impossible.
And then Kou-chan laughed right along with me~…”
The smile vanished from Marino-san’s face.
“But those were serious eyes.”
“Goshujin-sama will definitely challenge it.”
Marino-san nodded at Nanami’s words.
“Yes, you’re right.
It reached a point where I thought it might be good if he suffered a massive failure just once.
But apparently, Kou-chan has no intention of just getting crushed.”
“Goshujin-sama is currently heading to a specific Dungeon.
And he is getting stronger at an abnormal speed.
Thanks to that, I’m also getting stronger as a byproduct.”
“Just as Nanami-san says, Kou-chan is getting stronger and stronger.
And I think…”
Marino-san didn’t finish her sentence.
But I understood what she meant.
“But there’s another problem with what Kou-chan is trying to do.”
“…I see.
The timeframe.”
That’s what Hatsumi-san said, and Yukine-san let out an “Ah.”
“Right.
Entry into the Tsukuyomi Academy Dungeon for this year will be unlocked on the first day of the exams.
The exams will be held for five days, leaving a total of three days before the results are announced.
It’s absolutely impossible.
Does Takioto know this?
A single floor in that Dungeon is massive compared to the Dungeons we’ve captured before!?”
I somehow guessed the rest.
To get first place by reaching the 40th floor, he has to clear it before the tests are graded and the results are announced.
“Yes, you’re exactly right.
The fastest record in the academy belongs to Yukine-chan, Shion-chan, and Fran-chan, supported by the three former presidents of the Three Committees.
It took them six months to reach that floor, counting from their very first entry.
It’s a record said to be unbreakable.”
Claris spoke up, sounding surprised by Marino-san’s words.
“I-In a single week, a Dungeon that took them that long!?”
“How is Takioto going to pull this off…?
We had classes during our time, we’d go in and out, spend a few days at a time in the Dungeon, and advance little by little.
It took us six months.
Even then, we only shortened the previous record by three months.
If you just count the actual time we spent inside the Dungeon, it would still be weeks.
But he’s going to do it in a week?
And solo, too?”
“In… conceivable…”
For Yukine-san and Hatsumi-san to be this surprised, it must be truly monumental.
“I suggested that he take someone with him.
He said he actually wanted to go with Ludi-chan, Yukine-chan, and Nanami-ch… Ouch, don’t kick me!
…Nanami-san.
But he said he has to do it alone just this time, no matter what.
He didn’t tell me the reason.”
“Goshujin-sama’s thoughts are on a higher plane than what I or Marino-sama can comprehend… No, one could say he is already in a completely different dimension from us.
That is why I believe.”
Saying that, Nanami looked at everyone with a serious expression.
“That Goshujin-sama will succeed.”
“Nanami-san and I have decided to support him.
I am a teacher, so I can’t treat him with special favoritism, but I will cooperate as much as I can…”
Saying that, Marino-san looked at me and Yukine-san.
“So, I want all of you to cooperate.
I understand the exams are approaching.
But I want you to be Kou-chan’s strength.
I beg of you.”
After saying that, Marino-san bowed her head.
But there was no need for her to bow.
“Please raise your head.
I would use all my strength for Kousuke even if no one asked me to.”
Yukine-san chuckled softly upon hearing that.
“That applies to me as well.”
Hearing this, Marino-san raised her head and stood up.
And she smiled a wide, bright smile.
“I’m sorry, Ludi-chan, right before your first exams, too.
And Yukine-chan as well.”
When Marino-san walked over to us, she placed a hand on Yukine-san’s shoulder.
“Thank you, and please continue to give him strength.
I know what, if it’s difficult to commute from your place, you can just live here, you know?
Sooner or later, that day will come anyway.”
Huh?
Sooner or later that day will come?
What is she talking about?
Senpai and I looked at each other and tilted our heads.
“Oh, right, right, Yukine-chan.
And also…”
“?
What is it?”
“Probably, Kou-chan has realized your ‘duty.’ That’s why I think he’s deliberately standing out.”
Yukine-san looked perplexed upon hearing this, but after a moment, she smiled bitterly as if she understood the underlying meaning.
“I see.
Thinking about what that implies, it’s a little disappointing.”
“Probably, the possibility you’re thinking of is quite high… but…”
“Yes.
The relationship between me and Takioto won’t change.
On the contrary, we’ll be even more involved with each other in the future.”
I had no idea what they were talking about.
Since it felt like I was being left behind, I was about to ask them to explain, but…
“Sorry, Ludi-chan.
I can’t talk about it right now.
But I think you’ll end up finding out soon enough.”
I was shut down before I could even ask.
“That’s right.
I guarantee it too.
You will definitely find out after the exams.
I’ll come call you directly.”
I was curious, but if she put it that way, I had no choice.
“Okay, then… I’ll ask you then.”
“Now then, the meeting is over.
You should sleep here tonight, Yukine-chan.
Claris-san, could I ask you to prepare a room?”
“Yes, understood.”
With that, we left the room.
We were going to check the room Claris was preparing for Yukine-san… Actually, is it fine to just leave it to Claris?
I had something I wanted to ask.
Because there are times when Yukine-san’s mind isn’t fully present, but focused somewhere far away.
————★ MagiEx ★————
When asked who stands out the most at the school in the game Magical★Explorer, I would recommend two people without hesitation.
The reason is simple: their uniforms are obviously weird.
I haven’t met one of them yet, but I’ve already seen the other.
The Vice-Minister of the Shikibu Kai, Himemiya Shion.
If I had to say what’s weird about her, it’s the fact that she always wears a pure, Japanese-style kimono, even though she has the academy uniform.
There’s no rule restricting you to only wearing the uniform inside the academy, but it was as if she rejected the very idea of the uniform everyone else was wearing.
You can’t help but admire the way she walks her own path.
Furthermore, looking at her elegant posture and attitude, you can tell she’s lived her life gracefully since she was young.
And the fact that she’s taller than the average woman also helps her stand out.
It’s as if a single chrysanthemum is blooming in the middle of a field of dandelions.
Even if you’re far away, you’ll always spot her with a feeling of, Ah, that’s Shion-san.
On top of that, because she’s part of the Shikibu Kai, which is heavily disliked by the students, people tend to actively avoid her, further enhancing her isolated presence.
However, if you asked whether she is currently the most outstanding student, that might not be the case.
Certainly, Shion-san is remarkable.
It might be because of her strong character and how easily she leaves an impression on people’s minds.
But now that this is reality, that alone doesn’t make her the most noticeable person in the academy.
What I felt deeply when MagiEx became reality was the fact that Ludi stands out in the academy far more than expected.
Besides being part of the imperial family of the Trefke Empire, she is extraordinarily beautiful.
There’s no contesting that; the formation of the fan club called the LLL was inevitable.
However, the LLL decided that “we will act in the shadows to let Ludi-sama lead a healthy and peaceful school life.” That’s why the fan club members seem to try their best not to carelessly approach Ludi.
So, coupled with her extremely high social status, no one approaches her except her close friends.
Therefore, a mysterious, shrine-like space has been created around her.
Monika-senpai, the Student Council President, was in a similar situation, which is why she is also highly conspicuous.
However, recently, a new star has emerged that attracts just as much attention as them. This story is hosted at g.com.
It seems to be a duo, and one of them is a guy.
This guy has a lot of bad rumors swirling around him.
On top of that, he wears a stupidly long scarf and can chat amicably with Her Highness Ludi.
However, his existence started to fade from the spotlight since he’s been skipping classes recently.
And after he finally showed up to the academy after a long time, he brought a transcendently beautiful silver-haired girl in a maid uniform with him.
Now he has a gorgeous maid gallantly taking care of him.
Who are they?
That’s us.
“Look, everyone is keeping their distance and staring in our direction.
Uh, we’re starting to become a rumor ourselves.”
Just as Iori said, the people in the cafeteria are casting glances our way.
It’s almost like a zoo.
Of course, an open-air zoo.
Perhaps the transcendently beautiful Nanami is being looked at even more than I am.
She doesn’t seem to mind; in fact, she’s enjoying the situation.
She’s even taking care of me as if she’s putting on a show.
But you know, you can’t just say something like, “Do you want to rest your head on my lap?” out loud, please?!
You’re definitely joking right now, right?
Although, the surprised expressions on the students’ faces looking our way is quite pleasant.
Later, if possible, I’ll rest my head on her lap and ask her to clean my ears at home… No, that’s way too embarrassing, I can’t say that.
Well, if it’s like this, it’s not strange that we’ve become the center of attention.
If I were in their position, I’d be staring too.
I’d probably start the rumors myself.
And I’d be thinking: Trade places with me, damn it.
“…Sorry, Iori.
If you want, you can distance yourself from me, you know?”
As I said that, coffee was placed in front of me.
Apparently, Nanami had carefully prepared it for us.
Nanami then placed a cup of coffee in front of Iori, and next to it, star and moon-shaped sugar cubes.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
Iori smiled, said “Thanks,” and picked up the sugar.
I was thinking of saying, “Haha, you’re putting in way too much, you know,” but Iori dropped all ten into his cup.
And he drank it as if it were incredibly delicious.
“Distance myself… What are you saying, Kousuke-kun?”
And the sugar on my plate is only heart-shaped, but I wish you’d put the star and moon ones in too.
Well, it doesn’t matter, but I kind of want to keep those cute sugars for myself.
I want you to divide them up a bit.
“I know Kousuke-kun is a really cool guy, and Kousuke-kun is my friend.
But if Kousuke-kun says he doesn’t like me… I’ll distance myself…”
What is with this guy?
“Iori, order whatever you want.
Doesn’t matter if it’s everything on the menu.
I’m paying.”
Damn, what a ridiculously good guy…!
He even lent me his notebook when I was skipping class.
What is he doing trying to score points with me instead of scoring points on the exam?
E-Even if you do this, I won’t give you the seat of the strongest!
“T-That’s just what a friend would do!
Besides, you even introduced me to Dungeons via message, didn’t you!?”
I calmed the panicking Iori down and ordered parfaits for him and Nanami.
He’s still holding back, so I told him it was to pay him back for the notebook he lent me, while Nanami is eating her parfait as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
No, it’s not like I was staring because I wanted her to do an “Ahn” (feeding me) with me, okay!?
Well, if she offers, I’ll eat it.
Is there any guy who wouldn’t be happy to get an Ahn from a beautiful maid?
I opened my mouth and waited.
She silently brought the spoon over.
However, suddenly, she arced it right in front of my mouth and popped it into her own.
Not bad, you menace!
“Speaking of which, will Kousuke-kun be okay on the exam?
The number of days left until the test can be counted on one hand, you know?”
Iori said with a bitter smile while I was trying to forcefully eat Nanami’s parfait.
“It’s not totally fine, but it’s fine, I think.”
In the first place, I’m not taking the exam.
I feel like I haven’t seen a single notebook or textbook in the last few days, ever since I confirmed things with Marino-san.
I’ve only been looking at upside-down turtles, I think?
To begin with, I didn’t want to worry everyone, so I asked her not to tell Ludi and the others.
Why on earth did that person reveal everything the very next day?
“?
Katrina-san and the others are studying desperately in the library while being taught by Ludivine-san.
But… yeah, that is…”
It’s fine, I could guess without him saying it.
So that’s why Ludi was holding her head in agony at breakfast?
“Well, it’s fine.
Anyway, I’ll be taking first place in our year.”
“Really?”
Iori furrowed his brow and said that.
“Obviously I’m serious, hm?
What is it, Nanami?
Are you going to do that for me in the end?”
While I was eating Nanami’s parfait as she teased me with the Ahn, Iori, who had been watching me with gentle eyes, suddenly let out an “Ah.” He suddenly got embarrassed!
“By the way, I remembered that in the library, there’s a librarian just as beautiful as Nanami-san and Ludivine-san.”
“Heh, maybe Sakura-san?”
“Ah, so you know her.
Yeah, it’s her.
You know, I wasn’t planning to borrow any books, but she told me it’s better to register if I plan on using the library later.
Since she was super beautiful, I inadvertently got fascinated.”
“I see, she certainly is gorgeous~”
Well, I haven’t met her since I came to this world.
“And aside from the exams, how are things going?
Like the Dungeons.”
“Smooth, I think?
It’s not quite like Monika-kaichou, but I’ve been capturing Dungeons with people from the Student Council, you know.”
“Heh, that’s great.”
I’m relieved.
It seems the Student Council route is firmly on track.
At this rate, it will be possible for him to join the Student Council in an event that will occur right after the exams end.
“It’s thanks to you, Kousuke-kun.
You gave me a lot of advice.”
Well, I did give him some advice.
“No, it’s like I didn’t do anything.
If it worked out, it’s the result of your own actions and efforts.”
Actually, all I did was briefly introduce the Dungeons I thought were suitable for Iori.
“R-Really?”
“That’s right, man.”
“I’m happy to hear that.
I’ve been giving it my all.
And I’ve been feeling really good lately.
I feel like I’m getting stronger, you know.”
His talent is about to bloom.
If that’s the case, he’ll become ridiculously strong by the time he joins the Student Council.
But even so.
“Well, I have no intention of losing.”
“Damn, I have no intention of losing either, you know.”
We both laughed.
I’m not joking, though.