Ryoshu lay on his sumptuous bed. He marveled at its comfort. The soft, velvety fabric seemed to cocoon him in a warm embrace, gently easing the tension from his weary muscles. Beside him, Fumiya, his loyal companion, nestled close, exuding a sense of tranquility that mirrored Ryoshu's own.
With a contented sigh, Ryoshu buried his face into the plush pillow, savoring its cloud-like softness. The room was filled with the gentle strains of soothing music, creating a serene ambiance that washed away the day's worries.
He closed his eyes.
Ryoshu's thoughts returned to his earlier contemplations. Despite dismissing the risky idea, a newfound sense of clarity emerged. The solution seemed tantalizingly close, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Ryoshu reflected on the narrow escape from danger. A sense of solemnity settled over him. "While the drug did its job, one wrong move and it could've been curtains for me. I won't ever play with fire like that again," he vowed, the weight of his words underscoring the severity of the situation.Turning his attention to his progress, Ryoshu couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. His strength and agility had yet to show the significant growth he had hoped for. Reflecting on his training regimen, he realized he had focused more on Endurance and Perception. However, hours of relentless dedication had paid off as his endurance had surged dramatically. Meanwhile, honing his Perception through archery practice and the subtleties of the Death Gaze skill sharpened his senses to a keen edge.The benefits of his enhanced Perception were manifold. Not only could Ryoshu discern finer details in his environment, but his reflexes had also been bolstered significantly. This newfound awa
"Perhaps that's why I've been feeling a bit more outspoken lately, don't you think?" Ryoshu pondered aloud, his brow furrowing in contemplation as he stared into the mirror, seeking answers that seemed to elude him. The notion of his newfound assertiveness lingered in his mind like a persistent echo, refusing to be silenced. "Could it be because I secretly have a crush on a girl my own age?" he mused, the thought weaving its tendrils into the fabric of his consciousness. "But then again, my real age is 22... would that make me somewhat of a lolicon?" The question hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his thoughts and leaving him grappling with the implications of his conflicting emotions.Shaking his head to dispel the disquieting musings threatening to consume him, Ryoshu shifted his focus to more immediate concerns. He meticulously concluded his morning ritual in the bathroom with a resigned sigh, methodically attending to his skincare regimen. Each stroke
Perched majestically atop the verdant slopes of Oliver Pigeon Hill, the school stood as a beacon of education and enlightenment, its commanding presence impossible to ignore. Despite the usual shroud of secrecy that veiled its distant form, the imposing silhouette of the institution pierced through the haze, a testament to its sheer size and magnificence. It was a sight that transcended mere physical distance, captivating the eyes and imaginations of all who beheld it from this elevated vantage point.The campus sprawled expansively, its boundaries stretching far beyond the horizon, a testament to the institution's grand vision and ambition. To traverse its vast expanse on foot would be daunting, requiring hours of strenuous effort and determination. Indeed, it was a testament to the scale and complexity of the school that one needed to embark on a bus journey from the main gate just to reach the hallowed entrance, a journey that served as a prelude to the academic odyssey that awai
Ryoshu mulled over the failed confession of his character. He couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. "Who would've thought there'd be a failed confession as well?" he pondered aloud, his voice tinged with sympathy for the virtual persona he controlled.The unexpected turn of events clarified the questions that had nagged Ryoshu's mind since his arrival in this unfamiliar world. Gaining a deeper understanding of the character he inhabited felt like a small victory, a reassuring step towards unraveling the mysteries surrounding his existence in this digital realm. It dawned on him that being privy to his character's experiences could serve as a shield against suspicion should he encounter familiar faces like Esther or Haruki again."Perhaps it's my injury that led them to gloss over the failed confession... or maybe our relationship isn't as intimate as I assumed, and we're merely acquaintances," Ryoshu speculated, exploring plausible explanations for the situation, each possibility
The scene unfolded like a choreographed ballet as students disembarked from the bus, seamlessly blending into the sprawling landscape of Spiral Academy's grounds. However, he lingered for a moment longer, his steps faltering slightly as he descended from the vehicle, a stark contrast to the self-assured demeanor of his fellow Combat Department peers.Earlier, a group of affluent students had filled the bus with animated chatter, their privileged upbringing evident in their demeanor. Yet, as Ryoshu emerged, their focus shifted, their curiosity piqued by the newcomer among them. Some cast admiring glances his way, intrigued by his presence. But their intrigue was short-lived, shattered by the disdainful expression of the most striking girl among them. Her nose crinkled in disgust at the sight of Ryoshu, a silent but unmistakable gesture of disapproval that rippled through the group.Caught amid this silent exchange, Ryoshu couldn't help but absorb every detail with acute awareness. "
The grand hall of the Spiral Academy seemed to hold its breath as the headmaster's resonant voice echoed through its expanse. Every word he spoke carried an undeniable weight, suffused with an authority that demanded unwavering attention. The atmosphere was thick with a solemn reverence, a tangible aura of respect wrapped around the students like a cloak. Not a whisper dared to disturb the profound silence that cloaked the room; some students even held their breath, fearful of disrupting the sanctity of the moment in the presence of their esteemed leader.With a deliberate pause, the headmaster allowed the gravity of his words to settle over the assembled students, ensuring that every ear was attuned to his address. His timing was precise, and each moment of silence was calculated to ensure the undivided attention of his audience. "Today does not herald the official commencement of our academic year," he began, his voice carrying a solemn cadence befitting the occasion, "thus, I sha
"Is the height truly as daunting as it seems? What if someone were to lose their footing and plummet down from here? Could it result in a fatal fall?" Ryoshu pondered aloud, his gaze briefly flickering towards the edge of the precipice before quickly dismissing the reckless idea.However, amidst his contemplation, a moment of inadvertence drew his attention to a rectangular white badge affixed to the fabric of his shirt, adorned with a bold black pen mark displaying a three-digit number - 500."When did I attach this...? I distinctly recall glimpsing Esther and Haruki sporting similar emblems earlier, right? But who affixed this to me? Or is it perhaps some sort of automatic attachment mechanism?" Ryoshu mused, his brow furrowed in confusion as he attempted to unravel the mystery surrounding the sudden appearance of the badge.His mind wrestling with the enigma of its origin.Initially confounded by the unexpected presence of the badge, Ryoshu found his memory failing to provide any c
Typically, the journey to attaining the esteemed A rank within the ranks of combatants is an arduous odyssey, requiring individuals to invest countless years in rigorous training and unwavering dedication. For many, this pursuit spans decades and is fraught with challenges and setbacks. However, the saga of Takagi Kenzo defied convention, unfolding as a tale of extraordinary prowess and unparalleled achievement.In a narrative twist bordering on the miraculous, Takagi Kenzo effortlessly ascended to the exalted SS+ rank, a feat that defied expectation and rewrote the fabric of martial achievement. His meteoric rise catapulted him into the annals of history, etching his name in golden letters as the youngest prodigy ever to claim such a prestigious accolade."It appears that some among you are already acquainted with the illustrious reputation of our esteemed instructor," the teacher's voice reverberated through the chamber, imbued with a subtle blend of warmth and authority. "Greetin
Charlotte's sigh was heavy with the weight of her disappointment. Her eyes locked onto the paper she held, searching for hidden meaning in the inked numbers. The quiet room seemed to echo with her despondence. Her brows knitted together, and her lips pursed in a faint frown. "I only got 200 points... so I'm ranked 13th," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, each word laced with a palpable sense of frustration and regret. "Katia got 235 points and is ranked 11th."Ever attentive to his friend's emotions, Haruki moved closer, his expression softening with empathy. His blue hair fell into his eyes as he leaned in, a small, comforting smile on his lips. "You both were so close, weren't you?" he said, his tone gentle and encouraging. "If it hadn't been for those demon worshippers at the end, our whole group would have made it into the top 10.Charlotte's gaze shifted from the paper to Haruki, her mind replaying the chaotic events of the competition's final moments. Her brow f
"What on earth is going on?" he muttered, utterly bewildered by the sight before him. The scene was so unexpected that it left him momentarily stunned. Although he lacked the courage to step inside, his curiosity got the better of him, and he cautiously peered in. Just at the entrance of the dormitory, Haruki and Charlotte were deeply engrossed in an unusually intimate conversation, their heads close together, sharing words he couldn't quite hear."They look so close... why does this scene seem so familiar?" he thought, a profound sense of déjà vu washing over him. The familiarity was unsettling. "This is the scene right after that cold, unfeeling guy Midnight—supposed to be a Star student—challenges the academy."Reflecting further, he realized, "Because I've temporarily taken his place, now everything is unfolding as it should... according to the script of the game Rainfall Disorder."As he stood there, lost in his thoughts and trying to piece everything together, a group of other
"See you later... but... next time, please don't pull on someone else's shirt like that..."At that precise moment, it seemed that the petite angelic girl had just realized she was clutching the hem of Ryoshu's shirt. Her eyes widened in sudden awareness, and she quickly let go as if the fabric had burned her fingers. What stood out most in this scene was the incredible proximity of their heads. Their faces were so close that even the slightest movement could have resulted in an undeniably awkward situation, almost as if the air between them had thickened with tension.Ryoshu's mind raced, struggling to process the sudden nearness. The image of a tomato was the only thing he could conjure to describe Luna's face, which had flushed a vibrant, almost luminous shade of red. Her cheeks seemed to glow with embarrassment, and he could practically feel the heat radiating from her skin.This moment was incredibly challenging for someone like Ryoshu, who was acutely sensitive and easily flust
"Instead of paying for tuition right away, I'll invest in the shares of potential guilds with promising futures," he mused aloud, his eyes shimmering with a glint of ambition. Securing financial growth through guild investments excited him; it seemed a wise move in a world where connections and wealth often determined one's success. "And if I gather enough goods, I might even consider starting a small business in the Trading Guild."The thought filled him with a sense of purpose and hope. He could already see the possibilities unfold before him—ventures that would bring wealth and establish his reputation in the bustling city. Money, he understood, was not merely a tool for survival but a powerful key to opening doors to numerous opportunities and connections.In the quieter corners of his mind, the stark reality of his ambitions loomed large. "In the future, the amount of money I'll need is no small sum," he murmured, his tone shifting to one of sober reflection. Supporting the ta
Upon hearing the alarming beep of the error sound, the saleswoman immediately hurried over. Her steps were quick and purposeful, a clear indication of her concern. As she approached, she leaned closer to the counter, her eyes searching for the source of the problem, and asked, "Are you out of money, dear?"The young man, visibly flustered, responded with a slight tremble, "No... please wait a moment. It seems there might be an error." His fingers moved swiftly over the device, trying to troubleshoot the issue with an almost palpable urgency. Sweat began to form on his brow as he frantically tried to resolve the situation.Standing right beside Ryoshu, the saleswoman scrutinized him with a look that betrayed her suspicion. Her eyebrows knitted together, and her lips pressed into a thin line as she tried to decipher what was going wrong. Her eyes darted between Ryoshu and the device, seeking any clue that might explain the unexpected error.Ryoshu felt the weight of her gaze bearing do
"Ryoshu... What are you looking at out there?" Charlotte called out to him, her voice tinged with concern after he had been silent for an unusually long time.Startled from his thoughts, Ryoshu turned towards them, his face pale and eyes wide as if he had just seen a ghost. The unsettling expression made both Charlotte and Haruki exchange worried glances.'Could it be... these two?' Ryoshu wondered internally, his mind racing. 'Is it because they know me or because they are actively engaging with me? If that's the case... I need to come up with a plan quickly. These scenes are making me sick!!!'Desperately trying to compose himself, Ryoshu quickly blurted out, "Oh, um... I saw a white cat passing by, but it's nothing special." He cringed inwardly, realizing it was one of the lamest excuses he had ever concocted.Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued but not fully satisfied. "A white cat, you say?""Yeah," Ryoshu stammered, nodding a bit too vigorously. "It just caught my
"Wow, looking over this list again, it's clear just how impressive Amemura is. He scored an incredible 600 points, outpacing Midnight by a substantial margin of 100 points!"Ryoshu'sRyoshu's friend exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement as they reviewed the freshly printed results. The numbers were still crisp on the page, highlighting Amemura's name at the top with a bold score beside it. Ryoshu, however, seemed preoccupied as he fumbled with a newspaper he had just picked up."This... just came out... I didn't have a chance to hear the scores earlier, but... it doesn't," Ryoshu muttered, his voice trailing off as he opened the newspaper. He was soon engrossed, his eyes moving methodically across the columns of text. Despite his initial nonchalance, he found himself compelled to read each word meticulously. A sense of helplessness washed over him as he realized he had no choice but to absorb every detail. The weight of the information bore down on him, making him feel like he was being
"Well, I only got 200 points, so I'm ranked 13th. But Katia got 235 points and is ranked 11th," Charlotte sighed, her eyes scanning the paper in her hand with a mix of disappointment and resignation.Seeing the sadness on his friend's face, Haruki felt a pang of empathy and immediately sought to comfort her. His voice was gentle yet filled with a determination to lift her spirits."Both of you were so close, weren't you? If it hadn't been for those demon worshippers causing trouble at the end, our whole group might have made it into the top 10," he said, trying to inject positivity into the situation.Charlotte nodded slightly, appreciating his effort but still feeling the sting of their narrow miss. "I'm not so sure about that... but we should still celebrate the 2... no, now 3 of us who made it into the top 10! Maybe we could go out for dinner tonight... have a little party or something?"As she spoke, Charlotte absentmindedly twirled a lock of her shiny golden hair around her finge
They walked through it unharmed, and not only that, they managed to carry on a lively conversation, smiling as if they were taking a casual stroll. The air was filled with their laughter and light-hearted banter, starkly contrasting the tense situation at hand. "Do you think we'll be alright?" one of them asked, their voice tinged with curiosity and concern.Ryoshu's mind was racing. He vividly remembered the second scene, every detail etched into his memory, and knew he had to act swiftly. The weight of urgency pressed down on him, his thoughts a chaotic whirl as he considered the implications. "I hope the scene hasn't progressed too far… I need to hurry…" he muttered under his breath, feeling the pressure mount. Without wasting another moment, he took a deep breath and plunged into the invisible curtain that separated him from his goal.The instant he entered, an eerie sensation washed over him. Once responsive and under his control, his body began to betray him. It was as if an u