“Well, everyone’s gathered, right? Are you all ready?”
As the student council president said, we were fully prepared.
It was 7 AM. The fact that we were participating in the academy’s selection exam was well-known in the dorms, so we woke up earlier than usual, had an early breakfast, and left for school earlier than usual.
For me, who doesn’t usually go to school this early, the road to the academy, which was almost empty, felt fresh—no, it was an entirely new experience.
I was hyped up from the moment an angel spoke to me in the morning, and after being lightly nudged by Sayamura-san with a “I’m here too,” I regained my composure, and we proceeded together.
What a refreshing morning it is. The cloudy sky looks like it might rain, but it doesn’t bother me at all.
“As you know, this exploration is being conducted as part of the academy’s selection exam. So, everyone, use the equipment we distribute now to start streaming.”
“Huh?”
“You learned how to use it back in your first year, in the first semester, right?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Phew… good. Sayamura-san has taken care of it. There doesn’t seem to be a problem.
“Now, I wish you the best of luck. The goal is to reach the boss room on the 5th floor and defeat the boss, which is likely to appear. However, based on the irregularities in the past two exams, the boss might not even be in the boss room. Be very cautious as you proceed.”
Student Council President Shiraishi, with a serious expression that didn’t match his beautiful face, warned the students.
Hearing those words, I tightened my resolve.
“One point to note, do not take reckless actions. At this stage, we don’t know which monsters are acting as bosses. In some cases, we may halt the exam and request cooperation. If that happens, please do not ignore any instructions or communications. This is non-negotiable. If you do not comply, you will be excluded from the selection exam.”
“Is that within your authority as student council president?”
“No, it’s under the principal’s authority. I’ve received permission from the principal to suspend the exam or call for cooperation. However, it’s ultimately up to the teachers accompanying us to make the decision. If that’s not possible, I am the one to decide, and if I can’t, the vice president, then Yabuki-kun, Mizoguchi-kun, or even Yumeno-ma-kun will make the call. If no one can make a decision, no one would be foolish enough to continue the exam, right?”
“If that’s the case, I have no objections.”
“I understand.”
“Got it.”
We all agreed.
I wonder if it’s even stronger than the Nightmare King? I shouldn’t say I’m excited about it, though, or I’d get scolded. But if I’m with Amagi-san and Sayamura-san, I could even fight an S-rank monster, and if it comes to that, maybe I’d kiss them. Yeah. It’s inevitable, a perk of the job, and necessary to win, right? Yeah.
“Well then, let’s get going quickly. We don’t want to be hit by any ‘magic release.’”
“Right. Let’s start then.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll take the rear, so you’re safe.”
“…”
Hearing the student council president start the exam, we set off in our respective directions.
Leading the way was Mizoguchi’s team, the ones who had always been confrontational. Then came the student council president’s group, followed by Yabuki’s team, and lastly, we took up the rear.
After all, as first-years, we didn’t have to push ourselves to clear the academy selection exam, and honestly, it would be tougher if we cleared it now and had to face the oni-monster in the Battle Royale…
We want to help the academy in its crisis, so we’ll keep going, but we’ll just take it slow at the back. I explained this to the others, and I’m glad they agreed.
“Alright, I’ll start the stream.”
“Please. I have no idea how this works.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll explain as I do it.”
Sayamura-san is such a good girl.
She looks a bit wild or maybe even like a gal, but she’s very caring and considerate, and her smile is wonderful.
“Can you scan this barcode with your phone? Yep, just like that. That’s it, registration’s complete. You should now be able to see the comments that get sent to you.”
“I see…”
“The equipment for streaming will automatically float up and follow us once activated, so I’ll start now~”
When Sayamura-san pressed the switch, the camera rose into the air.
It will record our movements and follow us from now on.
The main target, by the result of rock-paper-scissors, ended up being me.
I wonder if it’s alright? Will viewers complain, asking to see the cute girls instead?
If it were me, I’d want to see the back of the cute girls too, right?
“Good morning. I’m Eriina Sayamura from Class 1-A at Tōto Explorer Training Academy. We’re one of the teams entered in the academy selection exam, and I’ll be starting our stream now, following the rules. Please take care of us.”
【Oh, so polite!】
【And so cute!】
【I’ll watch on two windows with Shiraishi-sama. Thanks in advance!】
【It’s amazing that a first-year is in the selection exam. Good luck!】
Immediately, comments began to flow in.
Sayamura-san winked at me… Oh, right, I should introduce myself.
“Good morning, I’m Yumeno-ma Tōma, the party leader. Being a first-year, we’ll probably be more cautious than other teams, but please support us.”
【Oh, it’s a boy!】
【Wow, that’s true! Good luck! We’re rooting for you!】
【You’re the one from… so who’s the other person?】
Hmm? Am I being recognized? What’s going on? Maybe it’s because I was on the Oni-monster team?
It’s a bit strange, but I was relieved that most of the comments were positive.
