The world where I seem to have spent my previous life—let’s call it the “other world”—had skills categorized as “requiring verification.”
Both “Fixation” and “Compression” fall into this category. I understand that they are used on objects or items, but the exact effects need to be tested.
While the skills intrigue me, I need to head to the dormitory now. This academy has a boarding system, and everyone, except for a few, must stay in the dorms.
“Hey, what do you want to do after school? Should we check out the area around the station?”
“There’s a penalty if we’re late for dinner, so let’s play it safe today.”
Penalties, huh? As I pondered that, I pulled out the entrance paperwork from my bag.
In my case, I had applied for a scholarship but was only accepted as an alternate, resulting in a delayed admission. Hence, I couldn’t prepare for dorm life during the spring break.
Apparently, my dorm is in the First-Year Fifth Building. As I stepped into the entrance hall of the first-year building, I was struck by its vastness—though this was my second time here.
“Hey, want to join us for tomorrow’s dungeon exploration?”
“I’m an ‘Axe Warrior,’ so I can take care of any monsters that show up.”
My male classmates were already inviting girls for tomorrow’s dungeon training. I hadn’t really noticed the class dynamics earlier, but…
“We’ve got some time, right? How about we go somewhere and chat?”
The ‘Axe Warrior’ seemed to be the leader, stepping forward and eagerly trying to recruit members. But…
“I don’t need a party. I’m fine on my own.”
“Isn’t a ‘Magic Engineer’ useless without frontline support? You’re just acting tough.”
“Yeah, having teammates would be better. We’re planning to invite another girl too.”
“We’re aiming for the top of the rankings from day one.”
“Ugh…”
They cornered her in a way that left no escape. True, ‘Magic Engineer’ doesn’t sound like a combat-oriented role, but…
That doesn’t justify ignoring her wishes.
“Ah-choo!!!”
“Whoa!?”
I intentionally let out a loud sneeze reminiscent of my old man from my past life. The three boys jumped in surprise.
“Tch. Don’t stare at us, Baggage boy.”
“Do you want to join our party, Baggage boy? Sorry, but you’re not in our plans.”
“Hey, he might be useful, you know?”
“Whatever, parties aren’t permanent. But don’t come crying tomorrow.”
The three of them left after saying whatever they pleased. They realized that being caught forcefully recruiting might backfire on them. A small victory for me, I guess.
“…”
The girl they were trying to recruit glanced at me, but quickly looked away and walked off. She probably thinks I’m weird.
Despite needing a party, I doubt anyone will invite me. She, on the other hand, gets invited but doesn’t want one. Everyone has their own preferences.
One of those guys mentioned something about ‘rankings.’ I wonder what that’s about. It seems different from the job ranks, maybe there’s another system for determining standings.
‘Attention all new students. It’s almost time to leave school. Make sure you have all your belongings and proceed to your after-school activities.’
With that announcement, all the remaining students headed outside. I joined them, making my way toward the dorms.
The dorms are like five-story apartment buildings, each housing nearly a hundred students.
As I went to check in, the receptionist frowned at her computer screen.
“Ah, you must be Tsukasa Fujiwara, the scholarship student. I’m sorry, but the regular dorm rooms are full due to a last-minute application, so we’ve arranged alternative accommodation for you.”
“Alternative accommodation?”
“We don’t charge dorm fees for scholarship students, so fee-paying students take priority. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“As long as it’s not outdoors, I’m fine. Thank you for arranging this.”
“It’s a bit old, but it’s a traditional dorm.”
Despite her cheerful tone, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy—especially when those three boys from earlier came over to check in.
“Oh, so Baggage boy is a scholarship student?”
“Living with freeloaders doesn’t seem right.”
“But he must have good grades. Though academics aren’t that important here.”
They kept mocking me, but I didn’t bother to argue.
If I want to prove them wrong, I’ll need to excel in something, but instead of focusing on revenge, I should just do what I can.
“Look, he’s ignoring us. Makes us look like bullies, huh?”
“You’re better at being a jerk than me.”
“Fujiwara-kun, we mean no harm, so forgive us, okay?”
I’ve grown tired of being underestimated, so I didn’t react.
“The place marked on this map is your accommodation. Please head there promptly. The dorm manager should be expecting you.”
“Got it.”
The location on the map was significantly farther compared to the regular dorms. It’s not a problem for me to walk, but still…
“So Baggage boy’s dorm is on a hill? That’s like a punishment.”
Ignoring their parting shots, I left the regular dorms and started walking down the path as the sun began to set.
