Chapter 18

I finished breakfast and headed out. As I walked to the entrance, I saw Nanami-san and Suzuri-san waiting. Suzuri-san was already on her bike.

“If you can handle the climb on the way back, biking is a fast option,” Suzuri-san said.

“Wouldn’t a car be better for someone in that outfit?” I suggested.

“Well, bicycles are more maneuverable around here. I can drive, too, though I’m still just a paper driver,” Suzuri-san explained.

She even showed me her driver’s license to prove it. I wasn’t questioning her, but I had to admit, the photo on her license looked amazing.

“Wow… That’s a really great photo.”

“Ugh… Don’t tease adults. I put some effort into that photo. I’m confident about it, though?”

Suzuri-san was embarrassed but pleased. When she noticed me watching, her expression turned serious, showing her expressive nature.

“…If I get a bike, can I modify it?”

“On school grounds, it should be fine. Just as long as you’re not adding an engine or anything like that.”

Engine-equipped bikes are classified as mopeds, so Nanami-san’s modifications seemed more likely to involve her “Magic Engineer” skills.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll think about it.”

“…Have a good day.”

After leaving Shizunami Dorm, I walked down the long slope toward school. I had started to think if any nearby plants could be useful, but they weren’t everywhere.

“…Today, we have half a day of dungeon practice.”

“There will be a brief class explanation first, then practice from just before noon until evening.”

“…Want to have lunch together?”

“…Wow, I’m so happy. This is amazing…”

“…Are you crying?”

“No, it’s just that with my Rank E job and the tough class treatment, I thought I’d be working solo…”

“That’s not true. Even though we just met yesterday, we managed well together.”

Her words were deeply moving. I wasn’t crying, but my voice trembled from the emotion.

(To be seen as a person rather than just a rank—this feels incredible…)

“My job is of a higher rank, so I might get invitations from others. Still, I…”

I knew she was trying to support me, but I couldn’t just rely on her.

“If we have good party members, the dungeon should be relatively safe. You don’t need to worry about me; I’ll manage somehow.”

“…Okay, if you say so.”

I wanted to improve my reputation enough to be seen as a fitting partner for Nanami-san. I aimed for everyone to view our pairing as natural.

◆◇◆

However.

Just walking to school with Nanami-san stirred the male students in a way I hadn’t expected.

“H-Hey… There’s a guy next to the top new student beauty, Nanami Shiro-san…!”

“Who is he… A Rank E weakling!?”

“Is he a classmate… or maybe the dreaded childhood friend, an arch-enemy to all humanity!?”

“I was planning to support her, and he steals the spotlight on the second day… My right hand aches from the hatred…!”

“““Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!”””

(Male students are scarier than monsters… Will I make it back safely today?)

“…I will…”

“Huh?”

“I won’t just let you help me; I’ll help you too.”

Nanami-san’s willingness to support me made me realize I couldn’t afford to be weak.

I resolved to gain recognition as quickly as possible. To do that, I needed to achieve results in today’s practice.