Chapter 20

“…Was what happened yesterday real? Or was it just a delusion or dream that I made up? Actually, that seems more likely.”

『It wasn’t a dream… Stop trying to dismiss it as a delusion just because you can’t believe it.』

The old man let out a sigh of exasperation, seeing that I still couldn’t believe it.

But, honestly, it’s no wonder I feel this way. I mean, I was in the same room as my favorite character, had them call my name, and even talked to them! Anyone would seriously think it was a dream or a fantasy.

By the way, after about 30 minutes of casual chatting yesterday, we quickly disbanded because Hera said her family might do something if she stayed away for too long. Also, there was the risk of Arthur’s relationship getting exposed, which would be a disaster for different reasons.

“Everyone—! Today’s your first spirit class, so make sure you don’t fool around, okay? If anyone does, the minimum penalty will be suspension!”

That warning came from our new homeroom teacher, Miss Emma, a gentle beauty who replaced Rouge, who got fired after the marquis’ investigation revealed various corruptions. Emma-sensei is a side heroine in the game, and a character that becomes available for romance in a paid DLC. She has a maternal aura and is incredibly popular, having reduced many players to childish dependence. However, it’s unclear whether she ever becomes romantically involved with the protagonist.

Despite her soft smile, her chilling warning instantly made the class sit up straight, silent and attentive, as they all watched her with serious expressions.

“Looks like everyone’s behaving well. Now, please move to the training grounds in the courtyard.”

As soon as Emma-sensei said this and left the classroom, everyone lined up in a near-military formation, silently heading to the training grounds. Watching us, the old man burst out laughing.

“—Now, everyone, please separate into those who’ve already made a contract with a spirit and those who haven’t.”

At Mr. Orgus’ words—he’s a well-known NPC in the game—the first-years all began to move. Since I had written during the entrance exam that I was contracted with a mid-level spirit, I went to the group with contracts.

“Shin, you have a spirit contract too?”
“Yeah, with a mid-level spirit, for now.”

Arthur came over with a smile when I reached the group of contracted students. By the way, I haven’t told Arthur that I’m contracted with the old man.

Of course, there are fewer than ten people in the world with a contract with a divine spirit, and their value is so great that nations compete to recruit them and prevent others from gaining an advantage. Even making a request to one requires an enormous amount of money, and making an enemy of them is unthinkable.

In the past, an empire turned a divine spirit contractor against them and was destroyed in a single night. Although that empire had nearly a hundred million citizens and millions of soldiers, they were wiped out like flies.

Revealing that I’m contracted with a divine spirit would be a foolish move.

“Arthur, aren’t you contracted with a high-level spirit?”
“Yeah, actually, it’s with a transcendent spirit.”
“!? Hey!”
“Don’t worry, I’m controlling the wind so no one else can hear us.”

Even so… don’t casually drop that kind of bomb. Though, of course, I already know everything.

Meanwhile, my favorite, Hera, is surrounded by a group of nobles as usual. While her expression hasn’t changed, I can tell from a glance that she’s uncomfortable, as her hardcore fan.

I turn to Arthur and say,
“Arthur, I’m counting on you.”
“Got it. I’ll take care of it.”

Arthur immediately heads over to Hera. I don’t need to explain why I’m not going myself. A commoner like me approaching Hera would only cause unnecessary trouble.

However, Arthur is the son of a powerful noble family, second only to a duke’s. There’s hardly anyone who can defy him.

As expected, Arthur successfully rescues Hera. She even looks surprised and glances in my direction, so he must have said something unnecessary.

“Tch… I’ll have to question him about what he said later.”

I make up my mind as I wait for the well-known NPC, Mr. Orgus, to start speaking. Glancing over at the group without spirit contracts, I notice most of them are commoners, and they’re being whispered about by the nobles who have contracts. Some are even bullying the commoners where the teacher can’t see.

『Sucking up to those above and mocking those below… how pathetic…』
The old man grumbles in disgust.

Well, I guess it’s only humans who are so blatantly divided by social status.

But—

『That’s just how humans are. Especially in this academy, where the hierarchy is especially clear. In fact, our class is the exception.』

Of course, in a good way. I don’t think there’s another class where nobles and commoners get along so well.

As I’m watching my classmates, still happily chatting despite the social divisions, Mr. Orgus starts to speak.

“Now that you’ve separated, those without spirit contracts will learn how to make one from my assistant, Alice. Those who already have contracts will begin combat training with their spirits. Is there anyone who would like to volunteer for an exhibition match?”

Mr. Orgus asks, but no one volunteers. Probably because they all know that losing here could affect the rest of their lives.

However—one person raises his hand.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to show you how it’s done since I’m ranked first in practical skills…”

Yes, it’s the reincarnator(?) Kai. His overconfident words make the atmosphere freeze.

Of course, I’m also shocked, but for a different reason.

…Don’t casually mess with the storyline…

That’s right. In the original story, the protagonist Kai doesn’t fight in this exhibition match. Originally, it’s supposed to be a match between Hera and a second-year student, with Hera winning in a landslide.

Faced with this unexpected turn of events, no one wants to step up, knowing Kai’s overwhelming magic power and skill.

And then, from somewhere, people start murmuring that Hera should be the one to fight.

Their irresponsible words fill me with anger.

“Those bastards… don’t push this on Hera… Should I step in?”

If I fight here, I’ll definitely stand out. But—

I can’t just stand by and watch my favorite get put in a dangerous situation.

“I’ll—”
“I’ll do it.”

Before Hera can finish speaking, I raise my hand and shout.

Everyone in the training ground, including Hera and Arthur, turns to look at me in surprise.

“Shin… you’re ranked 378th in practical skills… Are you sure about this?”
Mr. Orgus asks, sounding worried, but I nod firmly.

“It’s fine. I know I’m going to lose, but I’ll try my best not to get hurt.”

“…Thank you. —Now, we will begin the exhibition match between Kai and Shin! Both participants, please step onto the stage!”

As I climb the stage, I feel the piercing stares of countless students. Arthur and my classmates are all watching me with concern.

I give them a thumbs-up and smile, trying to reassure them.

Then—

“Shin, let me fight him—”
“I’ll be fine.”

Hera, looking worried, approaches me, but I interrupt her again.

“I’ll be fine, Hera-sama. I used to be a mercenary, so I’m good at avoiding injury. Besides—”

I look her in the eyes and say,

“—I can’t let a girl face something so dangerous, can I?”

“…!”

Leaving the stunned Hera behind, I step up onto the stage.

“You… Ha, you’re just a side character meant to make the protagonist shine, huh?”

Kai gives me a puzzled look for a moment before smirking as if he’s figured something out. I ignore his taunt and start thinking about how to lose without drawing too much attention.