After lunch, we rented a conference room.
Since this academy conducts dungeon exploration practice with almost fixed party members, various spaces are provided, both large and small.
There are places where desks and chairs are simply lined up in a hallway, but there are also small rooms that are partitioned into private spaces.
Although this matter is somewhat public, the content of the discussion might lead to exam-related preparations, so we rented the room just to be safe.
“Yumeno-ma-kun, thanks.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
“Back then, when that person, Mizoguchi, was complaining about my ‘Magic Release,’ you defended me, right?”
“Oh, right. I just stood between you two. It was settled through a conversation between the student council president and Yabuki.”
“No, but I was really happy. Thank you ♡”
“Ah, I’m glad then.”
It seemed that she was a bit scared of being glared at by the large upperclassman. This kind of fear is different from fighting monsters. If we were talking about fear, I think the Demon King of Nightmares would be far worse.
But, it doesn’t feel bad being thanked.
We’re still holding hands, after all. What a perk. Heaven must have been watching over my earnest life. I’m even focusing all my nerves on the arm she’s holding.
“Hey~ I’m here too, you know. I don’t need a sweet space auto-generation function.”
“Oh, s-sorry, Eririn.”
“It’s fine. It’s those childish upperclassmen giving me those looks who are at fault, so don’t worry about it.”
Suddenly, Amagi-san’s hand… and body moved away from me.
It’s heartbreaking…
But, well, it’s only because Sayamura-san is poking her. I can’t help it…
Still, we rented this small room, and it wouldn’t be good if we just played around.
As much as it feels like the happiest time ever, I need to think seriously.
Actually, this room is so small that we couldn’t really get too far apart. If anything, we’re even closer.
And Sayamura-san is close too…
Uh, I wonder if we can keep this room forever???
“By the way, suddenly the academy selection test, huh?”
Amagi-san tried to change the topic while grabbing and pushing back Sayamura-san’s arm, which was poking her.
“Actually, I’d like you to tell me about the academy selection test.”
“Wait, you didn’t know about it!?”
And then Sayamura-san retorted.
Eh? Is it that famous?
“My goal was to relax and hide from the Oni Woman, so I didn’t really know about it.”
“Why do you sound so condescending?”
“Ouch.”
That was harsh. I got kicked in the shin under the desk.
Is this what happens when you’re this close?
“Yumeno-ma-kun, do you know about the Battle Royale that’s held in the Tokyo Dungeon?”
“Yeah. I’ve seen the Oni Woman in it. I couldn’t participate because of the age restrictions though.”
I remember it.
Around 30 parties would enter the 10th floor of the Tokyo Dungeon and fight each other.
The last party standing is celebrated as the winner. This event takes place with the Emperor in attendance, and winning it would drastically boost your fame.
I remember that the explorers who mainly did live broadcasts were really working hard.
“I see. Now that I think about it, a party was also dispatched from the academy. So, they’re selecting which party to send.”
“Exactly. The strength and skill of the party are tested, so it makes sense that something like this, an incident response, could be part of the exam.”
Amagi-san tilted her head slightly. I could tell she was worried. After all, we don’t know what kind of monsters might appear.
But still, we are explorers, and we never know what kind of incidents we might encounter, so there’s no reason to run away.
Actually, it’s nice that the teachers will be supporting us.
“By the way, I wonder what it’ll be next?”
“First, an A-rank Arc Demon, then the S-rank Demon King of Nightmares… so maybe the next one will be SS-rank?”
“Sayamura-san, that’s a scary flag to raise…”
Still, it’s hard to believe that not long ago, I never would have imagined talking like this with two beautiful girls, sitting so close. The academy really feels like heaven.
I just hope that the person who would destroy this academy isn’t someone we’ll be facing.
“By the way, Tomo-kun…”
“Huh?”
What’s going on? Suddenly, Sayamura-san is staring at me, and it’s a bit scary or embarrassing…
Could she be about to suddenly shout “Die, pervert” or something… No, I shouldn’t think like that.
“Well, Sayamura-san, Amagi-san, calling us by last names feels a bit stiff, don’t you think? How about using our first names? We’re in a party together, right? So let’s go with Tomo, Sakura, and Eriina . Is that okay, Sakura?”
Huh, is that okay? I’d be happy to call each other by first names, but I’m not sure if someone like me—dark and reserved—could casually say “Yo, Sakura, good morning” like a bright, outgoing person. Would that be allowed???
“Uh, sure.”
It seemed Amagi-san was also surprised, even choking a bit. But I’d like to be that pet bottle she’s holding.
“Got it! We can still use titles like ‘kun,’ ‘chan,’ or ‘san,’ but let’s call each other by our first names from now on ♪”
“Got it. Nice to meet you… Tomo-kun ♡”
I was knocked out right there, so I couldn’t call their names.
Just kidding, though. The lunch break was ending, so I hurried back to class.
In the afternoon, there was a briefing for representatives about the academy selection test. Both girls had said “Please, Tomo-kun ♡,” so I went there all cheerful.
Huh? Did anyone bother me during that time?
Such trivial things. I’ve already forgotten about it.
At night, I almost sent “Good night, Sakura” via Line, but I stopped myself… zzz.
