First Target
About two weeks had passed since the entrance ceremony, my first goal. The awkwardness of the first day at the academy had mostly faded for the new students, and everyone was starting to hang out with people who matched their vibe. Of course, in my case, I was still solo. Even in previous loops, I hadn't wasted time on anyone but the heroines. This time was no different—no time to build bonds with extras.
Except...
"Emil, you seemed confused about that part in class earlier. Mind explaining it?"
"Ah! No fair! Me too!"
"Uh...? Why me? Just ask the professor..."
"'Cause you're the top scorer, Emil."
"You explain it better than the prof. And you're nicer."
"Right? Hehe."
Thanks to Charm's Tear Spot, girls occasionally approached me without hesitation. Other than that, academy life was solitary. That's how I spent those two weeks.
Time to get started, then.
Of course, wasting two weeks when I had to conquer five heroines felt like lost time. But it was necessary. I needed to give the heroines enough space to bond with the other male leads.
In past loops, I moved fast before that could happen. This time, it's the opposite...
I didn't just want to screw over those five heroines. The five male leads too. If it weren't for those bastards, I wouldn't have gone through that hell.
And so, after two weeks of boredom, the signal finally came.
"Ahem... Starting today, we'll accept applications for student-hosted study groups. Group leaders, submit your forms to me afterward..."
Study groups. Small gatherings of students studying voluntarily. Meant for freshmen to bond and prep for midterms in their first semester—an event-like thing.
Once they started, students formed groups with like-minded peers. Lately, group leaders scurried around the academy recruiting top students for better scores. Not that study groups alone boosted grades much, but groups with aces had way better vibes.
Now, where is that one...
Of course, I had a target group in mind. Walking the halls, scanning for that signature pink hair.
"H-Hey! How about our group?"
The corridor buzzed with leaders pitching to students. At the end, there she was—the one I'd been hunting.
Light pink long hair tied into twin tails hanging down. Round, innocent eyes that screamed purity. But her real standout feature was lower down.
Bounce.
"Uh, um... S-Sorry. I'm already in a group."
"Oh... Okay."
She bowed her head dejectedly, and those massive breasts jiggled once. Even from afar, I could tell. The student who'd pitched her left with regret.
Marie Clozer...
The one who'd given me my first taste of despair.
━'Sorry... I'm sorry for hurting you...'
Memories of that betrayal day flashed by.
"Tch..."
Throb...
The chronic headaches that had plagued me since returned.
Mental Healing activated!
Easy Mode perk wiped it away instantly.
Normally, I'd never join a bitch like you...
I smirked, head clear again. My first target: Marie Clozer. Not in betrayal order or anything—she just fit the timing.
Here goes.
Luckily, I was the entrance exam top scorer. For a grade-boosting study group, that title was gold.
No such luck in Loop 1—I struggled hard.
'Please! I'm begging you!'
'What? Uh, but I'm serious about midterms this time.'
'I won't drag you down! Hell, I'll help!'
'Hmm...'
Back then, I begged to join her group. Finally snagged another top student and got in.
All that effort looks pathetic now.
So this time, I strode right up. A grade-grubber like her would kill for the top scorer.
But then.
"Ah! Emil! Where you headed? Joined a group? If not, join ours!"
"Uh, wha?"
Mid-stride to Marie, another leader rushed me.
"Sorry, got my own group..."
"Hey, it's Emil...!"
"The top scorer?"
"W-Wait, Emil! Join us! We've got a solid setup!"
"What?! Back off, I'm still pitching!"
"No, listen..."
That sparked it—other leaders swarmed.
...Didn't see this coming.
"Join us! Ours is way better—we even booked a new building!"
"We're doing it at a fancy inn nearby! Unlimited snacks and tea!"
"Ugh, we can't top that, but... uh, tons of cute girls!"
Like paparazzi on a celeb. They rattled off perks to lure me.
"No, I have a group..."
My protests drowned in the chaos.
Then.
Oh, Marie...!
Eye contact across the hall—she'd just turned down someone else. She'd noticed the swarm.
Perfect. When she comes over, say I'm joining hers...!
Plan tweaked, but same result. Just wait for her approach.
But.
Wait, what...?
Marie looked disappointed... then turned and walked away.
Like she had zero intention of recruiting me.
"What the hell?!"
"Huh?"
"E-Emil?"
I blurted my shock aloud. The crowd parted in surprise.
Whoosh!
"Ah! Emil!"
"Wait, we weren't done...!"
I shoved through and bolted down the hall.
Originally planned a casual approach—no begging that bitch. But now?
She's all-in on midterms—she needs aces!
Why ignore me? Whatever. Couldn't let her slip.
And.
Grab!
"Kyaa!"
"H-Hey...!"
"...You...?"
I caught her at the central stairs. Her pink twin tails and huge breasts jiggled as she turned, eyes wide with confusion. Like 'Why you?'
"Can I join your group?"
"Wha...?"
"Saw you recruiting earlier."
"O-Oh, sure, I'd love that...!"
"Eeemiiiiil━!!"
The leaders I'd ditched yelled behind.
"God, don't they quit?!"
"Uh, wha?"
"Let's go!"
"Wait...!"
Get surrounded here, and her spots might fill. I grabbed her hand and ran for the rooftop.
Thud!
We slammed the door shut, panting in relief.
"Haa, haa... S-Scared me..."
"Whew, sorry. Total crisis."
"Hehe, it was kinda fun running. No worries."
Catching her breath, Marie smiled at me happily. No offense taken—hell, her eyes sparkled cautiously.
"Um, but... that group thing earlier. Were you just ditching them?"
"Huh?"
"I mean... are you serious about joining?"
Even now, she worried about it.
She wants me in...?
But she'd turned away earlier. Made no sense.
"You want me?"
"Duh! You're the top scorer! Remember the ceremony? Emil Tier!"
"...Then why'd you bail earlier?"
"Huh?"
"Our eyes met when the leaders swarmed."
"Oh, you saw... Hehe."
She scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"But... you're so popular. Figured you'd turn me down anyway."
"Ah..."
"Other aces were taken already. Thought you were too."
Now it clicked.
Yeah, her self-esteem's rock-bottom this early.
Before acing exams, Marie lacked confidence. Conquering her fixed that... leading to her dumping me for another guy, overflowing with it.
Anyway.
"Don't worry—no group's got me."
"R-Really?! Then...!"
"Yeah, aiming for yours. Wasn't faking to escape."
"Eee...!"
Her eyes lit up, touched.
Worlds apart from Loop 1.
She'd rejected my begging back then—this felt weird. All from top scorer status? Easy Mode rocks.
"Thanks! Seriously! I'll do my best not to drag you down!"
"Nah, that's my line. Not as midterm-serious as you."
"Ehehe, still, I'll benefit most. Anyway, please take care of me! I'll work hard!"
She left the rooftop beaming innocently, thanking me nonstop.
"'Please take care of me,' huh..."
Alone, I dropped the pure smile for a twisted grin.
No memories for you, but I know your true nature.
No matter how innocent she seemed, she'd mocked and crushed my heart.
"Let's get along great, Marie..."
I murmured, overlooking the vast academy from the rooftop.
"Hey, you again?"
"Huh?"
"Whoa! No way! Our grade's top scorer and runner-up in our group~!"
Next day after class. I headed to the Separate Building Classroom for our first session. The academy loaned us a room since the top scorer joined.
But inside...
"Why are you here...?"
"What? Here to study, duh."
"No, why this group."
Sierra tilted her head like why ask?
"'Cause you're here?"
"Huh?"
"Midterms, I'm serious. Want top spot this time—gotta be in your group."
"I see..."
Being entrance top scorer created all sorts of variables.