It's Really Just a Misunderstanding
Eirin's single remark startled the professors considerably. It was her first words since the meeting began, and she hadn't uttered a single syllable up to that point. Her request was to place Park Jeonghyeon in her class.
"...Professor Eirin. Someone of your stature wouldn't make such a demand without reason. May I ask why?"
"There's no reason. It's my personal whim."
Vail's brow furrowed slightly. Not because her words were rude, but because her current behavior didn't match her usual conduct at all. Eirin was famous for treating everyone fairly and ruthlessly. So why this sudden shift? It wasn't like her.
"Unless a rational reason is provided, we cannot accept Professor Eirin's request."
Vail shook his head lightly, rejecting her demand. But Eirin continued without a flicker of expression.
"I'll use my petition right."
"...Professor Eirin, are you serious?"
Petition right. The privilege Vail had promised her when appointing her as a Providence professor. Twice, Eirin could make an unconditional demand of Providence's chancellor. No matter what she asked for, the chancellor had to approve it without question. It was essentially a right that could let her live luxuriously off campus for life if she wanted.
"I'm serious."
To use such absolute power just to assign one student to her class...
...I thought Professor Eirin had no family.
Professor Eirin was an orphan from Kirinus, the land of beastkin and dwarves. If she hadn't awakened her dragon power suddenly in her childhood, she'd likely be dead by now—or living a life too wretched to witness.
What exactly is that student to you?
Vail wanted to ask, but he simply nodded instead. That was the proper demeanor for a chancellor facing someone invoking their petition right.
"...Student #27, Park Jeonghyeon, will be assigned to Professor Eirin's Class A. Any objections?"
Of course, none were raised.
In the end, our team won against Serena, but disappointingly, no achievement unlocked. Weird, right? No reaction for winning the mock battle exam, but getting first place overall after filling in the test bubbles triggers one.
I can't figure out the criteria.
I tilted my head and headed to my new apartment, which would serve as my home base from now on.
"Hmm, spacious and nice."
I couldn't stay in the hotel Sandra Gurs booked forever. So, I rented a brand-new apartment near Providence's main building.
Prime location, so the rent's pricey... but worth every coin.
About 1,300 square feet, fully equipped with TV, fridge, AC, and basics. Ten-minute walk to the main building, convenience store on the ground floor. A dream setup for a student.
Money's no issue for me. My stocks will rise, and worst case, a few more holographic musical gigs cover it.
"Seriously, how do people without cash survive here?"
Providence doesn't run dorms—something about boosting the local economy. Students have to fend for themselves: studios, apartments like mine, whatever.
There are motels with student discounts... but from memory, they're nothing special.
"If I weren't an actor... ugh, don't even think about it."
I shook my head with a mutter.
-Grrrowl!
Suddenly, my stomach clock chimed faintly. Already evening. I stretched and yanked open the fridge door.
Spotless. Empty.
Oh right, forgot to go shopping.
Schedule's free, so a quick run to the nearby mart sounds good.
"Be right back."
What to make for dinner tonight? The trivial dilemma lifted my mood.
Entering the bustling mart, I scanned the produce aisle and muttered.
"Hmm... what goes into curry again?"
My past life self never cooked. Workaholic, no appetite, no one special to cook for. Self-cooking would've been weirder.
So I vowed: In this new life, no more delivery and instant meals only. Might as well make it a hobby.
First dish: curry. Simple reason. I like it.
Potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic... not too many ingredients?
After a quick web search, I roamed the produce section. Then, trouble.
"No clue which onions are good."
First-time shopping, can't tell. No sales?
Not desperate for cash, but who doesn't want a bargain? Humans, right?
Leaving produce, I squinted and scoured for deals. Ah, there: "Ugly Produce 30% Off" sign. I headed over.
Or tried to.
"Huh? That's..."
A girl hovered by the ugly produce. Long pink hair to her waist. Sharp eyes. And her standout trait: human. One of Providence's rare few.
The protagonist of End of Erosion: Karen.
You pick your protagonist at the start: male "Rage" or female "Karen." Story doesn't change much either way.
In this world, she's the protagonist. Seeing the one who bulldozes every plotline up close sparks massive affinity. Wanna talk to her now.
But barging in? Creep alert. Can't ruin my first impression on the protagonist.
Scanning for an opener, I watched her. Karen eyed the ugly produce intently, face stiff. Like taking an exam.
"Ah."
Right—she's a thrift master. Or rather, a penny-pincher extraordinaire. Wallet woes drilled it into her.
How broke? Massive debt. Probably borrowed everywhere for Providence tuition. That's my recollection.
Why join Providence on loans when already poor?
Poor kid.
Karen's like me. Erosion took her family, friends, village. She's alone, fueled only by blind hatred for erosion entities.
She dedicates her life to slaying them. Just like my past life.
That's why she enrolled: to eradicate erosion entities. Their deaths are all she wants.
Bitter.
Playing the game, I felt kinship. Now? Pity. I've lived that single-minded, painful existence. Hers will be agony.
As a senior who's wrecked his life, seeing a junior on the same path hurts.
Wanna advise her... but "Hey, live like that and regret it later"? Slap incoming. She's feisty from a rough upbringing.
Start by befriending. Got a plan: "Help the newbie" tactic.
Pro shopper Karen can spot good produce. Approach, beg for onion tips. Vets love newbies. Foolproof.
With that, I strode to the ugly produce confidently.
"Hmm..."
Karen clutched green onions, inspecting. Deep breath, nerves steady, I opened cautiously.
"Excuse me, mind if I ask—
You have officially enrolled in Providence!
Whoa, holy shit, scared me!"
Whew, thought I'd drop dead. The sudden translucent message jolted me into swearing unwittingly.
"...Ha."
Karen turned slowly, glaring sharply.
"Why's everyone so desperate to pick a fight with me?"
Uh oh. Misunderstanding.