Chapter 126: New Faces
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 126: New Faces
Vacation was over.
Well—not that my life changed much just because vacation ended.
It was still the same old routine: head to Yggdrasil, suck the Source dry while training, and then go home. The only difference was that the ratio of requests had increased compared to part-time jobs.
Leaning against a second-floor window, I watched the entrance to the building.
Finally, they’re here. The Heroine DLC.
According to Yggdrasil’s regulations, those who enroll in the second semester are officially called transfer students.
“Look at those dropouts crawling in,” a student nearby sneered, looking down at the newcomers.
Let’s see how long that sneer lasts.
While some were coming from other schools, most were first-time enrollees. As with any institution, there was a strategy to Yggdrasil’s admissions.
Typically, the first-semester admissions focused heavily on talent and potential. Because of that, the students tended to be younger, and many didn't even have their licenses yet.
The second-semester admissions—the "transfers"—placed less weight on raw talent and more on current ability and past experience. Consequently, many of them were mages who already held licenses, most having spent time grinding in the field.
It also neatly explained why the characters who arrived in the second semester as Heroine DLC had such high initial levels.
By any objective measure, they weren't to be ignored, yet I could understand why that extra was looking down on them. Usually, applicants took both the first and second entrance exams. If you passed the first, great; if you failed, the standard procedure was to aim for the second-semester admission by taking the second exam.
Even if talent was prioritized in the first round, quite a few first-semester admits already had licenses. Since everyone viewed the second exam as a "second chance" for those who failed the first, it was natural for those who got in early to feel a sense of superiority.
Of course, that kind of attitude usually gets fixed after a good beating, so it wouldn't last long.
“Are you not looking down on them?”
“…Whoa, you startled me.”
“Your expression doesn't seem particularly surprised, despite your words.”
No, I was seriously startled.
August had approached without a sound and was now standing beside me, looking down at the transfer students. I watched him for a moment—he looked as if he had been there all along—before turning my gaze back to the newcomers.
“Is there a reason to look down on them? Most of those people have been through the wringer in the field.”
“…At your age, it is easy to underestimate the importance of experience. That is a good attitude to have.”
“I learned a lot from my seniors while out on requests.”
August’s expression remained unchanged, making it impossible to tell if my plausible excuse had worked.
Was he that shocked that I’d learned his magic? Ever since I picked up Space Magic, August had been lingering around me more often.
As expected, Scarlet was acting as their guide. Even though she wasn't part of the student council, she was highly respected by both teachers and students alike. She was currently leading the group of transfer students.
All the heroines from the game are here.
Bukgeuk-jwa was acting cool toward the women around her, but her eyebrows furrowed the moment her eyes met mine on the second floor.
What sharp eyes. I’m sure she wasn't just looking for me, yet she managed to find me anyway.
“Are you acquaintances?”
“No. Why do you think that?”
“Because she scowled in this direction.”
“Teacher… maybe she was scowling at you, August? I am quite handsome, after all.”
“…For someone so handsome, aren't there quite a few people in Yggdrasil who view you unfavorably?”
He replied in a flat voice, not yielding an inch.
Having been shut down after a playful jab, I turned my attention back to the other transfers.
Pauper was there, Mamang was there, and even the Celestial Dragon had arrived.
Long ears, shimmering platinum-blonde hair that looked otherworldly, and clear green eyes that seemed to have jewels embedded in them.
Yes, an Elf.
Though they were rarely seen, Elves and Beastkin did exist in this world. Unlike the traditional fantasy "Fairy Race," they were a new species of humanity created for war, much like the Shrine Maiden Clan of old.
However, their abilities were similar to traditional fantasy tropes: higher mana than humans and a variety of magical talents. In a world where mages were held in high regard, their race was depicted as being inherently blessed.
“I don't appreciate being stared at like a monkey in a zoo. Take a good look now; it will be the greatest pride of your lowly lives.”
The Kkanp spat out those arrogant words, glaring at the students watching her.
Looking down on humans, just like in the game.
In a world where mages were privileged, a race blessed with magic naturally considered themselves superior. It wasn't just her; Elves as a whole were arrogant and treated others like dirt.
And then they’d get absolutely wrecked by Akito.
In contrast to the haughty Elf, Shunya was looking around the school with curiosity, her wolf ears twitching atop her head. She was so excited that she started wandering off on her own, and it was amusing to see Scarlet quickly reel her back in.
That’s no wolf beastkin; that’s a hyper puppy.
And then there was the Black sister and her younger brother.
As if fulfilling some sort of racial quota, they were among the few Black characters in the game. The sister was charming enough, with a refreshing personality and a healthy, athletic beauty, but the problem was that damn brother of hers.
The Heroine DLC didn't just bring heroines. It also brought two rivals, and he was one of them—consistently ranked as the number one character players most wanted to kill.
Why? Because he was the quintessential "Black Guy" character found in Japanese adult content.
Incredible stamina, a sturdy and powerful physique, and a history of womanizing. He was a character designed specifically for NTR purposes, sleeping his way through various women, and if you weren't careful, he’d often steal the heroines away.
I’d rather take them myself than let Akito lose them to that guy. That, I can never forgive.
I could see the other handsome rival as well, but there was no need to worry about him. He had a personality similar to Akito’s, so he wasn't the type to cause a mess by hitting on every woman he saw.
He was talented, had strong convictions, and unlike Akito, he didn't force an arbitrary sense of "goodness" on others. He was just reasonably kind, and personally, I thought he was better suited to be the protagonist.
I guess that’s all the heroines to be gained from the school, aside from the juniors.
If I pushed all those heroines toward Akito, I wouldn't have to worry about the party composition anymore. With that many, even if he missed a few, he’d still be able to easily defeat the final boss and save the world.
And then there was the white-haired girl I couldn't afford to miss.
Wearing a hood and blowing bubbles with a type of gum that wasn't even sold these days, she looked uninterested in Yggdrasil, but she was likely more focused than anyone else right now.
Similar to Yukina, she was a character who wouldn't even join as an ally unless you followed her specific route.
Was it Akane? Akari? I was fuzzy on the name, but she was also here to steal the Source. Unlike the pathetic Geukryu Society that Yukina had belonged to, she was part of a terrifying organization that actually considered going toe-to-toe with Yggdrasil.
The fact that they planned to annihilate Yggdrasil just because they found out how the Source was protected proved they were a group of lunatics.
Anyway, I didn't need to worry about her for now. I just needed to keep an eye out to make sure the heroines were hitting it off with Akito.
“You are aware there is an exchange meet shortly, yes?”
“Yes, I’m well aware.”
What "exchange meet"?
What kind of "exchange" involves people greeting each other by firing magic?
Soon, there would be a mock battle between the transfer students and the current students. Ostensibly, it was a chance to get to know each other… but really, they just provided an arena for everyone to test each other's skills.
“They will likely be looking down on this side as well.”
“Is that so?”
Well—I bet that Kkanp bitch will.
Since the game progressed from Akito’s perspective, there was no way to know what the transfer students were actually thinking.
August spoke while staring intently at the building the transfers had entered.
“Most of them are experienced. They have survived battles far more intense than those of the average student, and they likely take great pride in their skills.”
“Isn't that true, though? Honestly, it’s funnier that kids who haven't even gotten their licenses are the ones doing the sneering. They’ll probably snap out of it once they get crushed in this exchange meet.”
“Indeed. Conceit is never good.”
I didn't care which side was looking down on whom, but I did find it annoying when nobodies acted all high and mighty.
After a brief silence, August turned to look at me and spoke.
“Crush them at the exchange meet.”
“…That’s an absurd request. Didn't you just say conceit is never good?”
“That applies to them as well.”
“…Even if I could, wouldn't crushing them just make the conceit on our side grow?”
Besides, Akito was going to beat them all anyway, so I didn't need to step in.
“Yes. Therefore, win alone.”
“The absurdity of these requests is just escalating, isn't it?”
What does he want me to do?
During the freshman test, I managed to win through tricks because everyone lacked experience, but these kids weren't pushovers anymore. The ones with licenses had field experience, and everyone had been training hard, so the overall skill level had been normalized.
This time, the Illusion Space would have mana barriers, so suicide attacks wouldn't work.
“Neither this side nor that side should be allowed to think they have won. Create a result where you win, simply because you are you.”
“No, the demands are getting ridiculous. Do you really think I can do that?”
“Yes. If it is you, it is possible.”
“……”
I appreciate the trust… but isn't this a bit forced?
I found the Kkanp’s attitude annoying, but she was talented. And on top of that, how was I supposed to beat Akito and Shizuka?
I racked my brain for a moment, but no matter how I looked at it, there was no answer. No trick would work against the now-grown Yggdrasil students. And it certainly wouldn't work against those who had been through the wringer in the field.
“I’m grateful you think so highly of me, but I don't think it’s going to happen.”
“That is a pity. Very well.”
When I refused, August backed off coolly without being pushy.
What? Why did he even ask?
His surprisingly easy withdrawal made me uneasy.
When I returned to the classroom, the homeroom teachers, Penny and Lumia, entered with the transfer students assigned to Class A to introduce them.
“I heard this was the finest educational institution for humans, so I had high expectations, but the level here is lower than I thought. I am Justina, the second daughter of the noble Ioannes Family. Do not call my name lightly. It is not a cheap name to be uttered by the likes of you.”
Listen to this Kkanp bitch talk.
Even though the atmosphere had turned icy, Bukgeuk-jwa stepped forward with a graceful smile, despite the pressure.
“I am Fei Chen. Due to circumstances, I am enrolling half a year late, but I hope to grow alongside all of you here at Yggdrasil. I look forward to working with you.”
“Fei is as pretty as ever today.”
Since the room was quiet, Rio’s comment echoed through the entire class. When everyone turned to look at him, Rio lowered his head in embarrassment.
“I am also happy to be in the same class as the friendly Mr. Rio.”
When Bukgeuk-jwa responded with a gentle smile, Rio’s expression changed as if he had fallen head over heels in love. His face is so ugly that even his "in love" face looks hideous.
Ten transfer students had joined Class A, but aside from the Kkanp and Bukgeuk-jwa, the rest were all extras. Still, perhaps because many of them had licenses and long field experience, none of them looked like easy marks. Even just standing there, the mana they unconsciously radiated and their posture made them look formidable.
And I’m supposed to beat them? Including Akito? Make it make sense.
After the introductions, I headed to the exchange meet with Akito’s group.
Because of the difference in numbers, students from each class were selected to match the number of transfer students for the mock battles. Since only the aces of each class were present, Shizuka was naturally there, along with Jessica, Park Yu-jeong… and many other familiar faces among the sub-characters.
Seeing them all gathered like this, they really were an impressive bunch.
Because of Akito and the heroines, there was no room for the Comedy Duo, so they were probably off watching with the other extras.
But… isn't there one extra person from Class A?
Akito, Shiori, Chika, Samurai, Angelica, Ailee, Emma, Yukina, Mary, Takeo… and me.
No matter how I counted, there were 11. But there were only 10 transfer students in Class A.
While I was wondering about the discrepancy, August appeared in the Illusion Space to explain the mock battle.
“I have given a long explanation, but it is simple. It is a game of tag. However, it will be everyone chasing a single 'it'.”
As soon as August finished his summary, everyone turned to look at me.
I hate this kind of silence.
Hey, I told you I wasn't doing it, didn't I?
If you’re going to force me like this, what the hell am I supposed to do?