Monster Response Tactics: The Black Star's Invitation
Uriel from Monster Response Tactics Theory was a variable who hadn't existed at the academy in the original story. Of course, considering the butterfly effect over the past ten years, it was understandable. Groups like the Reverse Star Clan, Secret Society, and Inquisition didn't exist in the original either. A promising talent I didn't know about enrolling was trivial by comparison.
Still, it never hurt to pay attention, so I committed Uriel's appearance to memory. And right then, the classroom door opened, and a woman entered. If memory served, she was Professor Bastian Cred's teaching assistant. She stood at the lectern and unfolded a sheet of paper.
"Everyone, before we begin the lesson, I'll announce the compensation schedule for the entrance ceremony incident."
Oho. Some students reacted to the mention of rewards. When she announced that the headmaster's promised fortune would be distributed in a lump sum two weeks from now, others straightened up like rods.
They sorted this out in just one day of closure? I could almost hear the spines of the headmaster's staff bending.
"Next, the opening of the 2nd Treasure Vault will be next Wednesday, with selection priority given to the top ranks."
Hmm. This was why I loved the meritocracy of Kalsea Academy. I winked at Skala, our group battle bus driver, and her nose tipped up as if she'd caught on.
"Treasure Battle Area 1 will open just before 'Student Duel Week,' so please take note."
Right before Student Duel Week. Since the top rewards for that event were entry permits to the headmaster's special underground dungeon, Treasure Battle, it was a smart move to motivate the students.
"Finally, the legacy of the King of Demonic Engineering will be sequentially placed around campus starting next week."
"…"
Damn, they're efficient. Borrowing the module's power, I flashed a natural smile and enthusiastically responded to the excited Runes and Skala. The TA glanced around the now cheerful classroom and pocketed her paper. With the compensation details explained, the announcements seemed over.
"And Harne Astel."
...Or so I thought. My name was suddenly called. All eyes turned to me at once.
"Yes."
In that moment, the TA continued with a slightly stiffened expression. "Black Star Lesian sent a message. If you have a desired reward, she'll accommodate it."
"Hmm. Should I give my answer to you, ma'am?"
"Ah, no. Please visit the vice headmaster's office on the 4th floor of the main building by the end of this week."
"…Understood. Thank you for letting me know."
Come to the vice headmaster's office alone? For a fresh-faced new student, it was quite the intimidating request. The students' stares were prickling too. It wasn't just the look you'd give someone getting extra rewards. I could read curiosity, wariness, and surprise on their faces.
I whispered to Skala, who was sneaking glances my way. "But Skala, isn't everyone overreacting? What did I even do?"
"…You're serious? You're kinda famous now?" Skala let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"You got surrounded by inquisitors and a Black Star, and stayed cool as ice without flinching."
"Ah."
"Yup yup. I even forgot to protest and just stared at you blankly."
Runes nodded vigorously in agreement from my side. No wonder. I was so used to that kind of thing, I hadn't even registered it. Apparently, I'd stood out enough at the entrance ceremony to catch the eye of the academy's top talents.
Still, it was just because they didn't know my pathetic combat power. This hype will burst in seconds, right?
[…Umm, I'm not so sure…?] Noctia muttered in my head with a subtle tone.
The moment I tried to ask about that—
Clack. Clack. Heavy shoe steps drew the students' eyes forward again. The classroom's buzz settled quickly. It was the top-class homeroom professor, Bastian Cred, entering.
The TA bowed to him and promptly left. Bastian scanned the students with impassive eyes.
"You heard the announcements. No one's late on the first day, good."
He pulled a cigar from his pocket. "Skip the pointless introductions. We're starting Monster Response Tactics Theory now."
The cigar tip ignited. Thick smoke poured from his mouth, writhing like a living thing into a shape. It was a fish longer and bigger than a person's arm. But with eyes clustered densely together, jagged irregular teeth, and sharp fins that looked fused with wings. Calling it a fish was an insult to actual fish.
"Elise Alzen. Explain this monster."
Bastian's gaze fixed on Elise. Unfazed by the sudden question, she answered calmly. "It's a 'Grotesque Fish' under the Lord of Proliferation. I believe it's the monster with the highest population."
Bastian waved his hand, dispersing the smoke shape, and nodded. "Correct. And it'll be the one you'll face most often."
He jotted basic info on the Grotesque Fish on the blackboard. "This class teaches practical responses to oceanic monsters threatening the floating islands. You'll encounter them every two weeks on average, so memorize properly."
Every two weeks. That was hardly appropriate talk for an educational institution. But no one in the classroom looked surprised. It made sense. Few entered this academy without resolve to fight monsters.
As the vice headmaster had said at the entrance ceremony, humanity lived on massive floating islands above the goddess's protection, adrift on the sea. Countless monsters from the depths crawled up at every chance, hell-bent on our extinction. And Kalsea Academy was one of their favorite hotspots.
Monsters seeped out slowly from the northern underground tower sealed by the headmaster's dungeonization ability. Higher existences called 'Demonic Ones' who commanded them occasionally opened gates for direct raids.
That was why the academy had this overall cutthroat vibe, despite the funding and guaranteed career paths drawing some opportunists.
As I pondered that with eyes forward— someone tapped my leg. Runes.
I glanced away from Bastian, who was explaining another monster, and whispered. "What is it?"
"Just… you seemed kinda zoned out too, Harne, so I thought I'd chat~."
"Hmm, so you're dragging me into slacking off?"
"But…! I'm so sleepy. Skala's not playing along."
"It's been less than five minutes since class started."
God had dumped all of Runes's talent into her body, skimping on study aptitude. She wasn't dumb, but her body rejected knowledge. Skala, surprisingly the studious type, was even taking notes. Naturally, I became the target for bored Runes.
Of course, I wasn't all that invested in academy classes either. Sensing I was coming around, she smirked sleepily and whispered. "Anyway, I've been wondering since yesterday. Who's that little girl you were sleeping with?"
"Ah, about that…"
[Gah, don't tell her! Just ignore it!]
Noctia jumped in my head. Why? She's a good friend. Why not get closer?
[Hmph! What do you take me for? I'm the sole inheritor of fairy blood! I don't like rude kids who hug me out of nowhere.]
She clung to me just fine. Well, Noctia was pricklier with strangers than expected. I was an exception, bonding quickly thanks to her original master Hismea.
Still, it'd be nice if they got along. I could even sacrifice Noctia as Runes's attachment doll if things went well.
As I trailed off, scheming to offload Noctia subtly— Runes, who'd been waiting, suddenly cut me off with a realization. "Ah, wait, don't say it! I think I know anyway."
"Oh? What is it?"
"That pretty big sis who carried you in the group battle exam. The kid looked just like her, right?"
[…She has some eye.]
Noctia disarmed a bit at the words. She even swallowed, awaiting Runes's next line. Tense moment.
Runes's mouth opened slowly. "Isn't she like the daughter of that summon big sis?"
[Take it back!]
Expectations crushed, Noctia sulked. [Wahh, do I look that old?]
No way. You just have an elegant, mature vibe. Must be a misunderstanding. I quickly soothed Noctia and turned to give Runes the real answer.
That was when it happened.
Something sharp and massive hurtled toward my face.
"!"
Shwick! It stopped razor-close in an instant—a massive stinger, like from a head-sized hornet. Behind it flapped a grotesquely huge insect.
"Harne Astel. Runes Bar Nen. Distracted from the start? Bold."
The white smoke monster retreated slowly. Beyond it loomed Professor Bastian with a fearsome glare.
Oh no.
Runes to my left froze with an awkward smile. Skala to my right eyed us pitifully.
"I don't force total participation. But you need the knowledge to back it up."
Bastian glared at me and pointed at the smoke monster with a finger. "Name this monster and two or more traits."
"It's 'Gelerenes,' under the Lord of Proliferation. Traits: on the seafloor, it's encased in a translucent fluid membrane. On land, its back splits to unfurl wings. Teeth like saws. Tail doubles as ovipositor and poison stinger."
I answered right away. Might as well be thorough since we were caught.
"…"
Déjà vu. Students peeked at me again. Skala's mouth hung slightly open before she hurriedly closed it.
Did she study separately? What?
Hmm, just respecting the original game lore… er, original work. Bastian sighed faintly and nodded.
"Correct. We'll let this slide."
But like seeking revenge, his target shifted to Runes next. Predictably, she flubbed it and took a headbutt from the smoke monster.
"Gaaah…"
Oof, that would've sent me straight to the infirmary. Though he'd dialed it to Runes's tolerance, probably.
The smoke monster didn't stop. It rocketed to the right corner, punishing a sleepyhead who'd been sprawled asleep since class started.
"Eeeek…!"
Uriel jerked her head up with a comical groan. Eyes trembling, she spaced out, then took a light follow-up hit.
"Wha…"
Laughter leaked from around the room at Uriel's tasty reaction. After that, she ate three more headbutts before class ended.
════
"By the way, Skala. What was the afternoon class again?"
"'Fundamentals of Martial Arts.' I hear it's a physical training lesson."
"Ah."