Uncle Brandon
Warm morning sunlight, birds chirping peacefully. The chatter of students strolling across the campus. I savored the realization that I'd finally escaped the infinite loop ghost story and returned to everyday life as I wandered the grounds.
And beside me—though pretending to take a casual stroll at a distance—was Elaine. To avoid the eyes of the other students, we walked separately while secretly carrying on a conversation.
"Why are you keeping so much distance? It makes me feel ignored, like we don't even know each other."
"Teacher Allen's doing the exact same thing, isn't he? Pretending not to know me."
"Hey, even if it doesn't look like it, I'm a teacher. If I act too friendly with students willy-nilly, that could stir up bad rumors. Plus, I'm building an image here at the academy as refined and perfect. Can't exactly approach first all chummy-like."
"Hmph. I'm managing my image too, you know."
"Your image? What image?"
"Even if it doesn't seem like it, I'm pushing the mysterious character vibe at Everlight Academy. Not the type to act cute and friendly with teachers."
"Pfft. That's a funny joke."
I burst out laughing, forgetting our pretense of being strangers.
"It's true. Why are you laughing?"
"Ah, sorry. Wasn't mocking you."
She glared at me indignantly as I laughed, and I apologized with a light chuckle at her expression.
In the midst of our banter, Elaine suddenly grew serious.
"So, what's the plan going forward?"
"Plan? You mean my lesson plans?"
"Don't dodge. The bizarre phenomena. You said back in the basement that it wasn't over—that it was just beginning, and the academy's doom was sealed."
"...Yeah, I did say that."
I'd tried to playfully steer the conversation away, but her probing left me no choice but to answer reluctantly. I wanted to enjoy this peaceful vibe a bit longer. It'd only been a day since escaping the ghost story, after all.
"Then, Teacher Allen, what should I do to stop that inevitable destruction? What do we do next?"
Her face brimmed with enthusiasm, undaunted by the infinite loop we'd just survived yesterday.
...At least Elaine was holding up better than me. Seeing her eager expression, I laid out our policy simply and clearly.
"Nothing."
"...Pardon?"
Her face went blank.
"Do we have to do something?"
"No, I mean—what kind of irresponsible talk is that?"
"It's not irresponsible. Think about it."
Think carefully, and our situation resembled the novel's setup—but with one key difference. Time. Unlike the characters in the story, I knew this world was doomed in three years.
The novel's cast wasted those precious three years chasing pink-tinted romance, driven by hormones in their civilized courtship rituals, oblivious to everything. But I'm different.
Sure, three years might not be enough for me alone to change anything... but why should I handle it solo? We can all lift the log together. If the world's fate is at stake, everyone should pitch in.
No army could defeat the outer god once awakened. But what if we focused on maintaining the seal from the start?
"Eek..."
Elaine didn't hide her disappointment at my explanation. Uncovering hidden secrets unknown to ordinary folk, venturing beyond the veil of the mundane into thrilling adventures—sure, that sounds exciting and stimulating for a student her age.
But "Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't some fun, thrilling game. Lives are on the line—everyone's in this world. One wrong move, and it's not just us two who suffer. It's every other student here, your family and friends back home, and countless strangers you'll never meet. All dragged down and dead."
"..."
"Don't let hero syndrome or savior complex fool you into arrogantly thinking you can handle it alone like some idiot."
Elaine was a smart student. She understood my point immediately and reflected on it without argument.
"I said we're doing nothing, but I don't mean sitting idle with our hands folded. If you need my help, I'll jump in. Same if I need yours. But remember—the experts from each nation will take the lead on solving this."
The key was convincing those nations and research organizations. With the connections from my trading company days, it should be doable...
Soon, Elaine headed off to her next class, leaving me alone to ponder how to draw other countries to Everlight Academy as I strolled the grounds.
How long had I walked? Amid my thoughts, something undeniable bubbled up from deep inside—a fierce, genuine desire.
My true craving.
"I'm hungry."
Hunger pangs.
Ding-dong-dang-dong—
The academy bell rang distantly. I'd been lost in worry, pacing endlessly, and lunchtime had snuck up.
"Whoops, lost track of time fretting."
Food first, then back to scheming. I turned toward the academy cafeteria—but changed my mind midway.
Instead, I headed to the school shop.
Thinking back, during the infinite loop ghost story, I'd hit the shop repeatedly. After recognizing the ghost story, I never went, but I remembered the desserts being delicious.
Not quite a modern convenience store—more like a bakery selling snacks, befitting a romance-fantasy academy. Their skill exceeded expectations; it surprised me each loop. They even had simple meals like sandwiches.
Plus, I never conquered the madeleines in the loop. Perfect chance now.
Jingle—jingle—
The bell tinkled as I entered, and the aroma of fresh bread assaulted my senses. Nutty butter and flour, sweet fruit jam and cream—a symbol of luxury. And not just that—the fresh, metallic tang of blood from a newly twisted-off human neck.
To top it off, the perfect companions to bread: fresh milk and black tea scents. The shop's ambiance was elegantly filled with the groans of eyeless students.
In that moment, I realized something amazing.
"Oh! Barely any students. Lucky me."
The shop, always swarming during breaks, was deserted now.
Ah, right—during breaks, kids flock here, but at lunch, the cafeteria takes priority, leaving the shop quieter. Once students finish eating, it'll change, but for now, no lines meant leisurely shopping.
Instead of browsing, I hurried to the counter to beat the rush.
"Welcooomeee..."
A baker I'd never seen greeted me kindly. He welcomed me with a smile tearing from ear to ear, blood dripping from his mouth.
Seeing the pastry chef, I couldn't help recoiling.
"Wait, you're not the usual counter manager."
"Yeees... From today... the manager's chaanged..."
Blood dripped from the new manager's chin as he grinned chillingly.
"Hm. Too bad. Yesterday's madeleine was delicious..."
What a shame. Should've stocked up before the loop ended.
"No proooblem... My baking skills are supeerior..."
Oh no. Mistake. Praising the predecessor in front of the successor could bruise his ego.
Pay quick and go. I smiled awkwardly and ordered.
"One BLT sandwich and one plain madeleine. Oh, and an Earl Grey to go with it."
"Sooorry, custooomer... We don't sell those here..."
"Ah... I see."
Damn. New baker, new menu, sure—but no BLT?
"What do you sell, then?"
"Yeees... Only red cookies and white candy..."
"Pardon?"
This was awkward. Just two items? One's even candy. Can they stay in business?
Worried the owner changes again in days. Chose shop over cafeteria for this...
Still, leaving empty-handed felt lame. Cookies could fill the stomach, at least?
"Then, the red ones fir—"
Suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder and yanked me back, cutting off my order as I stumbled.
"Who the—... Elaine?"
Suppressing irritation, I turned with a forced smile. There stood Elaine, pale as a ghost, gripping my shoulder like it might shatter.