The entrance ceremony was incredibly boring, that was obvious from the start. Nanase followed my every step as if I were a puppy or a pet, chatting and asking me a few questions occasionally. I like her presence; she's cute. Besides, she smells quite nice, maybe a floral scent. I can tell because our hands practically brush every time we take a step. I have no idea why we're walking so close together. Nanase seemed to be in her own world, but when she realized it, she'd get embarrassed and walk behind me; then the cycle would repeat.
Nanase suggested going to the convenience store before heading to the dorms, which I gladly agreed to. We each went our separate ways as soon as we entered; we clearly don't have the same needs. I guess I'll go and get some instant and easy-to-prepare food. I don't have much experience in gastronomy. Anyway, I'll have to learn to cook soon. I can't always eat at some restaurant or the school cafeteria; it would be a waste of private points
How unpleasant...
I heard a woman murmur beside me; I knew who it was. It was the girl who called me a pervert a few hours ago; it seems she still remembers me. I must have made a very strong impression on her. I can't blame her if she fell in love with me at first sight; I am physiologically perfect, after all.
I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate your feelings. - I bowed and went into another hallway. I heard an angry shout behind me, but I decided to ignore it.
- Oh, instant noodles...
My eyes sparkled for a brief moment, and I grabbed one of the bowls. I never tried one of these in the White Room; it was strictly forbidden, in fact. I'm not saying the White Room food is bad; I was just on a strict diet.
Are you done, senpai?
Nanase caught me stuffing a bunch of ramen bowls into my basket. She tilted her head curiously.
I don't think it's good to eat so many of those, senpai. Even if you don't know how to cook, you can opt for another instant meal, Nanase advised. Then she boldly pulled a few more ramen bowls out of my food basket. I didn't do anything to stop her, that's because she's probably right.
Okay, but at least let me have this one...
For some strange reason, I asked permission for it.
Okay, but promise me you won't come sneakily to buy any more of these. I'll be mad if you do, senpai.
Understood
I nodded monotonously and looked suspiciously at the girl. Then, I appreciated the bowl in my hands, shaking it a little to check its contents. It's quite large, I suppose; according to the instructions, the main ingredient is apparently boiled water.
I stared at Nanase for no reason, glanced at her breasts, and then compared them to the size of the bowl. Perhaps hers are a little larger, but it might not be noticeable because of the school uniform.
Nanase, purely out of instinct, covered her chest. A soft pink spread across her cheeks, reproaching me as she pursed her lips
It seems she noticed my gaze. Nanase is surprisingly sharp if she's able to identify any intention behind my monotonous face. Although, perhaps it was merely a guess on her part.
Is this cheap or expensive?
My main intention was to deflect attention and not get a bad reputation so early, but also to learn a little about common sense for any normal person. I mean, I'm like a newborn baby, ignorant of the most basic things, and I'm learning while living abroad.
- Umm, it's an average price, I think.
Nanase probably thought it was a silly question, but she had no problem answering it. I haven't lost any memories, so I know for sure that I've never handled a financial currency on my own.
This is the world that man discarded. I'm someone who's been inertly following the same routine every day. I could spend all day carefully and meticulously researching every single item in this store and still be amazed by everything around me.
- I see. I appreciate your support. I had a very strict father and rarely left the house, so you might hear me asking awkward questions often.
- That explains a lot. Then, let me help you with whatever I can from now on, senpai. If you have any questions, you can definitely consult me. I'll do my best. - She put on a determined expression; she's decided.
I was surprised at how easily she fell for it. Apparently, my little story was believable enough. It wasn't too far from the truth, honestly; I just embellished the facts a bit.
Nanase seems to be quite a kind girl. A girl like her will probably be quite popular in the future; I have no doubt about that.
- Senpai, look at this!
Nanase, who hadn't stopped pacing the entire store, suddenly requested my presence. I approached slowly, curious about the items she asked me to look at.
How strange...
Inevitably, the dots in my head continued to connect, one by one and without stopping. They were completely free products, a total anomaly of course; moreover, they're too convenient
What do you think, senpai?
She was interested in hearing my opinion, her eyes shining with expectation.
"I don't think an elite school would be so forgiving as to simply give away its items. If 100,000 points were deposited every month, then these products wouldn't even exist in the first place. It's easy to deduce this, also taking into account that the classes are divided into letters according to their order in the alphabet. I consider this a meritocratic and competitive system, where the goal for each class would be to rise to the top of the alphabet."
Concisely and eloquently, I explained my hypothesis.
So, we are...
Nanase understood surprisingly quickly, I have to say.
"Yes, defective manufacturing. Actually, it seems like they're simply judging us as if we were garbage." I had no problem completing her thoughts.
Nanase was unable to say anything more, but the worry and panic on her face were evident
Relax, remember that all of this is based on my own conjectures; I might not even be right. Until it's proven true, you can continue to consider it a fallacy.
The odds of me being wrong are practically zero, so I'm blatantly lying here. Taking a humble stance really isn't my thing; it's infuriating.
I guess it can be that way...
Nanase isn't entirely convinced. She knows my argument is very well made; she can't just ignore it now that she's heard me.
Anyway, let me clarify something. You don't have to be upset about anything. I'm here. Even if I'm not serious, I'm invincible. Therefore, as long as you're by my side, so are you; Tsubasa Nanase.
There's no arrogance in stating a fact. You can call me egotistical or whatever, but I'm very aware of my own capabilities and limitations. In a school setting, I clearly have no rivals.
Of course, that's without taking external factors into account. For example, if someone were to shoot me with a gun, I'd probably die. Even though I'm amazing, I'm still human, at least physiologically
For that reason, relax and don't be too paranoid.
I placed my hand on her head and patted gently. A soft red spread across her cheeks; Nanase smiled shyly, probably incapable of thinking rationally right now. She enjoyed my caress; I couldn't help associating her with a puppy.
It's just an analogy, don't see it as a negative thing.
Wait a bit, I'm looking for it!
Someone's sudden shout snapped us both out of our trance.
Nanase nervously pulled away from me, avoiding my eyes to hide her embarrassed face.
Hurry up, there are people behind us!
I see, so it's the redhead who didn't want to introduce himself earlier. Apparently, he can't find his ID or something.
I can pay for you, don't worry.
It wasn't me, it was the popular guy in our class; Hirata is his name, it's quite surprising there aren't any girls with him.
"Oh, thanks, man, I owe you one."
We're classmates, you don't have to worry." Hirata gave a friendly smile and swiped his own card through the machine, paying for the redhead's noodles. That ended the commotion.
How boring...
It seems the popular guy left after receiving a thank you and a bowl of ramen. Now, three guys had been hanging around the area for a while, probably targeting the redhead
Senpai, you look like a stalker.
Nanase murmured that, softly and melodically in my ear. I was surprised she was still with me; it seems she has nothing better to do
You can leave if you want.
Am I in the way?
No, I quite like having a cute girl breathing down my neck.
I received no response.
I'd like to observe her embarrassed face, but that's not possible since she's hiding behind me. Perhaps it's a bit hasty, but I want to ask the following question:
Are we friends?
I don't know if it's possible for a friendship to be forged with only a few hours of interaction; I think it's premature. However, I also don't have too much experience in this area, so I could be wrong. Nanase might consider me her friend, who knows.
It's too troublesome to think about that now, so let's leave the internal monologue for later
I still have plenty of time, there's no need to rush things. All my questions can be answered, it just takes a little patience.
Senpai, it seems they're already on their way.
A cute and sweet murmur danced in my ear, almost making me shiver.
It's the power of feminine charm, I suppose.
Nanase, record the situation closely. I'll cover for you, don't worry.
She received my orders without any objection and quickly pulled out her cell phone. We moved forward pretending to be ordinary passersby, but getting close enough for the phone's microphone to pick something up. Okay, if they look this way they'll definitely notice us, but they're focused on their own conflict.
How convenient...
Oh, it seems the argument has already started.
"Bastards, leave me alone!"
The red-haired boy exclaimed that, then the other three smiled stupidly
I managed to notice a camera located above the hallway. If these guys are acting so brazenly, then I have to assume it doesn't have a built-in microphone. Therefore, the plan is to annoy the redhead until he gets angry, so he'll strike first and be an easy target for blackmail.
It's a good strategy for getting a significant number of private points, but there are several loopholes
A little patience is needed.
Senpai, it seems they're already on their way.
A cute and sweet murmur danced in my ear, almost making me shiver.
It's the power of feminine charm, I suppose.
Nanase, record the situation closely. I'll cover you, don't worry.
She received my orders without any objection and quickly took out her cell phone. We advanced, pretending to be ordinary passersby, but getting close enough for the phone's microphone to pick something up. Okay, if they look this way they'll definitely notice us, but they're focused on their own conflict.
How convenient...
Oh, it seems the argument has already started.
"Bastards, leave me alone!"
The red-haired boy exclaimed that, then the other three smiled stupidly
I managed to notice a camera positioned above the corridor. If these guys are acting this brazenly, then I have to assume it doesn't have a built-in microphone. Therefore, the plan is to annoy the redhead until he gets angry, so he'll throw the first punch and be an easy target for blackmail.
It's a good strategy for racking up a significant number of private points, but there are several loopholes.
- I see, the redheaded freshman bastard doesn't want to give us our place. Looks like we'll have to teach you a lesson
One of the boys snapped his fingers, seemingly trying to sound threatening. It wasn't effective; the redhead didn't even flinch.
Let me guess... Class D?
One of the boys openly mocked him that way. Immediately afterward, to provoke him further, he kicked the bowl of ramen the redhead had been eating.
You fucking idiot!
Unable to take it anymore, he threw a punch. The fight began a few seconds later. The redhead seems quite athletic, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to win with such a vast numerical advantage.
It's a perfect situation.
I settled in to watch closely.
I grew bored observing the lack of technique behind each of the boys' movements. I didn't have too many expectations, but even so, it was disappointing.
It all culminated in the following result:
Three students sprawled on the floor, with minor bruises and swelling; barely conscious of themselves. The redhead is strong. Despite his stocky build, I honestly thought he was going to lose. If we fix his stupid personality, I find him to be a very valuable person for the class and useful to me.
Tch, weaklings...
Although he had also been hurt, his situation was much better than the other boys'. The redhead put his hands in his pockets, leaving the scene after clicking his tongue repeatedly.
You recorded it, right?
- Yes, from beginning to end.
Nanase nodded. I borrowed her phone and silently approached the boys collapsed on the floor. I'm in luck; it seems I won't have to overwork my brain.
Damn defective, it was harder than I thought
Okay, calm down. Even though they beat us up, the cameras recorded everything.
- Yes, you're right.
Well, unfortunately, I'm here to ruin their day. I have no doubt they would have gotten away with it; I can't tolerate this kind of injustice.
I'm just kidding.
I'm no vigilante hero, I just want to take advantage of the situation properly. Unfortunately, these guys were too obvious, and on top of that, they had the misfortune of running into me.
How unfortunate, huh...
You shouldn't be so relieved; I saw you provoking that poor guy.
Finally, I joined the conflict.
Who the hell are you?
One of them just asked that; he didn't even have the
strength to stand after the beating he'd taken. It's not like he could do anything against me in the first place either.
I'm just a witness. I know you were planning to blackmail the redhead using the lack of microphones on the cameras; though, unfortunately for you, I recorded it from another angle.
I played the recording from my partner's phone; their faces undoubtedly distorted into an ugly grimace. I couldn't identify that feeling.
What would happen if I showed this video to some authority figure?
+
They'll definitely be expelled, senpai
Nanase seemed to understand my intentions and openly supported me. It was a risky gamble letting her accompany me, but everything turned out for the best, I suppose
But everything turned out as well as possible, I suppose.
Okay... What do you want?
- The private points of all three of them. I want them all transferred to me.
-You...- The teeth of the one who seemed to be the leader ground together sharply. He knows he has no other choice.
- Okay, we'll give them to you. Nagumo will make quick work of you after all...
The last part was almost a whisper, but my keen ear was able to pick it up.
Nagumo?
That name sounds rather pathetic.
I don't know who he is, but apparently he's behind this. This blackmail plot by three students may not be as simple as I thought
While I was thinking this way, I showed my phone number to the guys so they could make the transfer. The device buzzed with a notification that the money had been deposited. I glanced at the ID card on my phone and whistled internally. Over four million points, they're definitely from a higher class. Of course, I was careful enough to move to a blind spot in the hallway, out of the camera's view.
Show me your cards.
I wanted to make sure they had really given me all their points.
Man, don't be so rude to us. One of them sighed, and all I could see was a zero, just like the others.
Okay, you can go.
Wordlessly and limping, they turned and disappeared from my sight.
Didn't you overreact a little, senpai?
Not at all, I just gave them a taste of their own medicine. Criminals should be tried as such, don't you think?
If you say so...
How troublesome, I should buy her ice cream if she keeps this up.
The internet says it's delicious...
My bedroom was very ordinary. I brought some factory-installed furniture; I probably won't be changing it in the future. There also doesn't seem to be a limit on gas and electricity, so it's fine; today has been quite a productive day.
I got a girlfriend and found out the true face of this school; not bad.
The first part is a lie, in case you didn't notice.
For three years, uh...
It felt strange not seeing a room painted white all day; I guess it's refreshing.
Is this freedom?
No, it would be too optimistic to think that way.
Freedom doesn't exist. From the moment we are born, we are inevitably bound to something; as citizens, we are bound by the laws of the state. Being free to do whatever you want is nothing but a vile lie; we can simply choose from some of the options provided, but not create our own
True freedom consists in not being tied to anything, and I am a prisoner of many things. Of the white room, of my melancholy, of my ego, and of memories I sincerely wish I could forget. So, to attain a truly objective concept of this word, we can simply limit ourselves to not existing.
Disappearing into nothingness sounds good to me.
After all, life merely exists to achieve death.
In the midst of the darkness of existence, we all gradually disappear
The physical body, memories, and feelings disappear with time.
We were born from dust and to dust we shall return.
This is the reality of man.
This great mass of protein and fat is the soul, is the ego, the very existence of man. Like a computer that has been turned off, when the proteins and fats stop working, man ceases to exist.
Then, when man's memories begin to disappear...
That man fades into nothingness.
This is our reality that cannot be changed.
We are all being swept along by the waves of this dark, cold sea, waiting to disappear.
I am dying while still alive...
I am aware that the world does not want to acknowledge my existence.
The core of my being has completely disappeared. It doesn't matter if I live my life meaningfully or meaninglessly, I am incapable of feeling anything.
Clinging to a foolish possibility, I patiently await my inevitable and imminent death. The fate from which no human being can escape, however unbelievable.
True equality
The path is different, but the end is always the same