“The ancient magic algorithms consisted of…” The voice was faintly audible, echoing in my ears. My eyes dilated, as I focused on the board, trying to understand the lesson. Ancient magic, irrespective of its inherent nature. I picked my pen, copying the formula from the board. Can be modified, following the standard.

“Norman equation.” I muttered under my breath.

“Oh, Illis, are you aware of the Norman equation? It’s good that you are prepared for the lecture.” The professor is going to draw the Norman map now, I thought. My pen started moving feverously on its own, as I drew the Norman map in my notebook. I hesitantly looked towards the board, trying to rebel against this strange feeling.

My diagram was a carbon copy of Professor Ignis’.

“Please remember that we are going to have a class test on the Norman concepts next class. Be sure to study well.” Professor Ignis wore his coat again, as he left the classroom. The students stood up abruptly, organizing themselves in their friend groups, as they started discussing their plans for the day.

“Illis, want to go grab something to eat?” A sudden voice came from the left. My face darted towards it, finding Sasha leaning her hand on the table.

“Is everything fine?” I must have made a strange noise just now.

“Do not worry about me, you can go first. I will follow you afterwards.”

“Okay.” Sasha slowly started walking down the classroom, skipping steps. This conversation, too, did not feel new. Everything felt as if I was rewatching a recorded film. A recorded film with me as the protagonist. That doesn’t sound bad whatsoever. But I would rather like a movie where I am not aware that I am not in the movie. That would be breaking the fourth wall then. This isn’t a certain dating sim after all.

I exited the classroom hastily, trying to catch up to Sasha. I knew running in the hallway was not good, but I had no other choice. I darted throughout the place, following the signs to the exit. I was not the best at remembering the school map, after all. But, I had no other choice to stop when I saw him.

Sorry, Sasha.

I hid behind the corner, sneakily inclining my head. No, this is definitely not what you think this is. I am definitely not a stalker. This is purely a drill.

I walked with my toes, making the least sound possible, as I tried to sneak behind him.

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“There are so many exciting clubs that pique my interent! I wonder which one I should join.” He could not have said in a more cute voice. I stopped for a second to let my ears absorb the heavenly voice that I had just head. It feels so good to not be a stalker. Good that I am not one.

My smile naturally turned into a mischievous grin, as I stood behind the cute figure. Until now, there was nothing wrong with the plan. Good, good. I looked around, trying to make sure that no one was around.

There was not a single moment to waste. I slowly started moving my hands towards his arms, making them ready to tickle. I bent my knees, bringing myself at the same height. I am definitely not acting like a kidnapper. This just a pure, cutesy and innocent interaction.

His head slowly started to turn. I could not afford to lose here. I rushed my fingers towards his underarm, and, started tickling him.

“Illis, stop it! Stop it!” No, I cannot stop. After getting hands on such fine material, I cannot do anything but tickle him to death. No, it is my duty to tickle him.

Serfort started rolling on the floor, his eyes ready to cry from the laughter. But, I cannot stop here.

“Laugh! Laugh more, Serfort! Make me hear that heavenly laughter!” I demanded, as I started to increase my pace. It feels so good not to be a stalker or a kidnapper. They could never enjoy such a moment in their life. I am so glad that I did not become one.

“Illis, what are you doing to Serfort?” I started running as fast as possible from the scene. It was the head girl. Why does she always interrupt my fun?

I had made it outside the school, this time. I wonder where Sasha went. There were several food stalls outside the school, as there are many schools around this area. Office workers also go through this route, which means that there are many regulars. Sasha usually goes to the fried chicken stall which is right next to the school exit, but I do not see her here.

Wait. I do not see anyone here.

I checked the time hastily. It was not time to go back to class. This street is usually filled with long waiting lines. I looked back, as I tried to find the students that were in the classroom with me. I ran while shouting my friends’ names. Sasha, Timond, Bam. Their faces and names rapidly came in my mind. There was no one.

“Such is the fate of this world.” A haunting, dissing voice shot my ear from the back. At that moment, I remembered everything.

“How many times have I been reincarnated?” I looked back, facing the white snake, as it wrapped around me.

“The 7th time.”

“May I ask the reason behind my failure this time?” I quietly surrendered, loosening my body, as the snake reached my left ear.

“Out of time.”

Next time, I won’t fail. I will find him for sure.

I won’t let the demon realm be destroyed.

I opened my eyes cautiously, feeling a breeze hit my hair. The environment felt strange, until the memories of this world came rushing into me.

“Are we near him?”