“Do you want me to go with you?” Rose asked, her concern evident despite her clear reluctance.

I smiled appreciatively. “I’m really okay.”

The joint RTA Tactical Studies class ended in a chaotic atmosphere. Some cadets approached as if they wanted to talk, but turned away, likely deterred by the group surrounding me. But not everyone was so hesitant.

“Leonard Monarch? I’m Liu Cheng. Can we have a quick chat?”

“Of course, senior,” I replied.

RTA Tactical Studies isn’t limited to first-year cadets; second-year students also join this joint class. Liu Cheng, who stood before me, was someone I recognized.

‘He was the one who perished defending his home planet,’ I recalled.

Liu Cheng’s companions were just as reliable, making it beneficial to build connections with them for future endeavors. He introduced each member of his group before turning back to me.

“If it were any other day, I would’ve wanted to talk to those around you. But today, I couldn’t resist speaking with you.”

“My friends are pretty amazing,” I replied.

“Friends?” Merdi asked, looking surprised. Come to think of it, I might have been the first to use the term "friends." The others seemed slightly taken aback as well.

“That’s right. Oh, I just wanted to say I think you’re great. I respect you.”

“Haha…” I felt my face warming. What should I say? After all, it’s my fault—the setting, the monsters, even his death was something I planned.

“If you ever need help, just let me know. I am your senior, after all.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Well then, I’ll be on my way. It seems like I’m falling behind in the queue.” Liu Cheng nodded slightly and left.

Since Liu Cheng had initiated the conversation, a crowd soon gathered.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Hmm, I’ll head out first, Lemon. Dessert is waiting for me.”

“I’ll wait in the lounge.”

“Good luck.”

“I’ll see you in class. Training time has been reduced because of this joint class. I need to make up for it now.”

Traitors. Is this what friends are like? In an instant, I was left alone, with cadets pressing in from all sides. I forced a smile, preparing to face my newfound popularity with mixed feelings.

* * *

The unexpected fan meeting turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. Seeing faces and hearing names helped me recall aspects of the original work. Liu Cheng and a few others even exchanged contact information with me.

‘Is this the place?’ I thought as I approached the Principal’s Office.

The principal of COH Academy is the only administrator who appears in the original work. Though openly materialistic, they play a significant role as one of the protagonist’s spiritual supporters.

“Please, come in,” the secretary said, guiding me inside.

The spacious office was bright and airy, with outer walls made of transparent material offering a stunning view of Terra.

“Leonard Monarch?” the principal greeted me.

“Yes, Principal. I heard you called for me,” I replied.

A distinguished-looking man with a well-groomed white beard stood before me. Despite his age, he had an air of charm that women must have adored in his youth.

‘To think he’s 150 years old,’ I marveled. In an era where the average life expectancy is 200 years, he’s still considered an old man, surpassing 70 years. Given the dangers of aliens and other conflicts, reaching such an age is commendable.

“By the way, didn’t Rose and Merdi come with you?” the principal asked.

“They’re not here.”

“I thought they’d come since they’re always together. Oh well…” The principal’s gentlemanly demeanor suddenly shifted into something far less respectable—a sleazy expression that matched Rose’s description of a “perverted old man.”

“I don’t really want to talk to a guy alone,” he said.

“Should I leave then?” I offered, trying to maintain my composure.

“No, no. I wasn’t talking to you, Leonard. Just sit down already. Do I need to tell you to sit, or are you going to stand there like a pole forever? And pour yourself some tea while you’re at it.”

I resisted the urge to punch him. This was not the time to lose my temper.

“Hmm? Just so you know, I’m not interested in guys. Keep that in mind.”

Should I really hold back? I wondered. Would it be wrong to start off with a punch? But I remembered Barton’s advice not to get drawn in.

“Why did you want to see me?” I asked, steering the conversation forward.

“Oh, that? It’s not because I wanted to see you. But as the principal, I can’t just sit around doing nothing, right? So I called you to offer some congratulations. Also, to adjust my academy’s support permissions, I suppose.”

Provoking someone to gauge their reactions was a habit of the principal. Rather than getting dragged into it, it was better to take control of the conversation.

“You’re well-informed. So, what do you want?” he asked.

“Yes, I want live aliens; it’s related to my abilities. Please lift that ban.”

“That’s a sensitive matter, and I can’t do it alone. I’d have to make requests to the military on the front lines. It’s complicated.”

“Haha, but I understand that for the principal of COH Academy, such a request isn’t much of a problem.”

That’s the truth. The principal’s authority is immense. He doesn’t just sit in his office making jokes; he oversees the academy’s training plans, supply routes, hiring, and cadet admissions. He also plays a major role in deciding which units cadets will be assigned to, starting in their third year. His connections with military generals make him one of the most influential figures within the United Human Federation.

‘Bringing in a live alien shouldn’t be a big deal if he decides to make it happen.’

“That’s all you want?” The principal smiled slightly, his expression shifting once again.

“For now, yes.”

“Alright. But I’ll only provide an alien once every two weeks, and only up to risk level 2 creatures. Also, due to the previous incident, I’ll have your accommodation moved to a location slightly away from the common area as a precaution.”

If he’s willing to go that far, I can’t ask for anything more. No more letting my abilities go to waste. Though I might have to rely on Rose more, that’s something I’ll have to endure.

“Hmm… I thought you’d ask for more,” the principal remarked.

“Now, this is a personal request,” I continued.

“A personal request?” The principal’s eyebrows raised in curiosity. It’s not common for a cadet to make personal requests to the principal.

“You’re the founder and largest supporter of the CSPA (Children’s Shelter Project from Aliens), correct?”