KON POV

"Good morning, students!"

Her cheerful voice resonated throughout the room. At first glance, she might seem like one of the strict teachers always armed with a blackboard pointer, ready to use it on either the blackboard or the students.

Instead, despite her cheerful demeanor, she gave off an aura more akin to that of a prim and proper teacher with a somewhat airheaded personality. Some students whispered among themselves, suggesting that all the nutrients must go to her boobs rather than her brain. But I knew better.

She is a dinosaur in sheep’s clothing. That's why as soon as I entered the classroom, I made a beeline for the seat farthest from the teacher's desk, next to the window. Yes, the window is necessary in case of an emergency.

As soon as she entered, I put on my mask and stayed perfectly still, observing my surroundings with normal perception. I didn't want to engage any prana output in my intent reading, lest she took it as a challenge and decided to play with her food.

“Most of you know me from your days in previous classes, but for those who don’t, my name is Emma Yamamoto. You can call me Ms. Emma for short. I will be your dedicated homeroom teacher for the academic year and the upcoming internship. Now, let’s begin with the first row. Please introduce yourself. Afterward, we can have a moment for Q&A before moving on to other matters.”

One by one, the students stood up to introduce themselves, sharing their names, interests, and future aspirations. As for me, I'm a simple person with a simple goal.

“My name is Kon Caspier. I like cooking. I want to visit Victoria and study their Steam technologies. Pleased to meet you.”

“So cute.”

“A middle schooler?”

“Think he is lost?”

“Awww. Must protect….”

I kept my introduction brief, preferring not to give anyone unnecessary ammunition for teasing. It's best not to disclose dislikes; it only invites bullies. Fortunately, none of them seemed to harbor ill intentions toward me. Most were simply curious about whether I was a grade skipper. The girls, however, were a bit peculiar.

I could sense their intent, but I didn't feel inclined to delve deeper into understanding what they wanted from me. My self-preservation instinct kicked in when a couple of them glanced my way. There was even a girl sitting behind me, furiously scribbling something while breathing heavily. I didn't dare to turn around.

Fortunately, the strange atmosphere dissipated with the introduction of the next guy.

“Wassup, my name is Venti Lionn. I kick asses for a living, and I like it too as a hobby. So if you guys have someone you want their ass to get kicked, just call me. I will even put in a discount for the first-timers. Gahahaah!”

Yeah, I think I know why none of them even think about bullying others. Venti, as usual, I welcome your boisterous energy if it can bring me peace through diversion. The whole class stayed silent except for that prim and neat-looking curled-haired student who glared at Venti as though he had stepped on her lunch. I have a feeling she will make a good class president.

Now if people start asking, I just have to make sure they don’t get the wrong idea that we are in cahoots together.

“BEHOLD! Here stands the great Zack Nell! Pay thy tributes, and none shall ever bequeath thee with problems forevermore! Oh, you can also send them to my lackeys Kon and Venti whenever I’m not here. I accept food, snacks, and cash.”

“Who the hell’s your lackey dumbass. Want me to rip your crap hole a new one?”

The students’ heads bounced around from Venti to the T-posing Zack and then back to me like an audience of a tennis match. I palmed my face with both hands hoping to stay unnoticed. So from now on, this is how my new academy year is going to start, huh?

And for the love of God, why is the girl behind me breathing even heavier?

“T-this cannot stand desuwa!”

Now the audience is whiplashed to the front seat. It’s that prim and proper student. What the heck is with the "desuwa"? Is she an Eastern nobility?

“My name is Elizabeth Eve Thornfield and I will not have you bully others, especially a child right in front of our nose desuwa! It is unbefitting of a Seika Academy student to behave in such a barbaric manner desuno!”

The silver-haired girl put her hands on her hips and stood proudly like one of those refined Ojou-sama from an old TV drama. Is she an elite? I can’t tell. Now I’m really curious about how the aristocrats over Victoria act among themselves if this girl is truly an accurate representation.

Also, please don’t bring me into this.

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Zack, on the other hand, just kept staring at her with a hand on his chin, thinking about something. I’m glad he is no longer T-posing on top of the table.

“W-what? Do you want to fight Desuka? Very we-”

“How do you sleep with that chocolate coronet hair.” Zack interrupted her.

“Pff!”

At least some guys in class had enough tact to cover their mouths. The rest, not so much, and they got themselves a bunch of death glares from the girls who support Elizabeth.

A couple of minutes in and these two idiots had already kicked up a storm that divided the class into various sides and cliques. Also, no, I’m not involved in any way, shape, or form. I’m not even looking at them. The sky outside is blue and sunny as usual.

“H-how dare you desuwa! I will have you know I spent at least an hour doing my hair to perf-”

CLAP!

“Settle down children.” Miss Emma raised her voice.

At that, everybody quieted down and faced the front. Her tone might be light but if the smile that doesn’t quite reach her ears is any indication, I will tell you right now without reading her intent that she is pissed.

Those who didn’t get the memo were shushed by the other students. Huh, I guess I’m not the only one who manages to see beneath the surface of that teacher. Even Elizabeth had the decency to sheepishly go back to her seat and settle down.

“I know you are all excited to make new friends, but do keep it cordial and peaceful, yes?” She “smiled”.

“Yes Ma’am!”

“Good, now on to the person after Elizabeth.”

With that, the rest of the introduction went unimpeded. Then we got ourselves a Q&A time with Ms. Emma. The boys, being boys, went and asked what her three sizes were.

“Ara, naughty boys will get punished.” She winked.

Yeah, swoon all you want. I can already imagine her whipping the offender’s butt into twice its previous size.

Then we were given an overview of our chosen curriculum, the schedule and self-study hours, the breaks, the mid and final-year exam dates, the 6-month internship after the final-year exam, and finally the club that we had to join.

A paper handout was distributed for us to fill out which club we wanted to join. We were given a month to decide, but we can submit it and join our desired club straight away after submitting the form today.

Changing clubs midway through the year is possible, but not recommended. It will affect your final overall performance after all. So a month can be a long or short time depending on how serious you want those extra points. Personally, it’s an easy choice. I can submit it today if I want, but I want to hear what Venti and Zack think.

Then lunch break came, along with my worst fear: students began to congregate around my desk, bombarding me with questions left and right. Most of them were girls, with a few guys hovering around as well.

“Hey hey, what sort of skin care product do you use?”

“You said you like cooking, do you want to join a cooking club?”

“How old are you?”

“Did you skip a grade or two?”

“You look unwell, did those two do anything to you? Do you know them?”

I don’t know how to feel about this. On one hand, my spring has finally come with so many girls being interested in me. On the other hand, they are interested in me for all the wrong reasons. When I mentioned that I don't use any skincare products and just cheap bath salts on occasion, they started touching my cheeks and hair.

I clarified that I'm not a grade skipper, which elicited an "Oooh" from them, followed by questions about whether I'm eating enough. I know you guys are worried about my short stature, but you don’t have to rub it in you know. And yes, I’m eating well.

As for whether or not I know those two, well, one of them is approaching me right now.

“Oi Kon, C’mere. We better get a move on before the good spot is taken.”

“Gimme a sec, the lunch box.”

No sooner had I grabbed my lunch box from my bag than Venti grabbed my hand and dragged me away from the crowd. I'm grateful for the save, but I can walk on my own, you know. I heard a girl behind me moan something; did I step on her foot?

Anyway, with Venti leading the way, we went to the upper floor instead of heading down to the canteen. When I wanted to ask why, I could see Zack on the top floor, fiddling with a locked door. Is he trying to pick it? “A bit of here, and there, and Viola. Open Sesame.”

He kicked the door open, and we were greeted with an open sky. Turns out it's a door access to the rooftop. Lunch on a rooftop, eh? I don’t mind. Compared to the hustle and bustle of a crowded canteen, this is much more preferable. I just have to remember to watch my back in case a teacher comes in, so I can sneak away.

Hmm, maybe maintaining my area of intent right now is a good idea.

It’s a bit windy today but the weather is nice and warm.

Zack sat down at the edge of the rooftop and began unwrapping his lunch, while Venti went near the fence and gazed down at the bunch of students playing on the field. These two seem to be content with nothing but bread for lunch. Thankfully, I prepared enough for a couple of people from yesterday’s leftovers.

I unpacked my tiered lunch box and offered them a stack of side dishes each. Just some octopi sausages and rolled omelets with seaweed. It should be a welcome change from their usual yakisoba bread.

“Oooh, thanks Kon, yar the best.”

“I know. By the way, you guys decided what club you want to join?”

“SpeedGear club.”

“SpeedGear club, isn’t that obvious?”

I guess, but there are other options to consider depending on what kind of SpeedGear specialist you want to become, right? In the case of a caged fight, wouldn’t you rather practice more with the Martial Arts club?

“Hmm, true but I’m already strong enough without joining clubs anyway.” Zack boasted.

“Feh, loudass. Well in my case, I’m fighting day in and day out. Joining a club to fight with holdbacks is not my thing. I rather solo than do a team tournament.” Venti clarified.

Now that I think about it, I've never seen them practicing martial arts, except for the few times I visited their house. During those visits, I observed their afternoon routine for a bit but never witnessed their morning training sessions.

“In the morning? just a normal kata and breathing practice. What about you, Kon? How are your Aikido and Judo practice.” Zack’s question is kind of hitting the nail there for a moment.

“Not much improvement to be honest. Been taking more and more part-time jobs before I moved. But now that I’m here, I guess I can take it easy for a while. There are more job opportunities here and the pay rate is much better.” I answered

“Don’t worry too much, I don’t think our team will be specialized in a caged fight. If push comes to shove, it’s probably only me and Zack that will take on any caged fight commission.” Venti waved my concern.

That makes sense. Even though my intent reading has improved since I attuned myself to Arcanum, I'm still a total beginner when it comes to using it for fast-paced combat, let alone close-quarter combat. Concentrating while sitting down is easy. Concentrating while getting punched in the face is a whole different story.

“Here you are! Bullying on the rooftop is an intolerable act desuyo!”

Hmm. Today’s omelet is well-seasoned. I like a peaceful lunch.