Sleeping is a unique sensation that a human can’t easily experience. Sure, we do it every day, but do we ever truly experience it? It just feels like we go through a time skip—close our eyes, then open them to find it’s morning again.

That’s why this state of nothingness is so valuable to me. The serene atmosphere is something I’d welcome anytime. If I could, I’d gladly faint every day, just to feel it again.

At least, that’s what I thought—until cold, salty water crashed down on me.

“AHHHgggh!” I screamed, not because of the cold but at the sight of the priest, standing with a now-empty bucket in hand.

Don’t they usually bless us with a droplet of water? Could it be that I’m so loved, they gave me a whole bucket?

The priest gave me a moment to process my drenched state, then called out to someone.

“Sir Henry, the boy should have a clear head now.”

A man with bulky muscles, clad in gleaming armor, approached. He shone so brightly it hurt my eyes. I wasn’t sure if it was his status or his bald head, but he definitely stood out—almost blinding.

“Kid, what were you doing in the forest? It’d be better if you remembered what happened before the fire started.”

Ah, so I’m being interrogated. I need more information, but I also need to get out of this situation fast.

After weighing my options, I chose the most honest words I could muster.

“Thank you for saving me, Sir Knight, but I don’t remember anything about the incident. It’s more accurate to say I don’t even remember who I am.”

Yes, that’s the truth—well, mostly. I mean, I could say ‘Yeah, I started the fire because I needed help,’ but that would probably get me a quick death sentence.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The best move is to give them nothing. Not only do I avoid answering, but I can gather more information in return.

“If you could, please tell me more about this place. It might help me recall some details.”

I tried my best to look as pitiful as possible, staring straight into their eyes.

After a brief hesitation, Sir Henry began explaining.

“This forest is right next to the Kingdom of Elmira, ruled by King Roderick. We were dispatched to put out a forest fire. We’ve concluded that it was most likely artificial.”

They responded faster than I expected. But Elmira… that name.

Shit! So it is the most recent one I read after all. Why did it have to be that cringey, third-rate novel with a title like The Academy’s SSS-Grade Regressor?

Ever since I landed in this world, I tried my best to deny that I’d fallen into that otaku’s ridiculous story.

Just as I was cursing the author and the world with every word I knew, Sir Henry interrupted me.

“Hey, why did you suddenly go into a daze? Did you remember something? Or was it my charm?”

Putting his charm aside, I had to think fast. I couldn’t lie too much—I only read three chapters of the novel before I gave up in disgust. Still, I knew enough to survive. He’s going to the academy. In a cliché novel like this, my best bet is to enroll with the main cast.

Trying to look nervous, I replied, “My apologies, but I need to ask something to jog my memory. Do either of you know Cadet Elise Fletcher?”

With a delighted expression, Antonio, the priest, started praising her.

“Oh, so you do remember something after all! She’s the rising star at Elmira Academy. Every citizen knows her. She’s in her second year now, and she’s the top contender for the next student council president.”

Bingo.

If Elise Fletcher is about to start her third year, then the protagonist should enroll next year. With talk of the next student council already starting, the new cadets should be accepted soon.

But I didn’t ask just to find that out—I’m building momentum for my next move.

“It seems I still remember things about the academy. I wonder why that is.”

After a pause, Sir Henry spoke again.

“You’re our only lead in this forest fire incident. Do you think you’ll regain more of your memory?”

“I can’t confirm that yet, but maybe my memory could be stimulated.”

The basics of negotiation: don’t ask for what you want outright. Lead them to it, make it seem like you’re doing them a favor.

Although I sounded confident, I really need to attend the academy with the protagonist. The novel’s title tells me everything I need to know about the future events. My best shot at survival is to become his comrade.

“Kid, what do you think about enrolling in the academy with my recommendation?”

Finally, after a moment that felt like an eternity, I got the answer I needed.

“That would be an honor, Sir!”

Maybe now I can finally make my second step in this world.