Kōdo Ikusei High School is an institution founded by the Japanese government to train tomorrow's elite.
Yesterday, the school welcomed its new students. They were informed of the rules governing the campus and received a monthly allowance of 100,000 points. While they were told they'd spend the next three years isolated from the outside world, their confinement was softened by the various attractions and shops available, making the campus feel like a small town.
I'm currently on my way to class.
The streets and hallways are empty. No surprise—it's barely 6 a.m.
Classes start at 7:30, so there's over an hour to go.
I reach the classroom and settle into my seat.
Why am I here so early?
Simple: it's a requirement for my strategy to work.
What's my strategy?
Well…
I pull out the textbooks for this year's subjects and flip through them. As it's the second day, classes will officially start today.
'Everything's as expected.'
While some concepts are more advanced, the curriculum matches a standard first-year high school program.
I wasn't the most diligent student in my youth, but these topics aren't entirely foreign to me. Plus, with this body's inherited abilities, my memory already surpasses that of an average high schooler.
Basically, none of these subjects are a challenge, so I don't need to push myself here, which saves me valuable time.
I know what people are thinking: why check this now when you could've done it yesterday? To that, I'd say it's all about priorities. Yesterday, I was busy with more pressing matters.
'If I'd known it'd be this easy, I would've skimmed these books after my grooming session.'
Yes, matters of greater importance…
It took me barely an hour to go through the entire year's curriculum.
'This body is unreal.'
Clearly, I underestimated its potential.
'How is it even possible to have abilities like this?'
I say that, but I also have this body's memories, so I know it's not all raw genius.
With plenty of time left before class, I put the books away and strike my "cool guy pose," using the remaining time to refine my plans.
As I'm lost in thought, someone enters a few minutes later.
It's Hirata Yōsuke, a classmate and a key character in the novel.
Our eyes meet as he heads to his seat.
Just as I'm about to dive back into my thoughts, I notice him approaching, having left his bag at his desk.
"Morning, Kōenji-san. You're up early."
Hirata greets me.
"Morning, Hirata-san. I just like being ahead of the game."
Hirata reaches my side and borrows the seat in front of my neighbor, who hasn't arrived yet.
"Really? I'm the same way. Mind if we chat a bit?"
His polite tone and approachable demeanor are classic Hirata. A character—no, a person—with a genuinely good heart. Few can claim that.
"Not at all. Something up?"
"No, no. I just didn't get a chance to thank you for yesterday."
"Thank me?"
"Honestly, I was really impressed by how you brought the class together. I wanted to thank you for that."
For someone who values group unity and cares deeply about his classmates, my actions must've seemed monumental. The truth is, even without me, he'd have stepped up as a leader, but he'll never know that.
"No need to thank me, Hirata-kun. A class should be united. I was just the spark. If I hadn't done it, someone else would've stepped up."
'And that someone would've been you.'
"Even if that's true, the fact is you did it. And I doubt anyone else could've been as charismatic as you."
"Well, I'm flattered you think so highly of me, Hirata-kun. I could say the same about you."
"How so?"
"You've got a natural presence and eloquence."
"You really think so?"
"It's not just my opinion—any girl in our class could back me up. They were all swooning during your introduction."
I shoot him a playful look, and Hirata responds with a shy smile.
Beyond his friendly nature, I'm intrigued by his disinterest in romance. According to the novel, he doesn't differentiate between genders. He treats and sees everyone the same.
"By the way, you're no slouch in the charm department either, Kōenji-kun."
"Unlike you, Hirata-kun, I don't deny it. We've been given good looks—it'd be a crime not to use them wisely, don't you think?"
My words catch Hirata off guard, his eyes widening.
"Does that mean you've already had relationships, Kōenji-kun?"
'It feels weird talking romance with a teenager, but I'm one now too, so I'd better get used to it.'
"Yeah, I've had my fair share of relationships."
'Thousands, even.'
"But not all ended well, so I've decided to focus on studies in high school. That said, there could be an exception—love doesn't exactly send a warning."
'Though I doubt it.'
I'm not into "lolicons." Yes, yes, I know I need to stop seeing myself as the old me, but it's tough when I've got the same consciousness.
"Love, huh…"
Hirata grows pensive at the mention of the word.
He's never experienced it. He's the archetype of the handsome guy with a swarm of admirers but still searching for love—except he's not even looking. For him, it's just not interesting. A weird kid in his own way.
"Judging by your expression, I'm guessing you've never fallen in love, right?"
"Well, I…"
Hirata tries to explain, but words fail him. He doesn't need to justify it.
"No need to feel weird about it. Love's like puberty—it hits everyone differently. Your time just hasn't come yet."
"I-I see. That's probably it."
'No. The truth is, you'll never find love with your current philosophy.'
I don't tell him that because his current mindset suits my plans. A Hirata clueless about love is far more useful than a Hirata in love.
As we chat about random stuff, we're interrupted by others entering the classroom.
It's a group of girls, including the "psychopath" Kushida Kikyō.
While the other girls just wave from a distance, Kushida takes the initiative to approach us.
"Hey, Kōenji-kun and Hirata-kun!"
'She's already using casual nicknames. Bold move.'
With a warm tone and a perfect poker face radiating joy, Kushida greets us.
"Morning, Kushida-chan."
"Morning, Kushida-chan."
Hirata and I return her greeting cheerfully—one genuine, the other faking it.
"What were you guys talking about?"
'Talk about bold.'
Most people avoid butting into conversations, but not her. She slips in with total ease, like it's second nature. You'd need Horikita's ruthlessness to push her away—and even then, Kushida always gets her way. It's not wrong to call her a "secret hunter."
"Hirata-san and I were just bonding. Looks like you've already made some friends, Kushida-chan."
'You're using casual names, so I will too.'
"Well, like I said yesterday, I want to be friends with everyone!"
Kushida says this, practically bursting with enthusiasm. Then she turns to me.
"By the way, I've got Hirata-kun's number, but not yours yet, Kōenji-kun. No issue if we exchange now, right?"
"Sure."
Good thing I know her true colors, or I'd have been charmed.
After swapping contacts, she invites us to plan a group outing, which Hirata and I agree to with "joy." I say joy, but I didn't really have a choice.
More classmates start trickling in, and Hirata heads back to his seat.
A few minutes before the bell, Hasebe arrives.
"Morning."
She greets me as she takes her seat.
"Morning. How was your night?"
I ask.
"Amazing. Their beds are so comfy—I passed out the second my head hit the pillow. I could barely peel myself out of it this morning. Can't wait for the holidays."
'Such a slacker.'
"It's only been one day since school started, Hasebe-chan."
"I know, I know."
A bit later, Sudō shows up. He greets us as he heads to his seat.
I chat with Hasebe a bit more, then the bell rings, signaling the start of classes.
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