Chapter 42: A New Year, A New Classmate, and a Near Tumble

A new year had begun, the number changing from 1 to 2.

However, becoming a second-year student didn’t change much. The classroom, the classmates—everything was the same as the first year, providing a comforting sense of familiarity.

The only real differences were the subjects and access to the gates. ‘Now that I think about it, gate access is a significant change.’ But that was it. Everything else remained practically unchanged.

“We finally have juniors! We’ll be called ‘seniors’!”

‘Oh, right. I forgot about that.’ As Soine pointed out, being a year higher meant having juniors, which was indeed a change, albeit a small one.

“But being a senior doesn’t really mean anything, does it? Did we have any interactions with upperclassmen last year?”

As Miner pointed out, there were no structured interactions between seniors and juniors at the academy. There were no official club activities or anything of the sort. Just small, informal gatherings based on shared interests.

There were no classes open to all grades, no academy-wide festivals, no magic or combat tournaments. Just classes with classmates. ‘Come to think of it, this academy is a pretty bleak place, focused solely on dealing with magical beasts.’ Even in the game, it had always been the same routine: classes, training, relationship building, and subjugating magical beasts. ‘They could have added some events for more content.’

‘Perhaps it’s because the academy isn’t a place for leisurely school life, but rather a training ground for future soldiers who will face the front lines.’ ‘Then again, the atmosphere here is pretty relaxed.’ ‘Maybe they believe it’s better to give teenagers and young adults some freedom rather than being too strict?’

“So, this year will be pretty much the same as last year.”

“If it’s similar to last year, I’m not complaining.”

“Yes, I think we’ll have a good time this year.”

“I agree.”

Nell, being introverted, was probably reluctant to be separated from the friends she had finally become close to during the second semester. She likely disliked change. Euru, on the other hand, had a more proactive personality, seemingly enjoying new challenges, so Sayo had expected her to be a bit more eager for something new. But apparently not.

“Nell, Euru, aren’t you being a little too close today?”

They always enjoyed physical closeness as a sign of affection, but today, they were especially close, making it difficult for Sayo to even eat. The feeling of their soft skin and warmth wasn’t unpleasant—in fact, it was quite pleasant—but still… “It’s a good thing we’re sitting in a corner booth, hidden from view by Miner and Soine. While it’s not unusual for girls to be affectionate, it’s still embarrassing to be seen like this.”

“Sayoreinne’s body is so warm. Are you uncomfortable?”

“Not really.” ‘Actually, it’s a little uncomfortable, but it feels good too…’

“It’s just because it’s so cold. I’d appreciate it if you could understand.”

‘Was my body temperature that high?’ The winter here wasn’t particularly harsh, and the dining hall was warm. ‘They must be sensitive to the cold.’ Miner and Soine, sitting next to them, seemed perfectly fine.

In any case, Sayo liked it too, so she didn’t say anything. ‘This sort of makes me seem creepy. How embarrassing.’

“How was your first day of classes, My Lady?”

“It wasn’t much different from last year. It was nice to see Miner and Soine again, though, and we had a good chat.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, My Lady.”

“Hee hee. What’s that? Flattery?”

Getting a massage from Ahrin after returning to the dormitory had become a routine since the third semester of last year. Sayo would miss it if it stopped. She also enjoyed their conversations during the massage. Ahrin listened attentively and responded well, making it a pleasure to talk to her. “Ahh… This feels so relaxing.”

Sayo loved this peaceful, ordinary routine, especially in a world where dangerous creatures like magical beasts existed.

The first day of her second year had come to an end.

Today was the day they would finally enter a gate, not just observe it from afar. The first gate was the familiar, low-level one near the academy. They were to explore it in randomly assigned groups of five.

“I’m in group eight.”

Unfortunately, none of her friends were in the same group. With students from both departments combined, the chances of being in the same group were slim. It was fortunate that Soine and Euru were assigned together.

“I’ll see you all later then.”

Sayo said goodbye and headed off to find her designated meeting point. It didn’t take long to locate it.

As she navigated through the crowd, she felt a slight push from behind, losing her balance and stumbling. She tried to regain her footing but stepped on something—a pebble, perhaps—and completely lost her balance.

‘I’m falling…!’ She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact, but instead of pain, she felt a soft, cushioning sensation against her face. Her outstretched hands, prepared for a fall, also landed on something soft.

‘What… what is this?’ Someone had caught her around the waist and right arm, pulling her into their embrace. Realizing her face was buried in someone’s chest, Sayo quickly looked up, wanting to see who had saved her from an embarrassing and potentially painful fall.

“Hi there~!”

“Huh?”

A cheerful, high-pitched voice. Mystical purple braided hair. Mesmerizing silver eyes, like pools of mercury. And a mischievous grin. Sayo recognized her.

‘I didn’t expect to run into her so suddenly.’ This was too coincidental to be a mere accident.

It was Leia Katarina, one of the heroines from the original story, whom Sayo had only briefly encountered from afar and never spoken to.

“Hiii~?”

Seeing Sayo’s lack of response, Leia tilted her head, then repeated her greeting with a cheerful smile. ‘I need to get myself together and respond. And thank her.’

“Hello. Thank you so much for catching me.”

“Ahaha! You were about to take a spectacular tumble. Sorry if I interrupted your grand entrance into the gate. And nice to meet you!”

“…Not at all. I wouldn’t want such a grand and embarrassing debut. It’s nice to meet you too.”

If she had fallen like that, she would have been too mortified to show her face, let alone worry about pain or injuries. ‘She talks so fast and erratically.’

Leia was a heroine known for her quirky charm, her erratic speech and four-dimensional personality. Sayo hadn’t been particularly fond of this type of heroine in the game, and meeting her in person was even more overwhelming.

As she finally collected herself, Sayo realized her outstretched hand was gripping Leia’s… buttock. She quickly pulled her hand away. ‘So that’s why it felt so soft.’ The lingering sensation made her hand twitch.

“Wow~ You’re really pretty!”

Squeeze, squeeze.

Leia, her eyes narrowed in a smile, held Sayo’s cheeks and gently squeezed them, gazing intently at her face. ‘She’s too close…’ They were so close that if someone bumped into them from behind, their faces would collide. Sayo thought she’d grown accustomed to the close proximity between girls, but this was too much. And this familiarity was with Ahrin, Euru, and Nell, whom she’d known for a while. Being subjected to this by Leia, whom she’d just met, made her face flush.

“Haha~ And cute too~!”

“Please let go…”

At Sayo’s words, Leia obediently released her cheeks. Sayo gently rubbed her cheeks, which felt hot from both the blushing and Leia’s touch. ‘This is the first time someone’s handled my face so… carelessly.’

“I’m in group eight. You’re in group eight too, right~?”

“Woohoo~ That’s great! I’m Leia Katarina! A Spirit Magician.”

Sayo had been so flustered that she hadn’t realized they hadn’t even introduced themselves. ‘This is all out of order.’

“I’m Sayoreinne Meirel. An Elemental Magician. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

It was fortunate that they were in the same group; this was a good chance to get to know Leia. As a heroine, she was one of the best Spirit Magicians, and her quirky personality aside, she was undeniably attractive. This could only be beneficial for Sayo.

It was time to explore the gate.