The first day of school is approaching.
It's the real start of the second semester, which can be called the second chapter of the game.
The second semester is a semester of practical training. In particular, dungeon practice and mock battles are important exercises that account for a large portion of grades.
Of course, it's important to me too.
To build connections, which are so important in this game, I have to make myself a useful person.
If I keep acting like a problem child, what kind of decent person would want to interact with me? So, I have to rise up.
My goal is to get promoted from the common class, which is full of only the leftovers, to the royal class in one go. To do that, I need to prepare thoroughly for those two exercises.
"No, it won't be perfect."
Time is very tight, and becoming strong isn't easy. I think I need to change my words: let's prepare as best as I can.
"By the way."
There's one hidden event I absolutely must not miss: a dungeon appearance event that occurs on Mount Hakin.
It's not an artificial dungeon created by the academy for students' practice. Although it's a low-level dungeon, it's still a natural dungeon.
That's why it's a very rewarding hidden event where you can obtain treasures and various items inside the dungeon. In short, it's a valuable event that can help the protagonist's initial financial situation.
I'm probably the only one who knows about this hidden event because I'm likely the only crazy player who climbs Mount Hakin in the early game without expecting anything in return.
If I hadn't come up with the novel method of learning archery by exploiting Hiresia's weakness, I probably wouldn't have even looked at Mount Hakin in the beginning.
So, it should be possible to monopolize it without a hitch…
"That's stupid." I said it.
First, unlike the main character, I'm weak and can't conquer the game alone.
Second, even if I manage to conquer it, it won't have even the slightest effect on the protagonist's growth or financial situation.
If it's about money, I already have more than enough. But will the protagonist accept the money I give him?
Considering the main character's personality, it's absolutely a no-go. He would probably explode with anger, accusing me of treating people like beggars with dirty money.
So, what should I do then?
There's no choice but to make the protagonist acquire it through his own power.
So, "I have to drag him in."
I'll drag the protagonist and Annette to Mount Hakin.
The reason Annette is involved is that the protagonist's current skills are somewhat lacking.
He's different from the main character who was raised well according to the game's formula.
I hate to admit it, but he doesn't even seem to be at the level of an average player.
If I rely on this kind of protagonist and get caught up in a dungeon together, dying a horrible death would be inevitable.
So, there needs to be three of us.
Three should be enough to clear the dungeon.
Of course, Hiresia is out of the question.
If she joins, clearing the dungeon would be a breeze, but growth would be impossible.
This isn't a game where you can just mess around, gain experience points, and get rewarded.
Ding ding ding!
The bell rang ten minutes before class started.
In the first semester, there was an entrance and opening ceremony, but in the second semester, classes started right from the first day.
"I should leave before it's too late." I packed my bag and quickly left the dorm room.
* * *
A large building located at the very center of St. Leferia Academy—this was the main building of the academy. Classrooms for all grades, as well as the president's office, vice president's office, academic affairs office, and administrative offices, were located here.
Naturally, the place I was heading to was the main building. Students in plain clothes were heading to the lecture hall in the main building in groups of three or five.
I blended in naturally. Most walked in close groups, chatting amicably. I felt awkward walking alone.
…What is this?
Is Max a bully? Why is there no one who greets me first? Not only did they not say hello, but when our eyes met, they quickly averted their gazes with hardened expressions, as if they had seen something dirty.
At this point, it's almost like a breakdown in human relations…?
Ta-da, I thought it was a cesspool, but it turns out the reality is even worse. What is this? I was clicking my tongue in disbelief when I heard a gruff voice from behind me.
"Hey, Max. How are you?"
Huh? This is the first time someone has greeted me.
What a nice guy. …Just kidding.
When I turned around, I saw a guy who looked exactly like the type of punk I hated.
The way he walked with his hands in his pockets and staggered was typical of a gangster. It was even more annoying because his hair was blonde… Ah, is this prejudice?
I squinted my eyes and stared at the blond punk. When I looked closely, I vaguely remembered seeing his face.
He was one of the three guys who flirted with Annette during the Academy Festival and got beaten up like a dog by the protagonist who was standing next to her.
It seemed like he was part of Max's gang.
Of course, we would be close friends. But that's Max's position, and what good would it do me to be friends with this extra punk right now? None, of course.
However, I was careful not to make enemies needlessly, so I accepted his greeting for now.
"Oh, okay."
The blond punk grinned and joined me.
"You went into the dorms? What? Did you run out of money?"
It seemed like the rumor was spreading. Well, it's already been a few days.
"Well, let's just say it's like that."
There was absolutely no reason to give a proper answer to this guy, so I just went along with it.
"Hey, the world-famous Master Max is running out of money. You've been spending a lot of cash, haven't you? And that hotel is so expensive. If I were you, I'd never go to a place like that. You're losing money while you sleep, you idiot! Heh heh heh."
"…"
"Hey, why are you so depressed? Don't you know your father? If you hold out just a little longer, he'll give you another wad of cash. Just hold out until then."
Ah, it's annoying, it's annoying. Since we're obviously in the same class, I can't tell him to get lost. I waved my hands wildly as if I were shooing away flies.
"If you know I have no money, then don't call me anymore."
"Inma, it's so frustrating, it's so frustrating. Do you have such things to say between us? Let's have a drink to celebrate the start of the semester."
"I don't have money."
"Hey, if you don't have money, is there no other way? You can just drain the money supply, right?" The blond punk said with a smirk.
Huh? What the heck, is this kid into rip-offs too? It's annoying; should I link this to school violence and send him away? … No, that's not it.
Damn it, if this guy got involved, then I'm involved too?
My mind suddenly snapped to the realization that something was about to happen. School violence is severely punished without mercy.
A direct hit could result in expulsion.
Then it's game over. Damn.
This won't work.
I decided to start by clearing this up neatly.
Leaving an element of uncertainty is not my style.
While I was at it, I was also thinking of sorting out my relationship with the annoying gang of punks that were Max's karma and starting the second semester fresh.
"Hey."
"Huh?"
"Tell me more about that."