Chapter 4: Just a Normal Day... Right?
Time passed, and my first day in this world went by without any major difficulties... I think.
Well, after that whole rain incident, nothing really noteworthy happened—
Except the fact that now I have the skill [Cooking - Lv.1].
Ha! Cry, you incompetents! I'm officially better than mediocre now!
Despite his strange personality and a few... questionable traits, Akira considers himself a relatively normal and—believe it or not—diligent person.
"That's right! When I set my mind to something, I have to see it through!"
Taking advantage of his new skill, Akira decides it's time to do things right.
I never really had a healthy life, but now things feel easier. Sure, working out can be boring sometimes, but come on... I don't need a six-pack. I just want to be healthy.
So, I came to a conclusion:
If I start doing morning exercises, I can get healthier and probably earn a new skill!
Two birds, one stone. Genius, right?
So, the first thing Akira does in the morning is go for a short run.
It's nothing special, really. Just a regular jog—except now I've got [Physical Conditioning - Lv.1].
Let's gooo! This is exactly how I like it!
But, setting aside the joys of getting new skills, a cold realization hits Akira.
Wait a second... I have school!
After a quick shower, he gets ready and heads out.
"Please don't let anything go wrong. Or rather... just let everything happen naturally."
As long as nobody bothers me, I'll consider it a win.
Still... do I really have to go to school? Isn't there some way to just buy a diploma and get it over with?
Seriously, what good can school actually do for me?
Well, besides getting an education, learning to socialize, and a few other important things, school is… complicated. But maybe it is worth it.
Maybe school isn't as bad as Akira thinks. But thanks to his pessimism and tough situation, he keeps his expectations near zero.
Walking calmly, Akira arrives at his school.
"Wait—what? The guy who used to live in this body didn't even know the name of this school? If he did, I would've already picked up on it!"
Standing at the school gates, Akira sees the name: Shuchiin Academy.
…This just keeps getting crazier.
Recalling the powerful figures who attend this school, a chill runs down Akira's spine.
If these people don't like me, I'll end up on the news tomorrow...
"Breaking News! Student found floating in Tokyo Bay!"
Just thinking about it gives me the chills.
Making a mental note not to piss anyone off, Akira crosses the gates of this sacred hell... I mean, school.
The atmosphere is intense—so much so that Akira feels like he'll gain a [Pressure Resistance] skill just for being here. This is not easy.
Forcing his legs to move, Akira finally reaches his classroom.
Studying was never a problem. In fact, I always had top grades. But the problem is the school environment.
Without causing a scene, Akira quietly makes his way to his seat, careful not to bump into anything.
Not even a desk.
You never know how people will react. Some might get pissed just because you touched their table. Better safe than sorry.
[In your case, it's more than just "safe."]
Thanks, system. But today, I'm ignoring your sarcasm.
Sitting in his seat like a stiff doll, Akira waits silently for the teacher to arrive.
Despite the discomfort that comes with being himself, the morning classes go by without incident.
Heading to the cafeteria, Akira searches for something to snack on.
"Something light would be good."
He picks whatever seems most convenient and looks around for an empty table.
Maybe today isn't cursed after all! Finding an empty table like this must be fate!
Sitting down, Akira starts eating in an unusually peaceful way.
Who would've thought school would be this easy? Hahaha!
No incidents, no weird stares—just good vibes! If this keeps up, I wouldn't mind staying like this until graduation!
[Please understand... this is NOT good for you.]
I love you, system. You care so much about me. Thanks.
But for now, I think I'm doing alright.
Of course, I don't plan on staying like this forever. I do have to change eventually...
Just not today.
Enjoying the pleasant company of solitude, Akira eats his meal in peace.
This school's food is seriously top-tier. Who knew school lunches could be this good?
Satisfied and full, he leans back to digest.
[Help Yourself!
You've received thanks from the girl you helped yesterday.
You performed a good deed, and she's grateful.
Accept her gratitude.
Reward: Random Property.]
Wow, what a reward! But seriously, this system just loves pushing me out of my comfort zone.
Still... a property, huh? That's more than worth it.
Determined to get the reward, Akira steels himself to face whoever he needs to.
As he returns to class, two people instantly catch his attention.
Not just him—everyone notices.
"It's the President and Vice-President of the Student Council!"
"Are they dating?"
"They look so good together!"
While everyone gossips about their love life, Akira looks like he's seen a demon.
Now there's someone I don't want to mess with. Kaguya Shinomiya!
Love can make people do crazy things.
But what if that person has the power to actually do those crazy things?!
Just thinking about being in her way gives me a panic attack!
Doing his best to stay invisible, Akira quickly detours back to class.
And then—surprise! Another familiar face appears.
Well, he hadn't noticed her before, probably because of how checked-out he was.
But there she is.
With her tall stature, bright pink lenses, and long blonde hair—
A wild Marin Kitagawa has appeared!
No, worse. She's in Akira's classroom!
Shaking, Akira panics.
This kind of person is the worst!
They'll try to be friends with anyone—even weird, isolated guys like me!
With no hope of surviving the rest of the day in peace, Akira's not-so-peaceful school life is just beginning!