Miyama Sendoh, 17 years old, was a hard worker. He studied diligently, sacrificing sleep and leisure time, often studying until past midnight every day.
'Basically, I stay up late every day,' he thought.
His extreme study habits and sharp vision were caused by long-term sleep deprivation. Without caffeine, he might fall asleep immediately.
'Maybe because I didn't drink coffee today, and stayed up late last night, I'm starting to experience auditory hallucinations,' he thought.
That was the information gathered by Sakayanagi Arisu, the girl with the cane.
Now, the time showed 09:45.
Miyama and Sakayanagi were on their way to the gymnasium to attend the opening ceremony.
"Sorry, I walk very slowly," said Sakayanagi-san, sounding slightly apologetic while walking with Miyama.
She didn't feel physical discomfort, but due to her heart limitations, she could only move slowly with the help of a cane.
Her walking speed was half a step slower than the average person.
"There's still time until the ceremony starts at 10. I'm not in a hurry," replied Miyama. "Besides, we're both new students heading to the same place. There's no reason for me to leave you behind."
"Oh," replied Sakayanagi-san, her tone slightly cold.
However, in her heart, she was processing information about Miyama Sendoh.
'Although his eyes look fierce because of the dark circles, his character is actually quite kind,' thought Sakayanagi, updating her view of Miyama.
She was also a new student at Koudo Ikusei High School. Due to her physical condition, she couldn't attend school since childhood and learned with private tutors at home. This school was the first formal institution she entered.
Although unaccustomed, she had her own hopes for campus life.
However, those hopes were dampened when her father ordered her to check in at the health room before starting school activities, ensuring her condition was stable.
'Initially, I thought starting from the health room would feel gloomy. But now, I've met someone who seems quite nice,' thought Sakayanagi.
Only...
"First year, Class A," said Sakayanagi-san.
"What?" Miyama looked at the map on his phone, not hearing Sakayanagi's words clearly.
He was distracted.
The auditory hallucinations in his head didn't stop after leaving the health room.
[I am your narrative system, and only you can hear my voice. The girls around you can't hear it.]
[By the way, there's such a beautiful girl near you. Could you pay more attention to her?]
[Miyama! Don't look at your phone, pay attention to that elegant Sakayanagi-san!]
"..."
'This voice is really annoying,' thought Miyama.
Although usually busy studying, Miyama wasn't completely blind to the outside world. He had heard his middle school friends talk about novels featuring protagonists with "systems," some kind of supernatural plug-in.
'So, I'm the chosen one? But this system is clearly not normal,' he thought.
Although inexperienced in matters of love, Miyama began to realize something. This narrative system seemed to be trying to push him to approach Sakayanagi.
'Moreover, calling her a "rich loli" is very rude. Is this system treating her like prey?' he thought.
"First year, Class A, Sakayanagi Arisu," repeated Sakayanagi-san.
"Oh," replied Miyama, putting away his phone. "I'm Miyama Sendoh, from Class C first year."
"I already know your name," said Sakayanagi-san.
Though her tone was cold, she seemed to be observing Miyama more carefully.
"Even though I just entered, I think this school is different from ordinary schools," continued Sakayanagi-san. "Government-supported, with 100% graduation and university acceptance rates, plus free tuition and living expenses—it sounds like a dream."
"But what's free is often the most expensive," she added.
"So, I think this school has an unusual mechanism."
While speaking, Sakayanagi-san walked toward the area with the Class A logo in the gymnasium. Miyama found the Class C area and joined the line of first-year Class C students.
The time showed 10:00.
...
"I am the student council president, Horikita Manabu," a serious-faced student with glasses and a strong aura spoke at the podium. "On behalf of all students, I welcome this year's new students. Our school is famous for its 100% graduation and university acceptance rates. I'm sure you all know that..."
"This school is supported by the government. That 100% figure is not made up. No matter who you are, graduating from here will open a bright path—"
The opening ceremony began, and Miyama listened to Horikita-senpai's speech from the Class C row.
[First-year Class C has a less than good start.]
The voice in his head didn't stop.
While listening to the speech, Miyama began to face the narrative in his head. If before it was just auditory hallucinations, he could attribute it to fatigue. But now, he saw a virtual electronic frame in front of his eyes—clearly a supernatural phenomenon.
Two buttons appeared:
[Close Narrative]
[System Version Update: Note: The current system version is already up to date]
Unfortunately, both buttons were gray, unable to be operated.
'So, what's the use of this?' thought Miyama.
However, the narrative wasn't entirely useless. Miyama had a good memory and remembered what the system said when it first appeared:
[But who would have thought this school has another side, free, and what's free is often the most expensive.]
Sakayanagi had just said something similar about this school.
'So, this system knows something,' thought Miyama.
If the narrative was right, being in Class C wasn't a good sign.
As he was thinking about this, Miyama realized a tall, strong, dark-skinned student was standing in front of him, wearing a new student uniform.
The student wore dark glasses, looking more like a bodyguard than a student.
'Not a good idea to be in the same class as someone like this,' thought Miyama. Other students seemed to avoid him, as if afraid.
But Miyama didn't feel pressure from that student. 'Maybe he's not as bad as he looks,' he thought.
"Hello," greeted Miyama.
However, as he was distracted, a girl's voice was heard from the side.
The student rows were divided into male and female groups. Miyama stood in the Class C boys' row. Less than 20 centimeters from him, the Class C girls' row was located, and the voice came from there.