"I refuse."
Shira wasn't surprised. The story of the world would unfold regardless. He had already predicted Hiratsuka's request.
If he hadn't replaced Hikigaya Hachiman, the plot would likely follow its original course. As for the Service Club, from Shira's perspective, it was a controversial one. Helping others solve their problems, when seen from an omniscient viewpoint, felt absurd. Was it just about fulfilling one's inner desire to help others, with no expectation of return? It was far too idealistic.
He said calmly,
"Sensei, you know our clubroom is just a cleaned-up old storage room. We already have five regular members. If another club joins, the space simply won't be enough."
He noticed a slight shift in Hiratsuka's expression but continued without hesitation.
"When you say 'share,' you really mean you want her to join the Classic Literature Club, don't you?"
"You're too sharp!"
There was no denying Shira's excellence—academically and socially. Compared to other students, he was far too perceptive.
With a sigh, Hiratsuka lit another cigarette.
"Then what would it take for you to agree?"
"Yukinoshita's just a bit cold, but she's outstanding. Even if she doesn't join, sharing the room won't disrupt your club's activities."
If Shira didn't already know Yukino's personality, he might have believed her. But with his "Exorcist" class maxed out, the Classic Literature Club wasn't that useful anymore.
His focus had shifted to the Dimensional Chat Group. Whether Yukino shared the room didn't matter much.
But now, a new idea was forming.
Looking at Hiratsuka, he smiled.
"If you're willing to agree to one condition, we can talk."
"What condition?"
"I want a leave of absence. I promise my grades will remain at the top."
There were still many things to handle in other worlds—, KonoSuba, Goblin Slayer... but his ultimate goal was power. Immortality, if possible.
His eyes were firm.
"What's your reason?"
"There's something I need to deal with. It concerns my future."
A future without a harem wasn't the future Shira wanted. Of course, he couldn't say that out loud—Hiratsuka would probably explode if he did.
"Besides, I've already studied all the high school materials. Getting into Tokyo University won't be an issue."
Helping students find their future paths was something Hiratsuka believed in. Seeing Shira's serious expression…
She couldn't say no.
With resignation, she said,
"Fine. I approve. If you get the chance, I hope you'll help Yukinoshita a little."
"Of course."
Thanks to the "Student" Profession, Shira had already mastered all the high school curriculum. Even skipping class wouldn't impact his grades.
Teachers were unusually lenient with top students.
For someone who consistently ranked first in the grade like Shira, as long as he didn't disturb the class, no one would interfere.
"Now's the perfect time to use magic to refine my body."
The magical infusion skill of the "Holy Sword Wielder" profession was surprisingly straightforward—channeling mana to strengthen organs, cells, and bones.
By leveraging the unique properties of mana, he could extend cell lifespan and vitality, enhancing his physical capabilities.
There was no need to actually pay attention in class.
Shira, mind drifting in another realm, continued refining his body while time passed quietly in the background.
During this, he occasionally checked the Dimensional Chat Group messages.
[Aqua]: @Normal High School Student, Shira, have you thought about it? If you're okay with it, I'll go ahead and recruit the party!
[Saeko Busujima]: If I'm not mistaken, Shira-kun is in class right now.
[Mai Sakurajima]: Seriously? An esper's real identity is a normal high school student? Are we sure his group name isn't just some ironic twist?!
[Bronze-Rank Adventurer]: I've successfully become a "Holy Sword Wielder"! @Normal High School Student, I'm never going to stop moving forward!
[Future Holy Sword Wielder]: ?
[Future Holy Sword Wielder]: This doesn't make sense! Why haven't I become a Holy Sword Wielder yet, while everyone else has?
[Asuna]: If I weren't trapped in the SAO game, I'd probably be in school too. Kind of nostalgic thinking about normal campus life.
[Mistress of the Butterfly Mansion]: Good morning!
[Normal High School Student]: Keep it up, @Bronze-Rank Adventurer. If you need help with anything about the Holy Sword User class, feel free to DM me.
[Future Holy Sword Wielder]: Why does it feel like you're actually from my world?
[Aqua]: @Normal High School Student, answer me already! Stop pretending you didn't see this!!
As Shira casually monitored the chat, time continued to flow while he trained. When the lunch bell finally rang, he stopped the mana infusion.
The classroom became a bit noisy.
Not planning to stay, he politely declined Yuigahama's offer to eat lunch together.
Carrying the bento Aunt Mio had prepared for him, he headed toward the Classic Literature Club. As he expected, it wouldn't be long before Hiratsuka-sensei brought Yukino over for an introduction.
As club president, he needed to explain things to Chitanda in advance.
---
When he arrived and slid open the door to the clubroom, he saw Chitanda Eru already there.
She was in the standard Sobu High uniform, with neat bangs and long, smooth hair cascading over her shoulders.
Since club activities weren't mandatory, members only came when they felt like it.
Right now, in the spacious room, Chitanda was the only one present, likely just looking for a quiet place to eat lunch.
Shira greeted her first.
"Good afternoon, Chitanda."
"Good afternoon, President Shira."
Chitanda began pulling out several exquisitely prepared lunchboxes from her bag, smiling gently.
She spoke sincerely,
"Lately, I noticed you've been eating store-bought lunches, Shira-kun. So I had my family's chef prepare these. I hope they suit your taste."
"I actually brought lunch today too."
Shira lifted the bento Mio had made, a little surprised that Chitanda had noticed such a detail.
"But it's perfect timing. I'll get to try yours too."
"Great!"
Sitting across from her, Shira glanced over the refined contents of Chitanda's bento.
As expected of the Chitanda family's young lady—everything was flawless.
There were many different dishes, and they smelled delicious.
Shira hadn't forgotten what Hiratsuka-sensei told him. Now that the opportunity had come, he got straight to the point.
"There's something I need to tell you."
"Is it about sharing the clubroom?"
"Hiratsuka-sensei already told me."
Chitanda took a small bite of sakura mochi and nodded without hesitation. Her expression was calm.
"After all, the teacher has helped our club a lot."
"It's not that."
Shira hadn't expected Hiratsuka to talk to Chitanda beforehand. As he picked up a piece of sushi and tasted it—admittedly, it was delicious—he reminded himself how much he hated trouble. So, he had to find a reason to reduce his club involvement.
It gave off the same feeling as "Minato, you be Hokage."
He pushed a printed transfer-of-leadership application across the table toward Chitanda.
With a smile, Shira said,
"From now on, you'll be the president of the Classic Literature Club. I have other things I need to handle."
"Then…"
"Shira-kun, will you still come to the club?"
"That depends. If there are club activities, I definitely won't avoid them."
Using the excuse of Yukino sharing the room, Shira smoothly handed off the leadership role. For him, being a regular member was enough.
He'd successfully requested a leave from Hiratsuka and transferred the role of club president.
It was a win-win—but really, a double win for Shira. Most of his energy could now be focused on the Dimensional Chat Group.
His physical abilities had advanced across the board.
His five senses were now sharpened to an inhuman degree. He heard footsteps at the stairwell landing and stopped talking about the transfer.
As the sliding door of the Classic Literature Clubroom opened, Hiratsuka entered with both hands in her blazer pockets. Walking beside her—
Was a cool, cat-like girl.
Yukinoshita Yukino.