Episode 21

“They’re really paying attention to you, Takigawa.”

“…Looks like it. Aren’t you two bothered by it?”

“We’re kind of used to this sort of thing.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty accustomed to it at this point.”

…I see. 

I guess I’m not entirely unfamiliar with being in the spotlight either. As one of the developers, I had to show my face in various places.  

Still, in this world, I was planning to live as just a background character. So this attention is a bit unexpected.  

Right now, I’m getting attention like I’m the protagonist, but… I wonder if I can shift back to being just a mob character from here.  

I’ll need to work pretty hard at it. Yeah.  

Thinking about these things absentmindedly… I finally arrived at the gates of Soulwing Academy.  

I had come here during the entrance exams. But at that time, I was too focused on passing to really take in my surroundings.  

But today is different. The excitement of finally being able to attend the academy I’ve seen so many times in the game is bubbling up inside me.  

Going through those gates, walking down the halls, sitting in a classroom… Just imagining it filled me with excitement.  

The scenery I’d seen countless times in the game was now right in front of me.  

The vast campus, the neatly arranged school buildings, the garden surrounded by trees… All those scenes I’d viewed through the screen so many times.  

The fact that it’s now real and in front of me had me so thrilled that I couldn’t help but look around in awe.

“…Hehe, Takigawa-san. You look like a child.”

“You must have really wanted to attend this academy.”

“…Well, yeah.”  

Seraph and Luminous teased me while chuckling softly.  

I usually try not to show my emotions, but it seems like I couldn’t hide it this time.  

Feeling a bit embarrassed by their comments, I gave a vague response to cover it up.  

…But even so, I couldn’t calm the excitement in my chest.  

The thought that I’d be living here from now on just made my heart race.

As we walked toward the school, Seraph and Luminous flanked me on both sides, making me stand out even more.  

I could feel the eyes of the other students on us, with a vibe like, “Who is that guy…?”  

My plan of living quietly as a mob character… was not looking good.  

While lamenting to myself about this, I remembered something and turned to Seraph and Luminous.

“…I haven’t checked which class I’m in yet. Where do I find that?”

“Huh? Takigawa-san, didn’t you check the email from the academy?”

“Email?”

“Yes. They should’ve sent you an email about class assignments. We’re in the same class.”

Seraph said this while showing me her phone screen. Sure enough, my name was listed alongside theirs.

“Well, you’ve been busy, so it’s understandable. Don’t worry, we’ll show you to the classroom.”

“…Alright, I’ll rely on you for that.”  

Although, I had already memorized the layout of the school in my head. Even if I were left alone, I doubt I’d get lost.  

Still… being in the same class as these two, huh?  

While I didn’t want to be in a class where I knew no one, being with these two might not be great either…  

I’ll probably end up standing out even more in class.

As we headed to the classroom together, I could feel the stares of the students we passed in the hallway, all focused on Seraph and Luminous.  

After looking at them, their gazes would then shift to me, as if wondering, “Who is that guy…?”  

I could feel their wariness, as though they were trying to figure me out.

…Ah, my plan to enjoy the game as a mob character.

Sighing internally, I walked into the classroom… only to be met by even more stares from the students inside.  

There were angels, demons, and even human students.  

In the game, I hadn’t really paid attention to this. But experiencing it as a student myself… the classroom already felt lively just from appearances alone.

“Seraph-san! Is it true that you created a Union!?”

A human student rushed over to Seraph, eagerly asking her about it.  

No one spoke to Luminous, though. Before I knew it, Seraph was already surrounded.  

Luminous, without a word, took my hand and pulled me towards the blackboard, away from the crowd.

“Let’s check out our seats while we can.”

“…Got it.”

Luminous was always stoic and difficult for others to approach. 

That’s why, even in the classroom, she rarely interacted with anyone aside from Seraph.  

It seemed that part of her character was still going strong, even from the first year.  

I could feel Seraph shooting a sharp glance at me and Luminous from across the room.

“Yes… well, technically, Luminous and I did create a Union together.”

The surrounding students started buzzing with excitement.  

Among the angels, a few sent Seraph some rather pointed looks.

Their eyes were sharp, cold, and intense.  

…It’s probably jealousy. They’re most likely lower-ranked angels who don’t have a Union of their own. They must feel frustrated that Seraph has gotten ahead of them.  

Both Seraph and Luminous are in positions where others are prone to envy. It can’t be helped.

Original Author’s Comment:

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