I was Reincarnated as the Scum Older Brother of the Protagonist in a Romance Battle Game, But I don't want to Die, so I'll do my Best - Episode 31

Today was May 2nd, the second day of Golden Week. Going to school today meant I’d get another four-day holiday starting tomorrow.

I told Michiyo over breakfast that I’d be returning to the Kitano family home in Hokkaido starting tomorrow.

“It is rather sudden, though. It must be quite an important matter.”
“Indeed. I wonder what it could be about?”

I actually knew the reason, but I pretended ignorance to avoid worrying Michiyo unnecessarily.

“And when will you be back?”
“Well… Since I’ve been summoned, I can’t exactly just come back whenever I please. But ideally, I’d like to return early to prepare for the exams the Monday after next.”

“!?”

Michiyo seemed surprised by my words.
“You’ve truly changed, Joji-sama… You seem like a different person.”
“Ahaha, I just realized staying the way I was wouldn’t do.” (Actually, I am a different person.)
“Hehehe, but I like the current Joji-sama much better. Women find men who strive earnestly very attractive.”

I told her I’d prepare for the trip myself, but Michiyo stubbornly insisted on handling everything. So, from arranging the airline ticket to packing my clothes, I left all the return preparations to her.

“Well then, I’m off.”
“Have a safe trip.”

…………………………….
………………

Amidst the usual scene of being avoided by other students on my way to school, I arrived to find a large crowd gathered around the bulletin board beside the central staircase.

“Huh? What’s going on?”

As I changed my shoes at the lockers and tried to bypass the crowd to go up the stairs…

“Ah, it’s him… What a scumbag.” “Poor Amamiya-san…” “What a creep. Wish he’d just disappear somewhere.”

A few people in front of the board spotted me. They glared at me with eyes full of resentment and disgust, muttering insults under their breath.

“Huh? What did you say?”
I turned around and glared back. They all averted their eyes, looking uncomfortable.
“If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face!”
“…………..”

I didn’t have time to waste on cowards who only talked smack while hiding behind someone else’s back. I ignored them and headed up to the second floor.
“Tch! Filthy, lowlife trash!!”

The hostility continued as I walked down the hallway towards my classroom. Students I passed shot me dirty looks like I was something disgusting, whispering insults just loud enough for me to barely hear.

Clatter~

It was the same when I entered the classroom… Usually, everyone would avert their eyes and pretend I didn’t exist. But today, sharp stares locked onto me and wouldn’t let go.

The tense atmosphere persisted as homeroom began.
“Many of you probably saw the announcement on the bulletin board this morning. I’m announcing the members for the Secret Realm Test on the 13th. When your name is called, respond.”
“First, Aoki and Kasaishi.” “Yes!” “Yes!”
“Next…”
“Then, Todo and Ikegami.” “Yo!” “Whoo-hoo!”
“Lastly, Kitano and Amamiya from Class 5.” “Yes.”

Murmur… Murmur… Murmur…

The instant my name and Mashiro’s were called, the classroom erupted in whispers.
“Quiet down, you lot! This is still homeroom!!”

Mr. Minagawa’s rebuke echoed through the room… However… one student raised their hand amidst the noise.
“Teacher!! This isn’t right! Why does Kitano-kun get to be in a party with Amamiya-san from Class 5?!”
“Yeah! They don’t even know each other, do they?!”

BANG!! Mr. Minagawa slammed the attendance book onto the lectern, silencing the class.
“Silence! I confirmed this directly with Amamiya. She stated unequivocally that she will form a party with Kitano Joji… No, rather, she insisted she would form a party only with Kitano Joji.”

That statement shut most of the students up. But those who still weren’t convinced wouldn’t let it go.
“Isn’t that because Kitano-kun threatened her using some underhanded method?!”
“Hah?”
That comment finally made my simmering anger boil over. My patience was at its limit…
“That’s right! Amamiya-san is a lone genius, a precious existence some even call the next generation’s ‘Living Goddess’! How could someone like Kitano-kun, such trash…”
“HEY!!”

Before I knew it, I was on my feet, glaring at the entire class.
“I don’t know what twisted logic makes you spout that nonsense, but don’t you DARE judge Mashiro with your pathetic little yardsticks!!”

My furious aura seemed to cow the class into complete silence…
Amidst this, Ayase, who knew Jouji’s secret, was stunned by the sheer growth he’d shown in just these past few days.
(What the…? What happened to Jouji these past few days? I feel an incomparably stronger power radiating from him than before…)
“Tch… What the hell? That bastard’s been hiding his strength all along.”
“Whoa~ Joji-chi, you’re something else.”
A few others also seemed to notice the dramatic change in Joji’s power level. But the current Joji was completely unaware his power was leaking out… he was that far from being calm.

“Since we’re at it, I’ll make this crystal clear. Mashiro is… Amamiya is my best friend!! You can insult me all you want, call me an idiot, I get it, it’s my own fault, and I won’t argue back.”
“BUT!! If your selfish assumptions and impositions make Amamiya Mashiro sad or hurt her… I WON’T ALLOW IT!! When that happens, I’ll crush you with everything I’ve got, so be ready!!”

Faced with my irrefutable argument, no one dared to speak against me. After that, no student raised their voice or complained directly to my face…