Due to the actions of the Guard at the gate of Kuoh Academy, I ended up being late! After calling the school, they informed me that they would send one of their student representatives to escort me in and deal with the guard.
After ending the phone call, I smugly look at the guard "Well, mister Guard, it seems like your time is up!"
The guard uncomfortablely shifted on his feet probably now realizing that he had screwed up due to his earlier prejudice. "Tsk, tsk, mister guard, next time learn to ask questions than to assume the worst!"
All I got from that was a weak nod and soon a female student walked over to us. "Are you Sam Barnes?"
I did a double at the girl who approached, with white hair, white-green eyes, and overall beauty to match.
"Y-yes, I am." Bro, dude, pal, do NOT fumble your words!
"I'm Momo Hanakai. I've been sent to escort you to your class." She said as she looked me over and squinted her eyes. "You..."
"Me?"
"Follow me." She said as she turned on her heels and walked away.
This is a little fast, isn't it? I'm pretty sure she just sensed my energy, and I'm being brought to what I think is the main cast. WHAT LUCK!
Getting caught up by a guard with a prejudice fast-tracked my way into the plot! Turning over to the guard, I gave a wink and then followed Momo.
Looking through my memories of Japan, calling someone you just met by their first name is rude. "Is Hanakai usually the one who picks up new students?"
"No, your situation was not the standard, especially with someone who has a…" She glanced at me, "Impressive stature."
Was that flirting? Already? Maybe the Entertainer was right; maybe I am a heartbreaker.
"Gotta thank my genetics for that, I guess." At this point, we were already inside the building, and due to my implanted memories, I knew this was not the way to my class.
I try to hide my building excitement as I need to leave a good first impression on the main cast.
When we finally stop, it seems to be at a door labeled "Student Council." So the student council is the main cast; I honestly should have guessed at this point with Momo being part of it.
"Uh, Hanakai, is there a reason why we are at the student council rather than class?"
She looked me over again and began to speak, "This was the first incident of its nature, so the staff asked the student council to deal with it."
Luckily I'm not that clueless, and I know that's an excuse to get me here due to my energy.
"Ah, okay, so do we just go in?" She turns away and knocks on the door.
"President, I've brought Barnes."
And in response to Momo, yet another female voice responds. "That's good, Momo. Bring him in and return to class."
"Yes, President." She says as she opens the door for me, then turns to me.
"Barnes, try not to stutter when you meet the president." She says in a half-amused voice.
And now I feel the heat in my ears. It seems my first impressions of myself with this white-haired beauty were ruined, so I might as well lean into it.
"Well, excuse me, Miss Hanakai, I honestly don't know how others are not complete messes when meeting you for the first time." My game is NOT strong, but new world, new me, and time to step up, rather than not try at all.
Momo seemed to take the poor attempt at flirting with an amused smirk. "Careful, Barnes." She then turns to walk away, leaving me at the door of the student council.
Was that a success? Or was that pity? Shaking my head to dispel the thoughts, I turn into the room to see two girls waiting for me.
"Flirting on your first day, Barnes?" And yet another rising heat rose to my ears as I coughed to set my composure again.
"Sorry about that, President; it's not every day that a beautiful lady is sent to escort you, so I had to make the most of it."
The girl sitting down gave me a smirk as she responded, "I'll be sure to let Momo know that her services were greatly appreciated."
Before I can be embarrassed any further, I quickly try to divert the topic away. "So, President, I heard that the student council will be dealing with the incident at the front gate?"
"Hmm, yes, it was an unfortunate situation due to personal prejudice from the school staff. How would you handle it, Barnes?"
"Let's see..." Thinking about it now, the guard will probably lose his job to this, but due to the favor of him letting me meet the main cast, I'm thinking of being lenient.
"Hanakai mentioned this incident was the first of its kind, so I'm inclined to be more lenient than I would be otherwise. I'd remove him from his post for the time being and relocate him to somewhere out of the way as he reflects on his behavior."
"Merciful, Barnes, he should lose his job because of this."
"I'm not that petty of a person. I know what I look like; I'm not your typical student here."
"Speaking of typical students, Barnes, why did you enroll in Kuoh Academy, especially in your third year?"
Oh, shit. They're now questioning me, probably because I'm suspicious as hell, and right before I go to answer, similar words to this morning pop in front of my face.
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Sudden Quest! Due to not hiding your energy, you've been found by devils!
Objective: Divert Attention Away from Yourself—1x Silver Trait Ticket
Optional Objective: Convince them that you are not a threat! 1x Advantage Silver Trait Ticket
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This new quest... What does it mean? I've been found by Devils? When? Where!
The president, taking my silence as guilt or inability to lie, puts on a smug smile as she says, "I don't know why the church would send a rookie here, or are they not taking us seriously?"
Another info bomb that exploded in my head: the president seems hostile now. Did I not get taken to the main cast and instead was sent straight into the jaws of the antagonist?
I suddenly stood up and was about to speak when the other silent girl seemed to have disappeared and reappeared behind me.
"W-WAIT!" My sudden scream seemed to surprise them. Before I continued, I audibly gulped in the new silence.
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about."
The president snorted at my words, clearly not believing me. "You can't radiate holy energy like that without being involved with angels."
Oh, so my hero energy is straight-up holy energy; that's good to know. "President, I swear, just let me explain, and then you can judge."
Well, if I can't join the main cast, the villain cast isn't looking all that bad.
The president gave a nod, and I felt the pressure on me disappear. Letting out a breath of relief, I recounted my morning to the duo but left out any Gacha-related things.
I didn't reveal Tiche since I have no way to explain her for the time being.
"So... You're saying that you, a regular human, defeated a monster this morning and suddenly gained holy energy?" I quickly nodded to show that what she said was correct.
"That's ridiculous; humans don't just gain energy from defeating something."
"Well, if it helps, I also heard a voice saying I have the potential to be a hero." As we all know, that's some grade-A bullshit from me, but I need to convince them that I'm no threat.
"A voice, you say..." It seems the bullshit was effective; she no longer seems overly hostile but definitely defensive.
"Well, Barnes, as I cannot confirm your story, nor do I want to start a conflict with the church. You are free to attend classes as usual; just don't do anything to break this delicate trust."
Holy shit, my bullshit worked? I wonder what kind of weird lore this world has to make her believe that.
"Of course, President!" A smile spread across my face as I read the new text from the system.
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Quest completed! Detecting completion of optional task!
You have gained 1x Advantage Silver Trait Ticket.
Ding! The Host has gained the interest of Sona Sitri!
You have gained 1x Gold Ability Ticket.
Would you like to use Tickets now?
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