Chapter 11: The protagonist and a new character!

The next morning, after finally recovering from the mental exhaustion of dealing with that stupid thing, I got up, took a quick shower, and threw on my uniform before heading to class.

On the way there, I started piecing together a plan in my head—y’know, something to help me survive as long as possible until that deadline shows up.

It was a super simple plan. Like, ridiculously simple. But effective. Or at least… from my very humble point of view. And since it’s the only one I’ve got—and obviously the only one that matters—it’s the best, right?

Basically: figure out the daily routines of all those heroes and, obvi, their crazy-ass girls. With that, I can avoid their turf and keep at least a hundred meters of safe distance.

Maybe that way I can dodge that annoying system popping up again. Though… I’ve got a bad feeling it won’t be enough. Better cross my fingers and hope it’s just paranoia.

I was so caught up in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize when I reached the classroom. Guess it was muscle memory or whatever. Not the first time. Sometimes I’m just glad my body knows where to go even if my brain is in another dimension.

I walked in, and to my absolute surprise—Carlotta didn’t attack me this time. She just threw me a look that totally screamed classic villainess: a perfect mix of disdain and quiet menace.

I ignored her. Didn’t wanna stir up any drama. I’ve realized something weird—every time we argue, it’s like both my brain and body get this dumb urge to tease her. Guess it’s the combo of “Kathryn’s” personality and mine. Total chaos mix.

But hey, silver lining? No Kaelvarion in sight! You’ve got no idea how my soul straight-up did a full-on celebration choreography when I saw that little blessing of a detail.

For the first time since I got here, I walked in like a normal student. Sat in my seat, which—of course—is in the back row by the window. And right next to me? An empty desk. Kinda odd, considering the semester’s already well underway.

I got comfy, took a deep breath, and waited, like a good little student, for the teacher. I think his name’s Isac. He teaches Theory of Magic and Sorcery or something like that.

Eventually, the professor walked in. Same as always—messy hair, tired face, whole zombie vibe. Poor guy.

As soon as he crossed the doorway, that oh-so-familiar nasal voice filled the room with that signature authority:

—"Order. Professor Isac has arrived. Everyone to your seats," Carlotta commanded.

The classroom fell silent for a few beats. Then, like some conditioned group instinct, everyone moved. Even me. Gotta admit—it was kinda impressive… and super intimidating.

I don’t blame them for following orders. I’m not tryna get bloodshot like a squirt gun either.

Still, I caught a few students—those background NPCs who barely breathe—murmuring under their breath: "Stuck-up bitch."

…Yeah. Kinda hard to argue with that. Not that I’d say it out loud. I’m not in the mood to catch a new hole in my chest today.

The prof dropped his books on the desk and cleared his throat.

—"Thanks, Miss Wiebke. First, a couple of announcements: The head office would like to remind all students to refrain from using magic or sorcery outside of designated areas."

Welp. That was super specific about who that was meant for.

And from the general murmuring, I’d say the whole class got the message loud and clear. Obviously for Carlotta… and me.

—"Second," he continued, "we have a new student. Her family was recently granted nobility status. Please treat her kindly, understood?"

Like a cue, we heard soft footsteps—barely audible—and the faint sound of a sliding door. Light from the hallway spilled into the room, revealing the silhouette of a girl stepping in with the most delicate hesitation.

She was cute. No—adorable. That’s the right word. But not in a magazine or commercial kind of way. She had this weird, soft vibe to her, like she needed to be cared for even if she didn’t say it.

Her cheeks were a little round, and those silver eyes… they looked without really looking. No anger, no joy. Just a strange calm. Like she was here, but also somewhere else. Another memory. Another yesterday.

Her hair fell like ink thinning out—starting in deep black and fading to this ghostly pale gray, almost silver. Like someone tried to erase the color gently with a pencil eraser. Her bangs covered part of her eyes—kinda gave off Clementine vibes, if you squint. Though, they were very different.

The back of her hair was longer, flowing in soft waves around her neck, floating slightly like it wanted to leave before she did.

Her uniform looked like everyone else’s, but on her… it just didn’t fit right. I dunno how to explain it. Like it didn’t belong to her. Like she was wearing a costume she didn’t pick herself. She clutched the edge of her skirt for a sec. Gave me the feeling she was pretending to be comfy.

Weird, huh? I don’t even know her and I’m already analyzing her soul.

While I was spacing out like an idiot, the girl stopped beside the professor and casually tucked her hair behind her ear. Then, outta nowhere, she spoke:

"Listen up. I’m not some pity case trash who needs your kindness. Got it?"

Her voice had this rough edge, like she wasn’t used to speaking much, but it still sounded young—and weirdly soft, like nice to the ears?

And then… bam! Something inside me lit up. A spark. A memory.

OMG, I remember! That line! I remember it exactly!

It’s my favorite character from this game! Kathryn’s bestie… Maxine von Ryu!

HA! This is perfect! I have to be friends with her. She’s literally the only one in this world who’s worth anything. Maybe not getting expelled wasn’t that bad after all.