CHAPTER 1: NEET COMES OUT?

Day 1 (January 14, 2070)

Three AM. The only hour that mattered.

My second monitor bled seasonal anime light across walls that hadn't seen sunlight since the last limited-edition drop. Manga towers leaned against each other like drunken salarymen—Juju Kai, Chainsaw Dude, Alone Leveling, the good shit mixed with the guilty pleasures I'd never admit to owning. The floor? A geological stratum of snack wrappers, energy drink cans, and regret.

I could talk. In voice chat, when my team threw the match for the fifth time, I dismantled them with surgical precision. "Top diff. Jungle diff. Your grandmother has better macro."

Out there? Where the grass looked suspicious, and the sun had a personal vendetta against my retinas? Hell no.

Only life-or-death dragged me outside. Or a limited-edition figure release. Or Luber Eats when the fridge finally surrendered.

The tatami mat had molded itself to my spine. Comfortable. Warm. A grave I'd dug myself.

I didn't want to get up. Didn't want to play. Just wanted to rot for today—properly this time.

My eyes traced the ceiling. Months of dust and mold spores performed aerial pirouettes. I shifted. My ribs knocked into a trash bag. It crinkled like a death rattle.

I sighed. Deep. From the diaphragm.

What a great life I have. So full. So exciting.

The sarcasm tasted stale. Even to me.

Sleep hadn't visited in thirty-six hours. My skull throbbed with a headache that had its own heartbeat. My eyes were lead weights in sockets too tired to hold them.

The doorbell rang.

I flinched so hard my spine popped.

Who rings a doorbell at— I glanced at the clock. 3:17 AM?

Too suspicious. Way too suspicious.

I groaned, hauling myself vertical. Joints protested. Eyes rubbed raw.

The door opened.

No one.

Just the neighbors—Mrs. Tanaka eviscerating her husband through paper-thin walls. Poor bastard.

A cardboard box sat at my feet. Hefty. No shipping label. No return address.

I hadn't ordered anything. Ever. My bank account had the transaction history of a ghost.

Nothing happened in my life. I hauled it inside, legs trembling. Nearly shat myself from the weight.

"Did someone mail me a pipe bomb over my well-thought-out slurs?" I poked it with my toe. "Wouldn't be surprised if it went off."

Kitchen knife. Careful cuts. Flaps folded back.

Clothes. An ID card. A letter.

At least it's not a pipe bomb.

The letter first. Creased expensive paper. Watermarked. My fingers trembled.

My dear son.

Oh. Huh?

I've been watching you for the past two years. I can't stand the type of man you've become—so much money wasted on comics and equipment. When I learned you were going to drop out of school, I nearly destroyed the whole campus with just my anger. So I enrolled you in my school. To change your ways. To make you a better man.

And also so I can exploit your amazing potential to be the next Oshima Heir~~

"The fuck...?" The word scraped my throat. "Is this a damn prank? It ain't funny at all!"

I growled. Like an angered pup. Pathetic.

Yours Truly, [REDACTED]

Redacted.

WHY REDACTED?!

I gripped the paper until my knuckles whitened—like I'd caught my crush getting railed by the football team. The hell was happening?!

My mother. Never seen her since birth. Never a call. Never a card. Nothing. And now she shoved herself into my life, enrolled me in her school, and belittled my lifestyle in the same breath?!

Fuck. Off.

The letter joined the floor's geological record.

Back to the box. Uniform. ID card. Photo attached.

Oshima Yami.

How the fuck did she get a picture of me picking my nose?!

Calm. Inconceivable. Dad would never date a demon—demi-humans had only integrated five years ago! Dad's frozen smile on the mantel: thumbs up, smirking proudly. Ugh.

A pamphlet caught my eye. Facilities. Gardens. Curriculum.

Colosseum.

Training regimes.

What kind of school—

My chest seized. Oxygen vanished. Shock struck like lightning.

No. No no no.

I reread the line. Again. Rubbed my eyes until stars burst. Sweat dripped from my chin onto glossy paper.

The school I was enrolled in... was only for girls.

Asaimizumi High.

My face drained. Deadass?

A ceremony today. 8:30 AM.

I whipped toward the clock.

8:15.

FIFTEEN MINUTES.

Shit. Shit shit shit—wait.

Why was my heart racing?

Why did my fingers tingle?

No skills. No standing. No future. Just me, myself, and the rotting kingdom I'd built.

Yet.

I wanted change. Craved it. Rotting had gotten comfortable.

And that terrified me more than the box.

I smelled like absolute dog water. Three-day stale sweat and instant ramen residue.

My hand shook on the doorknob to the bathroom. Teeth gritted so hard my jaw ached.

Couldn't believe I wanted a shower.

Time was of the essence. I threw myself under the spray. Vampire meeting sunlight.

Two minutes of shampoo. Two to rinse. One to stare at tiles and wonder if my life had always been this much of a joke.

The water ran cold.

I didn't care.

The uniform fit perfectly. Mom had my measurements — her stalking levels were definitely thorough...

Shit. I hope she didn't stalk any private hours...

I reached the door and hesitated. My hand wouldn't grab the handle.

Questions and doubts whirled. The NEET-hating part of me surrendered. Is this isolated existence worth clinging to?

Was safety and comfort worth it? Yes.

But thirst for action won. A little risk wouldn't kill me. How bad could an all-girls school be?

Still, who wouldn't get those fantasies of being surrounded by many girls, but those will remain just that... a fantasy.

In this world of demi-humans, women stand as our guardians, our protectors. They combat monsters and threats, showcasing a proficiency in magic that men can scarcely match.

Magic was only wielded by the elite... who were only women.

Result: superiority complex. Men = punching bags.

I gazed at the sun and narrowed my eyes in disdain. "Hey there, old enemy. This time I won't run away from you." I declared to myself.

Gazes prickled. Girls. Asaimizumi students.

Wait a minute! I was feeling death glares!?

Those scary eyes made my feet walk faster. I hurried off to the gate, walking nonstop for a few minutes.

How big was this damn place?!

As I approached the massive gate, A lance-wielding girl blocked the gate. Disdain radiated off of her...

"Declare your purpose or face consequences." Commanding authority. Sweat beaded on my forehead.

I fumbled for my ID. Her glare spelled unwelcome.

"I'm here for the ceremony. Apparently, I've been enrolled here," I responded, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Absurd! The Queen would never permit the enrollment of a man." A pause punctuates her words, followed by a sly smirk. "Especially not a weak one."

This damn orange-haired beauty sure is full of herself...

I sigh, smiling wryly in response. "Perhaps you should address my Mother regarding her oversight."

"Mother? The Queen?" Her tone wavers, a subtle crack appearing in her facade.

I could tell she was double-guessing herself. Wouldn't that mean I hold authority then? If they call my mother "Queen"...wouldn't that make me a prince of sorts?

With a hint of devilry, I pointed menacingly at her. "That's right! If you don't believe me, ask her!"

I tried to pass her, but she kept halting me. She inscribed a pink rune in the air and began talking, "My Lady." Her gaze lingered on my ID. "Oshima Yami is here..."

Another voice chimed in, more elegant and mature, almost too sexy.

"Wh—What?! Let him enter?! B—But my lady...h—he's a man!"

Guess I'm not exactly welcome here. Well, at least I'll have plenty of female company around campus.

At this rate, it wouldn't be surprising if I were castrated the moment I stepped into class.

Observing the girl's expression, it's clear she's endured a significant blow to her pride. Well, women are known for their pride, and it seems invading her territory took its toll on her mental fortitude.

I couldn't help myself; I chuckled devilishly. The revolution begins!! Men will take over now!

The orange-haired girl groaned in disbelief, gripping her lance harder, white-knuckling that thing like crazy. I knew for a damn fact she was holding herself from spilling my guts on the pavement.

As I entered, my eyes were greeted by an array of colorful flowers that dominated the landscape—a vast garden stretching beyond. Massive structures came into view next, spread across five distinct locations, but my attention was irrevocably drawn to the Colosseum.

So this is one of those prestigious Battle Maiden Academies? Never really looked into them, but judging by appearances... and that gatekeeper. This is definitely a Battle Maiden school!

And now I'm part of the Battle Maidens?

Dad's frozen smile flashed. Palms clenched. Expression hardened. Something in me was glad that I could do something — finally I can...

H—Huh?! Hey?!

Bright magic circle under my feet. Snap — My face met the wooden floor. I looked up with a groan.

Dark violet hair, shoulder-length. Oval face, sharp nose. Red lips, dusky skin. A beauty mark near her mouth. Expensive glasses. Formal wear — form-fitting, black stockings, miniskirt, heels. Power radiated from her. She looked thirty. My mother.

The resemblance hit: her eyes. Gold. My eyes.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat.

"Welcome, Son. It's been far too long."

Her gaze pinned me — assessing, judging, knowing.

I cleared my mind of unseemly thoughts before asking, "Are you really... my mother?"

I couldn't help but be uncertain; I had never seen my mother in my life.

Removing her glasses and placing them on her desk, she affirmed, "Indeed. Your father was a remarkable man—brave and resolute, qualities I find you sorely lacking. He was the only man I ever acknowledged and trusted. My wish is for you to surpass him, to become a leader."

"A leader? But is that even possible...for me? A man?"

"Yami, the realm of possibilities is boundless. Within you rests dormant power, potential even for a hero."

I meet her gaze, her golden eyes radiating sincerity. Clenching my fists, I stare her down.

"Where were you all these years? You have power, do you not? Couldn't you have saved my father from those creatures? Is my potential all you care about? In one day, I've lost so much—my dear father...my old home...food...water...all my childhood...everything!! I had to rely on a neighbor's kindness for survival for a brief period. You simply weren't there when I needed you the most."

A hushed silence follows, her eyes glistening. She gazes at me, her voice softening. "I'm sorry. I know you never experienced a mother's presence, and believe me, Yasuke's death weighed heavily on me. I dedicated myself tirelessly to protecting our country. I apologize for my absence. Allow me to make amends."

"Amends, huh? How, exactly? What can you do at this moment? Display affection? Offer care? I have lived on my own so far..."

She pauses, then rises, closing the distance between us. My muscles tense involuntarily. Her scent, reminiscent of strawberries, teases my nostrils.

"Mother, what are you—"

A blaze of light engulfs us once again.

She pressed against me. Curves against chest — soft, firm, warm. A mother's embrace. Wrong. My skin crawled. This wasn't a reunion. This was claiming.

"You are destined for greatness, my son. A man who will redefine society. I vow this to you, and I entrust you with my academy."

Her voice swells, resonating around me, and I realize I've teleported once more. But this time...

I extricate myself from her embrace and pivot. A sea of girls gazes at us, the scene akin to a concert—except the atmosphere is rife with gasps and stunned expressions.

The ceremony!?

Unbelievable! She really did this.

"Good morning. This semester brings change. My son joins our ranks — this institution is now co-ed. My survey detected formidable auras region-wide. Magic manifests in men now. As Principal and World Organization Lead Commander, my duty: train all with resolve to fight, regardless of gender. Extend your care to my son."

My cheeks twitch at her final comment. "Extend your care to my son." I echo the words, my expression blank.

"Sweetie, don't go overboard with your powers here... you know what I mean, right?" With a smirk, my mother turned towards me.

Oh, come on, Mom! If I don't, I'm as good as dead! I have to use them when needed.

"Yeah... I get it." I scratched my cheek, feigning nonchalance.

"Also, I'm assigning you to Division E of the Battle Maidens. Take this." My mother handed over an otherworldly artifact that bore a striking resemblance to a phone. "I'll send you their information. Good luck, sweetie." She leaned in close, flicking my nose. "And please, don't get yourself into any unnecessary trouble." As the situation heated up among the girls, my mother dared to embrace me and plant a kiss on my left cheek.

The cold glares from most of the girls, infused with a touch of homicidal intent, had me reconsidering my life choices. It was intentional, wasn't it?

Honestly, Mother, I'm convinced—no, I'm utterly sure—that a horde of them will be after me for the rest of my days.