CHAPTER 1 — PART 7: NEET SPARS A BIT.

The next class was Physical Training, though I wasn't particularly fond of the name.

As I stepped into the vast gym, my gaze swept across the expanse filled with multiple basketball courts and mats for sparring. The atmosphere was pleasant, the air conditioning running smoothly. The view before me was like candy for my eyes.

Girls were scattered around, engaging in various activities—running, bouncing, energetically participating in basketball games, while others stretched and warmed up.

Yep. I definitely felt out of place. Very, very out of place.

"Oh? So you must be Yami?" The teacher's voice cut through the gym's sounds as she approached me. She analyzed me from head to toe before nodding as if making some profound observation.

"You seem weak. Fragile. Do you even engage in any form of exercise?" Her words came in a barrage of critical remarks.

I stood there, absorbing each insult, trying to maintain a facade of resilience.

Not... that it didn't hurt, you know!

"I still can't quite grasp how you managed to stand your ground against a member of the Yoshitaka Clan, and you even defeated her. And then there's [Brilliant Break]..."

I replied casually, "Well... like mother, like son."

"What?! Aimi-chan is your mother?!"

'Aimi-chan?' I almost laughed at the term, but managed to hold it in.

"Yes, apparently I'm her son."

"Apparently..." The atmosphere grew awkward, and we both found ourselves looking down at the floor, the silence hanging heavily between us for a good five seconds.

"So... do I just join in or...?" I broke the silence, eager to fill the void.

"O-oh, right now we're just doing warm-up activities. In about ten minutes, we'll start a sparring session, so you'll need to find a partner," she explained.

She added, "And you should change into appropriate attire."

"Yes, ma'am... but where's the changing area? Is there a locker room for guys or—"

"Head to the forest. Change over there."

I remained silent for a moment, inwardly sighing at the unexpected response.

Of course. Why didn't I see this coming...

Storming away in a huff, I made my way toward the forest, my irritation still simmering beneath the surface. The dense trees surrounded me as I sought refuge in their quiet embrace.

The gentle rush of water created a soothing melody, and the sight of the small lake beneath it tempted me to take a dip, though I knew I had class to attend.

As I gazed at the serene scene, a soft hum reached my ears.

"Mmhhh~ Mmmmm~ Mhhhh~"

Ah shit! Not again!!

Why did it seem like girls had a habit of choosing this spot for their impromptu baths? Was there something about this place that made them feel like it was a natural spa?

Caught in my exasperation, I accidentally stepped on a dry branch, the sound of it cracking echoing through the area.

In an instant, her attention was drawn to the noise, her gaze locking onto mine. Our eyes met, and a wave of panic washed over me.

Oh no, no, no, no!!!

The sheer awkwardness of the situation was suffocating, and my mind raced to come up with something to say or do to alleviate the tension.

"He-hey there... We meet aga—"

Before I could finish my sentence, a blazing fireball hurtled toward me, striking my abdomen with astonishing speed. The impact was immediate, and I was engulfed in searing pain before darkness overtook me.

"YOU DAMN PIG!" Shizue's voice pierced the air like a sonic boom.

It took me a few minutes to regain consciousness, finding myself face-planted in the forest. Blades of grass had invaded my mouth, and dirt had marred my once-pristine uniform. To top it off, scorch marks stained my clothing, a grim reminder of the fiery attack that had taken me down.

"Ugh... damn it," I grumbled, hastily brushing off the dirt and straightening myself up.

"She just left me here unconscious, huh? Next time, I'll let the fishes have her!" I muttered in annoyance, feeling a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

After changing into my sports shorts and shirt, I made my way back to the Physical Training class. The teacher gave me a stern look as I entered and promptly dragged me into the midst of the group of girls.

Glares from all directions met my return...

The tension in the room was palpable, and I could practically feel the weight of everyone's judgment. Nobody would willingly want to pair up with me after that incident.

"Girls... and boy, you know the drill. Form pairs and wait your turn for sparring," the teacher announced.

As the girls began to pair off, I was left standing on my own — not that it surprised me. There was only one other person left without a partner, a lone figure waiting by herself.

With an awkward expression, she humbly approached me, her voice soft and sweet like syrup.

"Um... greetings... umm..." The modest girl blushed a bit as she built up the courage to greet me.

"I'm Yami." I introduced myself.

"Greetings, Yami-san. It seems fate has chosen us to be partners. I hope you don't mind?" Her tone was modest, and she exuded a gentle aura.

How polite... 100 points for me.

"No, not at all. I'm completely fine with it. Ummm..." I mused silently, curious about her motive for asking.

"Wakabayashi Yuna," She supplied, introducing herself.

"Yuna-san... Wait. You're part of my Squad!" I exclaimed, a sudden realization dawning on me.

"That does indeed seem to be the case," She replied with a modest smile, her expression humble.

"Have you had the chance to interact with anyone else from our Squad?" I inquired, curious to know more about her interactions so far.

She flinched as soon as my words left my lips.

They all have such unique personalities, making it quite a challenge to engage in casual conversations... Yuna began thinking, not having the courage to talk to such vibrant people.

"N-no... I haven't. I find it rather difficult to initiate conversations with members of such esteemed clans," She responded, her voice reflecting her reserved nature.

She really just said that...

Yuna Wakabayashi...

Wakabayashi Clan... one of the wealthiest families in all of Kazumaki. They're renowned for creating the most exquisite and expensive chocolates... Kazumaki, our country.

What a rare girl; filthy rich but modest and polite...

As the pairs of students engaged in their sparring sessions, I couldn't shake off a sense of unease. It was my turn next, and my partner was none other than Wakabayashi Yuna.

I watched as a few pairs battled it out, each displaying varying degrees of skill and determination. The sounds of clashing, grunting, and the occasional burst of energy filled the gym. As I looked around, I noticed Yuna standing there, her expression a mixture of apprehension and humility.

The time finally came for us to face each other. We stepped onto the mat, facing each other with a respectful nod. The teacher's words rang in my ears: "Remember, this is a friendly sparring session. No need to hold back, but don't go overboard either. And remember, no magic allowed."

We assumed our combat stances, and without further ado, the match began.

I made the first move, closing the distance between us with a quick burst of speed. Yuna's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she tried to sidestep, but I managed to land a light strike on her shoulder.

It wasn't even close to my full strength, just a tap to test her reflexes. However, her body recoiled from the impact, and her expression turned from surprise to one of pain. I immediately realized that I had underestimated her fragility.

"Oh no... I didn't mean to—"

Before I could finish my sentence, Yuna retaliated. She threw a punch, but it was slow and lacked power. I easily dodged it, but I could tell that she wasn't used to combat. It was as if she had never engaged in a physical confrontation before.

Well... me too; I recently started fighting, only a few Blighted and that haughty princess...

Seeing her struggle, I attempted to create an opening for her. I threw a punch that intentionally missed her by a wide margin. Her eyes widened in response, and she seized the opportunity to counterattack.

Her punch came closer this time, but it lacked precision and force. I could have easily evaded it, but instead, I allowed it to graze my cheek. Yuna seemed surprised by the contact, and I saw a mix of disbelief and confusion in her eyes.

The onlookers, however, had a different perspective. To them, it appeared as if I had taken the hit on purpose and was letting her land blows on me. The murmurs in the room grew louder, and I caught snippets of their comments: "Is he toying with her?" "He looks so evil..." "Yami is merciless."

Come on!! I'm trying to help her out here!! Give me a damn break!!

Despite my intention to give Yuna a fighting chance, my actions were inadvertently painting me as a ruthless combatant. I continued to feign vulnerability, occasionally allowing her weak strikes to make contact. With each successful hit, the tension in the room escalated, and I could feel the weight of their judgment.

I saw Yuna's face growing more determined with every strike she landed. It was clear that she wanted to prove herself, to overcome her own perceived weaknesses. Yet, as she continued to attack, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of guilt.

Finally, after a series of exchanged blows, Yuna's stamina waned. She was breathing heavily, and her movements were becoming sluggish. It was time to bring the match to an end.

I decided to initiate a clean, controlled takedown, making sure it was both gentle and controlled. As I executed the maneuver, I could see the surprise in Yuna's eyes. She stumbled, falling onto the mat with a surprised expression.

The bell signaling the end of the match rang, and we both stood up. Yuna's face was flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and a newfound sense of accomplishment. She extended her hand towards me, and I shook it, offering a small smile.

"You gave it your all; I'm impressed," I said sincerely, trying to match her politeness and modesty.

"T—thanks, you were impressive as well, Yami-san. Also... why are you here? A man..." Yuna finally asked something that was on her mind.

I blankly gazed at her for a long second. I thought by now, everyone on campus knew of me.

"I'm the principal's son. She enrolled me here without my consent, so now I'm here."

"Aimi-san's son?" She leaned in closer and watched me, from toe to head, and head to toe. "I've never seen a man before."

"Eh? Really? How... is that possible?"

"W—well... I'm a very reserved person, and my family barely lets me out of my mansion."

I'll ignore the mansion part...

"I—I see, well... here I am, a man. At your service." I gave her a gentle smile, trying my best not to scare or push her away.

She even got closer to inspect me... geez... almost killing my personal space.

Her beady eyes kept staring at me... no, she's gawking; her eyes can't look away from my chest, wait! Did she just sniff!? I heard it!! I'm 100% sure I heard a little sniff!!

I noticed a little recoil, then another slight blush. She hid her face with her cute bangs and turned her body away from me, making me a bit apprehensive.

Do I smell that bad...? Ouch.

"I—I'll take my leave, Yami-san."

"Y—yeah... adiós?" I was so lost, I even spoke another language.

I watched her leave in a hurry.

I took a deep sigh and went back into the damn forest to change into my sleek and neat uniform.

Hmm... I have a weird feeling about her...