Chapter 23: Is This Whole Life Innate?

"Wait, so all three of us are classmates?" Kurogane Ikki's face lit up when he heard this, and he sported his trademark gentle smile. He subconsciously glanced at Jiangli. This shared connection between two legendary knights bearing the same surname felt like fate, and it seemed to ignite a sense of urgency within Kurogane Ikki, as if he couldn't afford to waste any time from now on.

Stella, on the other hand, tilted her head, puzzled by Kurogane Ikki's response. She noticed his slightly awkward expression and found herself suddenly enlightened. Her face darkened, her expression turning as gloomy as a stormy sky.

Even though she reluctantly admitted it, Jiangli's charm had gone beyond her imagination. He seemed to be more attractive than she was, and even his relationships with Ikki appeared more complicated. This realization made her feel uncomfortable and inferior. Regardless of the viewer's gender, everyone seemed to be captivated by Jiangli's charm, a charm that she couldn't ignore.

Kurogane Ikki, still under the influence of the dense protagonist aura, looked a little surprised and amazed. While Jiangli wasn't a direct descendant of the God of War, he carried the Nangou surname, which already implied a deep connection with that legendary figure.

"Is Jiangli really a descendant of the God of War? This is the first time I'm hearing this," Kurogane Ikki muttered to himself.

Although he wasn't a direct descendant, the fact that Jiangli could bear the surname of the God of War, even indirectly, indicated that he held a significant position in the God of War's heart.

"Ikki!" A low, aggressive growl reached his ears, startling Kurogane Ikki.

"Did you turn gay because of him?" Stella anxiously questioned him.

"No way!" Kurogane Ikki's face turned red, and he couldn't help but raise his voice.

...

At 9:00 AM, the opening ceremony began as scheduled.

More than 700 students from all three grades gathered in the auditorium to receive information about this year's system changes from Shinguuji Kurono. Following her speech, Student Council President Toudou Touka addressed the assembly, offering the usual platitudes of welcome and encouragement. Jiangli paid no attention to the speech, preferring to tune out the general remarks.

Around 10:00 AM, the teachers and students dispersed and returned to their respective classrooms.

First year, Class 1.

Situated on the first floor of the first classroom building, Jiangli headed to his classroom. Upon entering, he noticed that almost all of the students were present. Glancing around, he could only identify Kurogane Ikki and Stella among the unfamiliar faces.

"Nangou-san!"

As he pondered, an excited voice reached his ears. Following the sound, he spotted a young girl with short, peach-colored hair. Her appearance was cute and slightly immature, and her round glasses accentuated her charming square eyes, which were bright and filled with excitement.

"Are you the girl from the camera that day?" Jiangli remembered her face.

"Yes! I'm Kusakabe Kagami. I didn't expect you to remember me, Nangou-san. I'm truly touched!" The glasses girl exclaimed happily, her scissors glasses flashing.

Jiangli recalled her name from three days ago, not to mention her appearance.

"Do you know me?"

"Naturally! I aspire to become a television reporter, so a small matter like your name won't stump me!"

Kusakabe Kagami smiled cheekily, adjusting her glasses with pride.

"Darn, she actually beat me to the punch!"

"She's unexpectedly using her cuteness to her advantage! She's got me cornered!"

"I wonder what his name is?"

The entire classroom quickly devolved into chaos. More than ten girls huddled together, their voices filling the room as they exchanged whispers and gave Jiangli various flirtatious looks. Meanwhile, they sent envious glares towards Kusakabe Kagami, who had successfully captured Jiangli's attention.

"Darn, she's completely stealing his attention from us!"

The male students were in a state of panic, their gazes directed at Jiangli filled with hostility.

"Nangou-san, I'm a big fan of yours!"

"Me too! I'm a fan! I'm absolutely overwhelmed by you. You're simply too handsome! You could easily star in one of Hagun Academy's famous dramas!"

"The image of you inside... how should I put it, drenched in blood is incredibly aesthetic."

At some point, more than ten girls had surrounded Jiangli. Each of them looked at him with adoration, throwing out looks that worshiped his existence.

"Image?" Jiangli remained unperturbed.

Compared to his past experiences, being surrounded by a mere ten girls was nothing remarkable.

"I've got a picture!"

The girls encircled him, and Kusakabe Kagami was inadvertently pushed forward.

Quickly switching into reporter mode, she took advantage of the situation and secured her spot next to Jiangli. She grasped his arm, drawing him closer to her.

(End of this chapter)