13 - Under the Impression of Hoshimi Akari (2)

Akari Hoshimi's POV.

.

.

.

It was fortuitous that I met such wonderful friends as Renji, Aoki, and Sasaki right after entering the Adventurer's School.

On my first day, I struck up a conversation with Renji about becoming an adventurer. This led to an impromptu dungeon dive, making for a very productive Saturday and Sunday.

How should I become stronger and conquer dungeons? How should I improve my grades and aim for Class A? These were all challenges I faced. It was a blessing to have a friend with whom I could seriously discuss these issues and encourage each other.

Renji is courageous, ambitious, and a bundle of talent. Although he admitted to not knowing much about swordsmanship despite working out, the way he defeated goblins with such ferocity was magnificent and dignified. It was inspiring to see him stand firm against the D-class rogues. As a maiden, I couldn't help but be impressed by such a sight.

At first glance, Aoki seems like the picture of serenity, but he is attentive and a true gentleman, which has greatly improved my opinion of him. I also discovered that he possesses a broad and deep knowledge of magic. Since I only know about swords, I'm not familiar with magic. In the future, I might have to work with a sorcerer to become a top-notch adventurer. In that case, the experience of fighting alongside Aoki and the knowledge I can learn from him will be invaluable.

With all due respect to Sasaki, I initially didn't expect much from her in the dungeons due to her fluffy appearance and gentle personality. However, in melee combat, she demonstrated a high level of athleticism that belied her novice status. She also skillfully used recovery magic and maintained a wide field of vision. Her talent is simply astounding. I think she may even have more potential than Renji.

Compared to such a talented group, I don't have much to offer aside from the kendo I've practiced since childhood. Even so, being able to discuss and contribute to the field of swordsmanship with everyone gave me an unparalleled sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It made me feel like even I could be useful.

However, if I continue like this, I won't be able to keep up with those who are brimming with talent. I need to work harder than ever to maintain a relationship with them where we can trust each other implicitly. I want to be someone they can rely on in battle.

Today's orientation was just a brief trip down the main street to the second floor. There was no real fighting, and we had already been down this road. There was nothing new or challenging about it.

"The monsters on the first floor are weak. I'd rather go to the third floor anyway," Renji said, sounding a bit bored. It's true that we've already gained some experience, and this place doesn't challenge us enough. I'm sure the four of us could handle even the second floor.

"But we're splitting up after this," Aoki said. "So, why don't the four of us go hunting again afterwards?"

"I was thinking the same thing. How about you, Akari?" Renji asked, turning to me.

"Of course, I'd like to. I've rented a good weapon and brought it with me. I'd love to join you," I replied with a smile. We chuckled as we walked through the dungeon, step by step, as if checking it out. Looking ahead to what's to come…

I noticed a well-dressed boy walking while doing tricks with his basketball bat. I felt a twinge in my stomach.

It was last night.

I had just come out of the bath and was about to do some prep work when the "stress" hit me.

Sasaki brought me the shocking news that Theo had been defeated by a slime and had to be carried away. It seems that it was written on the school's bulletin board and had become a rumor.

Speaking of slimes, once you're old enough to have your admission restrictions lifted, you can't possibly lose to one. It's the weakest monster that even a child can defeat. And yet, what a mess. It's just hideous.

The parents of the Garcia family were happy that Theo was safe, but they must have been heartbroken to see him in such a state. I felt a twinge of remorse, wondering if I should have trained him harder, but since he wasn't willing to do so, there was no point in saying anything.

I picked him up again this morning, but he didn't seem to care about what happened last night. He kept sighing absently, showing no sign of ambition. Shouldn't a student at an adventurer's academy be more concerned about being defeated by a slime?

But there are things that bother me as well.

Theo, who had been so obsessed with me, has been quiet since the entrance ceremony, barely bothering me. Normally, he would call me pointlessly, come over unexpectedly, or force me to go on a date with him. I talked to him a little bit during Saturday morning practice, but he didn't look at me in a lecherous way or interrupt my dungeon dives with the youma.

Even today, when he asked me to form a party, I was sure he was going to ask me out, but he never said a word to me.

Is it possible that he is no longer interested in me?

No, if that's the case, he should return the marriage «Contract Scroll». As long as he has it in his possession, I am greatly vulnerable and cannot defy him. If he doesn't return it, it means he still has some attachment to me.

In addition, there is no reason why Theo, who hated hard work so much and never grew, would change so suddenly. In fact, right in front of me, he's stretching the bottom of his nose and looking flattered. This is a dungeon, and we're in the middle of orientation, but he thinks it's date time. It's really pathetic.

The girls on either side of him are Kana Matsuri and Su Luo, I think... I'm sure they couldn't help but notice that Theo was being shunned by his classmates, so they teamed up with him out of pity. They don't know what he's really like. Should I warn them not to become victims of sexual harassment even after this?

Huh. I can't stop sighing just thinking about him.

I want to work hard to become a top-notch adventurer, and I also want to be able to fall in love freely. I don't want to waste time on Theo. I need to find the location of the marriage «Contract Scroll» that binds me as soon as possible and stop worrying about the future.

So far, I haven't been able to find any clues. Maybe it's because I dislike Theo so much that I've been too distant from him. Perhaps I should be patient and try to get on his good side, but I can't stand the way he looks at me...

The best approach might be to become friends with his sister, Sophia, and visit the Garcias' house without hesitation. However, lately, Sophia hasn't been responding well to me and might even dislike me. She adores her brother, Theo, so she may have sensed my disdain for him.

This is precisely the challenge I need to overcome in the future.