The Red Prison!

Perched atop a rocky hill, the Crimson Demon Academy or also known as the Red Prison, towered above the other buildings in the village with its grand size. Its red-brown roof and white walls matched the style of the surrounding buildings, and as enclosed by a distinctive gold-black fence.

The academy's first floor contained the student cafeteria and bathrooms, while the second floor was home to the classrooms where students received their education.

As we arrived a little bit early in the morning, few people could be seen. I could only spot a few kids here and there.

Yunyun remained slightly upset after Megumin took half of her croissant, while I stood there excited, though not as much as Megumin.

When I glanced to my right, I saw her clenching her fist, a flash of red light escaping from her eyes—a trait that appears when a Crimson Demon becomes excited. It was obvious what she was thinking: "I can finally wield the power of explosion magic."

Ever since we met that big titty onee-san who came to save us after the little shit, Megumin, broke the seal of the Tomb of the Dark God and unleashed the being sealed within, she became obsessed with explosion magic.

At first, Megumin had been open about it and the three of us had even learn the knowledge to use explosion magic from the big titty onee-san before she left.

But when Megumin told the adults of her dream of learning explosion magic, she stopped talking about explosions all together.

This was because explosion magic considered useless by most mages in the world.

Of course, considering her personality, I knew she wouldn't listen and I couldn't really blame her. If someone told me that I was fated to be single in this life, I'd rather tear my ears off from my head than listen to them.

So deep within Megumin's heart, I knew there burned an unyielding passion to master explosion magic. That's why Yunyun and I played dumb all this time—we wanted her to open up to me when she felt ready.

However, Megumin wasn't exactly the best at hiding it.

"I can finally learn explosion…"

"Learn what?"

"Nothing, Hyutaro! I was just excited, that's all. C'mon, let's go," she replied, brushing off my question.

With a resigned sigh, I followed Megumin's lead, with Yunyun trailing behind us. As we entered the building, I couldn't help but be taken aback by its splendor.

Well, I should've guessed this much, considering the school academy had the fanciest building in the village.

The floor was fancy, all gray hexagons, and the walls were too white, like they were trying too hard. And those windows? Just made it seem like they were showing off.

After a bit more wandering, we made our way to the auditorium for the school entrance ceremony.

Upon arrival, I noticed something peculiar. Why was I the only boy here? Besides the headmaster, who resembled a budget hippy version of Dumbledore, and the two teachers flanking him, I was the only boy among the new students.

I was troubled by this, especially considering that the school typically segregated boys and girls into different classes.

Maybe we arrived too early? That's got to be it.

However, as time passed and more of the new students arrived, I couldn't help but notice that each of them was a girl. I mean, I know our village doesn't have many people, but I couldn't be the only boy enrolling in the academy this year.

Surely, there will be more coming, right? Perhaps it's because, on average, boys tend to be more tardy than girls. They could just be running late... or not.

As soon as I thought of this, the headmaster, who had been waiting on stage for students' arrival, spoke up, "All right, since everyone is here, I'd like to congratulate you all on your enrollment! And welcome to the temple of Crimson Demon learning and the greatest magic academy in the world! The Red Prison!"

No way this is happening! Wait, now that I think about it, I've only seen girls my age around the village here and there.

Talked to a few of them as well. But, I haven't really encountered any boys my age after all these years.

AH shit.

"For the next few years, you will embark on a journey of discovery and mastery of magic unlike any other. Here at the Red Prison, we pride ourselves on nurturing the talents of our students and guiding them towards greatness...."

I wanted to raise my hand and ask a question, but seeing how enthusiastic the headmaster was with his opening ceremony speech, I held myself back. Not only was it very rude, but I didn't want to ruin his flow and get into his bad side.

"....May your journey down the paths of sorcery and magic be bathed in the crimson light!"

Alright, sounds like he's finally finished.. nope, he's still going!

"I will now recite from the scripture of the second book, so that our new students may the opportunity to absorb, in great detail, the— Hey! It was just about to get good!" The headmaster was pulled away by one of the teachers. "At least let me get to the third book of the saga!"

Ignoring the headmaster's pleas, a teacher with some kind of plant toothpick in his mouth stepped forward and announced, "Uh, this hereby concludes this year's ceremony!"

"Come on, please. You didn't mind last year!?"

And with those final words, the headmaster finally left the stage. Thank Goddess Eris…. At the same time, I quickly raised my hand.

"Excuse me, sir!" I said, raising my voice a little to catch the teacher's attention.

"Yes?"

"Oh, that's right. Hyutaro, was it?"

I nodded in response.

"Unfortunately, this year there aren't any other boys your age. After discussing with your parents and the headmaster, we agreed that it would be best for you to join the girls' class."

Of course they didn't even bother to inform me.

"But sir, wouldn't me being in the girls' class make them uncomfortable?" I asked as I turned towards the other girls in the room to gauge their reaction, but contrary to my expectations, none seemed opposed to the idea.

Some of them even looked excited, especially Yunyun.

"Yay! I get to be in the same class as Hyutaro!" she exclaimed excitedly, but upon realizing that she had said it out loud enough for everyone to hear, her face turned beet red.

"Are they dating?"

"I always see them together! And Megumin too!"

"Interesting, I'd never imagined encountering a harem-like situation similar to those in the novels I've read," commented a girl with an eyepatch over her left eye.

"It's not like that!" Megumin protested meanwhile Yunyun's face turned redder.

"Ahem!" the teacher cleared his throat loudly, attracting everyone's attention back to him. "Well, as you can see, Hyutaro, none of them seem to have any problems."

"That's not the poi—"

"Anyway! Follow me to your first class!"