Interesting...Very Interesting

3rd person POV

Still pondering his predicament, Yuta finally decided it might be worth trying to socialize with his classmates a little. Just as he turned his attention toward the black-haired girl seated nearby, the bell rang, signaling the start of homeroom.

The sudden, shrill sound was promptly followed by the arrival of a woman in her mid-thirties, who entered the room with an air of unwavering confidence. Her long, dark brown hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, with a sweeping fringe that framed her heart-shaped face, drawing attention to her sharp, chestnut-brown eyes. Her well-proportioned figure, evident even under her modest attire, commanded a subtle yet undeniable gaze from the students, Yuta included.

Yuta observed her for a moment, his mind drifting back to a thought that had crossed his mind numerous times since he entered the school. "Perhaps my theory that this school has a penchant for admitting an inordinate number of beautiful women isn't as far-fetched as I thought," he mused to himself.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to the fleeting murmur of admiration, introduced herself with a calm yet firm voice, "My name is Chabashira Sae, and I will be your homeroom teacher for the duration of your next three years here."

Following a brief pause, which allowed the weight of her words to settle among the students, she continued, her tone unchanged. "A unique aspect of our school is the absence of class changes. Once assigned, you will remain with your current peers for the entirety of your three-year tenure, so it would be prudent to become acquainted with one another. Additionally, you have been allocated into 'houses,' which will facilitate small-scale expeditions into low-ranked dungeons. Your class, alongside Class B, will form the House of Fire. Are there any questions regarding this arrangement?"

The classroom responded with an anticipatory silence, the only sound being the soft rustle of clothing as students adjusted their seating, their eyes fixed on their teacher with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

The lack of immediate responses seemed to meet Chabashira's expectations, prompting her to proceed. "Very well. To commemorate your acceptance into our institution, each of you has been awarded a stipend of 100,000 points. For your reference, the point system is directly tied to the yen, with one point equivalent to one yen. These points will be disbursed on a monthly basis."

The room's silence shattered as news of the stipend spread, igniting a tapestry of reactions. Laughter mingled with gasps of disbelief, while hushed conversations about potential expenditures and luxuries to be acquired thrummed through the air, charging the atmosphere with electricity.

Chabashira's voice, now laced with a sharp, authoritative edge, cut through the din, demanding silence. "Quiet, please! Now that we have your attention, are there any questions?"

Despite the commanding tone that temporarily dampened the excitement, most students remained engrossed in their thoughts of newfound wealth, with faint murmurs about shopping sprees and coveted luxury items still audible.

Undeterred, Chabashira pressed on, her voice reclaiming the classroom's focus. "Very well. Listen attentively, as this pertains to all of you. Based on exceptional performance during the entrance examination, five students within this class have been granted additional points. I will announce the recipients, along with the amounts awarded."

This revelation succeeded in captivating the room's undivided attention, quelling the chatter as all eyes turned toward the front.

"With the fifth position: Kushida Kikyo, you have been awarded an additional 5,000 points. Fourth position: Hirata Yosuke, your achievement earns you 10,000 extra points. Third position: Horikita Suzune, you have secured an additional 15,000 points. Second position: Koenji Rokusuke, your exceptional performance grants you 50,000 extra points. And at the first position: Kamado Yuta, you have received an additional 100,000 points."

Yuta's eyes flickered with mild amusement as whispers broke out across the room. 

A whispered remark escaping his lips, "Not a bad haul to start with - double the initial amount, straight to 200,000 points." His gaze, though momentarily introspective, remained alert, already turning towards the potential opportunities this newfound wealth could buy.

Chabashira's voice, crisp and authoritative, cut through the murmur of the room, commanding attention. "Now that the foundational elements have been addressed, please locate the folders and personalized phones within your desks. The comprehensive guides inside the folders outline our school's intricate systems and governing rules, ensuring a seamless integration into our unique environment. Your phones, on the other hand, serve multiple crucial functions: they grant access to your point balance, facilitate transactions across the campus, verify your identity, and display your current rankings in real-time. It's imperative to keep your phone on your person at all times, as it will be an indispensable tool during your tenure here." 

Her gaze swept across the room as if daring anyone to protest.

"Any questions?" she asked, though the edge in her voice made it clear she didn't expect any. Without waiting for a response, she glanced at her watch and continued. "We still have about thirty minutes before the director's message is broadcast. Why don't you use this time to introduce yourselves to one another? After all, you'll be spending the next three years together."

Yuta leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he scrutinized her.

"Something feels off about this woman," he mused. "No ordinary teacher would suggest something like this, especially one who looks like her. She's got an ulterior motive for sure."

Before Yuta could dwell further on his thoughts, a blonde-haired boy with striking brown eyes stood up. His presence immediately drew attention, his confident demeanor accentuating his good looks.

"Sensei is right. Since we're going to be classmates, it's important we get to know each other," the boy said with an easy smile.

Yuta tilted his head slightly, observing the boy.

"He's kind of handsome," he thought absently, already guessing this guy would be popular.

Another voice chimed in, this time belonging to a girl with short beige-colored hair that faded into a gradient of crimson at the tips. Her large, striking eyes and well-proportioned figure made her stand out even among a group of students who all seemed unnaturally attractive.

"He's right. We'll be spending a lot of time together, so introductions are a good idea," she said, her warm smile adding to her charm.

Yuta couldn't help but stare for a moment before summing her up.

"She's hot. That's all there is to say about her."

The girl stepped forward with a bubbly energy that instantly captivated the room.

"My name is Kushida Kikyo," she began, her voice cheerful and inviting. "I want to become friends with all of you and have lots of fun together. Please feel free to invite me out anytime! My dream is to become a great mage, so I hope we can all support each other. Let's have an amazing three years!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the class erupted in applause. Most of the boys in the room were visibly enchanted, with some cheering loudly and others blushing furiously. A few were clearly overwhelmed, unable to keep their eyes off her.

Yuta, however, had his own commentary running in his mind.

"System, you there?"

[Yes, Host.]

"Was Kushida's introduction always this short in the original?"

[Uncertain, Host.]

"What do you mean 'uncertain'? You're supposed to know these things."

[Why are you asking, Host?]

"Because every time she talked, her boobs were jiggling, and I wanted more of that."

[Her brevity likely stems from the time constraints. The class only has thirty minutes for introductions before the director's speech.]

"Screw the director."

Meanwhile, the class was still buzzing with energy. The applause for Kushida seemed endless, with some boys barely able to contain their excitement.

The next to stand was the blonde boy who had spoken earlier. He gave a polite bow before addressing the class with a friendly smile.

"Thank you, Kushida-san. I'll go next. My name is Hirata Yosuke. I love playing football and hope to make new friends here. Like Kushida-san, I want to become a great sorcerer someday. Please take care of me."

His polished introduction earned an equally enthusiastic response. The girls in the class gazed at him with admiration, their eyes practically sparkling, while the boys eyed him with barely concealed irritation.

First-Person POV

"M-my name is... Inogashira Ko-Ko..."

She stuttered through her introduction, clearly frozen under the pressure. Inogashira... I noted her last name, but it didn't seem like she had prepared for this moment at all.

"Do your best!"

"Don't panic! It's okay!"

The supportive words flowed from our classmates, but the girl remained paralyzed, her voice caught in her throat. Five seconds ticked by, then ten, thick with silence. A few girls giggled awkwardly, while Chabashira's expression was a mixture of boredom and irritation, her eyes deadened by the repetitive introductions. 

"It's okay to go slowly. Don't rush," Kushida chimed in softly.

While it sounded encouraging, phrases like "Do your best!" and "It's okay!" can feel suffocating to someone anxious, as if they're expected to meet the classroom's unspoken standards. In contrast, saying, "Just take your time. There's no hurry," grants the person the freedom to proceed at their own pace.

Slowly, I saw 'Ko-Ko' calm herself, her posture straightening. After a few deep breaths, she tried again.

"My name is Inogashira... Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing. I'm pretty good at knitting. I-It's nice to meet you all."

Relief washed over her as she finished, and a shy smile broke through her embarrassment. The atmosphere lightened as the next student stepped up.

"I'm Yamauchi Haruki. I'm a ranked B mage. During my middle school days, I was ranked number one in my school, but I got injured and lost my rank and am currently in rehab. Nice to meet you all."

I could see through his facade instantly—another kid trying to inflate his own image with lies. Great, we already had a fabricator among us. 

As Hirata encouraged the next student to introduce themselves, a fiery-haired boy shot him a glare, radiating delinquent energy. I figured he was itching to rage but held back, likely aware that Chabashira was watching.

"I'm Sudo Ken," he stated flatly.

"Next up?" A dull-looking boy with brown hair and bangs piped up, eyes wide with eagerness.

"Yes," Hirata confirmed.

"Okay, I'm Ike Kanji! I love girls, and I hate pretty boys. I'm currently on the lookout for a new girlfriend! Nice to meet you all! The cuter, the better!"

His words came off as crass, and I couldn't shake the impression he was a total pervert. It didn't help that he looked completely clueless. The girls reacted with visible disgust.

"Wow. You are so cool, Ike-kun," one girl said in a completely flat tone. Her sarcasm was painfully obvious.

"Seriously? Oh, man. I thought I wasn't bad or anything, but... heh heh."

Ike took her words at face value, blushing like a fool. The collective laughter from the girls was instant.

"Oh wow, he's cute, huh? He's looking for a girlfriend!"

Ike rolled with the teasing, seemingly unbothered. At least he didn't seem like a bad guy—more of an easy target for some light bullying when boredom struck.

After Ike, about thirty more students introduced themselves. Finally, only four of us remained: me, Ayanokoji, a boy with shoulder-length blonde hair, and the black-haired girl next to me. I figured the order would be the blonde, then Ayanokoji, then the girl, and finally me.

The blonde boy was inspecting his bangs in a mirror, preening himself before the class.

"Excuse me, can you introduce yourself?" Hirata asked, clearly trying to keep the introductions flowing.

"Hmph. Fine," he replied with a haughty air.

"My name is Koenji Rokusuke. As the sole male heir to the Koenji organization, I will soon be tasked with carrying Japan into the future. I sincerely look forward to making your acquaintance, ladies."

His introduction seemed designed solely for the attention of the girls, who either looked starry-eyed or utterly disgusted.

"Starting today, I will mercilessly punish anyone who makes me uncomfortable. Please exercise proper precaution to avoid that." Koenji continued, completely unbothered.

"Um, Koenji-kun, what do you mean by 'punish'?" Hirata asked, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

"I mean exactly what I said. If I see something ugly, I'll act accordingly," he stated, flipping his long bangs as if that solidified his point.

I wondered what Chabashira thought of this. A student just threatened the entire class, and her expression was as apathetic as ever, as if she was saying, "Meh, I'll allow it."

"Okay then, next person. Can you please introduce yourself?"

"Huh?" Ayanokoji seemed caught off guard, lost in thought.

I could relate. I'd nearly zoned out myself a few times. The memes about Ayanokoji being similar to me were beginning to feel eerily accurate, it quite scary really. 

The chair creaked as Ayanokoji stood, and an awkward silence filled the room.

"Um. Well, my name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. I don't really have any special skills or anything. I'll do my best to get along with all of you. It's, uh, nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, Ayanokoji-kun. I hope we can become friends! Let's both do our best, okay?" Hirata replied, flashing a warm smile.

The class clapped, but it felt less like genuine enthusiasm and more like pity.

"Next up is..."

The black-haired girl stood, her demeanor icy.

"My name is Horikita Suzune."

"I hope we can become friends, Horikita-san." Seriously, what was with Hirata wanting to befriend everyone? He and Kushida were a bit too eager for my taste.

Horikita didn't respond, returning to her book as if the rest of us didn't exist.

"Well, finally you are the last one," Hirata said, turning to me.

"Can you please introduce yourself to the class?"

Should I even stand up? My feet were resting comfortably on the table, and boredom had kicked in after what felt like an eternity of non-stop talking. I had started playing games on my phone to pass the time.

"The name is Kamado Yuta." I leaned back, giving a lazy introduction.

Chatter erupted in the classroom, surprised murmurs filling the air as they noted I was the top-ranked student lounging like a delinquent in front of the teacher.

DING DING DING

Damn, it had actually taken thirty minutes!!

"Everybody please go to the auditorium for the school director speech." Chabashira spoke. 

We all left for the entrance ceremony and some were still having small conversation on the way.

***

It would be a lie if I say the ceremony wasn't boring as hell. The student council president speech nearly made everyone fall asleep and now it was time for the old man. I am glad I am at the end of the class line just next to Kushida. 

Nobody was listening to what the old man was saying. Ignore the old man, nobody even cared about listening the student council so why bother coming on the stage. I wonder how it feels like if you're a leader or even a politician and everybody just fucking ignores you while you are campaigning or doing a speech. 

"Hey, Kushida, right?" I turned to the girl standing beside me.

She hesitated for a brief moment before responding, "Uh, yes... you're Kamado-kun." Her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Oh, call me Yuta," I suggested, attempting to put her at ease. "We're classmates now, after all."

Kushida's expression turned thoughtful, and she replied, "We've just met, I don't think it's proper to address you by your first name so soon." Her cheeks flushed slightly, revealing a touch of old-fashioned charm.

I chuckled, recalling my past lives. "Trust me, it's fine. Back in... a different time, everyone called each other by their first names without a second thought. It's no big deal, really."

Kushida's gaze met mine, searching for confirmation. "Are you sure you're okay with that?"

I reassured her with a warm smile. "Yes, I'm positive."

Her face lit up, and she mirrored my smile. "Well, if that's the case, I hope you'll call me by my first name too – Kikyo."

"Already on it, Kikyo," I said with a grin. "So, Kikyo, are you following the director's speech?"

She shook her head, her eyes drifting downward as if lost in thought. "Honestly, it's a bit dull. How about you, Yuta-kun?"

I shared her sentiment, and we exchanged a knowing glance. "Same here."

The silence that followed was brief, with Kikyo breaking it after a moment of contemplation. 

"Yuta-kun, may I ask... would you like to exchange numbers with me?" Her question caught me off guard, and I wondered if my unintentional charm had somehow preceded me – but I hadn't even turned it on this time.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Uh, sure... if you're comfortable with it, that is."

Kikyo's face lit up once more. "I'd like that. As I mentioned earlier, I want to befriend everyone, and why not start here, right?"

I nodded, and we exchanged numbers. As our phones synced, a system notification popped up:

**[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully befriended Kushida Kikyo.]**

I couldn't help but think, does this really what constitutes befriending someone?

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the ceremony drew to a close. As the crowd dispersed, I noticed that many of my fellow students were eager to capitalize on their newfound connections, heading out in groups to explore their new surroundings. Others, however, opted for a more low-key approach, retreating to the solitude of their rooms. I fell into the latter category.

Before surrendering to the comfort of my own space, I decided to make a quick detour to the convenience store to stock up on a few essentials. With my purchases in hand, I made my way to my assigned room, whose unassuming door bore the number 420.

As I stepped inside, a solitary remark escaped my lips, a habit I'd yet to shake, "It's a bit cozy in here," I said aloud, the echo a reminder that I was indeed alone. 

I settled onto the bed, feeling the softness envelop me as I let out a relaxed sigh.

"Hey, System," I called out, breaking the silence.

[Yes, Host]

"Can I browse the store?"

[Affirmative]

"What catches my eye?"

[Available item: Elixir of Attraction - Enhances the object of desire's lust towards the Host]

"Intriguing. How does it work?"

[Increases the target's libidinous feelings towards you, Host. Note: Effective only on individuals with a pre-existing interest]

"Convenient, to say the least. That simplifies things."

[Would you like to purchase, Host?]

"Buy me a bulk order, please."

[Transaction complete: 36 units of Elixir of Attraction acquired]

"Now, how do I... administer it?"

[Select a target from the provided list and initiate the effect]

"Alright, show me the entire list of potential... acquaintances, along with their, ah, accessibility."

[Access granted, but please note: This will incur a 20,000-point fee from your school account]

"20,000 points, you say?"

[Your school's point system, used for various transactions and services]

"Before I commit, can you explain the school point system?"

[Available for purchase: Comprehensive Guide to School Points - 50,000 points]

"I'll take both, but confirm: Are these purchases permanent and accessible at all times?"

[Affirmative, Host. Once acquired, the information and items are yours to access freely]

"Very well, proceed."

As the list materialized before me, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The array of names was more extensive than expected.

"System, you mentioned the elixir requires a foundation of mutual interest. Why the numerous options, then?"

[All listed individuals have demonstrated a slight, latent interest in you, Host]

Perplexed, I hesitated before responding, "Use five elixirs on each of Sakura Airi, Matsushita Chiaki, Horikita Suzune, Karuizawa Kei, Chabashira Sae, Sato Maya, and Kushida Kikyo."

[Processed, Host. 1 Elixir of Attraction remaining]

"Allocate the last one to Sakura Airi."

[Done]

"Now, about that school point system guide..."

A sleek, A4-sized document manifested before me. As I perused its contents, a sly grin spread across my face, inspired by the potential opportunities and strategic leverage this information afforded me. I envisioned selling this intel to my fellow first-year students, subtly manipulating the social hierarchy, and catching the eye of Chabashira Sae while undermining Horikita Suzune's standing.

***

Night had fallen, casting a warm orange glow over my newly organized quarters. I sat at the table, surrounded by the comforting silence, when the System's voice pierced the stillness.

[Host, Chabashira Sae was contemplating your usefulness to her earlier]

Just then, my phone buzzed with an incoming message: 'School Announcement - Magic Practice scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 AM'. I acknowledged it with a nonchalant "Got it."

[Karuizawa Kei was pondering whether you could offer her assistance and protection]

The notion of protection sparked a flicker of curiosity within me. This was indeed an unexpected development.

[Horikita Suzune considered you a potential acquaintance and magic practice partner]

An alliance rooted in mutual magical interests? The plot thickened.

"System, why are all these thoughts converging at once?" I asked, intrigued.

[These are cumulative thoughts from the past three hours, Host]

"Why the delayed update?"

[You had previously requested minimal disturbances]

I chuckled, recalling my earlier directive. "My mistake. I forgot about that."

[Sato Maya and Matsushita Chiaki also thought about you, voting for you in the 'Most Handsome Boy' poll for both the school and Class D]

[Kushida Kikyo pondered ways to get to know you better, revealing a glimpse of her genuine nature]

The pieces began to fall into place. Her enigmatic persona, now tinged with a hint of vulnerability, piqued my interest.

~An hour later~

[Host, Sakura Airi is currently thinking about you]

My eyes narrowed, anticipating the System's next revelation.

[She is engaged in self-pleasure, fantasizing about you in the shower]

My eyebrows shot up, surprise mingling with amusement. "Well, that's... enlightening."

[Sakura Airi frequently uses masturbation as a relaxation technique, with a rich fantasy life]

A wry smile spread across my face as I connected the dots. The quiet, reserved types often hid the most intriguing secrets. My mind wandered back to Hinata, and now, Sakura Airi's unexpected revelation had secured her place at the top of my list.

"Show me," I requested, curiosity getting the better of me.

[A visual feed appeared before you, Host]

The screen flickered to life, casting an intimate, golden light on the scene unfolding before me. My gaze was transfixed, the boundaries between observer and observed blurring ever so slightly.