Chapter 76: Mine Riko

Zhang Fan didn't dwell much on the possibility of Ranhyou harboring resentment. He found her to be quite amiable, and upon waking, Ranhyou's eyes revealed admiration and perhaps something more, but definitely not spite or anger.

Of course, there was a tinge of irritation, as Zhang Fan had knocked her out without a trace of chivalry. In the heat of battle, however, such considerations are often a luxury.

Having aced the entrance exam and secured 2000 game points, Zhang Fan's high school life at Butei High began. The curriculum included regular high school classes in the morning and specialized detective training in the afternoon. In the morning sessions, students from all specialties mingled, indistinguishable from regular high schoolers.

"Hello everyone, my name is Zhang Fan, a graduate of Kanagawa Butei High Junior Division…" On the first day of school, during the routine self-introductions, Zhang Fan shared a brief background about himself. His arrival, having secured an S-grade evaluation in the entrance exam, garnered curious glances, a rarity in Butei High.

Despite his achievements, the glasses perched on Zhang Fan's nose didn't draw much attention from the girls, who were mostly swayed by appearances. It seemed only his prowess could pique their interest.

Among the students, however, there was an exception. After Zhang Fan's introduction, he felt a burning gaze upon him. It was Mine Riko.

"Hello everyone, my name is Mine Riko, but you can just call me Riko…" With her golden twin tails, a specially modified sailor suit with gothic lolita flair, and a petite, adorable figure, Riko stood out among the girls. It was this very Mine Riko who gazed at Zhang Fan with an unusual interest.

Riko's voice was endearingly cute, with a hint of seductive charm, belying her young age. Zhang Fan, familiar with the anime's plot, recognized her as the female protagonist, an innocent-looking girl with a heritage linked to the infamous Gentleman Thief Robin.

Robin, a fictional character in Maurice Leblanc's writings, was revered in the story as a debonair and brilliant thief who robbed the rich to aid the poor, earning admiration from countless young women.

In this world of "Hidan no Aria," however, Robin was a real figure. Unfortunately, Riko's family had declined, and after losing her parents, she was imprisoned until making a pact with the vampire Vlad…

Zhang Fan was determined to recruit Riko into his team, unconcerned about the vampire Vlad. Having known Vlad's weaknesses and true identity from the original story, he planned to free Riko by defeating Vlad.

However, before Zhang Fan could initiate contact, Riko approached him first, much to his surprise.

"Hello, Zhang Fan. Would you mind chatting with Riko?" Riko bounced over to Zhang Fan, curiously examining his face before inquiring.

"Of course, it's my honor to chat with a beautiful girl like you, Riko," Zhang Fan replied, puzzled yet unwilling to decline her approach. He thought of her as a younger sister, considering his actual age of twenty.

"Riko is so happy to be complimented by Zhang Fan! But please, call me Riko, not 'Mine student'; it feels so distant," Riko said, beaming with pride at being called beautiful.

"Then pardon my forwardness, Riko," Zhang Fan smiled. Getting along well with Riko could be advantageous, especially once the plot unfolded.

Zhang Fan had no intention of altering the storyline, relying on his knowledge as his greatest asset. Disrupting the plot without sufficient strength was not a risk he was willing to take.

"So, Riko, was the girl at the school gate the other day your girlfriend?" Riko suddenly changed the subject, referring to the incident at the school gate. Was she talking about Shirogane?

"You were there too?" Zhang Fan asked, not recalling her presence.

"Secret! But you looked so cool then, Zhang Fan. I was quite envious of that girl," Riko teased, referring to Shirogane.

The conversation continued, with Riko addressing Zhang Fan affectionately as "Xiaoya," a nickname that initially left him bewildered. Yet, he soon embraced it, finding it endearing coming from Riko.

Their easy rapport hinted at an interesting school life ahead for Zhang Fan, especially with Riko taking a keen interest in him. The future at Butei High, filled with potential allies and challenges, seemed promising.