After filling his plate, Saiki Kusuo found an empty seat in a corner. Though the setup was simple, it was one of the few moments he could enjoy some personal freedom, so he cherished it.
But just as he sat down, Karuizawa Kei slid into the seat across from him.
"Hey, Kusuo! I've been waiting for you!" she said with a bright smile.
"Waiting for me? How did you find me?" Kusuo asked, slightly puzzled.
"I figured you'd pick a spot with fewer people, so it didn't take long to spot you!" Kei replied, still smiling.
"I see." Kusuo nodded thoughtfully.
"Wow, you got so much food!" Kei noticed the piled-up dishes on Kusuo's plate, surprised. Given his build, he didn't seem like someone with such a big appetite.
"The auntie served me too much," Kusuo replied flatly, a hint of resignation in his voice.
"Really…? That's way too much. How's the boys' dorm?"
"Everything's fine," Kusuo answered. Using his telepathy, he sensed that things were going smoothly for Kei as well.
Just then, another figure approached their table, looking nervous. In a barely audible voice, they asked, "Is… is anyone here? Can I sit here…?"
It was Sakura Airi. Though she asked, Kusuo could feel her longing gaze.
"Sure," he nodded.
Looks like his rare moment of peace was over.
---
That night, Kusuo returned to the dorm. After a brief chat, everyone went to bed. To be safe, he didn't use teleportation to go home but stayed in the school building overnight.
The next morning at 6 a.m., cheerful music played over the intercom, waking everyone up. It was the school's daily wake-up call.
"Ugh, so loud!" Ishizaki Daichi grumbled as he got up.
The others woke up, looking tired. Though there hadn't been any special activities the day before, the long journey had left them exhausted.
"Guess this is our wake-up time from now on," Hashimoto Masayoshi sighed. Early mornings were a struggle for anyone.
"Better get up quickly. We might lose points if we're late," Sudo Ken reminded, already getting dressed.
"Hey, Kōenji's not here," Tokito Hiroya noticed Kōenji Rokusuke's empty bed.
"Good morning, everyone! Were you looking for me?" A tall figure appeared at the door, Kōenji's forehead glistening with sweat, a cheerful smile on his face.
"He wasn't in the bathroom," Sudo muttered, narrowing his eyes.
"Haha, I woke up feeling great, so I went for an early workout," Kōenji explained.
Kusuo knew Kōenji was telling the truth. Using his telepathy, he'd sensed Kōenji leaving the room to exercise around 5 a.m.
"You might tire yourself out before the tasks," Sudo frowned.
*What a weird guy…* Kusuo thought.
"My stamina's way above average, so no worries," Kōenji dismissed Sudo's concern.
*My body's so perfect…* was all he could think.
Sudo looked at Kusuo, as if expecting him to say something.
*As the leader, you should talk to Kōenji, right?* Sudo seemed to imply.
*Sorry, I have no intention of doing that,* Kusuo thought. He knew Kōenji too well; it would be pointless. Besides, he didn't want to cause more trouble.
"Let's get ready and go," Kusuo said.
---
After a quick wash-up, Kusuo and his group headed to a classroom, joining other students from different grades.
Around forty students gathered. The first-years greeted the second and third-years.
Soon, a teacher arrived.
"I'm the homeroom teacher for Class 3-A. After attendance, you first-years will clean the assigned outdoor area, then the school building—this is your daily morning task. If it rains, skip the outdoor cleaning, but double the time for the school building. Total cleaning time won't change. From today, not just school teachers, but task supervisors will also be here. Mind your manners."
After the brief explanation, Kusuo's group headed to their cleaning area.
*This place looked clean earlier. Are students supposed to clean it every semester? The tasks are just an excuse?* Kusuo thought.
They entered a dojo, which would also be used for their "meditation task."
Since the school was in the mountains, dust accumulated quickly with ventilation.
"Kusuo… what should we do?" Ishizaki and Yamada Albert asked quietly.
*Don't talk to me like that…* Kusuo glanced at Hashimoto, who was distracted.
*If Hashimoto notices, Class A might cause trouble. Better not risk it.*
"Do whatever you want," Kusuo replied dismissively, quickly sending them away. He grabbed cleaning tools and headed to an empty corner.
After ensuring no one was watching, he used his powers to sweep away the dust in his area. It was one of the few perks of his abilities.
After cleaning, they followed a new teacher for meditation training.
By the time the session ended, it was past 7 a.m., time for breakfast.
The teacher led them to a different dining hall, connected to several kitchens. Kusuo knew what this meant.
"Today's breakfast is provided, but from tomorrow, on sunny days, you'll prepare it in your groups. Discuss how to divide tasks. On rainy days, the school will provide it."
The teacher briefly explained cooking procedures.
Kusuo was initially interested in cooking:
*Maybe we can make cake or pudding for breakfast…*
"The menu's fixed daily, with set ingredients and recipes. Usually three dishes and soup," the teacher added.
Kusuo's interest vanished instantly. Fixed menus meant no creativity.
The equipment also couldn't make the desserts he wanted.
In that moment, Kusuo felt a slight aversion to cooking breakfast.
*Cooking? I have no clue,* Ayanokōji Kiyotaka thought, examining the kitchen tools.
*Surprising that Ayanokōji knows everything except cooking. A complete blank,* Kusuo thought.
After the explanation, Kusuo sat down with the others for their last school-prepared breakfast.
"To be fair, let's rotate breakfast duties by grade. How about starting with first-years?" a third-year suggested, glancing at Horikita Manabu for approval.
"No objections here. First-years, it is," Hōsen Kazuomi agreed, smiling at Horikita, then turning to Kusuo's group.
"Any objections, first-years?"
"None," Kusuo shook his head. Though he didn't want to participate, it was only fair with three grades.
"Preparing breakfast for the whole group will take time. We'll need to wake up earlier. How much earlier?" Hashimoto asked.
"At least two hours, I think. Otherwise, we might not finish on time," Sudo said seriously.
"Two hours!? I don't want to wake up that early!" Ishizaki protested. Everyone looked at him.
"You do it. I won't…" Ishizaki trailed off, meeting Kusuo's blank expression.
*Kusuo's face… so scary… Did I say something wrong!?* Ishizaki panicked.
Since that night, Kusuo's every expression seemed terrifying to Ishizaki.
"I… I'll do it. Whatever you decide. I'll cooperate," Ishizaki quickly said, lowering his head and focusing on his food.
*Why did Ishizaki change his attitude again? Like yesterday… He seems scared. Why?* Hashimoto wondered, eyeing Ishizaki thoughtfully.
*This is going to be troublesome…* Kusuo sighed internally.
---
After breakfast, their first full day of classes began.
Basic lessons were followed by P.E., Kusuo's least favorite.
The P.E. teacher had them warm up, then announced a 3.5 km run.
*What's a 3.5 km run for a high schooler?* Kusuo wondered, looking around. No one seemed to know, just thinking it was long.
*Better stay in the middle of the pack…*
"Horikita, want to race?" Hōsen challenged, grinning at Horikita, then at Kusuo.
"This is just a regular P.E. class, not an exam. No need to go all out. If you try too hard, you'll disrupt the group. First-years might not keep up. Save it for the final exam," Horikita replied flatly.
*Thank goodness,* Kusuo thought, relieved to avoid the unnecessary competition.
"Guess you're right, Horikita. Looking forward to the race in six days, though. Can't wait to see your face then," Hōsen said, smiling.