The two students, Serena and Ur, integrated into Fairy Academy's University Year 2 Class just like that.
Ur was beautiful and had a great personality; it took her only half a day to blend into the group and become fast friends with her classmates. As for Serena, things were a bit more... awkward.
While most of the Year 2 students were seventeen or eighteen and harbored a bit of their own "chuunibyo" spirit, none lived as vividly and uniquely—inside and out—as Serena. In fact, a few people initially tried to approach him, but within two sentences, they were defeated by his repetitive cries of "God." The aspiring conversationalists were so embarrassed they nearly cringed a second Fairy Academy into existence with their toes, leaving them no choice but to retreat.
Even after class, the topic of the two exchange students showed no signs of stopping.
Student A: "Those two new students are completely different from top to bottom!"
Student B: "Yeah, one is a total beauty—a gentle, intellectual 'big sister' type—and the other is like my little cousin who runs around the streets in crotchless pants yelling about ruling the magic world..."
Student A: "Really? Then you must be used to people like him! Great, the heavy responsibility of bonding with the new guy is on you. Don't lose face for Fairy Academy!"
Student B: "Eh?? Spare me! I really can't handle the way he talks!"
Just then, Student C cut into the conversation. "It can't be helped. To make the Royal Capital Academy feel our Fairy Academy hospitality, I'll just have to sacrifice myself and go bond with Miss Ur!"
Student D nearby sneered. "You're dreaming! You think a good thing like that would fall to you?"
Student C: "Why not? We're all in the same class, who's more noble than who?!"
Student D: "It's not about nobility, it's about speed. Someone already took a rose to go confess to Student Ur!"
"What?! Which bastard moved that fast?!" Student C turned pale with shock and sprinted toward the school store. Student D, stunned, shouted at C's retreating back: "Hey, where are you going?"
A faint voice drifted back through the air: "To buy a rose for the confession, obviously! If I'm late, they might be sold out!"
"...That idiot, acting before I even finished my sentence." Student D remained silent for a moment, then pulled a bright red rose from his pocket, gently smoothing the creases. He let out a smug grin. "The last rose was bought by me long ago. You're destined for a wasted trip! Hahaha, Miss Ur, here I come!!"
Descartes ignored his rowdy classmates. He slowly packed his things from the desk into his small backpack and rose to head to the library.
The three years of university at Fairy Academy operated on a Field Study System, or more specifically, a Credit System. To graduate, students needed to earn enough credits. There were two ways to do this: first, attending classes held by teachers and passing exams; second, performing various academy missions, which were similar to guild requests. Students chose freely between classes and missions; as long as they stayed for three years and fulfilled the credits, they could graduate.
Compared to going out on missions, Descartes preferred attending class. However, today he had only scheduled one lecture for himself; he planned to spend the rest of his time immersed in library research.
Just as he was about to leave the classroom, Serena suddenly jumped out, blocking his path.
Hm? Why is this new guy stopping me?
"Is something wrong? Do you need directions?"
The standoff between the two across the aisle quickly caught the attention of the other students.
Is there a show to watch? What just happened? Why is the exchange student blocking Descartes? Everyone stopped talking, eyes wide with curiosity.
Serena took a few steps that looked more like a dance to get next to Descartes. He tilted his upper body at a 75-degree angle, arms over his head, striking an "alluring" pose.
"I heard them all talking just now. You're the Top Wizard of Year 2, right?"
Descartes raised an eyebrow. "What if I am?"
Serena grinned. "Then let's set a time for a God~ duel!"
"Hiss—" × N
The sound of collective gasping filled the air. The new exchange student was challenging Descartes? This sudden news left everyone surprised and excited, their hearts screaming "Waku Waku."
"Heh..." A faint smirk played on Descartes' lips. "Knowing I'm the strongest in the academy and still daring to challenge me... should I admire your courage?"
Unexpectedly—
"NO NO NO~!!" Serena wagged a finger in front of his face. "It's not me challenging you! It is! I! God Serena! Giving you a God-tier opportunity to witness a true powerhouse!"
"Whoa—" × N
What an arrogant man! Low murmurs of shock rippled through the room.
Faced with such blatant provocation, Descartes remained calm, thinking to himself: No wonder my classmates said they couldn't stand his way of speaking. Between the jagged sentences, the half-baked English, and the sheer arrogance, it'd be a miracle if anyone wanted to be his friend.
Serena continued, "And don't think just because I'm a newcomer that you can deceive the God~ me! Before coming here, I did my research! Your God-strongest student at Fairy Academy seems to be that God-guy named Gildarts, right? You're just the runner-up!"
!!!
"What. Did. You. Say?!"
Descartes' eyes narrowed slightly, a wave of murderous intent rolling around him. "I can't just let that slide. Who told you Gildarts is the strongest student at Fairy Academy? The strongest student here... should be me!"
Wow! So intense!! the students screamed internally.
They had grown up together and knew the "grudge" between Descartes and Gildarts. Before the age of nine, Descartes had smooth sailing; even those much older weren't his match. Then Gildarts appeared and forcefully ended his perfect run. Since then, while they were great partners, they were also lifelong rivals. Descartes had a specific sore spot: he hated people telling him he was inferior to Gildarts.
"This new guy... stepped directly on Descartes' landmine!!"
The surrounding students swallowed hard. Every face was a mix of tension, excitement, and anticipation.
A conflict... no, a bloodbath was about to begin!