Yuuji wasn't sure which part freaked him out more — waking up in a fantasy world, or realizing it was the fantasy world from a romance game he beat five times on hard mode.
He now stood in front of a glossy mahogany door marked "Class 3-A – Imperial Arcana Academy," trying not to sweat through his uniform.
[SYSTEM INITIALIZING…]
Welcome, Player.
World: Academy of Arcana: Imperial Edition
Role Assigned: NPC – Private Tutor
Tip: NPCs usually die by Chapter 5. Don't.
"Cool, cool, love that," Yuuji muttered, breathing deep. "Just gotta lay low. Hide my game knowledge. No route triggers. Easy."
He opened the door.
Thirty students turned to stare at him — noble heirs, prodigies, people destined to either fall in love or start wars depending on the player's choices.
Among them, seated near the window like all brooding characters do, was Elira Vortemer. White hair, red eyes, perfect posture. The villainess of the game. The final obstacle before the true ending.
And she was already glaring at him.
Yuuji's eyes swept the classroom. He almost choked.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]:
Notable Characters Nearby:
Leonhart Sylven – Knight Route
Ciel Albrecht – Prince Route
Roux Elvaniel – Trickster Route
Aisha Vernette – Healer (Yandere Potential)
Riven Caelthorn – Rival Swordsman Route
Route Flags Dormant
"Why are all the love interests in one class? That's statistically illegal."
Someone next to him raised a brow. "Are you speaking... to yourself?"
"Academy nerves!" Yuuji lied instantly. "I do that when I'm overwhelmed by how many attractive people are in a room."
Welcome to Class 3-A
Professor Killian — tall, intense, very likely to assign detentions for breathing too loudly — stepped in.
"I'll keep this brief," he said. "We have a new transfer. Yuuji, from the Eastern provinces."
Yuuji gave a polite half-bow. "Pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to not dying."
A few snickers. Roux smirked and gave a slow clap. Elira didn't even blink.
"Take any open seat," Killian said.
There was only one: next to Elira.
Because of course.
Cold, Red, and Dangerous
"I-Is this seat taken?" he asked.
Silence. Elira turned her gaze on him slowly, like a predator checking if its meal was worth the calories.
"...You breathe too loud," she said.
"A-and you have lovely posture!" he blurted.
She blinked. "…What?"
He took that as permission to sit.
[SYSTEM TIP]: You are seated next to the Villainess.
Possible death flags triggered.
Charm skill: Barely Functional
Lesson One: Survive
Class went on. Magical diagrams. Theory. Nobles asking smug questions. Yuuji, meanwhile, pretended to take notes while sneakily opening his system UI beneath the desk.
[Quick Skill Recall Unlocked]:
"Spell Formation Basics I"
"Herbal Properties for Beginners"
"Common Duel Mistakes (and How to Die Quickly)"
So far, no fireballs.
As class ended, Yuuji sighed in relief. He stood to escape when—
"Yuuji. Stay behind."
He froze mid-step.
Killian gestured him to the desk. Elira lingered nearby, pretending not to listen.
"I've reviewed your record," Killian said. "You're undertrained, underqualified, and underwhelming."
"Thanks," Yuuji muttered.
"Which is why I'm assigning you to something simple."
Yuuji brightened. "Great! I love simple!"
"You'll be tutoring Lady Elira."
He blinked. "I lied. I hate simple."
Elira turned, one crimson brow twitching. "You're joking."
Killian sighed. "Your spell diagrams are inconsistent. He will assist. I don't care if you incinerate him later. You're dismissed."
[SYSTEM ALERT – QUEST ADDED]
Title: "Tutor the Villainess (Without Dying)"
Objective: Survive 1 session
Reward: Stat Boost / Character Relationship Unlocked
Failure: Possible Death / Public Humiliation
Later That Night…
Back in his dorm, Yuuji collapsed on his bed and let out a scream muffled by pillow.
"This game was never this hard when I was just clicking choices!"
He stared at the glowing system interface.
[Suggestion: Open "Survival Tips for NPCs"]
[Bonus Suggestion: Don't flirt with Elira unless your defense stat is at least 12]
"Too late," Yuuji groaned.