My friends at school?
No, no, I don't have any friends at all...
So, it must be a classmate who left a deep impression on me.
Mao Xiong's professional skills were top-notch, and he often struck seductive poses. I had to admit—it was impressive how he managed to pull off those poses while wearing such a heavy leather suit, especially under the scorching sun.
Since he had nothing better to do, James decided to stick around and watch the opening events. He also collected a bunch of free daily necessities by participating in small promotional activities.
Wangyue would be so happy to see her brother finally learning how to be frugal and take care of household affairs.
By the time everything wrapped up, it was already past three in the afternoon. Though the May sun wasn't as blazing as in July, the lingering spring humidity mixed with rising temperatures made the outdoors feel like a steamer.
The crowd, which had gathered for the festivities, gradually dispersed, and most people's shirts were soaked with sweat.
The majority of the residents in the new district were migrant workers trying to earn a living in the big city. Compared to the affluent families downtown, these people truly knew how to live wisely.
Big Bear pulled off his headgear and let out a long sigh. Clearly, he was overheating—even as a super-reserve soldier.
"Wisteria and Hikari?"
A boy with short, smooth purple hair and a delicate face turned around. He wasn't very tall, and his skin had a healthy yellow tone, likely from long hours spent under the sun.
When someone called out their names, Shido and Hikari froze in place. Mao Xiong scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"James-san, I'm so sorry—I thought you were gone."
"When I saw you earlier, I thought I was hallucinating. I didn't expect James-san to be so... uh, down-to-earth."
They looked like they had stumbled upon some shocking secret and weren't quite sure how to process it.
"No, I live nearby," James replied calmly.
Yabai... I shouldn't be hearing this. Can I leave now? A drop of sweat trickled down the sides of Shido and Hikari's faces.
The James in front of them was the center of the storm at First Junior High School. As civilian A-class students, it would do them no good to get too close to him.
James sifted through his memories. Of the few classmates he remembered, Shido and Hikari stood out.
They were civilian students ranked in the top 20 of Class A, and the only two civilians to achieve that.
Unlike others, Shido and Hikari didn't resent him or idolize him. They were neutral—neither critical nor overly admiring. That attitude left a lasting impression on James.
"Do you work here?" he asked.
"Yes, just temporarily," Shido answered. "The boss pays a really good hourly rate."
As they spoke about part-time work, Shido and Hikari became noticeably more relaxed. They even started excitedly telling James about the great working conditions at the store.
A few minutes later, Shido suddenly realized how much he'd said.
"I'm sorry, James-san. I got carried away..."
"No need to apologize. I'll come by often to shop here, so please take care of me," James replied with a soft smile.
After saying his goodbyes, James took his things and headed home.
Shido and Hikari let out a long breath as they watched him walk away.
The moment he took off the heavy bear costume, Shido started sweating again. Oddly, he hadn't felt hot at all during the conversation.
He paused for a moment.
James is much more powerful than I imagined. I really shouldn't get involved with someone like that…
---
"Auntie Tadai (I'm back)," James called out.
"Welcome back, Brother!" Wangyue responded cheerfully.
James removed his shoes and stepped into the house.
"Brother, did you buy all this?"
"Yes, it's a gift. There's a new convenience store near our place, and they're running a promotion," he said casually.
After listening to him, Wangyue clutched the shopping bag with teary eyes. She wiped the corners of her eyes, visibly moved.
"Brother... you've grown up..."
Eh? Isn't that a bit too dramatic?
"Brother, please take a rest first. I'll make dinner later. Today calls for a celebration!"
Determined to celebrate properly, Wangyue dashed off to prepare a feast.
James gently patted her head.
This was the warmth of their everyday life—the bond between siblings—and it was the very reason he kept pushing himself to become stronger.
---
"Brother, wake up! You have school today!"
Sister wake-up service activated!
It was Monday. James had to go to school with Mochizuki, which meant getting up early.
I'm already invincible, yet I still have to go to school… What a pitiful world.
After breakfast, Mochizuki tied up her long hair and changed into the standard First Junior High School uniform. It was white, with a water-emblem on the right chest representing the school, and flowing design accents along both sides.
She wore the uniform top and safety shorts, with a black miniskirt layered over them. Her slender legs were wrapped in black stockings, and she carried a handbag in her left hand.
The siblings left home and walked toward the tram stop.
"Hey, Mochizuki, if I want to carry a weapon in public, what do I need to do?"
For James, being without a sword didn't affect his speed, but it definitely limited his ability to counterattack. While his hand-to-hand combat was decent—thanks to the cheat-like transparent world—he was still no match for a true kendo master.
Ideally, he should study martial arts in the next world.
"Brother, are you planning to carry a sword around town? According to the regulations of the World Superhuman Association, once you reach first-level strength and are registered and backed up at a local branch, you're permitted to carry weapons in public spaces."
Mochizuki, a B-type student, studied far more academic content than A-type students. Whenever James had a question, he usually turned to his bright little sister for answers—even for things he technically already knew.
First-level strength, huh... I should pay a visit to the Superhuman Association headquarters soon.
They boarded the train at Point 1 of Zaotou Station. Unsurprisingly, James didn't see Shido and Hikari—they were probably boarding at Point 4 or 5.
Looking out the window, he watched as the buildings grew taller and denser. Eventually, the Tsutenkaku Tower came into view, revealing just a glimpse of the bustling metropolis.
About half an hour later, they reached Point 3: Ministry Station.
Unlike the modest Zaoqi Station, which was little more than a train stop with a few shelters, Ministry Station was a full-blown transit hub.
A shell-shaped glass ceiling arched above a vast, brightly lit space.
Escalators brought passengers from the tram stop to the spacious main hall.
So many people...
James noticed numerous boys and girls in the same school uniform, all heading in the same direction.
Following the route etched in his memory, he weaved through several intersections surrounded by towering buildings.
At the final turn, a massive stone gate came into view.
What a colossal gate!
Even James had to stop and marvel at it. The structure was 20 meters tall, with an entrance over 50 meters wide. The beam bore large engraved characters: "Tianshui County No. 1 Private Junior High School." Just reading the inscription left a strong impression.
He walked through the gate along with a crowd of students. Next to the entrance, a giant digital display scrolled rapidly through names.
> "Naoki Hara enters the school."
> "James enters the school."
> "Mochizuki enters the school."
Not bad. The school's technology is quite advanced.
Inside, a vast square greeted them. A large fountain sat in the center, and beyond it stood the shadowy silhouette of a gigantic gymnasium. Flanking the sides were towering academic buildings, with countless more structures hidden from sight.
This was the campus of the best junior high school in Tianshui County—grand, modern, and full of promise.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)