"A sweeping victory for the descendant of the Yuthnir family, ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator announced with enthusiasm.
"Of course. She's the Student Council President, so her win was guaranteed."
"I agree with you."
I listened to the boys sitting in front of me.
Turns out Klo's sister is the Student Council President. That explains her strength. She's among the academy's elite and intellectuals.
While I was amazed by her skills, the commentator's voice cut through my thoughts.
"Everyone, remain silent for a moment. The Student Council President would like to invite the boy wearing a mask, black suit, and crimson pendant to her office. Please proceed there, young man."
I sighed as I rose from my seat. I mean, I won't remain a side character in this story forever.
A boy and a girl approached me, wearing uniforms with inverted colors compared to the academy's attire, yet the emblem was still present.
"Greetings, young sir. The President asked us to escort you to her office," said the boy.
"So please follow us," the girl added.
I gestured with my hand to show agreement and followed them.
How amusing. A successful girl of rank and responsibility with a brother who's lazy and filled with dark, degrading thoughts.
...
As we walked through the academy's corridors—which were truly majestic, filled with ornate designs, hanging portraits, and massive sections with ancient chandeliers—we finally arrived at the Student Council room.
The girl pushed the door slowly open and bowed to let me enter.
I shivered before stepping in. Was that me...? No. It was Klo's body reacting. I suppose he fears his sister.
I waved in the air to thank her. After all, I was going to be a student here and needed to build connections.
Klo's sister was at her desk, playing with her hair, staring at me as she narrowed her eyes, as if we didn't share even a thread of blood.
"Leave us and close the door behind you," she ordered.
The boy and girl exited, closing the door.
She pointed her finger at me and tilted her head.
"Klo... remove that mask."
I took off my mask and stored it in the system bag.
"I see you've learned some magic, lazy brother."
"Of course, dear sister. I've repented for my past actions and want to change for the better."
Lies. All I want is to forge solid connections in this academy to weave control and mastery.
"Your eyes tell me otherwise."
She lunged from behind her desk, aiming a powerful punch at my face.
But I ducked, dodging the blow—one that could've easily been fatal.
She stopped and glanced at me with a half-serious look.
I didn't move, just continued scanning the room.
It felt like the kind of student council room you'd see in anime. Above her desk was a nameplate.
"Marcelia Yuthnir."
"Hey, Mari. Why do you treat your brother like this? It's been so long since we've been together. Ever since you decided to become the kingdom's strongest knight and mage... and that last slap you gave me when I tried to crush your dreams.
I'm sorry for all of that. I was a fool. A jerk who knew nothing."
Thank you, Klo, for leaving these memories engraved in your body.
Marcelia walked toward a pink couch, sat down, and grabbed one of the magazines beside her.
"I won't forgive you for everything you've said to me."
I approached her, begging for forgiveness.
"Please, your little brother came to apologize, and he even enrolled in this academy for your sake."
She stared at me with terrifying eyes, and Klo's body trembled even more.
"Listen, idiot. I didn't call you here to play. Tell me why you're really here."
I headed toward the couch, sat down, leaned forward, and clasped my hands.
"Do you remember Elithia? I helped train her, that's all. And your precious Headmaster forced me to enroll."
She laughed and threw the magazine at my face.
"You said the Headmaster? Why would he bring someone like you here? This place isn't meant for your kind."
"I don't know. Maybe we share the same ideals... or maybe I'm just different."
"And why should we share anything with you, when you're the weakest among us?"
"Who knows?"
Silence fell upon the room. I stared at Mari, and she stared back.
"Listen, Klo. If you really enrolled here, I won't let you rest—unless you meet this condition."
A condition?
I shifted in my seat, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other.
"And what condition is that, sister?"
"Win a seat in the Student Council, or I'll personally make sure you're expelled from this academy."
"Haha, a direct threat. Fine. I'll win, and I'll absorb all your precious knowledge about this world and power. I'm obsessed with learning and understanding."
"We'll see about that, Klo Yuthnir... dear brother."
...
I left the Student Council room after our talk, only to run into Elithia.
"They told me you were with Marcelia."
"Yeah."
"Did it feel good seeing her again, witnessing her brother's change?"
"It wasn't great."
"Oh… sorry for bringing up an old wound."
"Don't worry about it. More importantly, how was your exam?"
"I passed, Klo!"
"Congratulations, Elithia."
"No. I wouldn't have made it without you."
"You flatter me. I didn't do much."
We continued our walk back to the mansion.
Upon arrival, I saw packages by the door.
"Lynette!"
I called out.
She rushed to me and bowed.
"Welcome, Master Klo."
"Whose packages are these? Do they belong to the new guards or staff?"
"No, sir. They're for you. Sent by your new academy."
Damn you, Hero.
"Who delivered them?"
"A man claiming to be your associate. He said it's a gift for your acceptance into the academy."
"Did the Headmaster invite you to enter the academy?" Elithia asked.
"Yes."
"I'm glad. I'll be studying with you, Klo."
"Doesn't matter."
"Huh?" Elithia looked shocked.
"Never mind. Let's carry the packages to my room."
All three of us carried them upstairs.
Once everything was placed inside, I thanked them, and they left.
I closed the door and started opening the boxes one by one.
The first contained the academy uniform. The second had books and documents. The rest? Just thank-you notes and gifts.
I put on the new uniform I'd be wearing until graduation.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Luna walked in.
She looked at me with a smile.
"This outfit suits you well."
She stepped closer, eyeing the academy emblem.
"So, you enrolled in the academy?"
"Almost."
"Can I enroll with you?"
"I can't stop you if that's what you want."
"Then I'll take it as a yes."
We both sat on the floor and began reading the books.
Everything was going smoothly—magic, swordsmanship, mana generation, control systems, and more.
Sleep began pulling at me.
"Hey Luna, I'm getting sleepy. Can you prepare the bed?"
"Hmm, all you do is sleep, Klo."
"Guess it's because I stay up late writing— I mean, training and working hard all day, right my dear Luna?"
Luna's cheeks turned pink as she lowered her head.
I realized what I had just said and did the same.
Idiot. I say everything without thinking.
We stayed silent.
"I—I'll prepare your bed, Klo! Just wait a moment!"
"You're right, Luna!"
After she prepared the bed, I laid down to sleep.
As I slowly drifted off, I was pulled into a strange dream.
I met myself—but oddly, I was in Klo's body… and the other version was me, in the form of the writer.
Myself looked at me slowly and smiled.
"Hello, me."