"I don't mind at all," Izumi replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I was planning to find a sparring partner anyway. I might be good at some things, but my shortcomings are way too obvious."
As he spoke, he recalled the depressing row of C+ attributes on his status screen.
Man… even though I'm technically at S- rank in overall combat strength, I'm basically a decorative flowerpot…
Since Koneko had come to him of her own will, training together sounded perfect. In pure physical ability and explosive power, Koneko was definitely superior—there was a lot he could learn from her.
Koneko nodded at his acceptance."After school, meet me at the old school building. And no running away."
With that, she turned her head away as if the matter were already settled.
Izumi shrugged. "Sure, but let's bring Megumi and Asia too," he added casually. "They're my teammates. They should get stronger as well."
Megumi quietly looked up from her seat at that.…Teammates?Hold on, did I ever actually agree to that? Did he just… decide on his own?
But Koneko simply nodded."I don't mind. They're all the same."
Koneko already knew Izumi intended to form his own team—and that Megumi was among his future recruits. She also knew Megumi had previously refused Rias's invitation to become part of her peerage.
In hindsight, Megumi must have made her decision long ago—to follow Izumi instead.
Izumi grinned, satisfied. Whether Megumi consented or not didn't matter. She was going, even if she had to be dragged there.
And so, with everything decided, Izumi simply waited for the blessed moment known as "after school."
The morning dragged on.Morning classes make you want lunch, classes make you want the bell, Mondays make you want the weekend… yeah, nothing new here.
At this point, he didn't learn anything new at Kuoh Academy anymore. The first-year curriculum was mostly basic foundations and mundane investigation techniques. The real combat classes—advanced magic and swordsmanship—wouldn't come until second year.
And honestly, even if the entire school teamed up, they still wouldn't stand a chance against him.
As for Megumi—his future teammate and, let's be honest, future harem member—Izumi intended to train her thoroughly. If she wanted to be a proper mahou-tsukai, the first spell he would teach her would be Jūdan, the magical projectile.
Even with her tiny reservoir of magical power, two shots would be enough to let her live out her magical-girl fantasy.
Asia, on the other hand, would receive guidance in light-attribute magic. As a former member of the Church, her affinity for light magic was excellent—not just healing but supportive spells too.
And any magic Izumi obtained from the system could theoretically be taught to others, though unlike him, they would have to start from scratch rather than instantly mastering it.
While Izumi daydreamed through the morning, he didn't notice that Eriri, seated several rows away, kept sneaking glances at him.
After he saved her during the Fallen Angel incident, Izumi had cemented himself in her heart as a hero. They had barely spoken in class, yet Eriri's affection meter had skyrocketed.
Classic "hero saves girl" effect.
Eriri wanted to thank him properly, but…We've never even talked. Wouldn't it be weird if I suddenly walked up to him…?So she wavered endlessly.
If Izumi knew what she was thinking, he would definitely retort:You and I aren't close—but I'm super familiar with you. I watched your art streams for years, you know!?
Once class began, the teacher arrived and glanced toward Izumi… who was already sound asleep on his desk.
The teacher sighed but didn't say anything.Izumi was far stronger than any teacher in the academy. There was nothing they could teach him anymore.
By the time the morning ended, Izumi had slept through the entire set of classes.No one commented on it; everyone in the class had witnessed what he did during the Fallen Angel incident.
If a strong guy wants to nap, he naps.
Eriri tried multiple times to approach him, but every time, her courage evaporated. And it wasn't just her—several classmates wanted to get closer to Izumi, but one look at his peacefully sleeping face frightened them into backing away.
When lunchtime finally came and Izumi stretched awake, the girls in class instantly pounced.
"Izumi-kun, do you want my homemade bento?""Izumi-kun, I made extra today—try some!""Izumi-san, taste mine too!"
In an instant, Izumi was surrounded by girls waving their lunchboxes like idol fans holding glowsticks.
Megumi, sitting beside him, was nearly shoved off her chair.
The sight made her frown slightly.Why weren't they this enthusiastic before? Now that Izumi's abilities are public, they suddenly swarm like bees? How shameless…
Although she thought so, she didn't say it aloud. They could do what they wanted.
Izumi, however, was overwhelmed.Being adored by a bunch of girls sounds amazing… until it actually happens. This is exhausting…
Just as the crowd pressed in—
Koneko spoke.
"You all.Move."
Her voice was ice cold.
The girls immediately froze, then backed away in terror.
Everyone in the class knew:Toujou Koneko is not someone you want to anger.