After an hour of repeated testing—
Minami Shouji finally figured out how to use the "Lifeti of Regret" guitar.
First, he had to fully imrse himself in a certain emotion.
Second, he had to play with complete focus.
Both conditions were absolutely necessary.
If he was just practicing chords, finger placents, or hand positioning, the guitar didn't produce any special effects at all.
Strange as it was, at least it wasn't completely useless.
Setting the "Lifeti of Regret" guitar aside, Minami Shouji thought about what he should do next.
Another simulation?
...No, not right now.
The lingering emotions from the last run were still weighing on his mind, making it difficult to move on.
That left only one reasonable option—
"I guess I'll just study."
He wasn't in a relationship yet, but at least he could focus on his academics.
Minami Shouji reached for a textbook.
The version of himself in the simulation had barely studied at all—he had only managed to get into the University of Tokyo, and even then, he didn't make it into the dical School.
Frankly, Minami Shouji wasn't satisfied with that result.
Since the simulation version of him had failed in this regard, he would make up for it in real life.
As for what he had planned for tomorrow after school—
"I should return Gotoh Hitori's guitar first."
With a pen in one hand, he simultaneously reviewed his coursework and planned out his next steps.
Multitasking like this wasn't difficult for him.
The Next Afternoon – After School
At the front gate of Shuka High School—
Kessoku Band was gathered outside.
"So this is Shuka High, huh... It really gives off an elite vibe."
Ijichi Nijika curiously peeked through the gates.
Many students in Shuka High uniforms were walking out, holding English vocabulary flashcards in their hands, morizing them as they walked.
From within the school, the sounds of club activities and athletic practice could be heard.
"Yep, just as expected from a top-tier school."
Standing at the school gate, Nijika sighed in admiration.
Her pale yellow side ponytail swayed slightly with her movents.
"It's really not that special, Nijika-senpai. You're over-exaggerating."
Standing beside her, Kita Ikuyo—who also attended Shuka High—felt a little embarrassed.
"Shuka is just a normal high school."
"A school that ranks in the top three for Tokyo University admission rates is not a 'normal high school,' Kita-chan."
Nijika raised a finger, speaking with a mix of admiration and envy—
"Not only does it have exceptional academic resources and top-tier faculty, but it also provides extensive opportunities for artistic and athletic developnt. On top of that, it has a rich selection of club activities and a vibrant school festival culture. Shuka High is currently ranked as the number-one dream school for middle school students in Tokyo."
"Flattering my alma mater won't get you any favors."
With arms crossed, Yamada Ryo spoke in her usual deadpan tone.
She casually flicked her short blue hair, exuding her signature cool deanor while also shooting Nijika a disinterested glance—
"Outsider."
"Wake up, Ryo, you and I went to the sa school."
"That was the old . The new is 'Yamada Ryo of Shuka High.'"
With an unwaveringly serious expression, Yamada Ryo declared—
"If you're willing to kneel down and lend money for lunch, then I might still be the sa Yamada Ryo you knew."
"Here she goes again..."
Nijika twitched at the corners of her mouth.
But she knew her bassist well enough by now. Instead of arguing, she turned to Kita Ikuyo.
"Honestly, we ca here because we were worried about Bocchi, but... how does soone like Minami Shouji even exist?"
"He's studying at a school filled with academic monsters, and yet he consistently ranks as the undisputed top student."
"What kind of superhuman is he?"
Nijika felt a strange sense of pressure just thinking about it.
"I think he's a typical isekai light novel protagonist. He probably reincarnated into modern Japan, fused with another soul, and gained cheat abilities."
Yamada Ryo tilted her head slightly, offering her personal theory in an oddly serious tone.
Nijika turned to her, speechless.
...It was clear that Ryo was putting genuine effort into spouting nonsense.
"Well... I don't know much about Minami-senpai personally, but I do run into him sotis when delivering materials to the second-year teachers' office."
Kita Ikuyo temporarily ignored Yamada Ryo's nonsense and tried to provide sothing more factual.
"Wait, Kita-chan, you've seen Minami Shouji before?"
"Not exactly—at first, I didn't even know who he was. But..."
Kita raised a finger and gave an example—
"Even in a crowd, he stands out. There's this... 'aura' about him."
"Seriously? No way soone like that exists."
Nijika found it hard to believe.
It wasn't uncommon for students in the sa school to unconsciously overhype their top perforr. She figured Kita's perception of Minami Shouji had likely been exaggerated due to all the praise he constantly received.
"I actually think people like that do exist."
For the first ti in a while, Yamada Ryo spoke up with a rare tone of sincerity.
"Huh? What makes you say that, Ryo?"
Curious, Nijika leaned in, expecting so profound insight.
But Yamada Ryo simply placed a hand on her chest and said—
"Because I am one of them."
A brief silence followed.
"...Okay, sure. Whatever you say."
Nijika half-heartedly waved her off.
She then turned back to Kita, her golden ponytail swishing through the air—
"Since you've seen Minami before, can you tell what he was doing the first ti you saw him?"
Know your enemy, and you'll never lose a battle.
Before negotiating with Minami Shouji, she wanted to learn as much about him as possible.
What did he do during his free ti?
Did he chat with friends? Was he the center of a social circle? Did he have his own close-knit group?
Under Nijika's expectant gaze, Kita Ikuyo hesitated, then slowly answered—
"Uh... he was studying?"
"Huh? Studying?"
Nijika blinked in surprise.
"Then what about the second ti you saw him?"
"Still... studying?"
"And the third ti?"
"I think... he was studying then, too." Kita let out a nervous chuckle.
Co to think of it, she had seen Minami Shouji many tis—
Each ti, he was sitting at his desk, completely focused on his studies.
Around him, students were chatting, laughing, discussing video gas, and enjoying their youth.
Yet Minami Shouji remained entirely unaffected, imrsed in his work as if the rest of the world didn't exist.
Such intense focus and self-discipline...
It was impossible to ignore.
But—
"He was just studying the whole ti!"
Ijichi Nijika clutched her head in frustration.
Not a single useful piece of information!
What kind of study monster was this guy?!
...Well, whatever.
Shaking her head, Nijika forced herself to drop all those distracting thoughts and refocused her energy.
Then, she turned to the person beside her and said,
"Forget it! Thinking too much won't help. Bocchi, let's go get your guitar back."
Silence.
The air was still.
No one responded.
Nijika paused, blinking in confusion, before glancing toward the spot where Gotoh Hitori had been trailing behind them.
It was... completely empty.
At so point—without anyone noticing—she had disappeared.
"Bocchi bailed at the last second?!"
Ijichi Nijika stared in disbelief.
The battle hadn't even started yet—why had their own teammate already surrendered?!
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