CHAPTER 1-2

They took the automatic bus from the stations plaza, and fifteen minutes later they got off at the Alrescha bus stop.

Masaki was forcefully dragged along by Shirley, since their arms were linked.

Look, were here!

Masakis close proximity to Shirleys soft, warm body made it difficult for him to relax.

I-I got it. I wont get lost, so Im fine now.

The area was overflowing with students heading to school. They were all wearing the same uniform as Shirley.

Since he was new and his arm was intertwined with Shirleys, everyones attention was on him.

Masaki, have you heard about the classes yet?

No. I havent heard anything, so I think you should tell me where the staff room is when were done. I was given some papers, but I didnt understand anything when I took a quick look through them.

Alright. Our class is Year 2, Class A. Its on the 45th floor

Seriously, the 45th floor!?

Uh-huh. Alrescha goes all the way up to the 60th floor. The cafeteria at the top has a really good view.

Masaki looked up at the building she pointed out.

The glass skyscraper towered over its surroundings. The first floor had an entrance, and the second and third floors had stairs leading up to them. From the fourth floor onwards it was all glass.

Is it all classrooms!? I thought this was a corporate building, not a school.

Ahaha. The first 29 floors are special classrooms. The teachers rooms are on floors 30 through 35, and from there to floor 40 are the first year classrooms. Floors 41 through 45 are the second year classrooms, and up to the 50th floor are the third year classrooms.

Woah whats on the last ten floors?

The cafeteria!

Thats quite amazing.

I felt the same way when I started primary and middle school. Even though I was surprised when I changed schools, I got used to the idea almost immediately.

Thats okay, but shouldnt we separate our arms now, Shirley?

Why?

Well isnt it a little embarrassing? Everyones looking

She gave a carefree smile.

Nihaha, dont worry too much about it, Masaki!

R-really?

Masaki wondered if he was being too self-conscious.

Now, lets go!

A-ah!

They passed through the entrance and into a passage wide enough to be called a station concourse, and soon they ended up in a large hall.

This seemed to be the heart of the skyscraper.

In the center of the hall was a curved wall, or maybe it should be called a round column. Many elevators were lined up along the wall, and the words ELEVATOR PILLAR were printed on it.

One by one, the students filed into the elevators.

Theres a lot of elevators.

But wouldnt there be a long wait? Especially during lunch.

What because there are a lot of students?

Even though there are elevators all the way around the big pillar, everyone is lined up on one side, so the elevators on the other side arent being used.

Hahaha I see.

Are there stairs as well?

Yeah, there are.

What floor is the staff room on again?

The 30th floor

No, no, thats far too high.

Hm, theres a set of stairs on both the schools east wing and west wing.

Why does it seem like you want to use the stairs!?

Eh? Because the stairs are there?

This isnt mountain climbing, you know.

While they were waiting, somebody behind them cried, Wha!?

When Masaki turned around, he saw a mans eyes widening in shock.

The man seemed to have a strong physique. His hair was short and evenly cut, and his face was quite square. Altogether, the mans features gave off a grim impression. Everyone turned to catch a glimpse of the scene about to unfold.

He spoke like he wanted to wring every last drop of blood out of Masaki.

S-Sakurazaka-san! Who is that guy!?

Hmm? Hes Masaki. Shirley answered indifferently.

Since she didnt say much, Masaki decided to chime in. Im Kusunoki Masaki. Today is my first day at this school.

A transfer student? That means youve just awakened, right? Some new guy is with Sakurazaka-sans a-arm

His shoulders started shaking.

Who is he?

That guy is Ishounuma. Hes in my class. Thats all.

Sakurazaka-san, that isnt all of it, right?

That is all.

Hmph, youre as cold as ever.

Ishounuma was friendly when speaking to Shirley, but was extremely hostile toward Masaki. It seemed like he was ready to attack Masaki at any moment.

And? Who are you to Sakurazaka-san?

Despite having never met Masaki before, he was extremely hostile. Masaki shrunk back from him.

Were only childhood friends Hey, Shirley, its just as I thought. if were like this, people will misunderstand.

He softly unlinked their arms.

She looked disappointed while she followed what he said.

However, even that wasnt enough to calm Ishounuma. Instead, his eyes became bloodshot.

Y- youre not using honorifics with her name!? Hey, you! Even though youve been Sakurazaka-sans acquaintance for a long time, it doesnt mean that you can act overly familiar to her!

I didnt mean to do that.

Sakurazaka-san, too! Dont act so friendly towards some low level guy who just awakened.

After hearing Ishounumas words, Shirley had an angry look on her face.

What was that? Isnt it strange to choose who youll get along with by their level?

Huh!?

Lets go, Masaki. Im fine with taking the stairs.

I guess thats for the best.

Masaki didnt like to get into conflicts with other people. It might have seemed hard to go all the way up to the 30th floor using the stairs, but to Masaki it was easier than dealing with Ishounuma.

Ishounuma ground his teeth loudly.

He continued glaring at Masaki until he was out of sight.