"Everyone, quiet down. We have transfer students today," the teacher said, gesturing for the class to settle. "Please introduce yourselves."
"My name is Akatsuki Kojou. I transferred to this school due to personal circumstances," Kojou said lazily—this was just a way to pass time until he obtained the "Feather." "My hobbies are playing basketball, watching anime, and occasionally reading novels and manga."
"Wow…" muttered one of the girls, staring at Kojou. He was taller than most boys in the class, giving him an air of intimidation and respect.
"So handsome…" whispered another girl. Kojou's appearance was striking: a well-defined face, deep blue eyes, and silver-blue hair.
"I wonder if he's some kind of model…" said a third girl, blushing as she gaped at him.
"I want to be his girlfriend…" murmured yet another.
Similar comments continued, not just from the girls—even the boys were discussing the beautiful blonde girl beside him. All except for one person.
"I'll go next. My name is Erica Blandelli. I transferred from Italy to Japan," Erica smiled elegantly as she introduced herself. "The reason for my transfer is to follow the person I've sworn to share my future with—Akatsuki Kojou."
'Those two… the ones I met in Sardinia,' thought Godou, the sole exception in the class. Nearly two weeks had passed since his trip to Italy, where he'd become the 8th Campione and learned about the supernatural world. He definitely recognized the two before him.
"Now, now—please take any seats you'd like," the teacher said, silencing the class chatter. It was time to start the lesson.
"Erica…" Kojou said as they walked toward the seats, and Erica understood.
"Leave it to me, Kojou," she replied, not hesitating to use hypnosis on the students to empty the seat beside Godou for Kojou—and the seat next to Kojou for herself.
Kojou sat between Godou and Erica. He wanted to get to know his "younger adoptive brother"—according to Pandora, all Campione were her adopted children.
"It's great to see you again, Kusanagi," Kojou nodded with a friendly smile.
"Likewise. It's nice to see you again, Akatsuki-san," Godou nodded respectfully. Even as a Campione, he still felt awe in Kojou's presence.
"By the way, do you have time after school today?" Kojou asked. He wanted to spar with Godou to test his new power. "If you're free, I'd like you to accompany me somewhere after class."
"I don't have anything specific planned," Godou agreed, curious to meet another Campione besides himself.
Though Godou had met Kojou in Sardinia, Kojou hadn't been a Campione back then. It seemed he'd become one just one hour before Godou, making them comrades in the same predicament—or so Godou thought.
_
4 PM
"After killing Poseidon with that strange dagger, I swam to the nearest city. I was so disoriented by everything that happened, I forgot to use my new powers to cross the sea," Godou sighed. His ordeal had been a nightmare—forced to swim over 100 km until he reached land.
"I see… You've been through a lot," Kojou said as Godou explained how he became a Campione. "By the way, do you know a quiet place where no one will disturb us?"
"There are a few, but… why?" Godou asked, puzzled.
"Well, I just want to spar with you a bit. As new Campione, we should help each other master our powers," Kojou replied with a faint smile. He genuinely wanted to help Godou—and in turn, refine his own strength through battle.
"Spar? Why would we do that?" Godou frowned, clearly disliking the idea.
"You might not know this, but as a Campione, you'll attract Heretic Gods who'll seek deadly battles with you for their amusement," Kojou explained calmly. He'd had a similar reaction when he first became the Fourth Primogenitor. "That's why it's better to train now—so you don't lose and get killed by them later."
"But I really don't want to fight," Godou's frown deepened. He hated the idea of fighting for sport, risking innocent lives.
"Heretic Gods don't care about your will. They'll attack whether you want to fight or not," Kojou placed a hand on Godou's shoulder, sympathizing. "You have a family, don't you? If you don't want them grieving your death, you must grow stronger—to return to them alive."
"That's…" Godou's face paled. No matter what, he couldn't abandon his family by dying.
"The Seventh King is correct, Eighth King," a beautiful girl with long black hair and red eyes suddenly appeared before them, bowing respectfully. "If you permit it, I shall guide you to a place where you may fight undisturbed."
...
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I've been too sick to move, but I've uploaded two chapters to make up for it.