In the blink of an eye, it was time for school to start. Daichi Yayahara's transfer had already been processed a week earlier.
These past days with Dekisugi had gone rather well. From Monday to Friday, their foster parents left for work before 7 AM and usually returned around 9 PM. The boys handled lunch and dinner themselves.
A small disappointment was that Nobita and the others never once came by to look for Dekisugi, so Daichi had yet to meet them.
When they had downtime, Dekisugi would often strike up conversations with Daichi—but every single time, he was the one bringing up topics.
And after every chat, Daichi would be left reeling. His own breadth of knowledge couldn't even match a nine-year-old's. It was enough to make anyone doubt themselves.
Still, Dekisugi always looked delighted during these conversations.
As for his cultivation, Daichi had already advanced to a Level 1 Seven-Sigil Mage. His sigils were: Origin, Element, Sky, Sun, Star, Life, and Temperature.
He'd also tested out several spells. Level 1 Mighty Strength gave him adult-level strength for about five minutes, and Level 1 Wind Step functioned similarly.
The Detection Spell had a low magic cost. Under normal conditions, it had a seven-meter range. When pushed to the limit, it could sense up to fifteen meters—but the mental strain was intense.
After all, perceiving everything within a fifteen-meter radius in vivid detail was extremely mentally taxing.
Fireball and Waterball were non-lethal on their own, but a few hits could still be effective. The Protection Charm could withstand two Waterball hits.
In short, beginner-level magic wasn't powerful—but it was good enough for self-defense.
"Everything packed? It's your first day in our class, so don't be nervous," Dekisugi said, patting Daichi on the shoulder.
Daichi nodded in response. But inside? Not nervous? Who are you kidding?! Why do I feel so awkward… I really don't want to go…
Dekisugi noticed and chuckled. "What's so funny?" Daichi grumbled.
"Nothing. I just realized—you actually get shy."
"Lies! I'm not shy!"
"Then why are your ears so red?"
Daichi reached up and felt the heat radiating from them. No doubt they were bright red by now.
"Tch." He lowered his head to put on his shoes and didn't say another word.
Seriously… I'm a grown man. Why am I like this just because I'm transferring schools? Embarrassing.
But Dekisugi didn't mind at all. "It's okay. You'll get used to it. Let's go!" He grabbed Daichi's arm and led the way to school.
Along the way, they reached a familiar corner—where a girl in a red dress came into view. It was Shizuka Minamoto, the classmate Dekisugi was closest to.
"Hey, Shizuka! What a coincidence. Let's walk together!"
As expected, Dekisugi struck up conversation.
Shizuka smiled and nodded—then her eyes landed on Daichi, whose face, due to lingering frostbite effects, was still expressionless.
"Dekisugi-kun, who's this?"
"This is Daichi Yayahara, a friend of mine and our new classmate starting today. Daichi, this is Shizuka Minamoto. You'll be classmates from now on. Say hello!"
"Hello, I'm Shizuka Minamoto. Nice to meet you! Let's get along well!" she said, offering her hand.
"Hi, I'm Daichi Yayahara." Though she was his childhood crush from another life, his expression didn't show it—thanks to that nerve damage.
Still, he reached out and shook her hand. "Let's get along."
Dekisugi smiled. "Alright, let's keep going. We don't want to be late on the first day!"
He took the lead again, and the other two followed close behind.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at school. Few students had arrived yet—Dekisugi and Shizuka were always among the earliest.
They parted ways with Shizuka inside the building. She headed to the classroom while Daichi was led by Dekisugi to the staff room to report to the teacher.
It was in another building entirely, quite far from the classrooms. Inside, there was only one teacher—the homeroom teacher, Osamu Katō.
"Sensei, this is Daichi Yayahara, the transfer student," Dekisugi said before stepping aside so the teacher could get a better look at Daichi.
Katō-sensei set down his book and smiled. "So you're Daichi Yayahara. The principal told me about you. What happened to you was tragic, but don't lose heart. In life, there are losses and gains. I believe you'll overcome this and move forward with strength."
He stood and gently patted Daichi's head.
"I'm Osamu Katō, your new teacher. If you ever have any trouble—whether in school or outside—come talk to me. I'll help however I can."
Then he turned to Dekisugi. "You can head back now. I want to go over some class rules and expectations with Daichi."
Dekisugi nodded and left.
The teacher spent a while explaining things about the class and handed Daichi all the textbooks for fourth grade.
By the time they finished, it was nearly time for class. Katō-sensei picked up his own books and walked Daichi to the classroom.
Along the way, he kept reminding Daichi not to be nervous—which, of course, only made Daichi more nervous.
When they entered the classroom, Katō-sensei scanned the room and noticed one seat was empty.
He didn't even have to ask who it was.
With a sigh, he said, "Everyone, this is Daichi Yayahara, our new classmate. He'll be joining Class 4-2 starting today. I hope you'll all get along."
Daichi bowed slightly. "I'm Daichi Yayahara. Please take care of me." Whew, thank goodness the teacher didn't bring up my personal tragedy…
Katō-sensei pointed toward a desk in the back corner. "Daichi, that seat is yours."
Daichi nodded and walked over. It was a great spot—far from the teacher's eye and right next to the window, which he loved. He enjoyed the feeling of wind on his face. If he didn't, he wouldn't have ended up buying that cheap glider and landing in this world.
All in all, he was satisfied. He didn't even need to study the local curriculum, after all.
Honestly, just reading an hour a day at Dekisugi's house taught him more than a week of lessons here ever could.
He checked the desk—spotless. It clearly hadn't been vacant long.
Just as he was settling in and pulling out his books, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Daichi smiled.
Here comes today's main character.
Sure enough, a boy in a yellow shirt stumbled into the classroom, panting heavily.
"Sorry, Sensei… I'm late again."
He was promptly sent out to stand in the hallway.
Daichi facepalmed. This entrance is way too familiar. It's one thing to see it in anime, but in real life, it's somehow even more natural—like it was always meant to be this way.
This must be the power of world-building. Nobita's role is "the hopeless kid," so no one even questions it.
The teacher and classmates were used to it. No one made a fuss. Class began as if nothing had happened.
Daichi tried to pay attention for a bit, but the fourth-grade material held zero appeal for someone like him.
So he resorted to his university-honed skill: pretending to listen while secretly reviewing magic texts.
He'd mastered this during four years of lectures. From the outside, he looked like a model student. Meanwhile, inside his mind, he was cultivating magic.
The morning passed quickly. Daichi didn't dare overtrain—it still drained mental energy. If he overdid it and got drowsy, he'd end up outside like Nobita.
(Who, incidentally, returned to the class after first period only to be kicked out again during the second for dozing off.)
Afternoon classes were even shorter—they finished at 3 PM. Daichi couldn't help but sigh, thinking of how grueling school was back in China.
Nobita didn't get held back this time—he'd actually finished his homework.
After school, just as Daichi was about to walk home with Dekisugi, the latter was roped into a baseball game with Gian and the others—Nobita included.
Since Daichi wasn't close with them yet, he wasn't invited.
Back home, he promised himself he'd go watch Dekisugi play soon. But first, he decided to tidy up the house a bit.
Once Dekisugi left wearing his baseball gear, Daichi smiled to himself.
Alright… now's my chance!
(End of Chapter)