Chapter 1

(…Fufu. Yet another rare enhancement item. Marvelous… ☆)

(In addition, it seems my level has increased. With this, I’ve become even stronger.)

(It pays to come to school early; I’m able to play the game at a comfortable pace.)

(Now then. I’ve finished collecting all of the materials I can from the fountain area, so it’s finally time to challenge the leader of the base.)

Hm. Once again, it’s lonely_wolf from the Red Rose team. They play a berserker… That would be another high rank within the same warrior class as I am.

They seem to have gotten stronger since I encountered them the other day. As a paladin, I have no intention of losing.

I’ll go ahead and use the item I’ve just acquired ♪ And with my equipment… Now it’s a fair match!

(The opponent is tough, but I’m just fighting an AI in the end. So long as I stay calm and play the game as usual, I’ll be fine.)

(In order to control the tides of the game, first I will increase my speed with this item.)

(Then, if I continue my onslaught while watching out for my HP…)

And I’ve won. Marvelous… ☆

With this, I stand as the leader of the fountain base.

The base which had been dyed red is now turning a beautiful blue… It’s always a pleasant sight to behold ♪

I still have more time. Before I head to the classroom, I’ll try to collect more items within the school.

It’s such nice weather today~ I hung up a lot of laundry to dry, so I’m looking forward to getting home ♪

We’ve been working part-time jobs all morning—I have a feeling it’s going to be a good day. Ehehe… ♪

Hm? There’s someone over there…

… ♪

Oh, it’s Suou-kun! He’s smiling down at his phone as he walks around… Why would he do that?

Oh, you know, walking around without watching where you’re going is dangerous. Nii~chan’s told me not to do that for the same reason.

You think I should warn him about it? Yeah, you’re probably right.

Suou-kun is a very proper person, so I’m sure he’ll be fine, but there’s always a small chance something will happen.

Umm, good morning, Suou-kun.

That voice is… Oh, Hajime-kun. And the transfer student, too. A pleasant day to you both… ♪

Ehehe, it looks like you’re in a good mood too… ♪

But please be careful, okay? It’s dangerous to walk around with your face buried in your screen~

Oh dear, it looks like I got caught up in my game. I understand; I’ll try not to operate my phone while on the move.

…What’s wrong, Onee-sama? Oh, it’s rare to see me so absorbed with my phone?

To tell the truth, I’ve become a big fan of a certain location-based game.

Location-based…? What kind of game would that be?

Fufu, I’m glad you asked! This is actually a derivative of Idobato, a card game I quite enjoy.

I don’t typically play digital games, but I’ve made an exception for Idobato!

Divided between the Red Rose and Blue Rose teams, the players fight to conquer each other’s bases. It appeals to my competitive spirit ♪

I would love to give you a more detailed explanation, but there isn’t enough time…

Hajime-kun, would you happen to have time at lunch today? I’d like to tell you more about the game without rushing.

Sure~ I don’t have any more laundry to do today, so why don’t we have lunch together?

Marvelous, that’s a wonderful idea! Then I shall meet you at the garden terrace.

Onee-sama, would you care to join us?

…Oh, you have some work to do as a producer?

Really? That’s too bad~ You’re always so busy, Anzu-san…

If there’s anything I can help you with, just let me know, okay? I’ll do whatever I can!

Wah—Why are you patting me on the head, Anzu-san…?

Huh? Because I’m a good kid? I don’t really know how to react if that’s the only reason you’re doing this~

Umm, it’s because I made you happy with my sentiment? Well, I do want to be useful to you, Anzu-san.

Uuu, you did it again~

I–I’m so… so not jealous. Right, I’m not.

However, I would also like to help you. If you’re ever in trouble, please call on me ♪

Now then, I’ll be off. I’ll see you later, Hajime-kun… ☆

(I was able to have a chance encounter with Onee-sama. It’s just as they say—the early bird gets the worm ♪)

(But what were she and Hajime-kun doing together? Based on the combination, I’d assume it was a part-time job on campus.)

(She pat Hajime-kun’s head… I stayed strong earlier, but I really do envy him.)

…Oh, this is useless. I was just warned about it, but I’m still using my phone as I walk around.

I’ve finished collecting items, so I ought to put it away—

All right, who’s next!

Wawa—?!

Ah crap, I ran into someone.

Oh, you’re that one bastard…