One week later, Rowan found himself strolling through the serene streets of Kuoh Town, now clad in the crisp uniform of Kuoh Academy. Black blazer, red undershirt, polished shoes—it all felt like something out of a school anime. As he passed a bakery, the scent of fresh melon bread caught his attention, but not enough to distract him from the existential dread slowly building with each step.
"God damn it," he muttered, running a hand through his short black hair. "I forgot about that. Never thought I'd end up going back to school again. Even when I was grinding through a 9-to-5 job, I still had nightmares about waking up in a classroom, surrounded by algebra and acne."
He sighed dramatically, gazing around the peaceful morning scene. "And my parents said I'd miss these days. Yeah, sure. Miss them like a dentist appointment."
As the towering structure of Kuoh Academy came into view, Rowan's steel-blue eyes flicked toward the front gates—and there they were.
Sona Shitori stood with her usual composed demeanor. A young woman with a slim figure, violet eyes behind rectangular glasses, and black hair styled in a short bob. She wore the Kuoh Academy uniform with impeccable precision, exuding an aura of authority and intelligence.
Beside her stood Tsubaki Shinra, equally poised and elegant. She had long, straight black hair that extended to her knees, split bangs framing her face, and amber eyes. Like Sona, she wore blue semi-rimmed glasses and the school uniform, her expression calm and serious.
Rowan raised a brow. "Wasn't expecting a welcome committee. Should I be flattered or concerned?"
"You're on time," Sona said coolly. "Rias led me to believe you were chronically allergic to punctuality."
"Guess I'm full of surprises," Rowan replied, flashing a crooked grin. "Don't worry, I'm still allergic to effort."
"I noticed," Tsubaki commented mildly, her tone so flat it was impossible to tell if she was amused or just stating a fact.
Without further banter, Sona turned and gestured toward the front doors. "I'll show you around."
Rowan followed, taking in the campus. Students moved in groups, chatting, laughing, and sneaking curious glances his way. Some of the girls blushed. A few boys scowled. One guy even whispered, "Who's the pretty boy?"
Rowan couldn't resist muttering, "Ah, the sweet scent of high school hormones and resentment. Takes me back."
Eventually, they stopped outside a classroom. Sona turned to him with a blank look.
"This is your class. Behave."
"Oh? And what if I don't?" Rowan leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming. "You gonna punish me, Prez? I might like that."
Sona blushed faintly and adjusted her glasses. "I assure you, you won't."
"You're pretty cute when you're angry," he teased with a smirk.
Her blush deepened. "Just behave."
"Sure thing, Prez," he said lazily, pushing the door open.
System Notification
Sona Sitri – Affection +1
Current Relationship: Annoying Colleague
"I feel both flattered and offended," Rowan muttered under his breath, watching her walk away with amusement.
Inside, the class buzzed with curiosity. The teacher gestured for him to introduce himself.
Rowan stepped forward, hands in his pockets. "Yo. Name's Rowan Bael. I'm here because someone blackmailed me with a school uniform. Please don't ask questions. Let's just get through this together."
A few chuckles rippled through the room. One voice stood out.
Aika Kiryuu—a girl with golden-yellow eyes behind glasses and slightly messy brunette hair tied in braided pigtails—grinned playfully from her desk. She wore the Kuoh Academy uniform and radiated confident, cheeky energy, already sizing Rowan up with interest.
She let out a low whistle. "Damn, someone's got a sense of humor and a handsome face. Dangerous combo."
Rowan locked eyes with her, lips curling. "Stick around, sweetie. I'll show you just how dangerous I am."
She blushed brightly and, trying to regain composure, adjusted her glasses with a mischievous smile. "Oh yeah? Why don't you show me sometime?"
System Notification
Aika Kiryuu – Affection +5
Current Relationship: Stranger
From the back of the room, Issei Hyoudou narrowed his eyes. "Ugh. Another handsome guy. Great."
Rowan made his way to the desk by the window—of course—and sat down. Just then, a familiar blue screen appeared:
---
System Notification
New Title Acquired: The New Guy
Description:
You've officially become the center of attention. Girls are curious. Boys are envious. Teachers are wary.
Effects:
Slight increase to Charisma when interacting with fellow students. May cause spontaneous drama.
---
He blinked and muttered, "Oh, come on…"
The bell rang, and the school day began.
As class dragged on, Rowan had to resist the overwhelming urge to doze off. The teacher eventually called on him to solve an equation on the board. As he walked past Aika's desk, he noticed her gaze drop to his crotch—and her face turned as red as a Christmas light.
He swore he heard her whisper, "Huge."
Rowan nearly stumbled. She's got the whole penis scouter thing going on… he thought, blinking. If she can figure that out just by looking… what else can she detect?
As he worked through the problem at the board, a thought flickered. She might actually have potential as a peerage member. I'll have to observe her further before making any decisions.
He finished the equation with ease and returned to his seat.
The rest of the day crawled by at a glacial pace. When the final bell finally rang, Rowan stretched with a groan—only to be greeted by a new notification:
---
System Notification
Quest Complete: Slacker no more
Reward Acquired: New Skill – Normal Punch
Normal Punch
Signature attack of the legendary Saitama, the One Punch Man.
A deceptively simple straight punch imbued with overwhelming force. Despite its name, this strike can obliterate most enemies and obstacles in a single blow. It delivers colossal damage, ignores armor and magical defenses up to low Ultimate-class, and sends out shockwaves that knock back anything in its path. Most opponents won't get up after one.
Limitation: Can only be used once per day.
---
Rowan's jaw dropped. "Okay… I will never doubt you again, System."
He swore he could hear a distant chuckle—Don's unmistakable laugh echoing somewhere in the void.