My name is Mamoru Kyotaro. A top-performing high school student.
Not just academically; I'm also incredibly athletic.
I attend school every day and receive dozens of love letters from girls.
"Mamoru, you're amazing!" Exactly.
As I walk the school halls, I constantly receive admiration from girls.
Their gazes filled with hearts and rosy cheeks constantly overwhelm my masculine being.
While I act with apparent coolness, sometimes offering a gentle smile to my devoted fanbase, cheers of admiration rise majestically.
In short, I'm an ideal student who has everything it takes to lead this nation.
A masculine physique with prominent muscles, an almost unreal handsomeness, and explosive charisma.
Yes, I'm the king, you bastards.
"To be honest, it's all an illusion."
Everything I said was just fleeting fantasy, a fictional world I created in my imagination in a desperate attempt to polish my image in this illusory society.
In truth, I'm just a proud NEET, enjoying my solitary existence amidst games and books.
Times of solitude and tranquility, sometimes overwhelmingly lonely.
I don't mind being alone, not at all, but there are times when I suddenly feel lonely.
In any case, I became accustomed to this gloomy feeling and continued my life, ignoring the clouds.
I went to school for a while. That was in my first year of high school.
With passion and enthusiasm, I prepared for a new chapter in my life.
Meeting some friends, joining a random club, and experiencing an adventurous life with those I befriend.
I pnned all of that the night before the new school year began.
But that child who sees the world through rose-tinted gsses received a rude awakening.
I couldn't even utter a greeting while everyone had already become accustomed to the new atmosphere. Complete adaptation in a few moments.
I stood before the css and witnessed the scene that ter became one of my nightmares for a while.
Boys forming friendships peacefully. The voices of girls echoing through the space.
Friendships forming here and there, before my eyes, as I stood dumbfounded and anxious at the doorway.
My voice trembled with fear; ominous thoughts filled the void in my head.
What if I didn't give a proper greeting? Social people everywhere.
My words came out ft. I could barely hear myself.
I couldn't offer a greeting. Would I really be alright in a pce like this?
In complete shock, I received a strong push from behind.
"Oi, move, you weirdo; you're blocking the way."
"S-sorry."
"What did you say? I can't hear you."
"I…"
Ah, no use; my voice wouldn't come out at all. And this guy doesn't seem friendly. Better avoid him.
I don't possess what you might call "social skills," so to avoid such a problem, I opted for the strategy of ignoring them. Therefore, I ignored the duo and sat down at my desk.
I passed through a path filled with friendliness and positive energy everywhere. But, for some reason, I didn't receive any of it.
I felt like I ruined the whole thing, and the rosy life I had pnned went up in smoke.
Without uttering a word, I arrived at school, entered the cssroom, and sat down at the desk by the window.
Aimlessly and bored, I sat at my desk, looking at the sun, the clouds, and everything else except people.
I felt lonely and became a marginalized student.
I rarely received fleeting greetings from some girls, but the feeling of loneliness that overwhelmed me made me cold in demeanor and expression.
I would only lower my head in response to greetings. Without looking at the face, without speaking.
There were times when the aggressive duo would harass me, but I followed my usual strategy: ignore them.
I didn't receive severe harassment; it never escated to the point of being called "bullying." Just verbal altercations, sometimes loud, occasionally causing a commotion and becoming the focus of everyone's attention.
But, contrary to expectations, I wasn't negatively affected. It didn't even occur to me that this was bullying or harassment. It was more like loud talk. I don't know why I take things positively, but... I think that's what sets me apart. While students thought I was being bullied, I was taking it positively and enjoying it.
Well, there's no point in negative thinking, anyway. Why not simply take things easily and look on the bright side?
Considering my nature, I soon began interacting with the duo. And somehow, I gained my first companionship. And our group ter became known as "The Noisy Trio."
It's true that I met some people worthy of the title "friend," but my private life didn't continue on that path. And then, my life started to improve slightly. I found myself… dead. Man, this is ridiculous.
It's true that I suddenly decided to stop going to school and focus more on games, but I had pnned to visit the school soon.
Actually, I kinda missed that duo. And I missed my home too.
I wonder what my parents' reaction would be if they knew I became a samander; they'd probably ugh themselves silly. Those two don't have any consideration for my delicate sensibilities; if I get into an embarrassing situation, they immediately ugh wildly—it's an ingrained habit. I wonder how they would react when they learn of my death. I can't imagine it going smoothly.
Heavens, what am I going to do with them. Actually, despite the short time I've been away from them, I've started to feel nostalgic. Nostalgic for my parents, for my annoying friends.
I even started to like a girl in my css. I think her name was "Miledia." I wonder how she's doing now. She was the only one who would scold the duo when they harassed me.
Scary and hot-tempered, but sweet and beautiful at the same time. Her violent behavior was in stark contrast to her pure feelings. And that's exactly what I loved about her.
We never spoke face-to-face; my cold nature didn't pay attention to anyone. Even to Miledia, I would only offer a passing word of thanks while looking away.
In any case, there's no point in remembering the past. My first life is already over; my life with them is gone.
And now, I've begun my second life, as a samander.
Small and weak, just like in my previous life. But now I've resolved to change. I will train and fight.
I will live a perfect second life, and for that, I must change the weak aspects of my personality. I will fight monsters and become the strongest person in this world.
"Hey, Companion, it's time to get serious," I said to my level-up system.
No more pessimism from now on. From this moment, it's training time.