I Became an Extra Without Growth in the Academy

The dormitory after everything was over.

I had laid down on my bed after a haphazard cleanup, but sleep wouldn’t come.

It wasn’t that late, but more than that, my thoughts were all jumbled up.

Haa…

I sighed to try to relieve some of the frustration, but not much changed.

I took out the item that caused all this frustration from my inventory and used it.

[Ring of Exploration]

[For those who are oblivious to the ways of the world.]

[It ‘explores’ the designated target.]

The phrase I remembered came rushing back.

Afterwards, I tested a few other items, but it seemed like they all output the same lines from the game.

Well, whatever that was.

“How do I say this?”

What was important now wasn’t the bracelet’s performance.

The real issue was that I had learned something I shouldn’t have.

‘What’s this “likability” that comes up?’

In the game, you could check how much likability you had built up with others through a system.

But strangely, the system I had now wasn’t showing any of that.

[You cannot check this yourself.]

With that sort of message.

But… I never thought it would be revealed through this bracelet.

‘Was my likability just gradually increasing while I couldn’t check it?’

That was the most ridiculous part. Why block me from checking yet let the likability go up?

…Wait. Is it possible that I’m the only one who can’t see it?

It said “you cannot check,” so… did they check it?

If so, since when?

I pondered over it for a long time, but without asking directly, I doubted I could find an answer.

///

The next day. After all the schedules were done, Seria, Alkiné, and I gathered in the Student Council Building.

We were there to discuss what happened yesterday without needing a long explanation.

Yesterday, I had been dragged into a one-on-one meeting with the dean, making it impossible to have a proper conversation.

That nighttime, Seria sent a message through the messenger, but with my restless heart, I barely replied and just went to sleep.

“I fell asleep quickly as well, so it’s fine.”

I even apologized, thinking she might feel I was being careless.

Normally, I wouldn’t care that much, but for some reason, I felt overly cautious.

Knowledge is power, but today, I wanted to give extra weight to the saying that “sometimes, ignorance is bliss.”

I sneakily checked their likability again.

[Likability: 59/100]

[Likability: 18/100]

Wow, seriously. Even looking again made me sigh.

How the heck do I say this?

“Your expression hasn’t changed from yesterday. What’s going on?”

Seemingly reading my fleeting emotions, Seria shot a sharp question my way.

She doesn’t have a bracelet that reads thoughts, yet she’s quick to notice.

Alright, I should just clear this up quickly and apologize.

With that resolution in mind, I opened my mouth.

First, I explained the reason for being dragged by the Jibchak Family and shared what happened before they arrived.

From needing a certain item to knowing about the Forbidden Book.

“Regardless of how you found that out… it must have been like a bolt from the blue for them.”

“But, well… they brought it upon themselves, right?”

“Quite the assertive one, huh.”

“I said, I’m not a nice person who’ll forgive those who touch my things.”

“Then when did Rudion become yours?”

“Why do you stubbornly keep poking into something like that?”

Their reactions were just as I expected.

Seria accepted it without a second thought, while Alkiné showed the most normal reaction.

There was a small dispute over whether or not he was “mine,” but if I tried to address that, I might go completely bonkers, so I decided to ignore it.

“Alright, let’s move on to the main point from now….”

“Are you stalling for some reason? Rudion, you’re acting a bit strange today.”

As I hesitated to speak clearly, Seria looked at me with a puzzled expression.

I subtly showed them the bracelet I was wearing on my arm.

“This is that item. I stole it from Trash.”

“I know. I was wondering when you’d explain it.”

“They both seem a bit too calm about me stealing it, don’t you think?”

Alkiné stared at me and Seria, looking quite baffled, but there was nothing we could do.

I was a gamer, and Seria was a princess. We had a very relaxed perception of ownership.

…Isn’t that the point?

“I think you both are a little strange.”

“Who was the one that chased after that strange person?”

“…Don’t bring that up. My face flushes easily and doesn’t cool down!”

I was going to talk about the bracelet’s performance, but they were making it harder and harder.

If I let it drag on, I might really lose my chance to speak, so I decided to explain quickly.

“The formal name is ‘Ring of Exploration’. When you wear it, you see the information of the other party.”

“Information means…?”

“It shows stats, traits, current emotions, and thoughts.”

“Ah~ So that’s why.”

An unexpected response came out.

I thought she’d be panicking or angry. I expected a negative response, but Seria seemed relieved.

“I thought today, devoid of any hint whatsoever, you were just in tune with my feelings, Rudion, but turns out it was because of that?”

“…No, I didn’t use it today.”

“…Really?”

Since yesterday, after checking it once, I’ve felt guilty and simply couldn’t bring myself to use it on them.

“So how did you know today that I’d say something to make you feel good?”

“Who knows…?”

I wasn’t sure, but maybe, due to that guilt, I just ended up acting a bit more considerate.

“…Rudion. I hate to say this, but can you maybe pay a bit more attention normally?”

“I’ll try.”

“Rudion, you usually don’t bother to try at all.”

What kind of nonsense was that? I train daily to heighten my dodge-pairing-quick swap senses!

Before a debate could spark from that insult to my pride as an experienced player, Alkiné’s voice chimed in.

“Um… I get that you two get along well, but didn’t you skip over something important?”

Right. Seria had moved on so nonchalantly; just moments ago, I had dropped a bombshell.

Reading someone’s emotions and thoughts… isn’t exactly an honorable action.

In response to Alkiné’s sensible question, Seria decided to share her thoughts first.

“I don’t really mind. I don’t think Rudion would use it for anything bad, and knowing my thoughts wouldn’t change what he does much. However…”

“However?”

“Please don’t use it when I tell you not to. Ever. If you can keep that, I don’t mind if you read my thoughts anytime.”

…That’s a bit more terrifying though.

What kind of huge secret did she have to say that?

But I had no choice here.

“Understood.”

I nodded in agreement.

Honestly, I kind of expected Seria to react this way.

Cowardly, I knew her likability score.

To be honest, I was more worried about Alkiné.

Listening to Seria’s response, Alkiné pondered a bit before quietly speaking up.

“I… think it might be a bit difficult for now. If it’s not absolutely necessary, I’d rather you not read my thoughts.”

“Alkiné, are you sure? It’ll be more embarrassing to change your mind about it later.”

“Don’t try to tempt me.”

“I’m just worried for you.”

Seria seemed to be trying to sway Alkiné, so I hurriedly jumped in to respond.

“I never intended to use it right away. I’ll stick to what the president said.”

“Okay. I believe you. But, um…”

“Yes?”

“Can you not call me ‘president’?”

“Then what should I call you?”

“Alkiné….”

“…If it’s adding ‘senpai’ to that, I’ll try.”

“That’s enough. Thanks.”

Recently, the way she spoke had become way too casual, and now she was suddenly concerned about honorifics? What an impressive person in a different sense.

Regardless, it seemed both were accepting the core function of the bracelet.

…If that was all, it would’ve been great. Unfortunately, there was still something left about the likability.

“I have one more thing to say.”

“What else is there?”

I took a deep breath before carefully calling out to both of them.

“Seria. President.”

“Alkiné.”

“…Alkiné senpai.”

I messed up calling the newly discussed title, but anyway.

Gathering the attention of both of them, I slammed my head onto the table.

Bang!

“What, what’s wrong? Why are you doing that all of a sudden?”

“…It feels like it’s been a while. I was flustered on the entrance exam day because I did it too.”

“Why is Seria so calm about this?!”

“I’m really sorry!!”

“Then what are you sorry for! You can’t just slam your head down and not explain!”

I had no courage to speak first, so I had chosen to apologize before explaining.

Me, acting abnormally, and Seria, shockingly liking me for it.

Alkiné was the only one showing a normal response in between us.

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