Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

After the weekend, the final week of the semester kicked off.

Even though it was exam week, barely anyone was stressed—especially since it was only the first semester. Most first and second years weren't taking it seriously; only the third years were treating it as a real checkpoint to see where they stood.

Exams were scheduled for Wednesday. Monday and Tuesday were basically just open study periods. No real classes—everyone was left to review on their own.

Shichen, the principal, was relaxing in his office, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. There wasn't much for him to do now that the semester was wrapping up.

"Onii-chan."

Est, lying on the desk flipping through a manga, spoke up without turning around.

"What's up?"

Shichen opened one eye lazily. She was clearly trying to get his attention—probably because he hadn't followed through on a promise he'd made to her.

"Onii-chan, what are these people doing?"

Est turned around, sitting on the edge of the desk and holding the manga out to him.

"Let me see… Wait, where'd you even get this?"

As soon as Shichen saw what was inside, his brow furrowed.

The scene in the manga felt oddly familiar—two desks side-by-side in a classroom, a girl tied up and leaning forward, another girl (who looked just like her) standing nearby, and a boy sitting behind her acting sketchy. The whole thing gave off seriously questionable vibes.

In the corner of the page, it said something like Kaede & Rin.

"Yami gave it to me yesterday," Est replied casually.

"And she thought this was appropriate?"

Shichen took the book from her and dropped it into his drawer. "Yeah, I'm gonna hang onto this."

"Huh? Why?"

"It's not something you should be reading."

"What? Come on! I'm older than you, remember?" Est said with a smirk.

"Oh, now you bring that up? But you still call me 'Onii-chan.'"

"Because I know you like it," she said, grinning.

"…Alright, whatever. Just trust me, okay?"

He glanced at her. "You didn't even finish the manga yet, did you?"

"Nope. I stopped right around that part," Est said innocently.

Shichen squinted at her, skeptical. "You sure?"

"You don't believe me?" she pouted.

"No, no, I believe you," he said quickly, pulling her into a hug. "Of course I do."

"Hmph. Well, I don't believe you anymore."

"Huh? What'd I do now?"

"It's not what you did—it's what you didn't do."

"…You mean the promise?"

That one word was enough. Shichen immediately understood what she was talking about. They had made a promise, but got interrupted and never followed through.

He hesitated. Between all the distractions—Yami causing trouble, morning training, and everything else—he hadn't really made time for her. But the truth was, the hesitation came from himself. Est always looked so delicate. Even though she was technically older than him, he still couldn't shake the feeling of guilt because of her appearance.

Maybe it was time to finally let go of that.

"…Alright. I'm not someone who goes back on my word. I made you a promise—I'll keep it."

Est blinked, stunned. "For real?"

Smiling, Shichen picked her up and started walking toward a private room.

"You're serious?" she asked, holding onto him.

"Don't you trust me?"

"I want to… but I need to see it."

"Then I'll prove it."

Est beamed. "Finally! I've been waiting for this forever!"

"You're really that excited?"

"Totally! I've been looking forward to it for so long!"

"…Shouldn't I be the one excited?" he muttered.

"All the same~" Est sang happily.

"Haha. That easy to please, huh? What about next steps?"

She blushed. "If you're ready, I'm not scared."

"…Let's take it slow."

…

Later that morning, Shichen left the office to stretch his legs. He'd been standing around for a while and needed to move.

Est stayed behind, fast asleep. She'd worn herself out and said her legs felt like she'd been running for hours.

Shichen strolled toward the classroom building, humming to himself. He was in a great mood—he'd finally gotten over the hesitation he'd been carrying, and honestly, he felt lighter for it.

He even started thinking about small details, like how maybe Est shouldn't wear thigh-high socks next time. The material was soft, but bare skin would be more—

No, stop. Don't get carried away, he reminded himself. He had discipline. He couldn't let himself get hooked on these little moments.

The real battles were still ahead.

"Shichen-sama!"

A voice called out suddenly as someone dropped down from above.

"Huh?"

Shichen looked up to see Zastin landing right in front of him.

"Zastin? Long time no see. What's up?"

"It's serious," Zastin said, voice firm.

"Whoa, calm down. What's got you so worked up?" Shichen asked, patting his shoulder.

"He's here. That man has arrived on this planet."

"…Who?"

"The King of Deviluke!"

Shichen's hand paused mid-pat. He slowly pulled it back. "You're sure?"

"Absolutely," Zastin nodded.

"Why so sudden?"

"No idea. He didn't say."

"When's he arriving?"

"Probably today."

"Already?!"

"We're talking about the King of Deviluke. He goes wherever he wants, whenever he wants—"

Zastin suddenly looked up, eyes wide.

"He's here!"

"…What?"

~~~

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