After school.
Eden stretched lazily with some force, feeling the faint cracks from every bone in his body.
He exhaled deeply, a long-awaited expression of relief finally appearing on his face.
Just moments ago, the Disciplinary Committee Communicator attached to his right ear had transmitted the cold voice of Kurokami Akane, notifying him that there were no additional work assignments for the night.
“Finally… I can go home on time…”
Eden murmured, his tone filled with the relief that comes after exhaustion.
These past few days, his life had been consumed by various Disciplinary Committee duties—one task after another, busy almost until midnight after school, giving him the illusion that he had prematurely stepped into society and become a ruthlessly exploited Social Animal.
Why did he still have to work the typical nine-to-five schedule even in another world?
Eden efficiently packed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, ready to leave the classroom.
Before leaving, his eyes involuntarily flicked toward Celes’s empty seat.
He hadn’t expected Celes to be so powerful—not only was she well hidden, but she had also passed the notoriously difficult Star Test in one fell swoop.
But thinking about it, it made sense.
After all, she was one of the Heroines of this world, naturally possessing incredible potential… although that potential was enough to classify her as a world-destroying witch in the future.
Still, why had Celes suddenly decided to run for the “Seven Stars”?
That question was like a small thread, constantly twisting in Eden’s mind, leaving him somewhat perplexed.
However, at this moment, physically and mentally exhausted as he was, Eden didn’t have the energy to think deeply about it.
No matter what, this was ultimately a good thing for Celes. Becoming a member of the “Stars” meant she had truly reached the Peak of Life in this academy, even in this world.
Judging by the enthusiastic cheers from the students around her during today’s test, it was clear that from now on, her situation in the academy would be fundamentally improved, and she would no longer be easily ostracized or bullied.
With that, the likelihood of her darkening under external pressure would certainly decrease significantly.
Although the system still showed that Celes’s overall favorability toward males remained negative, Eden felt that his system tasks related to Celes could temporarily come to a pause here.
The major crisis points had been overcome, and she had found her own path and status.
As a “Star” member, Celes would likely receive direct guidance and resource support from the academy’s Elite Teachers in the future.
She probably wouldn’t come to this ordinary classroom much anymore…
Realizing this, an inexplicable, hollow sense of loss quietly crept into Eden’s heart.
What was going on?
Eden frowned, confused.
He clearly remembered that he had been deliberately keeping his distance from Celes before… so why did he now feel… a little reluctant to part?
He shook his head hard, as if trying to throw off these messy emotions.
Hey, you’re only here to complete the system tasks, don’t get carried away.
With this self-mocking thought, he cast one last glance at the empty seat and turned away from the gradually quieting classroom.
When Eden arrived at the academy’s gate, he saw a bustling crowd gathered there, most of them well-dressed noble students with exceptional presence.
These students surrounded the stunning girl with ice-blue hair in the center like planets orbiting a star, chattering excitedly to introduce themselves, trying to leave an impression on her.
Some were even bold enough to directly invite her:
“Celes, may I have the honor of escorting you home?”
or
“Celes, my family just received a fresh batch of top-quality Magical Materials. Would you be interested?”
—all sorts of attempts to get close and build connections.
Surrounded at the center, Celes leaned lazily against the cold wall, her right foot lightly raised with her toes unconsciously tapping small circles on the ground.
Her face still wore that familiar aloof “Ice Queen, do not approach” expression.
Facing the enthusiastic introductions and invitations from the students around her, she only nodded politely and occasionally let out a barely audible “hm” through her nose, showing no special interest at all.
These noble students, who had been raised in social circles from a young age, naturally knew how to read the atmosphere.
They could tell that Celes was disinterested and had no intention of deepening conversations.
Thus, most of them just greeted her briefly, made themselves known, and tactfully stepped back—after all, there was always a long future ahead, no need to rush.
But just as one group dispersed, another quickly gathered, keeping a constant, dense crowd of Admirers around Celes.
After all, Celes was undoubtedly the rising Star and storm center of Saint Diarce Academy.
Seeing this lively scene, Eden instinctively lowered his head, intending to slip away quietly through the crowd.
Better not be seen by Celes in a situation like this.
He forced a somewhat awkward smile and greeted her.
There was no escaping it after all.
“Eden, I heard you don’t have work assignments tonight. So… shall we go home together?”
Celes approached Eden, tilting her head up, eyes shining with expectation, her tone lightening.
“Sure.”
Faced with such a direct and warm invitation from Celes, Eden found no reason to refuse, nor did he want to appear cold or indifferent under everyone’s watchful eyes and become the target of criticism.
He simply nodded in agreement.
Seeing Eden accept, Celes’s smile grew even brighter, as if she had received the most precious treasure in the world.
The surrounding students, sensing the moment, tactfully parted to either side, clearing a smooth path for them.
Thus, under countless complex gazes, the two easily escaped the crowded throng, walking side by side as their figures gradually disappeared around the street corner.