Three days after returning.

Fectom Academy was now, in every way, a peaceful place.

With a sudden reduction in its debt, there was a good chance it could run like a normal academy. Mizuhi and Toa both seemed thrilled by this.

Miroku is amazing. What did she even do against the Dual Academy?

For someone like me—a mere “Fectom Bishoujo wannabe”—I couldn’t imagine what method she used. That’s a true, natural beauty for you. She’s on a different level.

In that case, I, too, must put in the effort. I can’t leave everything to the three of them. I refuse to lose in admiration for bishoujo!

So, in other words…

“I’m going to cross-dress.”

“Huh? Did that have any connection to the context? Why cross-dress?”

As usual, the Star Staff doesn’t pick up on things quickly. It’s like a useless piece of Demonsgear.

For Fectom Academy to become a normal school means that we’ll likely start getting more students. Now we can use the dungeon core for expanding the territory instead of debt repayment, and we can even allocate funds to repair the school building.

With the War Zone Festival this year, I have the advantage of knowing the layout, so a high rank is basically guaranteed. Next year, new students will be joining, too.

And when that happens, I will become the mysterious bishoujo senpai.

“Will you now?”

Yes, I will. I’ll set up a chair by the window in an empty classroom, reading obscure literature I barely understand! Spring breezes will blow through the open window, and I’ll hold my long hair down with one hand! And then I’ll call any watching underclassmen “you,” and break them with my cool, aloof charm.

That’s me next year.

“I neither want to understand nor calculate that.”

No need to calculate!

Miroku is the reliable older sister type. Mizuhi is dependable like a big sis. Toa is the kind senpai who makes everyone misunderstand her intentions.

See? The “cool” slot is open. That’s where I come in! Me, me! I’m volunteering!

“I hope the ‘cool’ slot somehow transfers to someone else. I feel like I can’t trust this to my partner.”

Huh?

I’m only planning to break the male students’… preferences. After that, I’ll turn them all into bishoujo.

This way, even though we’re co-ed, we’ll become an all-girls school in spirit within a year.

“You’re not that different from a dungeon, really. If I defeated you, would a core drop out?”

No, it wouldn’t.

Oh, and of course, I’ll reserve a bishoujo slot for you too, Star Staff ♥ Try to have a physical form by next year, okay? ♥

“I absolutely refuse.”

It seems my partner still lacks awareness as a mysterious bishoujo’s sidekick. He needs to remember his innocence, starting with cross-dressing.

“I don’t have any innocence to remember.”

Lately, thanks to adaptive TS (temporary transformation), I’ve started to take my ability to become a bishoujo for granted. So, I’ll cross-dress to remind myself of my origins.

Listen, Star Staff. This time, I won’t be using your magic.

Because every person has, deep down, the magic called the “desire to become a bishoujo.”

“What is this guy on about?”

In my room, I give thanks and dress in Gothic Lolita. In the worn mirror, a familiar bishoujo gazes back.

It’s a touching sight.

Thinking back, I’ve come a long way.

I’m steadily moving closer to becoming a bishoujo.

“Now, with this outfit… maybe I’ll do some document filing.”

“Oh, so you’re not going outside dressed like that?”

Well, I have paperwork to finish. Mizuhi handles the rescue requests, while Toa and I split the rest of the document sorting every day.

The debt has lessened, so we can now draft budgets and allocate for necessary things and facilities.

For example, things like:

[“Upgrade Fectom Academy’s showers to provide hot water.”]

I’m fine with cold water, but I want my fellow bishoujo to grow up healthy. Maybe I should dig a hot spring?

“I wouldn’t put it past you to actually do it.”

“Say, how far would Sorciera’s convergence blast penetrate the ground?”

“I’m honestly startled. Don’t you dare use it for something like that. Show some restraint as a Star Gear.”

Oh, shut up!

All I want is for bishoujo to be happy! And I want to join them in that happiness as a bishoujo myself!

“Alright! That’s today’s paperwork done!”

The paperwork I brought home has been finished with style. A bishoujo even files documents beautifully.

So, I’ll stash these papers in the Dive Gear’s expanded storage and head to the student council room.

“Since you’re serious about your work, no one can really fault you.”

“Alright… let’s go, then.”

“Wait, like that?!”

Of course! I’m going back to basics and cross-dressing at Fectom Academy.

It’s fine, really.

Toa’s back in the dorm, and Mizuhi went out on another rescue.

The main building is empty!

So, I’m going to practice my mysterious bishoujo moves in this outfit.

Hence, I’ll be unarmed. Alright, Star Staff, observe today.

Later, I’ll need you to submit a report based on your observations.

“I refuse.”

Not very honest, are you?

Now, I collect myself and step into the hallway.

As the mysterious bishoujo, I move gracefully, letting my hair sway elegantly with each step. Occasionally, I pause and glance melancholically out the window.

“The stars are so visible tonight.”

“Stop dawdling and just go to the student council room already!”

Hey, noisy! Alright, alright, I’m going.

The destination is the student council room, after all.

■

Sure enough, the student council room is empty.

Under the moonlight, the room feels starkly different from the day.

The unusually chilly room seems even larger.

One by one, I pull the documents from the Dive Gear and arrange them on the desk.

Phew. Just need to submit these, and I’m done.

Sitting in a chair, I cross my legs, sighing wistfully as I gaze out the window.

“Aren’t you forgetting the last one? Why are you so lost in thought?”

“Do you love this world? …This deceit-filled world?”

“Oh no, he’s doing something strange…!”

I need to practice for next year. I’ll say profound things to mystify the juniors.

“What are you even aiming for? Actually, never mind.”

I see. You understand without words. As expected of my partner.

“…Right.”

With a flirtatious smile, I cast a glance at the door. I imagine a junior standing there, looking in.

Next year, I want an empty classroom reserved for these moments.

“I suppose… At least, with you, I won’t be bored in this world.”

And then, I’ll close the book with a snap. A difficult novel, swapped with a light novel inside!

“Wait! Someone’s coming! Hide or escape now!”

This is just a lie, right?

Never lie to your partner, no matter how jealous you are of my mysterious bishoujo aura.

So, I’ll continue with my mysterious bishoujo act.

“I don’t need to introduce myself… do I?”

I recite theatrically, gazing up at the ceiling.

“After all, we’ve already met.”

Even if we haven’t, saying this will give the impression of a fated encounter. Then, if I lean in close, it’ll twist their inclinations beyond repair.

By the end, the room will be filled with aspiring bishoujo eager to be like me.

“…Isn’t that right?”

I’ll add the perfect unnecessary flourish by twisting my neck dramatically, exuding that untouchable aura.

And that’s how the junior standing by the door falls for my ominous yet irresistible charm.

Right, now to do the neck twist!

“Oh, it’s true, we have met.”

“…?????”

Wait, what?

Wasn’t there supposed to be a junior here? Why is Mizuhi here?

Did my brain automatically project a bishoujo?

“…She’s real.”

Eh.

“I did say I’d be coming back…”

Are you serious?

Real-life Mizuhi?

“Sorciera, why are you here?”

I was going to ask the same thing. Why is Mizuhi here?

The rescue mission? Taking a break?

…This is bad!

With sweat trickling down my back, I hide my mouth behind my hand and smile.

“I had my reasons, that’s all.”

“Is it another matter related to Demonsgear?”

“Hehe, well. Who’s to say?”

What should I do? Star Staff, any ideas?

“You’re doomed.”

You wretch!

“Could it be that there’s still something lurking in this academy?”

I’d like to know that myself.