There wasn't much to do on Saturday. We talked, with all 8 of us gathered, during breakfast and spent the day however we wished. For Anna that included filling out forms for the lost uniforms.

On Sunday morning I have received the call from father and went outside to meet him. I asked the girls to go to the restaurant ahead of us.

"A.K: Daughter, it's good to see you doing well. I was afraid something… bad happened."

"Mari: I am well, father. How are you doing? …  Have you brought the things I've asked you to?"

"A.K: I feel fine. … Yes, I have my bodyguard carry them. He should be by the fence on the forested side… there."

"Mari: Splendid, we will have to walk in that direction anyway. Let's move away from prying eyes first, there is much to discuss."

We dip out of view and move towards the fence, retrieving a locked case and a bundle with my new bow and arrows. 'I will need to practice. Fortunately, there are plenty of targets.'

I follow the same play we had for Kate with a bit of extra information.

"Mari: This photo was taken on Friday, this one yesterday. He was, much like a corpse on Thursday, when it happened."

"A.K: Unbelievable… this is. This level of advanced… no, a miracle is more appropriate. You say, we will travel to another planet with monsters on it, that inflicted this much… damage?"

"Mari: Yes. You can call them monsters or artificial energy constructs, either way, they are as dangerous as they are alien to us."

I've asked Anna to allow us privacy for the tour, so Meiko and Hana take the lead, with spears in hand.

After seeing the creatures for the first time I'm more mystified by their behaviour than appearance. 'Why and how are they created? Is it by natural evolution, or design?'

The hunting rifle proves somewhat less effective on creatures resembling animals the least. The slimes patch themselves up, the carrots take a dozen shots. The little dinosaur on the other hand, falls after one shot to the head.

'Is it because they don't have a critical weak point? No organs, no blood? Hmm…'

The potatoes would take hundreds of bullets, so we don't bother. Father was most surprised about the vegetables and mushrooms that fully regrow within an hour from seemingly empty air.

"A.K: I can see your reasoning. As a businessman I would fear and pray to the very existence of this… place. It will cause upheaval in the power balance and of the very nature of our… society. We humans aren't ready to enter this stage of … progress."

"Mari: You agree that at most we can take a grain of rice from this rice field?"

"A.K: It will be enough to feed our planet… for generations. This must be held… in absolute secret… or the world will catch on fire. I will do what I can, I now see your urgency… daughter. Thank you for trusting in me, Mari. I will take on this burden… fast."

"Mari: Thank you, and about the injured man… Can you help him?"

"A.K: Haaa… The… 'lab rat'… Yes, fate worse than many could bear. I will reach out to some old… friends. You know your father isn't a saint. I had to get involved with many different types of… people. I'll get things moving."

I move closer to not be overhead by the others.

"Mari: I am afraid that Meiko will push herself too far in this dungeon. If something… of that sort happened to her… I wouldn't forgive myself. Can you get protective gear for her, like riot gear or something?"

"A.K: Your friend has been on the road to pursue power for many years now, and this place promises… much. You are right. I'll ask you for some measurements if needed and provide you all with the best I can. So please, Mari, stay safe, this is all I ask of, please."

'`Sigh. Don't look so miserable. I'm not in a hurry to get into danger.' I resign myself to give father a hug, as I'm asking for a lot from him.

"Mari: Worry not old man, your daughter is a tough cookie." The baffled expression on his face is worth the humiliation. We collect a few mushrooms and other resources, before going back and having a more relaxed conversation.

'Hmm, I honestly miss his cooking a bit. Even if you discard everything else, his skills in the kitchen are real. Well, Anna said that his recovery would likely finish tomorrow. Haa, I should have a talk with him again.'

-- --

We have decided not to crowd the small room, and only me and Anna are here, waiting out the last 5 minutes on the timer.

Right after the timer counted down, a song started playing. It doesn't sound like a happy song.

"Mari: Does it always do that? Can't you mute or stop it?"

"Anna: Nope, no settings are available for anything, you can only silence it physically. With a pillow maybe?"

OST Control - Sankarin Tango

'Why is he crying?' Midway through the song, tears started rolling down his face.

"Valentine: In the game, this fool is beaten, again and again. But only a moment, of rest, in death, is given, already, having, to return… He, he, how fitting. `Sigh. So you have found me out, Miss Kurihara. Haa… Do what you want, I won't beg for mercy. This is, but a reprieve before my soul is ripped out and toyed with again. Hopefully… it gets damaged enough to be discarded this time."

Without opening his eyes or wiping the tears, with a solemn voice he sings two lines, before addressing me.

"Mari: Those are some serious accusations Mr Valentine. Why would I make you beg for mercy?"

"Valentine: Please, young Miss. I know the look that a person gives to a thing crawling in their way. I've lived and died, loved and lost, hoped and despaired. Haa… heh, lately, my favourite saying is: fuck my life. It sums up everything nicely, so do what you must and let me get my 5 minutes of freedom."

'Tch, don't fuck with me! You… trash. `Sigh. Perhaps that would have been my response under normal circumstances. But now, this is greater than me alone, besides, I'm not a demon to toy with a person's… everything.'

I cut off Anna, before she interrupts. "Mari: How about you look me in the eyes and say that to my face?" I trample my temper and look at him.

He finally rubs his eyes and looks at me. As seconds pass with our staring contest, he finally mumbles a response.

"Valentine: The hell? Did I get my memories erased again? Am I finally broken?"

"Mari: We will talk another day, Mr Valentine. Have a good rest till then." Without completing the matter further, I walk away to the surface and return to my friends.

POV Valentine

'WTF? Am I going insane? The raven-haired demon just walked away? WTF is going on?'

"Valentine: I'm going to guess that you've been busy. How long was I out? Oh, yes, hmm, probably thank you for the rescue? I'm not sure what happened, well, during most of it."

"Anna: It's good that you are alive. You were very much not alright when we have found you. And yes, very busy. Would you like some details or to rest for a bit more?"

I reach out for the tablet, checking the time and decide to listen to Anna for a bit.

"Valentine: The short version please. I won't keep you long, and I do feel like a abused punching bag, so I'll rest tonight."

Anna recounts what happened during my absence, and I start wonder if I'm in a parallel reality, or some brainwashing was done to them. The mana used for my recovery stings a bit, I'll have to slave away for a week to recoup it.

'Shit got serious real fast, fuck my OP MC life! A fucking garden with over a thousand flowers! And I'm stuck with thorns instead of roses! Fuck! Even that secret lesbian is involved now! Fuck! Give me a reset on this life! Or better yet! Isekai me properly!!! Ugh… my stomach hurts.'

There are things that don't add up, major things. I ask about the academy structure and the main players here. Things aren't as I assumed them to be.

'Ssssshhhhiiiiiiiit. I never knew the dates of the anime and fuck if I know how a Japanese academy for rich girls functions! Fuck! The ass man hasn't even taken over yet! Do the anime events start in a year or two? Like I paid attention to that!'

I ask to be left alone and curl up to smooth the pain. The future looks bleaker every time I wake up. 'At least only I have the ability to grant access to the HQ system. Pretty sure it will mean my continued survival for now. Haa… Where is my lovely waifu to comfort me? Right, no magic = no waifu. Sleeep. Brain off. Need rest. FY life.'

-- --

The next day I started with my usual routine, but held off the dungeon exploration and went cooking instead. I needed something to occupy my hands with. 'Oh, … I need a new shield again, don't I? Completely forgot about that.'

In the afternoon, a large group of girls comes in and a real-life drill hair is with them. 'It fucking looks like a pain the ass to have in real-life. How do you sleep? Do you make the hair style anew every morning? Who has the time to have such a high-maintenance hair style? I don't understand women.'

Keeping the silence isn't too welcoming, so I try to joke, failing spectacularly.

"Valentine: Aren't all drill hair ladies a bunch of spoiled, high-class sadists? I call sus!"

'Wow, my cringe O‘ meter™ just cracked. Not my fault! You all sit here, looking at me like in a zoo! I don't deal with people well!'

"Meiko: `Hah! She sure is!"

"Kate: My, my, I feel singled out, and I was going to keep my silence about this place for now. Oh well."

"Valentine: Apologies! Oh mistress of machinations! She who whips others for please! The marvelous paragon of humanity! … I prefer people like Risa. If she doesn't like you, I feel, she would rather throw a punch than make a scheme behind your back."

'Fucking sadists aren't my thing, especially the backstabbing kind. Worst! character! after the five dicks, and! she has drill hair!!'

POV Mari

'I have expected as much. If you get to know Kate's bad side, it will be more difficult to trust her. I guess he really has a sharp sense for people. It matters not, she is involved and we must put down some ground rules.'

Fortunately, he behaved and agreed to comply with our terms. This is now a joint venture with a shared responsibility, we can't afford to be losing anyone. 'If we don't clamp down on the dangerous behaviour, I feel that Meiko may be the first to jump in there, head first.'

The third floor requires preparations and there is much to be learned about the safer floors first. 'Though, with the difference in out technology, I doubt that we will learn much, not to mention trying to replicate anything.'

There is a somewhat relaxed week before the midterm exams, so we put in some work: taking observations, collecting the mana energy, and having it absorbed into us.

The most driven have gained the promised power first. Meiko's 'Exemplar of War' and Risa's 'Samurai' were added on the tablet entries. 

'Why is there no visible difference at any point but the last? If some kind of energy is accumulating, why won't it show any effects during the whole process?'

The obvious and substantial result has pushed the rest of us to put in more effort. A day later Hana has gained 'Windstep Master', myself 'Vigilant Defender' and Kate 'Fated Champion'.

I think being called Fated Champion boosted her ego. 'Is there a meaning behind all these entries? Anna's group has not discovered any supernatural abilities except for the physical improvement.'

On the exam week we have focused on our study and filling the mana batteries in between. As I have feared, sometimes, the girls throw glances towards the cave leading into the mountain, towards new power and danger. 

On Saturday evening, after the exams, I received a call from home.

"A.K: Daughter, how were the exams? I know they are mostly a formality for you. A word of reassurance will do… . Good. The first year should be easy for you all… Now to business. In a couple of weeks is the sports day, yes?"

"Mari: Indeed. It will allow our groups to gather more support and cement our positions as the next student councils. Is there anything you were planning?"

"A.K: Yes, your request for additional supplies. I've made an offer to the academy to provide some equipment and traditional food and drinks stands. It was welcomed with open arms. Can your group work with the student councils to sort and store the deliveries? I was thinking to have your equipment added to the shipment, where your group would put it aside and covertly take them away. There will be a group of professionals installing everything the day before, so the boxes won't be opened up to that point."

'If you put all the equipment for everyone together it will be a lot. Too much to bring here inside a bag. Mixing it with large boxes and equipment will hide it from prying eyes. We can retrieve it all under the cover of night.'

We iron out the specifics, the double documentation that will be sent and swapped, and other little things.'

... ... ...

Soon enough, summer finally is in full swing and a notice pops up on the tablet, on June 1st, just as promised.

-- -- -- -- -- --

End of Month Notice.

EP gained: 62 EP.

Passive: 49 EP.

+ 1 point per repeat visitor = 9 EP,

+ 2 points per repeat adventurer = 16 EP,

+ 3 points per supporter = 24 EP.

Active: 13 EP.

+ 1 point per new visitor = 3 EP,

+ 2 points per new adventurer = 4 EP,

+ 3 points per new supporter = 6 EP.

-- -- -- -- -- --

HQ system upgrade -100 EP. CONFIRMED.

NEW functions available:

Improved mana gathering array efficiency up to 200 Mp/d.

Every storage area has been improved.

Add winery to storage room  - 250 Mp (long term storage area must be unlocked).

Add temporary healing properties to the hot springs' water 0-1500 Mp (repeatable, temporary).

Create a secondary gate inside the dungeon space (Level 1 - 100 Mp, Level 2 - 300 Mp, Level 3 - 700 Mp). Note: Secondary gates are available to registered users only.

Owner - Valentine, maximum allowable distance from HQ increased to 4.5 km.

-- -- -- -- -- --

"Valentine: Is… Is there… a shop nearby? Can, can I go outside?"

'A longer leash… I'm much more interested in the healing water. If the emergency treatment costing over 1000 Mp could basically regenerate a body, what can this healing water do?'

"Anna: We will double check the map within the 4 km radius. I'm pretty sure that there's at least one convenience store nearby."

All the mana that we have gathered amounts to over 5100. 'The healing definitely needs testing, and the secondary gate will cut down on all the walking back and forth. Unlocking the game or garden area doesn't seem to have much use right now.'

After much deliberation, we have agreed to unlock the storage and vinery, costing close to 4000 Mp. The argument that it might be possible to make healing potions, like in the games, got some interest and we can always get small amounts of mana daily for testing.

Since I won't allow Meiko to hurt herself for experiments, we will have to find an alternative.

'For now, we need more mana reserves for testing and time. Time to experiment with the plants. Can we introduce alien plants to our world? Will they grow here? Will they adapt to a new environment? It will take years to get satisfactory answers.'

"Valentine: The food stands. Can I do something for those? I… I don't have money."

Everyone glances at me. 'Hm… The stalls will be staffed by the personnel sent by father and there will be plenty of guests waiting around. We can make him a badge and give him a single stall. I don't think father would mind paying him off the books.'

"Valentine: A used phone would do for me. I just need the internet. I haven't relaxed watching a movie in a long time, or watched silly videos, or called anyone, or read the news. I… won't tell anyone anything."

'I doubt anyone would believe anything you say. Now, now… A phone without a camera would be safer for all of us. Hmmm… Can I get its activity recorded?'

"Mari: No camera, limited internet, the phone doesn't disappear completely off grid."

"Valentine: Yes ma'am!"

'I'll make the call later. `Sigh. Am I too reliant on father's help?'

Kate's and mine focus is mostly on the upcoming sports day and the official handing over of the student council duties a week later. We have plenty to learn and take care of. I invited Kate to discuss our plans on the rooftop.

"Mari: How do you feel about balancing the events? We can demonstrate camaraderie in some, showing that we can support each other when needed and get more competitive in other events. No sabotage, but a healthy competition that makes one strive for self-improvement. What do you think Kate? We will need to pair up for the first ones."

I'm not sure what our relationship is. I still hold a grudge for Meiko, at the same time I respect some of her traits. 'We all could be better people, it's just a question of finding the correct approach to some.'

"Kate: Mmm, if you consider that we will be working together to receive your special delivery. It will look out of place if we start acting as bitter enemies do. Yes. I agree. It will improve our standing on both sides. Do you have any concrete plans? Shall we discuss them together?"

It is nice having snacks made by the chef. Absentmindedly... 'I think that we are being spoiled by his skills. It's been some time since I've eaten out and now it feels that the food was actually lacking.'

Kate was in agreement and proposed to challenge the 2nd, 3rd years as a unified front. I agreed as it has potential and all the competitiveness can be left aside until the club events. Those are traditionally rivalries, so we will play our parts too.

'I'm not looking forward to all the paperwork, but I guess there is a convenient stress relief nearby.'