"Ah, Sensei! Welcome back!"
The moment I stepped into the classroom, I was greeted by Hifumi's warm and cheerful voice, filled with pure delight.
Now this was a reasonable attitude. Compared to a certain someone I had just met, the difference was like heaven and earth.
Thinking that to myself, I replied apologetically, "Sorry, I am a little late."
"It's fine, it's fine…!" After answering, Hifumi seemed to remember something and quickly picked up a stack of test papers from the side. "Ah, right, please take a look! These are the results from the mock exam we just finished!"
While I had been lingering behind the annex having a secret meeting with another young lady, everyone had already completed the mock exam according to plan. They really were worry-free.
Originally, I had intended to organize the information I had and confirm a few things with the others first, but instead I began checking and announcing today's mock exam results one by one.
First was Hanako, a steady 69 points as always.
I glanced at her instinctively, only to meet her gaze as she rested her chin on one hand, smiling at me.
Next was Hifumi. She had barely passed again, though her score was slightly lower than last time. Was it just normal fluctuation, or had she been too tired these past few days, causing the drop?
If that were the case, pointing it out now would probably only make her overthink it.
With that in mind, I made a decision.
As a temporary measure, it seemed I would once again have to sacrifice my looks and offer her some emotional comfort.
Moved by my own selflessness, I flipped to the last two papers and felt a small surge of surprise at the numbers.
"Azusa, 58 points. Koharu, 52 points."
As soon as I announced the results, Hifumi and Koharu, the two most straightforward among them, beamed with delight.
Compared to their first official make-up exam, today's mock exam scores showed tremendous improvement. The two who needed the most concern were now close to passing, and this was only the second day of the study camp.
At this rate, having everyone pass the second evaluation exam was practically guaranteed.
"…Just one sheet away," Azusa murmured, looking energized.
Hifumi nodded vigorously. "Yes! This time it really is just one sheet away! Azusa-chan, that's so frustrating…"
I added encouragingly from the side, "It's okay, Azusa. As long as you keep this up, you will definitely pass next time."
Even though I had learned about Azusa's true identity from Mika, my attitude toward her would not change much. At least on the surface.
If anything, I felt a bit more sympathy for her now.
I did not know the details, but her life in Arius must have been harsh. Having never received a normal education, her academic foundation was weak, and her words and behavior often felt subtly disconnected from society.
At that moment, Koharu could no longer contain her excitement. "S-See that? Sensei, Hifumi, I improved a lot too, you know?"
"Mm, I saw it! Koharu-chan improved so much all at once… You have the most room to grow. That's amazing!"
I did not hold back my praise either. "As expected of an elite from the Justice Task Force."
"Heh, hehe!" Koharu puffed out her chest proudly. "I told you, I was just hiding my true ability!"
Even so, at this level, hiding it or not hardly made a difference.
"And Hanako-chan, your score is as stable as ever."
Hanako covered her mouth and giggled. "Hehe, that's all thanks to your teaching, Sensei."
If you have the guts, let me actually teach you properly instead of just saying that.
"Mm! Thanks to Sensei and everyone's efforts, we were able to get these results!"
Hifumi said hopefully, "At this rate, we might reach our goal sooner than expected…!"
Azusa was equally fired up. "I will definitely complete my mission and obtain that cute little one to show you all. That is my reason for being here and the purpose of my fight."
…Was something off here?
"Azusa… Azusa-chan!?" Hifumi looked at her in shock. "Our reason for being here is just exams and studying, and our goal is to avoid repeating a year, okay!? Why did it suddenly change…!?"
Azusa replied calmly, "There was that too. Then I will handle it along the way."
Usually unshakable no matter the situation, Azusa now looked completely bewitched by momofriends.
Seeing how much she liked it, I found myself considering whether, after resolving the Make-Up Work Club's issues, I should ask Hifumi to help buy her one as a reward for her efforts.
Though in that case, would I also need to get Koharu a good book while I was at it?
While I was thinking that, Hifumi was still protesting Azusa's phrasing.
"Along the way!? Just along the way!? Ugh… W-Well, as a fellow momofriends fan, I am happy, but still…"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation.
Hanako tilted her head. "Oh my, it seems someone has arrived."
"It does…" Hifumi looked confused. "But who would come all the way out to this study camp location—"
My first reaction, however, was to wonder whether it might be a certain little nurse I had spoken with a few days ago.
With that thought, I was about to activate my authority to listen more carefully, but the next moment, after the slightly drawn-out sound of the door opening, a female voice reached my ears. It sounded familiar and gentle, though compared to Serina, it was less ethereal and more steady.
"E-Excuse me…!"
After a brief moment of recollection and comparison, I identified the visitor.
But what followed was an entirely new question.
Why was she here? Did she miss me?
Hanako seemed to recognize the voice as well. "Oh my, that voice is…"
Beside her, Azusa suddenly spoke. "An intruder? No problem. I am already prepared."
…Prepared?
The moment a bad premonition formed, it was unfortunately confirmed.
A deafening explosion rang out, followed by a girl's panicked scream.
"It's a landmine," Azusa explained. "It activates when it detects an intruder."
"Azusa-chan!?" Hifumi cried in disbelief.
But it was not over.
"W-What is this…? Huh, ah, here too…!? Kyaaah!"
Another loud blast followed.
"Running is useless," Azusa said in a low voice. "I predicted the escape route and made preparations there as well."
Had I not already warned her not to do things like this!?
This child really did need more correction, in every sense.
At the same time, I could not help feeling relieved that I had the good habit of bringing Arona with me even when going to the bathroom.
The explosions and screams continued one after another.
After an incredibly long minute, the classroom door was finally pushed open.
Through the drifting dust, a disheveled figure stumbled out, coughing violently after being choked by the smoke.