The next day.
Perhaps unable to bear the pathetic sight of Rin, a university graduate, being stumped by high school exercises, the system finally copy-pasted the automatically generated standard answers, ending this silent tug-of-war that had lasted nearly an hour.
Faced with this outcome, Rin felt a bit complicated, like a fish trapped in the shallows suddenly lifted by the tide—saved, but somewhat unwilling.
But it was over anyway.
When the stack of workbooks closed, she even heard herself let out a soft sigh of relief.
It seems the system is somewhat useful after all.
On the way to school, Rin thought so.
[In fact, I just didn't want to hear you badmouthing the company anymore.] The system's voice echoed faintly in her mind, carrying a hint of resentment.
[According to statistics, last night you complained seven times about the company being "unfair," twice sarcastically remarked that the company is "truly a capitalist's paradise," and sighed numerous times.]
[And those sighs were often accompanied by the sound of a pen tip poking paper, which greatly disturbed my sleep.]
[If you keep this up, my salary will be docked.]
Pausing, it added: [Furthermore, when entering this world, the company already adapted the knowledge reserves and basic skills possessed by the character for you. Why can't you even handle these ordinary difficulty exercises?]
"Knowing it and being able to do it are two different things..." Rin muttered in her heart.
She recognized the formulas, of course, but plugging in numbers and calculating correctly all the way through was a completely different set of muscle memories that required continuous practice...
Which she clearly lacked.
[I think you're just lazy.] The system pointed out ruthlessly.
To this, Rin did not retort.
Because she really was lazy.
[Alright, host, I won't discuss this with you anymore.] The system's tone returned to its usual business-like manner. [From now on, I will reduce communication as before unless necessary, so as not to affect your acting state.]
[I wish you success in executing your plan.]
"I'll take your word for it then."
After dealing with the system, she continued walking forward.
After passing a female student stumbling out of an alleyway with a slice of bread in her mouth, Rin turned onto the path leading to the building where Grade 10 Class B was located.
The preparatory bell was not far off. Usually, the corridor should have quieted down by now, with only the muffled footsteps of a few students rushing along.
However, today seemed different. Even before reaching the classroom door, she sensed an unusual clamor.
It didn't sound like something bad had happened; it was more like... the liveliness of multiple voices overlapping.
Like sparrows huddling together under the eaves in winter—not for warmth, but to fight over a single fallen grain.
She subconsciously slowed her pace and looked toward the place where the crowd was gathered.
At the entrance of her own classroom, Reina was closely surrounded by four girls of distinct temperaments. The scene was like an overcrowded still-life painting, with the protagonist at the center looking bewildered, not knowing where to cast her gaze.
"Reina should come with me to the Track and Field Club—"
On the far left, the girl with dazzling blonde hair, so sunny she almost blinded people, was clinging tightly to Reina's right arm in an almost domineeringly intimate manner, practically hanging off her.
Her face was pressed against Reina's shoulder, her ruby-like eyes shining intensely. Her expression was like a Golden Retriever clamoring for a morning walk; if she had a tail, it would surely be wagging into a blur right now.
"Please calm down, Aizawa-san."
On Reina's other side, Sakurano held her books in one arm, her tone as flat as usual, but her golden eyes weren't wandering like they normally did; they were fixed firmly on Reina's profile, unwilling to look away for even a second.
"It's almost time for class." She paused, her gaze fixing on where Misaki was holding Reina's arm, then shifted away naturally.
Sakurano's voice grew even softer, yet it carried a certain undeniable certainty.
"Moreover, judging by her usual physical fitness test results, Reina isn't good at sports at all."
"Instead of forcing her into an unsuitable club, she should consider the Literature Club. At least it's quiet there and doesn't require much physical exertion..."
"What! No—way—!"
Misaki puffed out her cheeks, glaring at Sakurano like a little beast protecting its food, her eyes filled with a self-righteous "what do you know" look, though it lacked any real intimidation.
"Um... everyone..."
A third voice weakly cut in, not very loud.
A girl with smooth, long black hair stood behind the two. She lowered her head slightly, her bangs obscuring half her expression, with only the slight reddening of her ear tips betraying her nervousness.