For the time being, I will forget about my past and focus on the present.
I still have a lot to do, so I need to get rid of unnecessary things.
After hearing Rikka-senpai's words, I realized that this school is like the law of the jungle with regard to caste.
I mean if one is talented, then one can be at the top and hard to hunt down. But if one is not talented at all, then one will fall to the depths of being hunted down.
That applies to Rikka-senpai herself. Although she did have talent, but there were others who were more talented than her— then she fell because of the law of the school jungle.
Honestly, I'm sure that I won't be able to live a quiet life in this school— it's because they all want to become kings and queens by any means, even if it's underhanded and sneaky.
This is where the weak and inconspicuous will be targeted, as they are the perfect pawns.
Well, if they want to make me a pawn— I guess they'll have to try hard and I'll go for it.
I'll learn how to survive in this school through the students and teachers.
I hope they can all put up enough of a fight to make me try hard too.
Amidst everything I've been interested in learning, there's really only one goal: to make Rikka-senpai the queen of this school.
If Rikka-senpai had become the queen, then I wouldn't have to struggle to become the king— then I would tell her to give a request to the school to investigate the place.
Although I know it won't go smoothly, I'm still confident that I can do it.
Ah, by the way— I don't seem to know where my class is.
I continued to walk through the hallways of the school while searching for the location of the first class, but I ended up getting lost.
I didn't get any notice, so my ignorance is normal, right?
No, I guess I was wrong.
It seems like there's still a lot I need to learn for now, because even small things like this I can't handle.
"Hey, Keichi-kun!"
A woman's voice rang in my ears— I guess it was obvious that it belonged to Rikka-senpai.
I didn't know anyone in this school, so Rikka-senpai was the first person I recognized.
"Keichi-kun!"
The voice called me back, and I turned around to look at the source.
"How wicked, you didn't even notice me!"
As I had expected, that voice indeed belonged to Rikka-senpai.
From what I could see, it seemed like she had been running for quite some time as her hair looked even more disheveled than before.
"Sorry, I'm confused."
"Hah.. hah.. I.."
"At least breathe first!"
Her breathing was irregular due to fatigue, so I told Rikka-senpai to keep breathing.
After she had had enough, she opened her mouth again.
"I'm sorry, Keichi-kun! I forgot to tell you where your class is, even though I was given a message by Sensei."
"Oh, is that so?"
At least I'm even with her— she forgot to tell, while I forgot to ask.
I don't think this is something that should be prolonged, considering Rikka-senpai also looks tired from chasing me.
"I'll drop you off as an apology!"
"Eh? I don't think it's necessary, you can just tell me the important locations in this school. I think all the first grade classes are side by side, as well as the second grade and third grade classes. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're absolutely right. But I need to give you a safe route to avoid being bullied, so let me escort you!"
"Safe route? Interrupted? What does that mean?"
"This school has a security system and most students call them bullies. They look like security guards, but there are quite a few of them. They usually hang around in certain places and spots or what are called forbidden locations."
"I just found out that it would be that complicated. Then what happens if I'm in a forbidden location?"
It looks like my initial guess wasn't wrong, because now I have the possibility of dealing with the bully Rikka-senpai was referring to.
"That bully will act like a school thug. They'll kick you out, hit you, demand money, and do other cruel things to you."
"It sounds terrible, but I'm interested in them."
"Are you crazy?! Even real school thugs don't want to deal with bullies!"
"No, I understand now. In short, bullies were created to deal with students who want to do naughty things like pervert, smoke, fight, or something else. Then the forbidden locations are in places that are very rare for students to reach."
"Great, you know that much? Even though the school doesn't provide any information or appeals about the bullies."
"Yes, that's how it is. With the existence of bullies, this school feels like it has its own terror."
"You're right, especially since the forbidden location can move at any time, so students should be wary of deserted places."
"Ah, I see."
I was lucky enough not to have to deal with bullies in this school.
No, I think it's the other way around— they're the ones who are lucky enough not to have to deal with me yet.
"If you understand, you'd better follow me immediately!"
Rikka-senpai walked ahead of me— and at that moment, I noticed something odd.
I noticed several people hiding in this place.
I completely understood the situation— because actually, both of us were in a forbidden location right now.
Rikka-senpai didn't realize that because she also didn't know the exact location of the forbidden location.
Why am I this sure?
The answer was obvious, because this place was part of the end of the school hallway— that was the reason why some bullies were here.
Ah, damn!
I shouldn't have involved Rikka-senpai in a situation like this.
Calm down, myself!
You want to protect Rikka-senpai, right?
Then do everything you can!
"RIKKA-SENPAI!!!"
I shouted out her name and then ran with all my might towards her.
"Huh? Keichi-kun, what's wrong?!"
"AAHH!!!"
One of the bullies appeared quickly and it seemed like he intended to approach Rikka-senpai.
Of course, I wasn't going to let that happen— so I threw my kick towards that person.
Bull's-eye!
My kick hit him in the head and it made him fall unconscious.
It seems like I overreacted, I wish I could have restrained myself more so that they'd be okay.
It would be very troublesome if I was reported to have injured the bullies who were school officials, so what the heck.
"Keichi-kun, the bullies are here! We have to run!"
"Nn-"
"Keichi-kun!"
"Sorry, I have to take care of them!"
"Don't do anything crazy! I don't want you to get hurt!"
"That won't happen. If you want to run, it's better to do it now."
"Why? Why did you do it?"
"There's no particular reason, I just want to learn."
Yes, that's right— I want to learn from these bullies. That's why I needed to confront them.
"That's amazing, new student! Alright, we'll give you a lesson. Make sure not to cry later!"
"It's a good thing that you guys can make me cry. So, I'm looking forward to it."
"You son of a bitch!"
The bullies moved around me as well as Rikka-senpai— if we counted, there were five of them, that means there were six people in total including this fallen person.
"Keichi-kun, how is this?!"
"Take it easy, stay behind me!"