A Background Character’s Path to Power Chapter 4 4: Academy Tour: New Characters

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[Event - "Academy Tour – The Transfer Student's Journey."]

An ordinary welcome spirals into an inescapable involvement. The school's latest newcomers get pulled into the typical rituals of campus existence, regardless of their preferences.

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You mean...

That...

That I am a transfer student as well?!

The truth dawned on me while I mulled over Aeron's statement. It cleared up the glance from the homeroom teacher earlier, as if she hinted at a secret I overlooked.

But why?

Why did the same trope snag me too?

And crucially… why hadn't my classmates said anything earlier? No one pointed it out? Not even a quick look or a offhand "Oh, him as well"?

...Am I that isolated?

A sigh nearly escaped, but I suppressed it. Pointless to fret over it at this point.

Before I figured out my response, a fresh panel appeared before my eyes.

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[Scenario - "A Walk Through the Halls of Fate!"]

"A fresh campus, unknown corridors, and a summons that demands acceptance. Could this outing be merely a stroll, or the beginning of grander events?"

Objective: Join the others for the academy exploration.

Failure Penalty: Memory wipe.

Rewards: ??? (Based on decisions taken on the tour.)

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I inwardly grumbled. Naturally, the campus tour trope. So foreseeable.

"Why not come with us?" Aeron said again, his grin carrying a hint of urgency.

Come on, guy, are you really that timid?

And apologies, I've had my fill of your awkward moments.

"So-"

Right when I prepared to refuse, Emilia interrupted, cocking her head a bit.

"It'd be nicer to have another like me along for the tour," she remarked, her voice elegant and steady. "I'd appreciate you coming too. Sharing the thrill of exploration is quite enjoyable, after all."

I observed her briefly.

Was that mere courtesy, or did she truly intend it?

Regardless, I swiftly assessed my choices.

Pros:

- Gain insights into the academy. I'd have to explore it eventually anyway.

- Remain with the main group's circle to dodge looking oddly alone.

- Stay informed if any key events unfold.

Cons:

- End up trapped in a mobile romantic comedy setup.

- Risk seeing or enduring indirect cringiness.

- etc...

...Given the risks and the punishment, better to follow along for the moment.

I gave a steady nod. "Sure."

Aeron eased up noticeably, showing a grateful beam. "I figured you'd back me up, Aman."

I blinked.

Aman?

That must be my name.

Not bad at all. Better than some bland placeholder like John Doe.

Before lingering on it, Aeron rubbed his palms.

"How about we head for lunch first? Lunchtime's here, and I'm starving."

Emilia emitted a soft laugh. "That seems like a solid plan."

I nodded quietly, opting to stay silent. With meals on the agenda, no objections from me.

"Fine, our initial stop is - The cafeteria."

Thus, the protagonist pair and I departed.

Aeron and Emilia strolled abreast, swapping light talk, as I trailed quietly—wishing to evade yet another embarrassing spectacle.

Regrettably, based on the pattern so far… luck probably wouldn't favor me.

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Navigating the academy corridors, I stayed one pace back from the pair, allowing them to guide. Aeron and Emilia traded easy comments on the campus, its amenities, and the splendor of its design.

I ignored most of it.

Not due to lack of intrigue—truth be told, it lacked intrigue—but because intuition told me this wouldn't stay a peaceful jaunt.

And intuition proved correct.

Precisely as we rounded into the cafeteria path, the predictable struck.

"Aeron!"

A vibrant, upbeat call echoed down the passage, accompanied by rapid steps.

I eased my stride on reflex.

Here it comes.

Seconds later, a girl with gentle pink locks and sparkling green gaze hurled herself our way, targeting Aeron. She radiated endless vitality, the sort that defied fading into obscurity.

I knew instantly—she fit that archetype.

"Aeron!" she called once more, her tone full of closeness. "Where were you? I searched for you post-class!"

Aeron rubbed his cheek, appearing somewhat embarrassed. "Oh, apologies, Livia. Things held me up."

Livia.

One more name to note.

Her gaze shifted to Emilia, and briefly, an enigmatic flicker passed over her face. Yet the grin persisted. "Ah, you have to be Emilia, correct? I've caught wind of you already!"

Wait, she arrived today; how are you informed so soon?

Emilia, always poised, offered a courteous incline. "Same here. Pleased to meet you."

You recognize her too, don't you? Your look gave it away.

Livia glowed. "I wanted to greet you right! Aeron and I go way back as pals, you know—"

Obviously.

I exhaled inwardly. The classic "best female friend" role. In a romcom world, she'd likely rank among the hero's romantic options. Perhaps the "neighbor" variety. But her vibe suggested otherwise.

And predictably, her focus landed on me.

"And who might you be…?" Livia angled her head, eyes alight with interest.

"Aman," I replied plainly.

She paused. "Aman…?" A beat. "Hold on, you're new too, aren't you? I haven't spotted you before."

"Transferred this year," I verified, as though evident.

"Is that so? Odd. I didn't catch news of another newcomer," she pondered, pressing a finger to her mouth. "Though it tracks. The place is huge."

Indeed. We'll accept that. You only see from your angle, after all.

Aeron, keen to redirect, laughed. "Regardless, we headed for food. Want to tag along, Livia?"

I fought back a groan.

No. Absolutely not.

She totally would.

"Sure thing!" she trilled. "Count me in!"

Perfect.

The hero's crew was growing.

Aeron took point as we pressed on to the cafeteria, Livia now animatedly conversing at his side. Emilia replied with poise when spoken to, while I… simply proceeded, praying to sidestep the impending absurdity.

We reached the cafeteria at last—a vast room buzzing with pupils, extended benches, and aromas of hot cuisine. The vibe hummed with discussions and chuckles.

Aeron pointed to a vacant spot. "Over there for us."

We took seats, and Aeron started proposing orders when—

"Hey, isn't that the newcomer?"

I stiffened a touch.

Hold on. Which? Me or Emilia?

Before sorting that, a second voice joined.

"Yep, Emilia. Word is she's nobility or something?"

Got it. Her then.

As anticipated.

But soon—

"And who's with them? That dude in dark?"

...Clever observation. But hey, you're dressed dark too, moron? Most folks are.

Oh dear.

"Hang on, I believe he's transferred as well. Amaniel maybe?"

Amaniel? What's my actual name?

"No clue about him."

Stings.

"Seems rather ordinary, huh?"

Enough already.

I breathed out, grabbing my water and sipping deliberately.

This is precisely the reason I aimed to skip such moments.

Yet, luck once more declined mercy.

For right as I aimed to tune them out—

A bunch of pupils neared our table.

"Aeron, buddy!" A boisterous, fake-chummy tone pierced the din. "Room for us?"

Aeron paused. "Er—"

Ere he replied, the fellow dragged a seat, sporting a cocky smirk.

Brilliant. The irritating extra squad showed up.

And judging by their stares at Emilia, matters would escalate.