After finishing lunch, some time passed before the afternoon classes began. The afternoon classes consisted of practical courses, as the school not only taught academic subjects but also practiced certain skills. Due to the current reliance on psychic abilities and magic in daily life, it was necessary for everyone to learn how to use them. As mentioned earlier, not everyone possessed psychic abilities or could use magic. This had been an unchanging fact for a very long time, or rather, a truth. Thus, the school didn't offer practical courses before, and psychic abilities and magic could only be used by a very small number of people.

However, about three years ago, this truth was shattered, causing quite a sensation at the time. It was unimaginable that everyone could use something similar to magic. This became possible with the invention of mysterious paper known as "Jujutsu Paper" by an enigmatic person whose related information remains a mystery to this day. Jujutsu Paper came in many different varieties based on its effects and usage methods, each possessing different abilities. The most notable aspect was that Jujutsu Paper could be mass-produced and used without any specific conditions. All one needed to do was imagine the relevant thing in their mind. However, if one wanted to become proficient at using it, extensive practice was necessary.

Thus, about three years ago, schools made Jujutsu Paper practice their main course. Currently, Ryuto was engaged in Jujutsu Paper practice.

"Hey, you there, don't slack off, keep running," shouted the coach when Ryuto stopped midway. He walked over to reprimand him. "If you don't train your physical stamina, don't expect to become proficient in using Jujutsu Paper."

As the coach said, although Jujutsu Paper didn't have specific usage conditions, it still required a corresponding cost, which was physical stamina. Similar to psychic abilities and magic, using psychic abilities required consuming Kinesis, using magic required consuming magical power, and Jujutsu Paper required physical stamina. These different manifestations all boiled down to the consumption of physical stamina, so regardless of the type, developing physical stamina was crucial.

Although Ryuto was well aware of this, there were limits. Due to a certain attribute, Ryuto's physical stamina was not good, to put it mildly. It could even be considered very poor. Nonetheless, he managed to barely complete the task.

"Ahh... Why is the stamina of young people so weak nowadays?" lamented the coach, Katsufumi Yamaguchi. He had black hair tied up in a ponytail, making it what was commonly called a "black-haired ponytail." He was around 20 years old, quite young. It was said that he used to be a member of the national defense force and joined this school as a Jujutsu Paper coach for some reasons. Needless to say, his physical stamina was exceptionally good, almost to the point of being boorish. This was believed to be due to his previous job's influence. It was hard to reconcile his behavior with his appearance, but he was the target of pursuit for young teachers throughout the school.

"But then again, there's someone who is quite exceptional," Yamaguchi continued, turning his gaze towards Asuka, his expression filled with consideration. This was only natural. The entrance exam also included a physical test, and Asuka, who ranked first in the exam, couldn't have had poor physical stamina. On the other hand, Ryuto barely passed the entrance exam, so it wasn't surprising that he had these results.

"Before we begin the practice, there is a need for some explanation," Yamaguchi said, his expression serious as the team gathered.

"Firstly, Jujutsu Paper officially appeared three years ago, invented by someone called Hilal. To this day, very little is known about this person. Secondly, the principles and composition methods of Jujutsu Paper remain unknown. The production methods for the various types of Jujutsu Paper that exist today were all released by Hilal approximately three years ago. Of course, there have been continuous research attempts in the past three years, but without understanding the principles, it has been impossible to create new Jujutsu Paper. Therefore, all the existing Jujutsu Paper was made using the production methods disclosed by Hilal three years ago."

Yamaguchi paused momentarily after saying this."Furthermore, as you all know, the biggest feature of Jujutsu Paper is its universality, unlike magic and superpowers that only belong to certain individuals. In theory, anyone can use it with some training. So, let's proceed with the training in using Jujutsu Paper. I'll demonstrate it first."

With that, Kakeru Yamaguchi took out the Jujutsu Paper.

"This is the Jujutsu Paper for fire. Besides this, there are various other effects such as wind and water. Pay attention, the key to using it is imagination. Watch closely, everyone."

After saying that, Kakeru Yamaguchi stopped speaking, probably to concentrate. In the next moment, flames ignited on the Jujutsu Paper. However, in reality, the Jujutsu Paper wasn't actually on fire, upon closer inspection. Because the Jujutsu Paper didn't have any burning reaction, it looked more like a lit candle, except the candle turned into Jujutsu Paper. At this point, Kakeru Yamaguchi lifted their head and said,

"Did you see that? It's like this..."

But before finishing their sentence, they stopped. The reason being that they were startled by the phenomenon before them. Ryuto, who was exhausted and unable to move a moment ago, somehow appeared in front, watching the Jujutsu Paper with great interest.

"Oh... amazing!"

Ryuto exclaimed while observing, completely ignoring the person demonstrating. They were just muttering strange words to themselves.

"How on earth did they do that... well... it's really hard to comprehend."

Kakeru Yamaguchi had already snapped out of their surprise and, at this moment, seemed to transform into a ferocious demon, releasing a killing intent. They instantaneously extinguished the fire in their hand, raised their right fist, and executed one of the techniques they used in the army.

"Don't mutter to yourself there, move to the back."

Due to the sudden attack, Ryuto flew to the back. The ferocity caused by their former military background once again manifested. It was probably just revealing their true nature. Then, as if nothing had happened, Kakeru Yamaguchi addressed the others.

"Everyone, go get some Jujutsu Paper for fire from over there and start practicing. That's all."

Although the students hesitated for a moment, they gradually followed the order. Only Ryuto remained on the ground, as they suffered significant injuries. It seemed that no matter what class they attended, life wasn't easy. Ryuto thought as they lay on the ground, completely oblivious to someone somewhere else.

***************************************************

Now is the beginning of the school year, and the student council is always very busy during this time. As the student council president, Arashi Manami arrived at the student council room early. In this school, aside from the principal, the student council holds the most power, and the student council president, being the highest position, has even more authority. Therefore, the student council has the power to dismiss teachers, including the guidance counselor. It is precisely because of this that almost everyone in the school fears the student council, or rather, fears the student council president the most.

Also, due to its importance, the student council room is quite luxurious, even more so than the principal's office. As Arashi Manami arrived, the automatic doors in front opened. Seeing the student council president entering, the student council treasurer, Haru Kusakabe, immediately turned towards the door with a smile and greeted them.

"Good morning, President!"

Haru Kusakabe and Arashi Manami are classmates in the same grade, and Haru joined the student council just this year. They have short hair, and they appear to be relatively quiet.

"It's so weird to hear you call me that. Let's not use it, even in class. But in the student council room, you have to address me that way."

"How can we not? Regardless of our class, it's necessary in the student council room."

After saying that, Haru Kusakabe put on a serious expression, seemingly unwilling to compromise easily. Because they were classmates, Arashi Manami knew that while Haru Kusakabe was usually obedient, they would occasionally be stubborn about certain things. Well, it's beneficial for a treasurer to be that way, so Arashi Manami decided to compromise.

"By the way, is it just you here now?"

"Yes, because the official work of the student council starts after school. I came early because I had some things to take care of. President, you're also early!"

"The reasons are almost the same!" After answering like this, Arashi Manami sat down in her seat. Soon, Haru Kusakabe brought Arashi Manami's favorite tea and served it without much conversation. It seemed that Haru Kusakabe understood Arashi Manami quite well. Arashi Manami didn't say much, just quietly sipped her tea and then praised with a happy tone.

"Koharu's tea-making skills are getting better and better!"

"Thank you, President!"

Somehow, the response she received was a bit inexplicable, but it seemed to be quite characteristic. Then, Haru Kusakabe handed her a file.

"President, this is the information of the freshmen who joined the Student Council this year."

"It's quite unheard of for a student from Class D to join this time. Usually, only the top student in the entrance exam can directly join the Student Council. I only saw her at the opening ceremony this morning."

"By the way, President, you joined the Student Council last year as the top scorer in the entrance exam! And you became the President in just one year. Previous Presidents have always been third-year students. You're really amazing, President!"

For some reason, Haru Kusakabe became more and more excited as she spoke.

This doesn't seem good. I need to think of a solution.

Thinking like this, Arashi Manami flipped through the files in her hands.

"Um, Koharu, if that's the case, why did that child end up in Class D?"

After hearing Arashi Manami's call, Haru Kusakabe finally snapped out of her own thoughts.

"Well... this, um... I heard she requested to be in that class."

"..."

Haru Kusakabe hesitated for a moment and answered. Arashi Manami didn't respond to Haru Kusakabe's explanation, she just looked at the information in her hands silently.

"She's not only excellent in appearance, but also in every aspect! It seems like the Student Council will have great development in the future."

After finishing reading, Arashi Manami expressed her opinion sincerely.

"She's indeed outstanding. Both in academic performance and physical fitness, she surpasses students of the same grade."

"As far as I know, her brother is also in that class."

At this point, Haru Kusakabe added.

"Oh... that's interesting. I guess I'll have to take a look for myself. Well then, I'll leave it to you, Koharu."

Upon receiving the President's request, Haru Kusakabe happily took out the information that Arashi Manami was looking for and quickly handed it over, a speed that didn't match her quiet appearance.

"Hehe... Koharu is really energetic!"

Arashi Manami commented with a smile on her face, looking at Haru Kusakabe. Haru Kusakabe just smiled foolishly. It seemed that she really enjoyed being praised by Arashi Manami.

Arashi Manami, with great interest, opened the cover and naturally murmured when she saw the name.

"Tenchijo... Ryuto, huh..."

Then, she shifted her gaze to the column with the photo. The next moment, her smile on her face froze instantly, replaced by an unfamiliar expression that Haru Kusakabe had never seen before. Her eyes trembled slightly, and her body trembled slightly too. Maybe she didn't even realize her current state. Seeing this, Haru Kusakabe became a little worried and asked.

"President... What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"It's nothing, Koharu!"

Arashi Manami snapped out of it when she heard the voice. She smiled and faced Haru Kusakabe, relieving her doubts.

At this moment, Arashi Manami asked in a confirming tone.

"By the way, Koharu, I don't think we have informed Asuka Amagi yet, right?"

"That's correct, because we can just use the intercom to notify her, there's no need to rush. I was actually thinking of doing it later."

"I'll go directly to her. I must... see her with my own eyes!"

Arashi Manami said in an inexplicable tone, then got up and walked towards the door.Only Haru Shibuya stood there muttering to himself in confusion. "Didn't we already meet this morning?"

************************************************

It was the class meeting before school ended, and Ryuto was still enthusiastically reading his manga. Suddenly, there was commotion in the hallway, but Ryuto didn't pay it any mind. Whether it was natural or something he had acquired, Ryuto never let himself get distracted by the noise around him. It surely had nothing to do with him, so there was no need to pay attention.

As the commotion grew closer and eventually reached the classroom, Ryuto still didn't pay any attention. He continued reading his manga just the same.

Then, there was a voice coming from the front. "Excuse me, can I disturb you for a moment? You must be Ryuto Amagi, right?"

Only then did Ryuto realize that the person was talking to him. Reluctantly, he shifted his gaze away from the manga and raised his head slowly.

Sure enough, standing in front of him was the new student council president who had managed to charm everyone with an enigmatic smile that morning. Ryuto couldn't remember the person's name; his brain had limited capacity. As Ryuto hesitated, the other person seemed to have noticed and nonchalantly smoothed their long hair. The smile that had charmed everyone earlier made its appearance again as they introduced themselves.

"Oh, excuse me. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Manami Arashi. Nice to meet you, Amagi-kun."

"Oh, so you're Senpai Manami. What can I do for you?"

Ryuto hurriedly replied, trying to cover up his previous awkwardness. It may have seemed clumsy, but it was better than nothing. Ryuto comforted himself in his mind, though it seemed like the other person didn't mind either.

"Well, I came to inform Amagi-kun's sister that she should come to the student council meeting after school. However, it seems that she's not here. Are you her brother? Can you help me relay the message?"

Does the student council president really need to personally inform new members? There should be a simpler and more effective way, like using a broadcast or something. However, Ryuto didn't need to dwell on it. After all, the damage was already done.

"Oh, I see. No problem."

Ryuto heaved a sigh of relief and said casually.

Although he didn't think his response was a big deal, people around him seemed to have a different opinion.

"You bastard! How dare you talk to Senpai Manami like that! Who do you think you are? Looks like you're tired of living. Let me teach you a lesson later!"

"Ah...senpai, why bother asking someone like him? You could've just asked me. I'm willing to do anything for you, senpai."

Faintly, voices like these could be heard not far away.

Let's not comment on the aggressive person up front. As for the person behind, their devotion seemed exaggerated. Was it necessary to go to such lengths?

Although different people said different things, their target and mentality were surprisingly consistent. It seemed like they had a remarkable understanding of each other. Could it be telepathy, the legendary highest level of connection between minds? Thinking about this, Ryuto couldn't help but be amazed, although he didn't show it on his face.

"Well then, I'll leave it to you, Amagi-kun!"

"Okay."

After Arashi Manami left, Ryuto breathed a sigh of relief and continued "training" with his manga.

Not only in the classroom, but even the hallway was buzzing with excitement. There were cheers, curses, and even grievances. The voices seemed to be attracting hatred. Ryuto didn't remember having such a skill.

As Arashi Manami left and turned around at the doorway, they unconsciously placed their hand on their chest and glanced at Ryuto, who was sitting in the corner. Though it lasted just a moment, their eyes held the same enigmatic emotion as before. They didn't seem to notice it themselves, and the others definitely wouldn't have either. As for Ryuto himself...