“Yuu-kun is missing!”

On the morning of the first day of exams, amidst the tension and lack of sleep, in the air of the academy,

Mina’s voice, like a scream, echoes through.

“Don’t shout so loud, Mina. Everyone’s on edge on exam day.”

While Suo, annoyed, tries to calm Mina with hands on both ears,

Mina, visibly distressed, seems unaffected by Suo’s words,

grabs Suo by the collar and shakes him.

As numerous students entering the entrance hall of the academy turn their gaze towards them,

Suo sighs.

“You don’t know where he went? Kamiya’s home was empty!”

“I don’t know. Maybe he’s studying somewhere?”

“The most important textbooks and texts for classical studies were left on the living room table!”

“In that case…”

“Why are you getting so close? It’s creepy.”

As Mina, suddenly invading his personal space, expresses discomfort to Suo,

Suo whispers to himself, ignoring her.

“Because it’s not something we can talk about openly. If Kamiya suddenly disappeared, could it be related to military duty?”

“Ah…”

Upon Suo’s whispered words, Mina also lets out a voice, as if understanding.

“Damn higher-ups… summoning Yuu-kun on the eve of exams, what are they thinking…”

A sound of clenched fists emanates from Mina’s hand.

“Lower your voice, Mina. Criticizing the military’s higher-ups is risky. It’s unavoidable considering his position; there are situations where there’s no substitute.”

“I’ll… definitely make them pay…”

Seemingly not hearing Suo’s words, Mina murmurs ominous words to himself.

“Thought it was noisy for the first day of exams, and it’s you guys again.”

“Oh, President Domon. Good morning. Sorry for the disturbance.”

“I’m here too, you know? Am I being ignored?”

Perhaps due to the commotion in the entrance hall of the academy, President Domon and Vice President Nase come over to reprimand them.

Suo bows apologetically to President Domon.

It seems Vice President Nase is being ignored.

“Thanks to your downfall, I haven’t been dragged into factional struggles. You’re surprisingly lucky.”

Ignoring Suo’s indifference, Vice President Nase continues, patting Suo’s shoulder roughly.

Due to the recent incident, the faction led by Instructor Shindo has been completely eradicated.

Some students have been affected, and there are even students who are currently absent from school.

“In situations like this, it’s basic for the disciplinary committee to control the situation. Where did that person go?”

“Since he’s missing, that’s why there’s a commotion.”

As Suo explains the situation to President Domon while pointing at Mina with a sigh, Kotomi also appears from the school building.

“Good morning. President, and Suo-senpai. It’s an unusual combination.”

“Yeah, Hinoura… wait, isn’t it weird to bring stuffed animals on test day?”

“I’m right here. See?”

Saying so, Kotomi turns her back to Suo, and the electric mouse plushie is strapped to her back with a Zack-style harness belt.

“You’re together all the time, huh…”

“I was told to leave it in the locker during exams.”

Kotomi shakes the plushie on her back, pouting in dissatisfaction.

“Why did you suddenly start carrying a plushie… The teachers were bewildered. Honestly, I’m worried about the future of the student council.”

Suo seems hesitant, but he seems to be affirming Kotomi, perhaps because he feels indebted to her from the past.

On the other hand, President Domon seems greatly concerned that the top student from the promising first-year class they recruited into the student council has suddenly started to adore a plushie like a weirdo.

“So, Suo-senpai, what’s all the fuss about?”

“Kamiya wasn’t at home this morning, so we’re making a fuss.”

“Yuu… Kamiya? If it’s Kamiya, he’s in the classroom. He asked me to get him a drink, so he’s buying from the vending machine.”

“Yuu-kun is already at school?”

Mina rotates her head with a grin, bringing her face close to Kotomi’s as if she were a yokai.

“Eek! Y-you’re… yes. I wanted something refreshing for my eyes.”

Startled by Mina’s peculiar gaze, Kotomi unintentionally responds honestly.

“I’ll get it!”

“Ah! Suo-senpai, I was asked to get it! Wait!”

Seeing Mina rushing to the vending machine, Kotomi hurriedly chases after her to prevent her from taking over.

Watching the noisy figures of the two girls disappear, Suo and President Domon shrug their shoulders, seeming to accept that the commotion has subsided for now.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“I bought it, Yuu!”

“Yuu-kun! Yuu-kun! Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Mina and Kotomi rush into Class 1-A, causing a commotion.

“Oh, thanks Kotomi, and… Mina too?”

I briefly lift my head from the classical text I’m reviewing at my desk to express my gratitude.

Kotomi came by this morning, so I asked her to bring me a refreshing drink, but for some reason, Mina tagged along.

“Hey! Yuu-kun, your dark circles are terrible.”

“Yeah… didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Yeah, the morning sun is piercing after a sleepless night.

I squint my eyes instinctively against the glare.

“Was it work last night?”

“Yeah… just managed to finish work in time and came straight from the site.”

Both I and Hayami completed the mission unusually quickly and returned, neglecting various procedures and coming to school only with our uniforms and classical texts.

But since there’s no time left until the exam, I’m giving it my all to cram.

“You should get some sleep before the exam…”

“If I sleep, I might end up sleeping through the end-of-exam chime.”

I have to stay conscious during the exam somehow.

“Here, the drinks you asked for. An energy drink and coffee. Also, mineral water. You need to stay hydrated too.”

“Thanks, Kotomi… I appreciate it.”

I express my thanks while feeling a bit shaky.

“For you, Yuu-kun, it’s Holy Emperor Royal Drink and Snake Vigor Hyper Power Drink. This one’s more potent.”

“Why are they selling those at the school’s store…”

Mina’s purchased drink is more expensive and effective, but it’s not something you’d normally find in a regular high school.

While thinking that this might vividly illustrate the blackness of the Special Duty Spirit Academy, I thank Kotomi and Mina, and as I finish the drinks, the first bell rings.

Conditions are the worst, but there’s no other choice but to do it!

I’m more determined than facing a battlefield last night.