The sun rises everywhere. This is an unshakable truth of the world, a universal phenomenon. No matter where one is, the dawning of a new day stirs the heart. I still have things to do. A future I want to achieve, to realize. If that’s the case, then I’ll accept this academy life, no matter how reluctant I might be.

—If it’s for the sake of killing the dragon.

No matter how exhausted I am, my body wakes up on its own.

This second time at the academy began with an unbroken chain of extraordinary changes. Of course, since I’m doing something completely different from my first time, it’s only natural. Yet, when it actually happens right before my eyes, it still surprises me, leaving me a bit tense.

—Calm down…

In the midst of these unusual events, doing something routine brings an unexpected sense of peace.

“2056. 2057. 2058…”

The day after the entrance ceremony. It’s early morning, a time when most people are still fast asleep. I’m behind the student dormitories, engaging in my daily early-morning training.

For nearly seven years now, I’ve kept up this training without a single break. Even I think it’s impressive. In my first life, this would’ve been unthinkable—nothing ever lasted this long for me. At this point, practicing my swings is as natural as breathing. It sharpens my weary mind, calming my spirit like a tranquilizer.

—I’m completely poisoned by this.

The annoying smirk of that old man flashes in my mind, but I push it aside. Reflecting on the past seems pointless right now. Instead, I focus entirely on each swing of the sword, immersing myself completely.

This time feels remarkably fulfilling to me.

“Haaah!!”
“Sei!!”

As expected of Chronostaria Academy of Magic and Swords—a place for cultivating future knights and warriors. Early morning training is not uncommon. In the backyard, I’m not alone; there are other students diligently practicing. Their techniques are refined, their movements polished from years of rigorous training. It’s clear this academy gathers exceptional talent—even here in this small area.

—This is inspiring.

Just observing them is educational. Seeing unfamiliar techniques, unique movements, and refined skills up close is an experience unique to this place. More than anything, it boosts my morale.

Though I’ve never trained out of mere inertia—nor would that old man have allowed it—being surrounded by peers so close in age, observing their training firsthand, ignites a fresh determination in my own practice.

“—!!”

Caught up in the moment, I forget my surroundings and pour all my strength into a swing. Instantly, all eyes are on me.

—Crap…

One swing. Just one. But that one swing sends a shockwave of sword pressure, drawing everyone’s attention. Even I would’ve looked if I were them. But there’s no undoing it now; I can feel the other dorm residents trying to gauge my skill.

—Time to retreat.

Deciding to withdraw immediately, I hastily sheath my training sword and leave the backyard. I hadn’t even completed half of my usual practice, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Standing out isn’t part of killing the dragon.”

Wiping off the sweat, I return to my room to find my roommate, the so-called Hero, Weiss, still fast asleep.

“Hey, are you gonna be okay…?”

At this hour, he should already be up, eating breakfast, or he’ll be late for his first class. Yet this so-called Hero shows no sign of waking up. He’s gone beyond simply sleeping deeply—he’s completely out cold. Even light noises fail to stir him.

—Being late on the first day would be a bit harsh…

“Well, guess I’ll wake him up… Hey, Brightness, wake up. You’ll be late.”

“Mm… another hour…”

“Classic sleep-talker…”

I try calling out to him, but instead of waking, the so-called Hero pulls his blanket over his head to block the sunlight. He’s not a child; he could at least wake up properly. It’s not like I enjoy doing this.

—No choice…

A bit reluctantly, I pull the blanket off him. He clings to it desperately and falls off the bed, looking mildly irritated as he mumbles:

“Cut it out, Mom. I can still—”

“You can keep sleeping if you want, but being late on your first day isn’t great, is it?”

“Ugh…”

Finally, the so-called Hero opens his eyes. He glances around for a few moments before realizing the situation. Then, as if deflating, he lets out a strange noise and rolls his eyes.

“S-sorry—”

“We’re roommates; don’t worry about it. Just wake me up like this if I’m ever about to oversleep.”

“Y-yeah, of course…”

Stopping Weiss from bowing apologetically, I start changing into my uniform. What’s with this harmless, stereotypical sleepyhead of a boy? Is he really a Hero? Knowing the first Hero, the contrast feels jarring.

“Hurry up and get dressed. Skipping breakfast is not an option.”

“Huh… W-wait, can I really go with you?”

“Why wouldn’t you? We’re going to the same place anyway. Besides, isn’t it better to eat with someone than alone?”

I can’t help but feel foolish for clinging to my trauma. It might be better to just fully accept this as something entirely different and interact with him normally.

That’s why I could so easily invite this traumatizing Hero to breakfast—just like any ordinary classmate. When I ask, “Just me?” Weiss shakes his head vigorously and quickly gets ready.

“N-no, not at all! It’s way better eating together!!”

“Good to hear.”

Looking back, I realize I never had male friends in my first life. If anything, I considered all men my enemies. It’s clear now how messed up I was back then. I mostly hung out with her and no one else.

—At this rate, maybe becoming friends and avoiding a future clash is a viable option.

More than anything, I feel like I could genuinely befriend the boy in front of me.

“I-I’m ready now—let’s go, Bradley!”

“Alright, let’s head out.”

“Yeah!!”

The Hero, who just moments ago was groggy, now beams with energy. That cheerful expression is so cute it could easily be mistaken for a girl’s.

—But he’s a boy.

The fleeting moment I nearly forgot this fact sends chills down my spine. Noticing my unease, Weiss tilts his head curiously.