NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2 – Finally
Haruka Sumeragi’s POV
Year 2 class 3 classroom.
On any other day I would get excited talking about Magia with my classmates, but today I only listen with half an ear.
Dad, you usually reply to my messages right away, but today it’s been radio silence.
And now it’s homeroom already, the last class for today. I’ve been impatiently waiting for a reply from Dad since morning, which is when I sent him an important message.
I’m acting like this today because of a game called Magia Nasina Online, which was released a few years ago. When I first saw the trailer, I was completely captivated by this game’s world; I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
I also want to go there! I want to explore that beautiful world!
It was at that time, when I completely fell in love with Magia.
But obviously, as an elementary school kid, I didn’t have enough money to buy it. That’s why I asked my dad to give me some pocket money in advance – but not only did he refuse to give it to me, he even told me I can’t play this game at all.
I couldn’t accept it, and asked him why, but he simply said that it’s dangerous. I don’t know the details, but I’ve heard that when he was young, novels about getting trapped in a video game were really popular, and that’s why he’s worried.
Why should I care, though!
I couldn’t give up just like that, so I begged him everyday to let me play Magia. I’m not exaggerating, literally everyday. From elementary school until high school.
And in the end, my perseverance paid off. Dad agreed to let me play it under the condition that I raise my scores in every subject by 10 points on the upcoming exams.
Honestly, I thought that it was doable, but just in case, I decided to study harder than usual. I probably studied even harder than when I was preparing for high school entrance exams. Seeing me like this, Dad had a complicated look on his face.
And so, this morning I received the last exam back. Of course, I got enough points, which is why I texted Dad immediately, but he hasn’t replied since then.
Dad, just how much do you want me to avoid this game…
It all makes me slightly irritated, but I don’t let it show, and listen to the teacher standing at the podium. Well, at least I pretend to listen.
Suddenly, a new message appears on my smartphone, which I am holding tightly under the desk. I quickly look down to check it.
It’s from… Dad!
I read it and subtly raise my fist in victory, making sure my classmates won’t notice.
“For real?! Sumeragi, you will play Magia?!”
“Eh? Sumeragi-san, you will start playing?”
After the class finished, Satou-kun noticed that I’m in an unusually good mood, and came up to me with Suzuki-kun to ask about it. I couldn’t contain my excitement, and told them how happy I was to start playing Magia from today.
All the other classmates overheard it and are now gathering around me, asking to play together, hence the sudden ruckus.
Among them are obviously Satou-kun and Suzuki-kun, which is not surprising, since I’ve heard they are the most passionate about the game.
There’s even someone sitting a bit further away who turned his eyes toward me.
This person is Kazuki Kurotsuki-kun, who always sits at the back of the classroom, either sleeping or spacing out, clearly not bothering to hide his lack of energy.
Now, he is looking at me with his mouth wide-open, visibly surprised.
Eh, Kurotsuki-kun? What’s going on? Do you need something from me?
I’ve never talked with him, so the longer he stares, the more confused I feel by the whole situation. When he realises I’m looking in his direction, he quickly looks away and within a few seconds returns to his usual listless self.
As this exchange is happening, classmates don’t stop bombarding me with countless invitations to play together. While they make me really happy, I’ve already decided what I want to do today.
“Sorry, everybody! I’d like to try it out on my own the first time. There are probably tutorials and other things to do at the beginning, and I don’t want to be a bother.”
I know that just saying so wouldn’t be enough, and that they would try to assure me that it’s not a problem. That’s why they need to feel my determination! With that in mind, I put my hands together, making the ‘please!’ gesture.
It’s the game I’ve always wanted to play, after all.
The first time I try it, I want to do it my own way, without having to worry about being a nuisance.
“Well, if that’s what you want…”
“Let’s play together next time.”
They are reluctant to let go, but ultimately respect my decision.
So seizing my chance, I say:
“Sorry, guys. I’ll be leaving now! See you tomorrow!”
Then I dash out of the classroom, as if running away. My classmates’ goodbyes follow from behind, but I can’t really hear them.
Finally, finally.
Suppressing my impatience, I run straight home.