How to Handle a Yandere Harem - Chapter 3 - Class D

At Magus High, the faculty uniquely tailored the curriculum to match the magical abilities of its students. The school categorized magic-related subjects into classes based on skill level, ranging from SSS down to D.

Given that I’m in class D, I find myself at the lower end of the totem pole. It’s the class where those of us with limited magical prowess, or in my case, almost none, are placed. But it’s not just about magical ability; the division also dictated the resources, attention, and opportunities one got. The academy granted the higher-ranked classes access to advanced texts, elite instructors, and even more sacred spaces.

In contrast, we, the D-class students, make do with outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and less experienced instructors. Many in the academy see our class as the bottom feeders, those who barely make the cut to be here.

In my D-class domain, the furniture could be better. Forget about ergonomic designs – a complete chair is a luxury here. If not for Elizabeth’s timely intervention, my study perch would be an old orange box. But thanks to her, I now have a chair that could rival those in the principal’s office. It stands out like a beacon in our dilapidated classroom.

“Sup, Adriel.” 

I turned to see Issei Norisa, one of my few friends in class. Issei, with his almost feminine features, soft skin, light blue eyes, and blond locks, has become quite the sensation among the fujoshi community in our school. His androgynous beauty has also posed a unique challenge in his dating life, as the girls he dates inevitably want him to participate in Yaoi scenes for their fujoshi fantasies. 

“How are you doing, Issei?”

“Terrible, really terrible, friend. Another guy confessed to me yesterday. What do they think I am?” 

“A doll? A cute doll!”

That’s the second problem Issei faces regularly. He is often mistaken for a girl. On average, he receives around ten confessions from boys and zero from girls daily. 

“I wish I was you, Adriel. You have three SSS-class girlfriends who always help you and give you several advantages.”

“Well, it’s not exactly like that. If they want something, there’s no way I can object. If they get angry, I’ll be in deep trouble. My life isn’t the bed of roses you think it is.”

“No, compared to mine, your life is better!”

“Issei, trust me, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sure, having Elizabeth, Emma, and Seda around has its perks, but it comes with its challenges.”

“I wish people would see me for who I am and not this… fantasy they’ve conjured up about me.”

“I get that, but in my case, it’s a balancing act. You see them taking care of me, but you don’t see the expectations, the pressure, or the jealousy bouts. They can be pretty possessive, you know.”

“Still, at least you’re never alone. You have someone always looking out for you, even if they are… rather overbearing at times.”

“Trust me, sometimes being alone sounds like a vacation. But I get it. We each have our battles. One day, things will change for both of us.

“Till then, I’ll dodge confessions, and you, my friend, try not to get bewitched by your trio.”

“Yeah… I’ve read about the new system in detail. It’s an innovative way to level the playing field and avoid unnecessary injuries,” Issei started, adjusting his posture as if preparing for a lecture.

I listened attentively. The system had piqued my interest.

Issei continued, “So, here’s how it goes: Instead of the older, more brutal combat system, the school wants to integrate technology into the mix. They’re utilizing Augmented Reality, or AR for short. Every student will be provided with specialized AR glasses.”

“You mean like those gaming glasses?”

“Exactly, but these are a bit more advanced. When you put them on, you can see and control a digital avatar of yourself. These avatars are customizable but represent the combined strength, agility, intelligence, and magical prowess you possess. Think of it like your in-game character in RPGs.”

“So, let’s say I want to challenge someone from a higher class, or let’s be more realistic, someone from a higher class challenges me. We both put on our AR glasses, and our avatars fight in a virtual arena, visible to everyone. But instead of us getting hit or hurt, our avatars take the damage. It’s like turning the schoolyard into a massive eSports tournament.”

“That sounds… like fun.” 

“But here’s the catch: the strength of your avatar isn’t just determined by your raw power or magical capability. It also affects academic scores, extracurricular activities, and even the missions you complete.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Missions?”

Issei nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Students can take on mission tasks given out by the school. They’re categorized from D to SSS. Completing a mission grants you points. A D-rank mission might be simple, like helping in the school library or assisting in a community project in town. But as you move up, the missions become tougher and more critical. An SSS-rank mission could have you aiding national defense or even resolving global magical anomalies. By completing these missions, you can boost your avatar’s power.”

“So, let’s say our class wants better chairs. Instead of challenging a higher class immediately, we can accumulate points by doing these missions and then challenge them with a beefed-up avatar?”

“Exactly! It’s more strategic and fair. Plus, it’s safer. No one has to worry about broken bones or magical burns. And every class has a shot at improving their circumstances.”

“This system might finally give our class a fighting chance. Literally.”

“Not exactly, Adriel,” a familiar voice called out. Turning around, I saw Makoto Tajimura approaching.

Makoto was another friend of mine. Like me, he was also roped into the complications of romance. He had a particularly intense girlfriend named Alexia. Currently, she is away on an SSS-rank mission. I always joked that it was a vacation for Makoto whenever she was away on a mission, given her overwhelming nature.

I quirked an eyebrow. “What do you mean, Makoto?”

“While the AR system introduces an innovative way to settle disputes and challenges, there’s a catch. Given we’re in class D, we won’t have access to the magical resources and curriculum that the higher classes do. And from what I’ve gathered, the non-magical subjects? They won’t count much towards enhancing our avatars.”

“So, we’re still at a disadvantage?”

“Pretty much. While we can boost our avatars with missions, the difference in magical training will always put us behind. The higher classes will always have a head start.”

A sigh escaped my lips. “Well, we’ll just have to make the best of it. Right?”

“Right. One step at a time, Adriel.”