COTE: Expelliarmis… Wait, Why Isn’t It Working?! (MTL)

After graduating from junior high school and being forced by my parents to attend this school, I had to take an entrance exam before enrolling. Honestly, I was mentally prepared for a tough test—this was an 'Advanced High School' after all.

But then, when I held the exam in my hand, I just wanted to look up to the sky and exclaim: 'How advanced!'.

The whole test was so easy that I almost thought I was taking a 6th grade exam in the magical world. There, we learned how to analyze advanced magic, create potions, and decipher complex spells and magical mathematics from the time we entered middle school.

But here, the Math test only revolves around basic formulas, and the reading comprehension can be answered just by skimming.

I even had to refrain from using magic to speed up my work for fear of being discovered, but they were so easy that I got bored.

I finished the test at breakneck speed, leaving plenty of time to sit around and do the multiple choice puzzles. When I looked up, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Some of the contestants were scratching their heads, grimacing as if they were facing the millennium math problem. But more frighteningly, some of them were rolling dice or playing rock-paper-scissors to choose the answer.

I blinked. Is this Advanced Placement school or a casino? Am I really a genius??

At the end of the test, I had only one thought: Either I was too good, or there was something very suspicious about this school.

But fortunately, there were still quite a few people who took their exams seriously and didn't rely on luck to decide their fate. This made me breathe a sigh of relief—at least I wouldn't have to study with idiots in the future.

One fine day, Kōenji dragged me out to "enjoy the last moments of freedom before being locked in the golden cage called Advanced High School." He said that, but in reality I thought he just wanted to show off his newly tailored suit.

"Kazuki, which school are you applying to?" Kōenji suddenly asked while adjusting his hairstyle for the tenth time that day.

I yawned, not bothering to cover my mouth. "My parents forced me to go to Tokyo Advanced High School. They say it's the best place to train talented people." I replied dejectedly.

Kōenji immediately stopped, looking at me with interest. "Oh? What a coincidence, I study there too. It seems fate has arranged for us to continue to accompany each other!"

I blinked, then sighed. There was no escaping this golden shadow.

A few days later, the results of the entrance exams were announced. Unsurprisingly, I scored high. And of course, so did Kōenji—because, as he put it, "genius cannot be judged by trivial tests."

The night before school started, I sat on the couch, quietly watching my parents—two people who were arguing like I was going to war instead of school.

"Reika, have you packed everything for the baby? Don't leave anything out!"

"Who do you think I am? Of course it is! But hey, should we send some more amulets? What if someone dares to bully our child?"

"Do you think it's better that he's being bullied or that he bullies others?"

My eyes twitched. Was I watching a comedy?

After a moment of pointless arguing, they turned to look at me seriously. "Kazuki, you have to bring Kiruko!"

"I used a powerful illusion to turn it into a normal notebook when others looked at it. The pen that came with it that you and your father just made is no different from a normal ballpoint pen."

I almost choked. "What? You're telling me to bring that crappy talking book?"

Kiruko immediately spoke up from the table. "What nonsense? I am your treasure trove of knowledge, your guiding light! And now I have been upgraded by your father!"

I flipped Kiruko over, finding its appearance to be nothing special. "Finally something useful."

Kiruko immediately objected. "You dare to look down on me? Now I am not just a book but also a super tool to help you conquer this world!"

I stuffed my book and pen into my bag and patted it. "Okay, okay, I hope you won't give me any more crap advice this time."

I raised an eyebrow. "Upgrade? Don't tell me he turned you into a coffee machine."

"Humph, you dare to look down on me? Now, I have been updated with a huge amount of knowledge about this world! There is even a pen included for real-time editing and taking notes! With me in your hand, you will never have to worry about lacking information!"

I flipped through the pages, then looked at the pen clipped to the side of the cover. "Yeah, it looks pretty cool. But I bet you'll still give me useless advice."

Kiruko snorted. "I advise you not to underestimate me, or you'll have to ask me for help later!"

Before I could react, my father took out a small box, inside was an exquisite watch. "And this too. This is the magical tool I created."

I frowned. "A watch? Are you planning on sending me to school or to work as a businessman? And more importantly... is this guaranteed not to explode while in use? I don't want to lose my hand right after school."

My father explained seriously. "It's not an ordinary watch. This is an advanced magical tool that allows you to connect with Kiruko in a telepathic space, communicating quickly without anyone detecting it."

"It also serves as a medium that connects to the included magic pen, allowing you to take notes and communicate with Kiruko to edit documents in real time without anyone noticing."

"Plus, it has real-time protection, heart rate monitoring, pressure measurement , and most importantly—it looks just like a luxury Omega watch."

I stared at the clock and then back at him. "Are you sure I'm in high school? It doesn't look like I'm a spy."

I looked at my dad for help, but he just shrugged. "Just think of it as entertainment. When you get bored, you can tease him."

I sighed, resigned to my fate, carried Kiruko and stuffed her into my bag, and took the watch. Okay, let's just consider this a test of patience.

Early in the morning, I stood in front of the mirror, groomed myself, and put on the fancy uniform of Tokyo Advanced High School and the watch my father gave me yesterday.

I stared at myself in the mirror, the Tokyo Advanced High School uniform hugged my body, highlighting my tall figure and serious demeanor.

The neatly tied dark red tie, the well-fitting light red jacket and white shirt all exuded elegance that I didn't care to notice except for the strange dark green pants that didn't match the uniform at all.

But what caught my attention most was the watch on his wrist—a gift from my father. It looked like a luxury Omega, glinting softly under the room lights.

However, I still had doubts about whether it would suddenly explode while I was peacefully studying. "Haizzz, what a beautiful day to be forced to go to school."

I had no interest in this school, but since my parents had made up their minds, I had no choice. I didn't hate studying, but a place advertised as an "educational paradise"? It smelled like a scam. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Kazuki, remember to keep up your good looks!" My mother, Reika, said as she stealthily slipped a space ring into my hand.

"If you do anything stupid and embarrass the family, I will find a way to travel through time to school to deal with you!"

"Mom, you act like I'm going to destroy the village."

My father, Renji, crossed his arms and looked at me, his voice full of philosophy: "Remember not to trust anyone completely, unless you can make them sign a contract pledging lifelong loyalty."

I frowned. "Are you trying to turn me into a tycoon?"

My father nodded without hesitation. "If possible, that would be good too."

It's amazing. I grew up in a family of unusual geniuses.

I glanced through the items in my bag, the talking book Kiruko was sitting comfortably in it. I reached out to pick it up, sighing. "At least you won't cause any more trouble, right?"

Kiruko immediately objected. "Humph! What are you saying? I am a treasure trove of wisdom, the light that illuminates your path of learning!"

I glanced at it. "Yeah, last time you told me to drink milk before bed to be smarter, but the result was I had a stomachache all night."

"...Milk has side effects for some people. It's not my fault!"

I grabbed my bag, waved goodbye to my parents, and walked out of the house, where a luxury car was waiting. Hayato, the family's chauffeur, smiled at me through the rearview mirror as I got into my seat.

"So, young master is about to start school. How does it feel?" he asked, his voice as calm as ever.

I crossed my arms and leaned my head back in the chair. "It feels like being thrown into some unknown place, but it's definitely not the paradise they advertise."

Hayato chuckled, but said nothing more. The ride was quiet, except for the radio broadcasting the morning news. Finally, when we reached the Advanced High School bus stop, I opened the door and got off.

"I guess I won't see you for a long time," I said, turning back to look at Hayato.

"Yes, the young master will be staying at the boarding school for the next three years. But I will come visit you if I have the chance." He smiled lightly. "Good luck with your studies, Kazuki."

I nodded, waved goodbye before turning around and boarding the bus, beginning my journey to the place known as 'the best school in Japan'.

.............

Standing in front of the school gate, I looked up at the magnificent building in front of me. It was indeed a fancy facility, but was it a bit... overkill?

A government-funded school built on an artificial island, connected to Tokyo like a luxurious fortress for nobles. Hey, are they educating students or training future heirs?

I glanced around, the students around me looked excited, their eyes shining like children in a toy store. But I just shrugged.

I can't be fooled by flashy things like this. Just one look and I can tell there's something "off" about this school.

As I was about to enter, I suddenly heard a group of female students in front of me talking excitedly. "It seems like they're talking about Kōenji." It seemed like that guy had arrived before me on another bus.

"Kōenji looks incredibly cool today. That hair, that demeanor... Aaaah!"

I frowned when I heard those compliments from the girls around me. Does he need to stand out like that? Don't tell me he already has a fan club right after entering school.

One of them saw me, paused for a moment, then whispered to the person next to him.

"That guy is also handsome... but his face looks a bit unapproachable."

"Yeah, he looks like a secret villain. Cold and mysterious, but... could he really be the final boss? He looks like he could be cursed if he touches the wrong person."

"I feel like if he smiles, someone will definitely disappear without a trace!"

"Moreover, that gaze... is as if evaluating whether someone is worth using or not!"

"But I have to admit, he's really handsome! If you don't look at him for long, he's still attractive!"

"Maybe he just has insomnia. Maybe he stayed up playing games last night?"

I heard it clearly but decided to ignore it. I was used to these kinds of comments. After hanging out with Kōenji all through middle school, anyone's looks had no effect on me anymore.

And if there really was someone who looked like the final boss here, it definitely wasn't me—it was that blond guy who liked to flip his hair. He was probably walking somewhere with a confident air, leaving behind a group of female fans who were constantly exclaiming.

I sighed. The future already looked so tiring.

Taking a deep breath, I walked through the school gates. My journey at Tokyo Advanced High School officially began, accompanied by a headache called Kōenji upon arriving at school.

As soon as I entered the school grounds, I was greeted by members of the new student council. They stood in groups at the entrance, ready to help students who were not sure where to go.

I looked down at the admission paper in my hand. It contained all my personal information, from my student number, a list of rules, instructions for using the facilities, to glossy advertisements about 'the top quality education of Tokyo Advanced High School.' But most importantly, it clearly stated that I was in class 1-B.

I walked up to a senior in the student council who was guiding the new students and held out the paper in front of him. "Excuse me, could you show me the way to class 1-B?"

He looked up at me, then quickly adjusted his posture, looking a little nervous. "Ah, um... class 1-B, right? Just go straight down this hallway, turn left at the second fork, then go up the stairs to the second floor and you'll see the class sign."

I nodded, about to turn away when I heard another senior whisper to his friend: "Hey, he looks scary. Not the type of person we should mess with."

I raised my eyebrows slightly but kept quiet. My face must have looked too gloomy after a sleepless night. If they knew the real reason, I would probably disappear from embarrassment.

Whatever, as long as I'm not bothered.

I walked into Class 1-B and immediately felt like I had stumbled into a reunion of old friends. The atmosphere was so friendly that I felt a little uncomfortable, especially when someone took the initiative to wave to me. Wait, this is Tokyo Advanced School, not a summer exchange camp, right?

Several groups of students were chatting animatedly about movies, new games, and interesting school gossip. Another group was scribbling and pasting stickers all over the table, as if they were in some cute cafe. A boy with glasses was excitedly giving a presentation on Uno card strategy, attracting a crowd.

I glanced around. No one seemed nervous or trying to show off, just like a good, friendly student. Hmm… is there anyone here who is a fox in sheep's clothing? Never mind, I don't have time to find out right now.

I chose a seat near the window at the back of the classroom, gently placing my bag on the table. Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, a voice rang out beside me:

"Hey, are you the new student?"

I turned around and saw a short-haired female student smiling brightly. "Yeah, just this morning."

She rested her chin on her hand and looked at me appraisingly. "You seem cold, but it's okay, everyone in this class is very sociable. Just relax!"

...I feel like I was labeled 'cold' on the first day. How cool .. Unlike a regular class, this class feels like a friendly group where people openly talk to each other naturally.

The atmosphere in the classroom was so relaxed that I was a little surprised. I imagined a harsh school would have cold, calculating students, but here it was different.

Some were happily chatting about everything under the sun, while others were excitedly making new friends, as if today was a social event and not an entrance exam to a top school.

A guy just finished telling a joke that made the whole group burst into laughter, a girl enthusiastically introduced herself to each person like a real MC. It seemed that this class was not only talented but also very friendly.

Some people even waved at me in a friendly manner, which surprised me a bit. A few people quietly looked around, perhaps taking in the surroundings.

There are only a few people who sit quietly, observing everything as if analyzing their surroundings, or they may be the type of people who don't like to socialize.

Overall, class 1-B isn't the strongest group, but it's not the weakest either. It's a gathering place for students with good but not outstanding abilities, those who have potential but haven't shown it yet, I guess.

But what kind of class is this, so peaceful and friendly? Did I just walk into the "Serious Youth" club? It's full of good kids, good students, laughing and talking like in a school movie.

I hope they don't drag me into some weird group activity. And what's even scarier is if someone in this group is the type to shout 'we're family' and try to instill a sense of unity, then I'll change classes right away.

I sighed, quietly walked to a seat near the window, dropped my bag on the table and sat down. There was no need to rush, just observe first. After all, I would be spending the next three years here, I didn't want to attract attention too soon.

I could feel a few furtive glances my way. Some whispered to each other, some quickly looked away when I glanced over.

Well, it seems like the 'final boss' reputation those girls were talking about still holds true.

Just as I was about to keep quiet so as not to attract attention, a cheerful voice rang out from the front of the class.

"Hello everyone! I'm Ichinose Honami, nice to meet you!" The girl with shiny blonde hair smiled brightly, attracting the attention of the whole class.

"I hope that in the next three years, we can study together, help each other and build a great team!"

The sound of applause rang out, and the atmosphere in the classroom instantly became more lively. There was no denying that Ichinose was very beautiful—shiny blonde hair, eyes that radiated warmth, and a bright smile that could make anyone feel at ease.

But what really stood out about her wasn't just her looks, it was the way she radiated such an incredibly positive energy. She was the type of person who, no matter what she did, made everyone around her feel happy and comfortable, a kind of natural social grace that I had never seen before.

I felt like I had just met my nemesis. Too friendly, too positive, too perfect. The kind of person who could befriend a rock, talk to anyone without feeling awkward. I frowned silently, the corners of my mouth twitching slightly. Was I going to have to live with this positive energy for the next three years?

Seeing her shining like that, I suddenly felt my future was a little... gloomy. Maybe tomorrow I'll be dragged into a friendship baking party or something. I felt a cold sweat start to break out.

I glanced at the people around me, everyone was nodding enthusiastically at Ichinose's suggestion. I sighed, my eyes looking as if I was seeing the prospect of being dragged into countless group activities. It seemed like there was no way back.

Ichinose is the type of person who can get along with a rock, and talk to anyone without any awkwardness. Seeing her shine like that, I suddenly feel that my future for the next three years is a bit... gloomy.

I like quiet, like sitting in a corner without anyone bothering me, not being dragged into passionate 'group connection' conversations like this. What if tomorrow I'm forced to join some friendship baking exchange?

People like Ichinose make me feel awkward, because I don't know how to deal with them. I like to keep my distance, preferring to avoid unnecessary social situations.

But seeing her shining so brightly, I had a feeling that I wouldn't be able to avoid this headache in the future.

"Then, everyone, please introduce yourselves!" Ichinose excitedly suggested.

I frowned. Introduce yourself? And it's mandatory. Oh well, let the others go first and then we'll deal with it later.

One by one, everyone stood up to introduce themselves. Some spoke loudly, as if they were campaigning for president, while others mumbled, as if afraid of being tested on the spot.

"I'm Satoshi, my hobbies are playing games and eating sweets! Nice to meet everyone!" A friend said happily.

"I'm Ayaka, I like cooking and watching romantic movies! If anyone wants to try the food I make, just say so!" A girl smiled, making some people look excited.

Another boy stood up, his voice full of enthusiasm: "I'm Takeshi, passionate about sports, especially basketball! If anyone wants to have a match, just find me!"

Then came a girl who seemed quieter, but when she opened her mouth, she blurted out something that made the whole class laugh. "I'm Haruka... I don't have any special talents, but if anyone needs someone to go snack with during break time, just call me! Especially if there's a new place that opens, I'll be the first to try it out!"

I sat still, trying not to look nervous. But why did that nervous feeling get stronger as my turn approached?

After the class had almost finished introducing themselves to each other, they looked down expectantly at the row of desks by the window. "Yes, that's exactly where I'm sitting."

Finally it was my turn. I stood up, took a deep breath, and said briefly, "I'm Kuzunoha Kazuki. I look forward to working with everyone."

The class was silent for a few seconds, then I noticed everyone's eyes on me with a puzzled curiosity. Hmm? Did I say something wrong?

Then suddenly, a few people whispered to each other:

"Wait, Kuzunoha? That Kuzunoha medicine!?

"Wait, is he serious? Or is it just a coincidence?"

"No way, this surname is rare, I've never seen anyone with this surname. If he really is a member of the Kuzunoha family, then how rich is he?"

I could hear the whispers growing louder. A few curious glances, a few people started talking excitedly.

"Hey, Kuzunoha-kun, do you have any supplements? The kind that help you study well!" One of them suddenly asked, his voice filled with expectation.

"Right right, or beauty medicine is fine too! Do you have any internal goods?" Another girl excitedly chimed in.

I frowned. What was going on? Had I just accidentally triggered the class's bargain hunting mode?

I quickly sat down, trying to ignore the unusually noisy atmosphere, the corners of my eyes twitching constantly.

What are these questions? I'm going to school, not selling medicine?! If this is my initial reaction, I can't imagine how much trouble I'll face in the future. Maybe someday I'll be forced to work as a free health consultant!

...................

In a corner of the classroom!

I glanced at Kazuki Kuzunoha, my eyes shining with interest. That's an interesting name.

I didn't join in the chatter of my classmates, but I couldn't ignore their reactions either.

Kuzunoha—this surname is too rare. And Kuzunoha Pharmaceuticals is so famous that there's hardly anyone who doesn't know about it.

I am Ryūji Kanzaki, the eldest son of the Ryuji Electronics Group—one of the top 10 forces in the Japanese electronics industry.

Although my family is quite private, in the business world, Ryuji's name is not small. We are not ostentatious, but our influence is not inferior to anyone.

On the contrary, Kuzunoha Pharma is a corporation with a resounding reputation. They not only dominate the pharmaceutical industry but also open a chain of hospitals across the country.

A reputation so strong that just hearing it makes people immediately think of quality and reliability.

I rested my chin on my hand and continued to observe Kazuki. He didn't seem interested in the gossip around him, even a little annoyed. A cold person, maybe the type who doesn't like attention? But this indifference made him stand out even more. How interesting.

I muttered, "Should I strike up a conversation?"

But then I stopped. This guy seemed to be trying to be invisible. Look at his face, like he just won the lottery and didn't want anyone to know.

Next to me, a boy raised his eyebrows and whispered, "Hey Kanzaki, he looks dangerous?"

I shrugged: "I don't know. But if there is, it's probably not as good as those who just rolled the dice to choose the answer during the entrance exam."

The two of them laughed, while Kazuki seemed to still be pretending to be invisible. Alright, let's see what he'll do next.

I silently memorized this name in my mind. Maybe, this school year wouldn't be as boring as I thought.

................