Battle Idol

Hmm…

Thinking about it, being an idol isn’t just about variety shows, right?

There’s also a pink-haired, super strong battle idol!

A vision of Rote’s future began to form in my mind.

If Rote were to transform…

“Dress up!”

In my imagination, Rote, now a beautiful girl, stood as a battle idol, her appearance vivid and clear.

Wearing a sparkling outfit, holding a magic launcher in her small hands, Rote looked perfect.

Bathed in dazzling spotlights, she soared into the enemy ranks…

“Fenitra Pechia~! ♪”

Familiar BGM played as Rote swept away the enemies!

Just imagining it gave me goosebumps.

It was crazy…!

I couldn’t hide my excitement, raising my hand high as I stared at Rote.

“Rote! You’re going to be an Enerick Buster!”

Rote tilted her small head at my sudden outburst, her round eyes filled with confusion, but soon sparkled with curiosity.

Clearly, the unfamiliar term had piqued her interest.

Ah, wait.

There’s also K-pop Demon Hunters!

They’re really cool too!

I fell into thought and presented Rote with two options.

“Rote, do you like Henricks or Enerick Buster?”

Indeed!

Henricks or Enerick Buster!

Spinning around.

Rote began to twirl, deep in thought, her expression serious, like a philosopher contemplating life’s great questions.

“Hmm… what exactly are those…?”

Nis-nim’s bewildered voice came from behind.

Turning around, Nis-nim stood with a half-opened fan, looking at me with an expression of utter confusion, her brows slightly furrowed.

Ah!

I should explain the difference!

I quickly turned to Rote and began a detailed explanation.

“Enerick Buster is a bright, cute battle idol who uses flashy magic to sweep away enemies!”

Zipping through gestures, I continued passionately.

“And Henricks is the complete opposite! A cool idol with charismatic music who annihilates enemies with physical attacks!”

“Enerick Buster is about purification through love, while Henricks is about swift judgment!”

Listening to my explanation, Rote slowly stopped moving, closing her eyes, exuding an air of seriousness.

She looked like a high school student deeply contemplating her future.

“I mean… why are you asking this…?”

“Unnie Halmoni! Don’t you understand me?!”

Cecile, with her small fist clenched, defended me.

?

Was she defending me?

Hmm.

Well, I guess so!

It’s the best explanation I can give!

Explaining about my past life’s games and anime would be far more complicated!

Nis-nim sighed deeply, fanning herself.

“So… what does Rote want?”

Silence.

Her small body remained still, lost in deep thought, her expression grave, like a philosopher at a crossroads.

Her closed eyes seemed to hold immense seriousness.

Yes…

I could understand.

I nodded in agreement with Rote’s contemplation.

Life presents us with such dilemmas…

Choosing a profession…

And deciding a nickname…

For Rote, it’s choosing a profession!

I, too, once spent over a week deciding whether to be a swordsman or a wizard!

The memory of that serious decision made me empathize.

“…Is it really that important?”

Nis-nim, observing Rote’s seriousness, asked incredulously.

“It’s incredibly important! Even if it takes ten years to decide, I can understand!”

My voice rose unintentionally.

This choice was not just a game for Rote-it was her life, her second chance!

Rote nodded slightly, agreeing with my words, and returned to her deep contemplation.

“Hmmm… then take your time. I’ll go inside first.”

Nis-nim, seemingly resigned, shook her head and entered Rote’s lair.

Her departing figure radiated incomprehension.

Yes…

Back when I spent hours contemplating in front of the computer, my parents couldn’t understand.

How could Nis-nim, with her centuries of life, possibly relate?

“I want Pink!”

Cecile seemed to prefer Enerick Buster.

She waved her small hands excitedly.

Twitch.

As I reached to pat Cecile, my hair was yanked.

《 Thump. Rote’s pink, purifying love? Ugh! 》

What the…?

When did she escape her web?

Such words…

Shushushushushu!

Enraged, Rote unleashed a massive web, thoroughly wrapping Mielle.

Like an insect caught in a spider’s web, she was sealed tightly.

Fool…

No learning ability?

Is she unable to let go of her convictions, even in death…?

But that’s not like her…

Wait, could it be…

Does she have a masochistic streak…?

How troubling…

“Ugh… leave that filthy masochistic butterfly and let’s go!”

Sighing, I took Cecile’s hand and headed into the lair.

Walking the corridor, familiar voices came from the first-floor living room.

Peeking through the gap, Master was elegantly sipping tea with Ryandel and Reby.

“Thank you truly, Frostia. Hearing myths from someone who lived them is an honor.”

Ryandel spoke with an excited expression.

“Yes! It was amazing!”

Reby also sparkled, chiming in.

“Hmm… I spent most of my time in the labyrinth, so I don’t know many stories. You should hear them from Nis.”

Master replied humbly with a smile.

What?

Not pecko talk, but history…?

Sigh…

Feeling slightly disappointed, I entered the living room.

“Rico, are you here?”

Master greeted me warmly with a smile.

“Yes…”

“In two days, we’re heading to Shia Kalt. We need to give them the promised reward.”

Master set the teacup down elegantly.

“And Rico, you had a promise with Reby, didn’t you?”

“Huh?”

Me and Reby?

What’s that about…?

“Yes, you promised to let her meet the Third Crown Prince of the Heshet Empire, didn’t you?”

Reby blushed deeply, looking down.

Ah! Right!

I had forgotten!

Back when I gave Reby a super punch!

It totally slipped my mind!

Why bring it up with Master?

“Of course I remember! I was looking forward to going to the academy together!”

I said confidently, puffing out my chest.

“Eh? Will you also be attending the academy?”

Reby looked at me with wide eyes.

Huh?

Did I ever say I was going to the academy?

“Yes! Since the Third Prince is there, right?”

In this world, attending the academy is a given!

“Huh… you’d go to such lengths for me…?”

Reby looked at me with an moved expression, her eyes welling up.

Originally, I planned to threaten or kidnap her, but with my weird rumors, it might backfire…

And I really wanted to go to the academy!

Reby’s quest is just a bonus!

But I have so much to do…

Helping Rote with her job change, finding the runaway Glacia…

Hmm.

Is that all?

It feels like I had more tasks, but maybe I’m just imagining it.

“When is the academy entrance?”

“The Heshet Empire Academy’s entrance ceremony is on the first Wednesday of the Sea Month. About three months from now.”

Ryandel provided the information as usual.

Three months is plenty of time!

But the Sea Month…?

Do they not count years here like January, February…?

After six years in this world, I’m only realizing this now…

“However, can Rocolis enter as a freshman?”

Ryandel asked cautiously.

“Huh? Why?”

“Well, being a flower creature and only six years old… it’s unprecedented compared to the 16-year-old entry requirement. Most importantly, what would you learn at the academy?”

“Hmph? I don’t know much. I just learned about the Sea Month, and I don’t know history.”

“That’s… Heshet Empire Academy focuses on combat training. With your strength, Rocolis, perhaps…”

Hmm.

My academy youth life…

Wait, if I use my overwhelming strength on the academy’s principal, maybe I can get in?

“Hmm… I’ve thought of a way for you to enter the academy.”

Suddenly, Ryandel’s face lit up with an idea.

“Oh! What is it?”

“Well, as a professor.”

Professor!

Being an academy professor sounds way more fun than being a freshman!

What kind of professor should I be?

I want to do something that utilizes my strength!

Maybe teach combat?

But the students won’t have roots or pollen.

And I can’t use Michel’s power.

Oh!

Michel!

I should become a theology professor!

Correcting the misunderstandings about Michel’s faith, one by one, would be tough, but as a professor, I can showcase the divine power and the stigmata on my back!

“Hehe… Professor Rocolis…”

Just imagining it brought a smile to my face.

“Is there no issue with the professor’s age and species?”

Reby asked worriedly.

“If your skills are sufficient, age doesn’t matter. Rocolis, you communicate well with us, don’t you… Ah, no.”

Ryandel started to say something but stopped abruptly.

…?

What was that?

“And your species, there are precedents with elven, dwarven, and beastfolk professors. I believe the principal is a nymph.”

Ignoring the annoying part, it seems possible!

But nymph?

Do they mean fairy?

Do such creatures exist?

“Oh… to think nymphs still exist.”

Master murmured with a curious tone, her voice filled with profound implications.