Chapter 4: Start the attack

Joining the study group went as planned and was a success.

But…

“Emil.”

“H-huh?”

“Do you understand this problem? Even after looking at the solution, I can’t really grasp it.”

“Let me see… Ah, this is about finding errors in the attribute operation formula, so… like this…”

“Oh, I see, it’s easier than I thought.”

Sierra.

It was completely unexpected that the protagonist of the original story would join this group.

‘Is it instead of him…?’

By him, I meant the honor student I had somehow persuaded in the first timeline to get into Marie’s group.

Back then, since my grades were average, Marie didn’t accept me. So, to get her to let me in, I somehow convinced another top student to join.

But now, in this timeline where I entered as the top student, that guy—whose name I can’t even remember—had no reason to be in the group.

It seemed like Sierra had taken his place instead.

“As expected of the top student.”

“Haha… well, thanks.”

Having never had a proper conversation with her in my five previous timelines, talking to her up close like this felt incredibly awkward.

Not to mention, she was canonically the most attractive student in Reveal Academy.

Even when compared to the five heroines, Sierra’s beauty was second to none.

No, if we were to judge solely by appearance, Sierra might even surpass them.

‘No wonder the male leads are all drawn to her.’

Of course, that didn’t mean Sierra was superior to the heroines in every way.

For instance—

Bounce.

“Wow, Emil, what problem were you explaining?”

“Huh? Oh, the magical formula analysis assignment. It seemed likely to appear on the midterm.”

“Hmmm… Wait, you actually solved and interpreted this? When I asked, the professor just told us to memorize the solution and the answer… As expected of the top student, amazing…!”

Just as I finished explaining the solution to Sierra, Marie approached her, her large chest bouncing with each step.

…At least in terms of that, she was superior to everyone else.

And then—

Clatter. Creak…

“Ah, I’m late. Sorry.”

“Malcolm! You’re late! Everyone already started!”

The classroom door opened, and the last member of our group, Malcolm, walked in.

“Hey, Emil.”

“…Hey.”

I forced a friendly smile as I returned his greeting.

Malcolm.

The final member of this group.

Just looking at him made anger boil inside me.

Because in my first timeline, he was the one who first made me taste despair.

“What part were you on?”

“Sorting out assignments. But Sierra organized everything so well… I almost feel bad looking at it. Hehe.”

“It’s fine. I’m gaining something from this too.”

“Wow, as expected, a study group with the top and second-ranked students really is different.”

“If you think so, Malcolm, at least try showing up on time!”

“Haha, my bad.”

With a well-built physique and friendly-looking features, Malcolm had a short, sporty haircut that suited him.

He was Marie’s childhood friend.

One of Sierra’s five male leads.

And in the first timeline…

He was the guy who stole Marie from me while I was dating her.

“Emil.”

… “Emil.”

“H-huh?”

“I need help with this part too. …What are you thinking about?”

Lost in memories of the past, I was startled back to reality by Sierra’s voice.

Turning my head, I saw Sierra sitting next to me, looking at me with a pouty expression.

“Ah, sorry. I got a bit distracted.”

“…You copied my notes, so you should at least help me properly. Otherwise, there’s no reason for me to be here.”

“Uh, I’ll be more careful.”

As I awkwardly apologized, Marie’s laughter rang out.

“Aha, Sierra’s really blunt.”

“Fufu, don’t take it too seriously. Half of it was a joke.”

“Which means half of it was serious.”

Fortunately, Marie’s usual cheerful laughter wiped the sulky look off Sierra’s face.

As I continued helping Sierra with the assignment, I occasionally stole glances at Malcolm.

Malcolm and Sierra… are in the same group.

I didn’t dislike Sierra.

But having her in this group created a problem.

That problem was Malcolm and Marie’s relationship.

‘Malcolm is supposed to have some feelings for Marie…’

The original plan was for Malcolm, Marie, and me to be in the same group, forming a love triangle.

But now, with Sierra in the group,

The original protagonist and one of the male leads were in the same group.

“Ah, Sierra, could you help me with this too?”

“Hm? Emil would be a better person to ask…”

“Haha, well, Emil is already answering too many questions. And you’re the second-ranked student too, Sierra.”

“…Alright, then.”

The result: the two of them were getting closer.

And if Malcolm’s feelings shifted toward Sierra, my plan would only be half-successful.

‘I need to do something about this…’

As I absentmindedly bit the end of my pencil in thought—

Scrape.

Marie quietly pulled a chair next to mine.

“…Huh?”

“Hehe, since Malcolm is learning from Sierra… I’ll learn from you, Emil.”

“Oh, uh, sure.”

“Sorry, am I relying on you too much? You have to study too.”

“It’s fine. It’s no problem at all.”

“Eh? Don’t tell me you’re so confident in acing the midterms that you don’t need to study?”

“No, I’m just not as obsessed with midterms as you are.”

Whether it was because of my top student title or the effect of my [Captivating Beauty Mark], Marie seemed to have a rather high opinion of me.

“Hehe, then I won’t hesitate… I’d like help with this part.”

“Hmm… Let’s see…”

At least, thanks to this, getting closer to Marie was much easier than in my first timeline.

Back then, I had to put in ridiculous amounts of effort.

‘M-Marie…! I gathered information on the expected test questions… and the trick questions the professors like to use…!’

‘H-how did you…?’

I had desperately used my game knowledge to dig up information from the professors and bring it to Marie, all in an attempt to help her improve her grades.

But now, in this easy mode timeline…

Getting close to Marie felt almost effortless, making my past struggles seem laughable.

“Wow… Emil, you explain things so clearly. It’s like learning from a professor.”

“You’re exaggerating. I’m just explaining what I know.”

“Can I ask you for help more often?”

In the past, a question like this would have made me ridiculously happy.

But now, I simply smiled confidently and replied—

“As much as you need. Ask anytime.”

“Hehe, thanks.”

At my response, Marie smiled softly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

I gazed at her face for a moment.

Her pink hair swayed gently before my eyes.

That familiar floral scent filled the air.

Her soft voice caressed my ears, and her clear, gentle eyes met mine.

Memories of the happy moments from the first timeline flashed through my mind.

And at the same time—

That overwhelming despair began to rise again.

***

About a week had passed since our study group was formed.

“Wow! Amazing! This is incredible! I’ve never gotten a score like this before!”

During that time, we had a small quiz before the midterms.

Marie had improved significantly compared to her earlier quiz scores.

“This is all thanks to you and Sierra…! Waaah…! I’m so grateful…!”

“What? Emil did most of the teaching. I just provided the notes.”

“Still, thank you, thank you so much! Emiiil…!”

“Hey, save the tears for after the midterms, Marie.”

“Ugh… B-but…!”

Despite my words, Marie gripped my hand tightly, unable to stop herself from tearing up.

…Well, I understood where she was coming from.

She was so invested in this midterm that even a small improvement in a quiz score was enough to make her cry.

As she continued holding my hand, sniffling—

Zap.

I felt a sharp gaze directed at me from somewhere.

I turned my head slightly to check.

It was Malcolm.

…So, he does have some feelings for Marie, after all.

Standing behind Sierra, Malcolm was glaring at my hand in Marie’s grip.

It seemed like he was feeling a bit jealous.

And that was fantastic news for me.

Luckily, Sierra joining our group didn’t completely erase his feelings for Marie.

Or perhaps—

The more I displayed closeness with Marie, the more it would provoke Malcolm’s emotions.

‘Maybe the second option is even more likely…’

Come to think of it, that was how it happened in the first timeline, too.

Back then, Malcolm had been completely absorbed in Sierra and showed no interest in Marie.

But—

After Marie and I started dating, his attitude suddenly changed.

And in the end, he took Marie away from me.

…Maybe getting into an affectionate relationship with Marie was the key to triggering Malcolm’s emotions.

‘In that case, I just have to proceed as planned.’

My relationship with Marie was progressing smoothly.

Compared to the first timeline, where I had to struggle just to become her friend, this was incredibly easy.

However—

We weren’t in a romantic relationship yet.

Even though [Captivating Beauty Mark] occasionally made her act sweetly toward me,

I knew from experience.

Marie hadn’t yet developed romantic feelings for me.

For that to happen, a specific trigger was necessary.

And of course—

I knew exactly what that trigger was.

Back in the first timeline, I had desperately worked toward it.

It was an event that would take place on the day the quiz results were announced.

After school.

On the annex building’s rooftop.

‘It should be happening soon…’

Recalling my memories from the first timeline, I checked the time.

Then, as the expected moment approached, I headed toward the annex rooftop.

It was already 6 PM.

Most students had already left the main building and returned to the dorms.

The sky was painted in hues of sunset.

And on that rooftop, bathed in that orange glow—

Two people stood facing each other.

Creak…

Standing quietly by the emergency exit door, I observed the scene before me.

Marie’s pink hair swayed gently.

But she didn’t have her usual cheerful, foolishly bright expression.

Instead—

She looked hesitant.

Her face showed anxiety, and fear.

She stood before a man, her hands clenched tightly.

“Onii-sama…”

“What is it, Marie? You dragged a busy person all the way out here.”

Damian Clauze.

A third-year student.

The root of Marie’s inferiority complex—the reason she was so obsessed with her midterm scores.

He was her half-brother.

Unlike her, he had been a genius since childhood.

As a result, he had risen to the rank of student council president of this academy.

And most importantly—

Crack…

He was one of the five male leads.

Another person I needed to crush.

One of the men who, in a past timeline, had stolen another heroine away from me.

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