Cliche Chapter 586: New friend

“So, we have four new transfer students joining our class today.”

The sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow upon the room as the four new transfer students stood at the front. Dean Hiryoku of the prestigious City-Z University, a distinguished gentleman with a silvering beard and piercing eyes, had personally come to introduce these newcomers. Though Asahi’s profession had a subtle influence on the Dean’s mind, it was ultimately his own initiative, driven by the desire to curry favor with an S-Class powerhouse, that brought him here.

Whispers of curiosity and confusion rustled through the classroom like leaves in a gentle breeze.

"Is this a high school drama or something? Why are we getting transfer students mid-semester?" One student tilted their head, eyebrows furrowed.

"I know, right? It's so bizarre!" Another chimed in, their voice a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"Can we talk about the ethereal beauty of those twins, though?" A third student swooned, their eyes locked onto the captivating duo.

"Wait, wait, wait," someone piped up, pointing at the tall figure in the group. "I recognize that guy... Isn't he that new S-Class Hero? What was his hero name again?"

"No clue. But I think he's ranked thirteen or something."

Suiko remained unfazed by the excited chatter swirling around her. She fixed her gaze on Asahi, who was flanked by the three radiant beauties. It was a wonder to her that her classmates had failed to properly identify him despite his recent ubiquity on the internet.

‘Are they stupid?’

As if sensing her intense scrutiny, Asahi's piercing gaze met hers, his eyes narrowing with intrigue. In a sea of ordinary students, Suiko’s powerful vitality stood out. She wasn't quite at the level of an S-Class. With her abilities, she could easily ascend to the upper ranks of the A-Class.

Dean Hiryoku, oblivious to this silent exchange, gestured towards Asahi. "Why don't you introduce yourself?"

A playful grin graced Shiori's lips as she stepped forward. "I'll do it~. Hi everyone, my name is Busujimia Shiori. This is my twin Saeko. This lovely girl is our distant cousin Rini, and this is Marikawa Asahi. We've just arrived in this bustling city, so please forgive us if we seem a little lost. We're excited to forge new friendships and make cherished memories with you all this semester!"

Asahi offered a wry smile, shaking his head. "Well, I don't think I have to say anything now."

Shiori giggled, the sound like tinkling bells. "A simple thanks should be enough."

"Nope."

"Booo."

The door creaked open with a whisper, as though reluctant to disturb the atmosphere. A new figure stepped into the room, her dark skin contrasting beautifully with her flowing silver hair. Her sharp ears perked up, and a red tattoo adorned her forehead, adding an air of mystery to her already captivating appearance. Her golden eyes sparkled as she spotted Asahi.

Lemegeton, the otaku diva, wore a white sundress, raised her hand in a friendly wave. “We’re here.”

“We? Who—”

Before he could finish his question, another presence emerged from behind Lemegeton. Timidly, a head crowned with vibrant pink twintails peeked into the classroom. Saya offered an awkward smile, her outfit a casual contrast of a simple white tee and denim shorts. The familiar surroundings of a classroom stirred within her a hodgepodge of sweet and terrifying memories; the last time she’d been in one, an onslaught of the undead had sent her hurtling into Asahi's life.

She hadn’t been to a classroom since that day. However, she had to come today. Otherwise, she would have to wait until after her delivery to join Asahi’s university life.

“Um, can I come in?” Saya asked timidly, expecting Asahi to take care of the admission paperwork with his power. “Asahi?”

Asahi half-expected Saya to show up sometime after he thoroughly persuaded her with sweet whispers in the bed. He hadn’t considered the possibility of Saya bringing Lemegeton along for the ride. He was more than happy that the two decided to step out of their ‘Lair of Culture’ and attend the university with him.

(Everyone is in the same course…)

‘Eh, that’s trivial stuff. We’re here for fun.’

"Ah, of course. Come in." Asahi pivoted towards Dean Hiryoku, offering a knowing wink as he silently issued instructions through a telepathic connection. "Dean."

Dean Hiryoku, momentarily caught off guard, cleared his throat. "Ah, yes, I apologize for the oversight. They are also joining us today." He turned to Professor Kazuha, his voice carrying an air of authority despite the unexpected development. "One moment, please."

Asahi relinquished the administrative tasks to Dean Hiryoku and retreated with his group to a quiet corner. Shiori and Lemegeton became instant magnets for attention, their friendly personalities and welcoming smiles drawing in their curious new classmates with zero effort. Shiori fielded a barrage of questions with practiced grace, maintaining a delicate balance between approachability and personal space, while Lemegeton basked in the euphoria of forging fresh friendships, her laughter like a soothing breeze on a warm day.

Saeko occasionally interjected to rescue Lemegeton from her own endearing naiveté.

Despite the social whirlwind, Asahi remained curiously untouched by the clamor.

‘Am I that scary?’

(My love… you’re a handsome hero, which stops men from approaching you. With Shiori and others in your orbit, the ladies stay far away unless they want to embarass themselves.)

Asahi exhaled a resigned sigh, only for his spirits to lift as the only woman who had piqued his interest approached him. Suiko, a fiery tomboy martial artist, strode confidently towards him, her eyes alive with determination.

“Asahi Marikawa, I’m Suiko,” Suiko said. “You’re a martial artist. I can tell when I meet one. Which school are you from?”

“Ancient Demon Martial Arts.”

Suiko's eyes widened in awe. "That's a wicked name. But Void Fist still takes the cake in terms of sheer awesomeness. That’s the name of my family's martial arts.”

“...”

With a cheeky grin, she extended a hand. "Hey, why don't we be friends? I've been thinking about becoming a hero, and having an S-Class guy like you in my corner would be a game changer."

Her frankness, even when driven by ulterior motives, bordered on naivety. Yet he found her forthright nature refreshing, far preferable to the machinations of those who hid their true intentions like serpents in the grass.

Asahi clasped her extended hand, his smile radiant and genuine. "From this moment on, consider me a friend."

"Yay! To celebrate our newfound friendship, let's have a friendly spar after lectures are over," Suiko proposed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She glanced at Saeko and Shiori. "All of you can join us as an audience."

Saeko was about to nod in agreement when Saya furtively pinched her back. Saya's arms crossed, her brows knitting together in a storm of emotions. She could clearly see Asahi's intentions behind befriending Suiko. With a sly grin, she hooked her arm through his and leaned on his shoulder.

"Asahi, you promised to show me around town after we're done here..."

Asahi playfully rolled his eyes at the possessive display from his little firecracker wife. "Suiko, let's save that spar for another day, alright?"

"No!" Saya interjected energetically. "I never said we can't change our plans. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I controlled your every move?"

Asahi breathed a silent sigh of relief that she hadn't referred to herself as 'his wife.' Otherwise, he'd be faced with a barrage of questions he'd much rather avoid for the time being.

Suiko flashed a cunning smile, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Don't worry, don't worry. We can hang out tomorrow. The teacher is here, gotta go!"

With that, she scampered to her seat, giving him a casual wave. Despite her magnetic charm and easygoing nature, she rarely spent time with the other girls. Suiko's passion for her martial arts hobby often eclipsed her interest in socializing with her peers.

During lunch, Asahi and Suiko enjoyed each other's company, sharing delectable dishes prepared by Grayfia, a maid with S-Class cooking skills. The girls, especially Saeko, who shared a similar background as a kendo prodigy, were more than welcoming to Suiko as a friend.