Trapped in Honkai: Integrated Strategies [18]

“And here too—this patch of bushes, students often hide here. For example, my truant niece. She’s only been here a month and already skipped class four or five times.”

“Every time she skips, she runs over here to hide. I still don’t know why.”

“Maybe because the sunlight is the best here.” Lyra’s face softened, showing a smile tinged with sorrow and nostalgia.

Talking and walking, Lyra and Theresa passed by many places that stirred memories for Lyra. Before long, the two had crossed nearly half of St. Freya Academy and arrived before the teaching building—Theresa’s office was inside.

“Oh, right. Lyra.” Sitting at her desk, booting up her computer, Theresa suddenly looked up. “What kind of identity do you want?”

“Identity?”

“Yes. Do you want to be a student, a teaching assistant, or a teacher?”

“Uh… Can I ask what exactly you expect me to teach?”

“Don’t be so lacking in confidence.” Theresa chuckled. “I think your level is fine for teaching math. Or maybe the humanities—you could catch up quickly with a bit of studying.”

“Better not. If I became a teacher or a student, you’d have to prepare a whole new identity record for me. Too much trouble.”

Lyra shook her head like a rattle drum. “Being a teaching assistant shouldn’t require such complicated paperwork. Better to keep it simple.”

“Well, it’s not that different… and not really troublesome.” Theresa muttered quietly, then said, “Forget it. Since you don’t want to be a teacher, I’ll make you an assistant for now. If you want to switch later, come to me.”

“So what does a teaching assistant usually do?”

“Hm… that’s hard to define.” Theresa thought for a moment. “If I had to describe it, your role is like a homeroom teacher. After all, aside from teaching, Himeko is also captain of the Hyperion, with too many daily responsibilities.”

“And when it comes to professional classes, you can’t really help. At most you could support with some cultural subjects.”

“I see. Understood.” Lyra nodded. “No problem at all. In fact, if I can help lighten Himeko-san’s load, I’d be glad to.”

Seeing Lyra accept without issue, Theresa relaxed, taking from the cabinet a set of identification, a teacher’s terminal, two keys to Himeko’s villa, and the first month’s salary—handing them all over at once.

What’s that, why salary too? Because Lyra was flat broke. Without it, she wouldn’t even have lunch money.

“Then, spend the rest of today exploring St. Freya. The terminal has the campus map. If you get tired, head home and settle in. Himeko usually comes home late, but there’s a chef in the villa who’ll feed you well.”

“These are Himeko’s keys?” Lyra looked at them. “I thought…”

“You’re her assistant, of course you’ll live with her.” Theresa’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Though, her villa is big, so quite a few people live there. My niece and her two friends as well.”

“Don’t be shy. Get along with your housemates.”

Trying to help me out of this half-withdrawn state by giving me new friendships and bonds, while keeping me under watch, huh? Theresa, you really…

Understanding her intent, Lyra lifted her head and, for the first time, gave Theresa a small smile. “Thank you, Theresa.”

Turning away, leaving Theresa a little flustered by the unexpected sincerity, Lyra opened her terminal and navigated toward the commercial street.

From today she had to start a new life. She needed personal items. This wasn’t like system trials, where she could conjure anything she wanted.

After some shopping and a satisfying meal, Lyra returned to Himeko’s villa, found her room, and began settling in.

…

“Mei, Mei! I passed my retest! Tonight I’m eating ten fried chicken legs!” Kiana hopped down the street excitedly, boasting to Mei.

“Idiot Kiana, it was Bronya’s VR connector that saved you. If it were only your tadpole brain, even studying another month wouldn’t be enough.” Bronya started her routine bickering with Kiana.

“What do you mean! It was obviously thanks to my brilliance!”

“Alright, alright. Since you passed, you can eat as many as you want.” Mei looked at her with a fond smile. “Besides, Himeko-sensei told me to prepare extra food today. She said… it’s for a welcome dinner?”

“Mei-neesan, I heard from some students skipping class in the next class over—someone saw a new face at the commercial street, wearing a St. Freya uniform, but nobody had seen her before. Could that be who we’re welcoming?” Bronya recalled a bit of lunchtime gossip.

“Hmm… most likely.” Mei nodded after thinking. “We haven’t been here long, but those who’ve studied for a year or two already would recognize everyone. If even they don’t know her, then she must be the one.”

“Nice! I hope she’s living in Himeko’s place too.” Kiana cheered. “Otherwise that big villa feels empty—Himeko and Theresa are often gone at night.”

“Idiot Kiana. Isn’t it really because Mei-neesan has to cook, and you can only play games with Bronya, leaving you frustrated, so you’re desperate for someone new you can actually beat?”

Bronya mercilessly exposed her real thoughts.

“As if I can’t beat you?!” Kiana bristled. “I’ve just been letting you win, shorty!”

“Alright, enough. If you two keep fighting, no chicken legs tonight.”

With their laughter and bickering filling the air, the three finally arrived before Himeko’s villa.

“…Something feels strange.”

Floating at the door, Bronya frowned, scanning the surroundings.

“Hm?” Kiana followed her gaze left and right but saw nothing.

“Ah, I know!” Mei clapped her hands. “The entrance has been tidied up. Look, these flowers and plants are much neater than they were this morning.”

As the three puzzled over the change, the villa door suddenly creaked open. A small head with smooth black hair peeked out, eyes filled with quiet confusion as it glanced around.

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This is a fan translation of 人在崩坏，但是集成战略启动 by 想做饭的饭之律者 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!