Perhaps having been away for too long, Rozen had nearly forgotten that in this world, the school he attended was neither an Onmyou Academy nor an Academy of Machinart , nor any sort of sky wizard training institution—just an ordinary school teaching standard curriculum.
The only difference was that this school had some Demon classmates and Attack Mage teachers among its faculty.
But even the Demon students studied ordinary subjects, and the Attack Mage teachers taught conventional knowledge—whether it was literature, mathematics, or English, everything had to be learned, attended, and examined just like any normal school.
Moreover, since Natsuki was a teacher who considered it her primary profession, her educational standards for Rozen surpassed even so-called elite education. Thus, Rozen not only had to make up for missed school attendance and exams but also compensate for all the supplementary classes, hobby courses, and specialized training programs he'd skipped.
For an ordinary student, this would be an absolute nightmare.
As for Rozen...
"Fine! I'll do it, alright?"
He immediately flipped open the worksheets and exams at the dining table, absorbing the review materials at an astonishing speed while munching on bread with one hand and scribbling answers with the other.
His pace was so rapid it left even Natsuki stunned.
"This kid... He was always exceptional, but never to this absurd degree."
Watching Rozen complete sets of worksheets in minutes, finish exams in mere moments, and breeze through review materials page after page with just a glance—as if memorizing everything instantly—Natsuki nearly lost her composure as half the paper stack vanished in no time.
Skeptical, Natsuki picked up several worksheets to check, only to find every answer flawless—some even offering multiple solutions, textbook-perfect beyond reproach.
She was left speechless.
What Natsuki didn't know was that the current Rozen was incomparable to his past self.
Now with his Mind's Eye perfected, Foreign Mana continuously developing his brain, Virtual Ether enhancing his cognition, plus Thought Acceleration and Thought Partition allowing twenty-seven parallel thought processes—what challenge could mere schoolwork pose?
Not to mention his experience as a alchemist and having accessed the Tri-Hermes containing Earth's complete knowledge—even the most esoteric professional topics posed no difficulty, let alone high school-level material.
Even specialized coursework like painting, fashion design, jewelry crafting, or international studies were effortlessly mastered.
Trying to stump him with worksheets?
Impossible.
Thus, by the time breakfast concluded amidst everyone's intermittent astonishment, Rozen had completed everything.
"All that's left is making up attendance, right? Do I need to go to school for remedial classes, Natsuki-nee?"
Rozen almost seemed disappointed as he handed the remaining stack to Astarte.
"..."
Natsuki was at a loss for words.
"Senpai, you're amazing..."
Kanon gazed at Rozen with admiration.
"Requesting full-body scan on your younger brother, Instructor Minamiya. Possible implantation of new cheating device suspected," Astarte remarked after a pause, somewhat rudely.
Natsuki stared intently until Rozen began feeling uneasy, then sighed.
"Fine. No remedial classes for you."
"Why?" Rozen reflexively asked.
"Why?" Natsuki immediately rapped him with her fan. "Figure it out yourself!"
With that, she left in obvious displeasure with Astarte—whether heading to school for struggling students or the Special Security Team remained unclear.
Watching her go, Rozen finally revealed a mischievous grin.
"Remedial classes? You're outmatched, Natsuki-nee."
In stark contrast to Natsuki's foul mood, Rozen cheerfully headed out.
Kanon also left—even during winter break, she needed to care for the stray cats she'd adopted.
...
Teddy's Mall, West District, Itogami Island.
At this shopping center about two kilometers from the Keystone Gate, Rozen arrived at the plaza.
"Nichiyo! Over here!"
A voice called out immediately upon entering, drawing many eyes.
Near the fountain, Asagi waved energetically.
The computer genius's outfit defied stereotypes—instead of appearing bookish, she looked dazzling in an off-shoulder blouse and shorts, adorned with bracelets and necklaces, carrying a stylish shoulder bag and wearing avant-garde sandals. Combined with her celebrity-worthy looks and wavy long hair, she turned heads constantly.
"Almost late there," Motoki remarked nearby, wearing headphones around his neck and casual clothes that still managed to look fashionable.
"I'm right on time. No way I'm late," Rozen shrugged as he approached, glancing at Asagi with a smile. "Nice outfit today—perfume and new nail polish too? Someone might think you're preparing for a date."
Asagi preened at the compliment despite her embarrassment.
"A date would require more than this. But good eye spotting the new polish—thought two months away from design classes might've ruined your taste."
She struck a pose, trying to appear nonchalant though unable to suppress a pleased smile—Rozen's praise clearly mattered.
"Just brushed up this morning. Would've been embarrassing otherwise."
Rozen rubbed his nose.
After all, he'd cultivated Asagi's cosmetic and fashion sensibilities himself—falling behind would've been mortifying.
Though he'd forgotten Natsuki demanded perfect public decorum.
Seeing his gesture, Motoki teased, "Natsuki-chan would kill you for acting so casual outside."
The trio bantered while heading to a nearby shop.
With Rozen's return, the group had planned this gathering—only Kojou remained absent.
Naturally...
"That guy's stuck in remedial classes," Asagi said dismissively.
And Rozen had acquired a little shadow.
"Pardon the intrusion," Yukina murmured nervously, her guitar case on her back.
The girl had tagged along uninvited.