SWNOVELXO Chapter 57: DSMW [57]
"Did I mishear that..."
Although he heard the sound of wind chimes, Miles couldn't see the Millennium Ring on the transfer student.
The concept of a transfer student was already rare for students of Fusion Academy.
After all, there were only three Duel Academies on the continent, each representing one of the main summoning mechanics.
And without question, Fusion Academy—focused on Fusion Summoning—had always ranked at the bottom in the annual inter-academy rankings held at the Sacred Ground of Spirits.
Most nobles who wanted their children to succeed pulled strings to send them abroad—to the other two academies. It was practically unheard of for someone to transfer into Fusion Academy from another school.
Let alone a cute girl like Luca Slint, who had come from XYZ Academy—the highest-ranked school known for Xyz Summoning.
"Introduce yourself, Luca," Miss Erin prompted.
"Yes, Miss Erin." Luca nodded sweetly, her smile revealing two adorable dimples.
"I'm Luca Slint. Because I admire Fusion Summoning so much, I asked my father to let me transfer to Fusion Academy. I hope we can enjoy the next two and a half years together."
"OOOOOOOOOOOH!"
The classroom practically exploded like it was the last day before summer break.
"A real transfer student! And from Xyz Academy, too!"
"She's so cute! Like an angel!"
"Am I dreaming? Are we really gonna be classmates with someone this adorable?!"
The biggest hype, of course, was about how absurdly cute the transfer student was.
Golden bangs framed her face, and her sapphire eyes shimmered like stardust under a night sky. Her sweet smile and slender crescent eyebrows were absolutely enchanting.
Beautiful girl plus transfer student? How could anyone resist?
Well... actually, there were two people who weren't exactly impressed.
"Cute? Meh. I think she's just average."
Irene, holding Aisha tightly in her arms, rubbed her affectionately.
"My little Aisha is way cuter. The transfer student is only novel because she's new."
"Agreed," Kevin nodded, arms crossed. "Looks don't matter. Only Duel skill counts. Weaklings don't deserve respect."
"No need to be that harsh," Aisha said. "But yeah... Luca is definitely really cute."
Glancing at her magic console, Miss Erin sighed, realizing time was almost up. She reluctantly snuffed out her cigarette.
"Find yourself a seat wherever you like, Luca."
Thursday's Summoning Class took place in a spacious lecture hall with no assigned seats.
Ambitious students sat up front. Those afraid of being called on—or hoping to nap—drifted to the back. Very student-friendly.
"Luca, sit with us!"
"There's a spot over here!"
"Come sit by me, Luca~"
Driven by the allure of a cute transfer student, nearly everyone tried to get Luca to sit near them.
But as she descended the steps, it was clear Luca already had a destination in mind.
Her sapphire eyes locked onto the Millennium Puzzle she'd noticed the moment she walked into the classroom.
Without hesitation, Luca walked straight up to Aisha.
"Aisha Carlos, may I sit next to you?"
"Eh? How do you know my name?"
"I've heard all about how you, ranked dead last, defeated the number one in our year—Kevin Seth. Your legendary victory spread fast."
"Oh... uh... that's... an honor, I guess."
Aisha scratched her cheek awkwardly.
Of course, it was awkward. The very "number one" Luca mentioned was sitting right next to her. It wasn't like Luca could read the room. Maybe as a transfer student, she knew of Aisha but didn't recognize Kevin.
"So... can I sit here?"
Her eyes curved into lovely crescents as she smiled, but her gaze never once left the Millennium Puzzle on Aisha's chest.
"No. Can't you see the seats next to Aisha are already taken?"
Kevin cut in before Aisha could respond, rejecting her flatly. Clearly still salty about her earlier comment. Anyone who knew Kevin understood—he had this attitude toward most women.
Which explained the long-standing rumor: Kevin Seth hates women.
"You've got some nerve claiming it's full," Irene snapped.
Aisha's right-hand seat was always occupied by Irene—her childhood friend. No surprise there.
But her left-hand seat? Currently taken by Kevin himself.
At first glance, yeah... both sides were indeed occupied.
"Honestly, I'd rather the transfer student sit here than Kevin."
"Ah, so you're the Kevin who lost to Aisha. Sorry if I offended you earlier."
Luca clapped her hands together with a playful wink—clearly not sorry at all.
"No need to apologize. I'm not offended," Kevin said coldly. "Just don't bother me."
"Oh?" Luca's eyes sparkled mischievously. "But Kevin, for a boy, aren't you a little... attached to Aisha? Could it be you like her? Not that I blame you. Aisha is pretty adorable."
Aisha was shocked, "Huh?! Kevin likes me?! I-I'm sorry—you're a good person..."
"N-No! No, no, no!" Irene flailed. "Use your brain, Aisha! There's no way! Don't be so naive!"
...Someone just got insta-friendzoned with the fastest "good person" card in history.
"You wouldn't understand, annoying woman," Kevin retorted. "Aisha Carlos and I... are destined rivals! One day, I will defeat her... and become the strongest in this academy."
"Pfft." Luca giggled.
"I thought the top student would be more serious, but you're surprisingly entertaining."
She didn't press the seating issue. There were plenty of chances to interact with Aisha.
For instance, Luca knew Aisha currently lived alone in a double dorm room—thanks to being last on the student register.
"Still, rival sounds like a fun title. Tell you what—let's have a contest. In this Summoning Class, whoever summons the stronger monster between me and Kevin... gets to be Aisha Carlos's rival."
...
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