Tsukishima stared at "Western-Level Product System" in his sketchbook, and his breathing suddenly slowed.
Why had I wanted to learn how to draw manga?
To sell sketchbooks and earn points? To become another "Godly Artist"?
No.
That was all wrong.
His fingers tightened around the pen until his knuckles turned white.
I remember... I only wanted to get some skills for free in the first place.
For free.
What did I want for free?
Tuition, educational resources, time.
Tuition waived in full—saving several years' worth of tuition and living expenses. If I stuck it out until I got expelled in my second year, I'd still have come out a year ahead.
Educational resources—the country and the conglomerates had teamed up to create a gladiatorial arena, but the teaching staff was ridiculously good, and I could use all kinds of facilities for free.
Time—no more wasting time commuting to and from school, so I could learn more skills and prepare for life after graduation.
"What am I doing now?"
Tsukishima asked himself silently.
"Figuring out how to make money by skirting the rules? Thinking about how to get around school regulations?"
He suddenly chuckled. "It's only been a few months, and this crazy place has already turned me into one of them?"
He let out a long breath, crumpled the "Business Empire Plan" in his sketchbook, and stuffed it into his pocket.
He still had to draw: first, to hone his skills, and second, to keep his hand in. As for everything else, he'd let things take their course.
He also needed to do less scheming. He still had 750,000 points, which was enough for this school year. If he was careful, it would just about last him through the next one, too. There was no need to earn any more points.
"At least I'm heading in the right direction," he told himself. "I've just strayed a little."
Sae Chabashira walked up to the podium in high heels, her long black hair swaying gently with each step.
She glanced over the class, her gaze lingering on Tsukishima for half a second before she began the lesson as usual.
After school, Tsukishima asked Kushida to meet him.
He chose a path behind the classroom building, where few people passed at that hour.
"I deleted your video."
Tsukishima got straight to the point. "You're welcome to come over from now on, but it's fine if you don't want to. I'm moving on to the next stage of my studies."
Kushida stared at him for a long moment, her smile freezing briefly.
"? What do you mean?"
She looked around to make sure they were alone, then her tone turned cold.
"Are you trying to screw me over again, you pervert? Are you giving up on your sketchbook empire? Or are you finally getting expelled, you disgusting creep?"
Tsukishima shook his head, his usual calculating expression gone. "No, don't overthink it. I'll be honest with you. I came to this school with the goal of getting things for free..."
He explained his philosophy of getting things for free.
"Everything else is unnecessary. I'll keep drawing sketchbooks, but whether I sell them or not, I'll just let things take their course. Honing my drawing skills is important, too."
"About what happened with you... I'm sorry. My thinking may already have gone wrong back then. Maybe I was trying to make use of your connections without even realizing it myself."
Kushida stared at him for a long time, then suddenly laughed. There was no warmth in it.
"Fine. It's not like I was counting on us working together long-term anyway."
"Anyway, you're free now."
"So are you."
Kushida turned and left, the sound of her little leather shoes fading along the path. She didn't look back once.
Tsukishima stood where he was until her figure disappeared around the corner.
He let out a long breath.
With the matter of Kushida settled, it was time to look into some other things.
For example—
Were the teachers at this school really limited to the ones who taught classes?
Could he learn the skills of the school staff, too?
"Cafeteria workers, librarians, custodians, network security staff, school system maintenance staff..."
Tsukishima silently listed the roles he'd overlooked.
"If I can learn their skills, there'll be a lot more room to work with."
The setting sun stretched out his shadow as the school grew quiet after classes.
Tsukishima touched the crumpled plan in his pocket. The wrinkled paper pressed into his palm as he headed toward the dessert shop.
I should get something sweet to lift my spirits first.
Then I should find a chance to test the Dessert Shop Owner...
Tsukishima paused. Why test her? Couldn't I just ask?
He sighed. What was wrong with me? All this scheming would make me shrink!
Humming an off-key tune, he walked toward the dessert shop.
Inside the dessert shop.
The Boss Lady cheerfully served one customer after another. Some male students were always drawn to her ample bosom, only to get glared at by the girls who'd come with them.
The crowd gradually thinned.
Tsukishima ordered a Sicilian Cheese Roll and struck up a conversation. "Boss, business is really good here. You've got a lot of different desserts, too."
The Boss Lady smiled. "It's not bad. Everyone likes desserts, and eating sweets can improve your mood."
Tsukishima nodded. "That's true. I like eating sweets when I'm in a bad mood, too. But there are so many desserts these days. This Sicilian Cheese Roll is new to me. It's a little salty."
The Boss Lady nodded in agreement. "There really are a lot. New ones seem to come out every year, and it's quite a hassle to learn how to make them."
Tsukishima took a bite of the Sicilian Cheese Roll. "Boss, are you hiring apprentices?"
The Boss Lady paused. "Apprentices? You want to learn how to make desserts?"
Tsukishima nodded. "Yeah. I've always liked desserts, and if I can't make a living later on, at least I'll have a skill that'll keep me fed."
The Boss Lady hesitated. "But this school..."
Tsukishima asked, "Does the school not allow it?"
The Boss Lady shook her head. "It's not that. The rules the school gave us don't say anything about not 'hiring apprentices.'"
Tsukishima nodded. "The School Rules don't say it's forbidden, either, so it's probably allowed. How about this, Boss? I'll ask the Student Council president later. I know him. If there's no problem, we can talk then."
"I don't want money or points. Just let me eat as many desserts as I want. That'll save me the cost of dinner, too."
"Don't worry. I'm just an ordinary student. It's not like I could be a conglomerate spy."
"Of course, if you're willing to teach me, great. If not, just forget I said anything."
The Boss Lady hesitated, then finally smiled and nodded. "That's fine. If the school doesn't have a problem with it, neither do I. But after school, I might have to work for a while before I can teach you."
Tsukishima gave her an OK sign. "Then I'll go ask the Student Council president right now."
With that, he headed toward the Student Council while eating his cheese roll.
Outside the Student Council room.
Tsukishima threw his trash into the bin and knocked on the Student Council door.
"Come in."
Horikita Manabu's voice came from inside.
Tsukishima opened the door and entered.
There weren't many people in the room: Horikita Manabu, Tachibana Akane, and a Blonde Handsome Man leaning against the sofa.
Before you continue