Heroine-Saving System: Reborn In A Third-Rate Manga As The Protagonist-Chapter 80: A Normal Day... Or Not?

Koya now sat in the back next to Nami in their designated seats and the students were looking at him every few seconds.

If it wasn’t the girl in the front then it would be the boy in the middle... or even the teacher herself.

’It’s a bit unnerving.’ He thought as some guardians were on their phones as well.

Nami once again had her head against his shoulder. ’She’s taking this act well... Anyway, I want to try out Darkness Manifestation but then again, it’s dumb to do it in here.’

So he would focus... besides he was interested in what they were teaching them in Middle school and whether Reona was smart too.

He guessed that would decide her gift with her performance today.

"Okay so all guardians are inside now." Ms. Fujimoto cleared her throat and smiled. "Instead of being distracted, if you focus hard enough in the classes today then I’ll make sure Amagi-sama joins our self defense martial art classes."

The children in the class looked at Koya then looked at Ms. Fujimoto.

"Really, teach?"

"Sure, if he agrees..." She said while averting her eyes to him and then Koya nodded, he really didn’t mind it... the guardians were meant to be here all-day, even if the students did close earlier today, checking out the martial arts wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. "Good Amagi-sama has agreed, all of you bring out your textbooks and we’ll focus on our first topic today... Awakened Studies."

About two minutes later, all the students brought out their textbooks and Koya sat straight, the other Guardians had dropped their phones too... so as to not be distracting to the students.

Ms. Fujimoto turned to face the class after all the guardians had properly settled into their observation seats.

She picked up a piece of chalk and wrote on the blackboard in neat characters:

[Elemental Affinities & The Awakening Process]

"Alright everyone," she began with an encouraging smile. "Today we’re covering something crucial for those planning Awakened careers. We’ll discuss elemental affinities... what they are, how they manifest, and what determines which element you awaken."

Several students sat up straighter, they were clearly interested.

"Now, can anyone tell me what an elemental affinity is?"

Haruto’s hand shot up immediately. "An elemental affinity is the natural connection an Awakened has to a specific type of mana. It determines which element they can manipulate most effectively."

"Excellent!" Ms. Fujimoto wrote on the board:

Elemental Affinity = Natural mana type compatibility

She turned back to the class. "Now, here’s something important that many people don’t realize: affinities are split into two distinct categories. Can anyone tell me what those are?"

A few uncertain hands rose and she called on a boy near the front.

"Uh... common and rare?"

"Not quite. Good guess though." She wrote two words on the board:

[Physical Magic]

[Conceptual Magic]

"Physical Magic involves tangible material elements which are things you can see and touch directly while Conceptual Magic involves abstract forces and intangible phenomena. This distinction is crucial because it determines how your abilities manifest and develop."

She looked across the classroom. "Now, who can name five Physical Magic affinities?"

Multiple hands went up and she pointed to a student called Yuki.

"Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Ice!"

"Good start, but I’m afraid those are all Conceptual Magic... they manifest from nothing without needing physical contact while physical Magic requires direct interaction with matter. Anyone else?"

Daichi raised his hand confidently: "Friction, Magnetism, Density, Elasticity, and... uh... Temperature?"

"Much better! Four out of five are correct. Temperature manipulation through ambient means is actually Conceptual. One more try... What about you, Reona?"

Reona stood up: "Friction, Magnetism, Density, Elasticity, and Adhesion, sensei."

"Perfect! All five Physical affinities." Ms. Fujimoto wrote them on the board. "These are abilities that require you to physically touch or directly interact with matter to manipulate it. Now, who can name five Conceptual Magic affinities?"

Reona’s hand went up again along with several others and Ms. Fujimoto called on Sakura this time.

"Fire, Water, Lightning, Ice, and... Wind?"

"Excellent! All five are correct. Conceptual Magic manifests from nothing... you conjure these elements directly from mana without needing to touch anything." She wrote those on the board as well. "Other conceptual affinities include Earth, Metal, Light, Darkness, Gravity, and Sound. There are many others too."

A student in the back raised his hand: "Sensei, what determines which category you get?"

"Ah, great question! Your crest progression actually determines this. When you first awaken, you start at Black Crest... a one-liner. At this stage, you’re just beginning human evolution, slightly above normal humans but without any elemental affinity yet."

She paused for emphasis.

"Then, when you reach four-liner Black Crest, something incredible happens. You start seeing what we call ’mana sparks’ which are small flickers of energy in your aura and you can use spells. These sparks determine your future path. If you have sparks of physical magic, you’ll become a Red Crest user when you advance and If you have sparks of conceptual magic like flames or ice forming from nothing, you’ll become a Blue Crest user."

Multiple students were writing this down frantically.

"So the sparks determine if you become Red or Blue?" someone asked.

"Exactly. Red Crest users are Physical Magic dominators with abilities like Friction, Magnetism, Density manipulation that require physical contact while Blue Crest users are Conceptual Magic dominators... conjuring Fire, Water, Lightning, Ice from nothing."

She wrote on the board:

Black Crest (1-4 liner) → Red Crest (Physical) OR Blue Crest (Conceptual) → Silver Crest → White Crest

"Above Blue and Red Crest is Silver Crest which are virtually invincible unless they purposely suppress their power. They’re similar to gods and typically lead the Great Clans. And finally, there’s White Crest... only the White King has achieved this level. He is supreme."

Whispers rippled through the classroom at the mention of the White King.

Ms. Fujimoto continued: "Now, what determines which specific affinity you manifest? We believe three primary factors influence this."

She wrote on the board:

Genetic Predisposition (Bloodline) Environmental Influence Intrinsic Resonance

"First, bloodline. If your parents were Awakened with specific affinities, you’re likely to inherit similar ones. This is why Great Clans exist... families maintaining the same elemental combinations for generations like the Kagutsuchi clan which is known for producing flaming heirs."

She moved to the second point. "Environmental influence refers to where you live and what you’re exposed to. Someone raised near a body of water has higher chances of Water affinity... Your surroundings during childhood can significantly impact your awakening."

"And the third?" Haruto asked, writing quickly.

"Intrinsic Resonance... this refers to your personality, emotions, and fundamental nature. Someone calm and adaptive might resonate with Water and someone passionate and aggressive might manifest Fire while someone analytical and precise might develop Metal or Lightning later." She smiled. "Though we still don’t fully understand why some people’s resonance overrides their bloodline completely."

A hand went up. "What about elemental advantages? Does Fire beat Wind?"

"Good question! Yes, certain elements have natural advantages. Fire does tend to overpower Wind by consuming the oxygen. Water extinguishes Fire. Earth grounds Lightning. However... and this is important, a skilled user can overcome elemental disadvantages through technique and strategy. These are guidelines, not absolutes."

She wrote more on the board: "There’s also something called Mana Sickness. Can anyone tell me what that is?"

Silence, even Reona looked uncertain.

"Mana Sickness occurs when an Awakened overtaxes their mana reserves or forces themselves to use an affinity they haven’t properly developed yet. Symptoms include fever, nausea, temporary loss of mana control, and in severe cases, permanent damage to your mana pathways. This is why proper training and gradual progression is essential."

Several students looked concerned.

Ms. Fujimoto reassured them. "Don’t worry... Mana Sickness is easily avoidable if you don’t push beyond your limits and train responsibly under qualified instructors."

Takeshi raised his hand: "Sensei, have you ever had Mana Sickness?"

"Once, during my own training as a four-liner. I tried to use techniques beyond my level and paid for it with three days of fever... It taught me to respect my limitations." She checked the wall clock. "Now, quick review—"

The bell rang sharply, cutting her off.

"Alright! We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow. Your homework is to research one Physical and one Conceptual affinity and write a one-page summary on each. Due Friday!"

Students groaned but began packing their bags and even the guardians in the back started standing and stretching.

’That’s a bunch of worldbuilding... I didn’t even know that much thought was put into elements in this world.’ He thought.

A school staff member appeared at the door, she was a young woman with a clipboard.

"Excuse me! All guardians, please follow me. We’ll be touring the campus facilities while students attend their next class. This way, please!"

The guardians began filing out into the hallway and Koya stood and walked toward Reona’s desk before leaving.

She looked up at him, slightly embarrassed by all the attention but clearly happy he was there. He reached out and patted her head gently, ruffling her hair slightly.

"You did good... smart answers too."

Reona’s face turned pink. "Onii-chan, not in front of everyone..."

But she was smiling.

"See you later." he said, then turned to follow Nami and the other guardians out into the hallway.

As he left, he could hear Reona’s friends immediately swarming her:

"He’s so cool!"

"I can’t believe he came!"

"Your brother is literally perfect!"

Reona buried her face in her hands.

...

They were now walking through the school’s facilities. The young woman with the clipboard... Yamamoto Keiko according to her name tag was leading the group of guardians with enthusiasm.

"And here we have our main gymnasium," she announced cheerfully, gesturing toward the large modern building with its curved roof and floor-to-ceiling windows. "Fully renovated three years ago with reinforced flooring, adjustable lighting, and state-of-the-art equipment for both regular physical education and introductory Awakened combat training."

The guardians filed into the spacious observation area overlooking the main gym floor.

Below, another class was having an energetic volleyball match with students diving for saves, spiking with determination, laughing when they missed, and cheering when they scored.

The ball hitting the polished floor echoed pleasantly through the space.

Koya placed a hand on his waist, watching the game with genuine interest. It was peaceful and normal... The kind of everyday school activity he’d never gotten to experience himself.

’I’m glad Fate isn’t intervening,’ he thought with contentment. ’It’s going to be a pretty normal day and I’m glad about it. Reona deserves this.’

Beside him, Nami had ended up holding his hand at some point. He glanced at her... she was watching the game but her fingers were interlaced with his quite deliberately.

He didn’t pull away. After everything she’d done for him, this seemed harmless enough.

Nami looked at his face and felt her heart race. ’I think it’s time.’

She’d been building courage all morning... so now she needed to tell him that she wanted him too.

She tapped his arm gently. "Koya-kun? Could we step away for a moment? I need to use the restroom and I’d prefer not to go alone in an unfamiliar building."

Koya blinked. "Why would you need me to—"

"I trust you." she said with her face flushed.

They were about to leave when Nami’s mind raced ahead eagerly, fantasizing about getting him alone in the hallway and maybe even kissing him as much as possible...

CLICK!

The sound was subtle but deep as well like something massive being switched on somewhere far beneath the building.

Then everything changed. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Koya felt his feet leave the ground gently, like the floor stopped exerting any gravitational pull.

His shoes lifted three inches... six inches and then twelve inches as well.

Around him, every guardian began floating upward.

"Why am I floating?!" someone shrieked.

Below, the volleyball game descended into chaos with students screaming as they rose toward the ceiling.

’What the hell?’ Koya’s sensory flared. ’Something below the building... with a massive unstable mana signature...’

Then danger sense rang in his head... there were multiple projectiles coming for him and through the walls of the gymnasium, there were bullets being shot and they were all directed at Koya who blinked as he raised his hand.

He was about to use fire however it seemed that wouldn’t be much of an issue as there was a blur and Mio was in front of him, cleaving through all the bullets and arranging her sword at her side as she looked back to face him though her expression melted when she saw his face.

"Oh Mio, you’re here? And you’re using a sword?" He raised an eyebrow, pretending to be oblivious to the fact that she and Pale were the same person.

Mio stuttered a bit before clearing her throat. "Yes I was here to see Kuu-chan, I’m her guardian after all and I saw you since but didn’t want to talk."

Koya stared at Mio. "What’s happening?"

Mio’s eyes scanned the broken window with her sword ready. "I don’t know about the lack of gravity however based on the bullets, I know that they’re bounty hunters and they’re most probably targeting specific high-value individuals... Guardians with important children or siblings who could be used as leverage."

"I’m one of them, I guess?" he said flatly.

"Yes. You’re famous but I doubt they’re trying to take you alive but rather kill you... You have a bounty of 100k on your head."

"100k? That’s quite low..." He muttered but then that meant they would be going for Reona too. He needed to get there.

SCREEEECH!

The intercom crackled with harsh feedback.

"ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS, STAFF, AND GUARDIANS." Principal Yamada’s voice was shaking but he was trying to maintain authority.

"This is Principal Yamada speaking. Due to a critical malfunction in our basement-level research facility, the entire school compound is currently experiencing zero-gravity conditions. I repeat... This is NOT a drill. The gravitational stabilization array has failed."

"Additionally..." His voice cracked. "We are under attack by unknown hostile forces identified as suspected professional bounty hunters. All teachers with combat certifications are being dispatched immediately to protect students."

Gasps erupted from floating guardians.

"All students remain in current classrooms with doors locked. Do NOT attempt to leave the building. Do NOT approach windows or exterior walls. Guardians, follow staff instructions to designated emergency shelters. Teachers, implement lockdown Protocol Seven. I repeat—"

Koya stopped listening.

Reona was in a locked classroom with bounty hunters in the building and no gravity with teachers who were probably three or four-liners trying to protect terrified students.

He let go of Nami’s hand and activated Convergence.

She looked at him, frightened. "Koya-kun... where—"

"I need to get to Reona... You should keep yourself safe."

He turned to Mio. "Can you help me?"

She didn’t hesitate and cleared her throat.

"Anything."

"I need momentum to move. Brace yourself." His hands shot forward and landed on her chest.

They were soft... and the both of them froze. Mio’s face went crimson as Pale laughed in the astral realm behind her.

"Sorry!" Koya blurted. "Nami... stay safe!"

Koya then pushed hard and Mio shot backward like a spinning rocket. He activated Speed Blitz and twisted toward the doorway twenty meters away before shooting through like a bullet.

’Hold on, Reona.’

Mio floated motionless with her hands pressed to her chest. Her face was absolutely scarlet and her brain short-circuited.

’He... grabbed...’

’Mio... Focus!’ Pale’s voice cut through like a whip.

Mio shook her head violently, forcing herself into combat mode. Below, Yamamoto shouted for calm while the guardians panicked and Nami gripped the railing.

"You need my help?" Pale asked eagerly. "I can take full control—"

"No," Mio cut her off firmly.

She pulled out her grappling hook. "Boss gave us a mission to protect him with maximum efficiency."

She aimed at the window frame.

THUNK!

The hook caught and the cable went taut.

"Besides, I’m glad I was here instead of you. You can calm down about wanting to seduce Koya."

Noticing that Mio was actually acting confident... Pale giggled behind her.

"Well Boss didn’t assign us to protect Koya though."

Mio flushed as she swung through, breaking the window completely..

"Whatever."

She was doing this of her own volition and protecting Koya because she wanted to... The outside was chaos.

Cars floated upward like balloons and trees had risen from the ground with massive root systems dangling while people in nearby buildings pressed against windows with screams.

Mio’s eyes caught movement behind a floating van forty meters away.

CRACK!

A bullet shot toward her and time seemed to slow as she gripped her own blade and slashed

CLANG!

The round split in half completely and floated to her sides then she used her hook to shoot to the rooftop of the main building with a crouch and found the Hunter... he was quite far away from her however his eyes were focused on Mio and he was lining up for another shot too.

’A Professional, huh?’ Mio thought as she pulled out a shuriken and channeled her Bide into it. The metal began glowing white-hot... and she calculated. The distance between them was 47 meters and the shuriken needed to hit while defying the lack of gravity like the gun.

WHOOSH!

She threw it with a perfectly straight trajectory and the shuriken built speed gradually as energy released. The Hunter’s eyes went wide and he tried dodging however he was too slow.

THUNK!

The shuriken was buried into his forehead and his body jerked once before letting go of the rifle and falling to the ground, she held onto a railing and used the grappling hook to bring over the rifle to her.

Once she held it in her hand, she gave a small smile.

"Pale... let’s go hunting."