The morning sun, peeking through a gap in the curtains, cast a long, narrow strip of light on the floor.
Lin En opened his eyes to the crisp chirping of birds outside; the rain had stopped, and the air carried the unique freshness of a post-rain morning.
He got up, washed, changed into his school uniform, and glanced at the system panel.
Shiina Mahiru's bond progress remained at 5%, with 250 points, no change.
After returning last night, he exchanged 100 points for "Basic Perception (lv.1)", and now he could vaguely sense the emotional fluctuations of those around him, which might help him better grasp the rhythm of interacting with others.
As for other items, they were too expensive, he couldn't afford them, so it was better to buy something practical.
Ultimately, it was due to insufficient points; Lin En, this "poor guy," could only complain about the system's incompetence.
【System: ?】
As he stepped out of his room to go to school, he coincidentally saw the opposite door open.
Shiina Mahiru emerged, dressed in a clean school uniform, her long hair neatly combed and tied back with a white hair tie, her face showing a hint of weariness, but her eyes had regained their usual clarity.
Seeing Lin En, she visibly froze for a moment, then lowered her head slightly and softly said, "Good morning, Lin En Tongxue."
"Good morning, Shiina Student." Lin En looked at her, noticing the faint dark circles under her eyes. "Last night... did you sleep well?"
Shiina Mahiru's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and when she looked up, a gentle smile appeared on her face, though it carried a hint of reluctance: "Yes, I slept fine, thank you for your concern."
Lin En didn't press further, merely nodded: "That's good. Let's hurry, or we'll be late."
"Okay." Shiina Mahiru responded, and the two walked together towards the elevator.
The elevator was small, and the atmosphere was somewhat quiet.
Lin En could sense that Shiina Mahiru's mood was still a bit low, as if something was on her mind.
He thought for a moment and said, "The weather is nice today, good for soaking up some sun. Perhaps it will lift your spirits."
Shiina Mahiru looked at him in surprise, then softly hummed, and the curve of her lips softened slightly: "Yes, the sun after the rain is very comfortable."
The elevator reached the first floor, and the two walked out of the apartment.
Shiina Mahiru stopped and said to Lin En, "I need to go to school early today; the Student Council has something going on, so I'll head off first."
"Okay, be careful on your way." Lin En looked at her.
"You too." Shiina Mahiru turned and walked quickly in another direction, the sun casting a long shadow behind her.
Lin En stood there for a while before turning and walking towards the school.
After only a few steps, the system panel popped up.
【Character: Shiina Mahiru】
【Bond Progress: 5% → 6% (Triggered Event: Morning Greeting and Concern)】
【Event Evaluation: Your concern made her feel a touch of warmth, and her favorability towards you increased slightly】
【Points Gained: 10 points】
【Current Points: 360 points】
Lin En raised an eyebrow; it seemed that unintentional concern could also increase bond progress.
He quickened his pace, walking towards the school.
Arriving at the classroom, there was still some time before class started.
Lin En put down his school bag, took out the Modern Literature handout, and prepared to look for Kato Megumi.
He remembered that Kato Megumi was in the next class and usually sat by the window.
As he reached the doorway of the next class, he saw Kato Megumi sitting at her desk, engrossed in a manga book.
The sunlight streamed through the window, bathing her in a soft halo, and she was so focused, a slight smile playing on her lips, revealing a faint hint of amusement.
Lin En walked over and gently tapped her desk.
Kato Megumi looked up, and seeing it was Lin En, her expression didn't change much, but a hint of confusion flashed in her eyes: "Lin En Tongxue?"
"The Modern Literature handout you asked for yesterday, I brought it." Lin En handed her the handout.
Kato Megumi took the handout, flipped through it, and a grateful expression appeared on her face: "Thank you, Lin En Tongxue, you've really helped me out."
"You're welcome, it was no trouble at all." Lin En looked at her. "Do you need to go make copies now? I know there's a copier in the faculty office."
Kato Megumi shook her head: "No need, I can go after class." She carefully placed the handout into her school bag, then looked up at Lin En, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Lin En Tongxue, you always seem to find me so accurately, do you have some trick?"
Lin En's heart stirred; he had indeed found her using "Basic Perception (lv.1)", being able to vaguely sense her location and general mood.
But he couldn't say that, so he just smiled: "No trick, I just happened to see you."
Kato Megumi looked at him thoughtfully, didn't press further, and just nodded: "Oh, I see."
Lin En felt there was nothing more to say if he stayed, so he spoke: "Then I'll head back to my classroom now; the bell for class is about to ring."
"Mm, okay." Kato Megumi responded, watching Lin En leave.
Lin En returned to his classroom and, as soon as he sat down, the system panel popped up.
【Character: Kato Megumi】
【Bond Progress: 2% → 4% (Triggered Event: Lending and Returning Handout)】
【Event Evaluation: Her favorability towards you has increased, and she's starting to see you as a reliable classmate】
【Points Gained: 30 points】
【Current Points: 290 points】
It seemed that the bond with Kato Megumi was progressing smoothly, and Lin En felt a slight sense of relief.
He took out his textbook, preparing for class.
The morning classes quickly ended, and during lunch break, Lin En was about to go to the cafeteria to eat when he saw Chitanda Eru poke her head into the classroom doorway, her gaze sweeping around the room before landing on him.
"Lin En Tongxue, are you free at noon?" Chitanda Eru walked in, an expectant look on her face.
"Yes, what's up?" Lin En looked at her.
"I asked Teacher Shibasaki this morning, and he said that several members of the Student Council from back then are still teachers at the school, so we can go ask them this afternoon," Chitanda Eru said excitedly. "And I checked the City Hall's opening hours; we can go check the archives from 3 PM to 5 PM, so shall we leave right after lunch?"
"Sounds good." Lin En nodded in agreement. "But let's eat first, otherwise we'll be out of energy this afternoon."
"Mhm!" Chitanda Eru nodded vigorously. "Then, see you at the cafeteria?"
"Okay."
Chitanda Eru happily turned and left, and Lin En watched her retreating figure, smiling helplessly.
This girl, curious about everything, would throw herself wholeheartedly into something once she set her mind to it.
He packed up his things and walked towards the cafeteria.
As he reached the entrance, he saw Chitanda Eru already sitting at a window seat, waving at him.
Lin En walked over and sat down; Chitanda Eru had already ordered a set meal for him.
"I guessed you'd like this, so I took the liberty of ordering it for you."
"Thank you, Chitanda Student." Lin En looked at the set meal in front of him; it was the fried chicken rice he usually ate.
"You're welcome." Chitanda Eru said with a smile, "Hurry and eat, so we can leave early."
The two ate and chatted.
Chitanda Eru recounted interesting things she encountered while gathering information that morning, and Lin En occasionally interjected a few words; the atmosphere was very harmonious.
After eating, the two prepared to set off to find the former Student Council members.
Lin En glanced at the system panel; Chitanda Eru's bond progress had already reached 7%, indicating that their joint investigation had brought them considerably closer.
【Character: Chitanda Eru】
【Bond Progress: 5% → 7% (Triggered Event: Agreed to Investigate Together)】
【Event Evaluation: She increasingly recognizes you and sees you as a trustworthy partner】
【Points Gained: 40 points】
【Current Points: 330 points】
Lin En put away the panel, looking at the enthusiastic Chitanda Eru beside him, his heart filled with anticipation.
Perhaps this investigation would not only solve the mystery from ten years ago but also deepen his bond with Chitanda Eru.
They walked out of the cafeteria and headed towards the faculty office, the sun shining on them, warm and bright.
An investigation into the past was about to begin, and Lin En's life in this mixed-anime world was quietly changing.