Lucien dragged himself out of the cssroom, feeling like he'd barely survived a battlefield. The weight of those hateful stares still burned into his back.

  [Congratutions, Host! You didn't die. Truly an achievement worth celebrating. Should I prepare a victory parade?]

  "Shut up," Lucien hissed, his eyes darting around the corridor. He could still hear whispers. Gres followed him like shadows.

  [You're right. Let's not celebrate too soon. We wouldn't want to jinx your incredibly fragile existence.]

  Lucien groaned. "So, what's your deal, anyway? Why am I stuck with you?"

  [Oh, you wound me! I'm here to help you survive. And considering your current reputation as the academy's most hated individual, I'd say you need me desperately.]

  "That's… not wrong," Lucien admitted. "But you could be a little more supportive."

  [Where's the fun in that?]

  Before Lucien could retort, a loud voice called out. "Hey, creep!"

  Lucien turned slowly, already dreading what he'd see. It was Leon Albright, the anime's protagonist, and he looked ready to draw his sword again

  [Ah, your mortal enemy! How exciting.]

  Lucien forced a smile. "Leon! What a… surprise."

  "Stay away from Cecilia," Leon growled, his hand once again drifting toward his sword.

  [Oh boy. Here we go. Would you like me to draft your will?]

  "I-I don't even want to be near Cecilia!" Lucien blurted.

  Leon narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you always following her around like a lost puppy?"

  [Because the original Lucien had no self-respect. But you knew that already.]

  "I… I'm turning over a new leaf!" Lucien decred, desperation creeping into his voice. "No more creepy gifts, no more confessions! I swear!"

  Leon stared at him like he didn't quite believe it. "We'll see."

  As Leon walked away, Lucien let out a breath of relief.

  [You survived another encounter! I'm so proud.]

  "Why does it feel like I'm living on borrowed time?" Lucien muttered.

  [Because you are.]

  Lucien sighed and made his way toward the dorms, his shoulders slumping. "So, what's the pn now?"

  [Simple! You need to rebuild your reputation, survive the death fgs, and maybe—just maybe—not die a horrible death.]

  "Great," Lucien said dryly. "Any helpful suggestions?"

  [Nope! But I'll be here with snarky commentary every step of the way.]

  Lucien groaned. It really was going to be a long, long journey.

  As Lucien walked toward his dorm, the murmurs and whispers continued around him. He tried his best to ignore them, but every word felt like a dagger.

  "Did you see how scared he looked? Serves him right."

  "Cecilia should have just let Leon finish him off."

  [Ah, the sweet sound of your social downfall. Music to my circuits.]

  "Can you not?" Lucien whispered harshly.

  [But I live for your misery, Host. It sustains me.]

  Lucien was about to snap back when a loud thud made him jump. He turned to see a maid who had just dropped a stack of books. When their eyes met, she flinched and hurriedly gathered the books, avoiding him like he was contagious.

  [See? Even the staff thinks you're an irredeemable creep. Impressive!]

  "This is hopeless," Lucien muttered, dragging a hand down his face.

  [Don't give up now! There's so much more humiliation to endure.]

  When he finally reached his dorm room, Lucien colpsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

  Lucien groaned into his pillow. "I'm doomed."