My feet practically dragged themselves in despair to the wall I was instructed to line up against. Everyone else was already in position, varying levels of enthusiasm showing on their faces.

"Ladies and gents, you all know the drill-"

I raised my hand. "Actually, sir, I don't."

"Oh right! We have a new student," Mr. Panda remarked. Then he rubbed his chin, as if pondering something. "You know what, it's your first day today and it must've been really tiring. Why don't you sit on the sidelines and watch instead."

Oh wow, was he giving me an out? Or was this reverse psychology at work. Conflicted thoughts started invading my head as I struggled for a response. Reed was beside me, the source of my reluctance. Abandoning her felt wrong to me.

Noticing my troubled look, Reed reassured me. "Take a rest, you deserve it. Besides, we do this sort of thing all the time."

Hesitantly, I complied. Back in my old world as my old self, I would have snatched the opportunity to do less work without hesitation. More character development, perhaps?

Observing from the sidelines, I made a mental note of all the lines they touched. It was a lot. There was a whole bunch running back and forth. A feeling of relief encapsulated me - sitting this out was undoubtedly the right decision.

Reed, while athletic, was definitely not a runner. She lagged a bit behind the bulk of the pack.

Exusiai had a go happy attitude when she ran, seriousness not a word in her dictionary when things weren't, well, serious.

Texas' speed caught me off guard. She ran fast, her lithe and small figure allowed her to easily change directions and accelerate. Stamina didn't seem to be a problem for her either, likely to do with her being a lupo.

However, stamina did seem to be a problem for the rest of the class. The average speed of each student slowed down drastically as time went on. All except one operator who sped up suddenly.

In a blur of red hair, she quickly began closing the distance between the first-place Texas. Her strategy of keeping a steady pace until the end was the same one I used when running suicides back in my old world.

'Flametail, huh?' I thought to myself. I didn't notice her before as a different redhead attracted my attention. 'She's scarily fast, almost a blur.'

My eyes barely kept up with her as she easily overtook second place.

'I guess it does fit her kit. You gotta have some insane speed to be able to dodge.'

Texas took a quick glance back before speeding up her own pace. The two vanguards were leagues ahead of the rest of the class, leaving them all in the dust. However, despite Flametail's quick burst of speed, she wasn't able to close the distance fast enough.

Reed finished within the top half of the class. Her stamina was clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the class, easily making up for her below average speed. Unsure of what to do, I shyly walked up to Reed to talk to her. We're partners after all.

"You're a good runner," I mumbled. "You kept a consistent pace the entire time."

'Ah. That comment didn't come out of nowhere, did it?'

"Thanks," she responded before silence engulfed the two of us. I shifted my feet from side to side as I wracked my brain for things to say.

The seconds my brain spent calculating the perfect, witty next phrase to say came up empty handed. Of course it would - my basically 0 experience with girls made sure of it. 'Great, now what?'

Why don't you ask her out, master?

'Wonderful idea Blanc. Let me just commit suicide to my social life.'

Have some confidence in yourself, master, or else she might make the first move instead.

Completely against my expectations and in line with Blanc's, Reed made the first move. "Uhm… I know this may sound a bit out of the blue, but… do you happen to have time after school?"

Hehe, told you so.

Blanc, you sound too smug for your own good.

"What for?" I asked, deciding to at least hear her out before inevitably declining her. Dusk would be waiting for me in the library, after all. I don't want to make promises I can't keep.

"The class, on top of giving regular homework, also gives fitness related homework goals," Reed explained. "Usually I do it with Ms. Dobermann, but since you're now my partner…"

Interesting. This partner thing covers a whole lot more stuff than I thought.

"How come I got none?"

"Probably because you've yet to finish your physical examination," she answered. "The fitness homework is based on that."

Not my fault Ms. Dobermann spent way more time than necessary on the beep test.

"So I'll just be helping you?" I asked.

"I-If you don't mind, yes," Reed stuttered out in confirmation. Her cheeks were colored a shade of red as she seemed deadset at looking anywhere but into my eyes.

"Ah, well, you see… I can't," I sheepishly declined. Before she could misinterpret my answer, I added, "Not because I don't want to, in fact, I'd love to. Rather, it's because I made plans with another student. They'll be tutoring me after class in the library."

"Oh… I see."

Fucking hell, why do I feel so bad about turning her down. It's not my fault I made plans with someone else after school - the guilt I felt made no sense.

"What subject will they be tutoring you on?" she asked after a short pause.

"Biology," I responded. Then, remembering my past experience with the cursed subject, I added, "I'm really bad at bio."

"Oh. Uhm… are there any other subjects you need help with?" she asked. "I'm not very good at biology."

Same Reed, same. Biology was one of, if not my least favorite subjects. Not to mention the stuff here is whole heartedly different from back at home with headache-inducingly large amounts of races and their specific traits among other things which is why I'm getting help with the subject. Other subjects like math, english, and physics should more or less be the same.

Sure maybe the names of the equations and laws might be different, but the concepts behind them should remain constant. For example, instead of the constant pi defining the ratio of a circle's circumference, the people here might use a different one instead - like potato. As for english, from what I've seen and heard, it seems to be the same as back in my old world. I feel that, for the most part, I wouldn't need extra help with them.

There was, however, one subject that came to mind when Reed asked her question. If originium exists here, then logic dictates there should be other elements that lie here not native to Earth. At the very least, originium opens the world to a wide variety of unknown chemical reactions and properties I wouldn't have a clue about.

"If you're willing, you could help me with chem," I answered. She gave me a way to not turn her down and I grabbed onto it without hesitation. Reed's eyes lit up at my response. Wait no, more like a bright fire started burning in her eyes.

"Okay, leave it to me," she said, voice laced with determination. "Believe it or not, chemistry is actually one of my best subjects."

"Really now? Okay then, meet me at the library entrance after school. I'll be counting on you."

"Sure thing!" Reed said, a precious smile adorning her face. A rare sight to see - I think this is actually the first time I've seen her smile. It definitely was an image to remember. I just hope Dusk doesn't mind the extra person.

Two timing already, master? So shameless.

"Shut up Blanc! I didn't have the heart to turn her down.'

Hehehe.

'Also, wouldn't this be considered three timing? I mean, you are my girlfriend, Blanc.'

Awawa, I suppose.

I had a good laugh with Blanc before a certain important thought intruded my mind. 'Where exactly is the library?'

Lunch time was a time I was not looking forward to. For one, I'd have to find the cafeteria, wherever that was. For another, I'd have to find a place to eat, alone preferably. It also had to be somewhere unclaimed because I sure as hell don't want to inadvertently take some 4th year's table. Lastly, I'd have to use some of my pitiful amount of money leftover from yesterday's shopping spree.

By following the flow of students, finding the cafeteria proved to be easy enough. Reading a sign made getting my lunch simple enough as well. Thank you, whoever you are, for coming up with Free Meal Mondays. Sure, it may be a simple BLT sandwich with a small bottle of water, but it was free.

Now all I needed to do was find someplace to eat.

'...'

All around me, students were ordering food, meeting up with friends and eating. People came and went, taking their spots in the cafeteria without hesitation. Unfortunately, Reed wasn't here with me. She had a meeting of some sort she couldn't miss. I couldn't spot Dusk anywhere either, not that I expected to. Loud and busy areas like the cafeteria weren't a place I'd expect to find her.

While trying to search for somewhere to sit, I overheard a conversation between two familiar 3 star operators.

"Hey Beagle~ How was class?" a sleepy yet upbeat voice greeted.

"My class? It was alright," the red-head responded. Her voice was on the meeker side. "I had a supply for math today so everything was pretty relaxed."

"I see~"

The state of her eyes made me doubt her statement. 'Even now, Kroos' eyes aren't fully open.'

"Anyways, did you hear about the winner of the Marksmen Club Sharpshooting Contest?" Kroos asked.

Marksmen Club, huh? I'm willing to bet the remainder of my measly leftover cash that some of my favorite operators are in this club. Actually, I'm willing to bet that the majority of all sniper operators attend the club.

"Huh? Are you still hung up over your loss?" Beagle responded by asking Kroos her own question.

"Of course not… I'm just disappointed. After getting so much praise only to get eliminated first round, how could I not be?" Kroos said, clearly trying to maintain her upbeat tone.

"So you're still hung over it," Beagle mumbled before adding, "Come on Kroos, we've been over this. We're first years yet you were unlucky enough to end up against the best of the best - 4th years who have had plenty more experience than you. You did exceptionally well considering your odds."

"Thanks Beagle~"

"No worries. I like you best when you aren't sad."

"Hehe~ You still have yet to answer my question~"

"Oh! I didn't hear about it. But if I were to guess, I'd say the person you faced and lost to won the competition."

"You mean Scout~?" Kroos asked.

"Yeah! That's his name! His skills were the real deal, though you sure did give him a run for his money," Beagle responded, gushing over the elite operator's skills while also complimenting her friend's.

So Scout is here as well - alive to boot. Which also means all the other elite operators and Rhodes Island employees who died should be alive as well. All this points to the chad known as daddy Ace being alive and well.

"He sure is good," Kroos confirmed. "But he didn't win."

"Really!?" Beagle asked in surprise. "With his skills, I would have thought the rest of the competition would have been a breeze for him."

"Nope~ The winner was a second year girl from Kazimierz. During the finals, she looked so graceful wielding her bow."

"Oh wow…" Beagle said in awe.

"Right? So I can't use my age as an excuse. Next time, I'll win for sure!"

Her little speech of motivation was interrupted by Beagle's stomach growling out in hunger.

"S-Sorry," she blushed, face red with embarrassment. "I didn't eat enough for breakfast today because I woke up late."

"Huh~? Waking up late is usually my thing." Kroos pointed out. "Ah whatever~ Let's go look for Fang and the others. I'm pretty hungry myself."

And off they went. But a Kazimierz sniper? All evidence pointed to Platinum being the identity of the winner.

'Marksmen Club, was it?'

I do plan to join a couple school clubs and the Marksmen Club might just be my first. What was the saying? Came looking for copper and found gold. Well, in this case, I came to the school looking for gold and found my Platinum.

I admit, that sounded much better in my head.

My attempt to find someplace to sit reunited me with a familiar face.

"Ines? The hell are you doing here?"

The girl in question turned to look at me in surprise. "The fuck? I could say the same to you. And where's that pretty girl of yours?"

'Oh wow, her tone was much more informal now that she wasn't at work. Her attire too.'

"She dumped you already?" Ines went on to ask.

"H-Huh? What!? No!" I vehemently denied it. "Blanc is still with me."

At the same time, Blanc also answered.

No way I'd ever break up with my master!

'Thanks Blanc, I appreciate the vote of confidence.'

I rubbed my watch in a show of affection and appreciation.

Mmm.

"Then where is she?"

Hey, I think I've heard that question before. Somehow, this conversation was slowly evolving its way to the same as our last encounter. Or at the very least, similar to an uncanny extent.

"B-Because she… goes to a different school?"

Ah, the good ol, classic 'I totally have a girlfriend, she just goes to a different school' excuse.

Exhaling loudly, Ines unpacked a bit of her lunch before replying with, "Forget it, I don't wanna know."

Good thing she didn't continue her line of question or else we might've ended up with another misunderstanding. Did it by chance have to do with the fact that she's no longer at work? There was probably no need for her to be so uptight and responsible.

"Now tell me, why are you here?"

"To eat lunch, of course," I responded cheekily. "Though I could say the same to you. Never expected a lingerie store cashier to be attending school."

"Shut it. I lost a bet."

If it were me, I'd never take a bet like that. I may like to gamble on gacha games with my cash, but I sure as hell wouldn't gamble my dignity away in some pointless bet.

"Uhh, so… Can I sit here?" I asked. Last period's fitness did a number on me and I was itching to eat something to recuperate my dwindling strength.

I received a raised eyebrow in response. Taking a look around, I noticed something off. Despite this table being empty except for Ines, everyone seemed dead set on avoiding it.

"You've been living under a rock or something?" Ines asked, speaking up after a short pause. "Or this the first time you've been in the cafe?"

"Neither. I'm actually a new transfer student."

Ines looked like she wanted to question the validity of my statement. Key words, looked like. She didn't. Instead, she went on to ask, "Why eat here of all places, then? There are plenty of other empty seats."

In fact, all around me were open spaces to sit.

"You looked so lonely, sitting here by yourself, like a lost damsel, I couldn't help-"

Not wanting to get myself killed, I stopped talking mid sentence. The murderous glare Ines was giving me was terrifying. Terrifying in a hot way.

You ever just want to get stepped on by your waifu?

I can step on you, master.

'Thanks for the offer, Blanc, but it's not the same. You're too cute and wholesome.'

Aww… Oh! I know! You could step on me instead.

'I'll have to pass, sorry. I'd rather be on the receiving end.'

Then how about a foot massage?

Now that was something I didn't mind.

Going back to my conversation with Ines, I recomposed my answer. "I saw a familiar face and wanted to sit beside them, that's all."

"Fair enough."

Sitting down beside her, I brought my sandwich to my mouth, preparing to take a bite out of it when Ines spoke up again. "A bit of a heads up, but things at this table can get explosive once the others show up."

Which reminds me: Ines and W had some kind of relationship, didn't they? Some sort of mercenary group. I can't help but wonder how that translates into high school.

"I don't mind," I responded genuinely. "Probably better than sitting with some strangers."

"Whatever floats your boat."

We ate in silence for a bit. The free sandwich was average - not too bad but not outstanding either.

"So, what year you in?" Ines asked after a bit.

"Second," I replied.

"Ah, that makes you my underclassman."

In a way, yes, but at the same time, not really. In actuality, Ines would either be in the same year as me or I'd be an upperclassman to her - senpai in other words.

'You know, I'd like for Ines to call me senpai. I doubt she would… Unless I made a bet…'

"If you're wondering why the others aren't here yet, it's because they have him last period," Ines explained. Granted, her explanation without context didn't make much sense to me.

"Uhm… who exactly?"

"Right, you're new," I remarked, stating the obvious. "I guess it's my duty as your upperclassman to warn you. They call him the 'Black Snake'..."

Now that's an ominous nickname.

"He's a relatively new professor, in charge of teaching the upper years about various niche subjects. Next year, or the year after, if you ever get him in one of your classes, I suggest dropping the course immediately. Despite being relatively new, the asshole has already earned himself the ire of countless students. He's a cold hearted, cunning, manipulative bitch who somehow wormed his way into becoming a teacher at such a prestigious school. He hails from some noble, wealthy background and is a snobbish prick who looks down on others. Just looking at his horrid face makes me want to stab him in his sleep."

The warning turned into a bit of a rant at the end, but I appreciated the gesture nonetheless. "Thanks for the, uh… warning I guess."

Ines blushed, apparently realizing she let loose a little too much there. "Ahem, yeah. No problem."

It took a while for the others to come, but when they did, they sure made their presence known. I mean, when Ines mentioned that things could get explosive here, I thought she meant figuratively. Instead, I got literal explosions.

Naturally, the explosions weren't the type to kill anyone - that would be a serious safety hazard. As W walked past a couple of first years, judging by their size, a select few unlucky victim's food blew up in a delicious mess in their faces. Arriving at the table, W was giggling about, taking immense delight in the havoc she caused. Perhaps also savoring the salty tears of the students who had just lost their lunch.

'So that's why there's a buffer zone around this table.'

"Always fucking carthatic to do that after his stupid fucking classes," a giggling W let out once she plopped herself beside Ines. Her hands snatched a bit of food on Ines' plate without hesitation, throwing it in her mouth. "Mmm, you always have the best lunches, Ines."

The victim of a brutal food robbery could only sigh and shake her head in exasperation at her friend's antics.

W turned her head to blow a kiss at Ines. "You know you love me. Besides, It's what you get for dropping-"

Then she paused abruptly after making eye-contact with me. "You seeing this shit, Hoederer?"

The man in question replied with a simple, "Hm?", mouth full, too busy eating his lunch to answer properly.

"Ines has a fucking boyfriend! Am I dreaming? Is the world ending? Why didn't you bother to tell me!?"

W descended into a bundle of chaotic drama, her face gleeful. "Didn't take you for the type to like em young - always thought you preferred big, strong men."

"He is not my boyfriend." Ines vehemently denied. Her voice was packing with imposing force, venom and edge exuding out of it. If that tone was aimed at me, I think I might have shit myself on the spot. Yet it wasn't, but my spine still shivered at the ferocity behind her words.

Hot.

At the same time, I also threw in my own denial, albeit at a much softer and reserved tone. "You have it all wrong, we're just… acquaintances."

I was going to say friends, but felt acquaintances better suited our relationship. Ines does have long hair and horns, but she lacks a tail. And while lascivious looking - she probably has the biggest bust size out of anyone I've met so far, though Reed comes in a close second - I'd rather focus my time and effort into people that match the description of what Blanc gives me. That, and also what I prefer.

Ines is up there. Just not up, up there. If this were a tier list, I'd give her an A.

W put her arms up in a surrender gesture. "Alright, alright, chill Ines. I came here, expecting you to be all by yourself without us, your only friends. And you were, until I noticed this guy a couple seconds ago."

"You just noticed?" Hoederer asked, disbelief evident in his voice. He was a buff dude. Scary as well. Definitely the type of guy I would avoid like the plague back in my old world. But now, with my new body and my newfound confidence, I'm ready to face my fears and take him on. "Hmm. Actually, he is on the smaller side. I can kind of see how you missed him. Those first years you tormented earlier might have also helped in distracting you."

Small? Did he just call me small? No, no, no, that can't be true. Sure, I was slightly on the smaller side back in my old world, but now? I'm the same height as I was back in 4th year, no way I'd be small for a now 2nd year.

I scrutinized Hoederer.

On second thought, maybe I don't really want to face him. He was packing, that's for sure. And he had scars too - on his face and on his arm. Noticing my stare, he made eye contact with me, establishing his alpha male dominance and gave me the 'what are you looking at?' face. All I could do was look away and mutter, "I'm not small…"

"Hm? I guess for whatever race you are, you're a bit below average. But to me, you're pretty tiny."

He made a gesture, signifying how short I was to him

Height was one of my biggest insecurities back at home. Could you blame me though, when every girl on tinder desires a 6ft tall guy, or the fact there are countless memes depicting 6ft as a skyscraper and anything under as some rundown, midget shack. It didn't help that most of my classmates and my few friends were all taller than me.

Now that I was actually above average in height, combined with my newfound confidence, I think it's time that I stood up for myself. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself.

"Hey bro, call me small or short again, I will throw hands right here, right now," I replied, trying to sound as intimidating as possible. Perhaps I was trying to impress some people as well, but if you asked me, I'd just deny it and say it was all for my ego. "Let's see if you have the same opinion after."

The table turned dead silent as everyone around the table looked at me as if I had grown a second head. A couple seconds of silence passed as I sweated in my seat silently. Hoederer's laugh broke that silence.

"Kahaha! Not bad, you got spunk kid. I like it." Then, he turned to address Ines. "I approve of your new boyfriend."

"Fucking hell, if you say that Hellastic is my boyfriend one more time, I will be the one fighting you, instead," Ines growled out. The way her expression changed and her eyes narrowed was hot. She was like a blazing storm, moments away from unleashing hell onto Hoederer.

"Ah, so that's your name. Nice to meet you, Hellastic. I'm Hoederer, a hitman of sorts. Got someone you want to deal with, just hit me up. Oh, and treat Ines well, would ya. Nice to see her lower that wall of hers for a change."

The hitman of sorts offered his hand as a greeting. I never got to shake it though - Ines lunged at him with a fork after that last sentence of his introduction.

A scrap ensued, the occupants of the table more concerned on placing bets,watching and cheering than stopping the catfight-like brawl.

"Come on Ines. Just admit it already."

"I'll fucking kill you!"

"Hey," I called out in concern to anyone willing to listen. "Should we, like, do anything about that?"

A NPC with horns who was probably the same race as Hoederer replied, "Nah. Shit like this happens all the time."

The teachers don't care? Seems pretty irresponsible to me.

Actually, scratch that. Back in my old school, the teachers never gave too much thought to what students did during lunch as long as we weren't straight up killing each other.

"You know, you got balls for a 2nd year," W whispered into my ear, out of the blue. With my attention diverted, she must have taken the opportunity to sit beside me without me noticing. Her arm was slung around me, her legs and waist touching mine. As she leaned in to talk, her face came dangerously close to mine. So close that I could feel her breath against my skin. "I like it."

Her words sent a shiver up my spine. W fit the description of horns and tail, but her hair was shoulder length, which wasn't exactly 'long' hair. But it wasn't short either.

"Don't disappoint me though~"

And she disappeared just as suddenly as she appeared beside me, the feeling of her body against me sorely missed.

"Yeah Ines! You show him!" W cheered, edging the fight on. "Go tell him girl! Tell him about how you and Hellastic are not in a relationship and never will!"

As if sensing my gaze, W turned around briefly to give me a wink before resuming her cheering.

'Hey Blanc, does W match the 3rd girl's description?'

Nope. But she does match the 7th. Miss Fortune Teller said all she could discern of the 7th girl was an explosion.

'Thanks Blanc.'

Looking at W right now, she looked crazy, edging the line of insanity. But lunatics could be hot in their own sort of way, especially when they act crazy that way by choice.

"Right hook! Oh! Stab him with the fork! Parry! Dodge the butterknife strike! That's a feint! Oh, nice hit! Aaaand he's down for the count!"

Ines' quick strikes and nimble body eventually overwhelmed Hoederer. She had Hoederer pinned down on the floor and if I wasn't any wiser, I'd have assumed the two of them were the ones being mistaken for being in a relationship.

'Hey Blanc, can I beat this guy in a 1 on 1 fight?' I asked, curious after witnessing the conclusion of the short brawl.

No.

Her response came back so fast I was momentarily at a loss for words.

'Man…'

But you do beat him in the amount of girls in your harem, master.

'Ah right! He has no bitches. He's maidenless. How utterly pathetic.'

I gave him a look of superiority as I took the last bite out of my sandwich. He gave me a confused look in return.

"...?"

By now, everything around the table had more or less returned back to normal - Hoederer's teasing sufficiently contained.

'Real talk though, Blanc. If I train like an anime character, will I eventually be able to beat him?'

With your powers and potential, yes. Easily even.

'I keep hearing mentions of these powers I apparently got by being isekai-ed. I think I've even used them once or twice. You know anything about them?'

Yes actually. Apart from enhanced strength, senses and intelligence, you also have a very unique ability in relation to members of your harem.

'I think I have an idea of what you're talking about.'

That feeling I felt when we were in the alleway and showers - it had to be what Blanc was talking about.

It doesn't just relate to pleasuring your girls, master. Protecting them as well, among other things.

'Really now? That seems cool,' I thought. A very useful ability if I do say so myself.

The stronger the will and the stronger the bond, the more potent the power.

By now, I was completely tuned out of the real world conversation around me. The last thing I heard Ines and the others talk about was homework or something.

'I've already used this power on you, right?' I asked Blanc to confirm my thoughts.

Yup.

I felt my watch heat up a little and turn a bit red, signaling Blanc's blush and embarrassment.

'Can I use it on Reed and Dusk?'

I believe so, though it may not be as effective on them as on me.

'Interesting… thanks Blanc. Unfortunately I'll have to cut our conversation short.'

The outside world seemed to have shifted their topic to how Ines and I met.

Okay master. Always happy to help~!

Rubbing my watch in affection, I spoke. "We met when I was buying lingerie yesterday."

"See Ines, the bet was good for you. I mean, you got your bo- your new friend," Hoederer corrected, "from working there."

Noticing my confused look, Hoederer answered my unspoken question. "We made a bet not long ago. Contents are confidential, but the loser had to either work at a lingerie store in Ines' case or become a part time ballerina in mine."

Imaging the hulking form of Hoederer in a leotard was comedic. Also extremely terrifying. Imagining Blanc and my arknight's waifus in one - now that was hot.

Soon enough, lunch ended.

My next class was a spare. At least, I assumed it was one since the box was left blank on my timetable.

'I guess I can use this time to locate the library.'

Finding the library proved easy enough. It was a separate building which meant I didn't have to navigate the winding halls of the school. Upon entering, I was met with a nice and quiet atmosphere. Few people were inside which meant finding a place to sit was also easy enough.

Then she showed up.

"So you're the new transfer student," she stated. "I'm Dr. Kal'tsit, head of the science department at Arknights High. Please, follow me."

Milf mommy tsundere cat. It also appears she's the first playable character who isn't a student here at this school.

AN: Thanks to all those who favorited, followed and reviewed.

MiraculousReader - thank you for liking this story a lot. Hopefully, you continue to enjoy reading it. As for how long chapters take. Well, I'm starting first year uni soon, plus I got a job to balance around academic life so… hopefully once every 2-3 weeks? No guarantees though.

luxurious ill - chapter 6's AN was written at like 4am after hours of writing. I was dead tired, so yeah, it probably isn't the most coherent. There are 2 types of lemons: planned and unplanned. All the lemons thus far are unplanned - they're there cuz it felt right. And I was horny. I have 1 planned lemon and that's as far as I've basically planned. Thank you very much for the review.

Short rant but, I'm a fan of Chekhov's Gun. But as Exusiai says, even a well-crafted gun will jam sometimes. I've set up a lot of stuff in this chapter for future years on top of the already large amount of stuff I've begun setting up in earlier chapters. Not all of it will bear fruit though. But you have seen the interaction with Ines lead to something, so yeah. Just keep in mind that even if certain scenes or thoughts or interactions may seem random, they do have consequences. Hopefully lol, if I don't forget about them.

Anyways, thanks, if you've read my AN. I know I never read other author's ANs.