"Please open your textbooks, everyone. Today, we'll be studying 'The History of Spacequakes,'" said Tama-chan, the social studies and history teacher, as she opened her book and began her lecture. "So, what do you all know about spacequakes?"
She scanned the classroom, waiting for hands to go up.
"Yamabuki-san, how about you share your thoughts?"
"A spacequake is like 'boom!' The space rips open—like a nuclear explosion," Ayame said, standing up.
"Hmm, that's somewhat accurate. Anyone else want to add?"
"It's like an earthquake but with way more destruction. Houses and trees vanish in an instant. If people are nearby, they'd definitely lose their lives," Mahime added.
"When a spacequake happens, you should immediately go to a shelter to stay safe," Mihime suggested.
"Exactly," Tama nodded. "A spacequake is a general term for unexplained phenomena involving explosions, tremors, disappearances, and more, occurring without a set pattern or scale. Does anyone know when the first recorded spacequake in human history occurred?"
She scanned the class again. "Hoshimiya-san, why don't you answer?"
"Mm." Mukuro smoothed her hair and stood up. "It was thirty-one years ago."
"And the location?"
"The center of the Eurasian continent."
"Very well done," Tama praised. "That disaster resulted in 150 million deaths and caused catastrophic losses for humanity. Its cause remains a mystery to this day…"
"Excuse me, Teacher," interrupted someone standing near Mukuro—a person dressed like a woman but with a mischievous air.
"Ah, Hoshimiya-san's guardian?" Tama turned toward Nia. "Do you have a perspective to share?"
"Nia!" Shido and the others broke into a cold sweat, signaling frantically for Nia to hold her tongue.
"Well," Nia began seriously, "maybe it was some kind of monster from another world that suddenly appeared and went boom! Haha!"
The room fell silent, and the students exchanged awkward glances—except for Shido and his group.
"Uh, Nia-san, you're quite humorous," Tama said, forcing a smile.
"Haha, isn't this how it always happens in manga? A massive, hidden conspiracy behind an unexplained natural disaster! I just thought the atmosphere was too tense, so I wanted to lighten the mood," Nia explained with a laugh.
"Doesn't that person seem a bit… off?"
"More than a bit. Total chuunibyou vibes. Always lost in her delusions."
"Even worse, she's doing it here, of all places. If the superintendent gets mad, we're doomed."
The students whispered amongst themselves, occasionally glancing nervously at Kuriu. Although he remained silent, his expression clearly betrayed his displeasure.
"Nia-san, please take a seat," Tama said with a sigh. "After the Eurasian Great Spacequake, similar phenomena began to occur worldwide. This city, Tenguu City, was rebuilt following the South Kanto Great Spacequake. While there were no major spacequakes for 25 years, studies and preventative measures continued. However, six years ago, spacequakes began to occur more frequently. Fortunately, response methods have improved, minimizing casualties."
Origami and Kotori exchanged a brief glance.
"Next, we'll discuss the impact and significance of spacequakes on humanity—an important exam topic. Feel free to share your opinions," Tama encouraged the class.
"You get to see girls looking adorably flustered in the shelters," Miku said.
"If the school gets blown up, we'd get a break," Yoshinon added.
"When there's a spacequake, certain people use it as an excuse to go on dates," Kotori said, glaring at Shido.
"What are you talking about?" Shido muttered in exasperation.
"Uh, well," Tama tried to steer the discussion back, "those are all interesting perspectives, but not quite the main point. Anyone else? Guardians can answer too." Her gaze landed on Origami, and she looked as if she'd found her savior. "Takamiya-san's sister-in-law, Tobiichi-san, do you have any insights?"
"It brought me and Shido together," Origami said, her face expressionless.
"Exactly," Tama said instinctively before freezing. "Wait, Tobiichi-san, what exactly did you mean?"
"Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. It facilitated our meeting, understanding, love, and… consummation."
"Consummation? Tobiichi-san, I'm not sure I understand."
"She's right," Miku stood up. "Spacequakes also allowed me to meet my darling."
"That's true, Teacher! It's how I met him too," Yoshinon added cheerfully.
"Uh…" Tama was at a loss for words.
"Teacher, don't listen to their nonsense!" Shido quickly intervened. "I know the answer. Spacequakes have driven advancements in science and technology."
"Correct!" Tama exclaimed, clasping Shido's hands in excitement. "I knew I could count on Itsuka-san in crucial moments. If I weren't engaged, I might even consider marrying you!"
"Teacher?!" Shido felt his head throbbing.
"Ah, let's continue," Tama said, regaining her composure. "In addition to advancements, knowing how to evacuate during a spacequake is crucial…"
Before she could finish, Kuriu suddenly stood up. "Speaking of evacuations, I need to interrupt. I've heard rumors that some students here refuse to use shelters during spacequakes, disregarding their safety. Is this true?"
"Well, there have been cases like that," Tama admitted, glancing at Shido.
'Why is it always about me?' Shido felt like pulling his hair out.
"Unacceptable! As a teacher, you bear responsibility for this. How can you let students behave so recklessly? What if something happened? It seems I'll have to—"
"And what exactly will you do?" Kurumi's voice cut in, her smile sharp as she stared at Kuriu.
"I-I mean," Kuriu stammered, his earlier conviction dissolving. "I'll ensure flexibility in evacuation procedures to maintain safety."
"Good decision," Kurumi said, her gaze cold yet approving.
"Let's continue the lesson, then," Tama said, her voice trembling slightly. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, relieved that the situation had temporarily calmed down.
