Chapter 33: Chapter 33: You Will Fail
Togashi Yūta and Takanashi Rikka recognized this person.
After the entrance exam simulation ended, he had stood before the entire school and boldly declared that he would dominate the entire high school.
To openly display his Chuunibyou persona in front of everyone without hesitation…
Even at the height of his own Chuunibyou phase, Togashi Yūta would never have dared to do such a thing.
As for Takanashi Rikka, that was even more impossible. Aside from her Chuunibyou tendencies, she also had a bit of social anxiety.
Upon realizing Ren Asakura's identity, Togashi Yūta's first reaction was that this guy was trouble—possibly even more troublesome than Takanashi Rikka.
"I recognize you two—Wicked Eye and Dark Flame Master. I acknowledge your strength, but if you seek the recognition of the gods [teachers], you are far from worthy at your current level."
Ren Asakura pointed a single finger to the sky, striking a pose of absolute supremacy.
Togashi Yūta felt a chill run down his spine. It was as if his dark past had been completely exposed.
They were only in their first year of high school, yet Togashi Yūta could already foresee the suffering that awaited him.
At first, Takanashi Rikka hid behind Togashi Yūta, a little wary.
But once their wavelengths aligned, she instantly regained her confidence.
The Wicked Eye feared no one.
"Who are you?! The Wicked Eye is invincible—no one can stand in my way!"
Ren Asakura covered his face and let out a wild, arrogant laugh.
"The Wicked Eye, huh? The power of the gods is beyond imagination. They are the supreme rulers of this school. Without their approval, it is impossible to claim territory here. Even with the help of the Dark Flame Master, you will not carve out a domain of your own."
Takanashi Rikka placed a hand over her sealed eye.
"I, the Wicked Eye, will never fail! Not even the gods can stop me!"
Ren Asakura turned his gaze toward Togashi Yūta, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"The Dark Flame Master… A warrior who has lost his powers. Until you regain your strength, your abilities remain too limited. Your ally is rather weak, Wicked Eye."
Takanashi Rikka glanced at Togashi Yūta.
"Who are you?! How can you see through everything?!"
Ren Asakura chuckled.
"I am a Celestial Sage. 'Ren Asakura' is merely the name I used in my mortal days. I hail from the legendary Yorozuya, a place that can grant any wish. From the moment you set foot in this school… I have been watching you."
Takanashi Rikka's eyes widened in shock.
"What?! Impossible!"
Ren Asakura waved his hand, a playful smile appearing on his face.
"Wicked Eye! Dark Flame Master, who has lost his power! I look forward to your performance. In the end, you will challenge the gods. You will witness their terrifying might. And no matter how hard you struggle, the territory you carve out will ultimately be taken away by the gods! Hahaha!!"
With that, Ren Asakura turned away, leaving behind a cool and dramatic silhouette.
Megumi Katō sighed and shook her head.
She knew that Ren Asakura had Chuunibyou.
But she hadn't expected it to be this severe.
Takanashi Rikka watched his departing figure, then clenched her fists with newfound determination.
"Yūta~ I will establish my own club in this school!"
Togashi Yūta felt like his high school life was doomed.
At this moment, he had only one thought:
For the sake of his peaceful high school life, he must stay away from these Chuunibyou cases.
"Good luck!"
Togashi Yūta gave a slight bow, maintaining a calm expression, then immediately turned and left.
"Yūta~!"
Takanashi Rikka ran after him.
...
After leaving the two Chuunibyou behind, Ren Asakura seamlessly returned to his usual self.
This was the legendary advanced Chuunibyou—effortlessly switching between "Chuunibyou Mode" and "Normal Mode."
"Isn't it interesting?"
Ren Asakura grinned happily.
Megumi Katō pondered for a moment.
"Not really. It just seemed like you were all playing characters."
Her life had always been rather ordinary. She had never gone through the Chuunibyou phase that most people did in their youth.
Ren Asakura took this as his cue to explain.
"This is what we call Chuunibyou. Though, to be fair, it's not really a disease. It's just... an overactive imagination taken to the next level."
He then gave a simple explanation of what Chuunibyou was all about—how every teenager, at some point, had their own unique fantasies and delusions.
Some dream of piloting starships, fighting alongside Jedi against the Empire's invading forces in a universe filled with blazing lasers.
Some wish to become alchemists, capable of healing the sick and crafting all sorts of magical potions.
Others act like mad scientists, pouring random liquids into bottles just to see if they'll explode.
When they reach a certain age and gain a bit of independence, they start absorbing all kinds of dramatic "wise sayings"—which sound profound but are ultimately useless. Under this influence, they begin engaging in behaviors that most people would find bizarre.
Like wrapping their hands in bandages.
Wearing an eyepatch over an uninjured eye.
Draping themselves in a black {or red} cloak and roaming around in public.
And occasionally letting out eerie, villainous laughter.
These behaviors are collectively known as...
Chuunibyou!
Megumi Katō pondered this seriously.
Ren Asakura let out a soft sigh.
"Most people don't really understand Chuunibyou. Groups of peers tend to reject anyone who is different. The uniqueness of Chuunibyou often leads to loneliness—they have few friends, sometimes none at all. So having even one person who understands them is a real blessing for someone with Chuunibyou."
Megumi Katō nodded.
Being isolated in high school was definitely a painful experience.
Ren Asakura continued, "As long as they don't harm others, as long as they don't cause trouble for anyone, and as long as they have a kind heart—Chuunibyou or not, they can still be great friends. I'm a cheerful and positive guy, after all. My job is to bring smiles to people's faces. Even if someone has Chuunibyou, I just want them to be happy. Sooner or later, time will take its course, and they'll naturally 'graduate' from it."
Seeing Ren Asakura's confident expression, Megumi Katō couldn't help but smile as well.
"Mm."
A protagonist like this... wasn't so bad.
Checking the time, the two realized it was time to head to the clubroom.
But as soon as they reached the clubroom door, they saw that everyone else was standing outside, hesitant to go in.
"What's going on?" Ren Asakura asked.
Yukinoshita Yukino lowered her voice.
"There's... a very strange person inside."
Ren Asakura glanced through the small window on the door.
In an instant, his brainwave connection was activated.
"It's a Chuunibyou!"
Yukinoshita Yukino seemed unfamiliar with the term.
"What is a Chuunibyou?"
Megumi Katō answered, "Someone who roleplays a self-created character. Basically… someone a bit odd."
At that moment, Hachiman Hikigaya walked up from the other side of the hall.
Seeing everyone gathered outside, he raised an eyebrow.
"What are you all doing?"
Ren Asakura smirked. "Hey, Hachiman, if I remember right… that guy in there is your friend, isn't he?"
Hachiman Hikigaya peered through the window.
Inside stood a boy wearing a long trench coat, slightly overweight, radiating an overwhelming dark aura.
With a resigned sigh, Hachiman opened the door.
°°°
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