102 - I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City

Title: **I Became a Human Rights Character in an Academy Town - Episode 102** The aroma of ramen simmering away in the mess kit teased the senses, a scent so irresistible that even Ichinose, despite not being a fan of ramen, found herself swallowing her saliva. Could it be due to the sticker on the back of her neck? "Okay! This is exactly how I like my noodles," Rohan declared, using a fork obtained from their supplies to heap the noodles onto the mess kit lid. He then poured a bit of broth and handed it to Ichinose. "A meal's ready, ma'am?" he grinned. "Thanks, I’ll enjoy it," Ichinose replied, accepting the lid from Rohan with a silent smile. Unlike the pride he hadn’t shown in battle, Rohan seemed to take pride in his cooking. It was akin to an artisan's dedication. "Ichinose, should I make some chopsticks for you? Isn’t eating with a fork uncomfortable?" "No, it's fine. There's a pasta place near Orion Academy that serves dishes brimming with broth, yet they still give you a fork." "Hmm," Rohan muttered, as if considering whittling down a twig. He had been fingering a dagger while scanning the ground but sat back down instead. "But, if you give me your lid, what will you use to eat with?" "Just a moment," Rohan said, tearing open and folding the empty ramen packaging into a makeshift bowl with its shiny insides. "Voila," he presented his handiwork. "I’ve never seen it done like that before." "This method is pretty common. Anyway, let’s eat quickly. I’m starving." Rohan smiled, encouraging Ichinose to eat. Compared to the dry meat of Hornbirds eaten without even a sprinkle of salt, this was a luxurious feast. Eating it while hot was essential. "Woosh!" Ichinose exhaled softly on her forkful of ramen before taking a bite. The noodles disappeared between her lips as she slurped them up, then she lifted the lid to sip the broth. 'Wow…' The taste was so good, it left her speechless. How could something be so delicious? It shouldn’t have been extraordinary — the ramen was as ordinary as any you'd find in a convenience store, and she had watched the simple cooking process without any secret ingredients or sauces. And yet, here she was, unable to resist gulping down the remaining broth with both hands gripping the lid. "Haah…!" she sighed as the taste enveloped her being, an experience so profound it could stir the soul. The mess kit lid was now squeaky clean, and Rohan, having predicted this outcome, asked with a hint of amusement, "Would you like more?" "Do you have any left?" "Of course," Rohan replied. Ichinose tried to suppress a smile as she watched him dish up more. 'Could he be my dad or something?' A thought that was too embarrassing to voice out loud but led to an internal chuckle. “Eat up,” Rohan said kindly. “Thank you,” Ichinose focused on the ramen, reflecting. She knew her palate was particular, discerning between delicious and bland foods, and held a high standard for what she considered gourmet. Yet, this ramen was undoubtedly the most delicious meal she had in recent years, surpassing renowned chefs' dishes from prestigious restaurants. 'What if I crave this once the exam’s over and I’m back home?' Considering the situation where ramen tastes this good, could she ever replicate it herself? An overwhelming culinary revelation, indeed. As the two of them noisily savored the meal inside the modest shelter, they simultaneously paused and turned toward the entrance. Their visitor was Noa Frozenheart, blatantly following the ramen aroma like a compass. "I’ll check it out. You keep eating," Ichinose offered. "No, let’s go together," Rohan insisted. They grabbed their weapons and headed outside, swiftly moving as they spotted Noa flopping forward. "Noa! Are you alright?" "I don't see any visible injuries…" Ichinose noted. Was Noa’s relief at finding them causing her to collapse? "Ichinose, I can’t even move a finger…" Noa murmured weakly. "Are you still wearing the sticker?!" A pitiful grumble from Noa’s stomach answered convincingly. "Sorry for showing up unannounced, guys!" Corin, Noa’s partner, emerged from the bushes just a beat later. Though not particularly close, seeing fellow Class 1-A cadets was a welcome sight nonetheless. "You guys aren’t hurt, are you?" Rohan inquired of Corin, as Noa seemed too exhausted to speak. "We’re not hurt!" "And any food? Did you manage to eat?" "We’ve been drinking water mostly… Our supplies dropped in such remote locations, and we haven’t encountered any animals or monsters to hunt…" Considering the rain, they must have only managed to drink rainwater. Rohan had a hunch why they didn’t encounter wildlife. ‘Noa’s energy inevitably radiates far and wide… Any nearby creatures or monsters likely fled.’ His gaze shifted to the fallen beast girl, who lay clearly drained. If the collaboration of the sticker and Noa's hunger created a feeling like a black hole in her stomach, it was urgent to address Noa's needs. When Ichinose asked Corin if she was alright, Corin nodded, indicating she could manage for now. Thus, the immediate concern was Noa, who had collapsed. Rohan observed his silent partner. Ichinose must have been deep in thought, wanting to help Noa but aware that removing the sticker was an available option. In a team, resources couldn't be used freely, and the decision based on camaraderie could also feel burdensome. Understanding this complexity, Rohan took the initiative. "Ichinose." "Yes?" "Let's give my ramen and canned food to Noa." Ichinose’s shoulders trembled at the suggestion. It was a difficult decision between agreeing and refusing. "I promise this choice won't become a burden to you, Ichinose," Rohan assured her firmly. He vowed not to trouble his partner with issues from hunger or exhaustion. After all, Rohan knew he had the shop as a backup. Besides, Noa was different. Feeding a beloved character who had fainted from hunger was an unspoken rule, a fundamental truth. "Wait! If you're going to do that, let it be from my share," Ichinose interjected. "No, that would make it seem like I forced you to use your provisions," Rohan countered. It was a slightly forced argument, yet perfectly timed as Ichinose found herself at a loss for words. Rohan seized the moment, taking Ichinose’s mess kit lid and dividing the ramen before heading back with the remaining can on the fire. Rohan sat down with a can opener before Noa, who lifted her head slightly from her prone position on the ground, eyeing the ramen and canned tuna. "Just open your mouth, I'll feed you," Rohan coaxed. "Aah…" Noa obediently opened her mouth, revealing sharp teeth and a soft tongue, as Rohan placed a piece of tuna in her mouth. Noa chewed thoroughly, her tail flicking gently as she swallowed. “Corin, let’s go inside,” Ichinose suggested suddenly. “Huh?” "Rohan. This is a personal decision I made on my own. I'm not influenced," Ichinose clarified. "Got it. I'll keep that in mind," Rohan replied. With that, Ichinose led Corin inside, presumably to share some of their meal. Rohan silently praised Ichinose and continued feeding Noa. “This is the last of the tuna,” he said. “Nom, nom…” Noa cleaned out the can, and Rohan then offered her the bowl of ramen. Noa devoured the noodles swiftly, the strength of her breathing akin to a vacuum cleaner. “I’ll find a way to repay this favor somehow…” Noa muttered in between bites. “Just eat, don’t worry about talking,” Rohan responded, feeling akin to the chef who fed fried rice to the pirate he admired. Watching Noa regain her energy was rewarding. “I feel alive…” Noa sighed in relief, having polished off every drop of the broth. As she lay on the ground, her expression visibly improved despite her still-flat stomach. “I’ll tidy up,” Rohan said, standing. He set the mess kit aside and picked up his longsword, hearing rustling and faint cries from beyond the bushes. The peculiar cries hinted at Hornbirds. "Noa, just rest," he said softly. “Mmhm…” She seemed to drift into sleep, lying sprawled out, tail swishing lazily as she responded incoherently. After leaving Noa and Corin in Ichinose's care, Rohan followed the strange noises and stumbled upon an interesting scene. ─ Screeeeech! Two Hornbirds were embroiled in a fierce fight, tearing into each other with sharp claws and beaks, typical of monstrous creatures. "What a stroke of luck," Rohan thought, gripping the hilt of his longsword. Despite Noa’s presence nearby, there were monsters here. Were these Hornbirds unusually insensitive? Just as he was about to dispatch the two birds with a swing, Rohan paused, sensing déjà vu. ─ Screeeeaaargh!!! ─ Screech, scree! The Hornbirds' eyes were bloodshot, and their behavior was erratic, overly aggressive as if writhing in pain. The situation resembled what he had witnessed in Abyss City, despite different creatures involved. The uneasy familiarity with the monsters triggered Rohan’s realization. 'Hex…? Frenzy agents…!' A notification appeared. [Achievement Unlocked: The Boundary Between Science and Skills] [You have earned 30P for this achievement.] It was not the best omen, shattering the briefly joyful mood.