I Just Want A Single Ending!

Merry Christmas!

---

In terms of galgame logic, this system message about "existing capturable characters" wasn't hard to decode.

As a seasoned galgame player, Kamigawa Saku knew this territory well.

Sometimes, a popular galgame would feature side characters who, despite having no routes, gained massive fan followings.

In response, developers would release FD (fan discs) or DLCs to add new routes for these side characters.

So, if his system's message implied something similar, there might be new capturable characters added later—like an FD or DLC.

But did he, as the system's sole player and someone dead-set on the single route ending, actually want new side characters in the mix?

Absolutely not.

If he didn't even plan to capture the existing capturable characters, why would he care for unknown characters?

Besides, while galgame developers added FDs or DLCs to make money, why would his system need to do the same?

To earn money?

Impossible. It made no logical sense.

Otherwise, why would the galgame system itself reward him with money?

With that, Saku dismissed the idea of his galgame system adding FDs or DLCs.

There was neither a reason nor a need.

As for hidden characters?

He didn't deny the possibility.

But in most galgames, hidden characters were only unlocked after a second playthrough.

Everyone knew real life wasn't a galgame. There were no second chances, only one try.

So, even if hidden characters did exist, they'd be irrelevant to him.

With these conclusions in mind, he decided he didn't need to worry about that system message.

It was just like that previous line—"Happy capturing!"

Telling someone aiming for a single route ending to "enjoy capturing"?

What a joke.

It was nothing more than the standard blurb for unlocking an achievement.

Even in the unlikely event that new capturable characters appeared, what deeper connection could they possibly have with him as a single route purist?

At most, he'd make a few more friends and invest a little more time.

Still nothing to worry about.

After this bit of detailed analysis, Saku closed the system message, reassured.

Then he checked out the system's other features.

Once he saw that everything remained the same, his confidence grew even further.

After taking one last glance at his future as the Single Route Champion, he headed toward the usual makeup stores.

With Wakaba Mutsumi now confirmed as a capturable character, he'd need to buy one more set.

But considering he had other female friends like Ijichi Seika, who wasn't a capturable character but a close acquaintance, he decided to buy a few extra sets.

He had no desire to keep coming to this place.

---

In the blink of an eye, exam week flew by, and Friday morning arrived.

"Nagasaki, there's supposed to be a typhoon coming this afternoon. You might want to bring an umbrella."

After checking the weather, Saku put down his phone and reminded Nagasaki Soyo, who sat across from him.

He'd been following the news since Kita Ikuyo had mentioned the incoming storm earlier in the week.

"Mm, I will."

Soyo nodded slightly.

After breakfast, Saku headed to school.

As he entered the classroom, he could feel the tension in the air.

The reason was simple—today was exam results day.

"Morning, Saku."

Chihaya Anon greeted him, then asked, "I heard they're posting the top fifty rankings downstairs on the bulletin board at lunch. Want to check it out together?"

"Sure."

Naturally, he didn't mind.

"Oh, and we should see how Hitori did, too. I spent so much time tutoring her—she has to pass, right?" Anon sounded a bit concerned.

"We can ask her at lunch."

"Good idea."

---

After morning classes, the bell rang for lunch break.

Instead of going straight to lunch, Saku walked with Anon to the bulletin board downstairs.

He wasn't overly concerned about his rank, but having good grades did make things easier when making friends.

As long as his personality wasn't unbearable, who wouldn't want to befriend the top student?

Especially parents.

If his grades were low, his band and bass-playing would make him look like a slacker, a lost cause.

But as the top student, those same activities would be praised as talents and a well-rounded life.

That was the power of a high ranking.

While he was mulling over these thoughts, Anon was happily basking in the attention they were getting.

Since it was lunchtime and the rankings were out, the hallways were packed.

Amid the crowd, Saku and Anon drew the most attention.

She'd dressed up carefully, using some of the makeup he'd gifted her, and looked even more stunning than usual.

Walking side by side with Saku, widely regarded as the top student and a good-looking guy, made them a striking pair.

Along the way, Anon caught snippets of whispered conversations.

Things like, "They look so good together," "Are they a couple?" and "I haven't heard that Saku's dating anyone…"

Hearing these, Anon's smile widened.

If their relationship were just a bit closer, she'd be tempted to grab Saku's arm right then and there.

It was just so satisfying.

Naturally, there were a few envious glares from other girls, too.

They weren't saying anything now, but Anon could already imagine what they'd be saying later.

Not that she cared.

Just a bunch of jealous bystanders.

As they basked in the crowd's gaze, Saku and Anon finally reached the bulletin board.

Their presence was so commanding that the students already crowded around instinctively made way, clearing a path for them to view the rankings.

Without needing to search, Saku's gaze immediately found his name.

Top of the grade!

---

I, WiseTL, in my infinite grace and generosity, have bestowed upon you an extra 2 chapters as my holiday gift. 🎁 Consider it a glimpse of my benevolence—cherish it well.

May your festivities be as golden as my treasury and as plentiful as my updates. Farewell, mortals, until the next chapter. 😉

Now, bow in gratitude. 🌟