The soft glow of the television illuminated the small room where Aoi sat, watching the news channel with quiet attention. Ren—or what was left of him—sat on the table, his plush eyes fixed on the screen as the opening ceremony of Shirakuma Magic Academy began its live broadcast.
The screen showed a crowd of students and teachers, all dressed in colorful robes, while a large figure in the center gave a speech about the school's bright future. Still trapped in puppet form, Ren couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and confusion as he watched. It seemed like magic was a common thing here, even in such a technologically advanced world. The TV itself was a marvel—something he hadn't expected to find in a world so full of magic.
"Here they are, the rising stars!" announced the voice of the presenter, as clips of young students showed off their magic on stage—levitating objects, conjuring flames, and creating illusions. "Among these students are future archmages and knights who will defend our kingdom."
Aoi, sitting with her arms crossed, frowned at the broadcast. "How tedious…" she muttered, as if the entire event meant nothing to her. Ren watched her tense up, clearly bothered by the very idea of the ceremony. It was odd, since in Ren's world, magic and magical abilities were revered. It was hard to imagine anyone being so disinterested in something so amazing. But Aoi seemed utterly unimpressed—maybe even annoyed.
"Why does this bother you so much?" Ren wanted to ask, but his thoughts remained a silent echo inside his mind, since he still couldn't speak like a normal person.
Noticing that Ren was watching her, Aoi scoffed and turned toward him. "What? What are you looking at, huh?" Her tone, as usual, was laced with childish arrogance. Still, there was a strange discomfort in her eyes—something Ren didn't quite understand.
Aoi suddenly stood up and walked over to the table where Ren was sitting. "Enough of this TV. It's so boring…" she muttered as she picked him up again.
"You know what?" Aoi smiled mischievously, like she'd just had a brilliant idea. "Why don't I make you talk for me?"
Ren didn't fully understand what she meant, but he watched closely as Aoi slipped her hands into the openings of the puppet. Though he couldn't move his body, Ren felt a strange sensation—as if invisible strings inside him were vibrating, something awakening deep within.
Aoi began to manipulate the puppet, her fingers working skillfully inside, trying to animate his movements.
"Hello, I'm Ren," Aoi said in a goofy tone, moving the puppet like it was speaking on its own.
Ren, surprised by what was happening, felt a strange pressure building within him—as if someone were pushing against his plush muscles. His consciousness was somehow connecting even more deeply with the puppet's form. Aoi, clearly enjoying herself, continued her performance.
"I'm a super handsome and cool guy, oh yeah!" Aoi added, exaggerating her voice while flapping the puppet's arms dramatically.
Then, something changed.
Ren felt a sudden pull from within—like something had been unlocked. In an instant, the strings that kept him paralyzed began to move on their own. A strange sensation surged through his plush body. It was as if his soul, trapped inside this fragile shell, had broken free—if only slightly.
And at that moment, Ren tried the impossible: he moved his lips.
"E-Eh… A-Aoi…" Ren's voice came out—hoarse and weak, but real.
Aoi froze in place, eyes wide with shock.
"W-What…?" she stammered, staring at the puppet now moving on its own. Her expression shifted rapidly from surprise to fear.
Feeling her shock, Ren tried to speak again. He wanted to say more, but the strange sensation pulsing through his body made it hard to control. With great effort, he shaped his lips once more.
"I-It hurts…" he whispered—barely audible, but just enough.
The sound reached Aoi's ears. She screamed instantly.
"W-WHAT?!" she shrieked, dropping Ren as if he were a hot coal. The plush puppet flew through the air and hit the wall with a loud THUD before falling limply to the floor.
Aoi, completely terrified, stood staring at the puppet lying motionless on the ground. Her face twisted with a mixture of shock and panic. "Y-You! Did you really… talk?"
Ren, unable to move, just lay on the floor. The impact—strangely enough—had been painful. He discovered that even in this plush body, he could feel pain. Though his form was soft and fluffy, something deeper inside could register sensation.
"Ren…?" Aoi whispered, cautiously leaning down toward the puppet with a pale face. "Ren… are you broken?"
The boy who once was human now lay utterly motionless. He couldn't move a single string. But even then, he could feel the girl's worry. Though he couldn't fully understand why, something inside told him that despite all her arrogance and attitude… this tsundere girl truly cared about him.
End of Chapter 3.