Emily found herself struggling with her studies at school. Brad, a student council member known as the "ice prince" for his aloof demeanor, surprisingly stepped in to help her. His uncharacteristic kindness shocked the girls who harbored crushes on him, as Brad was usually focused on academics and student council duties, never sparing a glance for other girls. Emily, unaware of the school's social dynamics, simply thought he was a helpful person.
The school had generally been easy for her, with everyone being unusually nice. Unbeknownst to Emily, the male students had noticed her beauty and her mature demeanor, which, despite her youthful appearance, made her seem capable and self-reliant.
They didn't realize Emily had lived for over 30 years. Even with her lost memories of the other world, her mana, strength, and swordsmanship remained ingrained in her body; she retained her experience, if not the memories themselves.
Brad continued to help Emily with her studies, even going out of his way to walk her home and get to know her parents. This sparked intense jealousy from the other girls at school. Emily, still unaware of her popularity and trying to relive her old lifestyle, was eventually confronted by a group of girls, backed by a gang of intimidating boys.
Emily tried to de-escalate the situation, assuring them that she and Brad were just friends. But they wouldn't listen, calling her names and becoming physical. When one of the girls punched Emily in the stomach, she cried out in pain, as if punching a wall.
Emily was confused, not understanding why they were hurting themselves trying to hit her. The group of girls continued to strike her, only to be left with bruises on their own hands and legs. Emily tried to calm them, but it was futile.
Then, the guys stepped forward, their sinister gazes fixed on Emily. "A beauty like this deserves to be used by all the guys," one sneered, threatening to strip her and have the boys take turns with her. Emily felt a shiver of dread at their creepy stares. She stood defiantly, declaring they were going too far.
Brad, who had spotted the commotion from a school window, rushed down to intervene. As the guys lunged to grab Emily, she instinctively waved her hands in self-defense, pushing the momentum of their lunge.
Accidentally, she sent them flying. One landed in a dumpster, another was thrown to the ground, coughing blood, while the rest scattered in terror. The girls who had tried to bully Emily also fled in fear. Emily, distraught, quickly checked on the two hurt boys. Unconsciously, she healed them.
When the boys awoke, they were mesmerized by her beauty and warmth, instantly falling in love. Brad arrived just as the boys ran away. He expressed his worry for Emily's safety, having been prepared to fight the hooligans himself.
A New Respect
The next day, something astonishing happened. As Emily walked into school, the hooligans from the previous day bowed down to her. Everyone watched in shock as the bullies abased themselves while Emily awkwardly walked from the gate. Students began following her, offering to carry her bag or shield her from the sun with an umbrella. Emily felt intensely awkward under everyone's gaze.
"Please stop all this and go to your classes to study," Emily told them. "If you put all your effort into your studies, you'd have good grades."
The hooligans bowed, accepting her command, and dutifully headed to class. Brad, watching from his classroom window, was utterly surprised by the powerful presence Emily now held over the hooligans.
Emily's forgotten powers and memories are subtly manifesting, influencing her surroundings in unforeseen ways.