The cherry on top is that you can’t exactly say it’s even the best at supporting. Minstrels, on the one hand, are the top supporting class and can buff allies while debuffing enemies. They also have the advantage of wielding bows, increasing their fighting capabilities. Symbologists, meanwhile, can only debuff, and they run out of MP fast. Minstrel songs don’t even require MP to cast.
The worst combat ability, and not even the best supporting ability. Symbologists can’t solo any bosses, and it’s not exactly the best class to take into parties. So that’s symbologist in a nutshell. It’s honestly kind of impressive how poorly designed they are. The least popular job in the game and the biggest bummer of all Bummers.
During our orientation, second-year students came to talk to us. They taught us about the class tier list of UW. Naturally, I chose the worst of the worst. I’m gonna redefine the symbologist meta and give it a place in the spotlight! After all, what was the point of playing if you weren’t having fun? That’s just my playstyle! I was really pumped to party up with Akira and waste all my time on trial-and-error methods to make this class work out.
“Your methods are unconventional, but as long as I can expect results from you...”
“Just give me a little time.” Until Akira arrived, I was going to avoid leveling up. But thanks to that, I had plenty of time for trial-and-error, and the redefinition of the symbologist meta was already in its first stages. Plus, I was free to move to the training stage whenever need be.
“No worries! But that means you might not get a chance to help us clear the mission.”
“Oh, speaking of which... how’s the raid going?”
“Pretty well. We’re like, eighty percent of the way through.”
“We might just be able to get the first clear.”
Good. That meant I could keep waiting for Akira. On that note, the homeroom teacher finally came in.
“Helloooo! Good morning, my lowbie nooblords.”
Her demeanor was lighthearted and frank, and her appearance stereotypical of an academic mage. Her name was Ms. Nakada, apparently twenty-four years of age. Her beauty and cheerful nature were fitting for someone who was in this school’s inaugural class.
“Sorry, everyone! Another day of boring school. But first, an announcement!” Ooh, what’s this? Ms. Nakada continued on, grinning all the while. “We’ve got another player joining us today! I know you’re all getting to the climax of the competitive quest, but there are more where those came from, so take a moment, if you will! Now, c’mon in, Aoyagi! Everyone, give her a round of applause!”
Clap, clap, clap. Welcomed by the sound of applause, a girl entered the room—a girl I could only describe as stunning. Long, flowing hair, with perfect features that would put even an idol to shame. She was as cute as a little critter, but wow, her chest was anything but little. I suppose this is what perfection looked like.
“My name is Akira Aoyagi. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.” She smiled, despite her obvious nervousness. To any other onlooker, this situation was entirely normal. Indeed, one might even be pressed to say that it was a warm, everyday scene, but—
“What?!” I, alone, hollered in pure shock. Akira Aoyagi? Isn’t that my lifelong friend’s full name? Is this Akira? Or is this some sort of crazy coincidence?
“Is something the matter, Takashiro?”
“Oh, uh... sorry. That’s just the exact same name as a friend of mine.”
“I get it! You’re trying to get on this poor, pretty lass’s good side, aren’t you? Quick on the draw, eh, little buddy! I won’t get in your way.” She smirked right at me. She seemed more like a nosy, mischievous lady than an instructor.
The classroom was filled with snickering at this point. Ugh, talk about embarrassing.
“Come now, everyone. Out of respect for Takashiro, let’s have Aoyagi sit next to him! Go on, the seat next to him is empty, anyway.”
Aoyagi accepted her demands and sat next to me. That was at least partially my fault, so I figured I should apologize... or would that come off as weird? Before I could say anything, she spoke.
“Are you... Ren?”
“Huh? Why do you know my name? Hey, wait... are you seriously the Akira?!”
Upon hearing my response, Aoyagi smiled broadly. “Whoo! It really is you, Ren! I hit the jackpot!” She pulled me into a tight embrace. I’d never been hugged by a girl that wasn’t in my family, so honestly, my in-game heart started beating fast and hard.
“Ooooh, that was fast! Kids these days are all about speedruns, huh?” The teacher cheered with glee. The class was as shocked as her, and erupted into an uproar.
When she realized it, Aoyagi backed off and stammered out an apology. “O-Oh, uh, sorry. He and I have played a lot of games together, and this is the first time we’ve ever really met...”
All this time, I never imagined that the Akira I gamed with could be anything other than a guy. What girl would play as a ripped beastman, anyway? Even after all those years, the thought had never crossed my mind... Was I that dense? I was so shocked I thought my heart might explode. Recalling all the times we played together, her mannerisms did actually make sense, and she’d always listen to my problems, no matter what.
Once the class calmed down, the instructor continued with homeroom.
Aoyagi turned and smiled at me. “So hey, yeah, I’m a girl. Surprised, Ren?”
“Yeah. A bit too surprised, maybe.”
“Hah! I figured you hadn’t noticed.”
“Hahaha. But man, what a shock, Aoyagi—” When I said her surname, she looked at me in a huff.
“Don’t treat me like a stranger! We’re friends. Just call me Akira.”
“Huh? O-Oh, really? All right, then... Akira.”
“That’s better!” She gave me that little critter smile. Akira was just the kind of person to wildly shift the tone of a conversation.
After homeroom concluded, the instructor spoke to Akira again.
“Hey, Aoyagi? After school, you’ll have to pick your starting class and settings, so you’d best think about it in advance. Sorry you won’t get the full orientation experience like everyone else.”
“All right, thank you.”
...And so went our shocking (re?)introduction. During the rest time between classes, Akira apologized for her month-long absence.
“Sorry! I’m the one who talked you into this, and then you had to start without me. I hope you’re not too mad.”
“C’mon, how could I be mad at you?” I cracked my knuckles with a grin. The crackles sounded incredibly realistic. The attention to detail in this game never failed to astound me.