Chapter 1: First, Transform Into a Beautiful Girl

In this world, magic exists—and on top of that, I have a friend who’s practically the protagonist of some story.

We’re second-year students at Magic Academy High School, located in the heart of the city. Since our first year, we’ve been in the same class. We’re not exactly best friends, but in this school, I’m the one closest to him. Which also means I’ve witnessed more of his "Protagonist like antics" than anyone else.

First, his name: Rekka Fire. And true to his surname, he’s one of the strongest fire mages around.

Officially, he keeps his power under wraps at school—but that doesn’t apply to me or a few others who know him well.

And let me tell you: Rekka Fire is stupidly strong.

Annoyingly strong. As in, "no student or teacher in this school stands a chance" strong.

That alone screams "main character energy," but Rekka-san doesn’t stop there.

At just seventeen, he’s already surrounded by six beautiful girls, practically the young king of his own harem.

Six. That’s too many. What is this, a sentai team?

Plenty of guys glare at him, convinced he’s living the "after-school all-you-can-eat buffet" dream—but the truth is, he hasn’t laid a finger on any of them.

I’d know. I’m his closest friend.

Sure, the heroines (who seem to be in a perpetual state of heat) throw themselves at him, but Rekka clings to his steel will, somehow managing to stay a light novel protagonist instead of crossing into eroge territory. Respect. (Some think he’s impotent, but nah—he’s just a cowardly virgin.)

Now, here’s the thing.

I’m the "friend character" in his story. Lately, though, we haven’t talked much.

Between his harem antics and his side job—clandestinely battling shady mage organizations to protect the city (and by extension, the country)—he’s busy.

So, yeah. I’ve been… neglected.

I’m bored.

After a year of being (tangentially) involved in Rekka’s crazy life, I’ve gotten used to the excitement. Now, these mundane, solo moments feel painfully dull.

I’m the friend, not the best friend—meaning I’m stuck as a side character, never stepping into the real battles or the heart of the story.

…And honestly? Being left out sucks.

I know it’s selfish, but come on—if you get a chance to be around extraordinary people, just cheering from the sidelines feels like a waste.

Even if I can’t change the story, I at least want a front-row seat to Rekka’s protagonist adventures.

I want more excitement.

I want to have fun too.

Watching Rekka—who, despite all the chaos, seems to be enjoying himself—has made me realize: just observing isn’t enough anymore.

This is his fault. Not mine.

…Well, maybe that’s going too far. But I do want to be more than a background character—without getting in the way.

So, in this early summer warmth, I’ve made my decision.

For the past week, I’ve been thinking: How should I make my entrance? What role is still open?

And I’ve found it.

A spot I can squeeze into.

A role I can play—no, one that I’d enjoy.

Rekka’s strong.

I can’t surpass him in power, and I can’t compete with his harem heroines.

So, becoming an enemy? Out of the question.

Joining as an ally? I’d just hold him back.

Then what’s left?

Simple.

I won’t be either.

"Lend me your power, Dad."

On my study desk sat an unassuming iron box, about the size of a tissue pack. From inside, I retrieved a rocket-shaped pendant—the last remnant of my father’s mad scientist days, back before Mom snapped and forced him into “family man” retirement.

"With this… I’ll become a beautiful girl!"

I flipped open the pendant and pressed the tiny hidden button.

In an instant, light engulfed my entire body.

When the glow faded, I turned to the mirror—

"…Success! Hell yeah!"

I pumped my fist. My average male student physique had transformed into a stunning, long-haired beauty—though my petite frame and babyface gave me a strangely youthful vibe. Perfect. Rekka’s harem heroines all had flashy hair colors, so my plain black locks would stand out just enough.

The pendant’s gender-swap magic lasted up to an hour, with instant reversion possible anytime within that window. A one-hour cooldown afterward made it surprisingly practical. Gotta thank Dad—mad scientist tendencies and all.

"Heh heh heh… Time to execute the plan."

Grinning, I pulled a pre-prepared outfit from my closet: a hooded blazer-style uniform, white with black accents, paired with a black dress shirt. Custom-made, one-of-a-kind—a "mysterious garb" that screamed "No, you don’t recognize my school." The perfect look for my role.

"Can’t wait to see his reaction…!"

That’s right. I’d play the enigmatic beauty who defies harem tropes—a girl who’d never join Rekka’s entourage.

This was gonna be fun.

My grin nearly split my face, but I’d need a poker face for the actual performance. Mysterious characters don’t smirk.

"Right now, they’re battling tough enemies at the factory ruins. The moment they finish and let their guard down—BAM! I’ll appear where only Rekka can see me! Then vanish without a word! The perfect first encounter with a cryptic heroine!"

I threw on the outfit, steadied my breathing, and burst out the door.

"HERE I GO—!!!"