The Wizard Ruka Arc

**Unofficially Titled Arc**
**The Wizard Ruka Arc'**s name is **conjectural** which means that no official designation has been assigned, and it is susceptible to change at any time.

## Arc Chronology

**The Wizard Ruka Arc** is the tenth arc of *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999.*

A highly-ranked wizard in the game *Forest of Savior* named Ruka recently developed an interest in Akane and approached her to become his partner in the game's partner system. Surprisingly, he is a first-year high school student, around the same age as Akane's younger brother. He's a huge fan of Yamada and joined their guild upon receiving an invitation from Princess Ruri. During a guild meeting, Ruka had the chance to meet all the members, including Runa, the youngest member. However, it seems like she still maintains a distant attitude towards him...?

## Arc Summary

Akane, the Paladin responsible for healing and tanking attacks, is being criticized by her teammates for repeatedly dying. Masamune scolds her, but Luka defends Akane, stating that everyone should play the game as they wish and blaming one person for the team's failures is unfair. The argument ends as the other party members call it a day.

Afterward, Akane thanks Luka for supporting her and they have a conversation. Luka sympathizes with Akane, as she often faces criticism from her teammates. Before leaving to visit the blacksmith, Luka tries to comfort her, knowing she struggles in random teams.

When Akane mentions Luka to her friend Runa, she is accused of cheating, although Yamada shows no interest. Runa reveals that Luka is well-known in the game and is one of Eita's friends. Luka's power level is on par with Yamada, but Yamada's popularity among female players has declined due to his in-game character's Afro and lack of effort in leveling up.

Akane wakes up next to Yamada, who mentions he has to practice with Tani later. Akane compliments Yamada's Afro, making him chuckle.

In the game lobby, Akane boasts to Luka about her awesome boyfriend, confusing him. Luka asks if they are registered as FOS partners, but Akane reveals that Yamada never discussed it with her. Luka reacts upon hearing Yamada's name and wonders if she means the top-ranked wizard Yamada. Akane confirms it and Luka questions whether it bothers her that Yamada is partnered with another girl, Princess Ruri, for a significant amount of time.

Akane explains that she is good friends with Ruri-chan, as Luka is unaware of Ruri-chan's true identity, and Eita has instructed Akane not to reveal it. While Akane ponders if other Chocolate Rabbit Guild members have FOS partners, Luka proposes being her partner instead.

Akane is at home trying to find information about the Forest of Savior partnership system that Luka mentioned. She asks Momo for advice during class, but Momo, not being a gamer, suggests asking FOS friends instead since she's focused on finding a real-life partner.

Later, Akane calls Tsubaki, who is a gamer, to learn about the FOS partner system. Tsubaki believes it's beneficial for new players like them to level up quickly and considers teaming up with Takezo. Akane asks about the promotional material's flirtatiousness, but Tsubaki finds it normal and encourages Akane to use the system.

Akane then contacts Yui for assistance with the FOS partner system. Yui sees it as something primarily for couples, similar to marriage. She had a FOS partnership with her ex-boyfriend and notices the ceremonial aspect and ring exchange. Akane feels torn between Tsubaki's and Yui's perspectives.

While on the train, Akane's thoughts about the FOS partner system make her blurt out marriage-related words, confusing Yamada. He jokingly asks if she wants to get married, and she responds loudly.

At the Chocolate Rabbit Guild meeting, Akane shares that she was asked for an FOS partnership by Luka and frequently encounters him in random parties. Eita knows Luka and his kindness but mentions Luka consistently declining his invitations. Takezo advises Akane to follow her feelings while listening to Yamada and Eita's differing opinions on the game feature.

During their walk home, Akane tells Yamada she will likely decline Luka's FOS partnership offer. Yamada suggests that Luka could help her level up faster due to his skill, but Akane feels uneasy considering the game's advertising. Yamada mentions wanting to meet Luka soon and hints at having something to ask him. Akane playfully teases him about a duel, but Yamada suggests it could be a good opportunity for their meeting.

Luka and Akane discuss game strategy while Luka doodles on the ground with a stone at a roadside intersection. They cover various job skills, from archers to shieldmen, and discuss the pros and cons of wizards, thieves, and assassins. Luka reveals that Akane is a Paladin, emphasizing their strength and durability.

As they talk, Akane feels overwhelmed by the information and then sees a message in the global chat about finding stray animals issued by Masamune. Luka refuses Akane's request to join him, questioning if she's afraid after receiving recent reprimands. Masamune always greets Akane with enthusiasm, regardless of her attendance at events.

Luka tries to contact a healer friend through a window, but he realizes the friend unintentionally removed him as a friend. He explains that it happened because he rejected the friend's request for a partnership, which can lead to embarrassing situations.

Akane reflects on her decision to decline Luka's partnership offer while cleaning the bath. She initially hesitated but realized she didn't want to be associated with Luka's fame. She hadn't even known he was a top player until recently. Being popular in the game means frequently deciding whether to accept or decline favors, which she finds challenging. Understanding Luka's desire to partner with her, she decides to let him know her decision when they next speak.

Eita tells Akane about a conversation he had with Yamada, which convinces her to decline Luka's offer. Yamada considers the game just a game and mentioned having gained a girlfriend through it, but he seems to be contemplating the situation.

Upon hearing this, Akane promptly rejects Luka's partnership invitation in the game. She finds herself at "The Silent Pass" where Luka is waiting. Dark surroundings consisting of trees and ponds set the mood. As Luka approaches, an arrow unexpectedly hits Akane's back, indicating that they are in a PVP zone.

Ruri-chan had previously warned Akane about the dangerous PVPI Rear area, where players can engage in player vs. player battles. It's a good hunting ground but can be risky for characters who aren't strong enough. Akane recently remembered this warning. Currently, Akane and Luka are hiding near the location where she was previously attacked. Thankfully, she was able to use a healing potion to recover. Despite being attacked unexpectedly, she didn't expect to survive since it was her first time experiencing such an ambush.

While they were hiding, Luka expressed his admiration for Yamada to Akane. It all began when Luka noticed Yamada's top-ranking status and became curious about him. His interest grew, and he started imitating Yamada's character style, equipment, and appearance. Luka sent friend requests multiple times, but Yamada never accepted them. Luka assumed that he was too weak for Yamada to consider being friends with him or that Yamada simply didn't like him. As a result, Luka decided to increase his power and climb the rankings, hoping that becoming stronger than Yamada would make him want to be friends.

During their conversation, the player who previously attacked Akane unexpectedly strikes again. Akane bravely defends against the attacker's assault since Luka, being a wizard, cannot fight instantly. As Luka continues chanting a spell, another player arrives from the left side, ready to attack them. However, Yamada shows up just in time to prevent the attack. Ruri and Takezo, who is in fighting mode, accompany Yamada.

With everyone together, Luka is taken aback by his first up-close encounter with Yamada. Meanwhile, Akane eagerly observes their interaction while quickly drinking up the healing potion provided by Ruri.

The confusion has been resolved. Luka, who previously thought Yamada disliked him, now understands that Yamada likely rejects friend requests from non-guild members. Ruri took this opportunity to invite Luka to join their guild, which he graciously accepted, putting an end to any misunderstandings. Two weeks later, Ruri announced an offline celebration and meeting for their new guild member, Luka, and asked everyone to indicate their availability from Monday to Sunday so they could determine the best date.

Akane was dealing with a big spider on her ceiling when Yamada paid her a visit while she was reading the announcement. He took care of the spider for her, and since it was getting late and Akane was heading to the convenience store, she decided to accompany him. While they were shopping, Akane received a call from her mother.

Akane informed her mother that she was at the convenience store, and her mother expressed a slight concern about her being out late at night. However, she felt somewhat relieved knowing that Akane wasn't alone. Her mother asked about Yamada, curious about his character and age, and even mentioned knowing Kaede's boyfriend but not Akane's, indicating a desire to get better acquainted with Yamada.

Caught up in the conversation with her mother, Akane abruptly ended the call when she noticed two guys approaching near the convenience store. Yamada suddenly appeared in front of her, surprising her a bit but also bringing some relief. As they walked home, Akane suggested that Yamada go ahead since she could manage on her own. However, Yamada, concerned for her safety and feeling that her legs were exposed too much for the late hour, decided to hold her hand and accompany her to her apartment.

While discussing the upcoming offline meeting announced by Eita, Akane expressed excitement about meeting Luka in person, as she had the impression that he might not be comfortable with offline gatherings based on his online persona. On the other hand, Eita was surprised to hear from his sister that she seemed fine with Luka unexpectedly joining their guild, despite her initial anger and desire to keep it a secret. She claimed to be an adult, although her emotions still seemed intense.

The Chocolate Rabbit Guild is gathering at their usual fancy cafe on the hotel rooftop. Akane is amazed by the beautiful view of the lake from the neighboring side of the hotel. Takezo once again sponsors the guild meeting and announces that he got some complimentary tickets, wanting to treat the members. Akane approaches the quiet Ruka and expresses her desire to take a picture with him later, after enjoying the hotel view. Ruka, sitting next to Akane, is asked about his comfort and briefly catches a pleasant scent from her. However, Ruka feels uneasy due to Runa's intense gaze directed at him.

Excitedly, Akane, Eita, and Takezo bring Ruka to the hotel. Runa is tense because of the sudden attention Ruka is receiving, especially after Takezo asks her to introduce herself to him. Ruka becomes the target of Runa's agitated gaze or snobbish attitude. While Akane serves Ruka dessert, he feels like she's treating him like a child, despite the fact that he has always protected her in the game. This realization reminds Akane of her younger brother Kotaro, who is similar to the quiet and child-like Ruka, as she observes Ruka enjoying the treats slowly.

As Akane takes pictures for Eita and Takezo, only Ruka and Runa remain seated at the table. Ruka notices how lively the guild members are, despite their high ranks. However, he misses the chance to talk to Runa due to her agitated gazes. Runa encounters Yamada, who has just arrived and asks her where she's going. Runa says she occasionally needs to be alone and left on her own. Yamada turns his attention to Ruka and introduces himself as Yamada, causing Ruka to feel both anxious and excited, as he knows Yamada is someone important to Akane.

Ruka admires Yamada for various reasons, including his cool in-game Afro character and his real-life appearance. As Ruka introduces himself to Yamada, their attention is drawn to Akane, who has spotted Yamada and is approaching him. While observing these interactions, Ruka is reminded of Akane's claim that she and Yamada are dating.

While observing their new guild member, Ruka, Eita, and Takezo notice the striking similarities between him and Yamada during high school. Eita recalls that Yamada used to have a more feminine appearance and was shorter back then. They reminisce about an incident where Yamada was intentionally groped on a crowded train after club activities. Surprisingly, Ruka shares that he had a similar experience and strongly disliked it. Eita adds that Yamada reacted by confronting the groper, which raises questions in Ruka's mind about Yamada's actions.

Just as Yamada is about to respond, Akane approaches Ruka and asks to take a photo of him with the pancakes on the table. She also requests Yamada to join in so they can send the pictures to the absent guild members, particularly Tsubaki. Akane's grip on Ruka is a bit tight, causing him to get even closer to her. Yamada notices this and pulls Ruka closer, sensing his discomfort. Akane appears confused but continues with the photo session. Ruka, on the other hand, finds women somewhat intimidating yet soft. After the photo session, Ruka takes a break to get some fresh air.

Feeling alone, Ruka sees himself as different from Yamada. He feels inferior when they are together because of his shorter stature, and everyone treats him like a child. While Akane sees him as a younger brother, Ruka is starting to view Akane as his partner. He believes he can never compete with mature adults like Yamada and regrets venturing out and feeling insecure instead of staying home to play games. Ruka contemplates joining Runa, who is standing alone at the seaside, holding the handrails. However, he decides against it, fearing Runa's possible negative reaction.

Feeling thirsty, Ruka heads back to the table to get a drink and notices Yamada grabbing a beverage. Yamada offers Ruka the same oolong tea he's having. Ruka asks about Runa, expressing concern that she might be upset because of him. Yamada confirms that Runa is indeed upset and explains that despite everyone's efforts to make her comfortable, it ultimately depends on Runa's own adaptation. Yamada mentions that she is highly sensitive, takes more time to adjust to new situations than others, and sees herself as weak.

Upon hearing this, Ruka asks Yamada about their similarities, but Yamada gives a vague response, possibly not fully understanding the question. Ruka then shares that he's scared of riding trains since he was groped before. Despite thinking that the guild members are good people who treat him well, he still feels uncomfortable around them, leading him to empathize with Runa's feelings.

Akane is concerned about how Runa will react to the new guild member, Ruka, while the other guild members casually chat about a game in the background. Although Akane considers stepping in, she decides to trust Runa this time.

Earlier, while Akane, Eita, Ruka, and Takezo were on their way to pick up Ruka, Akane asked about Runa's notebook and wanted to see her plans for meeting Ruka. Although the list wasn't shown, Akane didn't approve of Plan A but was fine with Plan B. Meanwhile, Eita, sitting in the front seat next to Takezo, mentioned that having Akane around made his life easier with his younger sister.

Ruka approached Runa, who was standing by the railings and looking at the seaside. He asked if she was bored and invited her to join the rest of the members. Instead of answering directly, Runa went on a speech about how the Chocolate Rabbit Guild was created specifically for her by her older brother and how everyone loves her. Ruka felt uncertain about her words and questioned if they were the same age, finding her a bit childish.

Even though Ruka joined the guild at Eita's invitation, he decided that if any member opposed his presence, he would leave immediately to avoid causing trouble. He believed they could still play together even if they weren't in the same guild. Runa expressed worry that she might be blamed if Ruka left, and Ruka called her selfish for thinking that way. Runa asked if he now hated her, and Ruka reassured her that he didn't hate her, but she surprised him by asking if he liked her. This made Ruka blush, and Runa then asked if he could like her the most, leaving Ruka confused and unsure if she really wanted him to leave.

As Runa struggled to find the right words, she remembered Akane's earlier remark about her Plan B in the car, which involved introducing herself if Ruka turned out to be a good person. Akane assured Runa that no matter what, the guild members would always be there for her, embracing her tightly.

While Runa pondered her response, Ruka empathized with her and shared his own difficulty in adapting to sudden changes. Being naturally shy, he reassured her that she didn't have to be overly cautious or guarded around him, as he understood her emotions well.

Akane grew restless, concerned about the outcome of Runa and Ruka's conversation. Meanwhile, Eita and Takezo were captivated by Ruka's kind, gentle, and innocent nature. Recalling a previous incident where Ruka blushed when Akane hugged him, Eita teasingly called Akane a naughty older sister for toying with such an innocent boy's heart. Akane nervously sought Yamada's support, but Yamada playfully sided with Eita, mentioning that he, too, was once a high schooler. This made Akane blush and ask Yamada for his support.

Ruka suggested they return to where the others were, as they were having fun in their seats. While walking back together, Runa took the opportunity to formally introduce herself to Ruka, even though he already knew her name. Ruka introduced himself in return when prompted by Runa. She jokingly mentioned calling him "Ruka" and he playfully asked if that meant they should get along. Instead of answering directly, Runa told him that he could stay in the guild as long as he didn't bully her, and he retorted that she might be the one doing the bullying.

## Chapters

* **Chapter 86 "I mean, look at that weird afro"** (だって変なアフロだし, *Datte Hen'na Afurodashi*)
* **Chapter 87 "Is it for a duel..?"** (まさか決闘を...?, *Masaka kettō o...?*)
* **Chapter 88 "I don't want Afro to sulk!"** (だって変なアフロだし, *Afuroga Sunetara Taihen'da!*)
* **Chapter 89 "Don't stop your incantation!"** (詠唱 (いしょう) をやめないでっ!, *Ēshōo Yamenaide!*)
* **Chapter 90 "What kind of person is he?"** (どんな人なの?, *Don'na Hitona No?*)
* **Chapter 91 "Please leave me alone."** (ほっといてくださ~い, *Hottoite Kudasai*)
* **Chapter 92 "It's dangerous to carelessly approach her"** (むやみに近寄るのは危険, *Muyami ni Chikayoru no wa Kiken*)
* **Chapter 93 “You're planning to pick on him, aren't you?”** (意地悪するつもりでしょ, *Ijimau Suru Tsumori Desho*)

## Characters Introduced

**Masamune**
**Nitamago**
**Akane**
**Ruri-chan**
**Luka**
**Akane Kinoshita**
**Runa Sasaki**
**Akito Yamada**
**Momoko Maeda**
**Yukari Tsubaki**
**Yui Kurata**
**Eita Sasaki**
**Takezo Kamota**
**Afro Character**Flashback
**Ruka Morito**
**Sumire Kinoshita**
**Random Guy 1**
**Random Guy 2**