Sousetsuka

Chapter 37

Book 3




　Storm. Both sides furiously clashed their halberds, sending shockwaves that flinched the onlooking student.
　I can't tell if they're using Moves or not. It's literally a clash between two storms.
　But Player Rouhi didn't stop to utter 'Next', intensifying his offense instead.

"This is... tremendous. I cannot miss this."
"Welcome back, Ichinose-san. His match with you was a battle of techniques wasn't it? But this time it's pure... brute force. That player is well versed in both techniques and pure power, it looks like."
"...That appears to be the case. I figured, he didn't go all out against me."

　Ichinose-san made her frustration known. But... I should focus more on the match.
　Kaname dropped one of his halberds, threw his arm out, grabbed player Rouhi's weapon and lifted him up.

"Oh!? Go, Kaname!"
"Haaaaaaaa!"

　He swung and flung him away. But--player Rouhi regained his balance mid air and kicked the air like it was an invisible wall, taking position behind Kaname near instantaneously.

"That's quite enough. That last attack was very well done. However... I see that your minute movements are lagging behind. For now, you should focus on improving that point. Also, you have yet to fully master that summoned weapon of yours. From what I can tell, it's a type that grows stronger with its owner's mana. You'd want to train on raising your mana pool."
"Yes, thank you so much for your guidance!"

　Jen-sensei could do some aerial tricks but this person... is even more skilled on that than her.
　Doing impossible acrobatics you'd see in games like real double jumps and stuff.
　Wonder if I... could ever get to that point.

"I'm back, Yuuki-kun. Seems like you're the last one standing, everybody else's gone."
"Can't blame 'em after watching that intense fight. Good for you Kaname, he gave you advice."
"Yup. Would have been nice if Kai-kun tagged along to this boot camp."

　Yeah, that guy is aiming to be a battler after all.

"Oh? You're the only one left it seems. Let's--hm?"

　Player Rouhi tilted his head when he saw me entering the field.

"...Kuku, now this is a surprise. I almost lost my cool. It's been a while, young man."
"I'm sorry, I do feel like we've met somewhere before too..."
"Remember out match at Akimiya resort hotel? I see, so you were an Akimiya student. I had always wanted to measure your strength... Luck is on my side."
"Ah! I'm sorry for that time. I broke your device."
"Don't worry about it, those weren't mine anyway. Well then, you're... a katana type I see. Let's... begin."

　His exquisite katana handling shown in his match with Ichinose-san. I'm yet to reach that level... but I have my own style.
　A dash slash. Yet he backstepped away just as fast right before my attack connected. He saw right through me.

"Please don't match my timing."
"Kuku... Nice move, let me have a go myself."

　Player Rouhi disappeared in that moment. His katana almost reached me by the time I realized.

"Blocking with your sheath huh. You're quite a handful, young man!"
"I won't lose to a copycat!"

　Dash, five slashes. He couldn't handle them all and unleashed a mowing slash midway through my barrage.
　We're standing still during our clash. I'm parrying his attack purely through reflex and sword speed.
　Not yet, I can keep at it. I gotta go fast, faster... Even faster!

"Haaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
"Daaaaaaaaaaaa!"

　I swung my katana so fast I lost sensation of my hands.
　We each blocked and parried each other attack--and just as we were about to hit our limit, we took some distance away.
　I regulated my breathing and reset my stance. My opponent put his katana in his sheath as he was catching his breath too.

"Still rough around the edges, but your strength is the real deal. Focus on bettering the basics."
"Is it lesson time already? I still have a Move I want to show you though?"
"...Is that right. In that case, I too shall show you my Move. This is the last one."

　I wasn't the only one who took a quickdraw stance. Player Rouhi lowered his waist as he took the stance.
　I focused my mana into my right hand to unleash the most destructive 'Gale Gash' yet.

"...Disappear!"
"I'm not gonna lose!"

　A moment later, a crimson flame flared up in the space between us two as my Gale Gash cut it apart, flaring it up more intensely.
　Did he... stop my Coordinate Attack? Those slashes should have been generated in his position, yet they ended up raging a storm in the space between us.

"...You erased it huh. That Move appears to be a wind Magecraft. I would have never imagined you managed to offset my Move."
"Are you for real... You saw right through it in one glance?"
"That's the end of our match. As for your lesson... let's see, keep polishing your foundations. Focus on the basics. You already have both trick moves and finisher in spades. Bolster your foundation and you should naturally learn more Moves on your own... I wish I could have fought you at full strength."
"Should I say 'right back at you'? I know what's that on your wrist."
"Kuku... so do I about that thing on your neck. That was truly a stimulating match. Mind telling me, your name."
"I'm Sasahara Yuuki."

　We praised each other for a good fight before parting. I'm nowhere near the top. He felt bottomless and that fight made me realize that.
　It was amazing... The speed in which he saw through my Moves and chose the best hands to deal with it was superhuman level.
　Ixia-san was right when she postulated that my magecraft wouldn't really work on people more powerful than me.

"Good work, Yuuki-kun. I'm so jealous... He never asked for, my name."
"It appears you're acquainted with him... That was a good fight indeed. That new Move of yours... I did not think it could offset his Lost Art..."
"You mean that Otherside Move? Still hard to believe you could make flame fly out of a katana like that."
"That is not magic, that flame is generated from the natural air friction caused by the speed of his slash. Only natural wind or water disarranged by mana could extinguish that flame. Your counter move was the best answer against that. A happenstance it may be."

　No kidding. So he didn't shoot out flame, it just got ignited on its own.
　Wonder if you can't just cut up that flame.

"Either way, I'm super tired... Let's get out of here, you two. It's so stuffy in here."
"I agree, let's go outside. I think there's more students around now."
"They are probably those who were training outside. Seeing as we are done, taking a shower might be a good idea."

　I got on board with that idea and left the feverish crowd.



　I'm trying to figure out what to do after this while showering.
　I could use some cold drink or do a light exercise with VR.
　Oh yeah, Kaname is apparently pretty buff, let's check it out, shall we--

"Uwa!"
"! What's going on!?"

　A huge tremor hit the bathroom all of sudden, tripping the showering Kaname up.
　Ah, he's swole alright. Wait no, forget that.

"The light went out... power outage? What was that tremor?"
"Something feels off. The water's out too. Let's take a look outside. Put on your clothes!"
"Yeah, gotcha."

　We fumbled our way to wearing our clothes in the dark and hurried outside.
　...My smart terminal is completely out of range. Is it a jamming...?

"We're on an island and all. Maybe there's no other relay stations to hook it up."
"Yeah... That tremor and power outage... There might be a trouble with the power line facility."

　Is this... the raid Chairwoman mentioned?
　Then we gotta regroup with Ichinose-san and Jen-sensei first thing first.

"Let's meet up with Ichinose-san before returning to that indoor training stadium. We gotta regroup."
"Hn, got it."

　Ichinose-san had left the shower room before us. We found her in no time.
　She agreed to look for Jen-sensei with us and ask for instructions.

"...At least the smartterm's flashlight is usable."
"Forgive me. I have left mine in my room."
"Oh it's fine, there's enough light with our terminals. Ah, Yuuki-kun, turn left there."

　We're starting to hear a rustle. The people in the training stadium are probably panicking.
　The door to the stadium wouldn't budge when we tried to open it.

"Look. On the opposite side of that glass door. The shutter's down."
"Is there no other way to get in? How about you hit it real hard, Kaname?"
"Do we need to go that far? We can just wait for the power to get back up, right."
"That's gonna--"

　But our conversation got cut short. By a sound of explosion and people screaming beyond the shutter.

"What!?"
"Ssh... The speakers inside are broadcasting something."
"What... Is it to clear up what's this all about...?"

　Nope. I bet it's--

『First of all, we have taken custody of around 80% of students and training instructors as well as school instructors inside the training stadium. We have imposed a normally unbearable gravity force and mana restriction indoors through environmental control system. The few unlucky students have suffered heavy injuries. We are capable of altering this environment further and reaping the rest of the people indoors.』

　...Are they serious. This is way harder than I imagined.

"...They're not bluffing, are they."
"...Yeah. That facility can really alter the environment inside."
"Let's focus on the broadcast. We might find out their goal."

　The mechanical sounding voice could be heard from the speaker again.

『We seek the destruction of all facilities on this island as well as securing the researchers. We have cut off means of communication but consider this a warning to those idling outside. Stay still until we're done. We are currently switching to emergency power indoors. Once it is done, our people will check the facilities. We won't harm you as long as you obey us.』

"You heard them. Let's follow their instructions."
"Is that really okay... Can't we do something?"
"Well, we might be able to save the hostages if we turn off the indoor environmental control."

　Nope. That's a no go.

"That's probably out of question. They're clearly in the know about the situation here before committing. I bet they've got moles among the staff members and come here prepared for resistance."
"That sounds... plausible. Right... To these attackers, the instructors must pose the highest threat. They've successfully put them out of picture... The environmental control device is the assailants' lifeline." 
"Besides, we have no clue about their number. We must not act on our own... no matter what."
"...Got it. So, what's the plan? Maybe we could take out at least the patrolling hostiles."
"That's probably not a good idea. Our enemies are clearly trained pros. They must have a protocol in place when they lose contact with their men. Vexing it may be... I believe Sasahara-kun is correct in his assessment, we should remain obedient here."

　That's for the best. I never... thought that it would come to this either.
　Player Rouhi is still in the indoor training stadium. That person would likely make his move if the students come into danger. I'm guessing he's the cooperator Chairwoman contracted.
　But... Our enemy holds the numerical advantage. He definitely won't go out of his way to make a move on them on his own....

"Oh yeah... Where's Ixia-san..."
"Calm down, Yuuki-kun. I bet she's behind those doors too. I saw her handing out some sort of medicine when we left."
"...I see. That means there's at least one person there who can treat injuries. Even with the screams earlier... I believe she'd get it under control."

　I'm actually relieved about that instead. Ixia-san won't lose to anyone, I'm sure. She's definitely gonna come through no matter what the enemy tells her to do.
　The light returned inside the facility.

"Let's go over the plan. First obediently surrender if they find you.... Then... once you're inside with the others, find an opening. Fortunately, Kaname's got a device and a summoned weapon. They won't be as alarmed if you give them your device."
"Hm, got it. Right... having someone who can fight inside is a good idea."
"As for Ichinose-san... here you go. Bring my weapon device with you, bear with the weight for a bit. They should lower their guard around you too if you let them take it."
"Understood. What about you, Sasahara-kun?"

　The indoor side should be safer with these two. As for me... I gotta neutralize these hostiles before the situation leaked to outside world...

"I'm gonna go around and find those who are isolated indoors. Can't tell what they're gonna do to people who act alone. I'm gonna gather as many people as I could before they could find me."
"But you are risking yourself if they find you before you manage that. You should bring your weapon device with you."
"No, I'd rather them not mistake me as a defiant. Please Ichinose-san."

　I gotta leave my device somewhere if I assume that form anyway. I might as well leave it in Ichinose-san's hands.
　I'm gonna ask if they could make my choker store my device as well later.

"...That's that. I'll head for the central tower for now. Try to stay in line, you two. I'll let myself caught once I've got more people with me."
"...Very well. Don't do anything reckless this time, Sasahara-kun..."
"We'll join up with combat capable people inside. Give us a signal... if you make a move, okay."
"Haha, I don't think I can this time around. Then... I'm off."

　I paid no heed to Kaname's weird expectation and looked for somewhere unpopulated.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



"Excuse me. Would you please let me treat the injured? I am versed in the way of medicine. I won't act out of line, would you please give me the permission."

　I am unable to move freely due to the mysterious mana that puts pressure on my entire body.
　I struggled a little before I could stand up and counseled the assailants.
　...I am familiar with the concept of gravity. But this is nothing like that. It's a power spot generated by mana meant to resemble the effect of intensified gravity.
　I postulate these assailants have put on those armor to escape this effect.
　Fortunately, it is possible to soften this pressure to a degree by activating high level Physical Boost.
　However... Several girls who are lying on the ground appear to be struggling to breathe. They will not... last if this keeps up.

"...Alright, go ahead."
"Thank you."

　I walked with a half-bent posture to a corner of this training hall where the injured have been gathered. I made them drink mana recovery medicine with a slightly stronger dosage than normal.
　She's a small girl. This is... I understand that I have to wait for Yuuki to resolve this incident, but it is hard on my mental.

"How are you feeling...? I take it you are not well adept with Physical Boost, correct?"
"...Yes... I'm sorry."
"Please don't think about it. How about the rest, do you feel better?"

　Once I confirmed their reply, I made them stay as close as possible, like what what modern people would say, 'packed like sardines in a can'.

"I will relief the pressure if only for a bit... with my mana. Please stay as still as possible."

　I channel my mana into the closest girl that then gets channeled to the next girl to create a barrier that protects these girls.
　It appears to be working. Their complexions are changing for the better.

"...Everything will  be all right. I'm sure help is on the way. So please bear with it for a little bit more, okay."
"Yes... Thank you very much."
"It's helping... I can't thank you enough."

　Their feeble voices prick my chest. It's okay, Yuuki will definitely save us.
　I was praying in my heart when the entrance sounded astir and several new people entered the stadium.
　Aren't they... Yuuki's friends, Kaname-kun and Ichinose-san... Which means, Yuuki is...?
　The two saw and walked up to me.

"Yuuki-kun's mother. Can we talk?"
"Yes, please come over. I'm in the middle of treating the injured students. You two can come over here. It should help relieve the pressure."
"...You have my thanks. Moving around inside this stadium... is far harder than I imagined..."
"Yup. I don't think I can fight well like this... either."
"...Please try to remain composed, okay. What is that you wish to talk about?"
"We saw Yuuki off outside. He wanted to meet up with other students that got left behind before they let themselves get caught."
"He was worried what the assailants would do to people acting alone... He's putting other people above himself even during an emergency..."

　Is that so. Which is to say, he must be undertaking his mission right now.
　I suppose... we can rest easy now.

"I believe in my son. As such, let us stay put for now."
""Yes.""

　I know you can do it, Yuuki.







"Test, test... Alright."

　I put on my combat suit, and checked the needlessly realistic feeling padded chest armor, my altered voice and the hair sticking out of my helmet before holding my greatsword over my shoulder.
　I'm on the roof of the central tower. As far as I can tell, the students training outside have all been crammed in a gazebo-like structure meant for resting.
　Three people are guarding the main entrance to the stadium. And five people are in the back of the building. Four people are watching over the gazebo. They're probably gonna send several fighters to guard this spot soon as well.

"...First, I'll eliminate all hostiles outside. If they do a periodic status report... They're going to send people out to check out for any irregularity... Not good, I can't think of any better idea besides slaughtering them all since I got no info on their scale."

　I could have planned it all out better if only I knew how many personnel they got and their positions... Dammit, it doesn't look like I have any other option than a complete massacre.
　Hold it... Since they've cut off the communication indoor, they must get in touch with each other using transceivers. And... communication was also jammed during our field training two months ago.
　They might have ways to jam comm then.

"Regardless of the answer... I still gotta kill them all."

　Rewrite my mindset. This is no training, or a VR. I will be reaping people lives with my own will.
　Become a crazed warrior. Abandon all hesitation, give them no mercy, think of them as less than humans, turn into a demonic sword whose sole purpose is to fell its enemies.

　My sharpened senses caught the sound of footsteps heading toward this rooftop.
　I jump. I aim for my target mid air. Four people wearing unfamiliar military uniforms.

"...My first kill ever worth commemorating."

　I crushed two people as I swung my sword down before immediately making a mowing motion, cutting the two other in half. 
　I look at the corpses and confirm that these four aren't the facility personnel.
　The order is all messed up, so what. They're enemies regardless. Doesn't matter if they're affiliated with the facility, the moment they're walking around out here, they're enemies.

"These guys... don't have transceivers on them. Were they never expecting to get in contact with their friends indoors...?"

　All the better. I can kill in peace.
　Afterward, I perched on the rooftop for a few minutes before I went around the north, east, south and west tower rooftops. Once I confirmed that there was nobody stationed on those rooftops, I started the extermination job one by one starting from the back of the stadium. 



"Guh... fu... ku."
"Die already."

　I killed all the guards stationed around the buildings before finishing off the guards watching over students who were training outside in an ambush.

"Hii! D-don't come here, someone help!"
"Shut up. Stay silent. I'm on a mission."

　Figured. Ordinary students aren't exactly used to seeing people die.
　I had the screaming schoolgirl caught by the hostiles quiet down and explained to her that I'm here to deal with those hostiles. So I'm their ally in a way.

"Please state your affiliation."
"I'm not authorized to disclose that. Stand by."

　Are you for real man. I almost yelped in shock when I saw the schoolboy who fearlessly asked for my identity.
　Shousuke, you weren't training indoor today? Didn't know you were outside.

"...Understood. Please save the students inside the stadium."

　Hold it? Maybe they've got intel on those attackers since they've been outside all this time?
　I immediately asked but everybody was too scared to observe the situation.
　But sure enough, Shousuke was ready to answer to my question.

"Five people in the back. Three people at the gate over there. There were three people before you defeated them. I have no information on the number of hostiles inside."
"Gate... There's something beyond that."
"I'm unclear what it is, we're only told that only authorized personnel may enter. I believe it's a place to manage this facility's lifeline. I heard an explosion sound coming from the other side around thirty minutes ago."

　Nice, Shousuke. That might be the place that got destroyed while we were showering.
　I gotta smash any hostiles still lingering in there first.

"You have my gratitude. I am breaking in the stadium as soon as I have that location secured. You students stand by in this place just to be safe. Hide the bodies."
"...Yes."

　I should avoid conversation as much as I could... eh, this much should be fine.
　I passed through the gate and found a destroyed small building ahead.
　Their goal was the destruction of every facility on this island... yet why would they station people there?
　Upon a closer inspection, only the building is destroyed, a radio tower-like structure next to it is still standing tall. I could see a cord-like thing extending from this tower.
　What? That power line-like cord is extending to the research tower.

"Guess I could eliminate two and capture one? Hope it goes well."

　I jumped to a nearby tree before commencing the attack.
　Two people standing next to each other got their heads lopped off in an instant. I thrust my sword before the last one.

"Don't move."
"!"

　Now that I'm close, I can see that cord is connected to a machine.
　Are they setting up something inside the facility... with this machine?

"Tell me what this machine is. I promise to let you off as a source of intel if you do. Thank your luck."
"...I don't know."

　I cut off his toes.

"I don't know!"
"I'll have the other one."

　Is he really clueless, and here only to watch over the thing?

"Die."

　Unfortunately, I'm much too inexperienced to let them live.
　I don't even know what they're good for, I only know to kill.

"Please wait! I don't know for sure, but it's sucking something out... I think."
"Sucks out? I see."

　I see, he's really not informed about the detail. Is this machine... sucking out some sort of data?
　Why would they do it remotely like this? Can't they get it close to the research tower.
　I eliminated the man and unplugged the machine's cord before lugging it away. I probably shouldn't destroy this thing.
　There's gotta be some scheme around this thing. I should secretly hand this over to Chairwoman.
　I hid the machine inside a wooden storage nearby.　

"The device that manages the training stadium's environmental control... is probably in the research tower. Gotta hurry."



　The research tower is located separately from the central tower and the adjacent buildings we're staying at. It's a huge single-story building far from that zone.
　That's where they're researching all kinds of stuff like the VR device I borrowed the other day, latest equipment and new inventions that combine both magic and science.
　That Environmental Control System thing is one of their newest inventions finished last year.
　...And it got misused right away, bringing us to this situation though.

　Sure enough, there were guards in the passage leading to the research tower.
　I looked for another entrance from the forest encircling the research tower but found no windows or ducts I could use to infiltrate. There's only one entrance it seems.
　This is probably where they control the training stadium's environment. Which means, taking control of this tower should release all the students, instructors and trainers including Player Rouhi inside the training stadium.
　This should be the final act of my mission this time.

"I better start developing magic for assassination. Thankfully my element is wind. Air is invisible after all."

　I dashed in one breath. Full power Physical Boost makes me one with the wind.
　I mercilessly stabbed the guards at both ends of the passage and immediately took cover behind the door.
　...Don't think anything superfluous. Focus on my mission. They are enemies. All of them are enemies.
　There's nobody inside the research tower's corridors. I quietly made my way to a room that had people's presence where I could finally hear a conversation.

『Give it another try.』
『...Nope, no good, I can't get a reaction. It's been physically cut off somewhere.』
『The high powered jamming backfired on us... Relying on wire in this day and age.』
『What should we do? Should we pause this operation to check the situation for now?』
『The suppression force from homeland should be coming in two hours. We must withdraw before the appointed time. How long will the repair work and upload take?』
『One and half hour if everything goes smoothly... we'll be cutting it close.』

　Fumu. Are they some country's operatives? Peeking inside, I see a boss-like man wearing a cap, and two white robed male researchers heeding his word.
　Are they the moles? Guess I could let them live.

"I'd like to capture that boss too if I could, but it doesn't seem possible. They've taken other researchers hostages... No other choice than to kill huh."

　I took up my greatsword and internalize the shortest route to strike.
　The best route that keeps the hostages safe... Okay, this will do.
　I quietly opened the door before immediately taking a dash and swung my greatsword down.
　But the white robed man standing next to the boss stopped my attack with a spear horizontally.
　Wha? How'd he manage to stop my full power attack.

"So what though."
"Wha--"
"What are you--"

　I pulled the man's spear-like weapon, crushed his head with my hand as it fell my way, and used the same arm to swing a punch at the boss's head, sending it flying into a stain on the wall.
　The last white robed man fell down on his rear after watching two people suddenly die right in front of his eyes.

"This researcher must be a mole. Tie him up. Relax, my mission is to liberate this facility. Can you change the setting of the training stadium's environmental control from this place?"

　When I asked the group of researchers in the corner, a man replied to me, probably their supervisor.

"Yes we can, it's been set to monsters capture spec, we have to undo it quickly!"
"Got it. I'll leave it to you. The rest of you tie this man up."

　Now then... All that's left is the hostiles in the training stadium. Then--

"Where's the broadcaster? Can we send a broadcast to the training stadium from this place?"
"Yes! Ah... Please wait... I cannot, undo the setting... The training stadium is sending a signal to reject interference from this location."
"...Them killing the people inside was a bluff huh."

　What the heck, I should have freed that place first then.

"Got it. You guys stay here. Don't forget to get that man in a rope. Just in case, take cover inside this research tower's barrier and prevent another raid from outside."
"Yes. As for the people at the training stadium..."
"I'll go smash those hostiles myself."



　I'm back in front of the glass door. If Kaname and Ichinose-san have been brought in there, then there should be a way to give them a signal and get them open this door... but whatever.
　I let out a full powered thrust to break the door and the shutter in one go and lunged inside.
　In that moment, my body experienced a huge resistance, as if I've been encased in invisible viscous liquid.

"Guh.... Gaaaaaaaaa!"

　I forcefully made my body move and tear up the people wearing black cardboard-like armor obviously different from everybody else.
　With my rampage as an impetus, screams started making rounds all over the place too.
　Player Rouhi and... that's Jen-sensei! Also... Kaname caught a hostile.
　Ichinose-san... finished off the hostile Kaname caught huh.
　I ran around in this space prioritizing dealing with hostiles that made an attempt to touch the hostages.
　Those armor must allow them to move freely in this environment.
　When I look again, both Kaname and Ichinose-san have fallen on the ground.
　They're amazing, other adults can't even move....

"Gah!"
"Stop, I surrend--"

　I kicked up the last one, turning them into a splat on the ceiling.
　I'm acting as gruesome as I could to be a symbol of dread.
　This is the Hound. An incarnation of madness and slaughter that seek out its enemies.

"...All members, move out of this place on your own. I'll carry those who can't move."

　After I said that loudly, everybody started crawling their way out on all fours.
　Even my full powered boost feels resistance, it must be rough on ordinary students.
　One group, however, stood up and began walking tightly together.
　Wait, that's Ixia-san leading the way.
　Maybe... she has cast a spell to resist this environment?

"Are you the agent sent by Akimiya head?"

　Another person who was standing unperturbed in this environment talked to me.
　It's player Rouhi.... He really is no ordinary man. How're you so relaxed.

"I was stationed nearby as a contingency. I owe you one."
"...What do you think about this incident."
"Well now."

　I'm not gonna talk... this guy's too sharp.

"...All to keep up their appearance as a major power, huh. How worthless. Don't you think this world is oh so... foolish? Kuku... so pitiful I can't help laughing."
"Help carry the students out if you've still got strength left. I'm going."
"Ah, will do. Kuku... you're still such a young girl too. Met so many interesting young people today."

　...Young girl he said. I'm part relieved that he didn't find out, and part conflicted.
　I kept going in and out carrying all the students and researchers who couldn't move before coming across someone writhing alone.

"Hii... Hii... Ah! I'm saved! ...You have my gratitude, Dainsleif."
"...Don't talk to me. Almost dropped my tone."

　It's Chief Nishida. Her white robe is full of dirt.

"Nn, I'm sorry."
"Any injured personnel?"
"There were several but Ixia-san has treated them."
"I see. You're the last person who can't move then."
"Sorry about this. I'm really useless with anything related to combat."

　S-she's a true blue researcher...
　Once everybody has evacuated outside, I was about to set off to look for any remaining hostiles around the building when someone jumped in front of me.

"Excuse me! You went all over inside this building during your mission right!!!"

　It's Jen-sensei. She's so flustered her face is all wet, I wonder what's up?

"My student! I can't find one of my students! I asked other students outside and they said they don't know too! Have you seen him anywhere!? Maybe you've saved him somewhere! He's a small cute short haired boy! Please... please... tell me you've saved him...!"

　One student is still missing... don't tell me, he's been...?

"I saw nobody like that. I have not combed through every single facility, however. He might be in hiding somewhere."
"No...! All the rooms have been locked automatically! He's not in his room... Ah..."

　Could the hostiles take him away?

"Jen-sensei, please calm down. Sasahara-kun must be taking cover somewhere. I don't believe he is in any immediate danger."
"But! His sword is with you...! He's not armed...!"
"It's okay. He's stronger than me even bare handed."

　...Ah! It's me!

"I might know one boy. He was walking around inside one of the facilities. I led him outside to see if he could contact someone outside the island there... He had a slightly, short stature."

　Dammit... Dammit.. I said it myself! Short, me--!

"T-that's him! That's gotta be him...! Thank goodness... so he was outside..."
"I see... He might get a signal in the harbor..."
"Don't go looking for him just yet. Please stay in a group for the time being. I will head to the harbor and see if I could get a contact myself. Instructor, do a roll-call on the other instructors and wait for further instructions in the hall."

　After that, I walked up to Chief Nishida.

"I have captured a researcher suspected to be the mole, take care of that side. Is there anything you can do to restore communication with outside world?"
"They have satellite phones here, but those attackers probably destroyed them already. How about calling from the harbor? You might just reach the maritime relay station there."
"Understood. Also--"

　I told her about the suspicious machine I stored in a wooden storage and she said, 'They'll likely send their people to fetch that. Move them to a safer location out of reach from them.'
　Oh right, Chairwoman did mention that a certain country would conveniently intervene later.
　Those hostiles mentioned 'homeland' too. No room for doubt it seems.

　I took the machine from the wooden storage, went to the harbor, hid the machine inside a boat management hut and used the app that connects me directly to the chairwoman.

"Dainsleif speaking. Mission complete. I have suppressed nearly all hostiles save for one mole researcher. Hostiles defeated by ally cooperators are still alive and bound."
『Your timing is perfect. A certain country has just offered their assistance. A unit on a practice drill on a nearby island intercepted a suspicious signal by coincidence. They're asking permission to disembark on that island.』
"What's my next move."
『Gather all the dead hostiles in the harbor and lock the surviving hostiles somewhere else. Tell them that you have 'Successfully taken complete control of the situation'. Go and greet the fools nonchalantly barging in with the best hospitality you could offer... Just please don't go over the line.』

　...How could she so casually ask someone to do such heavy labor.
　Afterward, I crammed all the bodies that were in the hotel, the rooftops, the facility and the research tower inside a container, inhumane it may be, and carried the container all the way to the harbor with full power Physical Boost. There, I sprawled on the ground after using up all my remaining energy...



　The sound of a motor and breaking waves roused me up just as I was about to doze off. I stood up and waited for the arrival of a medium sized boat speeding this way at high speed.
　The hull has a raised flag of a certain country. They're probably here to confirm if the situation has really been resolved.

"That's as far as you are permitted to disembark. Don't move further."
"Pardon me. May I ask your affiliation--"

　My terminal rang in that moment. I put it on speaker mode so they could hear the caller on other side.

『She's a representative of Akimiya, one of the financiers in the boot camp currently being carried out on that island. You sure got there fast.』
"...Miss Ryouka."
『The incident has been resolved just as I have explained. You may take the bodies and verify their IDs.』
"But some hostiles might still--"

　I opened the container's door.
　An intense smell of blood wafted in the air. I lifted and slanted the container to roll the bodies out.

『Didn't you hear me? Everything has been resolved. We will let your country take the surviving hostiles once we're done interrogating them. Private forces of the boot camp financiers will deal with the clean up, you may go back with those bodies. I'm grateful for your quick action despite costing you a drill.』
"...It was only the right thing to do. We will claim the surviving hostiles at a later date."

　Right as Chairwoman hung up, the unit leader man looked at me with his hand on his forehead.

"...You're telling me your unit did this. How could you be... so cruel."
"Unit? Incorrect. I did all this myself. I'm glad you guys are willing to retreat. Cross the harbor line, and I might have to add to the body count."

　Greeting. I'm gonna make my introduction as grand as possible.

"As you might have guessed, I am the Hound of Akimiya. Codename, Dainsleif."

　Dunno if my bloodlust seeped out. I put all my defiant will in my word as I gave him my name.

"Until next time at the battlefield. It's stinking bad in here, go and leave with those bodies."
"...Roger... that..."

　I saw them off and checked that there was nobody around before I transformed back to my original form and made my way back to the facility.
　They're not gonna continue the boot camp now are they... Wonder what now.







"As you could hear yourself. I'm grateful for the sentiment but you can see that we are capable of handling any and all situations ourselves. I don't see a single pressing matter to deepen our relationship with your country as of present. Of course that plan is under consideration in the future, however...  My apologies, Diplomat Crescent."

　In the chairwoman room of Akimiya's HQ, Akimiya family head, Ryouka is having a quiet stand off with a silver haired woman known as Crescent.
　Crescent could only distort her face in frustration as she listened to the call and gave her consent to Ryouka's word.

"...That's quite a nice way to spend pastime, Miss Ryouka. Very well, it appears you have no need for our army's strength at present. However... Don't you think it's quite boorish of you to fasten a rope on a girl of such a tender age?"
"Fufu, do you think so? 'Her' performance has liven up to the legend itself. As my demonic sword, she will brush off flying embers coming my way and cut down anything standing in my way from now on."
"...Really. Do take care not to have the rug pulled right under your feet. We are always ready to answer your call for help."

　Thus their stand off came to a quiet close. Crescent stood up and briskly walked away while Ryouka, left alone in her office, patted her chest for a plan well done.







"Oh dear, such a substantive boot camp this was. Even if it meant helping Akimiya in this matter. Boy did they have some nice pawns."
"Hmmm. So, got any result?"
"Yeah. I afforded a spar with 'Sasahara Yuuki' from the report. He's quite an elusive young man, I can't get a grasp on his true strength. By my estimation, our subordinates don't hold a candle to him at the very least."
"Hee... 'Yuu-chan's' really gotten strong huh."
"...Another thing. I came across the girl serving as Akimiya's trump card in present time. She had an unusual aura to her, and her strength... would surpass me one day. Kukuku.... How pleasant."
"Are you planning to get her on our side? Aren't you too trusting just because she's on Akimiya side? At the end of the day... They're all earthlings."

　The man, Rouhi, is cheerfully talking on the rooftop of the central tower with nobody around.
　Next to him, stood a girl.
　They didn't seem to care about the incident, chatting about the people who piqued their interest instead.

"I'll be staying here for a while before regrouping. You can go ahead of me. Make sure you stay undetected."
"Got it. What about that thing? Those guys were trying to steal some kinda research data and secret files. Should we go collect that?"
"Right, we can't let that major power have that. Retrieve the machine if you find it."
"Kaay. Don't take it on me if it's been busted up badly though okay~."

　Nobody is the wiser about their true goal.

Previous Chapter 

Chapter 36

Book 3




　We arrived early morning of the island's local time.
　That's weird... we left Floating City at noon... then we went past the International Date Line.... Nope, I can't wrap my head around it.

"It's my first time experiencing this phenomenon as well. I did not realize how confusing it is to feel the difference between time zones when you move over a long distance so quickly...."
"It really is... Anyhow, we gotta reset our clocks for now."

　The island we disembarked on is about as large as Japan's Ishigaki island.
　It mainly houses buildings for an international research facility that often invites a huge amount of people to test their research, which is one of the goal for this boot camp.

"Well then, I have to go and attend the staff meeting. Let us meet up at the lodging later."
"Okay. See you later."

　We saw Ixia-san off and went to our assigned hotel.
　They all looked tired likely from jet-lag... But we probably have to bear it in until nighttime... Gotta reset our inner clock if we want to attend the` boot camp right.



　Each school is given a whole floor of a lodging building. Jen-sensei is briefing us in a lounge area in the main building right now.

"Well done enduring the long trip guys. It's six in the morning here and there will be a gathering at five in the evening. The boot camp will start for real the day after tomorrow to give your body time to adapt."

　That's a relief honestly. Starting tomorrow would be tough. It's my first time crossing over the IDL.

"The three main training menus in this boot camp will be the combat training held inside a cutting edge Environment Reproduction field, a rally held at the outdoor practice field and the sparring matches against top league battlers. You may not engage in a personal fight unless it is a formal match."

　Environment Reproduction? What's that. And top class battlers huh... Wonder what they're like.
　When I asked her for detail, she said, 'It can make your body heavier and stuff like that.' Sensei you should've gathered more info on that kind of things.
　It's that maybe? The thing that came up in a certain tale about gathering seven balls... A facility that can alter gravity.
　While I was lost in thought, Kaname raised his hand...

"Jen-sensei. Is it true that the pro battler, 'Rouhi Kiryuu' is attending the boot camp this time?"

　All the students here including Ichinose-san broke into a rustle when that name came out of his mouth.
　Who that. I'm not surprised about all the things I don't know about this world anymore.

"You sure know your stuff. Yes, that's true. But you'd better not have the bright idea of getting him be your personal instructor. Just think yourself lucky if you got the chance to engage in a few matches with the guy."
"Yup, I'd be satisfied if I could catch a glimpse."

　Kaname looks excited. Afterward, we introduced ourselves to one another.
　Sure enough, Class S students looked obviously displeased when us, Class SS got our turns.

"Why am I dead last again."
"It just happens, I tell you. Okay, that's enough introductions. You have free time until evening. Be sure you don't sleep too long or else you'd have a hard time tomorrow."

　I immediately went and secured Kaname.

"Hey so, is that Rouhi guy famous?"
"Huh, you don't know him Yuuki? He's said to be the world's strongest battler in modern time. A Chinese-American who doesn't belong to any team, instead specializing in individual games. He uses a different weapon in every match yet a master of every one of them. He's apt to be called the strongest player."
"Hee! So you're telling me we could see him fight here."
"Yea, I look forward to it as well. Once in the past, he paid a visit to our family dojo. The assistant instructor at the time, my elder brother could barely hold a candle to him. Fumu... I wonder how far could I hold out against him now."

　Ichinose-san seemed so excited she even joined our conversation midway. That sounds fun.
　Now that we're all briefed up, I'm making my way to the west building that houses staff member lodging and facility including the infirmary where Ixia-san is in charge of. Ichinose-san and Kaname are following me for some reason.

"I feel like I would doze off if I am left to my own device. Do you mind?"
"Same here. Sit down and I bet I'd wander into dreamland."
"Hahaha... Can't say I'm not super sleepy myself. West should be... over there."

　I immediately relied on a modern gadget for directions. I mean they got a bar code for the map app printed on the brochure you know. Man, this facility's huge.



　At the reception hall of the west building, they're already cleaning up the reception hall. According to a staff member, the briefing was over already and each school body had left for their assigned facility.

"Ah, this mark is our infirmary. wonder if Ixia-san's in there."
"I see, it's close by the training field. No wonder the infirmaries are all here."

　I'm seeing plenty of students from other schools walking around.
　I guess they'd rather do some activities than lose to the sleepiness.
　As we were about to reach the infirmary around the corner, Ixia-san's voice could be heard.

"Don't you understand a word I said? It's one thing if you are injured from training but I shall not administer medicine for that reason. Please consult to the nurse in charge of your school."
"Eeh, what's the big deal? Our nurse's a grandma y'know. Which school are you from onee-san? Won't you make me some dodgy drug? A strong sleeping drug, that kinda stuff, y'know?"
"I refuse. Please don't act spoiled just because you're a child. Leave."
"Hnn... Nope. Let's get all chummy. Why don't you sing me a lullaby in my room."

　Whoa whoa, which host club didja haul your ass from.
　Guy's got the typical tanned skin and bleached blond hair as he's occupying the space in front of Ixia-san's infirmary.
　We're told not to engage in a personal fight outside matches, but I dunno about this one. Will I get arrested if I off this guy, I wonder.

"...Good grief, calm yourself now. I shall handle this."
"Yup, please. Yuuki-kun, cool your jet, okay."
"OKOK Kaname. Hey, quit tickling my armpits."

　Ichinose-san walks up to the playboy.

"Excuse me, could you refrain from making a scene in our infirmary. The nurse is troubled. Perhaps I should deem this as an attempt to obstruct Schwein School? I see that you're... a student of GraSchool Asia Branch. I will get in touch with the instructor in charge."
"Oh, you're a cutie! You tellin' me you're a Scwhein student? Wanna have a chat in this infirmary?"
"I will not. The exit is over there."
"...Fine fine, I'm leaving. 'Scuuse me ladies..."

　Kaname went in as he left, followed by me. We closed the door behind us and contacted that guy's school.
　Someone yelled outside then someone else came by and took the guy away.

"Thank you for your aid. I was unsure how to treat students who won't listen."
"Ixia-san, I think you can just knock those types out and throw them outside."
"Sasahara-kun, no that won't do. Let's see, there is no telling what would someone like that do when you're alone with them. You should go to a public place and consult with someone."

　Personally, I'd go for the balls and make him undergo sex change.
　Aah, hope I could get a chance to spar with him and slaughter him in a convenient spell formula breakdown accident."

"...Your inner voice is leaking, Yuuki-kun."
"Oops."
"Sasahara-kun... I get where you're coming from, but please try not to cause trouble, okay?"
"Fumu. Yuuki, are you in a bad mood because you're feeling drowsy? How about we have tea together to improve that. Would you two care to join as well?"
"Ah, I'd be glad to."
"Yes, I would like to. Sasahara-kun, you should compose yourself."

　Oh I am calm and composed. I just wanna beat him half to death when I bump into the guy later.



　Someone knocked on the infirmary door while we were relaxing and enjoying a not-afternoon tea time.
　We opened the door to find a male student from Class S with a swelled up face.

"This is... It's from a blunt force trauma. I believe this was done by another individual. Am I wrong?"
"...No you're not."
"Oy oy, we're not allowed to get into personal fight y'know... What happened."
"You guys are Class SS... What did you all do? A student from another school came to mess with us out of nowhere. Just cause we're Scwhein School. Dammit... Which school is that guy from."
"For reference, was it a tanned blond guy that gives off a bad vibe?"
"That's the guy. Do you know him?"

　We talked about what happened earlier and apologized because we might have been the cause.

"...You guys are not to blame. That guy was messing with a girl from our class. I tried to stop him and got a beating instead... I can't believe there's someone out there who'd so easily resort to violence."
"Well, I agree on that. We'll report this to Jen-sensei."

　Looks like we're gonna have a bigger problem than an infighting between Scwhein students.





　We went to talk with Jen-sensei and found out about something disturbing. The schoolgirl that guy messed with is going back to Japan tonight... What did he do.

"And, he got off scot-free?"

　For some reason, Jen-sensei is talking to me about this privately.

"...Yea. The victim student won't say a word about it... Hey, Sasahara, if you ever get a chance to have a mock battle with that guy... Make sure you don't deal damage that outstrips the Spell Formula capacity and incapacitate him, okay?"
"Hn, got it. That's a hint."
"No, I'm giving you a warning. Even if it was an accident, my duty would oblige me to fault you. I might get a bit angry. Don't do it, you hear me."
"Oh yeah, I know I get it. Boy... there sure are all kinds of students."
"That school's all about merit.  Practical test reulst is everything while theoretical and interview results take a backseat. That kind of humans will naturally find their way in."

　Putting aside the reason why she went out of her way to bring that up in my private room, I'll go ahead and keep her warning in mind. Jen-sensei... She's in a foul mood.

"Sasahara. You've got... some sort of connection with Chairwoman, don't you?"
"No?"
"That's why she often summoned you."
"You're prying now, Sensei. I get how you feel, but this discussion is over."
"Aa, my bad... Dammit, I wanna kill that brat for real. She's a student under my care in this boot camp... If only I'd stayed with her..."

　She took the word out of my mouth, I couldn't bring myself to join the gathering.
　I had dinner together with Ixia-san in the hotel's restaurant.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

　Day two. We're given another free time today. Yesterday I couldn't sleep until nighttime due to what happened and managed to reschedule my waking cycle.
　We're allowed to engage in outdoor training for students like me so here I am outside.
　As expected of Hawaii, the sky is blue, the sun is dazzling and the greenery around the outdoor training field feels so refreshing.

"Seems like you're doing just fine, Ichinose-san"
"Yes, I have quickly adapted to the time difference. As for Kaname-kun..."
"Kaname is still in dreamland in his room. Looks like he couldn't get a wink of sleep."
"Hm, I see. But... you appear to be in high spirit today, Sasahara-kun."
"Hn, well yeah. That piece of shit is here too, would be nice if I could get a match in."

　Yep. That piece of shit had already made his move on the girls in the training field.
　Another student tried to stop him and fought him in a match but he got badly beaten instead.

"He's strong. Is that an Otherside Move?"
"It is. The man has talent and competency yet look at the way he acts. How deplorable."
"Maybe he's a son of some bigshot? Isn't it weird how they didn't even give him a warning?"
"Hn, I suppose. In that case, I'll go set up bait. Sasahara-kun, the rest is in your hands."
"Got it."

　If I were to interpret Jen-sensei's word last night, she wanted me to get rid of that guy.
　Damage gets converted to stamina consumption, huh. Then I'm just gonna knock him out before he could give up. Then I'll keep attacking like I'm none the wiser.
　That piece of shit readily bit on Ichinose-san's bait it seems.
　They talked a bit before coming this way.
　Once they got here--

"Hee, this twerp is your classmate? You're gonna fight me if I beat him up, yeah?"
"Yeah. You know about me, do you not? I cannot accept a duel so readily. This will serve as a test."
"Nice. Your dojo wouldn't let me in, see. I'mma gonna get back at them by doing their daughter in. You gotta have a lil' talk with me at the hotel tonight if I win, no escape."
"Eh, what? That's the reason for my fight?" 
"Yeah. It works, does it not?"

　I was imagining I'd butt in when he's harassing Ichinose-san and get into a fight! Then again, I can't imagine Ichinose-san taking a harassment lying down. She's too gallant for that.

"Get over here, twerp."
"Cool it, primate. I'mma crush your balls to smithereens you ain't ever getting cocky again. Don't even think ya gonna get outta this with all yer limbs intact. Say yer' goodbye to social media presence cuz your sorry weeping faces are gonna get plastered all over the net, ain't no more walking around in peace. Yer gonna lose so bad your parent gonna give you up."
"Wha!?"
"Sasahara-kun!?"

　The return of flaming player. It's been so long since I spewed foul words, it's refreshing.
　I moved into the field and readied my weapon device before he could cut me down in that spot.
　This blond primate lunged at me before the start signal was even given.
　His weapon is a hammer-type device. Judging from his match earlier, he could swing that around as fast as a one-handed sword. I bet he's the same type as me, a Physical Boost specialist.
　He's yelling out stuff while rushing here, but this is not a match.

"It's an execution."

　I unleashed 'Gale Gash' right away, sapping away his stamina, prompting him to fall down.
　I cut him up to stop his falling and did another 'Gale Gash' in the air.
　Using more of that move would be a waste of mana, so I shot countless Wind Blades in the air and added seven quickdraw slashes as he fell his way back to the ground. That was when the sound of something breaking resounded around me.

"Dash!"

　I acted like I didn't notice that as I unleashed a dash slash. The sensation in my hand felt different as I returned my katana into its sheath.

"Stop! What happened here! The field's spell formula is broken!"
"Carry the student! There doesn't seem... to be any injury but his mana might have been damaged."

　Gotta be the lifeguards. Several grown ups came to check on the guy before quickly carrying him away on a stretcher.
　But the moment those lifeguards had their attention diverted, the students present here started taking pictures of the knocked out guy with their smart terminals. Man, how many people did you offend anyway.

"You, come with us. Let's hear the circumstances."
"Yes, I understand."
"Sasahara-kun... You overdid it. There is a limit to everything."
"Uh... I had no idea these spell formulas could break."

　They brought me to a facility where I was supposed to give my excuse to the person in charge.



"I would have never guessed that one attack was all it took to finish the match. I thought only the best students got selected in this boot camp... I should have held back."
"And you're saying that you didn't realize that he had fainted when you continued your attack?"
"Yes. He was gripping his device hard so I thought for sure it was a feint to stage a counterattack, hence I didn't let up. From my understanding, he managed to defeat many students before his match with me so I didn't think that was enough... Apparently, that was a miscalculation on my part."

　The man in charge is unexpectedly young but he's already got some gray hair among the blond strands.
　He's not casting suspicion with his eyes, merely asking me the course of event to which I calmly reply.

"We have found that there's no inconsistency in your testimony. That student did have record on numerous victorious. However... Was your match with him truly a coincidence? He had a little feud with students from your school yesterday."
"Ah, something to do with Class S yeah. But I don't really talk with that class, so I'm in the dark about that... More importantly, if the spell formula could get broken in the middle of a match, does that mean our class can't go all out here? If that's true, then I don't think I can train here. I should head back."
"No... That was our mistake. We set the parameters lightly because we didn't think students would have a serious match today. We won't blame you on the fact that you dealt damage to your opponent. I should have mentioned that sooner."
"Is that so, that's a relief. That was such a shock. I thought it'd make me a murderer."
"Yeah, you have our apologies. Fortunately his life is not in danger. But I'm not sure if he can continue this boot camp."
"Really... I wronged him..."

　I said the lie with a bare face. The man wouldn't tell me the detail but judging from how hesitant he is I'm guessing the truth would come as a shock to a student like me.
　In other word, the injury was serious.
　I thought from the bottom of my heart. 'Ah, wish he had died.'

"! What's this, did they set the AC temp too low? It's all clear now, you're free to leave. However... We can't leave you unpunished if only for appearance's sake. I believe the instructor in charge will press to have you under house arrest. That'd make things easier on your guilty conscience as well, no? Worry not, we won't make you waste your time in this boot camp. We'll let you borrow a new VR device still in development. Train with the device and write a report on its use. That will be your punishment."
"Oh... Isn't that too much of a preferential treatment? Are you sure... It's supposed to be a house arrest."
"Hahaha... Then, you could do us a favor and not spread the word about the spell formula breaking, perhaps? Especially to school authorities."
"...I understand."

　I see. Of course they'd rather keep up the face of an entire organization over a single student. Also, this is supposed to be a punishment but I'm super intrigued by that VR device.
　In a private room? Does that mean... it's a portable VR device? Isn't that pretty much a game console?
　At any rate, I got off virtually scot-free.



"...Sasahara, welcome back."
"I'm back Jen-sensei. They put me under house arrest."
"Yes, you can't leave your room for three days... You're such an outstanding student. I pretty much instilled you. And now you'd waste this rare opportunity to train in a boot camp."
"Actually no. They're lending me the newest equipment, you see. I'll be training in my room and write a report on it. That's my punishment."

　Jen-sensei was waiting for me with a gloomy look inside my room.

"I'm not fit to be an educator. I have a violent temper, am sloven, have favorites, and all that. I'm sorry, Sasahara. I should've done that myself."
"But I love people like you, Sensei. If it were up to me, I'd take care of that PoS in some dark alley. Guy dared to woo someone's guardian. Besides this house arrest is a reward to me. Latest VR device? I get to play around with a new tech that's yet to be even made public all for myself, it's the best."
"...Sasahara, tell me when you wanna eat something while you're in there. I'm gonna bring 'em to you. Call me if you feel lonely, okay?"
"There you go again treating me like a kid. I'd be fine I swear. You're gonna get busy starting tomorrow right, Sensei? Put your back into it."

　This woman might really be unfit to be an educator.
　She's more like a children gang boss, a student council president or an elder sister you can rely on.
　Besides, it was entirely on me for interpreting her word that way.
　Well even if she meant that... I ultimately acted on it.
　In fact, I might erase that guy for real if she never brought up that idea.

"You see, Sensei. I'm not actually that good of a kid you all think I am. If Sensei never talked to me that night... I might have killed that guy for real."

　I won't just sit back if anyone badmouth my family or those related to family.
　Single parent, no parent, raised by grandparents, and finally alone.
　Children are cruel. They didn't stop to think when they said stuff like, 'his parents must have abandoned him', or 'his father probably committed suicide'.
　But I made them all shut up. Every single of them until it became a non issue.

"No harm no foul on you, Sensei okay? Don't concern yourself over it."
"...Okay. I'll inform Ichinose and Kaname on this matter at least. See you around in three days."

　Man... It's been so long since I went wild. I need some sugar intakes.





　Afterward, I holed myself up in the room for three days straight training with VR.
　I had to install the devices on eight spots including on the ceilings and on the ground, put a curtain on the window to block light and once the room was pitch black, turning the device would form a wireframe where I could start my training.
　　I could then shoot around and cast magic but it's all optical illusion.
　The room turns back into normal once I turn off the VR device. I get a slight vertigo afterward, but that's all.
　Honestly, it didn't feel like a house arrest at all and more like a man cave with a game console thanks to this VR device.

"I'm returning this. I've written a list of things I wish to be improved for the maker in this memory card. Please have a look."
"Yes, thank you. I'll send them over to the research group. You have our gratitude for your cooperation."

　Once I gave a box with the VR device to a woman in white robe, Kaname came over.

"I guess I should say, good job in here? So Yuuki-kun, how does the air outside feel after so long?"
"Hm, I think I'm starting to miss a different menu from the room service ones. I'm so done with pizzas and hamburgers."
"I've been having those all this time too, but I dunno if I'll ever get tired of them. I love that stuff."
"I mean you're a glutton, Kaname."

　I asked Kaname about the training they had so far in the past three days as we made our way to the dining room.
　They have all sorts of menus here probably because people from all over the world come here.
　I used this chance to order real Chinese food before resuming my conversation with Kaname.

"Hee...! Then we're gonna have mixed training with those battlers from today on."
"Yep. Honestly, the training up until yesterday was only useful for non Scwhein Students. Practicing with Arariel and Koune-san would have been far more fruitful for us. The majority of Schwein students ended up giving advice too."
"Well... I can imagine. But, doesn't Shousuke put up a good fight?
"He does yeah. There were a few other students as strong. Can't they use a stricter selection on these students?"
"Agreed. I bet there's plenty of troublemakers besides that man."
"There are yeah. But every school started doing crackdowns on their students after that incident."

　That's good news. I think interviews are a necessary process in some way.
　Not like I'm one to talk though.

"Let's go to the indoor training field once you're done. Today they have pro battlers as instructors. There's a lot of them but I want to have a match with Player Rouhi if I get the chance. I bet there's gonna be a long queue, I wanna get there quick."
"Aye aye. You look real restless, Kaname. That's rare."
"Fufu, sure am. Now finish that chili sauce shrimp quick, will you."
"Hey, hey no pushing..."

　I mean this shrimp is way too good. It's gigantic... and crispy.



　The indoor training field is about the scale of a dome stadium, around half of all boot camp students are here.
　Looks like plenty of students prefer to train outside... Guess they're not interested in battlers?
　I'm curious about top league battlers, so here I am. Even Kaname insisted on me going.
　Speaking of which, Chief Nishida's assistant, Sakata-san or something? I think he was a former battler.

"Whoa, I see both active battlers and former battlers who joined Underworld Survey teams here. I can't believe this boot camp managed to gather so many of them."
"Student aside, are you saying that they've got both the connections and the capital to bring these people here?"
"Un. Who cares about students."
"You better keep that to yourself."

　One man walked up and acted as a representative to explain the program.

"You will now engage in training matches. Students who wish to have a match with us may step up but we reserve the right to change them with the next student at any time. You may think that's too strict so feel free to drop the idea that we'll give every one of you personal guidance. Us instructors will stand by at our own field, you may head to the instructor you want."
"Hee, that's quite spartan. So, which one's your favorite, this player Rouhi?"
"That one, over there. The rightmost man. Let's head there, quick."

　It's an Asian man you could mistake for a Japanese man.
　Hm? Huh? He looks somewhat familiar.
　Half of the students here were already crowding toward player Rouhi.
　No surprise everybody got the same idea. Unfortunately we got in the middle of the line.
　Wait... Ichinose-san is way ahead of us in the queue.

"Haha, that's quite a long line. First, let's exchange a blow. Just so you guys know, I'm unsparing. I don't teach students who don't meet my criteria. Let's start... with you."

　No doubt about it, I've seen this fella somewhere before. Where was it again....
　He said, 'Next' while I was lost in thought. Eh? It's over already?

"Hold it! We've only exchanged one blow with our swords!"
"Yup. That's enough. I'm sorry to say but you're not quite ready yet to receive my lesson."
"But!"
"You may leave now. You're next up, okay?"

　He harshly cut off the student before he could finish speaking. 
　But... he's probably telling the truth.

"Next."
"Oh boy, talk about strict... Is this really gonna work."
"Look, the student this time managed to hold out nicely... He got seven hits in."

　True enough, player Rouhi gave some advice to the third student.
　Hm? Isn't that a Class S student of Scwhein School.

"Next."
"That's so nice... hope I could get him to teach me. Wonder how many hits I could get in."
"I mean it's you Kaname-kun, I bet you'll held out pretty long."
"I sure hope so."

　Student after student kept falling out while we were having a chat.
　Ichinose-san finally got her turn.

"Oh Mikoto-kun, long time no see. How's your onii-san doing?"
"I'm glad to see you again, Rouhi-san. My brother has not returned yet since a year ago. He did mention that he was trying to reach the Underworld's depth."
"I see... Well then, take up your sword, Mikoto-kun. Think I'll go with a katana type this time."

　Player Rouhi has been changing his weapon to match the student's weapon he has a match with.
　Looks like he's really able to wield any and all weapons.
　And then... His match with Ichinose-san began.



"Whoaa... That girl's been at it for five straight minutes."
"She said she's from Ichinose Family. She's too awesome, can't believe she's the same age as us."

　Both me and Kaname stayed locked on in Ichinose-san's match while other students were having a commentary.
　Ichinose-san went all out swinging her katana while player Rouhi kept parrying her attacks and countered back.
　Their push-pull dynamic was too exquisite. It's like they're safely dancing with their katanas.

"...Let's stop here. Mikoto-kun, you've gotten stronger. The last time we clashed blades was four years ago. I believe your swings, aim and footwork are already on the same level as mine."
"Thank you very much."
"Your kinetic vision is worthy of praise as well. You must be blessed with excellent sparing partners. Just one thing... you're still lacking in moment-to-moment ad-lib. That slowed down your reaction to my move. That results in excessive stamina usage. You should... let's see, forget about your dojo teaching for the time being. I feel its theory might have been ingrained too deeply in you."
"...Very well. My gratitude for your lesson."

　...He's strong. Same level? That's a lie. The bangle on his wrist. That's the same bangle I got from Chief Nishida that let you switch around limiter level.
　There's no doubt he's not at full power. Otherwise, there's no explaining him looking all fresh even though Ichinose-san is all sweaty and losing her breath.

"...Such a frustrating feeling. You two witnessed that didn't you? That's player Rouhi. The zenith is too far away a journey... I must strive even harder."
"Hmm, but holding on for five minutes is still pretty amazing."
"Haha, is that right. I shall take a rest on the bench... My hands feel numb."

　...Even Ichinose-san turned weak-kneed.
　World's strongest... Wonder how far could I hold out against him with the same limiter level I have at school grounds.
　Before I realized, most of the students lining up were gone probably getting fainthearted after watching Ichinose-san's match.
　Kaname's turn came up.

"Player Rouhi! I'm a huge fan of yours! I'll be in your care!"
"Oh? Aren't you... the amateur champion last year! I watched your match! I'm glad I get the chance to spar with you."
"It's an honor! Let's do this!"

　The off-tone Kaname took up his halberd and his weapon device in both hands. 
　He's gonna go with that style from the get go huh.

"Dual halberd is it, you don't see that often."
"Yes!"

　Their match began.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

Chapter 35

Book 3




　It's been four days since Summer Break started. Today is the departure day for the boot camp.
　Us students have gathered in the campus while Ixia-san is currently participating a staff briefing as a temporary instructor with Chief Nishida.

"Isn't that Yuuki-kun's guardian? Is she a staff member?"
"Yeah, she'll help out as a temporary infirmary helper with her sorcery."
"Hou, I knew it. She's an expert in sorcery. I should go and say hello later."
"Ah, me too. I'm Yuuki-kun's friend after all... I am, aren't I?"
"Yeah I think you are. I could call you a friend too, right Ichinose-san?"
"Why the question mark? Of course you are. You're a good friend as well as a rival of mine. Same goes for Kaname."

　Thank goodness, it felt vague since she acts a bit reserved toward me.
　This Boot Camp is joined by three students from Class SS, 10 from Class S, five from Class A and B, and four from Class C and D. 22 people in total.
　I dunno if they couldn't find 30 students wanting to participate or if nobody else met the requirements.
　I'm told that there are students who got enrolled in Scwhein School through connections. Not even Chairwoman could sniff them all out due to the countless schemes and intrigues coiling about this school from many sides.
　The five Class S students who kept messing with me aren't here by the way.
　Rick-kun apparently has gone back home. That is to say, they're all new faces to me. Smells like trouble.

"Alright, you're all here. I'll be in charge of supervising the 22 of you. You probably know me already, I'm Jen. I'm authorized to send you back if you cause a scene. Don't get funny ideas with students from this or other schools."

　I've only recently found out that Jen-sensei has more authority over students than the rest of instructors in this school. Many students come from families this school's average instructors cannot oppose, so not all of them are good orderly people with high morals.
　On that note, apparently Jen-sensei not only has the backing of Akimiya but also comes from a fairly distinguished family in Grandia, so she's got a lot of sway even to those people.
　By the way, there are around 20 students who have been expelled by Summer Break. Honestly, serves them right.

"Alright, let's get on the bus. That'll take us to the airport where we'll be boarding a plane to Hawaii. The flight should last about four hours. We'll get on board a ship right after landing and spend four hours more seafaring. Make sure you get plenty of sleep to avoid jet-lag. I don't wanna hear you lot making a ruckus."

　A Tokyo-Hawaii flight is around six hour long in the original Earth. Even airplanes are more advanced in this world it seems.
　All Boot Camp members, instructors and students alike got on the bus to the airport.



"Airplane... I truly find it hard to believe that such a big man-made object is capable of flight."
"Are you fine with airplanes, Ixia-san? I think it's scarier than ships."
"Can you not glide in the air until you reach the land?"

　No uh, that's a weird reasoning.

"It seems my seat is next to yours, Yuuki. The last time I had a trip in the air was when I rode a Monster Wagon drawn by a dragon in my past life. I simply cannot wait."
"Eh... Monster Wagon can fly...?"

　Monster Wagon is a type of carriage drawn by a monster that's still in use today.
　You might think that sounds outdated, but don't you underestimate them. They can run as fast as automobiles while cleaving through any terrains, they're actually better than cars.
　I've even heard talks about how Japanese automobile makers are consulting Monster Wagon makers on the mechanism. But... I've never heard one that flies. Age of Myth is really on a whole another level.

"We've still got time till boarding. Should we buy some drinks, Ixia-san?"
"Fufu, as a matter of fact I have brought with me our own drinks. Yuuki, you mentioned how you found the medicine I concocted delicious didn't you? I have made modifications to exclude its medicinal property. It now merely serves to relieve your fatigue. You can drink it worry free."
"Oh! ...Huh, but I don't think we're allowed to bring bottled water into the plane..."

　Ixia-san fetched a big flask with a huge smile on her face. But I don't think you can bring more than 100ml worth of liquid onto a plane. We can leave it to the crew for safekeeping though.

"It cannot be... How about we drink a bit here?"
"That's a good idea, let's."

　Just I poured the drink into a paper cup in the waiting room, Kaname and Ichinose-san came by.

"Good afternoon, Sasahara-kun's... mother, I suppose?"
"Oh? Good afternoon. Are you two perhaps friends of Yuuki?"
"Hello. Yes we're both Yuuki-kun's friends. Nice to meet you."
"Ah, these two are my classmates, also members of the same lab. Yoshida Kaname and Ichinose Mikoto-san. She's my guardian who lives with me, Ixia-san."

　The two looked a bit nervous so I took it upon myself to introduce both sides.
　Thank goodness, these two are the members in this boot camp.

"My, so you are. Thank you for being friends with our Yuuki. I believe we will have many opportunities to see each other during this boot camp, I am hoping my expertise would be of use."
"Yes, likewise. If I'm not mistaken, you are in charge of the infirmary, isn't it?"
"Yes, that is correct. My treatment is done through administering liquid medicine and inner mana adjustment instead of healing magic, but I also know a few other methods if needed be. Please rest assured."

　Jen-sensei came by as our conversation went on without a hitch.
　I'm kinda worried about this one interaction.

"My apologies for not greeting you sooner. I'm the instructor in charge of Class SS where Yuuki-kun belongs, Jen Faril. Pleased to meet your acquaintance."
"My! You're Yuuki's sensei! Yes, the pleasure is mine. You're a Dragonia, I see... It's quite a relief knowing my kid studies under your watchful eye."
"Oh not at all, it's actually Yuuki-kun who's been such a big help to me. I see... I expect no less from a relative of the royal family. Your skill in theoretical and practical fields are extraordinary."

　Sensei's public-facing persona is kinda interesting. Quit praising me just because you're meeting my guardian. It's so awkward...

"Ah no, I don't think I'm related to... the royalty. Perhaps my father or my mother might have had relatives with connections to them... But I personally do not know such great people."
"I-is that right. I beg your pardon. Yuuki-kun is quite an overachieving student which gave me that impression."
"My... That's a high praise, Sensei."

　Oy, stop that. Ichinose-san and Kaname, you two, wipe that grin off your faces.

"Please drop it, Jen-sensei. You're making me feel ticklish. Ixia-san, this Sensei doesn't usually act this way. She'd sexually harass and treat me like a kid."
"Oy Sasahara! How could you say something so cruel."
"She's right, Yuuki. Don't say that about your Sensei."

　Argh sheesh, I just wanna leave on an airplane.



　My first ever airplane travel wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be.
　No, it's not because I have a trauma over my father's death. It was just... boring.
　We're flying above the clouds so there's pretty much nothing but occasional breaks between clouds and glimpses of the seas below. That is to say, I'll be doing nothing but sitting pretty for four hour straight since we're not allowed to walk around and meet up with friends.

"Yuuki how about reading a book if you are unoccupied? I have brought some with me."
"'From the Dark Depth of Water ~Prequel, Reason for His Birth~'... Please give me a break."
"Oh okay... How about this one..."
"'BB Cooking Recipe Selection ~Good Food, Oven-less~. I'm gonna get hungry reading this... Actually why'd you even bring that with you..."

　I don't really get Ixia-san's preference.
　And yet, even just chatting away with her cheered me up, I got so engrossed talking by the time I realized the airplane had started lowering its altitude.

"This is my first time going abroad... The sea has a completely different color, awesome."
"It appears to be the case. I thought the sea at the Floating City was wonderful as is... This is amazing. You can tell how transparent the water is even from this altitude..."

　The seas around the visible islands have a light marine blue color to them, I wonder if those are shallow waters. Also, it's clear the buildings aren't as jam packed as in Japan here.
　Oh... I wish I could tour the place but we gotta board the ship right after.
　...Looks like the realization hit Ixia-san as well. She suddenly went quiet.



　As a country boy, I actually dreamed of going to Hawaii in a vacation but since we had to immediately get on a ship right after landing, it didn't feel real to me. Though the island we're heading to is supposed to be part of Hawaiian islands too.
　We arrived at an airport with a Japanese-like name before taking a transport to a harbor where we'd board a ship to this island. Apparently it was originally an uninhabited island bought by a joint association of millionaires from both Japan and America to build a private research facility on.
　Now that it's turned into a populated island, it's been deemed as part of Hawaiian islands.

"Ixia-san... Why'd you put a life jacket before we even get on the ship."
"You have to put it on too Yuuki, quickly! What if an unforeseen accident were to occur."
"It's all under control, I tell you... They have plenty of escape boats too. Let's get in line."
"Hii... Yuuki, please hold my hand... Please."

　I feel sorry for her, but on the other hand, this fragile side of her she doesn't usually show feels so adorable to me. Ah... Adorably pitiful...
　We boarded the ship hand in hand and walked straight to the room allotted to me.
　It's unbelievable how big this liner is. It's boarded not only by all the students from Japan, but also students from many other countries all over the world.
　Those cruisers that sail the oceans around the world probably looks like this.

"Let us head to our room... I will be fine as long as I don't have a clear view of the sea..."
"You're staying in my room? I think instructors have their own cabin--"
"With you... I want to stay with you please... If the ship were to sink, we'd be right next to each other... T-there's no iceberg out there, is there...?"

　Ah, right, she watched Titanic movie once... Why'd she watch that when she hates the sea....
　The room they gave me was so high class like a hotel room I almost forgot we were on board a ship. There's no window too.
　Ixia-san finally calmed down as she rustled her life jacket off and took a breather on the bed.

"Phew... This is a ship... I can't believe there's truly a ship that houses many rooms this exceptional out there... I thought for sure they only existed in movies--movie, Titanic... That movie is based on a real life accident, is it not...?"

　She started trembling midway through her sentence. I grabbed her hand to calm her down.

"Everything's gonna be alright. There's been no ship accidents with as many casualty after that one. Technology has improved leaps and bounds, we've also got magical engineering in the mix now. It'll be fine, I swear."
"A-are you sure...? H, huh... Did this ship, just move!?"
"Well of course it did. It's probably set sail already..."
"Ah... It's moving... Yuuki, please stay with me... Don't leave me alone, please."

　Those words brought me indescribable joy inwardly... but I'm sorry, I wanna tour the ship.
　Apparently they've got simple combat fields installed on the deck here, I bet all kinds of students are already having their matches there.
　Besides, I probably won't ever get another chance to ride a ship this luxurious on a sea this beautiful in my whole life.

"Err... I was thinking of having a little tour around the ship..."
"H-how could you! Didn't you promise we'd stay together all the way!?"
"T-then do you wanna go together, Ixia-san? It should feel like a huge ground facility as long as you don't see the sea. It's good as a distraction too."
"...Perhaps so. Please wait a moment, I shall put on this vest that lets you float on the sea first."

　I'm real sorry about this...
　I took life-vested Ixia-san's hand and made my way to the combat fields on the deck.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

"Oh, Sasahara-kun... and Ixia-san. Are you here to watch the spectacles?"
"Yeah, I am. Ixia-san is, well, she's sort of a tag-along."
"I see. You don't look too good Ixia-san, are you feeling alright?"
"Y-yes. I'm fine, just fine..."

　There are pool-sized and tennis court-sized combat fields on the deck as well as sunbathing benches and plenty of students around enjoying their time.
　Heck, can't believe these people had brought swimsuits with them. Dangit, these bourgeois and their trip-loving nature. Ichinose-san is in plain clothes though. 

"Speaking of which, you should go and check that combat field. Kaname is having a match with a student from another school over there. He's a student of 'Grandia Knight Vocational School Asia Branch' as well as the runner up of last year's amateur battler tournament." 
"Ooh... Tell you what, I'm not familiar with other vocational schools. Is that one famous?"
"Yes, it is. The building is located in Chiba prefecture. The lecturers there are dispatched from Grandia to teach Otherside Moves. It was originally my first choice of school..."
"I see. You had a change of mind since Kai got enrolled to Scwhein School."
"Wwha!? T-that's not exactly..."

　Bullseye huh. But I might have ended up picking that school myself if I stayed away from Akimiya.

"I reiterate, that's not the case, okay? The tradition in that school does not fit me... It's an extremely merit-based school that leaves character building and theoretical study as an afterthought. While the school accepts anybody regardless of their standing... It has its own share of issues as well."
"I see... I get why someone as straitlaced as Ichinose-san would not fit in there."
"Fufu, I'll take that as a compliment."

　I went to watch Kaname's match. He's wielding both his summoned weapon and his weapon device in both hands, a dual halberd wielder if you may.
　I've never seen that kind of fighting style. He's swinging his weapons around like an eye of a storm. His opponent didn't even get any chance to get close.
　...Or maybe it's an intimidation tactic since there's a lot of spectators around.
　He's probably well known for that style. It'll serve to prune students trying to challenge him. 

"I see he possess an excellent physical ability... activating only the absolute minimum Physical Boost. His body must be well trained."
"Eh? You can tell?"
"Mwu, Sasahara-kun, have you never seen Kaname-kun change clothes in a dressing room?"
"Come to think of it, guy was never around or more like he was already done changing by the time I noticed... He looks so slim too. Don't tell me he's actually all jacked up under those clothing..."

　The fact that we were out in the middle of ocean seemed to hit Ixia-san in the middle of her commentary, she hurriedly turned her sight toward her feet away from the scenery. It's really tough for her...

"Fumu, looks like a new challenger has come."
"Ooh... Are they acquaintances maybe? They're having a talk over there."

　A new challenger undaunted by the match just now. Guy's got gray hair, he's either a foreign student or someone who underwent Mana Mutation.
　Kaname is talking with this challenger though I can't really tell what is it about from here.

"His opponent is a staff device user I see. A mage type who chooses a staff is quite rare..."
"You're right, I've never seen anyone using a staff instead of a Spell Linker before. Maybe he'll use that as a weapon."

　Once the match started, sure enough the guy wielded the staff like a melee weapon while shooting out flames whenever he found an opening. Guy's got skill.
　But I guess Kaname is still stronger, he's starting to push the guy.
　But then, the challenger's staff got enveloped in a blue light--

"He froze the ground with cold air... That's quite the feat to do in the midst of that maneuver."
"Hee... He turned the table on Kaname-kun in one fell sweep. Excellent move."

　Flame and ice. The challenger was quite adept at using both, he'd sometimes turn the floor slippery or produce water vapor to blind Kaname.
　His fighting style is truly fit to be called a Magic Warrior. I'm getting giddy just from watching.
　But that wasn't all there is to him.
　A bolt of lightning suddenly shot out of the water vapor, zapping its the way toward Kaname.
　Attacking with flames, throwing your opponent into confusion with ice. And then using the water vapor to create a path for the lightning.
　And judging from the way he handled that staff, guy's real good as a vanguard too.

"Is this his defeat...?"
"No... He could not have gained the title champion if he were to lose that easily."

　A shockwave that could be felt even here blew away the water vapor.
　Kaname grabbed the staff that was about to finish him off while thrusting his halberd before the challenger's face.

"...Kaname wrestled victory from the jaw of defeat huh."
"Fufu, exactly as I envisioned. That's our classmate."
"...I wonder about that. I could glimpse the staff-wielding boy dispersing the magic enveloping his staff a moment before the match ended. I believe it would have ended in a draw if this were a real battlefield."
"My goodness... I missed that part. You could see it, Ixia-san?"
"Yes. Although, it's rather that I could sense the flow of mana. I do not believe I'm mistaken."
"I see... I had no idea you were a high level mage. Sasahara-kun, your mother is incredible... Frankly, I find that enviable. I'm hopeless with magic after all."
"Hahaha... She taught me a lot of stuff too. She's my family... I'm real proud of."
"Fufu, oh you're making me blush. But Yuuki, you won't call me mother, will you?"
"W-well, that one's kinda..."

　Uh... That's my last bastion. I hope that someday instead of mother, she'll be...

"Fumu, it appears they do know each other. They're coming this way together."
"That's... Yuuki, look at him. The mage young man, I believe he's--"

　I looked up as Ixia-san pointed out, the guy walking with Kaname had a look of agape on his face, which probably mirrored mine right now--

"Is that you, Yuuki!? You're joining this boot camp too!?"
"Shousuke!? Why are you--wait, what's up with your hair!?"

　He's my high school friend, Kotou Shousuke.

"Ah, you mean this. I went to Grandia in May for a linguistic study course. That spurred this mutation... It looks weird, huh?"
"Nah not really, help that it's got an understated color. Man, it's been so long... I saw your match, you were amazing. Can't believe you can use three elements now."

　Shousuke hasn't changed much. He answered me while looking slightly bashful about his hair.

"Shousuke-kun, I didn't know you knew Yuuki-kun."
"Ah, he's a high school mate. I see... Kaname you got enrolled to Scwhein School..."
"Gotta say, I never saw the fact you two were friends coming either."
"Yup. I think I lived in the same prefecture as you two before I entered high school?"
"Yeah. I was in the same primary and middle schools as Kaname until he took an exam for a high school outside our prefecture."
"Hee... Real small world out here huh... Wait, so your parent's home would be at?"

　Kaname gave me the address which turned out to be an area around an hour of car trip away from my parent's house.
　What an amazing coincidence.

"Ah, long time no see, Ixia-san. Has Yuuki been a good boy?"
"Fufu, oh he is. It has been awhile Kotou-kun. That was truly a superb show of spell control during your match earlier."
"Thank you very much."
"You'd never stop acting like my guardian, would you. I'm a college level student now, just so you know."
"...I saw the news about you on my travel back to Earth. You've caused a lot of trouble for your friends, haven't you? Try to rein in that reckless run tendency of yours. Good grief... I almost yelled out loud on the airplane."

　Ah, so he wasn't on Earth when that incident happened.
　No wonder... He'd have stormed in my call log if he were.

"Now then, I think it's high time for you guys to introduce me to him."
"Oh, excuse me. My name is Kotou Shousuke. I'm a high school friend of Yuuki."
"Ichinose-san, he's that guy. The rival I mentioned I had in high school. Guy's the next strongest after me in sparing matches despite being a mage type."
"Kuku, ah. Right, in the end I never nabbed a win over you after summer... Hm? Did you say Ichinose-san? Could it be the same one as Ichinose Swordsmanship School...?"

　Whoa, even Shousuke knows the name. Ichinose-san is that famous?

"Ah, so you knew. Yes, that refers to the Dojo my family runs. Nice to meet you, I'm Ichinose Mikoto. A classmate of Sasahara-kun as well as an oft sparing partner."
"Ah, please just be casual with me. I'm sure we'll get many chances to speak during the boot camp. That'll make things easy."
"Point, taken. Well met, Kotou-kun. Sasahara-kun heaped on praises about you. The way you fought earlier also piqued my interest. I hope you could afford me a match or two during this boot camp."
"I was hoping to ask you that myself. I won't have another chance to practice with the young lady of Ichinose Family otherwise. This is one thing I'm envious of Yuuki on."

　The two hit it off right away thanks to their similar serious nature. 
　Uumu... Guess she's really famous. That fact never set in to me until I realized all the students and even grown ups around us are looking at our group.
　We were drawing too much attention I suggested we change location. 
　Sure enough, Ixia-san went, 'In that case, let us proceed inside the ship. That will shield us from the outside, will it not?'... That's probably because she doesn't want to look at the sea, no?



"Oh dear, you can really tell this is an Akimiya liner. We're all underage here yet they go and provide a lounge complete with a bar."
"Akimiya again... You sure know your stuff Shousuke."
"Yes, I read through the guide book for this boot camp. But still... It's been really long huh, Yuuki."

　We went to a high class lounge with a calm atmosphere.
　We sat down on a big sofa encircling a table.
　Ixia-san really looks the part in this kind of place for some reason. 

"I get Kaname and Ichinose-san but I'm surprised Yuuki managed to get a spot in that new class. Isn't that Field Training lesson quite rough?"
"Well, I can't disclose the detail but the missions allocated to us weren't something we can't handle."
"Yeah. Sasahara-kun in particular has made many great contributions. Honestly, he's proven to be a great stimulation for his classmates."
"You're telling me... Sure you're not just acting recklessly? Yuuki."
"I've learned a lot too you know. I'm gonna show you on the island."

　As we were chatting away, Ixia-san who left earlier came back with several cups on a tray.
　Looks like she went to get drinks--

"Huh? Isn't this..."
"Yes. It is from the flask given back to me before we boarded the ship."

　It's Ixia-san-made energy drink.

"Fumu, and this is?"
"It's a drink that relieves fatigue concocted by Ixia-san herself."
"Hee, I knew she could treat injury. So she could make this kind of stuff too."
"Ah, so, Ixia-san, you're part of infirmary personnel?"
"Yes. I will take post in an infirmary facility on the island. I am in charge of Yuuki's school but please feel free to come by whenever."
"Thank you. I'll have a cup then."

　We all took a sip. I drank down mine in one gulp while enjoying the usual tasty flavor.

"Ah, this tastes good. It's really good, Yuuki-kun's mother."
"It really is... Also I feel like it eases up my body stiff from all that sitting."
"Ooh... I think the mana I used up in my match with Kaname also recovered a bit."
"See? Ixia-san made some amazingly effective stuff, right. Not to mention it's also super tasty, it's my favorite."
"Fufu, I'm glad to hear it is to your liking."

　Looks like the drink also has the effect of calming the mind. Ixia-san who also had hers started looking better.
　We talked about the past, our new fighting style, what to do during boot camp and so on and before we knew it, we'd be arriving in 30 minutes.
　Thank goodness, that distracted Ixia-san from her excessive concern.

"I have to go and regroup with my schoolmates. I'll be seeing you guys again on the island."
"Yeah, see you later, Shousuke."
"See ya, Shousuke-kun."
"We have a match yet to fulfill, Kotou-kun. I shall see you again."
"Please take care. Be careful you don't fall into the sea."
"Y-yes. Later guys, you too Ixia-san."

　Our group also went and joined other Scwhein School students to get ready for going ashore.

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