Chapter 4
Book 1
All students have gathered in the gymnasium. Cicadas' voices echoed in the air conditioner-less hall through the open windows.
So the gymnasium is another building altogether huh. I was sure that training hall served as one too.
So yeah, it's the closing ceremony for the end of first term and also the day they're making our test results public.
Me? I've been one of the most studious student the past month. It helped that I found the subject interesting so I didn't really hit a snag.
Just that my language and math scores are merely above average, same scores as I got in my original world. My total score itself leans on the high side.
Then it's time for the problematic ranking announcement. Honestly, I think this system is akin to a public execution. Regardless, the demonic ceremony that'd decide our caste was held.
As I scanned over the list of victims--
"Well damn, Shousuke you're at the very top of the whole dang school."
"Well, it's my usual spot. But looking at individual scores, I lost to you in tactical study and practical exams. Fumu... You really are not good with mathematics and Japanese language I see."
"I'm studying real hard on that right now, dangit."
"Fumu? Even though they're not in the enrollment exams?"
"Wha? No way, you're not pulling my legs?"
"No. Perhaps if you're aiming for an university, but vocational schools don't have them, no? I suppose some schools have a minimum requirement to clear... But high schools graduate shouldn't have any issue, don't you know?"
Nyo way! Then what are all those times I spent frantically studying reference books to the point I reduced my training for!?
Why didn't anyone tell me! Okay yeah, it's just common sense here! ...Guess this stuff will keep happening for a while...
"Yuuki, can you spare some time? Come to the Teacher's Lounge."
Our homeroom teacher called me. Is this about my trip to Tokyo?
"Teacher. Did Yuuki make another mess?"
"What do you mean another. Of course not, right teach? I'm not in for a sermon, am I?"
"Hahaha, don't worry. I just want to discuss his trip to Tokyo. But Yuuki, your scores shot up ever since you hanged with Shousuke lately. And here Sensei was sure Shousuke was aiming for Tokyo as well."
"No, I'm not qualified yet. I have confidence in theoretical subjects but everything else isn't quite there yet. But... I would like to take up an employment that will take me to the city, no Grandia one day."
"Hm, really now. I've been in charge of many third year over the course of my teaching career... But, Shousuke, Yuuki. You two especially stand out among them. I hate to sound like I have a bias... But I expect great things from you two."
"Uee, quit piling on the pressure teach. What if I summoned leather trousers in the experiment, I wouldn't have the face to go home."
"Kuku, you just have to tough it up when that happens. Thank you, teacher. If you'd excuse me."
"Yeah. Make doubly sure you don't get caught in trouble over summer break."
I was brought to the student counseling room, and sure enough Satomi-san was already there.
The topic is about our trip to Tokyo after all.
"Thank you for waiting, Yoshikage. I'll explain your schedule for the trip over summer break."
"Yes, teacher."
I thought we'd do the Summoning Experiment on the same day we arrived at Tokyo and go back home after a day or two of free time... Apparently not.
"Summoning Experiments have students recommended by schools all over Japan as well as people who made reservations waiting for their turns, yours hasn't been decided yet. I believe students from outer regions get priority but that could still be two or three days. Considering that, you will stay for a week there."
"No kidding. How about our hotel fares?"
"Worry not, the school will cover that. There's a subsidy from the government as well... It's probably a more extravagant hotel than the one teachers and board of education members usually stay at."
Uhyoo, seriously!? I bet it's gonna be a five star hotel or something!
Can I expect great food? Or a chance meeting with a rich onee-san?
"And now, about your chaperon."
"Ah, are you coming with us, teacher? Or will it be my homeroom teacher?"
Ah, right. It's still considered a school excursion after all, of course there's gonna be a chaperon.
Umu, here I was hoping to deepen my relationship with Satomi-san even if I don't get to meet an Onee-san.
No, uh, I have no ulterior motive. I'd just like to have a friend from the opposite sex.
"No, your teachers are swamped with work during summer break... A personnel from the research institute... That is to say, a staff member of Akimiya Company will be your chaperon."
"Uwaa, there it is again, Akimiya Company!"
"Don't say 'uwaa' you... Akimiya Zaibatsu poured a huge amount of money into the spell formula development, it only makes sense they're involved. Your chaperon this time is an employee of a Training Facility under Akimiya as well. Haven't you been visiting it as of late, Yuuki? That one."
"...So that place is Akimiya's too... Sure they don't have Japan under their thumb?"
"Hahaha, could be. Your detailed schedule is on these guidebooks, take a good look and prepare accordingly. That's all from me, any question?"
Nothing here. I took a glance at the guidebook and didn't see anything wrong.
Satomi-san spoke up.
"Umm, do we get a free time until our turn for the summoning...?"
"Right, feel free to go out as long as you stay with the chaperon. Make sure to consult with them first."
"I understand I don't have any more question."
"Same here."
"I see. Take care in Tokyo both of you. After all, Tokyo is not only bustling with people all over the world, you can also find plenty of Grandia natives over there."
As someone who's never set foot out of this prefecture my whole life, I'm getting kinda excited.
I have always imagined Tokyo as a huge metropolis, but the one in this world... Must be even more bustling.
Will I be alright. Won't I get lost?
And then, the last summer break of my high school life started.
I'm set to head for Tokyo the day after tomorrow, and today, on the first day of summer holiday, I have to go see the Training Facility's staff member who is to be our chaperon.
I'm told to gather at the training facility...
"Oh, there you are Yuuki-kun! We're not open yet, come in through the staff door okay. The other girl is already waiting inside."
"Ah, it's the receptionist Onee-san. Could it be you're our chaperon..."
"Yup, yup, that's me. Just so you know, I'm dispatched straight from Akimiya Company's head office."
"What, you could have told me sooner."
"But I want to surprise you."
Our chaperon is the receptionist Onee-san I usually come to. Huh? Doesn't this mean my Onee-san meeting wish has been fulfilled already.
Satomi-san was already waiting inside the staff room Onee-san brought me to.
"Ah, good morning Sasa... Yuuki-kun."
"It sounded like you were about to say panda's feed. Morning, Satomi-san."
"Ahaha... I'm still not used to it yet."
"My, how innocent. Now, an introduction is in order. Sasahara-kun, you don't know my name, do you?"
Yep. She doesn't have a nameplate on her, I've been calling her Onee-san.
"It's Shimizu Akemi. My age is classified. I'm an employee of Akimiya Company. I also happen to be this facility's chief."
"Eh! That's amazing, a woman and so young too... You're my role model."
"Hmhmm, aren't I? So? Is that enough surprise, Sasahara-kun."
"Yup, out of the left field. I thought you were a part timer."
"...Well, I get why you'd think that."
We introduced ourselves with full names. Akemi-san already knew my full name, address, height, weight, Ether Energy and my preferred weapon though.
Apparently, Satomi-san had never gone to this Training Facility.
"You know what, Satomi-chan? Sasahara-kun is this facility's strongest regular. Our regulars include college students' battle clubs and amateur battlers, yet he's never lost a match. Defeated a lot when he first came here though."
"R-really? Sasahara-kun is really strong at school too... But I didn't know he was that strong."
"Don't flatter me please. Makes it harder when I come crashing down."
Quit it, so embarrassing! This Onee-san talks too much!
"Okay, that should do for our first meeting. About time to open this facility up... So? Are you training? I'll let you have freebies today."
"Ah, then I'll take up your offer."
"Ah, I need to shop around in preparation for tomorrow, so I have to go..."
"Got it. Let's meet up here tomorrow. We'll go by car to the station."
So yeah, I did my share of training today and thought of adding my bangle to three on the way home.
...It's weird how my Physical Boost keeps getting better and better yet I still can't use magic.
Maybe if I took all these bangles off... I could do a Dragon *ll solo?
I could probably hold my own against Rio-chan now.
Hoping for a revenge match one day with that little girl.
The day of departure. I didn't sleep in and got on Akemi-san's car to the station on time.
We're gonna ride that Shinkansen huh... Sure we don't need an anti-G training? I can only hope the insides aren't full of pink-colored splatters.
"Err... Found our seats. Sasahara-kun, you're on the passage side, Satomi-chan on the window side. I'm right next to you over the passage."
"It's filled to the brim. I guess it is summer break..."
"Yep. But this car is exclusive for students and their chaperons you know? Arranged by yours truly, Akimiya Company of course."
"Oh man, that's so scary. By the way... How long does this ride to Tokyo take?"
"Should be around an hour or so, I believe? Let's get to know each other better in the meantime."
No way! I recall it should have taken three hours though!?
By the way, I asked the fare and it cost around a third of what I knew.
...The gap in science advancement seems pretty big.
And then, we really arrived at Tokyo over small talks.
"I've seen it before... But it really drives home how fancy real stations are like when you see it in person..."
"Ahaha... Our local stations are mostly unmanned after all."
"Fufu, that's for sure. But our destination is still a bit off from here. We'll be heading to the floating city by a private bus from here."
Tokyo station. I've seen it on TV before but the one in this world is even larger in scope and even has got monorails running.
And that aforementioned 'Floating City' is the biggest thing that separates this world's Tokyo from mine.
As the gate to Grandia is located out on the open sea, an artificial island has been built around it which houses an international airport. A huge floating city was subsequently built on what was originally Tokyo bay in order to facilitate an easier access to and from that airport.
You'd think that sounded like a pipe's dream, but thanks to the existence of sorcery and magic, the science in this world has been bolstered to the point stuff like that Shinkansen is made real... Somehow. It's probably Akimiya related again.
"Monorails are always fully occupied by general public. So we have private buses ready for participants of the Summoning Experiment. Well then, I have to leave you two for a bit here. All chaperons must travel together in a group, I'll see you again at the hotel."
"Gotcha. Let's get going, Satomi-san."
"Yes. See you at the hotel, Akemi-san."
We headed to the bus stop where students had gathered.
It's not only students from our prefecture. I saw students riding on trains from other prefectures getting off in the station... I bet they all agree to take on the summoning experiment in order to better their odd at the exam.
The acceptance rate... Seems super low. Elites from reputable schools must be taking the exams too... Apparently that also includes students from Grandia. And even students who've had first hand experience fighting monsters.
"I'm getting nervous, Satomi-san."
"U, un. Everyone here might become our rival after all."
"Yup yup. I sure don't want to be the man that summoned something real lame after someone else summoned an incredible one right before me."
"Uh... I'm afraid to even imagine that."
We got on the bus which traveled through city roads.
So many lanes damn! There's even bicycle-only lanes... Bicycles? Is it just me or are they floating? And glowing? What the heck I want one, looks super handy!
I acted like a total country bumpkin but thankfully everyone around me reacted the same way.
Things I've seen, never seen, and things I didn't even know exist. The bus made its way through this metropolis full of the unknown before finally heading for a completely foreign world to me, the floating city.
Uhee... Is this super long bridge safe? It's Japan, the capital of earthquakes you know? Won't it break?
"...I see it. The scale's all weird. It's like I'm seeing another Tokyo up ahead."
"Err, apparently the size is about a fourth of Tokyo. Half of the population are Grandia migrants, most of sorcery magic institutes are located there, so it says."
"Hohou... Think they're selling fun stuff like Grandia weapons there?"
"I think so. I'd like to look at Magic Linkers myself~"
Dangit, you're a magic type! Teach me how to magic please!
We're getting closer to the floating city. I took a glance at this world's Tokyo Bay out of curiosity.
Ah, the sea is blue. Cheers for this world and its clean energy domination.
Our bus passed though a district full of skyscrapers before heading to an area full of hotels.
This place is apparently a popular sightseeing spot, the No. 1 foreign tourist destination, over Hokkaido and Kyoto.
You need to get through a real stringent inspection before you could land here though.
They ran announcements inside the bus calling for schools and the affiliated students to get off the bus one by one.
Looks like each schools is allotted a specific hotel. Guess it's hard to rent an entire hotel.
"Uwah, the hotel just now was so big. Wonder what's ours like?"
"A small private home. Capsule hotel. Business hotel chain. Net cafe. Go on and pick your poison!"
"N, no! That can't be it right, tell me it's not."
Satomi-san always reacts cutely, it's worth teasing her.
Before long, the only people on the bus are students from our prefecture.
The bus's final destination was--
"Aki-mi-ya again!"
"Waa! I can't believe my eyes, it's an Akimiya Company's resort hotel!"
It's a super huge hotel that easily makes all the hotels we saw on the way here pale in comparison.
Oh yeah, Shousuke said something about them dabbling in resorts....
"Oh, you're here at last. Let's go and check in. Oh but, I have to go visit this district's branch office after this, you two will stay at this hotel... Is that okay?"
"Yes, of course! This hotel looks more bustling than our local shopping district!"
"Ahaha... You got that right. Yuuki-kun, I heard you can borrow Akimiya's latest models at this hotel's Training Facility. How about giving it a shot?"
"Ah! That sounds interesting! I'm going."
Oh man, I can probably spend my entire summer break in this hotel.
Maybe they even got a game center... A-at least arcade machines like UFO catch isn't any different than my world's one.
We checked in after Akemi-san. The scale's all weird. The lobby alone is twice as big as our school's gymnasium.
"Fufufu... Time to head for the penthouse on the top floor."
"Pent... what?"
"Yuuki-kun, that's the grade above Suite... I can't believe it, I probably won't stay in another ever again."
"Hmhmm~ I am from the head office after all. It's all about connection, you see."
By the way, other students staying in this hotel got Suite rooms.
The very best huh.
This insane hotel is 80 story tall. It took no time at all for the elevator to get us there.
I'm told it's a repulsion by way of magical this and that... Nope, don't get it. It's fast that's what!
This penthouse thing apparently takes up the whole floor and there's even a garden on the rooftop.
It's pretty much a single family home with a garden.
It finally hit me how amazing all of this...
"Waa...! Look, look you can see the sea from here Yuuki-kun!"
"Well, we're on a floating city after all."
"Oh, oh right. But, it's really amazing... They even have an artificial sandy beach... It's like we're not even in Japan anymore."
"Well in reality, it's almost entirely not Japan. I mean this region may be located in Japan, but with all the international research institutes and embassies here, this place isn't as pretty as it looks, politically speaking."
"I can imagine... We have the advantage since Japan is the nearest country to the gate and the language over there is an almost exact copy of Japanese for some reason... But a lot of countries probably don't take that too kindly."
"That's right. Also... For some reason, Akimiya Zaibatsu and Grandia authorities get along so well, it's almost like they're couples."
"Akimiya again! I bet they have some sort of connection with the other world."
"Who can say... Well, I am an employee of that company for once."
After unloading our luggage, Akemi-san changed to a suit and left for the branch office. She'll be back by evening, we're free to loiter inside the hotel until then.
I'm heading straight to the Training Facility in order to rent the newest weapon models at the VR facility.
"Ah, mind if I tag along? Maybe I'll get a better result if I learn how to move my body better."
"Solid plan. Okay, I'll go and get changed, you should too Satomi-san. We don't have to wear our uniforms anymore."
"U, un."
We had to wear our school uniforms until we arrived at our hotel. So we don't forget that we're still students or whatever they say.
I put on a rougher looking fit than I usually do so people don't sniff me out as a country bumpkin. Rough, not rafu (nude), okay.
"Did I keep you long? How do I look, Yuuki-kun...? Tell me if I got too enthusiastic because we're in a big city..."
Satomi-san showed up wearing a fashionable half-sleeved white dress with her hair unfurled straight instead of her usual braided style.
She looks more grown up than usual, I think she's got a make up.
...Oh no, I skipped a beat. Our class boys would definitely go wild if I showed them her screenshot.
"You look good. No really, I'm getting all jittery over here."
"Y-you sure!? Okay, let's go, I want to try the newest device type too."
"Hmu, Satomi-san, you're a 'device' caller huh."
"Ah, un. I mean, weapons sound... like they're made for fighting, like they're the same things as the more savage weaponry."
"Eeh... 'Weapons' make it sound way cooler though."
"That's probably, you know, the difference between boys and girls, I think?"
I see. But I'm a hardcore 'weapon' caller. Willing to compromise with calling the 'Weapon devices'. That's the official name by the way.
So in the end, they're weapons. Don't get the difference.
"Hohou! It's super huge! Uwoo, so many tough looking folk!"
"Yuuki-kun, you look so happy. Fufu, you might even end up losing, I'll be cheering you on."
"Hehehe, bring it on. Let's go and rent our weapons."
We went to the receptionist and asked for the list.
Normally the weapons we can rent are constrained by our age, Ether Energy (innate mana's strength and aggregate amount), and our grades at school.
Add to that the rental fee which limits my choice to oldest Akimiya model. I usually only pick other models if that one's not well maintained.
However! In this facility the fees... Are included in the hotel fares!
In other word, I can get my mitts on the high-class latest and even Grandia weapons that were usually out of reach for me.
"Uhyou, this is just the best, the best. Then I choose... Akimiya's limited model... Samurai Edge Version V!"
"Ah, the type that looks like a Japanese katana. It does get you pumped up doesn't it. Then I'll... go with the ring and bangle set. The mana inductance on Akimiya model is too strong for me, I'm going with USH-made."
"That sounds so expert-like. Heck I didn't even know about that mana inductance thing on Akimiya models."
"Huh? It's really strong though? They're intended for beginners."
"Hee, I don't really feel it."
Light blades, bullets and arrows emerging from weapons... devices are generated by the user's Ether Energy, that is to say, Mana. Shooting and maintaining them require delicate as well as burst control.
Maybe that induction thing was what enabled me to fight the way I did?
By the way, mage type like Satomi-san directly converts their mana into magic. The gear known as Magic Linkers assist and increase the efficiency of that conversion.
A hole-like thing on user's body is required to control and emit such mana, the bigger it is the better they are at it... Maybe mine is completely shut off...?
But my mana demonstrably comes out of my body. I mean Restraining Bangles take effect when I put them on.
As I brushed the three bangles on my left arm, I couldn't help feeling frustrated over my inability to cast magic if only a tad.
Uumu... Ice Katana! Or, Flaming Blade! It's my dearest wish to make that real...
"Oh, this is the Samurai Edge type... What a beautiful stream pattern..."
"You look like a deviant staring at a katana vacantly like that."
"I won't deny that! I mean just look at this, the metal part has been mirror polished just like real katana. This kind of stuff doesn't even affect its combat performance yet the maker went all the way out of passion! How can you not admire it."
"I guess it does look pretty... The, mana light..."
"And on it goes."
Unlike what usually happened, the blade shone excessively bright white while I was feeling like something got drawn out of my body in a huge flow.
Uwoo, it's wrestling control away from my arm.
"Wait what, what's going on! I can't control it!"
"Could it be defective...?"
"Gotta reduce the output... Got it barely under control I guess?"
I feel like holding a hose that gushes out water uncontrollably.
Isn't this a wee bit dangerous?
"I'm gonna look for my sparing partner."
"Ah, I read you can have a personal match using the VR here, want to give it a shoot?"
"Ooh... So this is the rumored... Viva big city."
No time like now, to the training room I go.
This one here must be for personal use.
The inside is pitch dark. The VR system is on already.
Then lines of light started glowing, creating a wireframe like pattern in the room.
Wow... It's like I'm in a fighting game's training room.
"My opponent is... A humanoid huh."
He was there before I realized. He looks too much like a real human for a dummy.
He looks to be modeled after a man nearing his thirty.
His weapon is... a gun and a short sword. That's a different kind of an exciting combination.
My opponent suddenly pointed the gun's muzzle at me, there was no starting signal.
My legs already moved the moment I saw that. Kicking walls all over the room, I focused on dodging the barrage of bullets.
I can move. I feared for the worst equipping another bangle, but I could fight just fine.
"Haa!"
I slashed with the blade while holding down my weapon's output to prevent overload. My opponent blocked my slash with his gun instead the sword before immediately shooting back point blank range.
Whoa there... That grazed me.
Barrage of bullets rained down upon me once again. I gradually cut our distance short while dodging them and just when I got close enough to to bumrush him... I upped my speed by one gear and rushed in.
I put more mana than before even if it means overloading the device a bit, and flicked away the gun along with his hand as he tried to block again.
But he managed to narrowly parried my katana with the sword in his other hand before jumping away from me.
...So strong... Can't believe AI is this strong... The thought of being able to fight this every day is simply divine.
"...I should think up a way to fight long range opponents."
I readied my sword and watched my opponent. But he wouldn't budge at all.
He was checking his gun when--
"Operator, stop the training. One of my devices is broken."
"Wha!? Eh, human!? Eh!?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"Ah, it's a real life human...?"
"Yes I am. What get you so surprised."
"Err... I'm sorry!"
My bad, I went in the wrong room it seems.
"Kukuku... I see, you're a civilian. I thought for sure this Training Facility sent you here as my opponent... And you thought I was an AI enemy projected by the VR huh."
"I-I'm sorry... I should have checked first."
"No, I'm at fault as well for not locking the room. No point blaming you."
"Ha, haha... Um, about your device..."
"Don't worry about it. That was a tester I don't normally use. But... You're quite a fighter aren't you. You still look young too."
"Ah, I'm third year in high school. I'm staying here for..."
"Aah, are you a student recommended for the Summoning Experiment?"
"Ah, yes I am."
The man treated me to a drink at the break room.
Uh... Thankfully he's not mad. I wouldn't know what to do if he demanded me to reimburse that mighty expensive looking device.
As it turns out, the man is a battler here for a job. He's in this facility to make an adjustment for his friend's devices during his day off.
Sorry, friend-san. I went and broke your device...
"I see... Still around 18 huh."
The man got lost in thought and went silence.
...Hmm. Wonder if something's on his mind.
"Ah, Yuuki-kun, found you! That room you went in isn't for VR match... your acquaintance?"
"Hm? Your girlfriend I take? Miss, I just had a little match with him."
"Ah, no I'm not. We're from the same school here to participate in the experiment."
She denied so fast and clean.
Too natural at that I'm kinda hurt.
"I should take my leave. You have my thanks. That was a good time."
"Yessir. Thank you for keeping me company too."
The man left the Training Facility.
Oh man... Knew it, battlers are strong. That guy definitely hadn't gone serious too.
He even admitted those weren't his main weapons.
"There's always someone better than you out there huh..."
"Isn't that obvious? So, Yuuki-kun. Can I have a match with you."
"Aye aye. I'll put my whole being into running away, you go ahead and shoot magic my way."
"Fufu, got it."
The man laughed gleefully.
Another man showed up next to him out of nowhere and struck a conversation seemingly curious about his countenance.
"Someone's in a good mood. Must be fun breaking someone else's stuff huh."
"Kuku, that was that boy's doing."
"Yeah cause you went wild swinging it around."
"Fumu? Are you telling me your custom made weapon was so cheap a single hit by a boy was all it took to break it, while it was in my hand?"
"...That's..."
"...That boy had three Restraining Bangles equipped. The general public type those may be, he fought me under that limitation and destroyed this. I may have been playing around but I don't know a high schooler capable of such a feat."
The man and the other man smiled together.
They're both in extremely good mood as if they have just found a new toy.
"Hehe... Fine I'll forgive him. Been a while since something that fun."
"Yeah, the feeling's mutual. Truly, interesting. I am curious, what is it that he will summon."
The two men delightfully laughed. However, their laugh didn't extend to the look in their eyes.
"Speaking of which, this means you will have to use ready-made goods again for the time being. Won't it affect your mission?"
"Huh? I'mma just be an escort. Why'd I care about my gear when it's doomed to fail anyway."
The two men stealthily vanished from the hotel all while exchanging loaded word.
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