Chapter 1
Book 1
After getting through that weird first period, I went to ask my usual game buddies about the class.
I still have some doubts in my mind.
Yet their reply not only broke those doubts apart, it produced more mysteries instead.
『When did you get so smart? You been studying in simulator facility on your way home or something?』
What the heck is that.
Still suspecting this was some elaborate prank, I pressed my buddies about that SF-sounding term and one of them pulled out his smartphone.
He showed me a promotional video of that mysterious facility which convinced me that this is not the world I had been living in up until now.
"What even is that... That place is supposed to be a game center..."
The video has an idol group you often see in TV engaging in an impactful fighting scene inside a virtual space like the kind you see in SF, anime and novels.
And here's the catchphrase.
『You're standing on real battlefield here. Assembly, next generation heroes!』
Ok I still get this part if you tell me it's an amusement park's promotional video.
If not for the text at the end saying, 'Endorsed by Japan Education Society'.
Uh yeah, I don't think it's a good idea to use that name for a candid cam prank.
Actually, there's no way these idols would work for free just to pull a prank on me.
"Guess I'll go check it out after school."
As I was making that plan, Shousuke, the guy who butted in the lesson earlier walked here to mess with me.
He usually messes with us with a look of disdain whenever we're chatting loudly over some games. Wonder what he's got bone about this time.
Honestly, I usually just ignore him cause it's gonna eat my time to play net games with how overzealous he is.
But not today. I can tell he's now a different person who's acclimatized himself to this ridiculous world.
"Sasahara. I have to admit that was splendid. But don't you get carried away now."
"Yeah nah, if there's anything I'm carrying, it's trouble."
"...Are you troubled by something?"
By the way, despite his attitude, this guy's not actually a bad guy at all.
People around him hold him quite highly I lose count the times he's been chosen as the class rep.
I bet he couldn't stand looking at me blabbing about nothing but games without a care in the world with my buddies.
Guy's fastidious, or more like busybody.
"Eh nevermind. So uh, where's everybody gone off to?"
Most students in the class is gone before I realized.
We changing classroom? I thought there's no more classes for stuff like phys ed, art, home economics and lab cause we're in the prep phase for college exams.
"What do you mean 'where'. Next period is the combat class. Let's get going."
"...Wha?"
I followed Shousuke to the place where this combat class thing is being held.
I asked him if it was phys ed and he laughed in my face saying phys ed ended after primary school.
Is this like how arithmetic evolves to mathematics.
Following him I went through a passage to where the gym was supposed to be only to find a huge unfamiliar dome facility there.
It's made of a white material that looks oddly metallic. The silhouette kinda reminds me of some secret hideout, scary.
Eh, you want me to get in there? You sure some suspicious men in white robes won't catch me?
But Shousuke nonchalantly went in the solemn-looking double door like it was his home.
Eeh... This is all so weird. No really for real.
"The interior is surprisingly... Normal I guess?"
A lobby-like space is sprawling inside the dome-shaped indoor hall, our classmates have gathered ahead of us.
As for my classmates who don't seem to question this crazy world at all, not only are they forming groups but they're even having a lively debate. What's up guys? Let big bro in on it too.
"I repeat, you are no match for me. Your belief is based on concept, they're not at all tangible or reliable. Faith, only true faith gives us power."
"Right back at you, ours might have started from the same ideology but the fact that it has saved many lives is proof that it's just as good, and not at all inferior--"
Oh boy, what's these two boys' deal. They trying to start a religious war or something?
Two classmates are clashing right now.
They're both sons of churches from their parents, and usually go on like 'I'm not gonna follow my parents' footsteps', 'Me too, I mean I'm an atheist'. They get along so well due to their similar strict environment growing up.
Apparently, I'm the only one who find their interaction weird. Everyone else got this 'These two're at it again' looks on their faces.
"Sure it's okay to let them be, Shousuke."
"It's not my place to meddle here. Their Physical Boost's scores are a cut above the rest after all. That's just how rivals are I think."
"Wha?"
What's this 'Physical Boost' thing about?
The answer to that was made clear immediately.
Our phys ed instructor arrived. Instead of his usual jersey, he shows up wearing something I'd have never expected an instructor would put on.
Rider suit... -like outfit. There's protectors attached all over the futuristic-looking full body suit.
Hold up. Us students are wearing school-issued jerseys here. What's with this stark contrast.
"Alright, I'm giving out your protectors. That's all you're gonna get right now unlike some city high schools who've already adopted combat suits. Keep that in mind if you're planning to go to Tokyo or overseas!"
"Give us those too teach~"
"Yeah, that's not happening. No corporation would want to sponsor a rural school like this."
...? What're you going on about, teach.
I'm at a loss as I grabbed the protectors handed out to me.
It's black, not made of either plastic or metal, also weighs so-so.
Following the rest of the students, I put them on my elbows, knees and shoulders. Also the toe and palm guards.
Oh shoot, I'm getting kinda excited.
"Today we're having a match up for the end of first term! Those who get called, get on the practice area. The rest can watch."
Eeh... Are we gonna have a full contact karate match with these protectors on jersey on?
『Kaay』, I follow my unenthusiastic classmates.
The practice area is painted black with faintly glowing lines in the same pattern as the gymnasium I know.
The first two students walk into that cyber chic-like area.
The first match is between two schoolgirls it seems. Neither of them is familiar with martial arts.
At least my memory recalls them having a friendly chat over handicrafts whenever it's break time.
"Ready.... Go!"
Both of them disappeared in that moment.
"Wha!? Eh, what was that, what!?"
They were initially about ten meter apart in the volleyball court-sized practice area.
Yet they're now exchanging blows in the center of the area, pretty much instantly after the starting signal.
One girl unleashed a sharp upper kick you rarely see even in K1.
And the other blocked that with her palm while simultaneously attacking with the other fist.
"Oy! Are these two fighters or something!? Ain't no way amateurs can move like that!"
"What? That was just a kick riding on the one step move momentum."
"Well I guess that guard was pretty clean? The counter didn't connect tho'."
The other students returned my excitement with languid.
What the? What the hell's up with this world? You two girls were like, 'Let's drop by that handicraft store on the way back~', and 'Okay!' after school just yesterday, weren't you!?
Look at you two now having a high speed close quarter combat battle my eyes can barely keep up with!?
What about knitting wool? Knitting set!? When did you two turn into that kinda combat girls!?
"I give up... I can't keep up at all..."
Hi, yes, it's me who feels like he's got left behind in his classmates' huge shift.
Yep, it's not just those two. From the smallest grade-skipping girl, to my fellow gamers whose reflexes pale in comparison to non athletic girls are looking amazing.
They speed up and move their arms and legs like woosh woosh. I can't find the word anymore.
By the time I realized, only Shousuke and I were left in the audience seats.
To be honest, I'm quite the rascal and not exactly bad with athletic stuff. I don't think I would have lost to this honor student before.
But... It's absolutely out of question! There's no way in hell I can move around like that!
"Alrighty, you two are the last ones like usual. Take a good look, you guys. Kotou and Sasahara are first and the second places in combat class. Oh yeah, makes sure those who aspire to be mechanics inspect their protectors afterward. The dent positions should make for a good reference."
I have no word.
That's it, this must be a parallel world. And the me who lived in this world must be good at phys ed and bad with books just like me. That fact is transferred over to this environment.
What makes me so different than the rest!?
"I'm gonna win again today, Yuuki."
"Hold on, I've got a stomach ache, I'm gonna pass."
"Quit lying. Let's get going."
Heave ho, heave... When did you get so strong again.
So yeah, I got dragged over to the battle field. What now.
My eyes can even barely keep up with all the previous the matches...
"Get ready! ...Go!"
"Eh?"
A moment later, a fist hit my abdomen accompanied by a gust of wind.
Surprisingly enough, it felt more like getting hit by a tackle over a bundle of clothes. It's barely painful despite the impact.
I still got blown away though. I mean, I'm looking at the moving ceiling right now.
My back slid on the floor before finally stopping at the wall.
Nope nope nope! It doesn't hurt but it's way scary! What are you, a bull fighter!? I'm not red... Oh wait, my jersey is!
"...Oy, are you playing around? Or what, you're really sick?"
"Yea... I probably am. I'm super at a loss here."
"...You're not lying... But you're usually... Ah, sorry, it's my bad."
I don't get it at all.
Confusion, and the fear towards the people around me who use that power.
But--it also frustrates me.
What, what the heck is this world. I'm attending a class where people do unreal moves like we're in a game... Ain't no way this is not interesting.
But what about me? I can't do anything....
I raised my hand to signal my abstain and slowly walked away from the training hall.
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