Chapter 2

Book 1



　That class was apparently the last period, time to go home.
　...Oh right, there's the thing about VR facility. Guess I'll go check it out.



"...Weird, I wasn't paying attention when I was going this morning but I could spot plenty of changes with the town now."

　It's the road to school I had been taking for the past two years. I have no shops or convenience stores I'm particular about yet there's just something different about the path somehow.
　The content of posters plastered all over have changed and so do hardware stores selling stuff like kettles and shovels into enigmatic sports supplies stores.
　Also, I feel like the cars on the road have this futuristic design about them now.
　Honestly, the thought of being stranded in this alien environment is terrifying.
　Sadly, I love games. The thought of 'I wanna look around this unfamiliar world!' is even more domineering.
　Frankly, I'd have jostled my way inside these supplies store if not for the class earlier.
　What's this 'New Arrival of Akimiya Company Latest Model - Blade that Cleaves Through Darkness' about. That got me super curious!

"Gah! First, I gotta train! I won't stand getting left behind in this super fun world, nope no way!"

Let's go to the game center! To the oasis, the sole business district of this countryside!



"...What the heck is this... It's like some sort of giant batting center."

　So yeah, here I am at the Training Facility. It's way bigger than the school's one, I can't help myself from flinching.
　I see people shouldering what look like bags for carrying bamboo swords going in. 
　Are those real weapons? Are you telling me we can really swing them around inside a VR space here!?
　Considering the class just now, even students can move around like superhuman. Add a sword to that and... Does that mean people can unleash moves you see in manga and anime!?

"Yeah right. There's no way you can shoot stuff out of a sword--"

　I steeled myself and moved my legs into the building as I wiped away the delusion in my head.



"Something came out!?"

　Sorry, something really does get shot out of swords. Stuff like a red glow in the shape of a sword, or a blade made of light.
　There's a huge monitor in the entrance of the facility displaying a footage of people training. A crowd is watching the video intently.
　The way they're making commentary makes them sound like ardent fans and experienced veterans.
　I stepped in near two slightly dull-looking men and listened in to their conversation--

"That's a second generation model from USH Company. Can't believe someone could move that well swinging around such an old stuff..."
"Man you don't get it, do you. Plenty of people love that peculiar mana color. Heck, I won't hesitate to take a loan if I ever got the chance to buy one."
"Hoo, red is it. But well... I bet he's gonna lose. Not only his opponent's got the better weapon, guy's clearly the better fighter as well. Who's that swordsman anyway."
"That's a new face alright. Seems like he's got Moves from That Side too under his belt..."

　What the, what kind of exciting conversation is that!? Sword model? USH Company? That Side's Moves?
　I'm getting all giddy. What even are 'Moves', can I learn those, can I shoot out stuff out of sword like that!?
　I put my sight back at the monitor. The two swordsmen are currently locking swords.
　One has got a Japanese Katana with a mechanical design. That must be the 'USH Company'-made one.
　While the 'That side Moves' swordsman, his opponent, is using a plain pole handle with a blade made of light. Looking like your standard futuristic sword.
　It's pretty huge. Would be classified as a greatsword in games.

"...Daang, wonder if those weapons are on sale in the sports stores I saw earlier?"

　Not sure if I've got enough cash since I recently stopped taking part times though.
　Then a new development reflected on the monitor.
　The greatsword wielder blew his opponent away while they were still locking swords, flinging him straight to the wall.
　That's the end.

"Wonder if bigger the sword, the more powerful it is? Oh maaan, Can't wait to take a crack on it."

　I went straight to the receptionist counter.
　A receptionist Onee-san wearing a school teacher-like business suit is sitting there.
　...It's a tight fit... This sight alone makes the trip here worth it.

"So umm, it's my first time here, what should I do."
"My, those uniforms... You must be a student of Satomine High School. Then, may I have your student card and get you fill these entries?"
"Ah, okay."

　I brought the paper she handed out to the writing space and checked the content.
　I'm hit with yet another headache-inducing problem.
　...What is 'Hereditary Ether Energy Absorption Gate. Yes/No.'.
I don't know no 'Ether Energy Aptitude', what's a 'Latest Known Ether Energy Maximum Amount'?
　Some kind of phys ed test maybe. Think my school have them, gotta be.
　Oy oy, what have you been doing all your life here, me?

"I'm sorry, I don't know the numbers for these entries..."
"Ah, you can skip them. They're optional. But some places are pretty fussy about them, you'd better check your results at the school okay. You can use them nation-wide as long as you've got them registered."
"Ah, gotcha. Then... Can I rent gear and stuff here?"
"That's a given. For a high schooler... Here it is, pick from this list."

　The list contains three separate categories. 
　Ranged weapons like bows and guns. Melee weapons like swords and spears. And--

"M-magic!? Magic exists!?"

　Art Gear that supports magic casting boosted by Ether Energy (Mana).
　Of course I'm picking this one! How could I pick any other!

"Excuse me, this... Akimiya model, Magic Linker? And also, Akimiya's Edge Model? Can I borrow them."
"Alright, Akimiya set it is. Yep, a popular choice. They're user friendly for beginners."

　She gave me a left arm guard and... a wooden sword-like object but made of metal.
　I equipped them as I grew more and more excited at their SF-like looks.
　The size's just right. I quickly made my way to the training room and saw people warming up in a huge joint gymnasium-like space.
　I see many doors ahead, guess those are where the VR spaces are?

"This sword's... Pretty heavy. And how do I even use this Art Gear."

　I thrust it out with my left hand but nothing's happening.
　Swinging it did nothing either. Nothing I did garnered a reaction. Eeh....
　But, today's objective is to replicate my classmates and their impossible acrobats in the class earlier.

"There must be a knack... Like maybe there's a switch I can flip that allows me move around like them."

　I swung the sword. It's just a swing. I jumped left and right. That's just the old me.
　Something, there must be something. Surely... something that only exists in this world.
　If powers like the stuff you see in anime and game exist here, there must a way to bring them out.

"My body kinda feels warmer... Is something circulating inside me...?"

　I picture in my mind. All the training the protagonists in all kinds of anime did.
　Something is starting to circulate. I spread it throughout my whole body and then I acted.
　My body gradually moves faster as if I'm being guided. My vision blurs, the scenery I see turns into afterimages.
　...Make it more compact. This is far from what I saw in all those media. They could move a great distance instantaneously and create clones.

"Dunno if I could do--oops, bit my tongue."

　I jump. And then what seems to be this training hall's ceiling got right in front of me.
　Wha!? I jumped several meters above!? How do I land again!?
　Betraying my concern, I landed without even feeling the impact or making a sound.
　...Oh, I did it! This is how you move your body!

"That was amazing! Are you a trainee?"
"That was even more impressive than us college students. Do you belong to a team somewhere?"

　The older young men nearby came over.
　Chance. I'm gonna ask a lot!

"Haha, I mean it's that stuff you often see in anime. Dr*g*n B*ll or N*r*t*. I just focused and asked myself inwardly if I could do those, see? Then I just will it as I move."
"...Anime? What medium is that? Can you really get better by watching it?"
"Oy oy, which country's culture is that... Actually, getting better by watching that anime thing sounds, yeah... I mean, of course you'd want to keep it to yourself. My bad, didn't intend to press you on it."

　...Eh? Aren't those pretty famous work?
　Something's wrong... I thought this was a ridiculous world in itself, but it's not all pluses it looks like. Something more fundamental seems to have shifted.
　I saw the young men off before quickly making my way out of the training hall... Moving toward the city center, to the shopping district.



"No way... It's not here... Not there... There's no RPG, actions, anything at the game corner!"

　It's a game shop I was a regular of. Yet, the only games being sold here are all old stuff from more than three generations ago.
　Golden age of pixel art. Yet, there's still no action games to be found anywhere, only sports and quiz games.
　Same with manga, books and light novels.
　Some work do have fighting as a the main subject, but it's nothing truly fantastical, at most it has characters moving like I did in the facility earlier.
　...It's not here. Stories depicting superheroes are nowhere to be found.

"...What the hell's going on. Then what about the games in my house!?"

　I ran out again. I jumped out of the train I took and ran again.
　To my house at the foot of a mountain. I took the key from my wallet and just before I unlocked the door--

"The world... has changed. Maybe, my circumstances too...?"

　A slight hope and apprehension. I opened the front door... And found a familiar sight.
　A picture of my pops holding the baby me in his arm. 
　A picture of some random mountain.
　A vase with artificial flowers.
　I dropped my shoulders at the unchanging sight and removed my shoes... before heading to the main room.

"...Figured. I knew nothing has changed."

　An altar. Decorated with the pictures of my dad and grandparents.
　...Ah, it's the same as ever.

"Wait no... Games, games!"

　It was nothing more than a wishful thinking. Nothing to get so down about, gotta face the present.
　Once again, what I found in my room was an old game console I don't remember ever buying.
　No wait, it looks brand new. What about the games themselves...

"Arithmetic Master! English Expert! Quiz Academia! What the hell are these!"

　Eyy, what's up with this world!
　Why am I here in the first place. Let's assume that it's not that this world has changed but it's an entire parallel world.
　...Shoot, I got nyothing!

"...Am I gonna stay here forever, living the rest of my life here? I mean, that sounds fun and all... But is this anxiety I feel cuz I know nothing... I better study about this world for now."

　From that day on, I must look like I've been transformed into a serious diligent boy from outside perspective.
　On the second day, I listened to lessons seriously and went to library to read history.
　On the third day, I asked what were once my game friends about all kinds of sub cultures.
　On the fourth day, I consulted teachers about common future careers and enterprises.
　On the fifth day, I browsed the internet seeking even broader information.
　I kept this on for about a month.



"Today marks a whole month. I finally got a good grasp... about this world."

　To make it simple, I call the most important event as the 'Turning Point' of this world.
　About half a century ago. A mysterious power spot emerged on the open sea of the Pacific Ocean 2500KM to the east of Japan's coast.
　This power spot showed up like it was some sort of black hole and brought about a huge unrest all over the world, inviting the creation of survey teams.
　But then, several days later, people started coming out of that power spot.
　...Another world or isekai. That day, earth established a connection with a whole new world.
　Cultural exchanges between the two worlds started budding, and mysterious phenomenon started occurring all over the earth.
　It was apparently the effect of isekai energy 'Ether Energy (AKA Mana)' flowing from isekai into this world through the enormous power spot.

"...No wonder cultural development shifted once the extraordinary became the ordinary... Of course video games, RPG, anime and other media are sparse.... Ah... So I can't even enjoy new games releasing anymore."

　Even the top game maker in my world, Shintendo, is a famous combat suit maker nationally here in this world.
　The eternal second, Saga Corp is a company that specializes in Mana conversion power plants, supplying Japan with clean and efficient power. 
　Sona Corps known for many stuff including electronic goods and games is a devoted weapon developer in this world.
　But there's an even larger corporation that dwarfs even those big threes, leading the flock in this world.

"Isn't Akimiya Company... nothing more than a stationary maker in my original world... Think they also offered teaching materials or something."

　They also managed private libraries and nurseries but I'm pretty sure they weren't anywhere that big.
　But in this world, not only are they developer of weapons and new technologies, they also manage the defense between two world, and possess combat units that are active nationally and internationally. A huge military corporation.
　All these weapons and military stuff, even permeating to combat class in schools. What's the deal with this world anyway.
　The answer to that is--

"Sasahara, you're overworking yourself. I commend your positive change as of late... But it's noon break. Go get something to eat. Here, your favorite Pork Curry Bun."
"Ah, my bad Shousuke. You're a huge help."
"Don't mention it. But what's with the sudden shift in attitude."
"Well... It's almost summer break, no? I just got the urge to do better in the exams."
"I, see. All good so long you're not in trouble. Hate to admit but it's getting harder to snatch victory from you lately. You might even grab a seat in Tokyo's universities now."
"Haha, I guess. But I haven't decided on my career choice yet."
"You haven't? Was sure you were gunning for 'Underworld Survey Team'."

　Yep, that 'Underworld Survey Team' is the reason everybody is practicing combat in this world.
　Another world connected to earth, isekai. I'd describe it as a world of 'Sword and Magic', yet it's actually a peaceful one.  This 'Underworld' is another thing separate from isekai or earth.
　Just as there's a gate to isekai, there are other gates to Underworld full of danger. A danger zone that hasn't been fully explored yet.
　Earth is involved in the survey effort or so it goes.

"I'mma leave that to... the pros. Only geniuses are up to snuff for that kinda stuff, don't you think?"
"Well.. yeah. Oh right, what about making a debut as a Pro Battler, Yuuki? You get to be a star and stand out a lot, fit you to a T."
"Haha, you got a point there."

　Fight hand in hand with isekai inhabitants, rise up as the next generation warrior is the common talking point in this world.
　Though well, of course there's many other courses as well, it's nothing as scary as conscription.
　In fact, a lot of people look up to pro sports combat players.

"Phew, Pork Curry Bun never gets old."
"Only available in winter, for your information."
"Yep. Maybe I should get my fill before it gets hotter out there."


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


　After school, I've been dropping by the same Training Facility for the past month.
　Tell you what... I still can't use magic even now. No uh, I did look up about it okay? I looked up a lot of stuff and even read up middle school books in my house. But the result has been nil!
　All that said, I'd like to think my Physical Boost has gotten amazingly better. At least I no longer lose a single match to anyone in this Training Facility now.

"Ah, there you are Yuuki-kun."
"Cheers. Can I borrow the usual set today?"
"Akimiya set right? Isn't it about time you give up on the Art Gear? I mean I don't know anyone who can't use magic at all but I'm familiar with plenty who can't use magic in practice and have no problem getting by, you know?"
"Figured as much... Okay, I'll just have the sword today."
"Here you go, Akimiya Edge Model. We're planning to stock a new model since that one's getting long in the tooth."
"For real!? Let me have a spin once they're available."
"Of course. That aside... you might finally meet your match today. There, have a look at the match on that monitor over there."

　Now that I'm a regular, I'm on familiar terms with the receptionist Onee-san.
　Her smile and nice body versus a boy at the height of puberty, me.
　You could even say talking with her is the reason I come here.
　But, as I shifted my view to the monitor on the lobby--

"No way... It's seven on one... But she's overwhelming them."
"Oh, that you Yuuki-kun. Come, take a gander at that girl. She's against a team of seven college students and amateurs. She's so small too... guess that's what they call a prodigy?"

　On the monitor, a team consisting of seven young men including those I talked to back then can't even land a hit with their magic, guns, swords and spears before half of them were incapacitated... Against a little girl no matter how you look at it.
　Bluish silver hair. Think she's around primary school age.
　She keeps moving in all directions while wielding a greatsword taller than her.
　Regarding her hair. When people from isekai get married to earthlings, their children are often born with unusual hair color under the effect of Mana.
　In reality, some of my classmates have blond and red hair. I mean, I thought for sure they had an image change before summer break at first.
　By the way mine's black. Too bad, so sad.

"Guess that's the match. That makes a complete defeat for everybody here. How about you, Yuuki-kun?"
"...Do you gotta ask?"
"Yep. Alright, go and vindicate our shame."
"Ow yeah! Hang on this mud boat tight and watch my back!"
"You mean a mud boat reinforced with cement."
"Both of those will sink."



　Dang yer strong! I got the heebie-jeebies!
　As I walked up to the girl thinking that, the girl was putting away her weapon with a bored look.

"I knew and all... but this countryside's way too boring. Can't the job just be over and done with..."

　The girl's mutter sounded more lonely than angry.
　I'm guessing she got brought here for her parents' job.

"No argument there about countryside. Ey, little lady over there. How about a match with this big bro!"
"Ah, un. Sure why not... You saw how it ended while I held back. Still wanna go?"
"OKOK! This big bro is undefeated here! Ok, sorry I lied, I just finally beat the last one recently."
"Really? Then let's. Your weapon... is a rental model? It might break if my custom model hit it...."
"Eh, seriously? Even in VR?"
"Yup. I mean they still hit each other. And it's only weapon to break."
"...What do, don't think I got enough to reimburse."
"...Okay. I'll take care of it. I just can't with this boredom."

　Come now, cute little lady, let's get in that room over there with big bro...
　Over here, officer.

"Please start the VR."
『Here here! That Onii-san is the strongest regular at this facility, just so you know~』
"Ah, you weren't lying. Alright, let's do it."
"Big bro's shocked you didn't believe him~"
"Ahaha, sorry~."

　The scenery in the inorganic looking space transformed into that of outer space.
　The girl held her weapon aloft at a similar spot with the training area in my school 
　A great sword with a blade glowing blue. My body started trembling the moment she took it up.

"...Try to not break down so quick now, boy."
"Eh, wait, your character's chang--"

　An aura gushed out of her sword in that moment before she made a rapid dash forward and used the momentum to swing her sword.
　I hold my sword to take the hit... While enhancing my sword by filling it with spirit.
　Both my hands went numb. But I managed to guard against her strike.
　Counter, I swung my sword horizontally but she was no longer there.
　Above in the air, behind me, then above again, the little girl moves rapidly all over the place.

"Waee... Hey hold it!"
"...You're fast."

　I ran, jumped, kicked the ceiling, kicked the wall to chase after her. 
　My sword could barely graze hers.
　I could narrowly fought back by kicking away her blade whenever she unleashed a counter.
　As I struggled to keep up against this clearly superior fighter--

"I've had enough fun. Thank you, boy."
"Wha!?"

　The blue blade swelled up. She was already right before my eyes the moment I noticed that.

"Heaven Judgment 'Alter Style'."

　...Ah, this is the so-called... 'That side's Move'... Huh.





"...I don't know this ceiling."
"What's a rice with generous tempura topping called?"
"That'll be Tendon."
"Yup, you should be fine if you can drop a punchline. Onii-san, you're really strong!"

　I was on the bed of the facility's medical office when I came to.
　By the way, I'm not actually unfamiliar with the ceiling. I'm also a regular here.
　I keep getting sent here whenever I practiced too hard.

"Uh well... I'm actually quite confident in my strength. You're just way strong for a pint-size."
"Hehe, aren't I? But you know, not only Onii-san exchanged blows with me, you even made me use a Move. Most importantly, you got this far with raw Physical Boost alone. That's not normal you know?"
"It's not? I can't use magic so I've been practicing nothing but Physical Boost."
"You just can't get that strong with practice alone... No really, you're super strong, you must be holding back at school, am I right?"

　Spot on.
　Yep. A week after I started training, I realized how abnormal it is. 
　I made sure to hold back in this facility, and school's classes as well.
　I even went out of my way to have a Mana Restraining Bangle equipped courtesy of receptionist Onee-san here.
　By the way, it was worth four months my living expenses. It's fine, I have been saving up.

"You've got that bangle on too. You could go a bit farther if you take that off, no?"
"This bangle stops working forever if it gets taken off. Onii-san can't afford another one, you see."
"Oh okay... Ah, I reimbursed the rental weapon. But you had Ether Energy... actually, Mana I guess? coated over the sword, the damage wasn't much. Onii-san, you're pretty good, for real."
"Aw, now you're making me blush... You're a primary schooler right? Seems like you've got your own circumstances."
"Hehehe... I'm special you know. Oh, I should get going. I'm probably back at Tokyo by tomorrow... Maybe this is goodbye forever."
"Eeeh, Onii-san's lonely~"
"Me~ too~! Just kidding! ...It'll be fine, you are strong. We're bound for another encounter. You shall make your name known in Tokyo. I guarantee it."

　I clowned around to cover my frustration to which this little girl responded with jest... When she suddenly put on the same air she had during battle and spoke with the air of an adult.

"...I gotta go. Onii-san, you should get some rest. Hear me?"
"Yes."
"Good! Bye bye, Onii-san!"
"Hold up. Tell me your name."
"Okay. I'm 'Rio'. What about you, Onii-san?"
"Sasahara Yuuki. Go ahead and call me Yuu-chan."
"Un, got it, Yuu-chan. It's bye bye for real!"

　I saw Rio off as she left the medical office.

"...I'm, I'm..."

　I whispered as if I tried to get the hazy feeling out of my chest.

"I'm not into little girl... Yet I skipped a beat!"

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