Chapter 3

Book 1



　I believe losing helps you grow.
　After my defeat on Rio's hand that day, I started going to a different Training Facility in another more prosperous district at the city center, farther than my usual route.
　I now have two bangles to suppress my Physical Boost level and go there every single day as if my life depends on it. The train fee would have gotten out of hand if I didn't buy a fixed period pass.
　And then... I wrote the blank career choice form with 'Tokyo Training School' and submitted it.

"Yuuki-kun! Mind helping me out with this exercise?"
"Ah, sure thing. Which one?"
"This one, a question about military formation, regarding utilization of the situation and environment..."

　That said, seeking healing I've been spending time to teach girls after my recent studious spurt.
　Ah... This is it, my range for opposite sex gotta be my age or older... That time back then was but a temporary slip up.

"I see, taking account into the position and environment... A formation that suits mountainous regions and cliffs is it..."
"Yup. Number of personnel varies depending on that factor right? So for this case, the magic division should--"

　I'm enjoying my student life at the height of summer.
　It's a period of time where school library and the nearby food courts are jam packed with students with open books in front of them.
　I'm here at school on Sunday because our homeroom teacher asked for my presence. 
　By the way, the schoolgirl I'm talking with right now is from another class. Coming to school just to study on Holiday, what a diligent girl. I dunno her name tho'.
　That was when the school broadcast made an announcement.

『Third Year Class C, Sasahara Yuuki-kun. Third Year Class A, Yoshikage Satomi-san. Please come to the Teacher's Lounge.』

"Ah, sorry, that's me."
"Ah, me too, let's go together."

　Thank you school broadcast. You taught me this girl's name.



"Thank you for coming here. Even taking up your free time."
"No worries. I quit my part time job this year."
"Same here. My parents had some business nearby."
"Hmm, I see. I take it you're aware why I called you two today?"

　Nope!

"Yes. It's about our course, right?"
"That's right. You two aspire to enroll at vocational schools in Tokyo... Have you consulted with your guardians?"
"Yes. My father has agreed despite a slight reservation."
"Ah, I've gone and consulted with the public office. I've discussed a lawyer about my home and land as well."

　I have no relative. Well, I guess there's still a mother technically speaking but... Who cares about her. My only family are my late dad and grandparents.

"Right... Someone's gotta care for the house and land in Sasahara's case. But... If you manage to get into a public school, and under scholarship, you could get various stipends and supports. Make sure you check on that front."
"For real!?"
"Oh... Sasahara-kun, you've had it hard."
"'S fine, 's fine, I'm not actually poor or anything."

　We were relatively well off thanks to dad's inheritance and insurance payout.
　Well, I had to toughen up when my grandparents passed away one after another when I first entered high school.

"Here's the thing. It'd do you good to have some sort of skill or craft if you're planning to enter a vocational school over there. Ordinarily, I would advise against high school students participating in a Summoning Experiment.. However, I believe it's best for you two to take part in one."
"Even though we're still in high schools!? But... That's..."

　What's that. My study on this world hasn't gotten there yet.

"You only have one shot in a lifetime. It's true that you might receive a better special ability or a blessing once your body and mind have matured. But there have been cases of high schoolers summoning Artifacts from the other side, rare they may be. Naturally, they were enrolled to top Tokyo schools, making waves there even as we speak."
"But... I'm not sure if I have the talent..."

　I know about Artifacts.
　It's the term used to refer to historical arms or lost magic and ability. Most of which come from the other world, 'Grandia'.
　I've heard cases of historic objects or spiritual beings from Japan popping up too.
　Knowing that I might get my hands on them is super enticing.

"...Let's see. I went and did the summoning on my twenties and got myself a gauntlet commonly found in the other world. Here."

　A leather gauntlet suddenly manifested on teacher's arm.
　It looks quite well made... But it's hard to say it's anything worth much.

"Your participation is not compulsory. But if you are willing, I will help you apply for a Summoning Experiment held at a Tokyo-based research institution. Make your choice within the next three days."

　Teach handed out forms to us to which I handed back right away after filling mine.

"I'm in."
"Right off!? Well... I figured you would."
"Sasahara-kun... Umm, I'd like to consult with my parents first."

　What's there to hesitate about? I mean what if I got a legendary sword? An incredible magic spell? I'm not gonna let this chance pass by.
　Aim for Excalibur, Laevatein! Meteor, Flare, Ultima!
　Not like anyone in this world get the reference though.

　After leaving teacher lounge, I was about to leave school for the training facility since I got nothing left to do here when Yoshikage-san called out for me.

"Sasahara-kun aren't you... afraid? You know that if you summoned something worthless, you'd have to keep it all your life, right? You'll have a better chance at getting equipment at the very least if you do the summoning once you're an adult."
"Tell you what, I don't actually get what it's all about. I only found out about this system in that room. But my goal right now is to get enrolled with my own power, so it doesn't really matter."
"...You're amazing, Sasahara-kun. Compared to you, I'm..."
"Just for a reference, what's the common results for high schoolers takers?"
"Err... According to a rumor I heard, a last year's graduate received a piece of clothes, for children at that..."

　Uwah, that's way painful. Being child-sized is just salt on wound.

"...By the way, what do you hope to get, Yoshikage-san?"
"It's, um... Ideally, I would love to have a familiar spirit. A small animal would be nice..."
"You can summon something like that too!? Were there cases like that in the past, like written concretely in the book or something?"
"Yup, there were. Active members of Survey Teams, famous Battlers, League players and so on. They've got books with their profiles."
"Oh yeah, that genre completely slipped my mind.. Thank you, Yoshikage-san. I'm gonna stay a little longer here."
"U, un. Later, Sasahara-kun."

　I made my way to the library after thanking her.
　Gotta give Yoshikage-san a token of my appreciation next time. Since she gives off a class rep's vibe... Maybe I should buy her a book or two.

　I went to the library and borrowed a book titled 'Living Breathing Modern Heroes' which got a list of stars, being careful not to disturb other students knee deep in their studies.
　I'm seeing plenty of students with open notes here after all.

"Soul Summoning... There's a type that allows one to wield a Soul's power from their heyday, and another type that materializes them in real world... Eh? Contracts with Familiars with a living body?"

　Apparently chemistry, science in this world has developed more than I imagined at first.
　If a soul has a strong will and ego, it's possible to cultivate their body using their soul as the base and practically reincarnate them into this world.
　Past examples include reincarnating a horned rabbit, a relatively popular monster in isekai 'Grandia'.
　Another example is about someone that run about in battlefields riding a horse-like monster.

"That sounds like a dream come true... What's this? A power to control flame by indwelling a fire dragon's power."

　That makes you a protagonist! Can't people here use that subject to produce manga and games?! Even if that games end up being 2D pixel-based!

"Oh, that you Yuuki. I heard you got called just now. What's up?"
"Oh, Shousuke, studying at school on Sunday or something?"
"Yeah."

　Shousuke whom I've been buddied up with lately showed up.
　So diligent. Way diligent.

"You know I'm gunning for a Tokyo-based vocational school, yeah? That got me thinking of taking part in a Summoning Experiment."
"Wha... You're really gonna go for Tokyo school!?"
"Eh? Oh sure am, you're not?"
"I'm... enrolling at a university next prefecture over. It's not a vocational school but it's famous for its combat division."
"I see. That sounds like a solid plan... But I personally want to see how far I can go."
"...You, do huh. Still Summoning Experiment... Teacher must be serious about it. But there's more than a few vocational schools in Tokyo, right? What's your pick."
"I got no clue. Haven't looked it up yet."

　Gotta be a school I could get in at least... Or so I thought, but apparently there's actually not a lot of vocational schools in Tokyo, and all of them are prestigious schools.
　And... Tokyo is the closest city to Grandia which means a lot of students there not only hail from foreign countries, some are even from Grandia.
　Rumor from the grapevine... Some of them are not human race.
　Just the other day, I happened to catch an elf starring a variety show on TV.
　She was way too beautiful. I almost lost myself gazing at her.

"The most prestigious school... Would be 'Schweineritter Integrated Vocational Academy' under Akimiya umbrella... Though you're only gonna get a chance there if you pulled a big one in the summoning."
"Akimiya again. Is there even a limit to their domination."
"Heard rumors of them dabbling in resorts too. Next choice would be 'Grandia Academia - Japanese Branch', this one's got the main school at Grandia. It's a popular choice because you get the opportunity to learn magic and combat techniques from Grandia, but competition is fierce."
"Hohee... Ya think they got elven students there?"
"Well, why won't they?"

　That makes my heart aflutter though? Wonder how their ears feel?
　Maybe it's like picking up sasa kamaboko with chopsticks? Uh, guess that's rude of me.

"Tokyo huh... You're getting even farther ahead."
"Nothing's decided yet. Might end up becoming a ronin."
"Nah, you could have picked any one school here if you wanted. Even I got flooded with scholarship offers. You must've gotten a lot more, right?"
"Hmm? Now that you mention, got lots of letters delivered to my home. They're asking me to join their teams and whatnot."
"Battle Team? Oh yeah, I got offers to enter professional leagues too. Our local leaguers and individual athletes aren't doing so hot lately."

　Guess it's akin to professional baseball scouts? Tempting... But first, I'd like to check on all the choices presented before me first.
　I've gotten this far in a self-taught manner ever since I wandered to this world. I'd like to walk forward a bit more with my own two legs.
　Afterward, the two of us discussed about our future careers until afternoon.
　...This isn't half bad. I couldn't get along with you in my original world after all.

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

　On my way home. I couldn't get in the mood to train today with all the thoughts swirling on my mind so I decided to visit my dad and grandparents' graves on a whim.
　It's almost Obon time, might as well.

"Grandpa, grandma. Also, pops. I'm probably... not the Yuuki you know. But I'm gonna give it my all. I might have to leave this town."

　I offered flowers I bought on the way here. Not to forget incenses and candles.
　I put my hands together and spoke like making a vow.
　Sunlight reflected on the granite shined on my face.
　I interpreted that as them encouraging me before leaving the graveyard.

"Oh, someone's here for a grave visit. It's too early for Obon... Guess people who can't make it on the date exist too in this world."

　I saw silhouette of people from afar. Mwu, he's got girls with him, outrageous!
　Judging from their hair color, guessing they're from Grandia?
　...Wait what, why're there two girls tagging along, outrageous!

"Kuh... I want a girlfriend too... Lemme take a look at the surname of that envia-outrageous man."

　I glanced at a grave with flower offering and saw the name 'Nishida'.
　Dangit, I dunno you Nishida, but get blown up!

　Back at home, I prayed in front of the altar despite having just come back from their graves.
　This house will be left with no caretaker once I go.
　...Well, no way around it.
　I had a chicken katsu lunch box I bought at the neighboring lunch vendor yet again today.
　Gotta start thinking about cooking for myself... Gonna live alone over there.
　Kuh... Do I really have to say goodbye to these cheap lunch boxes?!

"...Summoning huh. If I end up pulling a living creature, I'll have to think about its living expenses too. Wonder if I could get supports from the government."



　Next day, Monday. It's our last week at school before break.
　A lot of students are talking about how they spend their summer break. Some are taking internships, personal exams, and open campus.
　Naturally being high schoolers they are, the majority are making plans to enjoy their last summer break in high school to the fullest. 

"Yuuki! Let's go on a trip to Hokkaido! You haven't been hanging out with us lately."
"Ah my bad, that sounds real swell and all but I gotta go to Tokyo."
"Oh, what, a vacation in Tokyo!? When did you get so rich."
"Ain't no vacation. It's for my enrollment."
"You're kidding me... Hey hey, there's gotta be elves, demons and beastkin in Tokyo yeah? Take a sneak pic of them for 'ol me will ya."
"Do you know right to one's likeness? That ain't happening. I'm gonna grab you some souvenir, don't forget mine now."
"You gotcha. A wooden bear it is."
"...Make it food please."
"Caramel mutton."
"Anything but that!"

　I thought to myself while fooling around with my classmates.
　We're probably gonna go our separate ways toward our future choices and dreams when we graduate high schools even in my original world.
　There's a chance I won't experience something like this ever again.
　But... If I had stayed in my original world, I'd definitely pick the trip with these guys.
　I'm truly grateful to this world for giving me an entirely novel choice to pick from.
　While I was having that slightly old man-sounding thought, a girl I'm not too familiar with called out to me.

"Sasahara-kun, someone's here for you. It's a girl from Class A."
"Hm? Ah, Yoshikage-san."

　Is she here to talk about the Summoning thing from yesterday? I left my friends and walked up to her.

"What's up?"
"Err, can we go somewhere with less people..."
"Got it. Then... How about the lot behind the gym. That is if that hasn't been turned into a delinquent haunt."
"Fufu, of course it hasn't. The teacher in charge of our school's Student Counseling is a former battler, don't you know?"
"Nope, totally clueless. Oh, scary scary."

　I'm hearing noise behind me, but whatever, let's go to the gym.
　There's not even a speck of cigarette butt here. Actually, there were no delinquents in my original world either. Anybody's like that got the boot right away at this strict school.

"...Rural delinquents are pretty much an urban legend now."
"Ahaha... That's for sure. So what I'm saying... I'm going to participate in the Summoning Experiment too. I'm just like you, Sasahara-kun. I want to believe in myself and take a step forward, even if things don't go the way I want... It doesn't matter."
"Hm, gotcha. What about your parents?"
"『I did that in my thirties and only got myself an ability to cast spark magic better. All the more reason since you can do it for free on school's recommendation.』"
"So you normally... gotta pay for it."
"Sounds like it. The government helps lessen the burden these days but it cost you 500000 yen back then."

　It's like how it's cheap to get a driver license.

"And that's why I'll be in your care during summer break. We'll be heading to Tokyo together."
"Ah, right. Right back at you, Yoshikage-san."
"Just call me Satomi. I'm not used to being called that."
"Okay, then, you can call me... Yuu-kun."
"Un, let's do our best, Yuuki-kun."

　Ah, you're just gonna ignore it huh.


　The first bell rang just as I got back to the classroom. But my buds wouldn't get off my case even though teach could be coming anytime.
'How dare you go all lovey dovey with a girl from another class, you traitor.'

"Nah it ain't like that. It's cause we're taking the same course."
"Dangit... Maybe I gotta change course too? Wait, I can't, shoot."

　I'm saying it's not like that. We're not even taking exams at the same school.
　We had a quiz during afternoon class to review our progress before summer break.
　Unfortunately, not every subject in this world is game-like, science and mathematics classes are still present though English, literature and classical literature classes are barely taught. Instead, we've got classes teaching history, tactics, magic and ability history from Grandia.
　Frankly, they're just as difficult... But it's pretty fun which keeps me motivated.
　After the last period, I went straight home since I got no sweeping duty nor was I in a club.



"The trains look normal... Wonder if they're the same too in Tokyo. The cars here got different designs than my old world's. What if maglev trains are the norm here, can't wait to find out."

　I'm waiting for my train at the platform. Heard the longest wait for a train in Tokyo is three minute long. How many of them are running at once anyway.
　Today I'm not going for the usual Training Facility but the biggest one located in the center of the town.
　There's a lot more people and the equipment are more modern, yet I haven't struggled once even after I got two Restraining Bangles equipped.
　I knew it. That girl, Rio-chan is special. She should be ten year old or even younger too... What's up with that. 
　Maybe she's got some real amazing summon dwelling inside? 

"Phew, landed safe and sound. Oh, that the Shinkansen. Wonder if I'm gonna ride that come summer break."

　The trains look normal. But the Shinkansen ahead is clearly different than the one in my world.
　...It's got wheels. They're glowing blue and floating above the railway track.
　Are you for real man... Wonder how fast it goes. Gotta check it out.

"Ah, those are the women from the graveyard... Is that a demon? Wings on her head... Succubus or something along that line? And the other woman... an elf!?"

　A white haired elf-san and a woman with wings springing from her head are waiting on the platform.
　The man with them... Nishida-san maybe? No wait, they're not necessarily the relatives of that grave. They're about to ride the Shinkansen from their platform.

"That's so nice! Flowers in both hands! Oh, the train's departing? Wonder how it's like."

　The chime signaling its departure got played before an ear piercing sound drowned it out.
　A moment later... The train moving and the shockwave it produced shook my body.
　...Fast, too fast! What was that!? That's some unbelievable initial velocity!

"Uhee... I'm half anticipating to get on board, half too scared to."



　There's lots of regulars in this Training Facility being in the city center and all. Student uniforms stand out among them.
　Meanwhile my usual Training Facility are full of students from my school and some college students since that's the only school nearby.
　But students from various schools visit this facility which makes for a good stimulation.
　Naturally, this facility has its use for exam students as well. Some schools have combat as an enrollment exam after all.

"Now then... I'm gonna go with USH-made Blade Model today."

　I chose a different weapon than my usual pick. Still in the shape of a sword but it's not intended for beginners like Akimiya model... You tend to get made fun of if you use those.
　That's not the reason for my choice today though. It's simply because the Akimiya model here isn't well maintained.

"Hm, this red light... Its katana-like form... Yep, can't go wrong with katana."

　Apparently you can order custom made weapons like the one Rio-chan used.
　I checked out the official Akimiya home page for them and the list price easily exceeded that of an automobile. It's a whole another world I can't step into.

"! There you are Yuuki! I'm gonna close the book on your undefeated record today!"

　A student from another school picked a fight with me just as I grabbed my rental weapon.
　His prep school is the best in this prefecture which is mirrored in this world.
　I think I remember him being stronger than the other regulars here... But I think Shousuke is still stronger.

"Oh, bring it on. I just got here. Won't say no to a warm up."

　End result? My undefeated record remains unbroken.
　Can't believe it held up.

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