Chapter 12

Book 1




"Here you go, sorry for taking so long. Chise left me with something else to make up for it."
"Thank you very much, Akemi-san. I guess my request was kinda unreasonable."
"Fufu, might be. But, sure you can wield this? I can tell how heavy it is from the case alone."
"I picked the sturdiest material among the option... I should manage, I think."

　I finally got news the day before we moved out. 'Your device is arriving tonight, come pick it up tomorrow morning.' Barely made it.
　The exclusive case has a biometric lock, so nobody else can take it out. Knowing the price, this tight security is expected.

"Ooh... Amazing, is this really a weapon device..."
"Uwaah, it's so pretty. It's not a real katana, is it? Why don't you give it a whirl?"
"Y, yes... It's heavier than I thought."

　I picked the highest quality material available so it could withstand my mana and impact. It's apparently an alloy made with two materials sourced from Grandia and Earth.
　It's commonly used as the tip of planes that can pass the gate.
　This alloy is used to craft the blade whereas the mana pathway is made using a specially made 'Air'. The thought of it being similar to a vacuum flask crossed my mind for an instant, but it can't be that, can it.

"Ho! Oh! What a beautiful light show."
"Pure white mana glow... It's curious how there's not even a hint of other color blending in. A flat state with zero influence. Those who live close to nature usually see a slight change from the effect of mountain and river mana."
"I wonder why? At least it fits this silver colored blade well."

　I actually have an inkling. Your mana is influenced by your mind much more than your physique.
　And my mind... is that of an ordinary magic-less earthling. It must be that.
　...If my current circumstance is something that should have been rightfully the other me's... I feel a bit guilty about that. But--Not like I could do anything about it now that it's done.

"This device feels way smooth now that I've channeled my mana. Like it's part of my body."
"I'd think so since it's made from a material with high mana conductivity. But really... I can't believe they'd make something this incredible for their student. Scwheinn School is too good."

　Yeah, Akemi-san is unaware of my circumstance.

"Ah, take this too. An apology for the tardiness, I mean a gift for your graduation from Chise."
"I've been meaning to ask. You must be a good friend with Chief Nishida."
"Sure am. We went to the same high school, the same college and even the same company. She's a creme de la creme elite though."
"Aren't you the chief of this facility yourself, Akemi-san."
"Sure am... Just between you and me... Chise earns, a lot. Her wages alone are ten times mine."
"Hie..."

　She handed me a small case with a bracelet type device inside.
　I got a message on my smart terminal the moment I opened the case.

『This is Ixia-san's device. She probably doesn't need it but it should serve well as a safety device. Her magic is in a whole different dimension than us. Oh yeah, all the tools to do maintenance on your device should be included there as well. That's it from me.』

"That's a new way to send letter. She should have handed them over herself is she's gonna go all the trouble. That girl can never be honest with herself."
"Haha, but I'm really happy about it. Chief Nishida is really kind."
"...Sure, is. She's gone through a lot after all..."

　I can kinda tell from watching her.

"It's my turn to give you your graduation present. Here, a free pass for this company's facility. It actually costs a lot just you know, but I heard you've been helping Chise with her experiments. Think of it as a token of my appreciation."
"Eh!? It sounds expensive. You really shouldn't have to...."
"Are you worried about my 1/10th Chise's financial situation? You don't have to. Mine's easily thrice the average wage, it's no sweat."
"...Please don't bring up that kind of money topic. It's a tough world out there."
"It's time to face reality now that you're joining us as a member of society soon. Okay, you have a Shinkansen to catch right, you should get to it... Isn't that device too heavy? Can you carry it?"
"Piece of cake. Then... I should be back during summer vacation. Take care until then."
"Yes, you too take care. Give my regards to your Guardian."

　After saying goodbye, I turned around and spoke to Ixia-san who had been enthusiastically watching matches on a monitor behind me.
　I bet Akemi-san never saw that coming... Mind you, I didn't leave Ixia-san behind because explaining it would have been a bother. She got too absorbed watching on her own.





"That transport was as fast as ever, wasn't it. I heard that the plane flying to Grandia goes even faster."
"I can't imagine going faster than that... Wonder if the passengers are even intact."
"I believe the insides must have a space fixation barrier deployed similar to the one found in Shinkansen. The formula has been modified to account for people moving. I presume it is combined with a considerable amount of other formulas in the core engine."

　That sounds amazing. Had no idea it got that kind of mechanism in place.
　This time around, we took a public transport headed for the floating city instead of a private car.
　It's something we have to get used to in our life going forward.
　It fell on Ixia-san to use the navigation app. Sort of her final exam.
　I ended up having to correct her when we took the monorail though.

"It's hanging on conjoined bridges... I see that it is a different variant of trains. This is... knowing that the sea is just below us is a terrifying thought."
"Do you have a bad memory relating to seas, Ixia-san?"
"Yes, I do. When I was little, I was involved in a shipwreck accident and washed ashore on a beach."

　That goes way beyond a bad memory! She narrowly escaped death!
　No touching this topic again! End of!



"Uwaa, whoaa... All the latest appliances are here... The kitchen too..."
"Now this is something else. I thought the apparatuses at Yuuki's house were wonderful... but these instruments appear to be the epitome of convenience. There shall be no more burned sunny side ups."
"You bet! And no more disappearing water when you boil them!"

　That conversation sounds kinda low leveled, but what matters most is that we've arrived in our new home. We're inspecting the newly installed electronic appliances right now.
　Stove and oven with temperature and time control, and refrigerator that automatically creates ice without water at a certain quantity.
　An appliance that warms your food by holding the food over it... It's full of futuristic stuff.

"Tools that perform magecrafts as a function... Clever utilization of the strength and weakness of magecrafts in order to better your life... The dreams people in my era were researching have been made into reality in this world... I wonder if the other side has too turned into such a convenient world?"
"It should be, I think? Just like how we've got magic from that world here in these tools, technology from this world must be adopted too over there."
"Fufu, that would be great... Moving forward, hands in hands... It's such a wonderful vision."

　I think so too. Thanks to that... I've got a new family.
　Oh wait, we eased up so much I almost forgot. I was told to turn  up at the school.

"Ixia-san, I have to go to my school. I should get going."
"All right. I am going to take a look around at the neighboring block. I'll be sure to paint a rough sketch of the area in my mind so our shopping tomorrow will go smoothly."
"Thank you. I'll see you again. I'm off, Ixia-san."
"Take care, Yuuki."

　She will see me off like this every day when I go to school.... Isn't that just the best?





"It's really quite big... But with so many apparatuses at the ready... How should I best learn cooking?"

　Our new home with a scent of fresh wood.
　My sensation is gradually honed from breathing in this air of nature.
　...I had forgotten how wonderful a young body is. That sort of thought never crossed my mind even once in my past life.

"I am once again... living with a child, to raise him... Is it truly acceptable for me alone to enjoy this bliss... Yoshine-san."

　I murmured the name of Yuuki's grandmother who had disappeared to be reborn.
　I am sure you too wanted to watch over Yuuki.
　...I won't say I am your replacement. But your will has been passed down to me. So please... I hope you forgive me for accepting this happiness.

"I am done unpacking most of our luggage. Lastly, it's Yuuki's father, grandfather and Yoshine-san pictures... There. I need flowers... I suppose I should buy them. A world where flowers can be bought even in winter... How curious."

　I should drop by a flower shop while I am out at the downtown area behind this hill.



　I hiked down the hill for five minutes before I came across a paved road. It's not quite a highway but wide enough for cars to pass through. I should warn Yuuki about it later.
　The town's atmosphere is akin to that of Yuuki's hometown, albeit ever slightly quieter. This mood will likely shift depending on time of the day, but this place feels so much more comfortable than that area full of sky reaching buildings.
　I walked down the road while taking pics along the way as to not forget the route and eventually reached a big road.
　I saw a few cars passing through and many women heading in the same direction. I opted to follow them.
　At their destination, many cars are parked in front of a big building.
　I believe that must be a supermarket. It's quite a bit bigger than what I had in mind... My heart goes aflutter unbecoming of my age when I think about the variety of items contained inside.

"These are... gardening tools I believe. Would they be selling flowers too I wonder."

　Later on, Yuuki informed that this place was not a supermarket, but an even bigger more complete form of it, called 'Hypermarket'.

"The gardening equipment... look to be well made for these prices... Seeing as we have been granted permission, perhaps I should grow a field on the land around our house."

　My mind is occupied with what's in store for our life. Things I had long forgotten about.
　I almost laughed at myself when I realized how youthful my thought has become as well.

"Let's see... I should limit today's shopping to grocery."

　With a store this big so close by, our life should not be lacking. However... I can't keep relying on others' good will forever, I ought to start thinking about making my own income.
　...What could I possibly do. I cannot assert that I will be of use in this peaceful world.
　And more importantly... I do not wish to leave the house if situations allow. Yuuki said how happy he was to have someone home when he came back. How hearing the word 'welcome home' means the world to him.
　Putting a damp on that kid's smile... would pain me.

"But, my top priority as of now should be increasing my cooking repertoire. It would be nice if there was a library nearby I could visit..."

　A large quantity of seasonings I'm not familiar with and goods with pictures of finished dishes on the boxes. I should learn their usage so I could purchase them for Yuuki...

"Yuuki would ask what is for today's menu. And then my response would bring a smile to his face... Fufu, how dreamy would that be."

　Being able to cook something children like. That may be a necessary skill required for parents. I was... in charge of disciplining the orphanage children, and sometimes an object of fear to them... That was fine, that was the role meant to be for me. Thus I persuaded myself.
　However... I came to harbor a desire. I am not content with the way things are, I wish for more. I really should... learn more about cooking.

　Yuuki said he loves poultry meat, bell pepper and carrot.
　He looked delighted as he relished on my simple roast dish.
　However, I do not think he said that... from the bottom of his heart. Even I have grown tired of my own cooking.
　I have to increase my repertoire one way or another...

『Since shrimp has been going up in price lately, let's try a dish made with sliced chicken meat instead today!』
『Yay, clap clap clap. But I love shrimp more you know?』
『It's not your call, our goal is to make something easy and cheap. So there you go--』

"This is..."

　A video of a masked man and woman is playing on a device that looks similar to my smart terminal installed over the meat counter.
　It's... Could it be a video lecture on cooking?

"...I see now. That item was a set of seasoning used in cooking."

『The recipe for this Kokudo-san's style Chili sauce shrimp base is devised by a head chef of Akimiya Resort Hotel.』
『Hee, take me there next time, BB.』
『Sure sure, one day. First, we'll take care of the meat. As this is a simple dish, you cut by the fiber--』

　I could not take my eyes off the video. The reason for a process, the point of an action. And the simplicity of the cooking itself. This easy to follow video helps construct a new recipe in my head...

"They're done cooking... Ah, I would like to watch it again... How do I go about..."
"Hello, mind moving aside. I want to pick some meat."

　I only realized now that I had been standing in front of the counter, in the way of everybody.
　I hurriedly moved aside and apologized to the woman.

"Oh please excuse me. This video was very interesting, I lost myself watching."
"Ah, it's BB Cooking. Fufu, they've been a great help in our family too."
"BB Cooking... Is it possible to watch this video via different means?"
"Sure is. They have a channel on 'Buutube'."

　I do not understand. What manner of thing is that... Unfortunately, the woman left to pay for the meat... I must ask Yuuki about this later.



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



"Ever so big... They told me to come to the principal office. Guess I'm meeting face to face with that family head. Man, I'm nervous."

　I walked inside the main school schoolhouse while sighing at the sheer scale of it.
　It's break time for the students here yet I can still catch a few of them and their cool-looking uniforms here and there. That looks so nice. Wonder if I'm gonna don that too.
　A moment later. I bumped into a boy in plain clothes looking around restlessly like he was lost.
　Upon a closer inspection... It's the cool refreshing boy that fought last during the exam.
　Fumu, gotta use this chance to build a connection preemptively.

"What seems to be the matter, young man. You're acting suspicious. Are you lost?"

　I acted like a senior for no particular reason.

"Ah, err... Yes, I'm sorry I'm lost... I'm looking for the Second Conference Room..."

　I've memorized all the main facilities here thanks to the navigation app.

"Ah, that's not in the main schoolhouse. First you leave this building and go to the second schoolhouse with the big training dome, you'll find that room on the second floor. They've got a navigation app for the school, you should install it. Look over there, scan the QR code on that guide signboard."
"T-thank you very much! Wow... This school has its own map app."
"Haha, that took me out too when I found out. But what's a freshman like you doing here during spring break?"
"O, oh yes. Actually, I was instructed to come..."
"I see. You probably want to hurry up then."

　Fumu, guessing he's got a situation? Oh yeah, he had to fight that especially strong examiner unlike everybody else and summoned that awesome looking sword back then.

"Oh that's right... Excuse me, I have to go! Thank you again, 'Senpai.'"
"Ah, no--"

　And there he goes. I'm not his senior, we're both freshmen. Oh well.
　I find it amusing so I'm not going out of my way to correct him.
　Besides, I'm also here for a business. Gotta go.



"Pardon me. It's Sasahara Yuuki."
"You may come in."

　The principal office is on the fifth floor of the main school schoolhouse. Man... not even the biggest supermarket in my hometown is this big. The second and third schoolhouses are just as huge too.
　Inside the office awaited the long black haired onee-san wearing a mask that covers the upper half of her face from nose above, Akimiya Group's family head.

"Thank you for coming, Yuuki-kun. How has your life with Ixia-san been treating you?"
"W, well... I'm still not used to it... But we're getting by bit by bit... Though frankly, it's just been all me feeling jittery."
"Fufu, your honesty is very fine. That's only natural for a healthy boy... I trust you won't act out of line. For me, Chief Nishida and of course, Ixia-san herself."

　Can you not shake me up from the get go! Frankly, this situation is way more nerve wracking than that lifestyle! Like won't I get erased if I messed up somewhere? Will I be okay? Feels like they've got enough power to make that happen.

"Now then, I'll cut to the chase. It concerns your combat data, device usage and the choker you are wearing now... Forgive me, but it has been installed with a function that prohibits alteration of restraining level inside this school zone. Your strength is slightly... off the chart. So much so that... in the worst case scenario you took it off in a fit of rage, the entirety of our instructors banding together wouldn't stand a chance. I apologize for informing you only after the fact and sealing your strength without permission."
"Wha... That's... Couldn't you have told me sooner?"

　She opened with a violation of my rights.
　At the very least... Chief Nishida must be aware of it. That's a bit shocking to me.
　...But it's true that if you ask me if I could remain calm and never flare up even once in the next three years of my school life, I'd say...

"We're truly sorry. However... We did not consider installing that function at first. We might have... taken your growth rate lightly. Another concern came to light as well. In regards to your future."
"My, future?"
"Yes. What do you wish to accomplish with that power? Be a battler, a member of underworld survey team or perhaps a retainer of a Grandia royalty or noble house. They're all open to you. You may even choose to work under a research institute on Earth. However--"

　It finally hit me after hearing that. The possibility of living the rest of my life with my power sealed.

"...It appears you have noticed what it means as well. Yes, there are limited areas in which you can wield your strength. And in the event that power became known to public..."
"I understand. I agree to having my power sealed. To be honest, I'm not feeling too confident myself... I mean, what if I messed up during practice matches and such..."
"You have my thanks for understanding. Now then, in truth everything just now was merely a preamble. My main objective has to do with a proposal I have for you and your school life."

　What? I thought that was important enough as is.

"This proposal concerns your future as well. I wish to present you a wonderful future where you could wield your strength to its fullest for the sake of other people."

　Family head-san made a smile so broad I could easily tell even under her mask.
　...It stinks to high heaveeeens!

"Not an inconsiderable amount of students possessing non-standard strength are enrolled in this school. They have little to gain from studying together with average students. However, our school prides itself as the world's best educational institute. As such, we have created a class solely for non standard students. And that's where you comes into play--I'd like for you to attend that class as a Joker."
"Haa... What even is that?"
"...Aren't you a little too unexcited?"
"I mean, I don't really get it."

　The code name sounds cool at least. But if that's gonna have an effect in my life... It does sound cool though. Like for real.

"The students in that newly established class consist of those who have experience standing on battlefields, or those who possess extensive knowledge, magic or commanding ability. Therefore, I believe ordinary lessons intended for ordinary students would do little to promote their growth. Instead, we will have them take on all kinds of missions on a dispatch."
"Ah, that does sound good and fruitful to me too."

　Huh? Isn't that really nice? It sounds like some sort of extracurricular activities.
　I think I can gain a lot learning from ordinary lessons but if the school is gonna present me with the opportunities to go out into the world, I'm not one to refuse.

"Nonetheless, every student in this school is bearing their own burden. They have their family honor and the responsibility to their house. Then there are those who pursue research field. They are treasure, we cannot expose them to danger."
"Well, that makes sense... Actually, aren't you supposed to protect all students regardless anyway."
"Yes, of course. However, do you think an average student needs SP for their protection? The students I am referring to are the kinds with such necessity."
"Uwaa... When you put it that way, aren't I way out place among them?"
"...I can only say sorry to that."

　They all must be young masters and young ladies. What if they bully me though? Can I make a friend? No wait, we're all grown up here, they can't possibly still have that mindset can they.

"Naturally we will deploy guards protecting them out in the field. And... You will be a member of that class. In normal times, you are to study together with them, and in case of emergency... you are to fully exert your power."
"Ooh... That sounds kinda exciting, but don't you get your priority backward there? Wasn't it a bad idea to make me public or something?"
"We have measures for that. You will be provided with a transforming, ahem, a personal equipment. That is to say, you will work part time as a bodyguard while studying here. Of course we will pay your salary, and you may even officially work under me after graduation depending on your performances. I'd like to have you as a true Joker, a deterrent this world needs in the future."

　Deterrent... The scale sure got big. I'm not sure if I could get that strong but I do remember Chief Nishida mentioning 'Jokers' once.
　In other word, she's making an inroad for me to be one.

"...I will be honest, this worlds need absolute power. But I do not want to let such power be under other factions. You may brand me self-righteous... But it is our current reality that many countries and factions are engaged in a contest to seize Grandia as their own. I wish to keep them in check."
"...Is, that right. Well, I can sympathize with you if only a bit."

　I haven't seen or gone there. But the thought of this world's human eroding countries in another world complete with their own culture is not a pleasant one.
　It's the same complex issue related to immigration Earth faces.

"Would you take it up? Of course, we will do everything in our power to prevent an emergency that necessitates your assistance. My only wish is for you to be our final resort."
"Ah, that did move me a bit... I can undo this choker whenever I want outside the school right? Like when we're out for training."
"Yes. We won't send you to large-scale outings on your first year but you may have to go to Grandia starting on your second year. Hence why I personally hope for a positive reply."

　For real. We're gonna go to another world. I'm gonna get the chance to use my power then.

"I'll do it. I can't say no to having salary too... We can't exactly expect your aid forever, I'd feel bad."
"Are you sure!? Your payment will be transferred on every dispatch. Also, it would help us if you could fill a form whenever the needs arise."

　I'll just think of it as part time job. Nothing to it if I can live normally most of the time.
　Yep, nothing to it! No way those emergencies gonna pop up every time!

"Fufu, I'll have to come up with your personal combat suit and mask... and also, a code name! Fufu, oh what to choose... Scwheinn... Buta(pig)-chan... Buubuu..."
"I'm sorry, please remove pig from the list."

　What's this onee-san's deal... She's gotten all cherry all of a sudden.
　She's scary, and cute though. Just how much she loves pigs anyway.
　Looking again, the pictures in this room... Huh? This world's got bulletin boards too?
　There's this really familiar looking pig on a regal painting...

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