Chapter 14

Book 2




　In college, usually you're free to decide which lectures and schedules to take as long as you fulfill the required credits over a semester, but apparently Scwhein School has its own style being a special vocational school and all.
　First of all, they have a class system. That's not particularly rare in colleges, but this one's different. 
　Classes here are divided by the students ability shown in entrance exams, they're more akin to military units. Besides all that, you're still free to choose which lectures to take and consult with the lecturer assigned to your class.
　However, classes are mandated to take part in field practices and lessons, as well as combat training and lectures that match a class's level.
　Furthermore, you are not confined to a specific course. You're given freedom to create a time table of lectures that fits your future vision even if it's something complex like say, a 'Logistic support mage that's also a technological expert.' All of it makes for a choice paralysis. I don't know what to choose.

　Normally there are five classes, students who barely made it into the school get assigned to Class D and C. They may be the lowest classes in the hierarchy, but they'd have been regarded as elite students in most vocational schools.
　Next up are Class B and A. Each and every student here is a high achiever who's got a bright future ahead of them pretty much guaranteed.
　By the way, I read about all of the above on an internet message board, so the credibility... should be decent enough.
　This school's entrance exam is known for being extremely difficult even getting accepted makes you one of the few privileged. Most of them are heirs to famous business or family too, meaning you need connections as well.
　Of course, there are also commoner students discovered by Akimiya Group, me being one among them, officially at least. Oh good, I'm not the only pleb here.
　Next class is the classic Class S.
　This class students are either those who come from a prestigious family, those who summoned exceedingly rare things, those who have innate superior skills or those who inherit special techniques. Pretty much people who are born with 'everything' served to them on a silver platter.
　Most of the examinees I saw during the entrance exam back then belong to this class.
　How very enviable. They're past elites and more like upper class citizens.

"So yeah that about sums up what I read about Scwhein School in the internet and the pamphlet."
"Fumu... Which class does Yuuki belong to?"
"Err, none of the above. It's a newly created class--"

　The last class. As Akimiya Family Head explained previously, only chosen ones with experience under their belt, rare talents and power; those who are too superior, deemed as an 'anomaly, prodigious, superpowered' can enter Class 'SS' because ordinary instructors have nothing to teach them. It gets called that not because adding another S signifies it's above Class S. It's an acronym for 'Strange Student'. Terrible naming sense, yeah.
　I think they also made it obvious to prevent oppositions.

"--And that's my class. There's only eight students including me. Although, it's possible for a student from another class to transfer in."
"I see. And... Could you tell me why you are not permitted to attend the entrance ceremony... To be honest seeing my kid be left out... is not a great feeling."
"Ahaha... My admission was not exactly normal so some parties still don't think too highly of me. They told me to get my own explanation about the school in a separate room to avoid trouble. Besides, I agreed to that arrangement myself."

　The ceremony will be a melting pot of the students' relatives, which are mostly people from all lines of works, prestigious families and factions.
　Some people might notice an unknown like me mixed among the students and put me in a difficult position. I'm not exaggerating when I say some real chancy people out there have memorized the name of every single student, you know? The kind of people who have their own secret intelligence working for them.

"...I suppose that expels my  reason to attend the ceremony as well... I wish I could see Yuuki in his uniform..."
"Well... I guess students are only required to wear school uniform during the entrance ceremony. We can attend regular classes in plainclothes..."
"Mwu... Will you show it to me now? I shall take a picture with my smart terminal and have it printed. I will have it adorned on my room's door."
"...I don't mind if it's inside."

　I feel like Ixia-san is treating me more and more like a 'preschooler soon to enter primary school'. Yesterday she even went like, 'Aren't you nervous? Would you like to sleep together`', I almost gave into the temptation and said 'Please.'

"Ah, I think you should go anyway Ixia-san. Many students here are from Grandia so you won't stand out in there. Most importantly, would you like to eat out afterward? I've heard about a good sushi restaurant in the urban areas. Figure you'd like to go."
"I see... In that case, I shall partake. Fufu, I suppose it is a special day. Do you know where the restaurant is, Yuuki? Perhaps you could make a reservation for us."
"Yes, of course. Tomorrow it is then."

　Yep. Tomorrow is the entrance ceremony.
　Ixia-san had already done cleaning her tailcoat, she was making her final preparation before our conversation. I should have told her about my nonattendance sooner... But they only told me just now with a call.
　From Akimiya family head herself at that, not Chief Nishida. How did she even know my phone number? Scary.
　She was terribly apologetic and offered a year of free meals at the school cafeteria though, so I let it slide. I'd feel bad making Ixia-san make lunchboxes every day. Cooking by herself still takes up a lot of her time.
　...When I offered my help, she firmly said 'No you can't' despite looking happy...
　She wants to challenge it herself as part of training, she said.
　In fact, she still looks awkward at using the kitchen knife, even worse than me. She's so good with a sword too.
　In the end, I put my uniform once more for Ixia-san.



"Oh... It truly fits you well Yuuki. Fufu, I see... This is such a wonderful thing. It feels as if Yuuki is now all grown up out of nowhere."
"Uh... I was 18 when we met, treating me like a kid is kinda--"
"...Can't I? Yuuki, could you be my kid, just for a little bit... a little bit more?"

　I can't say no when she makes that fleeting smile on her face. She is officially my mother in the family register at least... Um yeah, this is embarrassing. But I gotta get used to this. Yup.

"Let me have a closer look Yuuki. That's it... Put your arms closer to your sides.... Close your armpits... Good, I'll now take your picture--"

　She looks so happy. I feel like a fool feeling embarrassed.
　What's the harm in it. In fact, I should take pride in having such wonderful family.

"Ixia-san, let's have a picture taken together. Those terminals have a timer function."
"I see, I understand... All right. Move to the left, Yuuki."
"Yes. Haha, I guess I'm still shorter by a few centimeters."
"Fufu, I'm sure you will shoot past me by graduation. Come now, close your mouth--"

　Would be nice if it did huh, my height.



　The day of the entrance ceremony. As the student guardians are mostly VIPs in politic and business circles, you can't exactly make them wait around in a gymnasium or an auditorium. Instead there's a lounge-like facility for them to mingle with each other. Not like I care. It's a world apart from me. I'm headed for the main schoolhouse instead of Central Hall, the facility where the entrance ceremony is held. Apparently Class S and Class SS rooms are located in the main schoolhouse.
　In the mostly uninhabited main schoolhouse, the room I got called in was the counseling room of all things.

"Good morning. I'm freshman Sasahara Yuuki."
"Ou, come on in."

　A languid voice responded to me from inside the room. With most of the staff at the ceremony, this person has to stay here to deal with me.

"Oh, what a surprise, you look like a normal student. But, hey are you really 18?"
"Don't you think that's kinda rude for a first greeting? Nice to meet you, I'm Sasahara, I've been around in this world for 18 years and a week. I'm sorry you've got the short end of the stick on this entrance ceremony day. Err... Teacher? Instructor?"
"Fumu. Yuuki, I like you. Was sure you were gonna be some cheeky little brat, but I don't hate smartass kids like you. I'm a lecturer as well as a combatant in charge of Class SS, 'Jen Faril'. Have a seat."

　The voice came from a slightly downer-looking onee-san with crimson colored hair. I'm guessing she's not an earthling. Unless she's got color contacts on.
　The white part of this Jen woman's eyes is like earthlings' but her pupils have these long slits like that of a lizard or a cat. It's also orange colored.
　Also... I see two lumps on her head, horns maybe? I don't think they're hair accessory.

"Mind if I call you Jen-sensei? You're like a homeroom teacher I take it?"
"Yeah sure, works for me. Yuuki, I don't know the detail, but you've got some circumstances yeah? I'll give ya a rundown on lectures and stuff--"
"Oh I read the new student pamphlet so I'm familiar with them already. "
"Oh, that so. You said I got the 'short end of the stick' didn't ya. Naw, definitely pulled the longest end. Don't hafta stand in the boring entrance ceremony or wear that tight stuff. Also, thanks to you doing yer homework, I don't gotta narrate stuff. Kuku, doesn't that just beat all."

　She threw her chest out in her rough-looking clothing like she's emphasizing them.
　Umu, it's a jersey. A jersey that highlights the chest. Adzuki bean colored at that.
　Her semi long hair is rather unkempt and she doesn't seem to have a makeup on... But she's a beauty alright.

"So yeah. I'm in charge of eight students including you, and here's the thing... Most of them come from famous or noble family with needless pride in spades. Make sure ya don't provoke 'em too much on your first impression, got it? I'd like nothing more than to suspend anybody with an attitude but I can't. Well, only one of 'em got issues, don't beat yourself up."
"Eeh... At least tell me who that student is, I'm gonna stay clear."
"It's classified. You're gonna find out anyway. That aside--I'm the only homeroom teacher among the lecturers here. I heard the family head had you enter the class with a purpose in mind... So tell me, what's your deal? An assessment I'm guessing? Are you gonna report on my conduct?"

　Jen-sensei suddenly straightened her posture like she realized something.

"No no, of course not. I can't tell you the reason, but it's not something that will inconvenience you lecturers, please don't worry. More importantly, the entrance ceremony is still going on, right?"
"Haa... Good. Oh, oh yeah right. Honestly, we gotta nothing to do now. You already did your homework and all, that's supposed to be my job y'know?"

　Jen-sensei leaned on a chair and swayed as she spoke.
　Swing, swing. What a sight. But man, this sensei's really lax, or more like unserious.

"Can I ask you something then? It's a bit personal."
"Oh, fine by me, ask away. By the way from top they're 86 61 93."
"Uwaah, what're you doing just letting out that standard routine for!"
"That ain't it? Whaddya wanna know then?"

　You've got some real nice body sensei... Hehe, school life's gonna be fun--just kidding.

"What race are you sensei? I'm sorry if I'm being rude."
"Huh? I'm one of Dragonia that live in Grandia's Seryumieruachi country. Haven't you learned 'bout it?"
"No, frankly speaking, I pretty much don't know a thing about Grandia's races."

　Hoo! The name makes it sound like they're some sort of dragonman.
　I thought Seryumieruachi was an exclusively elf country.

"The royalty are elves yeah but the country's got all kind of races. Well Dragonia did get called the strongest race some eras ago, the tops prolly decided only someone's like me can handle a class of abnormal students like you."
"Hee... So Jen-sensei is super strong?"
"Sure am! I'm the second strongest in this whole school, part timers included."
"Hee... Second strongest in a school this big is something else. So who's the strongest?"
"Who you ask...? 'Course it's Ryouka-san."

　Who that? Guessing it's a woman.

"You got this 'who that' looks on you. Ah, yeah. There, you can watch the entrance ceremony from this monitor."

　Sensei turned on a TV in the room. Just right as the family head in her usual mask was making a greeting. 

"There she is. Akimiya Ryouka-san. Our employer."
"Aki-mi-ya-again."

　So family head-san was strong... Nothing about her group fazes me anymore.

"I also got a question for you. What're you majoring?"
"Ah... I'm still undecided, but for now anything that has combat in it."
"I mean yeah you gotta be when you're in this class. You a vanguard? Rear guard? Lemme guess, you wanna be a healer ain'tcha? All the boys with cute faces do."
"What're you doing casually hitting on me? My face's been getting longer, so does my height in the past year, can you not say that to this blooming young man?"
"What's so bad about it. I love it. Have some confidence."
"Oh no this love isn't meant to be. No I mean... Bzzt too bad, I'm a vanguard swordsman. I'm currently learning swordsmanship while honing Physical Boost."

　Sensei, please don't put that obvious 'You can't be serious' face. That hurts.
　I'm kinda really sensitive at being called cute you know. I'm sure it'll be fine, I've been growing a bit this year.

"Fumu... Regardless of your circumstances, you did get accepted here. Ain't my place to comment. Now then, got any more questions? If anything's plenty to kill, it's time. Can't exactly have a smoke in school, in front of a student at that. Shoot anything, for your information today's checkered purple."
"Your handkerchief right, I get it."

　I feel like things will go smoothly with this sensei around. Also, stop showing off your chest. I went all the trouble of feigning ignorance too. That's some real sexy underwear you got, don't blame me if anything happened!
　As our Q&A session went on about the surprisingly lax school life and her own questions for me, Jen-sensei's terminal suddenly rang.

"What, what? ...Hello, Jen speaking--Ah! My apologies, I forgot."

　Hm, did she have an appointment? She's getting restless as she speaks.
　She put away her terminal, stood up and told me.
'Oh crap, forgot to do the orientation. We gotta go meet up with other students.'
　...Are you kidding me. So the ceremony is already over.


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


　We hurriedly made our to the main schoolhouse's lobby where seven uniformed students were waiting with a displeased look on their faces. No doubt about it, they must be my classmates and targets of protection.
　...I know two students by faces. The lost schoolboy from back then, AKA the cool boy-kun with that cool sword and the first examinee I saw, the protagonist-like future swordswoman. The rests are... I don't really remember, but I don't think they were in that exam site back then.

"Sorry I kept you waiting guys. I believe you were already informed that you all belong to Class SS. It's a newly formed class to accommodate your teaching. You have the honor to be the very first guards, nice to meet you all."

　Jen-sensei you're going with that huh. You can tell some of them still don't look too happy. Cool boy-kun made this 'Ah (realization)' when he saw me. No, I'm not repeating a year.

"I believe you had a matter to attend to but I don't think running late on the outset is a commendable action."

　The swordswoman gave a warning with her gallant face I only noticed now that we were up close.
　Yep yep. You go girl, tell her. Sensei's fun and all but you gotta be proper about this stuff.

"My bad, for real. I got a lot to discuss with a problematic student at the counseling room? Aren't we, Yuuki?
"You're not wrong, but please don't make it sound like the fault lies squarely on me. Actually don't use me as an excuse. You're hanging a shadow on my future school life, you know."
"Hm, I guess you're right. This guy is the last student in this class. Get along well with 'im. Alrighty, let's head to the classroom. You won't get to be there on day to day basis though, it's kinda more a briefing room."

　Make sense. Normally the lectures take places in their specific facility or room.
　But, sensei. I'm getting whispers thanks to your intro of me.

(Kuku... Counseling on the first day. Guess not everybody's here a good boy.)
(Huh... Had no idea you could be a repeater in this school...)
(Someone who does not fit in this school.)

　Ah geez, I'm so done! I guess keeping them at arm's length would make my job easier, but why'd you put the wrong idea in their heads right off the bat, sensei. We're at a sensitive age here you know, we're at our final preparatory phase before entering adulthood, an important period of time for us, me included.
　I didn't wanna get any more unwarranted attention and thus placed myself last in line.

"Come on in. Take whichever seat you like. We'll have a brief introduction. Let's see... Tell us your name, origin and what're you majoring."

　The room looks more like an office than a classroom.
　I see they even got PC-like terminals here, this place is really apt for exchanging information... These terminals look so futuristic and SF-like, wonder if they're for sale somewhere? Me want.
　Since I don't have a bad eyesight, I pick the second last seat from the back where I still can see the main monitor and the closest seat to the exit. Also, dunno if it's because of earlier, nobody else sits near me.
　But--

"I can't believe it... Err, did you have to repeat a year?"

　Refreshing cool boy-kun hath arrived. No you got that wrong, I'm a freshman.

"No I didn't. I was summoned to come to school like you back then. I'm a freshman. That was my second visit so I was already familiar with the lay of the land."
"Ah, I had no idea... Sorry for my assumption. I'm... I guess it can wait till it's my turn. Nice to meet you again."
"Ou, likewise."

　Oh boy, his personality's as cool as his looks!
　Our classmates started introducing themselves while I was getting excited at the prospect of getting a friend.
　Sensei picked the closest student from her first. My turn's gonna come last at this rate.

"Okay then... 'Ichinose Mikoto', you go first."
"Yes."

　The future swordswoman who warned Sensei and sent a reproachful glance to me earlier stood up. You've got it wrong I swear.

"My name is Ichinose Mikoto. I was born in Chiba Prefecture but I had lived in Elecrea Dukedom in Grandia since I was 6 up until I turned 12. I wish to major in sword lectures and serve as a knight at the dukedom once I graduated. I plan to utilize everything I learned in this school to reach my dream."
"Fumu... No plan to succeed your family?"
"So you knew, Sensei. Yes, my older brother will take over our family."

　Fumu, she's like the personification of the way of the knight. No wonder she hates delinquents and friends. The reason she looks at me like that is also--I mean, it's a misunderstanding.

"Hee... So Mikoto wants to be a knight..."
"Hm, you know her?"
"Yeah, I practiced at her family dojo. I didn't have many chances to talk with her though. We went to separate high schools."

　Dangit, this cool guy-kun's even got a beautiful childhood friend.
　Other classmates got their turn one by one. Sure enough, they all hail from some noble or prestigious family, above cloud for commoners like me.
　Surprisingly, two students here come from Grandia.
　I didn't pay close attention but they're an elf girl and a schoolgirl that looks like a normal Japanese girl if not for her aqua colored hair. As expected of the city closest to the gate, you've got lots of otherworld people and stuff here.

"Next. 'Koda Arariel'."
"Aa? The hell ya callin me, I'm Arariel. Ain't got a Koda in it."
"That's what written on the register. Go ahead and introduce yourself."

　Whoa, gotta be another Grandian judging from his name.
　It's a delinquent-looking Onii-san sitting in the back near the window.
　The ashen silver haired man stood up angrily and--

"Y'all just heard my name. I'm pissed off, gonna drop."
"Ah, sure you can leave. This introduction is today's whole schedule anyway. But I'll be awarding you with the worst valuation. Keep acting like you own the place and it'll burn you."
"Aaa!?"

　Jen-sensei, you're too provocative. And Koda-kun is too easily riled up.
　You'll have to pass by me if you wanna leave. Please don't get close to me while you're like that.

"You bastard... I'mma make you too scared to come here the whole year, you hag!"
"Try and make me, you don't have the power to. We lecturers do have the permission to act on self-defense."

　A moment later, a black spear-like object shot out of Koda-kun's hand toward Jen-sensei.
　But... It never reached her.

"You did mention 'I'll find out'... But you're just provoking him."
"Oh, thank you Sasahara. Now undo this magic, you. Or maybe--You wanna have a taste on a lasting injury for life?"

　Sensei went around and grabbed the spear. Immediately followed by a chill so intense it feels as if an icicle has stabbed my heart. Sensei, I'm the closest one to you right now. That pressure is hitting me whole like a brick.

"Calm down, Koda-kun. This sensei's real bad news, I'm telling you."
"! Bastard, say that again--"
"Ah, my bad. Arariel-kun."

　I got him to erase this black lustrous spear before I went back to my seat.
　My reflex sure got better. I could enter Physical Boost much smoother than ever.
　Anyway, instead of leaving, he took a seat next to me. 
　Part of his anger is now directed to me, not just sensei.
　Please drop this subject. Please don't look at me with those eyes.

"What was that magic? Never seen anything like that. It's like it's made of obsidian. I'm so jealous."
"...Fine, I'mma stay till the end. I'm majoring on magecraft as I just showed y'all, but I love hitting people as a pastime. Done. Get to it."
"Yeah, good enough. Next up... 'Yanase Kai'."

　Koda-kun, I mean Arariel-kun is probably staying to learn my name because I got in his way. That glare can kill. Heck, looking closer you're another cool guy, dangit. Also, gimme some of that centimeters.

"Yes. I'm Yanase Kai. I come from Tokyo. I'm also a disciple at Ichinose-san's dojo. I aspire to to work as a pro battler in the future. I'm good with swords."

　Ah, it's your turn huh. I see, Kai-kun huh. I knew you were a swordsman though.
　Fumu... A pro battler huh. I guess it's the most popular dream in this world.
　They're more akin to a pro baseball players in my original world than a fighter.

"Hm, a battler are you. You may sit. Last one--"

　It's here, my turn at last. I'm gonna clear their assumption of me being a 'repeater' and a 'delinquent that needed a counseling' on first day as well as my skill on--
　An unfamiliar-sounding chime played right as I stood up.

"Ah, we gotta leave this room cause they need to initialize the terminals here. That's all for today. Tomorrow is the orientation to familiarize yourself with this school's facilities and lectures. Get here by nine in the morning. You're dismissed!"
"Hold it! I haven't done my introduction yet!"
"The guy's Sasahara Yuuki. Swordsman major. Got a meeting to attend, see ya!"

　Hold it you. Don't just crush my best chance to clear myself!
　Don't just stop there! At least say something to help me out.

"...Can I call you Yuuki? Hope we get along."
"O, ou. Same here. Err, guess it's Kai?"
"Ah, that's fine. Yanase's fine too, just please don't read them together."
"Hm? ...Ah, cause it reads 'Iyanasekai' (hateful world). Gotcha, good to know, Kai."
"Why does my name makes me sound like I hate everything... No seriously why."

　Him and Arariel-kun, so many students with a complex about their name.
　From my point of view though--They all got some real unique names! So cool!

"Yuuki, was it. Where'd ya come from."
"Arariel-kun. A remote countryside in Japan. I'm happy to have someone besides Kai pay attention to me. So hey, mind telling me all about your magic?"
"Bah, don't ya get all chummy with me. I got nothin' to tell ya."
"Figured~. Oh by the way I'm open, for anyone's curious my one and only specialty is Physical Boost. I've got a good look on everybody from this seat, on you especially. Sensei warned me about a certain student I should watch out, you see."
"...Interesting. Next time you're not around, that woman's--"
"O, oy... Let's just drop it. She's our teacher."

　Kai, I'm thankful you're here to mediate but he's probably not serious. Just let him be.

"This ain't got to do with a honor student, shut yer trap. Yuuki, yer' somewhat interesting."
"Not somewhat, I really am. Be seeing you tomorrow. I'm kinda alone here with everybody taking their distance from me."
"I, I don't do that, Yuuki."

　Eey, read the room you! I'm thankful for the pep up though!
　Arariel snorted before huffing away from the classroom.
　As if replacing him--

"Kai, you're being too friendly. Sorry, Yuuki-kun, he's always like this. Please don't teach him anything weird... However, I commend you for defending Sensei."
"Ichinose-san. There's a huge misunderstanding--"
"Y, yeah. Yuuki's incredible. I didn't notice it at all even though I was right next to him. He was right by sensei and then back at his seat in a blink. He might have been called to the counseling room. But I'm sure there's a story behind that. Nobody who aspires to be a swordsman can be evil!"

　Can I please get a chance to defend myself.

"Fumu, we shall see for ourselves through his actions. Kai, father wished to speak with you. We're heading for the lounge, get ready."
"O, okay... See you tomorrow, Yuuki."
"Ah, got it. See ya, Kai."

　I was alone in the classroom by the time I realized. The timing was all off, or a lot of them can't read the room... I failed to clear up the misunderstandings but it's all Jen-sensei's fault to begin with. Yes, there's no doubt. It's not my fault. Sensei--

"Ah, I miss Tal*s series... I just wanna play some games."

　Too bad, science may be advanced in this world but gaming culture is way behind the curve!

"Oh right, Ixia-san's waiting for me. Fufufu, wonder how's the sushi like here."

　Almost forgot, I've got Ixia-san to help me forget all these unpleasant thoughts.
　I called her and briskly walked to the front gate where she awaited.

Previous Chapter