Chapter 15

Book 2




"I see... An authentic sushi restaurant is supposed to be modest in size with a tranquil and peculiar atmosphere to it. And also, the plates do not go around."
"S, seems so... I read some rave reviews about this restaurant on the net, but I never expected it was this legit..."

　An elf and a weakling are currently getting their cold feet in front of a real high class sushi restaurant. But with our reservation time ticking ever so close, we steeled ourselves and stepped in.
　There's no BGM playing inside inside the modestly illuminated restaurant. The only accompanying melody is the chefs and their knives at work.

"Welcome to our establishment. Do you have a reservation?"
"Y, yes. I have one under Sasahara."
"You have our utmost gratitude for choosing us. Allow me to bring you to your seats at the counter."

　A waiter wearing a kimono greeted and guided us.
　Whoaa... I've seen this seating position in dramas and co. It's nerve wracking.
　The cool middle-aged male chef quietly asked what slices I want. He didn't discriminate against an obvious student like me. I'll be fine. I did my homework.

"E, err, I'll leave them to you... My budget is 50000 yen."
"F, fifty thousand yen, Yuuki? Today may indeed be a special occasion... But are you sure?"
"I am. I got my down payment and all..."

　Yep. After agreeing to Akimiya family head's proposal, she made me a bank account where she'd transfer my compensation. Then around the entrance ceremony day, I got paid a hefty sum for some reason.
　That is to say, half a year worth of part time work, plopped down just like that.

"Very well then. I shall have my share as well."

　Ixia-san is looking unusually flustered.
　She seems to be aware of it, her ears are red.

"This quiet atmosphere is truly a pleasant one. I can feel the wood comforting my mind."
"I get you. I thought there would be other students and their parents here considering the date though."

　The shop waiter who came to pour water informs me.

"If it is Scwhein Students you're looking for, they would be dining in the private rooms as they have made reservations early this month. Sasahara-sama's reservation came just as one of our guests had requested a cancellation, as such we couldn't be happier."
"Ah, so that's how it is. I'm sure there's a lot of VIPs wanting to dine here. It's a really nice restaurant."
"Fufu, perhaps so. Please enjoy yourselves."

　This is nothing like the waiters I know. Guess that's a high class restaurant for you!
　Ixia-san herself is focusing her all at watching her sushi getting prepared.
　Eventually our first serving was done--

"This is 'Kohada'. We can provide a spoon and a fork if you wish."
"I will be fine. I can peruse chopsticks. Thank you for your consideration."
"Oh... I know what that is, but don't think I've ever had one."
"This is, I believe it's a marinaded fish. Itadakimasu."

　I see, it's kind of like vinegared mackerel maybe? Not sure.
　I took a bite, and there was this refreshing aroma and fishy taste to it. The faint umami blend with them inside my mouth. Yup, it's good. Does the taste change depending on how you prepare it?

"...This is delicious. Yuuki, it's really delicious."
"Yup, it sure is. So this is Kohada..."

　Every single sushi slices the chef prepared afterward went down without a problem, even fish I never ate. And then--

"The next serving will be tuna. Which one do you prefer, pickled or unpickled?"
"Tuna is it? Then... Could I have both perhaps...?"
"Haha... Chef-san. Tuna is her favorite, please get her both. Ah, me too."

　She looks thrilled. Her back is more straightened up than usual. Her ears have turned red.
　I hear tuna in this kind of restaurant is like a completely different thing than the one in sushi-go-rounds, honestly I'm curious too. The price is also... Let's not go there.
　Two plates of tuna finally got served--

"Well then........"
"Guess I'll take the unpickled one..."

　...I don't really get it but it's good! I dunno why it tastes good but it is!
　Thick flavor? Dangit, I hate how little vocabulary I have on super good food. It's just very good! Prolly better than 500 yen a plate tuna!

"...Haa... It's delicious, Chef-san. It cannot be the ingredient alone... I had no inkling one could make tuna this wonderful."
"It is my honor."
"They really are, aren't they Ixia-san."

　We also ordered the pickled and tuna innards afterward. Ixia-san was quietly trembling in joy next to me.
　I ended up getting to nervous from the excitement and had to relieve myself.

"You can find the washroom at the end of this corridor."

　The corridor has private rooms on the sides.
　I see, these rooms must be full of celebrities.
　After doing my business I made my way back to my seat when I overheard a familiar voice from one of the rooms.

『You sure we can afford this expensive looking place, mother. I don't need no celebration for my enrollment.』
『Now now, don't you worry about it. Koda-san said we should eat out somewhere nice for the occasion.』
『...So it's that darned man's scheme. That guy's obviously gunning for you, mother. We're the proud northern demons, why'd we hafta wag our tail at some rural nobody just cause he's loaded.』
『...Koda-san did not have such ulterior motives when he took us in. That man... is trying to make up for your dad. So please don't badmouth him...』
『Then tell me why'd he stop me from using my real name! That guy never asked me when--』

　...I heard something real heavy I shouldn't be hearing, gotta skedaddle now. Arariel... He's got a complicated background it sounds like. Live strong. I'm trying to myself.



"Welcome back, Yuuki. I had a taste of this tuna meat from the collar bone and could not stop my tears from falling. Chef-san, please make some for this kid as well."
"Understood."

　Ixia-san's face is turning even redder! I see, so she turns red when she's excited.
　Cute. I just started to see her as family as of late yet this side of her swayed my heart again.
　Eey, get her more tuna chef! Might as well turn her whole body red!


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


　A day after that dreamlike moment, I got in my classroom on time and waited for the orientation with other students.
　As usual, nobody besides Yanase Kai, I mean Kai took a seat near me.
　The next closest student is the one whose complicated background I overheard by chance, Arariel. Huh? Aren't this all of us? Where's Jen-sensei.
　She's still got time. Let's see if she comes in late today.

"Uwoo! Oh all of you's here already. Yep that's all eight, don't gotta take a roll call. Alright then, you can go around to each labs, they're kind of like clubs spearheaded by the lecturers here to teach high level techs. After checking them out, those who are interested can ask for more detail. Take my advice tho', you should limit it to the fields you fancy. Don't gotta check them all. Not like like you got enough time."

　Jen-sensei operated a PC-like terminal on her desk and displayed locations of the labs having open classes as well as their lectures on the monitor.

"Did you know, Yuuki? Unlike colleges, there's no required quota for credits in this school. You can take only the lectures you're interested in and get the minimum credits."
"Hou. But all of them look interesting to me. What do I do, there's not enough time to see 'em all."
"Wanna tag along with me to the lectures I'm heading for? This, and this one here."

　Kai was as friendly as ever as he pointed at two labs.
『Swordsmanship Lab - Reproduction and Practical Use of Lost Arts.』
『Mana Application Study Lab - Improving Fundamental Physical Ability and Exercises That Breaks the Limit.』
　These are the lab names and the lectures they're holding.
　They are two fields I must prioritize in that's for sure.

"Oh those are nice, I'm coming with you. By the way, aren't you interested in 'Practical Combat Theory Lab'?"
"I wanna be a battler, so I don't really need to study ways to kill for real. Yuuki are you... interested in stuff like underworld surveys?"
"Hm, I don't have anything concrete yet. I just think it's neat."

　In reality, one day I probably will have to... reap someone's life. I need to learn about it.
　A bodyguard may have to kill to protect their target of protection. It's only expected.
　I want to start learning early... so I won't hesitate when the time comes.

"I see. Let's go together until then. The practical combat's schedule isn't until noon anyway."
"Yeah. Off to the Swordsmanship Lab we go."



　The lab in question was naturally packed with freshmen. Think second and third year are listening to the lecturer ahead of us freshmen in this spacious auditorium.
　In short, this lab is trying to find ways to reproduce 'Otherside Moves', moves that are handed down in Grandia where only select few people can learn them. You're also given the opportunity to spar with those who have actually learned those moves and may even be taught of those moves if you pass the test.

"I see many freshmen here yet again this year, so let me preface. Only those who have passed the test and possess talents can join this lab. You will have to take the same test second and third years take... but I'll have let you know that only very few of you will pass. Take note on it."
"Makes sense... 'Course everybody will jump on the rare chance to learn Lost Arts."
"I take it Lost Arts are like the swordsmanship version of Grandia magic? Is it that difficult to learn."
"Yeah. Normally your body can't keep up even if you know the move. But once your body has adapted to it somehow, you'll have an access to superhuman movements. Tell you what... I actually can use one."

　For real, I'm so jealous. What kinda Move? Does his sword shoot something out? Or maybe it clones itself... I'll have him show me later.

"The test is next week... I bet it's gonna be a practical test. Don't look like they have a combat lesson today, let's head over to the next one, Yuuki."
"Hm, you had enough? Okay, let's. Err, the 'Mana Application Lab' should be at."
"Now that I think about it, normal lessons should be good enough for that. There's a limit to Physical Boost anyway, also I think there's not much you can learn from specializing in it."

　Does people not see much worth in physical strength I wonder.
　Uh but I literally got this strong with physical strength alone.
　Kai is having a second thought about going to this lab... but might as well go. You picked it first too.



　We arrived in one of the few facility for practical combat instead of an auditorium. It's the type that doesn't buffer damage so you can get hurt for real.
　They do have you equip protectors and the provided weapons have safety formulas of some sort though.　

"Hou, you're here Sasahara. Welp, I'll go ahead and start then. You might find it surprising to see me in charge of Mana Application Study Lab. Bad news for those who major on magecraft and magic though; I'm a true blue melee fighter. However, my research topic, Physical Boost potential, is absolutely something that will come in handy for you, rear guard peeps."

　Jen-sensei was speaking in front of many students in the training facility.
　She's wearing a teacher-like suit instead of her usual jersey for once. You can tell she's gone through some harsh training as a teacher.
　Her figure's way too good. Her muscles are so perfect you'd think they were carefully crafted.

"Kai, know what? Jen-sensei is apparently the second strongest person in this school."
"Hee, then maybe this lab could turn out interesting. What do you research Physical Boost for anyway though?"
"Quit chattering you there. I'm not gonna play favorite just cause you're my class students. Well, I get you though, Physical Boost is the most basic of basics 'fter all. Seeing is believing, peel your eyes."

　Jen-sensei walked to the center of the field.
　She rushed ahead and jumped to the ceiling. Then she pushed the ceiling with her palm, furiously sending herself back down the ground.
　I can probably do that much. But what comes next surprises me.
　She ran ahead while maintaining the momentum of her landing before reaching the wall and kicked on it bouncing like a ball into the air with no time lag and stayed there.
　I can do that too. But I'm not sure if I can do that at that speed so effortlessly. What's more surprising is--

"Well, I'm sure this much shook you lot already, but here comes the real thing. Oi, Sasahara use this."
"Whoa."

　Jen-sensei threw a rifle-like device from up above.

"It's a Stun Device for training. Generally, there's no way to dodge when you're midair. Shoot me with that."
"I've never used this thing you know."
"Fine fine, just shoot."

　Seeing her hopping about about in the air as she waited for me is kinda surreal. I guess I'll do as she say.

"Hiyaah! Always wanted to say that out loud."

　Light bullets shot out as I pulled the trigger, coming hot at Jen-sensei midair.
　I was sure she was gonna kick them back, but instead she--

"Whoops! You're not seeing thing here. I won't speed up, there--"

　She changed trajectory midair unnaturally. She then replicated what she just did over and over before landing far away as if she was gliding.

"Don't just twist your body in midair. You can change courses and move unpredictably. Once you're good enough, moving between skyscrappers is no sweat."
"Uwoo... I just witnessed double jumps in real life..."

　It's too amazing. According to her you can't go higher using it... But that mobility alone could be a menace especially without external assistance. Looks like all the students here are of the same mind. They're looking at Jen-sensei in awe.

"But well, my lab's pretty danged popular while we're only taking ten of ya at most. At the very least, your Physical Boost aptitude's gotta be above B, and pass my test. Note that I plan to teach you this much in my class."

　The nearly grown up students here were getting excited after watching the real thing outside classroom from the teacher herself.
　Of course that includes me and even Kai who originally didn't expect much--

"T-that was awesome... Yuuki, it's awesome... It's gonna open up so many possibilities in a fight..."
"I bet. Looks like she's got more hidden under her belt too."
"I-I'm gonna take this lab's test."
"Same here. Hope we both pass."

　I'm guessing all the students here thought the same.
　Ah, I see Arariel in the corner. Was he here to suss out Sensei's strength? You better not man, I bet that sensei's a real toughie.

"How's that Sasahara. Did my lab surprise you?"
"I think it's a nice lab with a concrete concept."
"The heck kind of impression is that... So, you interested?"
"Yes, of course I am. Physical Boost is my only strong point."
"I knew it. You moved in to defend me yesterday, yeah? That was a superb display of Physical Boost."

　You're gonna make me blush. Everybody's paying attention to us thanks to her talking to me at this moment. Not bad. Good enough to make even for her haphazard treatment of me yesterday.

"Okay then, we're gonna take a look around more. We're probably gonna take the test, best regards."
"I ain't gonna play favorite, you hear me."

　This school life is way more fun than I imagined. Goal one, double jump. Goal two, wall run.
　I want to master the way of superhuman acrobat like that un-stealthy ninja.







『Today we'd like to introduce a lunchbox recipe for moms and dads with children entering new schools. Schools may have cafeteria and provision but you can never separate lunchboxes from them either. Our recipes are sure to bring a smile to children everywhere!』

　Connected to my Smart Terminal the TV is displaying a BB Channel video.
　A man wearing a curious-looking mask is giving a kind, careful and thorough advice on cooking. 
　Lunchbox... My impression of that in my past life was chiefly for picnics. I see this one refers to lunchboxes packed with food and sandwich that would make children happy.
　Yes, those are definitely good. I must learn how to make them.

"Hohou... There are all kinds of sandwiches... My that's cute."

　This BB man not only made them in the shape of two breads, he would also roll them into a cute shape. That is nice, I am sure Yuuki would be elated.

『Let's put in a lot of vegetable for their nutrition! The best way to go about this is to chop them fine and mix them in potato salad.』
『So we're like, tricking those children? I don't like bell pepper.』
『The same lot of bell pepper in the potato salad you had this morning? As you can see even R-oneesan never picked a thing with this one trick.』

　I was amazed at the female assistant called R. I see... A recipe that help children eat food they dislike without realizing...

"...But bell pepper has always been a favorite of Yuuki."

　Ah, this world is truly blessed for being able to obtain such valuable information without limit. Well then, I shall take it upon myself to create them. I will have Yuuki bring my lunchbox to school.







"So the things we're learning at those labs are mostly the research subjects those lecturers are pursuing. We better decide on which lectures to attend first then."
"Yep, sounds good. Yuuki, that's a lot of lectures you picked. I've only got two, three lessons in afternoons myself."
"I wanna know about a lot of these things. I took all lectures with practical skills. I'm used to studying from morning in high school, this is kinda nothing."
"You're surprisingly diligent, Yuuki. Personally, I want to take it easy."

　Thus we're done with day one of orientation. Unfortunately, the lecturer in charge of 'Practical Combat Theory' had a business outside the school so the afternoon open class was canceled.
　Been hearing some students who are already attending classes tomorrow but those students are the sort that have their paths planned out for them before entering this school, by their parents or otherwise.
　As for us, we plan to take classes that piqued our interest. 

"I'm heading back to my dorm, what about you Yuuki?"
"I live with my guardian in a rental house near the school."
"I see. Guess you can't be too late then."
"Yep."

　Besides it's fun to be with her. I've been gradually getting a grasp on Ixia-san's personality lately.
'Likes novel stuff', 'Brimming with curiosity', 'A hard worker' and lastly... She loves children.
　And since I'm considered one from her POV, I'm getting spoiled rotten. But it's healing. I can't go against it.
　I parted ways with Kai and made my way to my home behind the school.



"I'm home."
"Welcome back, Yuuki."

　I could hear Ixia-san's brisk footsteps coming closer before she opened the front door.
　My heart never stopped beating hard whenever I saw her face full of happiness. An elf-oneesan whose hair tied with a triangular kerchief welcomed me home... Is this the heaven? Am I gonna die tomorrow?

"Were you cooking something?"
"Yes. I am making preparations for your lunchbox tomorrow. I made a lot during my practice, would you like to have them with me together?"
"But of course. I haven't had lunch yet, I'm famished."

The thought 'Eating my lunchbox food the day before is kinda' crossed my mind for an instant before I beat it to a pulp. Shut it, I'mma eat that everyday if I hafta! Ixia-san made them! Be it scorched fried egg or flavorless soup, I'mma wolf 'em down!
　By the way, there were times when she did serve those. It's fine. It was still better than my cooking.

　She brought in some sort of sandwiches. I'm guessing they're meant to be roll sandwiches.
　Umu, I can see the progress she made on them. There's one roll sandwich with overflowed mayonnaise and the rest are bite-sized rolls.
　You can tell she's the sort that won't make the same mistake twice from these.

"That one is a failed creation as a result of my miscalculated use of strength. I shall take it."
"Ah, okay. I'll have this one..."
"Fufu, I do hope it is to your liking."

　Ah, the bread itself is really good. It's so soft. Guha... Ham and tomato sauce? Kinda extravagant taste. But it's good, no really.

"Oh this is good, that one's got a different color."
"That will be, err... Avocado sauce and cheese, yes. It's truly incredible, I would never imagine that sandwiches could taste this good. BB Channel is a force to be reckoned with indeed."
"Ah, that channel helped you out huh."
"Yes, I have made the preliminary arrangements for today's dinner as well. Please look forward to them."

　I relished on this happiness as I gulped down my sandwich.
　Is it really okay for me to experience this bliss in home when I'm already having so much fun in school. Or maybe--I'm still clueless about the hardship of this school?

"What seems to be the matter, Yuuki. You don't look too well."
"Oh no, I'm just thinking about the things I saw at school today."
"My, what happened? Do you mind talking to me?"

　She pressed me on despite my effort to brush it over, so I talked about Jen-sensei's feat today.

"Gaining mobility mid air by generating energy above one's body as well as equipment weight. I see, that teacher must be blessed with exceedingly powerful physique if she is able to instantaneously achieve such a feat in the air without a foothold."
"You can tell from that much...?"
"Yes. Let us have a demonstration outside seeing as we have finished our meal."
"Ah, I'll go do the dishes and change first."

　Ixia-san form change. She took off her kerchief and blouse, into work clothes for farming.
　By the way, she plowed a field behind our house. I've been helping her on it.
　I'm pretty seasoned if I say so. I haven't been living alone in the sticks for nothing.
　I arrived at the backyard first, followed by Ixia-san in work clothes that don't really look good on her.
　...Where did she buy that I wonder. It fits her size-wise yes, but it just doesn't look good... It really is an ordinary fatigue. Makes her look like a site foreman.

"My physique is identical to that of an average elf, as such, I am incapable of employing advanced forms of Physical Boost. However--"
"Whoaa, you really did it!"
"Due to my light weight, I can make it possible with little forces. Also, by coating myself in magic."
"Uh.... magic. I can't use magic."
"...I have been pondering that issue for some time. Physical Boost is one form of magic. I do not believe magic itself is beyond your reach. I hypothesize you have a great difficulty emitting your mana outside."

　Yeah, I think so too. I can coat my weapon with mana to reinforce it though.
　I'm guessing mana comes out of small vents in the form of very fine particles.
　But the mana particles required for magic and magecrafts are too big so they can't come out of my vents.
　It's all just me imagining the reason but I'm almost sure of it.

"--That's my guess on the issue."
"Fumu... That does sound plausible. In my past life, I was acquainted with an elf with a circumstance similar to yours, Yuuki. She was incapable of casting magic yet she was inordinately strong. She did however, managed to cast magic bit by bit as time went on... Perhaps her vents had opened up."

　My goodness, that's really interesting. Opening up the vents?

"So you're saying I could make it happen too if I practiced magic everyday...?"
"I am unsure. It must put a huge burden on one's body, and perhaps she had an assistance to open the vents from outside? It should place less burden than trying to force it open from the insides."

　Ixia-san abruptly walked up to me--and hugged me closely.
　Smells good soft smells good soft.

"I shall channel my mana unto you. I will start slow at first. Please inform me if you feel any pain."
"Okay."

　I feel something warm is getting transmitted.
　It's kinda frizzly, really a weird feeling.
　And then... I can feel her warmth for real. Oh crap,  no seriously, I'm getting excited here.
　Please stop whispering, 'Does it hurt?', 'Please bear with me, okay', in my ears, I'm gonna have a nosebleed. This is dizzying.

"L-let's stop here for now. It's kinda getting to my head..."
"Is that so. Perhaps this was not the correct method. Forgive me, Yuuki."
"No no no, it's all my fault, I mean..."

I did not the heart to tell her no when she said, 'Let's make this a routine every single day'.
　But... I see, opening the vents huh. Seems like it's worth trying all kinds of stuff.

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