Chapter 7

Book 1




"Ah, I knew it. It's cooler in this region. That's the north for you."
"You're right... Oh, I'll take my leave here, my family is waiting at the station. Akemi-san, thank you for your guidance."
"You're very welcome. Come see me again at the training center."

　We arrived safely at our hometown and said goodbye to Satomi-san at the station.
　I asked Akemi-san to drive me to my high school since I wanted to give souvenir (candy) to my friends taking summer classes.
　They say your brain craves for sugar when you put it to work after all.

"Hm? Did you say something?"
"No? Maybe you misheard."
"Oh okay. I guess I'm more tired than I thought."
"Go ahead and lie down in the car. I'll wake you up at your school."

　Something feels amiss, like I'm being stared at somehow.

　I really went asleep in Akemi-san's car until it arrived at my high school.
　Wonder if those guys have left for Hokkaido?

"Sasahara, you're back already?"

　Someone called behind me. This voice--

"Shousuke. Self-studying again?"
"No. A college professor wanted to meet up here, I just saw him."
"I see. I bet it's about your enrollment huh? That's a scholarship student for you."
"Drop it, man. He gave me a lowdown on seminars and courses ahead of time."
"I see. Oh yeah, here have a souvenir. It's just some Grandia candy though."
"Candy? From Grandia?"
"Yep, candy. They said it's a popular pick. I can't guarantee its taste though."
"Nah, it's perfect, I've been craving something sweet... Fumu, 'Goddess Snack' huh."

　The bag has a picture of a goddess-like woman holding a piece of candy between her fingers.
　Dunno if it's a brand name or an anecdote based on reality.

"Oh, that's a pretty blue color. Soda I'm guessing?"
"...Don't think so. It smells like flowers. Ah, but it's sort of soda-ish, I suppose?"

　We chatted while enjoying the surprisingly tasty candy.

"So how did the summoning experiment go?"
"Hm... You could say it was simultaneously a huge success and an accident. It's kinda complicated."

　I told Shousuke everything.
　Including the fact that the being I summoned might refuse to submit. And how I would be rewarded handsomely.

"That's... Amazing! It might refuse but that won't change the fact that you summoned something huge. Incredible... It's got to be proof of the enormous power sleeping within you."
"Haha, hearing that makes me happy. Why not give it a try yourself, Shousuke? Bet you're gonna summon something useful for you."
"Hm, I wonder about that. Fumu... It would be nice if I summoned something for magic assist."

　After chatting a bit more, I parted way with Shousuke who was going to study more.
　I handed him more candy and asked him to give them to the folk taking summer courses.
　...I took about five pieces with me since they were pretty good. Sorry if that wasn't enough.

"...Hm? Huh? Is it the wind?"

　I felt like someone was talking to me again on the way home. Not sure if these stares I feel are because my senses have gotten sharper, but I don't see anyone nearby.
　...Guess it's Obon time soon? No no no, there's no way... But I mean this world has got fantasy-like stuff like magic and all, so...?



"Phew, all this weed just cause I went out for six days..."

　Back at home after so long, the detestable green stuff has grown all over the ground under the summer sunlight and temp. 
　I went around pulling quite a bit of them before going in.
　...It finally feels like I'm back home once I've gone through the door.
　I went to the altar and blew on the thin dust only to accidentally blow the leftover incense ash inside the burner and got it in my eyes.

"Ah, dangit, stupid me... It won't come out too... Guess I'm getting in the bath."



　After a nice bath. I had the clothes on even if I'm all alone here. Gotta protect the law when you're a minor.
　I gulped down the ally of young men everywhere, a can of energy drink and lay down in the altar room.
　Yup, tatami is the best. That extravagant hotel was very nice but it's more calming here. Ah, guess that's how we commoners are like.

"I'm gonna master this bangle... before the end of summer."

　I recall that one culprit during the kidnapping incident.
　I couldn't beat him even after taking off all the restraining loads on my bangle. An enemy of unknown power in the truest sense.
　It's not like I'm aiming to be the strongest or anything, but... Facing off an opponent I can't beat makes my... gaming brain stimulated.

"...I usually leveled up my characters to the point I could beat scripted losing events if the game allowed it."







"Hello. Let's have another chat today... Although, it's just me speaking one way, today I'll talk about this world--My...?"

　It's currently my most important duty. Talking with the intelligent soul and establishing a communication has been taking up all my hours every day.
　Until the emergency that is the disappearance of the soul that should have been contained here.

"H-how!? It got out... Ah, geez! What's going on!"







　Where is this place. Where have I been brought to.
　I have been told that I will be given a body. Yet, when I felt the person I was connected to going far away, I chose to go after them.
　Oh dear. Could this be the future.
　Countless towering architectures I have never seen in my life. They look like they're competing to reach the sky.
　A city floating above the sea. An absurdly long bridge. And... that person traveling at unbelievable speed.
　I wonder if they're riding a dragon.
　This person eventually stopped when we reached somewhere covered with slightly more nature.
　It's, that boy. I can feel a connection with him. Are you the one who called me?
　I spoke to him even though I knew I couldn't utter a word.
　The boy kept smiling and laughing. And yet, I could see a shadow cast on him somewhat.
　...Why did you call for me?
　I decided to go after him for a bit more.
　The boy traveled in a vehicle slower than the one he rode earlier. Yet it was faster than a carriage.
　He arrived at a big fort-like building. Is he perhaps a soldier?
　...I can understand what he says. Yet... I have never seen a building like this.
　This must be in the far future... I suppose.
　The boy eventually walked away to somewhere less populated.
　The road is connected like it's made of paved stones. Oh I know this. It's called cement.
　It was a newly developed method to create roads during my lifetime.
　He eventually arrived at a house.
　He pulled weed all around the house like he was used to it. What a good kid, his parents must have taught him well.
　I looked at the scenery around the house.
　I feel more at ease with all the nature surrounding it than the place I was summoned at.
　Oh there's even a river nearby. It's really a nice place.
　I went inside and saw the boy rubbing his eyes in front of a lustrous black altar.
　Was he crying I wonder. Perhaps something bad befell him.
　Oh dear. I wonder what's wrong. What is that altar.
　I see three pictures placed upon it.
　The boy went into the bathroom. I didn't follow him and observed the altar to figure it out.
　That was when I felt a presence... That was not me or the boy.

『Oh, who might you be?』

　A question. I have no means to answer it.

『Can't you talk? Did Yuuki bring you here?』

　Yuuki. It's that boy's name.
　I willed in my mind, 'No, he did not.'

『Hnn, really now? I'm that kid's grandmother, you see. All's fine if you mean no harm.』

　Grandmother. She has passed away. I wonder if she's the one on that picture.
　Then... The old man in another picture could be his grandfather.
　Which means, the last picture... should be his father.
　Oh I see, he must be living with his mother now.

『Oooh... He changed the water and placed new flowers... Not a thing forgotten.』

　She sounded so happy. The boy is so kind he made someone who has passed away delighted.
　I willed strongly. "He's such a good kid."

『Hm? Isn't he, isn't he. He's a good kid through and through. Doing his best all alone even though he's still only 18. Well, at least he has government people helping him out unlike before, but that doesn't make this kid any less.』

　All alone? Isn't he living together with his mother?

『Nope, she's not around. She didn't even show up when I passed. She left somewhere right after giving birth to this kid. My son brought Yuuki with him back to this house.』

　My... Then him growing up to be such a kind kid must be thanks to you and your family.

『Hehe, you're making me blush. You don't seem like an evil spirit. If it's fine with you... please look after Yuuki in my place from now on. I'm about... to disappear soon. Could this be that reincarnation thing?』

　Reincarnation. That... might be something akin to my current circumstance.
　The presence who called herself grandmother suddenly went far away. Realizing that this is goodbye, I said farewell in my mind, and--made the decision to go back.
　I was told I would be given a body. In that case... I'll look after him. Not in this state, but right next to him.
　I wonder why. I now have a strong urge to look after this boy. Most importantly... 18 year old is pretty much a child for my race. He may be of a different race, but he's a child nonetheless.
　Which means--I simply, cannot leave him be--


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



"Whuoo, when did I feel asleep!?"

　The scent of tatami and the slight breeze had drowned me into a world of dream over a cushion.
　The wind bell I bought because it was so cheap chimed on while twilight enveloped the world outside.
　A faint scent of flower drifted from somewhere.
　Doesn't seem to be from the flowers... on the altar.

"Whoops, gotta go grab a lunchbox. Today... I choose you, steak. I feel like splurging out."

　Aah, right I gotta start thinking about practicing my cooking soon.



　Afterward, nothing really worth mentioning happened over the summer break.
　I haven't heard a peep from the research institute, maybe they're having a hard time with the body generation.
　Days went by and just when there were only ten days left until the end of summer break, I came back from the training facility to find a missed call notification on my smart terminal.

"Ah, it's from Chief Nishida. Maybe they've finally managed to communicate with that soul."

　I pulled myself together and nervously called back. It rang twice before I heard a voice calling me back.

『Yuuki-kun. You've really... gone and done it...』
"Eh! What's this about, you're scaring me!"

　Did, I mess up--okay, let's not.
　But really, what did I do again... Don't tell me the assistant that helped in the test back then!?

"I-is assistant-san... in a critical condition...?"
『Wha? Ah, no not that. I'm talking about the being you summoned. You see here, I'm sorry for keeping it mum... But it disappeared for two days on the day you went home... Ah, don't worry. It's back at our facility right now and we can communicate with each other now. It's just that... we discovered something during our discussion.』

　Thank goodness, I didn't mess up or anything.
　But still, the being disappeared? I had no idea it could just go up and vanish like that so easily.
　Well it's back at least. Wonder what did she discover.

『The being you summoned... is an ancient elf. It's of mankind without a shadow of doubt, human being. You have summoned a human being. That brought about a whole set of trouble, so I'm coming there soon.』
"Eh, wha!? Elf? Human being!? Eh, what, that can happen!?"
『Not so loud. Yes, we had cases like this before. However... All summoning of human beings that required bodies... were never made public. So it's fine.』

　Human being, elf. Of course that means servitude is completely off the table.
　I mean they're people. The law won't allow it, and more importantly my ethics won't.

『Right, I'll be there by tomorrow. Tell me your address. I'll come personally.』
"Wee!? Ah, I... understand."

　She hung up right after I gave her my address.
　An elf, me? Also, what's an ancient elf? Is it any different than a normal elf.
　...Could it be that I really went and disturbed someone resting in peace.



　The following day. It's ten in the morning, Nishida-san should be arriving soon.
　Coming all the way here from Tokyo was not something you could do so willy-nilly in my original world but it's only an hour trip here.
　The bell rang.

"Coming."
"Excuse me. You really live alone like the intel huh."
"Well, my grandparents were still around a few years ago."
"Really. The house looks well cared of despite of that. It's surprisingly familial."
"Hehe, you're gonna make me blush."

　Our guest room is the tatami room next to the altar room.
　I've got cold sports drink ready. Oh man... I got a bit carried away since it's been years since someone besides government officials come visit me.

"Thank you. On to the point... First a report. The elf you summoned lived around two thousands years ago at the very least. We determined this after a lot of Q&A. The deciding factor is from the fact that this being didn't know the names of principal countries and important personages."
"Two thousands!? That's so far in the past..."
"Yes. I believe it was during a famous era of myth. And that's the important part... This being lived during that mythical age. Grandia and earth countries won't leave it alone if we made it public. But... Only the higher ups of Akimiya Group are aware of this intel right now. This matter has a potential to let us relearn lost magic, knowledge and history that follows."
"Ah, please don't make me listen to stuff like that. I'm afraid I can't turn back."
"Well, I suppose that's right. For now, keep it off record... But there's a small issue. I told you that the summoned being refused servitude, right?"
"Ah, yes. Well it only makes sense if they're a human being--"

　I can't process the word that came out of chief's mouth next.

"『I won't submit. However, I wish to coexist. Please allow me to live together with him.』, that's what 'she' told us."
"...Wha?"

　Eh, 'she'? A woman? Wants to live with me? What the what's going on here?
　I mean, how come? Why would she want to live with me? Or what, are you telling me this summoning thing comes with an imprinting function or something?

"I have no idea how it came to that either. Even after we guaranteed her a life of luxury under Akimiya Group's protection, she insisted on coming with you. Which is why... I divulged all that stuff earlier.
"I... see. No, I mean, honestly I don't know what to do..."

　I kept saying how pretty and out of reach elves are but being told I'd live with one out of nowhere is just... It's hard to celebrate just like that, I mean I don't even have the means to support that kind of life.

"Oh and here's another important topic. She's been granted permission to live with you. It was approved after the fact, but she's someone you summoned to begin with anyway. However, normally you'd receive stipends, remuneration and such from countries and the institute but since this matter has been made strictly confidential thanks to orders from above, you can forget about all that."
"Eeh... Well, I'm afraid I'd lose myself if I got so much money so easily... But like, is there zero support really..."
"No, there is. Akimiya Group will be your back up. Well you won't have a life of luxury but we promise you will not lack anything. Besides... I'm sorry but a part of your life will be under the management of us, adults... I'm truly... Sorry about that."

　Chief Nishida bowed deeply with a really pained look.
　...I can tell she truly means what she said.

"You will enter the 'Schweinritter Integrated Vocational School' at the Floating City. There you will... probably have to live under a measure of surveillance. Enrolling in a school is supposed to be an important decision in life. It truly pains me how you were not given the choice."
"Ah, please don't worry on that front. In fact, I was dreaming of entering that school if I could."
"Ah, is that true? However... It probably won't be a normal school life. You'll have to give up on clubs or dream campus life. It's... going to be full of harsh field training." 
"Well... I've already steeled myself on that."
"Really. You can tell me specific requests for the supports now if you have one. I'll bring them to my superior's desk and see their response."

　That's exactly what I want at present.
　Besides... Everybody enrolling in schools has adult involved along the process.
Actually, even adults must be too. That's why... Please don't look so sad.
You're gonna ruin your cool beauty.

"Then... Can I have someone to care for this house while I'm over at Tokyo. Also... I'd be happy if you could refer us to a list of property over there."
"...Don't you have desires? This may sound weird coming from an employee, but it's the quintessential Akimiya Group we're talking about here you know? They'd likely comply if you asked for a house, regular allowances and even a custom made weapon of your dream."
"Well, I'm gonna grow into an useless adult if you give me that now... Wait, what, custom made!? I want that at least!"
"Now that's a relief. I see you have wants like everybody else. You will be skipping exams... So, feel free to spend the rest of the year however you like here. As for the summoned elf... We'll be giving her education on the common sense of this world once her body is finished. That much is our job."
"Ah, that makes sense. I understand... I'll stay in this town for the year... Please take care of the elf-san in the meantime. Wait, I guess that's weird of me to say."

　...I feel like my path has been decided while I'm drifting about.
　But knowing there are people who worry so much over that decision means a lot to me. The least I could do is to enjoy the walk on this road they paved for me.
　I feel deeply grateful for my grandparents who respected my independence. But... I don't remember ever having my path laid out so neatly by other people like this.
　Though that probably did happen and I might have just been unaware of them.

"Well then... I'm going to drop by my parent house. I told you that my hometown is right next door, remember? Might as well visit their grave."
"Yes, thank you ever so much for everything."
"Hn, you're welcome. Good bye, Yuuki-kun. I'll be seeing you again next year."

　Chief Nishida left.
　Grave visit... Nishida... Could she be related to that man who had flowers in both hands back then.

"Naw, can't be. That name is pretty common around that area, me think."

　Now that I've got my destination set, how will I spend the rest of the year I wonder. Guess putting everything into training will do.

"Living together with an elf-san huh... Can't help wondering how she's like."

　I won't get my hope too high and imagine her like the princess of course. Just that... I hope we can get along nicely. That's all I want really. It's been so so long since I live together with someone else.







　That person is not here today. That woman who always talks to me cordially said she was going to visit that boy today.
　I wonder if he will accept it. Will that boy agree to my one sided demand.

"The fundamental mana paths are generating nicely. From here on, your body will be recreated bit by bit by mirroring on the body etched in your soul. Please strongly reminisce the name and the body you had in your life."

　My past name and body. Name aside, the body I strongly remember... is the peaceful sleeping face in my last moment.

"It doesn't have to be perfect, even a flicker is fine... Everything has been etched in your soul. All it takes is an impetus. However--We have to ask you not to use the name that came up on your mind just now. You will start afresh with a new body... please draw a clear line and see that as a new existence succeeding your life. It might be difficult, but if you don't do that now... It will only bring you hardship later on, or so the chief heard. I don't really get what that entails though."

　I'm sure it's a step taken to ensure I don't get entrapped in my past. So I won't look for people I know in my past life.
　To prevent shadows cast on my new life. I'm sure it's all for that sake.
　I would love to express my gratitude to that woman once again.
　This place... feels awfully cold and unkind, but that woman has been frantically talking to me every day in order to alter that perception of mine.

"A new name... I might have to think up one. 'Yuuki-kun--it's possible to have him name you but that might end up serving as a contract of servitude', I believe that's what she said."

　It's okay. I have thought up what to call myself in this life.
　The letters visible from here on the rows of glass vessels just like this one.
　I will take the letter 'A' engraved on the vessel I am in.
　Thus... I am prepared speak that name when that time comes.

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