Chapter 8

Book 1




"Ooh, it's so cold... Wish Physical Boost warmed you up."
"Yeah that'd be nice. They should have installed heating instruments in the training hall. We're graduating this year though."

　Winter. At the frost-covered school of this snowy region, we're holding this year's last combat class inside the chilly training hall.
　No seriously, seasons change so fast. It feels like time just flies by.

"Today is the day I finally right the wrong!"
"It's our final lesson. If we get another draw, we're gonna settle it in the training hall after school."

　The cold didn't faze my classmates at all.
　The two church-born boys were having yet another heated clash.
　Hahaha, these two never let up do they.
　As we were watching them both, Shousuke spoke to me.

"...In the end, I couldn't snatch a single victory from you since the first term."
"Hm. You're so persistent it's been a struggle for me."
"Haha, am I. My Mana Pool is nowhere near as abundant as yours, I have to come up with some cunning tactics."
"I see. Your breadth of application is pretty wide, Shousuke... It's probably gonna get even wider once all the bans on devices and magic get lifted off in college. But I only have this."
"...Nothing's scarier than one specialty honed to the extreme. That's a Restraining Bangle, isn't it? You've been wearing that since the last half of the first term. I never managed to make you take that off until the very end."
"...There's a story behind this thing. I'm not wearing this because I'm making light of classes, I swear."
"I know. You're not like you were in the past... Even I can tell you've been taking things seriously now."

　I look back to the past year while gazing at my classmates' matches.
　I didn't know left from right when I first wandered into this world. But, every day has been fun.
　Challenging myself to see how far I could go, trial and error, running and running onward.
　Talking frankly with Shousuke whom I wasn't originally a friend of.
　...Those were truly fruitful days. Something I can be proud of.

"...I have made a choice in order to better myself. This path I take diverges from yours. But carve this in your heart, I don't see myself as having been completely bested by you."
"Yeah, I figured. This is where it begins, am I right?"
"Indeed. One day, I will... challenge you once again. I'll probably, lose today."
"...Ou. I'll be waiting, Shousuke."

　It's finally our turn.
　Us, the two top students in this school always get the last turn.
　I had set the Restraining Bangle's level to maximum during autumn this year... But I have to lower it down to half whenever I fight Shousuke.
　...Goes to show how good he is now--





"Match over! You almost got him, Shousuke. And Yuuki, you were full on the defensive huh?"
"Yes. I probably... would have lost if this wasn't a purely hand to hand fight."
"Thank you, teacher. You have my thanks as well, Yuuki. If not for you... I wouldn't have taken yet another step forward."

　The sparring match ended with my win.
　Magic is prohibited in sparring matches. But, Shousuke is originally... a mage-type.
　From my point of view, he's the absurd one here. How come a mage is this good at close combat anyway.

"All right, all students gather in the field!"

　This concludes our final class this year, and we're free to spend the rest of our time, said teacher.
　Some schools are already holding their exams in about a month. It finally hits me how close I am to graduation.
　Well a few students have already been enrolled through scholarship programs though.

"Your exam's gonna be... next week huh. I thought someone at your level's gonna be exempted from it."
"Of course not... But I am not concerned. I snatched the top spot in practical test thanks to somebody, all that's left is my specialty, written test.
"Haha, that's Shousuke for you. Then... Wanna grab a bite together today?"
"Hm, that sounds good. Right, this would be, a first, for me."
"Uwaa, you kidding me. Welp, guess I'm gonna show you the rope on your first and last highschool's nightlife."
"...I'll go contact my parents first."
"Figured~."

　I changed out my jersey and grabbed my bag from my emptied locker as I got ready to go home.
　Then as we were discussing over what to eat, our class buddies overheard and joined us before eventually majority of the class boys ended up going.
　Oy oy, what the heck.

"Sasahara, I booked a restaurant! Majority vote decides we're holding a yakiniku party tonight!"
"For real, do y'all can even afford it."
"No sweat! I been saving up for this day!"

　The world may have changed. But the want to fool around like this endures on.
　With Shousuke in tow, all of us school buds were headed for the all you can eat buffet.



　I listened to a lot of them. Their courses and their future dreams.
　Before I realized it, they looked so dazzling to the so-called elite top students, me and Shousuke.
　One joined an amateur battler team while aiming for pro leagues.
　One entered a police academy-like school to one day join the 'Underworld Survey Team'.
　One would be training as a mechanic in hope of finding employment at a Weapon Device company.

"Those guys... They're all carving their own path ahead."
"Yeah. It's a bit... dazzling. Even though I set my path myself."
"Haha, you had that thought too huh Shousuke. As for me... I probably would like to study a bit more before I go and chase my dream. On sectors I'm interested in of course."
"I see. Yeah, that's probably it for me as well. Of course, my goal is still getting a job that intersects with Grandia and the cultural exchanges between worlds. Also, rescuing people. A lot of Grandia inhabitants are used to fighting, so it's tough for an earthling find the opportunity."

　I saw Shousuke off at the station. The next time we meet will definitely be at the graduation ceremony.
　Back at home, I went to sleep early in preparation for tomorrow.



　Akemi-san called me in the morning, likely as a wake up call.

『Good morning, Yuuki-kun. It's finally your exam tomorrow. I'll drive you to the station at least, go and do your best okay.』
"Good morning, Akemi-san. I'm done packing. I'll be there soon."
『Too bad, I'm already in front of your house. Get in the car, pronto.』

　Exam. I was told I didn't need to take it. But I was asked to go to the exam site anyway as a camouflage. 
　It's also an opportunity... to gauge the standard of students accepted in the school.
　I'm in a situation where I have to lie to people close to me.
　My feelings are a mix of unpleasantness, pain and... a bit of 'it's kinda cool'. So chuuni-like of me.
　Tomorrow 'Schweinritter Integrated Vocational School' is holding the enrollment exam which includes practical tests.
　Officially, I already did the written test a week ago.
　Still... The fact that even Akemi-san, an employee of Akimiya Company, is left in the dark must really mean that only a few select people are aware of this matter as a whole.
　This also makes it clear how special Chief Nishida is.

"Good morning. Thank you for taking up your time for me, Akemi-san."
"No worries, just leave it to me."

　I am to ride that stupidly fast Shinkansen again from this prefecture's central station.
　It's floating and all, is this really not a linear train?
　I noticed many people around my age when I got to my seat.
They must be here to take exams outside the prefecture.
　But I know that there's nobody else in my school that takes Schweinritter exam.
　Yup, not even Satomi-san... she's not qualified to.
　Summoning that incredible being is not enough to make her eligible for that school.
　To them, attaining a special ability is only the first step.
You also need achievements, endorsements, connections and mediation before you can even take the exam.
　Well, she was always aiming for a different school to begin with though.

"Aaah... Well, we're both in Tokyo and all, might still run into each other still."

　We did spend a lot of time together, so I can't help but feel a little lonely.
　And thus, after an hour trip, I arrived at this country's heart said to be the most important city in the whole world today.



"They said they're gonna pick me up with a car... But there's so many cars here I dunno which one is which."

　The station's fully crowded like always. The people in my view alone is probably more than the total population of my hometown.
　Or maybe not?
　My smart terminal suddenly vibrated.

『I'm right here, here. To your right, right. Yep, walk ahead. Stop. Can you see me?』
"Ah, yes, I can see you... Wait, what the heck!"

　Chief Nishida raised her arm. Behind her... is a luxurious limousine.
　Whoaa, never seen one in real life before. How'd you even turn with that long compartment?

"Long time no see, Yuuki-kun. How's the bangle holding up?"
"Ah, I've set it on max level for my daily life now... Wait, that's what you asked right off the bat?"
"Yep. Now then... Let's get on board... Mind your manner okay, you'll be riding with a bigwig."
"Hiee... That intro is too scary."

　Behind the open door is an interior not unlike that of a hotel.
　...There sat a woman wearing a strange-looking mask.

"Umm, excuse me."
"Yes, please be my guest."
"Y, yes..."
"Fumu, you're surprisingly slim.... Supposedly, that body holds tremendous power within. I see it's purely due to mana-based reinforcement."

　The woman stared all over my body.
　The mask is covering her upper half face, but I can tell she's quite a beauty underneath.
　Her long black hair would make half of all Japanese men turn around.
　Who's this woman? Someone affiliated with Akimiya again?

"Err... Pardon me, but who are you... I get that you know about me at least."
"I beg your pardon. I'm affiliated with the school we're heading to. I can assure you however, I'm harmless."
"I see..."

　Well, the fact that she's on this car must mean that she's someone important.
　Afterward, we didn't really hold an actual conversation though it bothered me how she would occasionally turn my way while looking like she was having fun.
　Our car drove through the same long bridge over the sea and arrived at the floating city.

"Speaking of which, I suppose you have yet to see Scwhein School in person?"
"Ah, so that's how it's abbreviated."
"Yes. Another alias would be Pig-chan Knights and so on."
"I had a feeling that's what it means. So it's true?"
"Yes. Pig Knights. Doesn't that sound cute?"

　I'm sorry I don't really get it.
　As the limousine kept going, a huge mountain came into my view. But this is supposed to be a floating city.
　Oy oy, are you telling me that's an artificially-made mountain complete with a forest?

"The entire mountain base in that region belongs to Scwheinn School. We pride ourselves in the overwhelming land area under our control as well as everything necessary for combat practice such as the apt natural environment, vr environment and mage-type combat fields. What do you think, astonishing aren't they?"
"...I'll be honest, I find it hard to believe this place is on top of the sea. It's really really huge."
"Yes. We would not claim to be the best school in the world if we had nothing to back it up. My group has poured 10% of its fortune in order to raise the best talents in the best environment there is."

　Oho, 10% of Akimiya's fortune huh... Hm? 『My group』?

"I think I heard something I shouldn't have. Do you mind if I pretend that it never reached my ears for the sake of my mental stability?"
"Fufu, you're quite a witty one, aren't you. Yes, do think of me as an Onee-san who simply happened to share this ride. I have a greeting to make, I shall take my leave now... You're here to watch examinees' matches, are you not? I pray that it serves as a good stimulus for you."

　The black haired beautiful Onee-san got off the limousine and headed toward an entrance for authorized personnel.
　Uwaah... Is she the present head of Akimiya Family? She seems pretty young... Glad she never introduced herself. Or else I'd have been so nervous to operate as normal.

"Wait, why didn't you say anything Chief Nishida."
"Don't be unreasonable now. I knew she's the family head you know? How do you suppose I got in between you two."
"Fair is fair. But why was she on this car anyway?"
"Well, you're a special case of a student after all. She probably wanted to see you in person as the school's chairman."
"Okay... Oh boy, it's gonna be a huge trouble if I made a mess there."
"My? Were you planning to? I think of you as a honest to good kid myself."

　Tokyo is much too alluring for youths like me, you know.
　Besides, I'm 18, 18 year old. It's an age where you're finally free of many shackles holding you down.

"Now then, we should get going too. With so many examinees, the practical tests take place in multiple training halls. You will... let's see, join the audience seat at the hall where the most promising students take their test... There's plenty of things we need to talk about too."
"My tummy's getting this funny feeling like it's gonna be another bombshell but sure, I got it."
"I really can't tell if you've got everything under control or not..."

　I'm just bluffing my way through. Such is the creature known as boys.
　Especially in front of beautiful Onee-sans.

　I was brought to a training room that looks even better equipped than the room I hurt assistant-san back then.
　It's not VR either here, you fight with your real body and damage gets transferred over as stamina consumption.
　Huh? Then why did I pass out when I fought Rio-chan in a VR facility... Did use up all my mana? Oh boy, takes me back.
　There are other spectators but naturally they don't allow other examinees watch the test, hence there's no other students watching.
　They're probably school personnel and such, here to valuate the examinees.

"...Ah, that person is an elf too. Figured some would teach here."

　I caught sight of an elf in another seat further away.
　I can tell that she's quite a beauty even this far. Maybe 100% of all elves are gorgeous.

"The first examinee is here. Just between us, that kid is ranked third among all examinees in written test. Quite a prodigy if you will. Summoned object is a sword that was once sealed away. It may have been modified to serve as a weapon device but that doesn't change the fact that it's quite a sword. This examinee also comes from a lineage of a famous swordmanship dojo."
"What's up with all those high specs, they're a protagonist or something. I'm getting envious just hearing."
"Fufu, it really is. There she is, off to a promising start don't you think?"

　A school girl showed up with deep blue, or I guess indigo tipped long hair.
　Good. I'd definitely get jealous if it was really a boy.

"Fuumu... A beautiful master swordswoman in the making huh... That's so nice, I'd love to have a katana shaped device too if I could request one."
"...Right. That's part of the topic we're discussing at the end of these exams."

　I see, does that mean I can finally get my custom made weapon?
　The exam started while we were chatting.
　Looks like the examiners in these practical tests are third party pro battlers hired by the school. They're supposed to corner the examees while making sure not to go overboard. The exam concludes when the examinee either admits defeat or is unable to fight anymore.

"The students in this hall... can probably fight someone of that battler's caliber to a draw. There's all sort of pro battlers out there. The ones willing to work part time as examiners are on the lower end of the chopping block."
"This world's quite a harsh mistress. But... These battlers are really a pro in interpersonal combat. I can tell from his bearing." 

　The match has begun. The examiner is an expert at gauging distance, dodging attacks and eyeing up the right moments to break his opponent's tempo.
　But that schoolgirl... is on a whole different level despite being an amateur.
　The chances to counter attack are ever present no matter how good the examiner makes his maneuvers. She's got enough power to turn the table around in one fell swoop if she can make use of that chance even once.
　And... She's adapting to the examiner's speed as time passes on.
　It didn't take long until the examiner admitted defeat.

"She's strong... But it doesn't seem like... she's a special case."
"Yes. All the examinees gathered here are undoubtedly first rate on latent potential, pedigree, summoning results or experience."
"...I had no idea all these amazing students would be gathered in one place. Oh man, I'm gonna get my hands full trying to keep up with them..."

　Maybe I should further increase my daily training hour. No wait, I should get my own weapon device first thing first.
　Chief Nishida sighed while that thought swirled in my head.

"That assistant of ours, you see. He was originally a battler that made his name in pro league. He's on a completely different league than that examiner. You struck him down in one strike, without even giving him a chance to react, didn't you? Isn't it about time you realize just how abnormal your power is by now?"
"Fa!? He was that incredible!?"
"Yep. He had to quit due to a circumstance. Or rather, I completely get why the higher ups won't let you take this exam... Your ability is not on the level of a student already."

　Chief Nishida's eyes sharpened right at this moment. It's not directed toward me... But to the school personnel sitting further away.

"...They must be here to assess promising individuals. Listen to me now, not all adults with ties to Grandia are pacifists nor are they all friendly."
"That's... I can somehow tell."

　I'm sure there are those who work toward their own self interest.
　Cities outside Earth. A world full of wondrous form of energy in mana. And... A great number of countries.
　Welp, it's only right. Even on earth, not every human wants peace.

"So? Are you still going to keep watching? Frankly, you can tell how it's going to be with that match as a reference."
"Well, yeah. But, do you mind if I stay here for a little longer?"
"I don't. I'll be... going ahead, to the school's laboratory. It's in the separate building the head went into earlier, you can consult the signboards."
"Got it. I guess I should memorize places in this huge plot of land while I get the chance."
"Hn, good thinking. See you later."

　And thus I spectated the practical test by myself.
　...I don't think they need the 30 minute time limit. Every single examinee took less than 10 minutes to defeat the examiner.

"All of them either have weapon summons or use combat buff magic... How very enviable."

　And finally the last examinee entered the stage.
　It's a schoolboy. A refreshing handsome type, he's holding a weapon device prepared by the school, a rarity in this hall.
　All other examinees either have summoned weapons or their personal custom-looking weapon devices.
　I'm getting kinda worried for him.
　A different examiner also took the stage. Well I guess you can't have one examiner deals with all of them, would give the advantage to later entrants.
　But unlike the previous examiner and his school-issued uniform, this examiner is wearing a real combat suit with a non-standard greatsword weapon device.

"...The mood's all weird. He's definitely strong."

　My hunch proved right. The moment the match started, the examiner propelled forward at incredible speed while holding his greatsword back before sending the examinee flying.
　But this examinee stopped mid air before he got flown out of the stage and struck back at tremendous speed. 
　...He looks kinda familiar. Not the student, the examiner.

"Greatsword... That fighting style..."

　I remember now. The one who taught me the taste of defeat when I was getting a bit drunk on my power after I started having a grasp on this world... That little girl, Rio-chan.
　Upon a closer inspection, even his device looks similar.

"...He's several levels stronger than Rio-chan. But... that boy is just as persistent."

　He kept narrowly managing to block fatal attacks no matter how many times he got sent flying.
　His device seems to have broken down, it's no longer glowing but the boy won't surrender.
　Eventually--his device got cut in two. But then in that moment--

"Tch... What the hell, so you've got that stuff on you too!"

　A glowing sword with a silver blade protects him.
　That must be the sword he summoned. And then... His movements changed.
　He's fighting on par with the examiner as if he's a veteran fighter.
　And then--30 minutes passed.

"...I made the right choice watching till the end. Man... A power that emerges when you're on the brink of defeat is way too royal... A~ah, I'm jealous."

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

　After watching the last match, I hurried my way to the school building with the laboratory.
　Signboards? Naw, you absolutely need an app to navigate this super huge area.
　As I was stumbling my way to my destination, I came across the elf teacher (assumption) who was watching the exam earlier.
　She had this awfully surprised look on her face when she saw me for some reason.

"...Excuse me. May I ask you how to get to a particular place."

　Looks like she's not a teacher here. She asked me for route.
Not like I'm familiar with it either but I should manage with this navigation app. Chief Nishida, sorry but you gotta wait a bit longer.

"Yes, that's alright. Where would you like to go?"

　Guess all elves are beautiful. Looking closer, this woman is a rare beauty herself. Her skin's so fair. Her eyes're so pretty. Are they made of emerald or something.
　Forget that elf I saw on TV, this elf easily goes over that bar... To the point that I'm being reminded of Princess Norun.

"I would like to get to the laboratory located here. Could I trouble you to lead the way?"
"Ah, I'm heading over there myself. Let's go together."
"...Fufu, thank you. Let us."

　Please don't smile, you're making my heart skip a beat. As an older woman lover, you're right in my strike zone.
　I imagine Norun-sama would look like this person if she were aged up a bit.
　This settles it, I love Onee-san around four to five year older than me over girls my age.

"Ah, hold on. We're taking the stair up there."
"Oh I see now. It was on a different floor."
"Yeppers. Up we go."

　I'm getting all giddy my legs are moving rigidly when I think of her being right behind me.
　She made my giddiness even worse by speaking to me.

"Have you been here before?"
"No, this is my first. I take it it's your... first time too, Onee-san."
"Onee...? Yes, it is a first for me. But you seem quite certain on your steps despite of that."
"Ah, it's because I've got an app to show the route installed in my terminal. It's for this school use."
"Fumu... I see, something so handy existed. It appears I need to study more."
"It's really quite simple I'm sure you'll get the hang on it in no time."

　I mean, this world's smart terminals are way better than my old world's smart phones.
　No really. You don't need to open a browser just to search things up, it listens in to your conversation and automatically makes a list of suggestions based on it upon booting up, the transfer rate is blazing fast even out in the boonies, and the fee's hyper cheap at that.
『Not enough bandwidth!』,『Rate cap!』, those words do not exist here.

"Ah, there it is. That should be the laboratory."
"Oh you're right, thank you again... You're really, such a good kid."

　Suddenly. Onee-san inched in on me and reached out to my head with a smile on her face---

"Helping someone you just met as if it comes to you naturally. Some people may believe that is only the right thing do, nevertheless I am grateful for your kindness. Thank you, Yuuki-kun."

　She patted my head. Eh, why? Do I look like a small kid, or rather... My name, how'd she?
　The laboratory's door opened while my mind was in disarray.

"Ah, sorry, did you get lost? Thankfully, that kid hasn't--wait, you were with Yuuki-kun all along."
"Yes, I asked him to show the way here. This school is exceedingly big and labyrinthine, isn't it."
"Err... Are you two, acquaintances? I'm sorry. I lost myself watching the exam till the end."

　Chief Nishida spoke to this Onee-san.
　Wonder if she's connected to what we're going to talk about.

"Well seeing as you're already together, might as well finish that matter. Yuuki-kun, she's--"
"I beg your pardon, would you allow me to introduce myself?"
"Oh right, I'm sorry for my lack of tact."

　I've been thinking. This Onee-san's quite prim and proper with her speech and mannerism.
　...I wonder if she's another Super VIP like that family head.

"Let me start over. Nice to meet you, Yuuki-kun. My name is 'Ixia'. I have been summoned by you and granted a new life upon this world."
"...Eh."

　The Onee-san who called herself Ixia quietly took my hand.

"I have yet to gain a proper outlook on how to lead this life. However... I wish to stay close by you and watch as you grow into adulthood and tread the path you have chosen yourself. I would love to ask you again. Would you be willing to let me stay with you?"

　Her word sounded powerful almost akin to a lecture to my ears, I reflexively stood straight as I listened.
　That's why... I ended up blurting out my response even though I should have thought it through first--

"Y-yes. I'll be in your care, Ixia-san."

　Thus was my reply.

"Thank goodness. We're family from today onward. Let's do our best and support each other, Yuuki-kun."

　My head got another pat. That smile, way dangerous.

"Ixia-san. That's quite stimulating for a boy in his puberty."
"Is that right? I do not believe this grandma still has the charm however."
"I'm telling you... You're no longer a grandma. You should take your time to get used to it."
"I see... I haven't had to mind such a thing for quite a long time. I will use more discretion."

　I-I don't really get what's what... At any rate, am I really gonna have to live together with this Onee-san when she makes my heart aflutter just from being this close...?

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