Chapter 9

Book 1




　An elf who named herself Ixia, and Yuuki who strayed into a deceptively similar world to his.
　Going back to about four months before the two met.
　The season was fall. Around a month after Yuuki performed the Summoning Experiment.
　Ixia had been reborn into a new body from soul.

"Can you hear me? Today, I want to start your training on communication through words, no more thoughtwave. It might be hard to hear me inside the liquid, do you feel any discomfort?"
"Ah... It's quite a strange feeling. I can breathe inside water. I can talk."
"Yes. That might look like water, but in practice, it's virtually air in all but name. As you are in the final stage of body generation, your skin is currently curing to bolster resistance against sunlight. It won't feel good for about two days, please bear with it."
"...I see, magic in this world must be incredibly advanced. I can't believe reviving the dead has been made possible..."
"Strictly speaking, we are merely constructing a body to house a strong soul. In that sense, the existence that made revival possible is the one who summoned you."
"That, boy is it."

　Chief Nishida realized that Ixia remembered the detail of her summoning when she heard her murmur 'That boy'. 
　In reality, Ixia was recalling that time she went after Yuuki in her soul state.
　An ordinary boy who summoned her. Despite his ordinariness, he has his heart in the right place, and finds enjoyment in his life every day in spite of his less than fortunate circumstances.
　A slight correction is needed however, he's a young man, not a boy.
　Although due to Yuuki's short stature and his baby face-ness relatively speaking, to Ixia who hails from a long living race, she can only see him as a 'boy'.

　In her soul state, Ixia exchanged words with Yuuki's grandmother by pure happenstance.
　That was partly the reason Yuuki had been on her mind all this time.
　It might also due to a conditional reflex from her past life's circumstances.

"You should be able to leave that vessel by the day after tomorrow. After which... I would talk about general matters such as this world's circumstance, system and common sense to help facilitate your life with him. Hence... It would also help me greatly if you could talk about yourself. You don't have to talk about anything you wish to keep to yourself however."
"I understand. If you don't mind this old woman chattering away, it would be my pleasure to indulge."
"Err... Right now, your body is... in prime time of your life, I think you should try to conform your mental state to it bit by bit."

　Chief Nishida brought a full length mirror in front of the capsule containing Ixia.
　Reflected in the mirror is a beautiful woman that looks to be in the half of her twenties without a single piece of cloths on. The reflection is in no way an old woman.
　It's how she looked in the prime of her life. Being a long living elf, Ixia spent a long period of time as an old woman so this change was befuddling to her.

"My... This is... It's... me in my 60, no, nearly 70."
"...As a member of the same sex, I must say it's hard not to feel envious on elf's growth rate."

　Chief Nishida who had been taking more and more time doing her make up lately couldn't help but feel a sense of yearning to Ixia's ethereal appearance.
　But that goes for Ixia as well. She noticed something. One thing that wasn't the same about her body.

"I believe this body was generated upon the memory carved in my soul. Perhaps that contained my own yearning as well."
"Which is to say?"
"My proportion has been slightly, improved. I suppose this was what I imagined my ideal self would look like."

　Concretely being the chest area. They're bigger. Her yearning on that point did get engraved in her soul--







"Okay then, it's time to talk about you. There are several points of note I need to discuss regarding your future."
"Y-yes!"

　Of course there's plenty! A young man living together with this beauty is a recipe for disaster!
　What if mistake happened. I say it like it's none of my business but it's gonna be my body and mind at stake here! That's just how men are!
　But my guess was proven false, the topic was instead about--

"You have your Restraining Bangle set to maximum level right now, correct. Can you win against those examinees in that state?"
"...If I gotta be honest, I should be able to win rather easily if I lower the level by five. Ah, but I'm not so sure against that last examinee... Probably... Dropping the level by 10 will do."
"The bangle's maximum level is 30. Yet lowering by that much is all it takes for you to triumph. More importantly... You're still growing. That Restraining Bangle... is unlikely to catch up to your growth I'm guessing."

　Yup, my body keeps adapting to these bangles and constantly gets better at moving about.
　I'm personally happy about my growth, but I get what Nishida-san is trying to say here.

"Pardon me for interrupting your discussion, but may I ask if Yuuki-kun is troubled by something? Allow me to assist in any way I can. I will spare nothing to help you with his problem!"

　Ixia closed in on Nishida-san with a grave countenance.
　...She looks seriously worried. I'm happy while simultaneously feeling sorry about it.

"Don't worry about it. It's less a problem... and more the fact that he's too strong. To the point that he would be seen as an abnormality to kids his age. And... there could be scheming adults wanting to exploit that lurking about." 
"Haha... So yeah that's about right, it's nothing to worry ab--"

　In that moment, Ixia-san who gave off the impression of not having an abundance of expressions had this real angered look on her face which surprised me.

"...I cannot abide by that. Children ought to walk the path to adulthood in their own terms. Exploit? I shall never let that come to pass."
"Uu... That hits a sore spot. That's exactly why we're having this discussion. I want to help restrain his power and let him have a normal school life with other students."
"Very well, I see what this is about now. My apologies for interrupting your talk. I will excuse myself for a moment. I hope you could forgive me, Chief Nishida, and also Yuuki-kun."
"Eh, um, I don't mind if you stay."
"It was insensible of me as well. You could stay here if wish... but if you're leaving, I have research reports on this world's magical theory in the next room over. Feel free to take a look at them."
"That is lovely. If you'd excuse me."

　...Is it just me or is Nishida-san looking deadly pale.

"...Phew. From what she told me, Ixia-san was originally a director of an orphanage. That's why... she really loves children. And for some reason I can't fathom, she's quite taken with you..."
"An orphanage... She gives off this super kind vibe. It's kinda awkward when she actually pampers me though. Like that headpat."
"On the other side of the coin however, she was an elf who lived in the age of myth. Naturally... we can safely assume her mana pool and her magic repertoire are on the higher end. To be honest, my curiosity is endless on that front as a researcher... but I cannot touch upon that matter unceremoniously. There's the matter of her privacy."

　Wonder what happens if a summoned being turned out to be a super evil creature.
　Won't modern humans be helpless against them?
　I asked Nishida-san and she said, 'We have Jokers in this world for that worst case scenario'. Uumu... What a scary world indeed.

"Back on the topic at hand. First of all, we will develop a new Restraining Bangle that can curb your strength even further. Let's see, I'll let it have enough range to account for your growth while allowing you be on par with other students."
"Ah, that would be great. I want to keep training."
"That's putting the cart before the horse. Your Physical Boost is already too tempered. Therefore... you should focus on honing your Mana Control instead in the future. Have your custom made weapon be like Restraining Bangle; hard to control with unstable output. You can shift gear toward learning how to efficiently control your mana and handle your weapon."

　...Mana Control. I was thinking I'd focus on brute forcing stuff since I can't use magic. But should I keep following that route if the backlash makes Restraining Bangle eventually useless?
　I do want to keep getting stronger and enjoy my growth. I see training on the technical side of things is an option too. It should satisfy my craving.

"A custom made weapon for me at last..."
"Yes. Devices are normally intended as an aid to draw mana and stabilize the output, but those won't be factored for yours. Instead, we will make a device sturdy enough to withstand the full brunt of your mana. As for the particulars... you may choose from a general catalog later. Your weapon serves as an important proof for my research result as well, so you can order something a bit more grand if you want."

　No way... They're seriously gonna make me a weapon for free. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve.
　Man, that takes me back. My memories during that time pops was still alive were all about getting stuff. Ah, I was so self-calculating back then.

"Well, that's about everything important. Just make sure... you avoid showing off your power in public as much as possible. Of course you can forget that when it comes to life or death situations. But as you might have caught on during the exam earlier, this school isn't short of teachers who have their own self-interest in mind. Many don't think too well of Akimiya Group, the world's foremost negotiator with Grandia as a proxy of Japan. I don't want those people... exploit you. This isn't for the benefit of Akimiya Group, but for yours."
"That's... I get it somewhat. I'm not going to lie, Nishida-san doesn't look like the type loyal to the group. You're really kind."

　I think there's no bad adults like that in my life at least.
　I'm... really blessed.

"Lastly, this one's off record as well... Keep on your toes around Family Head. That woman is no ordinary human. What's on her mind, what is it that she wishes to accomplish. Nobody else stands equal to her so she feels a bit... eerie. I mean, she even spoke out about wanting to see you today."
"Well, I can clearly tell she's an unknown that's for sure. Then there's the stuff like her mask and pigs."

　In short, I gotta lead a peaceful trouble-free school life.
　 Honestly I can't see a future like that given my circumstance.
　But I want to do my best answering that wish seeing as I have people supporting me on that.

"That's all from me. For your information, I also work part time as a lecturer in this school, you'll see me from time to time. I need your help in my experiments as well. Decide on the base specs, design and orientation of your weapon device by tomorrow. Fine tuning... can wait until you try it in practice."
"Can I ask just to be sure? That means I gotta come here every day right? The travel's cost...?"
"...Oh right, you paid the trip today out of your pocket. Don't worry, I told you you'd be given supports remember? You don't have to go to school during this period, no? Stay here for the time being. I'll lend you some space at my research facility."

　Is that for real? I already booked a normal business hotel since I was planning to stay for two, three days.
　In the end, I had to cancel my booking and got her pay the cancellation fee too.
　I'm really sorry about it. Guess I shouldn't have decided on my own.


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


"I see you are done talking. You have this cheerful look on your face."
"Ah, yes. You can... tell?"
"Yes. Your mood is unlike before. It's like a kid looking forward to something fun."

　I'm getting real nervous sitting next to Ixia-san as she said that bullseye.
　We're riding on a Schweinnritter School's car, not a limousine this time, to the research facility and Ixia-san has picked the seat right next to me like it's only natural.
　No really, I picked mine first and Ixia-san later.

"Fumu... Yuuki-kun, you're about my height. I'm slightly taller right now, but you're still at growing ages. I believe you'll get past me in no time."
"Ha, haha... I only grew by two centimeters last year though."
"It will be fine. I'm sure you still have room to grow. You need to eat right and sleep well."

　Close, close, close. And she smells super good. Be still, my beating heart.
　She really doesn't see herself as a young woman it seems. She won't stop getting all touchy-feely.
　It's like a grandma pampering her favorite grandchild.
　I'm already part adult though. I'm told 18 is elementary school age for elves, but I'm... gonna blow up if she keeps treating me like this.

"Yuuki-kun. Are you familiar with this vehicle known as car?"
"Yes, well somewhat..."
"I see... This would be my second time on one. Is it possible to look up the mechanism behind this vehicle with that 'Smart Terminal' you showed me earlier?"
"It's probably possible. Let's ask Nishida-san together later."
"Yes, please. I have been taught most of the basics but there are so many things I don't understand and things I wish to understand in this world. Frankly, it has been disorienting."

　She looks so happy with a tinge of bashfulness.
　...That goes for me too. I still only know so little about this world.
　Knowing that I could learn together with her sounds really fun.

"They will grant us the house we will be living in. If you have any requests regarding that, we are to submit them along with my requests together later."
"A house huh... I thought they're just gonna refer us to a real estate agent."
"I am not privy on the detail myself but that is how Nishida-san phrased her words. We should ask her tomorrow since she seems busy today."

　Nishida-san stayed in the school for work. She's verifying the examinees data or something along that line.
　Frankly, just me together with Ixia-san alone is crazy nerve wracking but I should learn to get used to this situation if we're gonna live under the same roof.



"Err, are you sure we should stay in the same room?"
"Yes. We'll be living together from now on, there's no need to prepare two rooms for us. They may be spare rooms but we should not impose on the people cleaning after us."

　Ixia-san in her room. She casually took off her simple suit, likely for outings and changed to a casual one piece dress in front of me.
　I couldn't stop her. Wonder if this sight would be only for today.
　...The provided underwear were plain white with no flair.

"Yuuki-kun what are you doing there?"
"Ah, I'm putting an order for my device... my weapon. Right now, I'm writing a form."
"Fumu. It's been bothering me for a while, you can act casually around me, you know? Isn't that tiring?"
"Ah, but, how do I put it... Ixia-san also puts '-kun'."
"I see. Then, Yuuki."

　Getting my first name called without suffix straight in the eye is terrifically dangerous! I skipped another beat!

"Fufu, I'm sure you'll get it right bit by bit. Please, be natural when you speak to me."

　Ixia-san laughed as she said that. Eey, gotta shift my mind set. Imagining her as a grandma talking to her grandchild... is just impossible. Like there's a grandma this beautiful!

"I underst... I get it. Let's take a look at the weapon catalog."
"Is it alright for me to join you?"

　I focus on weapons. Her face's so close, but I keep on focusing on. It's my fault for opening the catalog on my terminal.

"Ooh... Even the parts look completely different... Err..."
"What kind of weapon do you wield, Yuuki?"
"Err, I only ever used swords. This time, I'm picking the weapon that's been on my mind forever... Samurai Edge. It's a katana type."
"A single edged sword... No, considering its length, I suppose it's a type of short sword. The way you wield a single edged sword is wholly unlike a doubled edged sword despite their similarity, will you be fine?"

　That was a surprise. She suddenly spoke like she's an expert on the matter.
　Wonder if war was an every day thing in the other world in the past?

"I assume this weapon is specialized for cutting given the shape of its arc, but as the weapons in this world work by materializing mana into blades, does this form truly have an application?"
"I-is that right?"
"Yes. Double edged swords offer more offensive options... Oh but, if this form allows for the generation of a thin and sharp blade... I see it appears this shape has a profound meaning to it."

　I feel like I suddenly got a lot more closer to Ixia-san.
　I simply love that kind of topic!

"Err, this katana, you see... is conceived in this country, Japan. Putting aside its practical application, it's just something I've been wanting to use forever."
"I see, so you have a reason. I imagine it must be difficult to wield, but, as weapon is meant to be an extension to your limbs, it is indeed better if you're partial to it. I would have chosen something easier to wield if you were an amateur but Yuuki is very strong as testified by Nishida-san."
"Ahaha... I'm barely grasping the basics of swordsmanship though."
"Fufu, is that so. Then... I see there's a considerable amount of variety to katana. From blade length to the curving degree... Also, mana consumption rate, output... To think it's possible to adjust such fine detail... Combat technology must be very well developed in this world."

　Uumu... People who look so happy as they browse car catalog. I so get you now!
　Ixia-san ended up browsing the catalog with enthusiasm as well, she even asked me 'I'm sorry, but could you bring the screen up?'
　...I'm wondering if this moment is the reason I was brought into this world.

"U, umm, hold on for a moment. I'm gonna cast it on a bigger screen."

　However. It's way too stimulating for my poor little heart so I decided to screen cast the catalog on TV.
　This world is incredible. You don't need to connect a cable nor you need to specify TV model or anything.

"Yuuki. How about the model on the second row from top, the fourth one from left as the base?"
"Err... This one?"

　She picked a katana that was less curving than normal with a slightly long blade.

"The length of that blade should be barely acceptable for Yuuki's present stature. With your growth in mind, I believe that one is your best choice. I am not well informed on miscellaneous specification such as mana efficiency however. Perhaps you could consult Nishida-san later?"
"I see... You're right, that looks about right for me. Okay then, I'm going to pick the design now."
"Yes. You may choose whichever you like for that, Yuuki."

　She's honestly a great help. I'm completely lost on stuff like blade length, curving degree and so on.
　She could tell which length is best for me with so little information... Wonder what she was doing before taking up orphanage director position.

"The color... no coating, just the bare metal in mirror finish. Just like a genuine katana. The mana light... white it is. I don't want it be needlessly colorful."
"Mana light... Is that not dependent on the user's constitution?"
"Yes it does to a degree, especially white light. But I don't have my own specific light as it turns out."
"I see... That's quite interesting. A weapon made in one's personal design... The fact that is a generally accepted custom is proof of this era's peace if anything."

　Once we got closer. I would like to hear more about her.
　Her combat experience is apparent from her speech and conduct.
　Was the era full of strife and war, or perhaps she actively engaged in one. There's no telling right now.
　But... I'd like to know more.



"Yuuki, it's nearly time for dinner. Let me show you the way to the dining room. You may put away that 'Smart Terminal' app now."
"Haha, alright then. After you."

　We browsed other stuff beside my order and talked about all kinds of things. Time flew by before we realized.
　I'll be staying in this institute for the next three days, meanwhile Ixia-san has spent several months here, she looks quite well adjusted living here.
　I followed her as she cheerfully guided me. She might be trying to return the favor I did for her at the schweinn school.
　...Her limbs are so long! Seeing her walking like this, she looks like a model for real.

"Good evening, Ixia-san! That boy... don't tell me, he's your summoner?"
"Good evening, Ixia-san! I'm so glad you finally get to see your summoner!"

　All the research facility members we met along the way greeted Ixia-san.
　Her affable personality must be well known already here, evidenced by how cordial she interacted with every single person who called out to her.
　Though... The subject matter is a bit problematic.

"Yes, we're finally together. He's so, so cute. He's my family from now on."
　Or
"Yes, that's so right. What should I give this child, I cannot make up my mind."
　Or,
　She sounds perfectly like a foster parent!
　I'm happy, embarrassed and a bit sorry for myself as a man.

"Err, Ixia-san?"
"Yes. Ah, you see, I have had a lot to talk about with everybody here. Matters such as what gifts or food suitable for children in this world. And how to get close with them. Fufu, I still have a lot to learn. But... I hope we get along well from now on, Yuuki."
"A, u... Yes, likewise."

　I can't say nothing! Nothing to that smile from the bottom of her heart!

"But I have concerns. As you might have known already, I served as a director of an orphanage in my past life. It was big and contained so many moving parts to run, thus we had people who specialized in cooking for the children in place. I... was never a particularly skilled cook, so I'm afraid if you ask me if I could cook well or not..."
"Ah... That goes for me too, I'm not a good cook either. But since they're gonna support us, we could always eat out if..."
"No, that will not do. I wish to save on what we can and learn the necessary skill for day to day life. Let's take it step by step... and learn together."

　With pleasure. Sorry for my inconsiderate remark.
　Nothing sounds more dreamy than the opportunity to learn together.
　My late grandmother was a great cook... So the idea of cooking myself was foreign to me.
　My repertoire includes curry and fried rice, that's all. Oh, also, scrambled sunny egg.

　At the dining buffet, Ixia-san kept going, 'Here have this, and this too' and kept piling food on my plate, I was full both in spirit and stomach by the end.
　...Oh yeah, apparently Ixia-san is a fish dish lover.

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