Sousetsuka

Chapter 16

Book 2




"Ah, I'm beat. Why do college classrooms got these steeped seats anyway. You gotta keep looking down if you sit down at the back, my poor neck."
"So why didn't you pick the front seat? Nobody was there."
"Nuh uh, that'd mean putting myself in those Class S guys' crossfire. Dunno why but they don't look friendly to us."

　Second day of the orientation. We went in the classes we were interested in to see if we would pick them for our curriculum and sure enough, Class S students weren't too happy about the existence of Class SS. Guess it's because they thought they were the top dogs before they found out about us. Well, they could always try to mess with us... But that Family Head is definitely gonna expel the troublemaker without a second thought.

"But I was surprised when you picked lectures unrelated with combats, Yuuki."
"Hm, well yeah. I'm also planning to take 'Grandia Mythology' class to learn more about its history. Isn't it interesting how those myths actually happened for real?"
"Hmmm, no I don't really think so... I'm gonna look around this school's clubs after a meal at the cafeteria. Sure you're not coming with me, Yuuki?"
"It's a really tempting offer but I gotta go to the Practical Combat Theory Lab this noon."

　I don't think I'd have time to spend in a club anyway. I probably will be busy helping Chief Nishida in her experiments and doing my bodyguard jobs.

"That's a shame. Then let's go to the cafeteria together at least. They weren't open yesterday but I heard the food there is way better than any family restaurants. Reasonably priced to boot."
"Too bad, I've brought a lunchbox today. I'll tag along tho', let's go."

　Yep, I've got Ixia-san's handmade lunchbox with me. She even added salad and soup because I already had the sandwiches yesterday.
'I put vegetable soup in this pod to help with the so called nutrition balance.'
　I'm melting from her kindness. I'm gonna make her something back in my off day as a token of my appreciation.
　And by something I mean curry or fried rice though. Oh and boiled taro my grandma taught me.



"Uwoo... You tellin' me this whole building is a food court?"
"Seems like it... Let's get in."

　We arrived in front of a stylish building at the end of a corridor connected to the second schoolhouse. It's so big and stylish that if someone told you it was a restaurant, you'd reflexively respond with 'Ain't it too big?'
　...This school don't got a dress code right? I'm in plain clothes right now, sure I can go in here? I'd believe it if someone told me I can't enter without a necktie.

"Third years dine on the third floor while first and second years are on the first... So the question is, who's the second floor for?"
"How would I know if you don't know, Yuuki. I'll have you know I didn't read a thing on the pamphlet."
"Correct, I have no clue either. Well, let's just go to our destined floor 1."

　The glass-sided food court is quite spacious. Despite the building's grandness, you order meals with a ticket system and everybody here is having their meal while chatting away.
　And the prices.... That's a big city for you. Even the so called reasonably priced has a serving of ramen at 1000 yen. Ah... I'm grateful for Family Head and the one year free meals.

"...Hey, Yuuki. What do you think is this today's special about, 'Spring Vegetable Cake Sales ~Roquefort Sauce Garnish~'. I wanna try this one out."
"What magic is that spell for. Heck, is that really on the menu. They make that in the same kitchen as ramen?"

　By the way, our good old smart terminals picked up the keywords in our conversation and kindly displayed the information on this dish. It kinda looks like... a bread for side dish.

"Ah, I see. So that's how that food is like, you're a godsend. I will have that as well."

　A schoolgirl suddenly spoke behind us.

"I'm still not familiar with the cuisines of this world. Thank you very much, Sasahara-kun."
"...Hold on, I'm jogging my memory right now. I'm sure you were in my class... Koune-san, right."
"Fufu, correct. Come over here, Mikoto-chan. I've just learned what that special dish is!"

　I turned around to meet with one of the Grandia students from yesterday, Koune Shezard.
　She left an impression with her beautiful aqua colored hair despite her Japanese-looking face.
　She beckoned Kai's childhood friend, Ichinose-san who was farther apart... Please don't look so obviously displeased when you saw me. I'm no delinquent, okay.

"I see. Kai you're with... Sasahara-kun again today."
"Yep, sure am. Sasahara knows a lot of stuff, he's super reliable."
"Cause you didn't read the pamphlet. Okay, I'm not getting that though so feel free to order that... uh, today's special."

　I gave up trying to read the menu. Woulda twist my tongue. Rock.. what was it again?

"You don't have to tell me. Koune, you're having that too, right?"
"Yup, but get me two servings, okay? I have a large stomach."

　She's a glutton huh. Even though she looks so slim. A healthy appetite is a good thing.

"Guess I'm gonna get myself a seat. Kai... you go and eat with them. You have a business with him right? Ichinose-san."
"No, I do not. But I don't mind if you want to eat together, Kai."
"Eh? Then... Yuuki, join us too, let's all have a meal together."
"Yep, let's. I mean, look how big that lunchbox Sasahara-kun has with him!"

　I-I ain't giving any! Yeah sure this basket is big! But it's the precious lunchbox Ixia-san made for me! ...But what if she packed too much. I prolly won't be able to finish everything.

"Wha... very well, I am fine with that. Kai, you will secure our seats."
"Gotcha. Then... I'll go tag that table over there."

　And here I was being considerate. Well, this might be a good chance to resolve the misunderstanding. Alrighty, I'm gonna get us in a good amity over this meal.



"Hee, so this is... The special dish."
"You just forgot the name, didn't you."
"Haha, busted. But it does look good. It's some sort of cake."
"It really is. But this sauce appears to be cheese, I don't think it's sweet."
"I am not familiar with western-style food, but it looks appetizing indeed. It's lovely."

　The three of them are enjoying some fancy looking bread on the table.
　I opened my basket and poured the soup into a cup.
　Oh, bell peppers spotted. I'm so happy Ixia-san put my favorite in here.

"Sasahara-kun, seeing as you bring a lunchbox, you don't live in a dormitory?"
"Yep, my house is behind the school."
"Fumu, that's a surprise. People like you tend to loathe having their parents breathe under their neck."
"...Let's make one thing clear, I'm not a problem child okay? Sensei was just joking."
"Is that right? But you did get called into the counseling room, did you not?"
"I only got news I'd be there the day before. They told me I couldn't participate in the entrance ceremony due to my circumstances. I didn't get in this school through achievements or connections... nor do I have a backing. That's why."

　No good, I can't come up with a back story as good as Ixia-san could.

"You know how some people don't think well of plebeians mingling among them right?"
"...I could only take the exam thanks to someone from Akimiya, and um... Mikoto's dad too... I see, I didn't know Yuuki was just like me."
"Ah, is that so. Actually, is Ichinose-san's dad famous or something?"
"He sure is. Many pro battlers apprenticed under Mikoto's dad, I mean his dojo. Mikoto's older brother is also leader of an Underworld Survey Team squad."

　For real, they're top elite. No wonder they've got influences.

"So yeah, I'm not a delinquent I swear. Can't exactly say I'm a honor student either though."

　Please understand, Ichinose-san. Sensei was just fooling around.

"...I, didn't know. I thought, for sure... No, looking back, you... protected Sensei from Arariel's violence... I had you pegged wrong."
"Well, that guy probably has his own circumstances too. Take it easy okay."

　His situation sounds just as complex. Like he can't afford to be looked down on.

"...By the by Sasahara-kun, your lunchbox looks too much for one person to finish. I shall help you with that."
"Why're casually going after my meal in the hubbub. I mean, you finished yours already? Did you really work your way on your meal while we were talking, your nerves made of steel or something?"

　Koune-san. Don't turn that wishful face on me. But sure you can have them, I've got a lot.

"My guardian made this for me. I'd feel bad if I leave any, so fine you can help out. Just don't take too much."

　The roll sandwiches are so good. They're all types you don't see being sold in convenient stores too. What's it again? Mustard chicken?
　It's mustard chicken minced to make it rollable in the sandwiches. It's super good.

"Do you live with your parents, Yuuki? Oh, then you're a local of this floating city?"
"Ah, yeah, my intro got cut short back then. I'm from a rural town in Touhoku. I moved here together with my guarantor, well, my guardian."
"Guarantor? I suppose we shouldn't pry on your personal life then?"
"Bingo, Shezard-san. Yeah, it's that. I don't have a relative anymore."
"You can call me Koune. I see, you have got it rough, Sasahara-kun. Nonetheless, I think you're quite fortunate to be living with someone who could cook food this good."

　The mood got a bit heavy but Koune-san magnificently managed to dispel it. I think so too. I'm a lucky chap. This stuff's seriously good.

"Fufu, I suppose so. Mind if if I help myself with another?"
"Ah, me too."
"Go ahead. Take a page from Koune-san, don't hold back."

　Since I already tasted all the types, I just grabbed at random with them.
　There were a lot of soup cups in the basket conveniently. Have at it guys.



"Ah, I'm full... Those sandwiches were divine."
"Indeed. And they were extremely cute too. How they were bite sized was another good point."
"I couldn't control myself and ate so much."

　After mealtime, we lounged around in the cafeteria until the noon orientation.
　As it turns out, Koune-san and Ichinose-san are old friends.
　Oh yeah, Ichinose-san did live in Grandia for a time.

"Koune-san came from a family of knights that traced their history long in the past. My family's swordsmanship originated from Koune's family style of swordsmanship. Due to that connection, I was under her family care for a period of time."
"Hee, I never knew that. Mikoto left before I finished a year in the dojo and then you came back as an assistant instructor in high school. That was a huge surprise."
"Mikoto-chan is an expert at handling a sword unlike me after all. Even my old man asked her to marry into our family. My little brother is still one year old though."
"I believe they were merely jesting. But I do aspire to be knighted in the future. Don't you too, Koune-san?"

　They've all got a clear vision for the future.

"I should get going. I plan to visit the Practical Combat Theory Lab."
"Ah, that's where I'm headed too. Let's go together, Ichinose-san."
"Hm, is that so. Is Kai going too?"
"Nope, I'm good. I want to be a battler so I wanna look around battler clubs later."
"...Very well."

　She looks pretty down huh. Guess I'm gonna lend her a--

"Ah, I wanna see those battle clubs too! They sound so fun! Later then, Mikoto-chan!"
"Yes, understood. Until we meet again."

　Oof. Koune-san picked the most exquisitely wrong timing. Like she can't read the room. 

"Let us go, Sasahara-kun. The location should be the first VR maneuvering ground."
"Sure is. From where we are now... The fastest route should be from that exit and then we can take the exclusive passage on the second floor."
"Fufu, you really know a lot. I have yet to memorize all the facilities myself."

　Well, since I've cleared up the misunderstanding I might as well get friendlier with her.
　After all, she should be a katana user like me. I'm still wet behind the ears as a swordsman, I can stand to learn a lot from her.

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

"Fumu, we have a lot of visitors again this year."

　A man showed up in front of us students gathered in the VR ground and casually made that remark.
　He's right, there's a lot of students here for the Practical Combat Theory Lab.
　Goes to show how many of us wish to work in a field that involves combat such as Underworld Survey, or Grandia Knights.
Being a lecture that studies on the 'most efficient way to weaken, defeat and kill your opponents', the students and the lecturer here do have a different vibe to them compared to everywhere else.

"First, a forewarning. This lab only accepts those with skill. As an educator I shouldn't say this, but here we only let those 'who have the readiness to kill in cold blood when the time calls for it' in. Consequently--I do not subscribe to the idea that one must prepare themselves before a test. That is to say, we will now proceed to hold a test that decides whether you are eligible to join this lab or not."

　The male lecturer said that out of nowhere. Can't believe he's doing this during the orientation... Meaning those who didn't come here today would fail.
　...Battlefields wait for no man, huh. I should steel myself as well.
　Some students who gathered here raised an objection at this sudden proposal.

"Those who do not agree may leave. The board chairman has granted their consent to this policy. You will use the weapon we prepared. Worry not, nobody will get hurt in this VR ground."
"...I was wondering why we had to go to the VR ground when it was supposed to be practical... I understand now. Sasahara-kun you're--I suppose I don't have to ask."
"Of course. It's gotta be this harsh if we wanna study actual combat."

　Students who didn't like the method, didn't have the resolve or were only here to watch all left. Less than half of the students remained.
　Oh, there's Arariel. Figured he's practical, or more like combative.

"You all may stand by in the resting room over there. Those who get called are to go back here and enter the VR facility. Those who have finished the test are to leave this maneuvering ground at once and to keep the test content strictly confidential... Make sure you understand this point or else you may receive a severe punishment. You're free to think you've made an enemy of this school if you break this rule."

　All of us cleared our throats at this stern warning.
　...Seems like you gotta prepare the worst from the looks of things.
　Even more students left after this warning.
　The rest who stayed headed for the resting room.

"Ichinose-san, you're quite calm aren't you. Everybody else is on edge."
"I have had experience being in real battlefields as well as mobilizing with that type of superior, therefore I am used to this kind of treatment. Besides, you look just as calm, Sasahara-kun."
"Hm, well yeah. I'm probably just lacking survival instinct though."

　In fact, I'm seeing everything like I'm in a third person perspective... I also feel like I'm being too optimistic for no reason. I really should switch out that mind set.
　I do have one experience in actual combat though. During that failed kidnapping attempt half a year ago.
　I felt like my opponent wasn't seriously trying to kill me back then, but he might also be someone who could casually kill people without showing his bloodlust. I was surprisingly calm about all that.

『First subject. From Class B--』
"Oh, it's starting. It's gonna take quite some time if this test only lets one person in at a time."
"I suppose. I surmise it should be a one-on-one match like the entrance exam... But I wonder if that's really it considering we're using VR."
"Yeah. Counting everybody including the one that just left... there's thirty of us. Could be evening by the time this is over... I gotta call home."

　I already told Ixia-san that I'd be back before evening today, she might worry. One time, I went out late and Ixia-san flooded me with messages... 
'Where are you now, Yuuki', 'Are you lost, Yuuki', 'Do you need my help', 'Are you safe.'
　...I'm not a little kid anymore but I don't think she'll ever get it.

"Fufu, you really treasure your guardian. I admire those who value their family and friends--"
『Next applicant, from Class B--』
"! That's too fast... it hasn't even been a minute."

　The lecturer's voice resounded in the room again. Maybe he's calling us after every fixed period? This might end faster than I thought then.
　Contrary to my expectations though, the next student got called after five minutes.
　Then the next one after that took one minute, followed by another that lasted less than 30 seconds.
　Yet sometimes it took another student ten minutes. There's no doubt about it....

"...This test is so harsh that some of the students could not even last a minute."
"! You thought so too... huh. It appears I have to put my back into this."
『Next. From Class SS--Fumu, I see an application to revise the registered name. Arariel.』

　Arariel who was idling quietly in the corner of the room got called.
　I see, you applied to have your family name removed huh. Guy's pretty stricken to formality.

"Go at it Arariel. They gotta got a trap that can fail you outright by the looks of thing."
"Aa? ...Yuuki was it. Fine, I'mma pass, so you hafta. We gonna mettle it out here."
"Thanks for the pep talk."
"...Tch."

　Arariel-kun. You're surprisingly new to this aren't you? I mean that was an indirect encouragement. But it's true that a lot of things may change depending on whether he finished the test fast or slow.

"...We are ultimately students of Class SS after all. One of us finishing this test instantly... may set off a chain reaction."
"Fumu, that is indeed plausible. Putting aside the conduct of this Arariel man, he must possess something special considering he belongs to our class."

　The next student got called. Five minutes later, not one.
　This is... maybe he avoided the first kill trap and finished the test in record time?
　Or maybe he failed midway through... No, I'm sure it's the former. He'd definitely have gone on a rampage if he had an issue with the result.

"Only me, Ichinose-san and--"
"He's in our class. Don't you remember?"

　The other one is a schoolboy sitting near the exit. Our class... To tell you the truth, I don't really remember students who don't hail from Grandia.

"Fufu, it's a shame you don't remember me. Looks like you're not as scary as rumors made you out. I'm Yoshida Kaname, your classmate. I hope you don't forget me this time, Sasahara Yuuki-kun."
"Uwoo, you actually remember me... Sorry, it's kept well in my head now. Nice to meet you, Kaname-kun."

　He's kinda slim but still slightly taller than me.
　Fumu, guy's got a soft demeanor. But I can't shake the feeling that I can't let my guard down around him.

『Next, from Class SS, Yoshida Kaname.』
"Oho? it seems I'm going ahead of you. Well, Ichinose-san, Yuuki-kun. See you later."
"Ou, go break a leg."
"Yeah, I pray for your fortune."

　He seems quite approachable. Uumu, wonder what he's majoring on?
　I'm not Jen-sensei... but he looks like a healer type to me.

"This would be our first time conversing... So that was Yoshida Kaname. He's surprisingly soft-spoken."
"Surprising? Are you familiar with Kaname-kun? Did you go to the same high school?"
"No that's not why. Didn't you know? He's the champion of Amateur Battler High School League. It's said his overwhelming might is like that of a fierce deity, he might be even stronger than Kai according to my father."
"You kidding me... Those achievements landed him the exam right huh... Wait, Kai didn't enter that league?"
"Disciples of our dojo are barred from participating in amateur leagues."

　I see. Guess he's not a healer then.
　Sure enough, the announcement for the next participant came five minute later.

『Next up, Class SS Ichinose Mikoto.』
"It appears you are the last participant. I will be off."
"Do your best, Ichinose-san. Let's go see Kai together after this."
"Y, yeah."

　It'll be over quicker than I thought thanks to the test's difficulty. I can probably go home before three.
　Five minute later. The last announcement was made.

『Last one. Sasahara Yuuki-kun, show me the power that afforded you the special enrollment. Rest at ease, this broadcast is confined in this room.』
"So my homeroom teacher wasn't the only one in the know... I take it the board chairman trusts this Sensei too."

　Outside the resting room, the broadcast Sensei quietly gave an explanation.

"That red door is the entrance to the VR facility. Feel free to consider everybody inside as your enemy. Do not lose focus until the very end. The test is considered over if you receive damage that leaves your health at zero."
"Got it."

　I entered the room into a pure white space. Whoaa, so VR isn't limited to wireframes...

"Welcome, last applicant. I am in charge of explaining the detailed rule for this test."

　A woman in a uniform came to meet me while holding a floating monitor aloft.

"First, you may pick any weapon you like from this selection--"
"A sword."

　I took the sword and cut down the uniform woman.
　The sensation is so real you wouldn't think you were inside VR.
　I know this. It's some sort of vibrations. By stimulating the brain to give an illusion of reality, it might even affect mental and physical states of its users. There exist military-grade VR facilities unavailable for public use.

"...Thank goodness I'm resistant against gore. No wonder some of them didn't even last a minute."

　The blood spill, the cross section, everything looks real. In a way, being familiar with the too realistic graphics of video games in my original world has desensitized me.
　...Please don't ask why I knew about those games before I turned 18.

"That's it for the test. No way right?"

　The next thing I knew, I was standing on a rubble like it was some sort of a disaster zone.
　It's too amazing how realistic this looks... Somebody please make a full body contact game using this technology.
　Well, I guess you could argue this whole facility itself is a game.

"The faster ones finished this test in five minutes... I should hurry over to the goal."

　I ran through the rubble. I killed enemies--humans who were stationed along the way.
　The sensation of cutting meat, wails, expressions of terror. They all got shown vividly, gradually wearing my mind down.
　Real combat... Of course, you may have to kill. And me... I'm in a position that would likely put me there. Which means... This training is exactly what I needed.
　I do feel bad slaughtering those who have no means to resist, but if that's what required to stand in the battlefield, I'll go through it.

"...End of the road. That's the goal, I guess."

　The white space was visible again. I killed both the obvious-looking villain and the hostage-looking kid who were waiting for me in front of the white space before I stepped inside.

"Who even designed this, what poor taste..."
"Yes, it is in poor taste indeed. However, all those ghastly scenes may very well take place in actual battlefields. Congratulations, Sasahara Yuuki. You have killed everybody to reach this place in record ti--"
"Yeah, you're an enemy too."

　I stabbed Sensei who was waiting for me in the white space. That was the moment when the white space vanished, replaced by an inorganic room. A door was opened at the same time.
　The sword I was holding had disappeared before I realized... Right of course, everything was VR. That ruined town was far bigger than this room, meaning even my perception of space had been VR-ized...

"It's kinda scary. Feels like it's easy to abuse this tech."

　I left the room where the real teacher was waiting for me, looking satisfied.
　I thought there would be senior students other than this teacher waiting... What was that all about anyway?

"Your result is beyond imagination. You passed. Leave this room through that passage and wait in the classroom ahead. Other successful applicants are waiting there."
"Got it. Aren't you being too heavy handed, Sensei? I was sure it would be one-on-one match when I saw those senior students in a group."
"They were only here to carry out the applicants. There is no end of students who pass out, piss themselves and vomit in this facility every single year. But you are the only one who ever killed everyone without the slightest hesitation."

　He made me sound like a psychopath. I mean, I mean, sensei said 'Consider everybody inside your enemy' and all! I'm no psychopath!

"You may go now. I am staying here for a bit to clean up."
"...T-thank you for your hard work. Excuse me."
"Fumu, or perhaps you're willing to lend a hand? Worry not, the room is sterilized after every use. How about it? Don't you find it deeply moving to witness the content expelled by the students who took the same test as you and failed?"
"Good bye, Sensei."

　...This Sensei seems like bad news. Don't say that kind of invitation with a smile that broad please....







　I can enter bath anytime I wish and enjoy myself as long as I want.
　It doesn't hurt anywhere when I move, nor do I trouble anybody even if I bathe for long.
　And above all--

"The water runs on my skin... On this scar-less, beautiful body..."

　The more I bathe the more it hits me that I have truly turned young.
　My flesh was definitely not noble. I might have been given the wonderful position to protect children, but I would occasionally ask myself if I were fit to be one.
　That question stayed with me, gnawed on me for hundred, two hundreds of years until it thinned and became a part of me. And yet--now that I have been bestowed a new body, a new life--

"Myself as a woman... is it. I thought I have long lost that feeling."

　Is my youth the cause of Yuuki's bashfulness? I can only ask him to be comfortable with it... That will likely prove difficult.
　He will be an adult soon. I too understand. But he is my first ever child that's only meant to me. This time my role is not only meant to make children abide by rule and guide their path, no, I can give him everything with my own two hands. To him who gave me this chance by summoning me into this world.
　What is it I can do to make him happy I wonder.

"Perhaps, it is delicious food... Or perhaps, I should spend more time with him."

　Maybe I could make another proposal for us to sleep in the same room. Human warmth is a thing to yearn for. For me, chiefly.

　I finished washing and pondered what to do today while perusing the convenient tool to dry my hair.
　My holy scripture, 'BB Cooking' will be streaming a new video today. I suppose I will go purchase the ingredients shown afterward. And to carefully select the seeds I will cultivate along the way.

"This world is truly wonderful. You can easily obtain seeds and seedlings."

　In my past life, I would often watch children and workers working on the field from the window.
　I had always wished I could join them but I could never bring myself to in fear of them eschewing me. Fumu... I would like to have the opportunity to dig out sweet potatoes.



『Alright, today is the day everybody has been waiting for, the once-a-month serious recipe day.』
『Today I, Mother, will be assisting BB. R-oneesan is taking the day off.』
『That girl is helpless with difficult recipes after all. Okay then, let's show our viewers the ingredients.』

"Oh, today is a day for a difficult recipe, I see. Oh this is, it appears I am not yet ready for it..."

　There are other videos that show recipes for beginners like me as well as for those who seek to recreate difficult recipes. I hope that I too will be able to cook such feasts one day.

"I suppose I have no choice. I will view previous videos I have yet watched..."

　As I looked over the rows of videos, a certain title caught my eyes.
『Turn that special someone face your way! Handy recipe to grab your man's heart.』
　What is this I wonder? Special? Grab his heart? What does it mean?

"A dish that is so good they can only think of it... Would Yuuki like this recipe as it is meant for men? ...I see a recipe that makes use of rice. It does look nice."

　The dish is called 'BB-Special Stamina Roast Gyuudon'. A bowl of rice with meat on top.
　Yuuki truly relishes whenever he has rice. I should make rice ball for his lunchbox next time.
　Today, I relied once again on the easily decipherable BB video to make a list of ingredients before heading out for the hypermarket 'BuuBuu Value' located in the town behind the hill.

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