Chapter 18

Book 2




"Presently, the Gate on Earth is linked to a Gate located at Fastoria Continent also known as the 'Mythical Continent'. While the exact date is unknown, this place was once--"

　Today is the day I have lectures at school, in a way the first foray into my new life.
　This class teaches Grandia mythologies and history. The first lesson is about modern interpretations of Grandia's most famous mythology and the changes that follow.

"This lecture is pretty fun... Me think."

　I'm having fun because it feels as if I'm listening to someone narrating a fantasy novel, but it's not a popular lecture among students.
　I see plenty of vacant seats.

"Only this Gate remains today. As for the Gate that connects to Hell, colloquially known as Underworld today, I'm sure you all are aware that this Gate constantly changes locations. Last year, this Gate has moved to the sea of Sadis Continent, the same continent where Seryumieruach Kingdom is situated at. Thus far, does anyone have a question?"

　Whoops, I gotta ask something. Nobody is raising their hand anyway.

"Fumu, Class SS Sasahara-kun. Go ahead."
"Yes. Last year important people like Seryumieruach princess and such paid Earth a visit. Is it possible that they came here to mediate for a clash between Earth and Grandia survey teams?"

　It's a personal inquiry. We may have cultural exchanges but it's not like earthlings can just come and go to Grandia, vice versa for Grandia natives. And yet exchanges of goods and commerce are flourishing.
　This situation reminds me so much of Sakoku policy during Edo Period where a heavy restriction was put for visitors. The few rare visitors we got were all military personnel or Underworld Survey related.

"That is the public opinion at large indeed, but only those who have spent three years or more in Grandia are selected as members of Survey Team, as such there are no clashes, or so we are told. I'd like to avoid political remarks in my lesson... but it is the truth that unlike in Japan where there is a strict standard to follow for their recruitment, some countries resort to a more forceful means. Perhaps those visiting people in power are making the effort to correct that."
"I see... That's all I wanted to ask. Thank you."

　I knew things aren't quite as simple... I guess you can't expect both sides to build an unshakable mutual trust in just half a century. Besides, Seryumieruach is apparently is on a continent far away from the first location of the gate.
　The lecturer touched upon some Grandia-wide culture and history afterward. I made sure to jot down the main points. 
　And so, the shortish 40 minute lecture came to an end.

"That concludes our class today. Anyone who still has questions is free to visit Teacher's Lounge."

　Don't think I have any. Since I have no more class today, I'm planning to head to the Practical Combat Theory Lab early. Now then... Wonder what's today program? We're expected to bring our weapon devices starting this day.
　I went back to the classroom we rarely used to grab my weapon device in its case.
　This classroom's pretty useful as a locker.
　Just as I was about to pick up the rather exaggerated looking case, the classroom's door got flung open and a schoolgirl passed through it. She should be... The elf student from Grandia.

"That's a huge luggage you've got with you, Yuuki-kun. Want my help?"

　She noticed and talked to me.
　T-that's a kind offer and all... But do I look like I'm struggling with this thing?
　Or maybe it's because of my height, maybe I look weak to her.

"I'll be just fine. I'm actually pretty strong despite my look."
"Oh right. You're good with Physical Boost, I'm so jealous."
"Haha, sure am. I'm about to head out for Practical Combat Theory Lab."

　She looks visibly dejected when I said that.
　...Could it be?

"...That was supposed to be held on the first day of orientation, not the second day... I couldn't make it because the date changed and the test took place the same day... I wanted to join too..."

　Oof. Yeah, I bet there's plenty of students like her... Wonder if there's anything that can be done? You can join two labs at most, what if somebody drops out...?

"Cheer up, err... Selia-san, right?"
"Ah, you remember. You left quite the impression back then, it's hard to forget, Sasahara Yuuki-kun."
"...That was a misunderstanding, okay? I'm not a problem student or anything, okay?"
"I know I know. I mean you looked so serious during the class earlier. You even threw a question."
"Ah, you were there. It's kinda unusual for a Grandia native to attend that lecture."

　I managed to recall somehow. Her name should be Selia D. Hamitt.
　She's from Sadis Continent mentioned in the lecture.

"My village's quite rural. I don't really know anything outside my own country. I'd like to know a lot more, so there I was."
"I see. That sounds just like me. I don't know a lot of things either."
"Ooh. By the way, what's in there? It doesn't look like a briefcase."
"This is a case for my weapon device. Don't you have one, Selia-san?"

　I'm guessing she's an Art User since she's a Grandia elf. I heard a lot of elves use Art Linker and Wand type devices, but they can actually cast magic without that kind of device's assistance. Just that many choose to wield them for the safety and load reducing features.

"Ah, I don't use that. I summoned a weapon, so I had that retooled to reduce its killing power."
"Hohou, that sounds real handy. You can summon them anywhere anytime. Don't have to lug them around."
"Yep. I mean, doesn't that apply to everybody in this class?"
"Sorry for being an exception."
"Ah, my bad I didn't mean it that way. As an apology, let me carry that for you okay? I mean it's so big--"

　I'm not offended or anything but she hurriedly tried to pick up the case.
　But--

"Gueh! How is this so heavy!!! You were carrying this around, Yuuki-kun?"
"My bad, yeah it's a real heavyweight. Come now let it go, you look like a pantomime artist."

　I grabbed the case as she was struggling to lift it off the floor.
　Uh Selia-san... What was that 'Gueh!' Girls shouldn't say that out loud.

"I'm so jealous... you've got a high aptitude for Physical Boost unlike me. Though I've been working out to make up for it... Let me take another stab next month. I'm gonna lift it for real by then."
"My case isn't a dumbbell though..."

　Selia-san is planning to head back to her dormitory. I parted ways with her outside the classroom, but then she ran up to me from behind as I was leaving.

"Yuuki-kun, you forgot your Smart Terminal! You shouldn't drop this! I learned before coming to Earth that getting your personal info leaked is--Huh?"
"Ah, many thanks!"

　Selia-san brought my Smart Terminal with her. But then she stopped in her track and stared at it--

"So um, I got a glance on your lockscreen. Isn't this... my country's princess?"

　Ah, crap. I've got the pic as my lockscreen saver. I got a grin whenever I unlocked my terminal.

"She's holding your arm... Who are you, Yuuki-kun?"
"Err... I reported a lost and found item. Turned out the princess was the owner by pure chance."
"How does that end with her holding your arm?"
"Did you know? People who picked up a lost and found has the right to receive 10% of that item. But the item I found was something confidential, so she told me she'd fulfill my wish. End result, we took a commemorative pic together."
"I see. I bet you could've asked for cash. You're so modest, Yuuki."

　Yuuki's Excuse has Leveled Up!

"Hee... The princess looks pretty tall in this picture... Or maybe it's because she's standing next to Yuuki-kun..."
"O-oh shut up! I'll have you know I've gotten taller since then!"
"Ahaha, sorry sorry. Here you can have it back. Do your best at the lab, see you tomorrow."

　She dashed out at speed that would have put a frown on onlookers. Looking again, I saw ankle weights on her legs.
　...She's really working out out there. Here I thought those slim elves are above training their muscles.

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

"W-was sure I'd be first. Man you're fast, Kaname-kun."
"Heya, Yuuki-kun. I came early because I had no class today."

　At the lab room, Kaname-kun was already sitting inside, doing maintenance on some sort of brutal-looking spear? Halberd?
　It looks so cool. Silver? Is that his summoned weapon?

"Hm, are you curious about this? This is what I use instead of a device. I got this in the summoning."
"Everybody really got their own summoned weapon thing huh... I'm kinda jelly."
"Oh but I don't normally wield this weapon. Yet I can't skimp on maintenance. It doesn't clean itself even though I can summon it anytime."
"Huh? But don't these kinds of weapons get retooled to blunt their killing power?"
"Yup. But this one's a bit special, can't get its power pinned down."

　What the heck, even the setting sounds so cool.

"By the way, my device is the same halberd type. That device in your hand... guessing from the size, is it a sword?"
"Oh, you got that right. To be precise, a katana. Wanna have a look?"
"Yup, I sure want. I'm curious what kind of weapon someone of your caliber wield."

　Ah, he must be referring to the video back then. Please just forget about it.
　I took out my pride and joy, the katana device from its case.

"Hee... It looks like a real katana. The only part that doesn't look like it comes from a real one is the grip... I see the mana glow is white colored."
"I don't have summoned weapons like all of you, so this is my one and only weapon."

　Chief Nishida is doing her magic on the weapon I chose back then, so I'll eventually have two though.

"Also... it's quite heavy. Blocking a strike from this device would be an ordeal."
"I got told its mana stability's pretty poor too. You gotta have a real delicate control."
"...It's true. The edge blurs if you put in too much mana... Is this for training?"
"Correct. You're amazing, Kaname-kun. You can already handle it."
"No no, I can do this much if I'm just holding it. It's gonna take quite some time... if I want to swing this around."

　So you can do it with enough time, you prodigy!
　As we spent our time showing off each other weapons, the elf whose name escaped me and then Arariel came.

"Oh, hey you two. Our seniors are still nowhere to be found."
"...Is that so."
"Oh? What y'all doin' with weapons out. You gonna have a go?"

　Surprisingly the last to come was Ichinose-san. Alongside Mika-chan, Mikami-sensei.

"You're all here quite early. I did tell Ichinose-san the same as well..."
"Seniors had warned me that Instructor Mikami is a habitual latecomer."

　I see, Ichinose-san went to fetch him huh.

"Alright, let's begin. You can take a seat. You two, put your devices away."

　Mikami-sensei took a big stretch while giving us an explanation on the lecture.

"Generally, you will only study in this lab for a period of one year. The day you took the test was also your seniors' last day here. There would be no point in imposing a quota on membership otherwise. Your Sensei wishes for you to engage in a rich and meaningful training."
"Ah, I had no idea."
"Nice, I don't hafta deal with oldies acting like they own place."
"That calculation too is included. I don't want you to have any reservation. That's also why you're not required to get along well with each other. Those who want to introduce themselves may do so at their own convenience. Well, four of you are from the same class this year though."

　The sole member who's in a different class has this awkward look on his face.

"Now then, today you will show me your pure combat ability. You are to pit against each other, we'll be heading to the VR facility... No, the Spell Formula Field. You will fight inside that field with real risk of getting hurt."

　That's the field where damage is altered to stamina consumption. The same field used during the entrance exam. Each field requires a huge land area and capital due to the need of a large scale Spell Formula, and this school has four of such fields. Akimiya Zaibatsu too terrifying.
　At the said field, Sensei gave each one of us a key.

"You can find your personal combat suit in the locker room. Put them on. I believe they should fit you but do notify me if it's of the wrong size."
"Huh? Why would we have something like that ready?"
"Because that's part of the teaching materials you ordered before enrollment."

　I see. Chief Nishida took care of everything involving my enrollment.
　I put on the suit in the locker room.
　It's grey colored and has a fake leather feel to it. Very functional design.
　It's got pouches on legs and waist. There are protector parts on the joints. They gotta be magically enchanted I bet.

"...How barbaric. How is this any different from military..."

　The elf schoolboy made his discontent known. Fumu? Does he come from a good family or something.

"Yeah, then you might as well bugger off. Ain't nobody here got time for a good boy duel."
"What did you say?"

　The elf student reacted to Arariel's provocation. His name... is Rick Bizehan as written on his locker. I see, then I shall hereby christen you Rick-kun in my mind.

"I give no crap where you come from, but this this lab's literally got 'Practical Combat' written on its name. Ya in for a beatdown of yer life. Don't wanna get yer fancy clothes all dirty now, do ya?"
"! You lowlife... I care not which demon family you hail from. I shall teach you a lesson."

　Sorry to say but I'm on Arariel's side this time.
　These suits are well suited for practical combat.

"You should stop this bickering and get out. Yuuki-kun, I'm going on ahead."
"Ah, me too. Arariel, let's take this outside."
"Yeah, yer' right. Don't be late now, 'young master'. I'mma take you on."
"I only pray you do not run away."



　Ichinose-san has changed to a suit as well in the field.
　I thought the girls would have a different colored suit, but nope.
　I see... I see. I get that this suit has got quite the tight fit.

"We will now begin your training. This training does not only serve as a way to measure your current prowess, it's also a meant to demonstrate your strength to one another. Hold nothing back."
"Sensei, can I have the first bout with this guy?"
"Hm, Arariel and... Rick. Both of you are Art Users. Permission granted. The rest of you can sit down on the benches outside the field."

　I'm pretty lucky to get the chance to watch a match between students up close.
　I'm interested in the kind of magic they're gonna cast since I can't use any.
　The two went in the field and waited for the start signal.

"What are you standing around for. This is a training for real combat. There is no start signal."
"Oh yeah!?"

　A black thorn shot out of Arariel's palm and flew toward Rick-kun.
　Rick-kun dodged that while making a slashing motion with his arm, something wrapped in lightning flew toward Arariel from there.

"That appears to be a wind blade enveloped in lightning. I see, he must be a dual elemental caster."
"You know about it, Rai... Ichinose-san."
"Rai...? Well it's obvious at a glance. Wind magic boasts high cutting power but it lacks the sufficient force against suit wearers. However, by wrapping the wind with lightning, it should serve to dull your opponent's muscles while simultaneously raising its firepower."
"I see, that's a bad move then. Damage is converted to stamina use in this field. It's not as effective, right?"
"No, the lightning puts the load directly on the muscles thus it's not counted as damage. I believe it is in fact a highly effective tactic here, no?"

Hee, so like a debuff that ignores environment. Quite a shrewd strategy.
　However, Rick-kun could only match Arariel in the beginning.
　Arariel was not only good with magic. That thorn of his could be deployed in the shape of a shield he used to block Rick-kun's magic as he shifted into close range combat.
　Right, he did say he's good at punching people.
　He kept punching and kicking Rick-kun as long as he could.

"Forget 'bout real combat if ya only got magic."
"Kuh... I will! Who would stand being a member of this barbaric laboratory!"

　...Well, I won't say it to his face but I don't think he's suited for this lab either. He must have thought we were gonna study some sort of noblemen-like duels where each side hurls magic at each other. I very much in favor of those who can do magic and melee combat like Arariel. Or more like jealous.

"Fumu. Are you leaving? Rick. I'll make it official if you truly wish to leave this lab."
"Please do just that! I do not see how this lab has what I seek!"
"That's a shame. I'll have your exit formalized so you can join other labs."

　Ah, there he goes. Well, Sensei probably expected students like him when he held such an abrupt test.

"I'd like a word from Ichinose-san regarding this fight. What say you."
"Mwu... Right, putting aside his conduct, I am in agreement with Arariel. The role of mages in battlefield is to deploy large scale magic in a confinement tactic. They are expected to have a degree of close quarter combat proficiency in such a role. Well, dual elemental Mages themselves are uncommon. I believe he has plenty of opportunities in different fields."
"Oh you're surprisingly flexible, Ichinose-san. That about sums up my opinions too. But still, what kind of magic does Arariel have anyway. Not only can it block magic, thing looks pretty sturdy to boot."

　The way it shines looks so cool, like obsidian. So jelly.
　Also, from what I can tell, he's got Physical Boost active while casting the magic.
　He's on a whole different level compared to anyone I ever fought in my school and my town's Training Facility.

"Arariel. You seem fine to me. Fancy another match?"
"Fine by me. I'mma call by name! Yuuki, c'mere and fight me!"
"Eeh! But I still wanna play commentary game!"

　I'm having fun making commentaries with Ichinose-san here!

"You should go. I'd love to watch your match. Besides, you're a katana user, correct? So am I. Curious indeed."
"...Please don't expect too much from me. I was originally a longsword user."
"Quit yer yappin' and step out already, dangit!"

　Alright then. I'll have a go then.
　My weapon device has a sheath. It's not shaped well for sword drawing techniques, but I'll make do for now.

"A katana device eh. Was sure you got knuckle duster or gauntlet. Turn out yer' a swordsman."
"Well, not like I need a weapon to grapple."

　A moment later, I moved behind Arariel with the highest speed I could muster in my current restrain. Arariel's backhanded fist followed after a slight pause.
　I saw it coming but I could only narrowly dodge his fist. I felt irritation at the fact that my body couldn't keep up with my vision... But his speed is not something I can't handle as long as I read ahead.

"Haha, knew you ain't goin' down without a fight!"
"Right."

　I put his fist between my jaws. This kind of grip is surprisingly tight. Don't think you'd get away.
　Arariel looked surprised. I hurled him into the air before immediately beat him with my katana.
　CLANK, the sound of something hard breaking was followed by Arariel getting blown away.

"You blocked that with your magic, I see."
"...Ya shittin' me. Guy crushed my magic."

　Interesting, amazing. I haven't had this much fun in a one-on-one match in so long.
　I dashed out and changed my direction by 90 degree at random intervals.
　I can do this, my knees hurt a tad but my body can still keep up.
　I let my katana slide on the ground and swung the scraped dirt ahead as a cover as I leaped.
　I immediately dashed ahead as I landed, fully swinging my sheath at the black thorn Arariel shot my way.

"Broke it."

　I collected the fragments, and ran around everywhere to confuse Arariel, took some distance, and threw the fragments as a cover. Steadily leading him around by the nose.
　I bet it's super annoying to him. Look how confusing an opponent can be just from running about everywhere.
　And then, I took a straight path as I drew my katana.
　I fashion myself like a certain blue Aniki rushing slash. I'd yell out 'Daai!' out loud if I could.

"...Phew. Success."
"Dangit... You held back halfway through, weren't you bastard."
"Yup. I used my max speed in the beginning as a diversion tactic. I bet you darted your sight around expecting me to move that fast again, right? You lost me because you assumed I'd keep my max speed up."

　He might counter attack if I tried to finish him off on the outset. Might as well use that as a decoy and have him misread my actual speed. I mean, guy reacted at that speed with a backhanded fist. Course, I got wary.
　I've learned something from this match. Physical Boost indirectly bolsters your muscle strength but the moves I used this time put too much strain on my knees.
　I could use another Boost to prevent that without my restriction on, but not in this state.
　In short, my Physical Boost is pure brute forcing, it's got too much waste.
"Mika-chan-sensei! Please don't make me do a gauntlet run for now. Something's off with my legs!"
"There is no excuse in real combat, Sasahara Yuuki! But, sure! It's not my intention to harm my students. You did well, fall back!"

　I extended my hand to Arariel who surprisingly took it. 
　We went back to the bench together where Kaname and Ichinose-san waited.

"I see... You're the type of swordsman that aims for legs. That was splendid."
"Arariel-kun, you've got quite the sharp intuition. Fight with me after you have a break. I want to test your reflex."

　Looks like our match didn't betray anyone's expectations.
　Exchanging opinions on each other's combat like this is fun. You come to naturally realize parts that need improvements. Rick-kun what a blunder you made. But... That guy probably wouldn't have accepted this moment anyway.

"Being open to criticisms is difficult after all..."

　Gotta thanks my grandma for her strict discipline. She'd scold me 'Listen to people when they talk.'

"Yuuki, was the last move you exhibited your special move?"
"What move?"
"That one slash you made in the end. Your katana ran so low it was barely above ground. Even I would find it difficult to block that. Which school did you learn it from?"
"That was the first time I used that move. The original move is a sword drawing technique, but this sheath can't accommodate that so I just made a mowing motion."
"Fumu... You mean to say your katana could go even faster. What school is it? Who is your master?"

　Can't exactly tell her, 'I just mimicked a game character's move.'
　That game is never developed in this world to begin with.

"Well, there's a master of that move but not mine. It's not from any school either. I was just trying to copy how that move was executed."
"I see... Then I will take up the stage next. Arariel, can you fight?"
"Ah? Why me, I got two matches already."
"Hmph, I see. I suppose it would be too much for you. Yoshida-kun, can you?"
"Aa? You damn wait. Who said I was done! Fine, I'mma knock you out!"

　Man, you're easy to manipulate aren't you. Arariel fought with Ichinose-san next.
　It's time to train by watching! Show me how to swing a katana!



　We all kept fighting leaving only Ichinose-san vs Me, and Kaname vs Me but we ran out of time today. Oh of course, this school may have four fields but there's a lot more people wanting to use them.

"Sasahara, you will fight Ichinose and Yoshida in our next meeting. After this, I shall provide you with my reviews at the lab. However... One of you has dropped out, what a conundrum."
"Ah, I have someone in mind. Could you let her take the test?"
"Fumu. I was planning to post a recruitment notice on the bulletin board... But your recommendation has piqued my interest. Very well, she may take it."

　Hell yeah, good for you Selia-san. She's definitely got the drive, don't think she's gonna drop out midway either.
　Afterward, Sensei handed us our reviews, or more like harsh reality in the lab. Sending us home in a dejected spirit.
'Sasahara moves like a complete amateur. Start over from the basics.' is some harsh assessment.
　But yeah, I'm very well aware of that myself. I'm pretty much brute forcing with the power of Physical Boost right now.
　Would love nothing more if I could get better on that front.

　On my way home. You can leave from the front gate if your destination is the town behind the school area, but since my home is on the hill, I don't have to take that route and go straight to it from the school area.
　From what I heard, there's a lot of apartments inhabited by this school's students in that town. I see, that sounds nice. Why didn't Chief Nishida show us those properties I wonder.

"Well, I like how close my home is though--Hm, someone's here."

　As I approached the hill, I saw a student running while wearing the school-issued combat suit, the same suit we were wearing earlier, carrying a rucksack on her back and weights on her limbs.
　That short blond hair tinged with red... No doubt about, it's Selia-san.

"Oy, Selia-saan! Stop!"
"Un? Ah, it's Yuuki-kun. Why are you here?"

　I told her what happened today.
　A slot was opened in Practical Combat Theory Lab so Sensei planned to recruit another member. I put her name forward so she could take the test before anybody else.

"Really! Thank you so much, Yuuki-kun!"
"Uwoo!? You're at that age already, don't hug people randomly!"
"Ahaha, sorry sorry. I see... I can take the test... Guess you won't give me a hint on it?"
"Nope."
"Figured~... By the way. What about my question. Why you here? Take two."
"My house o'er yonder."
"I c. For your information, a running round trip on this hill road makes for a good training material so I've been at it every morning."
"I see. Make sure you tell Mikami-sensei tomorrow okay. Also mention Yuuki told you to come."

　You're probably gonna take the test right there and then. Do your best.
　You gonna be okay? You good with gore? Feels like this girl is weak to schemes and trickery.

"Okie dokie! I'm gonna go for another lap, later Yuuki-kun!"

　Selia-san ran like she didn't even feel the slope. Whoaa... She said her aptitude for Physical Boost isn't high, yet she's this fast....
　I walked up the slope before taking a narrow path leading to the house where Ixia-san is waiting for me.



"Welcome home Yuuki--mwu... You have the scent of another elf."

　That was the word that first greeted me back home.
　Eh, what? Do elves have their own specific scent.

"Err, you can tell? On my way here I ran into an elf classmate and--"

　She did hug me. The girl's kinda touchy feely. I mean, I get that she was overjoyed though. Don't tell me, my classmate also sees me as a kid.
　Well, elves have a slow growth rate after all, so maybe 18 for us is like 30 for elves... Maybe she's an auntie inside? Or so that thought crossed my mind, but apparently not.
　Their mind grows with their body. Sure is convenient...

"Well, we chatted for a bit."
"I see. As a matter of fact, yes we can tell. Elves have always been known as the Forest Guardians, therefore we possess the scent of our forest coiling about us."
"I see..."

　They really are the forest people. Does that mean the nice fragrance occasionally wafting from Ixia-san is also?
　No, I can't ask that. It's like asking a woman's body odor, nuh uh.

"I had an excess of ingredients from yesterday Kalbi Bowls, as such, I opted to create a stir fry out of them. It is now past lunchtime, but I can serve them for you if you feel peckish."
"Ah, that'd be nice. Yesterday cooking was so good..."
"Fufu, men really love that type of flavor, don't they."

　But of course. Men who don't love grilled meat and its adjacent... don't exist among my acquaintances.
　And so my actual first day at school has come to a close.
　...We have no Field Training this month, but Family Head mentioned there will be one next month. Wonder how it's gonna go.

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