Chapter 20

Book 2





　In the end, I changed the TV to a channel showing some melodrama and let it run, but then it showed a bed scene midway through and Ixia-san immediately turned the TV off while saying, 'No, Yuuki. You have to wait until you're a grown up.'
　Uh... That was so mild I was already absentmindedly watching something at that level just fine in middle school.
　Before long, it was the time for me to go back to the campus.

"I'd probably run late, you can go ahead and have dinner without me, Ixia-san."
"Is that so... I understand. The road at night is full of danger, I will go pick you up."
"Oh yeah, it's gonna be pitch dark out there... Right of course, this nature area is already outside the campus zone."
"Yes. I will be there to fetch you at seven o'clock."

　Uh, I guess I'll take up her offer. Don't wanna get attacked by a bear in the dark.
　I can probably get away just fine if I use full throttle Physical Boost though.





"Sensei's running late. It's five minutes past the schedule."
"She sure is. So, did you go home Yuuki?"
"Yes. I kicked back and watched TV."
"Ah, you got a TV! My dorm doesn't allow one you know. Gotta make do with my terminal's tiny screen."
"Ah, guess dorms got some pretty strict rules huh."

　Kai talked about his dorm life while we were waiting in our classroom.
　And then, Jen-sensei arrived wearing a suit instead of her usual jersey, looking unusually jittery.

"You're all here. Then... you may come in Ms. Akimiya Chairwoman."

　Sensei suddenly spoke to someone outside... To this academy Chairwoman as well as Akimiya Zaibatsu's head.
　She's got her usual mask and black long hair. Her white suit makes her look like your typical career woman.
　No really, I wonder why she's got that mask on. Maybe... there's a scar underneath or something.

"It has been a month since your enrollment. How have you been, Class SS."

　All my classmates went silent at her greeting. Even Arariel.
　Save for one... Kazuki-san is glaring hard at the Chairwoman.

"Now then... I believe I have briefed you and your guardians prior to your enrollment on the matter of a newly introduced course in our academy's curriculum, Field Training." 

　Ah, everybody had been told about it too.

"Your first Field Training will finally begin at the end of this month. This will be considered a real mission from a client. You are expected to learn and temper yourselves... This time you will serve as quasi-bodyguards."
"It's an... escort mission? Forgive me for speaking without permission."
"Ichinose-san, is it. Go ahead and proceed."

　Ichinose-san briskly spoke.

"I am wondering if an escort mission is not too high a responsibility for us students... We may possess sufficient strength and some of us might have real experience, but protecting someone else's life is a bit..."
"Yes, you're indeed right. Hence, the 'quasi-' part. A certain VIP will be heading for Nagata-chou from this Floating City. In the meantime, a relative of this VIP will be traveling inside Floating City in a different group. Your class will act together with this entourage as a camouflage seeing as you are the same age. Naturally we have real bodyguards keeping watch from a distance. Be at ease."
"I see... We may be there as a camouflage but there's a non zero chance of risk."

　Fumu. I guess that fits as a training? This class can also easily deal with enemies at pro battler level... Wait?

"Err, can I ask a question too, Chairwoman."
"You may, Sasahara Yuuki."
"You said the same age as us... Are we guarding a student?"
"Yes, you are. They are a student of Fastoria Magecraft Academy located near the gate on Grandia Side. Another student from this academy will be accompanying them as a camouflage. Officially, this excursion is a cultural exchange between students from two academic institutions in a sightseeing tour."
"I see... Another question. The fact that this relative is going on a pleasure jaunt at the Floating City even though another VIP is heading for Nagata-chou, the heart of Japan, is a little concerning to me... Can we have any detail on the mission and its objective?"
"Unfortunately, there is nothing I can share this class with. Rest assured however, this class are still students of this school, as such you are included as targets of protection. You needn't fret."
"...Understood."

　I should keep my toes up around Chairwoman. It's hard to get a read on her.
　But Nagata-chou is pretty much where all our political bigwigs are concentrated at... The Grandia people who would go there are... I don't want to imagine the identity of this VIP.

"More details on the arrangement will be revealed at a later date. I am here to reaffirm the special curriculum this class will be taking and to reorient your mindset. You are expected to be the new faces our our academy."
"...You heard her. I'm sure you're aware of the special treatment granted to you over all other classes. However, that comes with these missions and the duty to spread our names far and wide. It'll be fine, I'll be there as a backup as well."

　We all went silent at Jen-sensei's word. Special... treatment? I don't really feel like I got one. Is she talking about the school cafeteria's discount? Nah, can't be.

"If you don't have any more question, I will be adjourning this briefing."

　Doesn't seem like there's one. Well there's no avoiding taking the mission after all, and this special treatment thing is probably true given my classmates' reaction.
　...Our tuition maybe? Stuff like that and teaching material fees are paid by Akimiya in my case.

"This meeting is adjourned. It's already dark out, those who don't live at the dorm do take care on your way home. And... Sasahara Yuuki. Come to the Chairwoman Room after this."
"Eh... I understand."

　...Knew it.
　Everybody sighed altogether once Chairwoman left.
　They're all highly strung. Jen-sensei got it the worst off especially.
　She took off her suit and let down her neatly rolled hair.

"Uhii... That was nerve wracking. So yeah, as you heard her, you're all gonna be taking an escort mission as your Field Training at the end of this month. But it's nothing that grave really. At the end of the day, this school will bear the responsibility. You guys can just enjoy yourselves touring the city with the target of protection."
"So um... This person we're guarding is still a secret?"
"Yeah, seems so. Well apparently there's a low chance of a raid. Aren't you used to this stuff already, Kai? I heard how disciples of Ichinose Dojo have to take on escort missions and stuff."
"Y, yes... But it's never someone that high ups..."

　Oho, Kai also got real experience already huh.

"Now then, it's indeed dark out. Kazuki and Arariel, you don't live in dorms, be cautious."
"Tch, I ain't no kid no more, save yer' concern."
"My family will be picking me up, there is no issue. I appreciate your concern, Sensei."
"...This temperature difference is making your Sensei sad. And you Arariel, don't play around too much. There's a rumor going around about you visiting establishments not meant for minors."
"Kekeke... Ain't got a clue what yer' on about."

　Are you serious my guy. Did you seriously go to that place you mentioned to me, alone...? I'm so jealous...!

"Ah, I have to go now. Chairwoman asked for my presence."
"...Yeah. Sheesh... what's your story anyway."

　It's probably about this Field Training.

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

　I walked in the dimly lit uninhabited school building.
　I stopped in front of Chairwoman office on Floor 5, and knocked on the door.

"Chairwoman. It's me, Sasahara Yuuki."
『You may come in.』

　Chairwoman was putting her mask on as I entered.

"Err, it's been bothering me... what is that mask...?"
"Doesn't it look cool? Oh and I can take it off just fine. Like this."

　Oy, oy, it's actually removable?! Underneath the seemingly meaningful mask was what you would call 'Yamato Nadeshiko', what Japanese call an ideal beauty was there in person.

"...Err, you're very beautiful and all, so why the mask...?"
"Fufu, it's just a fashion statement. Well, it does serve as an intimidation. I'm honored by your praise."

　...That's weird, I thought I had built up a resistance against beautiful women.
　Once Chairwoman sadly put her mask on, she got on the track.

"Now then... As you may have expected, I will brief you on your mission... Sasahara Yuuki. Previously... You lent us your assistance on Seryuumeruach second princess's protection, did you not?"
"! Yes. You really know everything."
"Yes. That incident was a disgrace to us Akimiya Group. In a way, you're our benefactor."

　I see... Right, the princess was accompanied by Akimiya personnel back then.

"This second princess. Norun-sama is the target of protection in this mission. She is currently enrolled at Fastoria Magecraft Academy as a new student. However... She asked the diplomat coming here a big favor to accompany them so she could enjoy a sightseeing tour at the Floating City... Formally that is."
"Wha... Formally?"

　You'd think she was being unreasonable if that was her reason, but the princess I talked with didn't give me that kind of unruly princess impression. There must be a real reason.

"The people who made the attempt to kidnap her previously belong to a small extremist group on Earth. However, it doesn't matter how small they are, we simply cannot have earthlings make any attempt to harm Grandia nobles. As such, that incident was made as if it never happened. Ordinarily... you could have been deemed as a target of this erasure as well."
"Ueh!? That joke is really not funny... Am I gonna be fine?"
"Oh? Didn't you take that picture in order to prevent that? Norun-sama is holding to her picture with you dearly. Neither Grandia natives or earthlings can carelessly make a move on you thanks to that. It astonished me how you took the best possible action at the time... I see so it was a coincidence."
"No uh... Norun-sama went out of her way to get the pic taken with her terminal. Maybe she did think that far ahead..."
"...I see. Ah, but please rest assured. You're my employee candidate as well as the summoner of a valuable ancient elf. You're both a bodyguard and someone we cannot afford to lose."
"Haha, that's great to hear. So... What's Norun-sama's real objective?"
"Risk distribution. Norun-sama will be having a jaunt in all seriousness so she could have all the focus of the forces trying to create a crack between Grandia and Japan on her. The truly important meeting will be held between politicians at Nagata-chou. In the meantime, Norun-sama and her strong diplomatic influence will enter our country. It should serve well as a smokescreen. Dangerous it may be."

　I see... I don't really get all this difficult stuff though.
　But won't it turn into an even bigger mess if she gets attacked for real?

"We have detected no obvious signs of earthling terrorist groups making any big movements for this matter. If our covert hostiles come from Grandia... our country will not pursue the matter further. In fact, repulsing them would bolster our relationship with Grandia... or so those Nagata-chou politicians definitely believe."
"I see... So my mission is to escort Norun-sama while making sure my classmates are just as protected?"
"It is. However, you cannot exactly abandon your official position either. Please keep your power in moderation. The attack is not guaranteed to come."
"That's quite a difficult order you're asking me... Won't I work better as a reserve? Having all eight of us walking around with the princess is asking for all the attention."
"Indeed, of course only three of you will accompany the princess. The rest will act separately. However--you are required to stay by Norun-sama's side. She personally asked for your presence. Aren't you glad?"

　Chairwoman made a grin so obvious I could tell under her mask.
　Uh... I'm glad sure. Norun-sama's personal request...

"Please don't tease me... I understand the gist. I take it I can undo some levels on my limiter if anything happens on site."
"Yes, please do so. You'd be rewarded handsomely befitting of the degree of difficulty."
"Yes, thank you very much."

　Yippee, I can probably afford an USH-made custom sheathe with it.
　Here I come quickdraw style. I am Yuuki the assassin! No no, I'm not doing that.

"That concludes this briefing. I'm glad to see you've been adapting well to your new campus life. It's actually been on my mind. There's the matter with the entrance ceremony as well."
"Ah, you don't have to concern yourself about that. I'm getting along well with my classmates."
"...You're such a good honest kid. Someone with common sense like you is a rarity among all my many friends and their outrageous demands."

　Chairwoman sounded like she was very tired over something that's been bugging her for a long time... She must've got it rough.
　Done with the talk, I ran past the dark eerie night school building toward the lobby on the first floor whose light was still on.

"Yuuki! Thank goodness. I could not catch you among the students going home. Perhaps you're... feeling unwell? Should we take a rest?"
"No, I was talking to the Chairwoman about my job. I'm fine, I'm as healthy as it comes. Also, I haven't heard anything about epidemic in this campus."
"Is that... so? Very well. Let's head back home together, Yuuki. Today we're having your favorite, meat stuffed bell pepper. It's a new recipe from a video. You see, instead of cutting the pepper in half, the meat is stuffed in a whole bell pepper. Fufu, I hope it is to your liking, Yuuki."
"Oh! Thank you so much, Ixia-san."

　All my concern over the mission got blown away.



"...That was so good... Ixia-san, did you learn this from the BB Channel too?"
"Yes. It was a recipe meant for children who dislike eating their vegetables. But Yuuki, you are not a picky eater, are you?"
"Sure am not, my grandma was super strict about it. That was too good I swear..."
"Fufu, that channel is my teacher. Allow me to visit a bookstore after we watch the movie tomorrow. The channel has published a recipe book I would love to have my hands on."
"Got it. Then tomorrow... we're leaving at eight o'clock."

　The dish Ixia-san was very confident of turned out to be meat stuffed whole bell peppers with tomato sauce. Complete with crisply sauteed french bread.
　Uumu... She must be super dexterous if she could make something this good just from watching a video.

"Ah, right. Let's pick the movie we're going to watch tomorrow together. I've made a list already."
"Fufu, so we shall. Let's do just that after I am done cleaning up."

　There's an action movie, a romance movie and a horror movie.
　None is from a series but they're all famous work made by famous directors.
　I don't really get it though.
　After she was done, Ixia-san took a seat next to me like it was only natural and peered at my smart terminal... Ah!

"Oh? Who could this girl be? Could it be the student you have been getting along well with as of late?"

　Maybe I should remove Norun-sama picture on my lockscreen... It's such a waste though.

"N, no... She's another person I'm acquainted with."
"Fumu... Deep golden hair... And dark green eyes."
"Yep, just like Ixia-san."
"...Yuuki, is she perhaps a royalty or someone related to the royal family?"
"...Eh?"
"Please forget about it if I'm mistaken. During my era, those who had these hair and eye color are those who hailed from the royal family."
"Hee... Huh? But then that means Ixia-san is--"
"...It's a coincidence in my case. I was born and grew up somewhere far away from the royal family."

　Hou... So present day royal family is related to the past royal family then.

"Come now, let's have a look at the movie list."
"Ah, yes. It's this, this and this. Personally I'd like--"

　Ixia-san requested a horror movie, an action movie featuring zombies. You're kidding me... I made the list and all but I'm not good with this one. I'm fine with horror genre but not zombies in particular.

"Fufufu... Oh I cannot wait for tomorrow. I'm already feeling giddy over the difference between a theater and a TV. Now then... let us finish today's share."
"Uu... Yes."

　And then came the moment of bliss and torture. She hugged me from behind today.
　Uu... it's warm, it's ticklish, it's dulling my mind.

"Yuuki, aren't your temperature high? It feels warm."
"R-really?"

　Probably because I'm blushing.

"...Your inner mana has been reinvigorated as of late. Do you feel any change with Physical Boost?"
"Nn... Right, it feels easier to move around than ever. I'm probably gonna have to raise the limiter level again next month."

　That side keeps growing bit by bit even though I'm training the tech side.
　Winning against Selia-san and Kai felt easier as of late.
　No really, how far will my Physical Boost grow anyway.





　It's a dream. I don't usually feel aware about my dream. Is this a lucid dream, can I take control then?
　It's a dream where I'm watching a movie while being surrounded by fruit and tasty juices.
　Uumu, I'd rather be a dream about playing game.
　Suddenly Ixia-san showed up in my dream. She took a fruit and shoved aside the peaches filling the area beside me.

『Go ahead and have more. Turn smaller and smaller. Fufu, my child, a child only for me... Come now... Let's go to your kindergarten together.』
"U, uwaa...!"

　Right as the fear of getting smaller burst open, I rapidly woke up.
　My usual room entered my view as well as--

"Fufu, are you awake now. We are leaving early today, are we not? Should we postpone?"
"Eeh... Huh, Ixia-san... right?"

　Ixia-san is standing next to my bed before I realized. She's got a cup in her hand.

"I had lapsed giving this to you before you went to bed yesterday. Here you go, the nutrient I concocted myself. It should be a good wake up drink due to its sweetness."
"Ah, that one huh. Don't mind if I do..."

　I hesitated a bit thanks to that dream.
　Uumu, isn't this stuff good enough to be a real commercial goods? I wanna stock up in the refrigerator.

"I will prepare our breakfast. Go wash your face, Yuuki. Fufu, I cannot wait to watch the movie."
"Ahaha, gotcha."

　She looks more jovial than ever I feel happy just looking at her.
　Uumu... If she's this happy now... Wonder how'll she react tonight.



"This is a bus... The last time I had ridden one was during my common knowledge training... Unlike trains, they do not have a fixed route or stops, it's very difficult."

　Forenoon. We don't have to struggle with commuting students or workers since it's a holiday but the bus is still packed full.
　We're heading to a movie theater located inside an amusement park 'Seaside Farm Akimiya'.
　It uses a VR tech known as Around View Screen. Very popular with the mass.
　A zombie movie with that kind of technology... Am I gonna make it? I seriously want to cry.

"There doesn't seem to be a lot of high rise buildings in this area. In their stead, I see plenty of markets and stores."
"It's a shopping area around these parts. They've got many specialty shops selling uncommon stuff. Not like I've been here though. Our destination is further beyond."
"I see... Looking around this area does look like it will be a fun excursion."

　It's like we're on a date, I'm feeling super motivated.
　Ixia-san is wearing a more stylish dress than usual since we're going somewhere crowded, and so am I... This outfit is stylish right?
　But it seems Ixia-san isn't too keen on skirts, she's wearing chino pants again today... Lots of people wear these chino pants these days. Too much of a boom, me think.
　As for her clothes, it's called, uh. Shirt? Blouse? It's got some frills attached. So nice, she looks like she's crossdressing from afar but it's definitely girlish up close.

"Ah, that should be it, Ixia-san."
"Ooh... That is a considerable amount of people. As you would expect of a popular tourist attraction."

　Most of the passengers on our bus got down as well. We hurried to the park entrance.
　I had to pay to enter the park and then again for the movie tickets later, but... the park entry ticket is only 400 yen. Well, you probably have to pay again at the attractions.
　Nonetheless, it's still cheap. Actually, since our home town doesn't have a lot of amusement facilities, someone's getting frolic... Ixia-san chiefly, not just me.

"Ooh... Such a big water fountain. Could that be a rail car over there? A railway suspended midair, running at that speed... How very terrifying... Ah, that's a gondola, it's going quite high up... Terrifying indeed..."

　Everything is terrifying here... By the way, she's referring to the roller coaster and the Ferris Wheel. Wonder if she's got an acrophobia?

"Let's go to the movie theater. We only have 30 minute left until the showing."
"Very well. Yuuki, do be sure you pay attention so you don't get lost. It's very crowded here."
"I'll be fine... Yes."
"Very well. Make sure you grip me tight."

　I'm gonna blush! Walking together with our hands joined! We look like a couple aren't we!? My spring is here at last!
　We made our way to the crowded theater hand in hand.



"...Whoaa, you can choose your seats from your own terminal."
"It looks difficult. I'll leave it to you, Yuuki."
"Yes. I'll take the center seats with a good view then. We're sitting next to each other."

　After buying tickets, we went straight to the screening venue.
　It's very spacious. Not only is it big, there's a wide gap between seating that leave room for viewers to move around freely. The seating can also be moved to stick closer for family and friends.
　I moved Ixia-san's seat and got it close to mine.

"What a comfortable chair. And this... beverage has a wonderful flavor to it."
"...Akimiya Original Coffee Cider... Thought for sure it'd taste weird."

　A mysterious juice. It's vexing how tasty it is. How could it taste this good.
　But I prefer cola. It's got the same color too.

"Oops, it's gonna turn dark soon. Gotta strap on."
"It turns dark? ...Ah, the light has been dimmed, I see."
"It'll get even dimmer before the movie starts."

　I'm getting nervous. What's a VR movie like and can I hold my scream till the end...!



"AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
"Yuuki, it's okay, it's okay! Your hand, give me your hand!"
"Hiii! There's something here!"
"It's my hand, Yuuki!"

　No way, I can't this. This movie is rated R17. Of course it's scary.
　At the end of the movie, I was exhausted white with a blank mind.
　...Well I wasn't the only viewer who caused a ruckus, pretty much everybody besides Ixia-san was screaming their lungs out. Hiee... It was a pandemonium... It seriously looked like a zombie horde raided the place for real... I don't wanna do it anymore, absolutely no.

"Are you all right, Yuuki? Would you like to drink my beverage? There's still some leftover."
"Oh man, I'm so pathetic. I'll take your offer... Phew."
"That left quite an impact, didn't it. It made me recall that one time I took part in the exploration of a cursed building. These horror movies... might turn out to be addicting."
"Next time we're here... we'll definitely watch an action movie... one not scary."

　The concept of VR movie itself is a good thing. Everything feels real.

"Phew... It is somewhat bright outside. Yuuki, I need to go to the washroom for a bit."
"Got it. I'll grab a seat in that lobby there."

　I took a breather. How shameful, I gripped Ixia-san's hard all the way through before I knew it.
　I'm just happy Ixia-san looks like she had the time of her life.
　Umu umu. I gotta prepare for the next stage.
　I fetched my smart terminal and contacted a certain vendor.

"Huh? Is that you, Yuuki-kun. Are you here to watch a movie too?"

　Someone called me so I lifted my face from my terminal.
　My classmate, Yoshida Kaname-kun was there looking slightly sleepy.
　...He's with an unfamiliar woman.

"Yo, Kaname. Yup, I just got out. You too?"
"Yup. I just watched one with my elder sister. See that 'Traveling Mouse and Snack-loving King 3'. She loves the series."

　What kind of title is that. And it's even the third one... gotta be popular.

"Nice to meet you, Kaname's friend, right? Which means... you're from that class?"
"Ah, the pleasure's mine. I'm Sasahara Yuuki. We're in the same class, yes."
"Oh, you are? Please get along with this kid. He doesn't have a lot of friends."
"Un. Right, I don't have a single friend. Yuuki-kun, let's try to get along, okay."

　...He admitted it just like that. Well, gotta say... it's hard to tell what he's thinking at times. But guy's pretty easy to talk with.

"Yuuki-kun, we're going to watch another movie. I can tell you're waiting for somebody, sorry for taking up your time."
"Fufu, that's our next movie! 'Phantom Destruction - The Dead Strikes Back', it's a huge hit on the net! Fufu, see you later Yuuki-kun. Let's go, Kaname."
"Don't pull me. How many movies are you gonna watch in a day, Nee-san..."

　Ooh... So people who watch multiple movies over a day really exist out there.
　But I'm sure Kaname-kun lives in the dorm, his onee-san being here must mean... She comes to visit him.
　But that movie is seriously scary! I can't even bear to look at the brochure!

"Thank you for waiting, Yuuki. Where are we heading to next?"
"Hmm... How about we have a meal somewhere and then look around the shopping area earlier?"
"Are you fine with that? Are you not looking forward to ride that gondola and rail car?"
"Eh, are you Ixia-san? Then--"
"...No, I shall have to pass. What a terrifying thought..."

　We left the theater and then the park gate.
　There are stores inside the park as well but they're way too crowded. Also, it's my bias speaking... but the prices in these places are unusually high.
　We looked around the shopping area while trying to find a family restaurant.

"Everything visible here is an individual store... I do not think there is enough time in a day to visit them all."
"Sounds about right... Gotta prepare a list of stores you want to visit beforehand..."
"Let's pay another visit in our next outing. I would love to go out with you again, Yuuki."

　Umu, that's a surprise attack if I've ever seen any. She probably didn't mean anything by it but her remark dealt a major blow to my heart rate.

"Oh? Yuuki, I have found a restaurant. These food sample objects look as impressive as ever."

　Ixia-san gave her impression while looking at all kinds of cuisines behind a display window.
　I heard this kind of restaurants also sell souvenirs.

"Oh, it's an Italian. Err... It looks sparse enough inside, why don't we have our meal here."
"Italian... Fumu, the cuisines here look somewhat similar to my hometown made ones."
"Hee... Maybe the food culture there isn't that different from earth."
"I believe so as well. Fufu, come let's get inside."

　There's a lot of young girls inside as expected of the stylish looking exterior.
　They don't seem my age. Highschoolers I'm guessing? They look weirdly young to me even though I just graduated high school myself.
　We got our table where Ixia-san immediately took a closer look on the menu.
　By the way, I settled on a lunch set I saw at the entrance earlier.
　Mini pasta, half size pizza and a drink only for 1000 yen. Very reasonably priced.

"...How very nostalgic, I have made my choice as well. The button to call waiter should be... this one."
"What's your pick? Ixia-san."
"I will be having ratatouille and baguette. Ratatouille is very much the representative of home cooking to me."
"Hee... Even the names are the same. Wonder if Grandia has always been closely related to Earth."
"Perhaps so."

　We enjoyed a momentary respite while relishing our meals.

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