Chapter 26

Book 3




"Yuuki... It's time to rise and shine... Yuuki."
"Uuh... okay."

　Six in the morning. I woke up as Ixia-san did.
　Ixia-san has started sleeping in my bed since I'm still not fully recovered yet after my Field Training last month.
　Apparently it helps to accelerate my healing rate despite her poor healing magic ability.
　...But you know... Lying in the bed with her hugging me from the back makes us look like lovers! My mental state keeps being whittled down every single day!

"Good morning, Yuuki. Please take off your clothes, I need to touch your chest for a bit."
"Yes."

　Calm down me, she's just checking my condition. Ah--I can feel her warm fingers moving about.

"Fumu... Yuuki, it is now safe for you to use Physical Boost from here on. However, you have to make doubly sure you don't feel anything wrong before going all out. The abrasion on the mana paths branching out of your heart have been fully healed."
"Oh! You mean I'm completely back on my feet now!?"
"Yes. That said, you must not push yourself. Let's see... We can resume the treatment to open your mana vents tonight. You did well persevering through the past three weeks, Yuuki."

　The seal has come undone at last... I didn't have any issue doing my usual daily activities on the first day but the moment I tried using Physical Boost during a combat training, pain assaulted my whole body I immediately undid it and still felt languid afterward.
　Thanks to that, I couldn't practice with my Practical Combat Theory Lab buddies without permission and Ariel used this chance to finally defeat me.
　...Well, our total scores still end in a draw though. Don'tcha underestimate a country bumpkin.

"Alright, I'm gonna take it easy today. Since I have lectures till noon and a lab meeting after... I should be back around five."
"Yes I understand. Now go and take a shower. You couldn't sleep well, did you."
"Thank goodness it wasn't summer."

　It's a lie. I was too excited to get a wink of sleep. I knew it's for my treatment but I couldn't help focusing on Ixia-san's breathing and sleep talking.
　By the way, treating someone while being asleep herself is way too advanced a technique.





"--Abiding by the Swords and Firearms Controls Laws, it has been made illegal to carry weapon devices with lethal power. However, this law is exempted for devices intended to be deployed by Underworld Survey Teams as well as those heading for Grandia--"

　Half a day since I took my classes. As we're about to enter this month's Field Training period, I've been focusing on getting credits. This 'Device Engineering' class I'm attending right now has two lecturers. 
　One is this school's instructor, while the other one is an external lecturer--yep, it's Chief Nishida.

"Alright, does anyone have a question while we still have time?"

　Today's lecturer is Chief Nishida. I immediately raise my hand and wait to get called--

"Kazuki-san from Class SS, go ahead."

　Unfortunately, she picked Kazuki-san, not me.

"Yes. I believe modifying finished devices to sharpen the blade and mana coat the bullets would cost prohibitively high. Despite of that, devices that require a large-scale modification to grant their mana blade lethal power dominate the market, how do see this? I would like to hear the opinion of an Akimiya Development Team's staff member."
"Fumu... I see. You're correct. Devices that utilize mana blade and mana bullets are the leading products of Akimiya. Personally I don't believe market condition mirrors the amount of personnel dispatched for Underworld Surveys. That's not to say those personnel do not receive supplies by the government, however, I believe there are more people who would rather modify their devices even at a cost rather than purchasing brand new ones. Also, if I have to say, the proportion of deployed weapons used by the Underworld Survey Teams actually--"

　Fumu, it's getting harder to keep up with these two. Both Kazuki-san and Chief Nishida look like they're having fun.
　...What about my device I wonder? The blade is sharp like a real katana blade yet the edge generates mana blade.
　The bell ending the class chimed while I was lost in thought.
　Looks like Kazuki-san monopolized Chief Nishida the entire time.
　Afterward, I went after Chief Nishida once she left the classroom.

"Chief Nishida, can I have a bit of your time?"
"My, Yuuki-kun... I see, feel free to."

　Chief glanced behind me for a second before looking as if she got what I was trying to say.
　...Thank you, you're a lifesaver.



"Still... It's been like that for the past few weeks. Have you consulted Chairwoman?"
"I have... She said she could deal with outside approaches but she won't intervene with interactions between students..."

　The thing I'm troubled with right now. Are none other than... the schoolgirls here.
　Initially I got written as 'The fallen hero' all over the news after my Field Training escapade last month. But things only got even more heated up once it was made known that I actually survived, mass media started rushing into the Floating City to investigate me.
　Well the power of Chairwoman has pretty much shut them all out though...

"What's the harm in entertaining those girls. Make one or two happy memories with them. How about having a lunch together?"
"Naive... You're too naive Chief Nishida... I did that with an unfamiliar schoolgirl at the cafeteria once. She handed over a letter and asked me to stay over at her home for summer vacation right off the bat. I never even talked to her until that point. After a quick check, turned out she was a lady of a big corp, that almost made me distrust people completely..."
"Uwaa... Some of them can get really bold huh. Well, many students attending this school come from upper class families after all. I can see a few using the opportunity to build connections..."
"My only asset is a small plot of rural land. The best I could offer is lots of mushrooms to gather by fall..."

　'My father wishes to meet you', 'As our bodyguard', or 'with marriage in mind.'
　The whole thing almost made me develop a trauma of women for the first time in my life.
　They pretty much always follow me around while I'm walking between classes lately.

"Well, I am officially a lecturer in this school. No student dares to intrude while I'm here, I suppose." 
"Yep. I still have class this noon. Do you mind if I hole up here?"
"Hm... Well, suit yourself but I do have students looking for me, you know?"



　I took shelter in the castle known as Chief Nishida's lab and camped in a corner to do maintenance on my weapon device so I won't get in her way.
　Someone called from outside with a reserved knock. The voice belongs to a girl.

"Excuse me. I wish to borrow a bit of your time."
"Here here... Wait, it's you again, Kazuki-san."
"Thank you for your knowledge in the class, Nishida-san. It was quite a fruitful discussion."
"Yes, likewise. So, what's your business?"

　Kazuki-san? That's rare, she usually has lunch together with Class S ladies at this time.

"It concerns the matter we discussed yesterday. I am here today in my capacity as a member of Kazuki Household, not a student."
"...Really now. In my capacity as a special advisor hired by this campus, I advise you to take your leave. I haven't brought this up to Chairwoman, but you don't want to test my patience. Understand?"
"! ...Very well. Please forget about this matter. I beg your pardon."
"...Knowing when to retreat is a virtue. It's just... you lack the bigger pictures."

　I feel like I just overheard something I shouldn't have heard...

"Uh well... Sorry about this. I'm not gonna poke my nose in it, please continue."
"Sasahara-kun... Yes, that will be for the best. Why are you here of all place?"

　Of all place.

"Take a gander. I'm getting traumatized on women lately."
"...I see. I will have a word with them. My friends are infatuated with you as well."

　That'd be great. Kazuki-san seems like a lady from a distinguished family, her word should ring some bells.
　I resumed working on my device maintenance after a breather.
　I haven't used this thing in actual combat yet... Lots if I count practice matches though.
　I check on any warping on the blade even knowing there's none before channeling my mana.
　I was still under a strict order from Ixia-san not to use my mana yesterday, but that ban has been lifted off along with Physical Boost ban... Yup, it's as unstable as ever.

"Oh so that's Sasahara-kun's device. I see, the design itself does strike similar with USH-made katana... Quite a job well done."
"Uoo!? You're still here!?"
"Yes, that device has piqued my interest... I see, the sheath also serves as a protector with a focus on defensive property. You did mention that you wished for a USH-made sheath."
"Wait, wait... Don't say that here...!"

　Ah, Chief Nishida is looking at us! You got it wrong, I'm not dissatisfied or anything I swear.
　I just kinda wanna do quickdraws or iai.

"C, Chief Nishida... This is, um err..."
"Don't worry about it. That device is yours now, you should prioritize user friendliness over all other matters. USH-made... I'm guessing you want a light and small sheath formed like the real thing?"
"Ah, yes. I want it in the shape that lets me draw the blade easily for quickdraws or iai."
"I see. Kazuki-san, what would be the best option for a quickdraw sheath that would be under considerable stress in use?"
"I believe the blade is made of 'Carbon mixed with Rune Metal Particle'. Considering its hardness and the additional load during usage, a solid protector-type sheathe is ideal indeed. However, it also has to fit in the hand for the purpose of quickdraws... Fufu, the technology is much too advanced for Akimiya, I see."

　Ah, Kazuki-san just laughed. Does she have a bone to pick with Akimiya or something?

"USH is a leader in alloy development and Property Alteration Formula seal using minimum space. Yuuki-kun's condition should be fulfilled with a custom order."
"Eh, you sure!? I'm gonna drop by a USH specialist store this weekend."
"Fufu, allow me to accompany you. I believe I can be of use to a degree."
"Oh... I don't really get it but thanks a lot Kazuki-san."

　Am I finally able to go 'Daai!' or 'Hi***mitsurugi style'.
　...Hell yeah. Can't wield a Katana without quickdraw!

"Yuuki-kun, get me in touch once you get your sheath."
"Roger. My class is starting soon, I should get going."
"Yes. Speaking of which, aren't you hungry?"
"It's not a lunchbox day so I was planning to eat at the cafeteria. But, I kinda get a bad feeling about it."
"...I think all the invitations should go away if you wait a little longer. Being too persistent for too long does not make for a good look on their families or companies. However... you will probably still receive similar approaches every once in a while afterward. Deal with them on your own."

　Chief threw me a piece of bread as she said that. Oh, it's tuna mayonnaise flavored.
　I love these. They taste heavenly after you lightly toast them over the stove.

"As your classmate, my family has brought this subject to me as well. I am not as brazen and shameless as to do such a thing to my classmate however. Helping you with your sheath will be a good promotional material in itself, I will notify my family regarding it."
"Hm? Are you related with USH, Kazuki-san?"
"It's our company."

　...Are you for real. No wonder she's like that with Akimiya. Her group is the eternal runner up on market share ranking after all.


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


　Done with my afternoon class, I went to the 'Mana Application' Lab as part of my rehabilitation.
　Mika-chan sensei allowed me to attend Practical Combat Theory Lab even in my condition to train under the assumption of having been starved of mana in real combat, but I was prohibited from joining 'Mana Application' Lab sessions. Jen-sensei looked so menacing when she went 'you absolutely can't go.'

"Cheese. Jen-sensei, I've been given the OK to use mana from today on. I'll be around."
"Yeah. But... Are you sure you're okay? Aren't you pushing yourself with that small body..."
"Drop the 'small' part please. Aren't you being a worrywart, sensei?"
"'Course I am! You're in the class I'm in charge with, and look how small you are--ah, nevermind."
"I'm gonna beat you up one day."

　Dangit, my height, why won't you go up. I did grew by four millimeter this month compared to my third year in high school.
　Yes, go and keep going up.

　Many students with a high aptitude for Physical Boost from all grades take part in this lab training sessions.
　Year 1 students like us are told to learn the basics like Aerial Repositioning or specific acrobats but no students from other classes mingle with us even today.  
　Well... I guess them being out of their league is one of the reasons.
　Since there were only three Class SS in the lab, we lacked one other person so one of us always had to wait their turn. Arariel quit the lab.

"But Selia-san is popular with the guys, don't think she got any trouble finding a sparring partner."

　I bet Kai kept her company all while I wasn't around. How envi-outrageous.

"Ah, Yuuki! You can fight again!?"
"Oh, Selia-san. I was just thinking about you."
"Eh, you're gonna make me blush."
"I was just wondering if you could find a partner while I wasn't around."
"Ah, you mean that. Well, fighting Kai makes for a good stimulation you know. Kai's been working extra hard since you started your downtime Yuuki, he was like 'I'm gonna get even stronger so no one has to be sacrificed like Yuuki.'"
"Who's a sacrifice, not me. I don't see the man himself today."
"He's at Swordsmanship Study Lab. Fufu, maybe Kai will finally snatch a win over you in bare-handed matches?"
"Gununu... Then spar with me to help with my rehabilitation today."
"OK."

　Kai must have taken it hard over my action. Guy's too serious for his own good.
　I really gotta get stronger. Strong enough to put up a good fight with my Limiter on.
　Half of my mind is occupied with sheath thanks to my talk with Kazuki-san earlier, hence I've decided to exclusively fight with my hand shaped like a blade today.
　Air quickdraw. I'm gonna get a head-on training with my body.



"Daai!"
"Ouch! That huurt... Yuuki, aren't you getting too into it?"
"Yup, I noticed too. I'm kinda feeling really great."

　Weird. I had my Limiter on and I wasn't really going to go that hard yet I obviously moved faster and harder than ever. It's as if... some sort of force guided me.
　I sat down on the bench and checked myself just in case.

"...Maybe it's because I'm fully rested..."
"Is that how it works? I take a rest day after an intense day of workout too though."
"Umu... I'm feeling a bit too great after that super recovery."

　It's like my body moves itself to match the image I have in my mind.
　I'm referencing a devil-like aniki inside my head to reproduce his moves and it's going really well. Like the sprinting move with a hand blade.

"But really, you were super strong today, Yuuki. It's like your movement's gotten refined. I couldn't deal with your attacks even though they were just chops."
"Eh, you think so? I've been meaning to use the move all this time. Hearing that makes me happy, Selia-san."
"Hee, did you mimic your master?"
"Yup, that's about right. I see... I gotta work harder."
"...Just please don't overdo it like that time. I thought for sure you died, Yuuki. I don't wanna feel like that ever again."
"...Un. I won't. I'm only gonna be reckless if I'm absolutely sure I can survive. Gotta get stronger to ensure that."
"So you won't not be rash. But, we'll definitely come and save you. Oh this is nice. It's a good objective to set on and motivate yourself."

　That's right. I can be as reckless as I want if I'm sure I won't die. No wait, that can't be called reckless anymore then. I'm gonna get stronger. Not to be the 'Joker' Chairwoman wants me be, but to not leave any regret behind.
　I'm sure that's also the thing that motivates you right now, Kai.





　After the lab session, all that was left to do was to go home but considering my abnormally healthy condition and the state of my Physical Boost, I decided to drop by Chief Nishida's lab again. Hope she's still in the campus.

"Excuse me, it's me Yuuki. Can I come in?"
『Yuuki-kun? ...It's a bit--』
『I don't mind. Go ahead and enter.』

　There's another voice inside. A familiar yet seldom heard voice.
　I opened the door feeling nervous and sure enough Chief Nishida was with--the Chairwoman.

"Err, seems like you're in the middle of something important so I'm just..."
"No, Family Head has given her permission."
"Yes. Do state your business if you will. I am not an outsider after all."
"W, well then..."

　...I'm getting a bit desensitized these days but this woman is probably the most important person in Japan, isn't she. The one person you don't want to make an enemy of in the whole world.
　She must have done a lot of things behind the scene to maintain the relationship between Japan and Seryuumieruach in the face of the world. To be frank, I don't wanna get involved with her cuz she's scary.
　But I can't help it now that she's ordered me to talk. She'd glare at me otherwise.
　How I used Physical Boost after three long weeks. And what happened following it.

"--That's about it. Not like I feel anything wrong with my body. It just feels different than a rapid growth or something somehow..."
"I see... Family Head, could it be..."
"...Yuuki-kun. Have you witnessed someone demonstrating a 'Mystic Art' or a 'Lost Art'?"
"Nope, I haven't. Ah, but I did watch several Otherside Swordsmanships videos on an online video site." 
"Is that right... Fumu, how curious."

　Those are some cool sounding words, they mean 'the secret arts from Grandia Swordsmanship.'
　You can't learn these Arts unless you've seen and feel them in person.
　Unlike other Arts, you can't ever use them unless your body has memorized them.
　In my case, I'm just retracing the Moves I saw in games inside my memory.

"That sensation you feel is similar to what users of Grandia Arts feel upon their activation, but that can't be true if you have never witnessed those Arts... Perhaps your improved physical ability comes from your willpower as a result of your body adapting to the stored mana. In a similar fashion as spellcasting."
"Family Head, that's simply unthinkable... Willpower and imaginative power may be required for magic but Physical Boost is ultimately nothing more than strengthening of one's body cells."
"Yes. However, you know as well as I do that his Physical Boost is not quite like normal Physical Boost, don't you?"

　Fumu. I don't really get it but I guess it's nothing out of the norm.

"Yuuki-kun. Your proficiency appears to have gone up due to some sort of factor. In a rather novel direction at that. Physical Boost backed by willpower and cognizance. That should serve as your weapon."
"O, okay. But at this rate..."
"...Yes, well. Come over here."

　I walked up to Chairwoman as told. She put her hands on my neck choker and unlocked it.

"I will raise the Limiter level while I'm present. It's at... 280 right now. I will raise it higher than usual. 390. That is equal to 1300 general made bangles."
"Family Head!? Isn't that too much..."
"Yuuki-kun. Try using Physical Boost. Then do a light sidestep."

　I put the choker on. Did I really get that much stronger?
　I used Physical Boost and did a quick sidestep. It felt as if I was wearing a heavy pair of jeans.

"It feels a bit heavier than usual. But... I can get used to this."
"Yuuki-kun. Please form an image. There is sure to be some sort of an ideal figure in your mind. Now go and have another try."

　Eeh... Imagining that aniki making sidesteps in a room is too surreal... He's going like 'Daai daai' as he sidesteps around? No, just no.
　I pictured that in my head nonetheless. It looked so surreal I almost burst out laughing.

"Oh... It feels easier to move around now..."
"No way, it can't be...?"
"I wasn't being serious myself. But you really went and did it."
"Eeh..."

　Please just don't make things up on the spot, Chairwoman...
　Is she really as I imagined her like...? Maybe she's surprisingly a tease.

"T, that's all I need to consult with. Please, excuse me."
"Really now, take care on your way back. Send my regard to Ixia-san."
"My, would you look at the time. I'll take my leave as well. Be safe, Yuuki-kun."

　That was a slight load of my shoulder but it also came with a new concern so it evened out in the end.







『Today we'll have something simple, or rather it's pretty much not really cooking, that is to say barbecue.』
『Have our viewers bought the ingredients listed on the video we uploaded this morning? You know what, I like onion way more over meat, unlike Mother.』
『Oh but meat isn't the only thing I love, you know? First, let's cut up the vegetables.』
『'They're live streaming today, but what's up with the time anyway?' That thought crossed your mind, right guys? You see, for barbecue you want to cut up these vegetables just before you eat them--』

"Fumu fumu... It's a preventive measure for over drying, I see... Yuuki-kun should be back about now. I wonder if he would like this."

　It's ten to six in the evening. My scripture that is the BB Channel is doing a live streaming today.
　Which is to say, BB is cooking somewhere in this world right in this very moment.
　BB Channel streamed this new 'Backwood Barbecue' menu on the day I had planned to cook an extravagant menu to celebrate Yuuki's recovery, thus I bought plenty of vegetables and meat.

"There is also this abundance of bell peppers."

　I am slicing vegetables and making the special sauce while referencing the video.
　Unlike the ready made sauce I used previously, I will be making a handmade sauce instead.
　I hope the taste turns out well....







"There's this appetizing aroma wafting in the air in front of my home..."

　As it is my duty to find out the identity behind this rich scent in the air, I muster up my courage and open the door. Lo and behold!

"I'm home."
"Welcome home, Yuuki. Is everything alright?"

　Ixia-san made a pitter-patter as she ran up to me with an apron on.
　Haa... This is bliss. I wanna marry her. Let's get married. Someday, for sure.

"I'm good as new, in fact I feel so good even Chief Nishida and Chairwoman never saw it coming when I consulted them."
"My... Is that right? Did they not mention anything amiss?"

　I told her the summary of my day while washing my hands.

"I somehow got way stronger than ever they had to raise the Limiter level."
"I see. Growing up is a good thing. I suppose there is nothing to be concerned about."

　I gave up trying explain things. I mean, that's about the gist of stuff anyway, isn't it?

"That aside, something smells great, I'm feeling peckish."
"Fufu, that's the aroma of the sauce I'm currently preparing. Today, I'm cooking 'Backwood Barbecue'."

　That sounds kinda weird. But, it's barbecue!
　I briskly walked to the living room with clean hands where a big hot plate was placed on the table. Next to it are plates full of vegetables and meat.

"Come and have a seat. Let me grill your share."
"I-I can do it myself, you know? Ixia-san please focus on your share."
"No, this is a celebration for your full recovery, Yuuki. I will grill them for you."
"W-well if you insist..."

　Today's barbecue was the tastiest barbecue I ever had in my life.

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