Chapter 27

Book 3




　What awaited me at school the day following a modest yet heartwarming and belly-bulging celebration was an awkward atmosphere.
　Weird... Schoolgirls would usually ambush me by the front gate but they're only glancing at me from afar now.
　No, I definitely don't feel lonely because of that, definitely!
　Then I found Selia-san energetically running past the front gate, breaking this weird atmosphere. I went to say hello.

"Good morning Selia-san~."
"Ah... Un, morning, Yuuki."
"Eh, why do you look so obviously down? Is it something I did?"

　Selia-san immediately put on a 'Ah, I wanna go home already' face the moment she saw me.
　Gimme a smile please! What's going on!

"Um, not at all. Yuuki did nothing wrong at all... Congrats, Yuuki."
"Eh, eh, eh? But there was nothing to celebrate about!? I mean, I was finally allowed to use mana yesterday, also threw a little barbecue party with my family and all..."
"Ah, right. Congrats on that too."
"So, what was that first 'congrats' for, Selia-san?"

　Is it something to do with this weird atmosphere?

"I mean... It was a hot topic among the girls at the dorm... That Yuuki, is engaged to, Kazuki-san."
"Wha?"

　Eh, am I gonna get married to Kazuki-san? Rag to rich, me? How did it come that anyway?

"Whoa whoa, is that for real? Nobody told me though. I never even had a girlfriend all my life."
"Huh? Really? You're not just leading me by the nose?"
"Yup. Eh, how did it come to that anyway? I'm gonna go ask Kazuki-san."
"Oh what~... So it's just a baseless rumor~..."

　I dashed to our classroom. My first lecture today is Device Engineering. Kazuki-san should drop by our classroom first this morning.
　Sure enough, I didn't wait for long until she came in.

"Kazuki-san, there's a weird rumor going around. You've got any idea about it?"
"...Yes I do. I contacted my Friends group to notify them against shadowing you but the topic turned in a ridiculous direction. 'Kazuki-san warned us not to approach Sasahara-sama because they are engaged'. Goodness gracious, they're past puberty, how imaginative can those girls be."
"You're surprisingly calm. Hmm... Well I guess it's fine if you're fine about it. Those rumors are gonna be forgotten in a month anyway."

　Seeing how cool and collected she is in turn pulled myself back to reality. Yeah, we're past the age to get bothered by these kinds of rumors.
　...Maybe gossips happen to tickle those ladies' fancy?

"Indeed. Forget about that, would you take a look at this document?"
"Hm? Ah, a USH catalog. A super bulky one at that. Isn't there an e-paper version?"
"Yes there is one. But the act of constantly flipping between pages to compare device specs and materials is tiresome on an e-paper, you know?"
"I see. I'll gratefully take it off you."

　Selia-san and Kai were looking at me weirdly as I happily went back to my seat.

"You two look so happy together... What did she give you? A wedding hall brochure?"
"Wha! So the rumor was true... Yuuki, I'm kinda envious... but congrats."
"I'm telling you it's not like that. See, it's a device catalog for USH-made devices. As for how that rumor came to be--"

　Young man, explaining. Heck, didn't you guys see how troubled I was lately.

"I see... Right, of course Kazuki-san's got a lot of acquaintances from upper class."
"That concern... is a bit too rich for me."
"I'll report that to Ichinose-san."
"Why'd you bring up Mikoto."

　Anyone could tell looking at you two. You dang dense protagonist.
　Now that I got them convinced, time to flip through this catalog. Whoa, most of the weapons are like real katana.
　Man... I love weapons with SF-style designs, but wielding a classic katana in a world full of Sci-fi stuff has its own charm too. Biggest reason my device looks like one.
　Now then, sheath... Sheath...

"Hm? Why would you look at a device catalog? Isn't yours real nice already, Yuuki?"
"Hm, ah. I wanna swap the sheath. Kukuku... The time has finally come to regain my original fighting style."

　I just wanted to say that line out loud. Man... it's a lifelong dream of mine. The stylish and merciless quickdraw or iai style. I wanna turn them into reality by all means.

"Wha... Yuuki's original style... You mean you never used it in all your matches?"
"Ah, you mean that style you showed me yesterday? Kai, you missed a big one. Yesterday Yuuki could finally use Physical Boost. He was the strongest he's ever been in our match yesterday."
"No way... I had a Swordsmanship Study Lab meeting yesterday... But I won't lose anymore, Yuuki. I've learned another new Move too."
"Oh. Heard you can't learn those Moves if you don't have the right aptitude, or maybe talent? You're incredible, Kai."

　Think Chairwoman and Chief Nishida mentioned that yesterday. I always knew Kai is more than qualified to be a member of our class. I mean his summoned weapon is supposed to be really amazing too.

"Fumu, that's an interesting topic you guys are discussing. Sasahara-kun's fighting style, is it?"
"Ah, Mikoto-chan. Yup, Yuuki you see, he's gonna swap his device so he can retake his original style."
"Ah, no that's wrong. I'm just swapping my device's sheath. My current device's sheath looks like an attache case right? I'm gonna replace that to a type shaped like a real katana sheath instead."
"Ah, right, right. Can I have that sheath then? That thing's a real heavyweight, I can use it in my workout regime."
"No thank you. I'm gonna keep it just in case."

　This girl is still at that. She can already lift it just fine these days.

"I see... I was sure Sasahara-kun was the type that creates chaos in battlefield with his fleet of foot. So you're saying, you're actually a quickdraw wielder?"
"Well I'm just a copycat. I did something akin to one back then, remember?"
"Ah, that move you displayed during your fight against Arariel. I see... Your slashing speed is going even higher than that."
"Yep. I gotta train on it for a while though."

　Can't really say right now since I haven't tested how fast I can go at full throttle.

"Alright, I gotta go. Got a class."
"Ah, Device Engineering wasn't it. Fufu, you've really taken a wide variety of lectures, haven't you Sasahara-kun." 
"Think I should get going too. My Mana Application class's starting soon."

　The misunderstanding should be cleared up with all my classmates now.
　Ah, can't wait. What design should I pick for the new sheath.



　Lately, I usually came in a class and picked a seat right before the lecture started to avoid girls rushing in on me, but I didn't have to go all that trouble during this lecture. Cause Kazuki-san is sitting next to me.
　...I'm doing this because of today's rumor.

"...You're really listening to the lecture."
"Well, I guess this class isn't that popular so most attendees are only here for the credit."
"Yes. In a school that emphasizes practical skill, people who take these deskwork lectures are in the minority."  
"...Wonder why when it's so fun. There's so much to unpack with stuff like weapon history or mechanisms."

　I love stuff like this just like how I got really into it when I discussed weapons with Ixia-san before.
　Looking again, Kazuki-san is diligently writing her note too. Uumu... That's an USH family lady for you. 
　Our lecturer isn't Chief Nishida today. Dunno if it's just me but Kazuki-san looks more relaxed.
　She seemed a bit prickly yesterday in comparison.
　Our class ended in the meantime.

"Sasahara-kun. Seeing as the rumor would not likely dissipate any sooner, don't you think it should be safe for you to have a meal at the cafeteria today?"
"Right, you're a big help really... But I'd like to ask you more about the catalog, mind if I tag along?"
"I don't. But won't doing so only further embolden the rumor?"
"Ah, right. Then, let's save it for another--"
"We can simply have our meal somewhere without prying eyes. I know just the place."

　She responded positively to my noncommittal invitation. My impression of her also changed for the better seeing how thoughtful she was. 
　..I see. She probably loves devices as much as I do.



"Ooh... can't believe we're really gonna eat in a VR training room."
"I visit this room whenever I wish to have a meal alone."
"Ah, right, you're usually with Class S girls."
"Yes. They are daughters of company owners or officials associated with my family's company, thus I'm obliged to socialize with them. But there are occasions when I need an alone time as well."
"I see."

　Kazuki-san didn't order anything at the cafeteria and went straight to the VR room but there were already meals for the two us by the time we got there.
　...Does she have a butler-like escort hiding in this campus or something?

"Excuse me, Sasahara-kun. Would you dislike a change of scenery?"
"Ah, no, go ahead."

　Kazuki-san operated a terminal in the room and the inorganic room got replaced into a lakeshore. Whoa, I can even hear animal cries from the forest.

"What do you wish to ask regarding the catalog?"
"Ah, are you sure I can ask before the meal? It might take sometimes."
"...I'll listen to you while eating. We're not out in the public after all. A little breach of etiquette should be of no consequences."
"I see."

　I relished on some sort of salad and springy bread while asking Kazuki-san on the sheath design and material.
　She would elaborate first before giving her answers. It was so fun.

"Let's see... By using a sturdy material for the mouthpiece while loading the main body piece with the Property Shift Formula, it is possible to allow a wider variety of lacquer for the final touch up."
"I see... You know how futuristic looking my weapon device is right? Having only the sheath traditionally lacquered would make it look weird. But this 'Black Stone Coat' seems to fit well, cuz it looks like carbon."
"Yes, I share the opinion... It's a device for self-defense one keeps close to oneself. You'd do well to be fastidious about it. Nothing makes engineers happier than seeing users putting a lot of thought into it."

　This meal she got for me... is way too good! What's this bread called I wonder.
　I'm sure it's not Nan, but then what? It's really bugging me.

"Ah, what to do with the dish? Should I take it along?"
"No, let's not today. A hired hand shall fetch them later. Fufu, conversing while having a meal like this is a first for me... I don't dislike it. I did however not foresee you to seriously talk about the catalog."
"Eh? Did you think I was just using that as an excuse to invite you?"
"Yes. I've been conditioned to be distrustful. Given my position."
"Oh yeah, make sense. Okay then, I'll bee seeing you again this weekend. Where should we meet up? I think Kazuki-san isn't at the dorm, are you."
"The campus's front gate will do. I will pick you up."
"Got it. I gotta go soon for my class. Be seeing you again on Saturday."

　Kazuki-san put on a fleeting smile quite unlike her usual bored look.


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


"Whoops... So yeah, I move around like that to open up more tactical choices while shutting out counterattacks."
"...I see. Your slashes come out faster due to the sheath's resistance... The way you are able to unleash an attack at that speed from any position is a terrifying vantage. Sasahara-kun, I cannot wait to see the completion of your device's sheath."
"...You blocked most of my attacks though."
"No, every one of those blocks was only by a hair's breadth. Fufu, your progress astonishes me. You went from randomly swinging your katana around to having a good grasp on the timing."

　I had a practice match with Ichinose-san during our Practical Combat Theory lab meeting where she managed to defend against my surprise attacks.
　But at least I confirmed that I could move better than ever despite the added load to my Limiter Choker. It was worth the time. I got praised too. I'm the type who grows when praised, please praise me more.

"Fumu. Ichinose, Sasahara. You two are done with sparing practice. You're to learn how to break monsters and human bodies at VR room starting the next lab meeting."

　Mika-chan sensei who was watching our match made the declaration.
　That means we'll be on a different training menu from Selia-san, Arariel and Kaname from then on.

"Acknowledged, Instructor Mikami."
"Roger that."
"Eeh! I can't practice with Yuuki anymore!?"
"Oy, lemme in on that too, Mikami."
"Same here. It's boring without Yuuki-kun around."

　I knew those three would go and boo sensei.

"No. You three still need to grow the mentality needed to curb and outwit your opponents more. You've come a long ways by now, you only need a bit more push."
"Okay... Kaname-kun, get ready for tomorrow."
"Un, take it easy on me."
"I'mma pass tomorrow. Mikami, ya gotta show me the ropes next time." 
"Fufu, I will."

　I do think Mikami-sensei's guidance is right on the money.
　We're Class SS. We're far stronger than any imaginary enemy in a VR space. Having us intensely clash with each other must help grind our senses.
　Well it can't go on forever if we want to get better at reading people though.

"Ah, right. All of you need to go to your classroom after this meeting. Jen-sensei has called for an assembly."
"Oh, finally time for this month's Field Training huh. Oy, Yuuki don'tcha blow up on us."
"I didn't blow myself up darnit!"
"Of course... Last month's mission was harsher than I anticipated. I wonder what they have in store for us this month."
"Yuuki, get behind us when things look dicey out there, okay!"
"Eh, I don't wanna. I'm gonna be out in the front. Within reason that is."

　Our next Field Training is to start at the end of this month, June. Wonder what it's gonna be about.





　Back at our classroom, Koune-san, Kai and Kazuki-san were already inside.
　It's now five PM. Jen-sensei came in right as I glanced at the clock.

"Are you all present? As I'm sure you know already, we're holding a briefing for this month's Field Training. Chairwoman has a word for you, chin up."

　The room immediately tensed up when Chairwoman showed up.

"It has been a month hasn't it. First, I must offer my apologies. You had to face danger beyond our expectations due to our lack of foresight. You have my deepest apologies. I hope you could forgive me."

　We were prepared for that when we signed up for this whole thing. I'm sure everybody here understood.

"Learning from our previous error, we have made sure to carefully select your next mission. It is what you could call an extermination."

　Extermination... Is there anything that needs to be exterminated in Japan?
　It can't be... humans, can it? The atmosphere in classroom changed as that thought crossed everyone's mind.

"Feel rest assured. You are to defeat monsters that have showed up around a mana platform under construction in the vicinity of the Gate."
"Err, may I ask something, Chairwoman."

　I raised reflexively my hand when I heard that unfamiliar term.

"You may, Sasahara Yuuki-kun."
"I'm not really familiar with this Mana Platform, I can hazard a guess however. But, are you saying that we have to deal with monsters prowling under the sea?"
"That would have been the case normally, however, the mana platform this time is a new one that is under construction, therefore a temporary undersea dam is present on site. You will only face the monsters undersea once the water level has been lowered inside the dam. We have judged that the site is suitable for combat scenario."
"I understand. That's all from me."

　I see. So it's like... if you drain the pond of all its water and defeat the flopping fish left there? Uh, guess that's too small scale of an analogy.

"The Gate is out on the open sea in Grandia side. We believe the monsters may have slipped through it by some sort of means. They adapted to the earth's environment, took over some of marine life found here and reproduced. We have reports of unexplained incidents around the gate in recent years. We believe these monsters might be one possible cause."
"Chairwoman. Would you allow me to ask a question?"

　Koune-san raised her hand. I didn't expect that.

"I believe an extermination mission very close to the gate is of an utmost importance. What is the reason mere students like us are given such a critical mission?"

　That's true. The gate is pretty much the sole path that connects Earth and Grandia. The whole world has its eyes on it, every country would definitely jump at the chance to resolve an issue there.
　I agree that leaving a matter this serious in the hands of some Japanese students just doesn't sound right.

"Naturally Mana Platforms and the Undersea Pipelines connected to the gate are indispensable facilities for the diffusion of mana from Grandia throughout the earth. All countries in this world keep a watchful eye on them. Which is precisely why no single country can easily intervene in this incident. This mission will be treated as an emergency that just so happened to occur while you students were present there on a study tour. Well... I do admit it's very close to a grey area."
"I see... Our class has both Earthlings and Grandians. No complain on the personnel side."
"Correct. In reality, it would be best if students belonging to nations other than Japan were also present, but unfortunately that doesn't apply to this Class."

　Ah, right all the earthlings in this class are Japanese.
　Wonder if it's because Japan is the closest country to The Gate so we're prone to be more powerful?
　The mix of magic and science seem to be developing just as well outside Japan though.
　...Which begs the question, why can't this world use that technology to develop games.
　I have no choice but to personally ask someone to develop a simulation game with the VR Tech....

"If you have no more question, I will share the time table to your terminals. Make sure you look over it. It goes without saying that you are prohibited from moving data out of your Smart Terminals."

　The schedule got displayed on my terminal. From the end of June to the third of July... Right of course, these missions won't always let us go home by the end of the day. I've gotta tell Ixia-san about this.
　The briefing ended once we got the schedule.
　My classmates don't look particularly stressed over the chance to finally face off against monsters. Guess the ones from Grandia have experience fighting monsters already.
　Besides... They fought those terrorists last month. Nothing can probably faze them anymore.

"Sasahara Yuuki-kun. Can I have your presence at my office later?"
"Ah, yes understood."

　I got called again... Is this a case where she wouldn't let us go if I weren't around.

"...She, asked for you again."
"Jen-sensei. Don't worry about it. This time it's about my family matter."
"You sure about that? ...Not that I don't trust Chairwoman... But feel free to hit me up if you're in trouble. I'm your class teacher, I don't want to experience that sense of loss again."
"...Oh. Thank you sensei. It's okay, it's really nothing big I swear."

　It's rare for Jen-sensei to put such a serious look.
　A tinge of warmth enveloped my heart seeing her usual teasing tone gone.



"Excuse me. It's me Sasahara Yuuki."
"Come on in."

　I got so used to it, I went in Chairwoman's office while knocking the door.
　She was in the middle of dusting off a painting.
　Why'd anyone draw a picture of 『(´・ω・｀)』 smiley and hang it anyway...

"This month's Field Training is finally upon us... But considering the location, the chance of a dangerous element slipping in is almost nil. I won't tell you to relax, but neither is it a matter that requires utmost caution."
"Eh, are you sure? I thought it's gonna be chokeful of espionage activities from countries all over the world."
"That's precisely why. It's impossible to predict what action the ships from each nation, permanently anchored there, will take to those who dare to cause a ripple. Even the extremist groups from Grandia cannot approach the site no matter how hard they tried."
"So people whose sole goal is infiltration won't go there... huh."

　True enough, knowing the groups that want to disturb the relationship between Earth and Grandia by causing as much mayhem as possible won't be there is reassuring. But--

"...Some of my classmates are Grandians though."
"You're willing to bring up that subject yourself huh. I didn't expect you to be the type that could draw the line on that."
"No, I'm not suspecting them or anything. I just think I'd have thought that far ahead if I were in your shoes, Chairwoman."
"Yes. However, we have done the  due process and made a complete background check on every single Grandians enrolled to this school. I have, some connections to police-like organizations in the other side."
"I see."

　Well, guess going that much is only right. I won't be fazed by this woman's pull and clout anymore.

"You can dismiss this childish musing... But what about the angle of someone intentionally slipping those monsters into earth to stimulate Earth's Pro-environmentalist group?"
"I cannot definitely say the chances are zero. We did consider a similar possibility as well. Please make sure to include anything you find suspicious during the mission in the report. Also--if you deem that the monsters are too much to handle for the students as well as Jen, please fill in their shoes on the extermination. I would prefer to station our own combat personnel as your backup but that is simply out of question in that site. There will be only you student group and workers present. I leave them in your hands."
"Got it. Err, Jen-sensei is plenty strong right?"
"Yes, she is. Right... Even if every single students besides you challenge her to a duel all at once, she will come out victorious in the end."

　What, that's scary. Aren't there like nearly 500 students here? How can they not win, dang.

"You look surprised, but you're just as extraordinary, just you know. I am unsure if Jen-sensei could even defeat you."
"...Am I really that strong."
"...Very well, I'll prepare an opportunity to make you realize the extent of your strength one day. Making an accurate assessment of an employee is my job as your employer."
"Please go easy on me..."

　Thus I undertook the mission Chairwoman put forth.

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