Chapter 29

Book 3




"Hmph!"

　A dashing quickdraw slash. It's one of the few video game moves I can reproduce right now.
　The slash unleashed by my weapon device boasting overwhelming strength and slicing power slayed the target monster that looked somewhat like a giant walrus.

『Measurement done. Sasahara Yuuki, that move did not succeed reaching the target's heart. Do a stab, not a slash. You may end up swinging slower, but that should ensure a kill.』
"Gotcha. Ah, but I can probably manage it if I generate Mana Blade while drawing my sword."
『Hou, you think so huh. Sasahara, you're a weapon device user I see. Almost forgot about that since I don't see you deploy Mana Blade often. Let's do a retake.』

　The sheath I ordered on Saturday arrived on Tuesday. It was delivered to my campus so I immediately put it to use in the new Practical Combat Theory Lab program meant for me and Ichinose-san.
　The color, texture and overall finish. All of those are of the highest quality even our resident katana user, Ichinose-san let out a sigh of admiration at my sheath.
　Also, today our lab is starring a special guest, Kazuki-san.
　She's here as an aspiring engineer to personally check out the finished product loaded with her company's technologies.

"Mana Blade... It's too weak as a projectile attack... But what if I do a quickdraw."

　Mana Blade. In short, it's a mean of attack by shooting mana projectiles similar to that of rifle and handgun-type devices.
　But as melee weapon devices lack the mechanism meant for ranged devices, the actual power of Mana Blade is quite low. I tried to use it before since replicating those game moves was one of my dearest wishes, but my attacks got easily erased by the 'Otherside  Moves' Kai and Ichinose-san unleashed. Man... The best time of my life since I entered this school got dashed in an instant... Guess Earth's moves aren't advanced enough compared to Grandia's Lost Art.

"Maybe it can be done if I imagine the blade extending out into the target's body...?"

　A VR monster showed up. This course is a practice for slayiing a monster with the least amount of attack, and my goal today is to slay it in one hit.
　I took a quickdraw stance. I lowered my waist and focused. Moves executed by protagonists and bosses from all sort of games flashed in my mind one after another.
　Imagine it. My... power should be able to draw out all those virtual heroes built by all the great creators.

"--Haa!"

　A moment of intersection. I drew my katana while dashing over the target monster before turning around to see it cut in half.

"I did it...! Mika-chan sensei, did you see that!?"
『Yeah, I did clearly. A momentary outburst of mana blade. Powerful instantaneous execution of Physical Boost and unparalleled swordsmanship. Everything is flawlessly executed.』
"...Getting a perfect mark feels more ominous instead."
『Kuku, but it's true that it was splendidly done. That's it for this practice, Sasahara Yuuki. Tomorrow is your class's Field Training. Close it up.』
"Got it. Phew... This marks the end of my practice against medium sized monsters. How's Ichinose-san doing?"
『She's already in the midst of giant monster training. She's not fixated on slaying in one hit, unlike you.』
"Nuu... Welp, guess I deserved it."

　But it has always been a dream of mine. This Move is only complete if it can slay its target in one slash.
　Also because it's the only Move I could reproduce right now, so I'm real fussy about it.

"...Wonder if I could unleash slashes in general locations... Dimensional slice is probably out of question... But local slashes are probably doable with wind magic."

　It's the exemplary move of the master in my mind, the blue oni-chan.
　Hm, but I sure would like to reproduce the moves of that baby-faced aniki with a scar on his face too... Mitsurugi-style!
　But for now I want to get used to quickdraw first thing first. I shouldn't spend all my time on just one move. Right, next I'm gonna train how to deal with attacks coming from all directions.

"Good work out there. So this is Practical Combat Theory Lab. I've taken a peek on Ichinose-san's combat as well. This Lab truly emphasizes on real combat unlike Battler Clubs or Swordsmanship Study. I've learned a lot."
"You might be right. We're usually thrust into a long chain of combat gauntlet with no rest in between, can't even afford to do maintenance. Gotta remember to do it once the lab meeting is over."
"Yes. It's just that, only Yoshida-san and Sasahara-kun wield Weapon Devices in this lab. I don't have a lot of samples to work on..."

　Kazuki-san greeted me when I left the VR facility. She then checked the blade and the sheath of my weapon device before handing it back to me with a satisfied look. 

"I don't see any nick or chip on both the blade and the sheath. I'm delighted to confirm the product we delivered is up to par."
"Yup, I can't thank you enough really. This will make me stronger."
"I'll be in your care during the Field Training starting tomorrow. I must take my leave, have a good day."
"Thank you, Kazuki-san."
"You have my gratitude, Kazuki Kyouko. Per your suggestion, I will introduce a course on temporary repairs of devices soon. Losing one's weapon in battlefield is indeed a concern."

　I see, maybe part of the reason Kazuki-san came here was to do business (?) with Mika-chan sensei. 
　I did a light stretch to relax my body. I plan to head back after this.
　The three members from interpersonal combat training course came as I was stretching.

"Hey, so we ran into Kazuki-san on the way. Did she drop by here?"
"Ah, good work, Selia-san. Yup, Kazuki-san was checking out my sheath. Got her stamp of approval. I'm gonna keep using it from now on."
"Hee, that sounds fun. We're gonna join this course after the Field Training, you gotta show it to us."
"Ya heard him, no blunder this this time Yuuki. VR or field I don't care, spar with me after the trip."
"That's up to Mika-chan sensei, no?"

　I see, we can have our practice together again. That means, these three have gained Mika-chan's approval. Sounds like it'll be fun.

"Good work, Sasahara-kun. I watched your fight on a monitor with Instructor Mikami... For once, I am in agreement with Arariel. I would like to have a match with you."
"For real? Hearing that word from Ichinose-san is a boost to my confidence."
"Fufu, don't be so modest now... I would love to meet your master if allowed. That swing was spectacular."
"Haha... I'm sure my master would feel honored."

　Sorry, that's a lie. He probably would brush it over even if he existed.
　But after hearing all these praises, I wonder if the moves from those games actually make sense in real life... I'm gonna train even harder and turn a lot more moves into reality.





"Yuuki, would you care to watch a movie with me after dinner?"

　At night, as I was chowing down a meat pie made by Ixia-san who had recently mastered the way of oven, she pressed on me with a blu-ray disk on her hand and a giddy look on her face.
　Oh right, she registered at a rental service when she was out at town alone this Sunday.

"Err... 'From The Darkest Depth of Water', that's a horror movie alright. And a zombie one at that."

　Is this a new form of bullying!? That's the one genre I hate!

"Fufu, I could not help myself since it has quite the reputation for being truly terrifying. How would you like to watch it with me?"
"No, I need to prepare for tomorrow and so on. I can't stay up too late tonight. I gotta be there at the campus by six o'clock and get on the bus."
"...Is that so. Let's watch it together once you're back."
"That's a rental only for three days two night. Please return it before too late, okay."

　Ixia-san made a weird pose with an expressionless look on her face. Seems like it's a huge shock to her.
　...But why?

"Really though, Yuuki, please do take extra caution out there. You must stay inside while the ship is traveling. It would be nothing short of a disaster if you went out onto the deck to watch the scenery and fell into the water."
"Haha, I got it. I'll be back before you know it, don't worry."
"...Yes. Ah, don't worry I will make your lunchbox tomorrow. It will be a pasta cuisine that tastes good even when it's cold. It's called 'Napoli-tan'."
"Oh, Napolitan."

　It sounded like she added a 'tan' suffix due to slightly off intonation. I love it since it's got plenty of bell peppers.

"I'll be in my room to pack my belongings."
"Yes. I have placed your change of clothes folded on the bed, be sure to wear them."
"Thank you. I gotta go to bed early, good night."

　It's definitely not because I'm afraid to watch the horror movie. I just need to pack some things up, yup.
　And thus, I set my alarm to ring an hour earlier than usual--or not, I forgot to do that before I fell asleep.



"Sorry, I'm skipping breakfast!"
"Yes! Forgive me, I should have gone and woken you up, take care!"
"Nope, it's my fault really! I'm off!"

　It's ten to six right now. I've only got ten minutes leeeft!
　All good, I'll make it! I may have missed the classroom briefing but all's well as long as I get on the bus!
　I ran down the hill and dashed toward the campus using the maximum Physical Boost I could use in school grounds.
　I am the wind of Scwhein right now! Oh crap, everyone's in front of the bus already!

"Jen-sense--i! I'm here---!!!"
"Uo! Where'd you spring up from!? You're late, Sasahara!"
"I'm sorry! I took it easy since my house's close by!"

　I jumped out of the hilly path and jumped again mid air, launching myself in air farther than I did during last month's mission and landed in front of the bus.
　D-don't look at me, guys! I know I'm too old to oversleep!

"Well fine... Go and put your belongings and device in the trunk space."
"Yes ma'am."
"Rare to see you oversleep Yuuki. Were you too nervous to sleep last night?"

　Kai talked to me looking sleepy himself. Dangit, I bet you dorm lifers don't ever experience being late. Everybody in our class besides Arariel and Kazuki-san stay in the dorms after all....

"I forgot to set my alarm. Ah, darn, even Arariel came in time."
"Aa? Whaddya mean 'even', huh."
"I mean you don't live in a dorm right. Can't imagine failing to get up early there."
"Ha, I crashed in a friend of mine's place at the dorm."

　That's cheating. Is he friend with a dorm lifer... Or is it... by force?

"Get on the bus you all, we're departing."
"Whoa, we gotta go, Yuuki."
"I'mma call dibs on the back seat. Gonna get more beauty sleep."

　It's six o'clock. Meeting time=Departure time, what a tight schedule we're running on.
　As I line up to get on the bus, I heard a voice from afar.

"--Ki---box--"
"Huh, did you say something? Selia-san."
"Un? No I didn't? Ah, I'm sitting on the window side, want the seat next to me?"
"I want one by the window too."
"Eeh~."
"--Yuuki-----left--"

　Mwu, I heard it for sure.
　I looked around to find the source of this faraway voice and then I saw someone gliding from the direction of my house at the hill--

"Yuuki, you left your lunchbox! Here you go, make sure you finish it, okay. I beg your pardon, Yuuki's classmates and teacher."
"Eh? Eh!? Ixia-san!? Huh!?"

Ixia-san suddenly glided down from the hill out of nowhere!? She handed me my lunchbox and immediately left in no time... How'd she do that? I'm not one to talk... did Ixia-san just fly...?

"...Ah, right, my lunchbox..."
"Err... Who was that onee-san?"
"Ah, un. She lives with me, kind of like a foster parent..."
"H-hee... I didn't know."

　All my classmates on the bus are looking at me... Arariel especially.



"Oy, who was that super beaut, Yuuki! Spit out her contact!"
"Keep that up and I'll beat you up. Shut it, Arariel."
"Now now cool it, Yuuki... So, who was that? All elves are beautiful... but she's on another level. Isn't she on par with Norun-sama?"

　The elf-lover who's a regular to that kind of elf establishment, Arariel pressed on me hard. As I was about to seriously call him out, Kai asked me.
　But then, someone threw a life vest my way--

"Ah, I saw her back then. Yuuki-kun's guardian. She was really beautiful."
"Yep, she's my guardian. Hey, Arariel, is your mom a beauty? Introduce her to me, will you?"
"Aa!? Ya messin' with me!?
"...See? That's the normal reaction. I don't wanna hear this topic anymore, got it?"
"...Tch, yea yea I got ya."

　...I'm absolutely not gonna let this guy come close to Ixia-san if she ever visits our campus.

"Hey, Yuuki, you're living with an elf?"
"Hn, yep I am."
"...I see. That was incredible... She's your foster parent right?"
"Yup. She's probably the only relative I have."
"Oh I see. But still... you're really living with such a beautiful woman?"
"You think so too even from an elf's perspective?"

　Apparently, elves see one's natural mana's property, the purity of mana circulating in one's body, one's ear shape and hair color as standards of beauty.
　Ixia-san's brilliant blond hair nets a high point and her mana is extremely transparent.
　...Seeing Selia-san's brilliant blond hair, I guess she's quite popular among the elves herself?

"Sit down, folks. We're departing for the airport harbor... but really, Sasahara, your guardian... Rumor say she's quite the monster parent who marched into the campus... it all makes sense to me now. That was an incredibly well done Physical Boost."
"Uh no... Apparently she went out of control when she saw the news of me dying. She's not actually a monster parent..."
"Well, I'd probably snap that badly too if I had a child like you Sasahara. Who's she? An ex service woman? Sure would love to spar with her."
"Why are you trying to fight your student's guardian. Actually, why're sitting next to me."
"Nevermind that. Here, gimme that lunchbox. I'm gonna put it in the cooler."
"Ah, thank you."

　Fuumu. Even an active duty combatant recognizes Ixia-san's strength.
　Wonder if there's really a lot more powerful individuals in the age of myth compared to modern day?

"It takes 30 minutes to get to the harbor and eight hours on ship. You have free time while on board, but make sure you act properly. You hear me?"

　We all said yes to Jen-sensei's warning. This feels like a field trip but we're on a legit mission. Naturally we're all bracing ourselves.

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

　It's my first time on board a ship.
　I was afraid I would get seasick from the shaking but since we were riding a giant tanker, I barely feel any shaking.
　Actually, isn't this thing going too fast? Aren't ships max speed supposed to be around 80 KM/H?

"Just like Shinkansen, transportation in this world are on a whole other level of advanced..."

　The ship is moving so smoothly it's as if it's sliding on the water surface.
　I'm told it's carrying building materials for the Mana Platform so the size of this ship is considered on the bigger side even by this world's standard.
　Naturally it doesn't have specially built guest rooms or a deck to enjoy the view on. I opted to stay in a vacant warehouse repurposed as our break room to have my late breakfast with Ixia-san's lunchbox.

"...That lady made that for ya huh."
"Arariel... You're still here."
"Don't gimme that look. Keh, count yer' luck. Stuff looks way good darnit."
"Kekeke, isn't it? I ain't sharing okay, I haven't had breakfast yet."

　Arariel is here for some reason. I thought for sure he went and toured the ship with the rest of my classmates.

"Heh, I ain't gonna snatch a brat's food his guardian cooked."
"Oh, that's a good mindset... Sorry about that. I shouldn't have used that analogy."
"Hahn? Ain't like yer serious. Or what, you know my mother or something."

　Arariel put on a dangerous air in that instant... Uh no, never ever seen her.

"Nope. But your reaction tells me you've got your circumstance. I'm not gonna pry."
"...Same here. No pryin' from me either."
"She's my super strong super beautiful foster mother who took me in when I had no relatives left."
"The hell yer' just spillin' 'em all out for!"
"I mean I've got nothing to hide, do I?"

　I went ahead and cleared the heavy air.

"Wait, yer' serious 'bout having no relatives?"
"Yup I am. My dad died in an accident when I was little. My grandpa and grandma left me just as I entered high school. Don't got a mom. Grandma told me she dumped me right after giving birth for some rich guy."
"Ueee, that's some pretty heavy stuff. Ya see folks like that all over Grandia continents, you tellin' me they're common in Japan too?"
"I think so yeah. The population here is much smaller compared to Grandia though. Heard you got twice the people on Earth over there."

　From what I learned, Grandia consists of six continents in total but some of the continents are double the size of Australia. The whole landmass is packed with people too. I can't even imagine that.

"Ah, ya bet. But we ain't got any place so jam packed with peeps in a tight spot like Tokyo, y'see? Real interesting stuff y'all got here."
"Ah... You might be right. Not like I've been there."
"Wha? You kiddin' me? Why didn't ya, go visit Shinjuku, Kabukicho. Hear me out, you better go to 'Erofu Forest Honeytrap' on District Two."
"Oy, quit that you dumbarse. No elven onee-chan will win me over."

　Darn it, I'm never gonna forget that establishment's name now. The heck you're setting my expectations for!

"Phew, I'm full. I'm gonna take a look around, what about you Arariel?"
"I'mma pass. Gonna crash out."
"Sure."

　Well, the two of us are actually hitting it off just fine.
　Even Ichinose-san would keep him company during practices or remonstrate him, showing that she cares. This guy surprisingly fits in our campus.
　There really was nothing of note in the ship so I went and practiced swung with my Weapon Device outside before Koune-san who saw my lunchbox came by and begged me to share it with her. Some random events aside, we arrived at the Mana Platform without a hitch.



"Whoaa... It's like a gigantic factory on top of the sea..."
"Y-yep... Yuuki, look over there. You can see it shining way there. That's the Gate."

　On our way to the residential area of Mana Platform, we spotted the truly massive gate far out in the distance over the window.
　That's the Gate... I was sure it was only big enough to let an airplane pass through, but nope... who could've imagined it was that gargantuan.

"I have never witnessed The Gate from outside either. I usually see it through the airplane window..."
"Same here, Mikoto-chan. I've never seen the gate from Grandia side myself... It's so huge."
"Huh? Is that pipe going inside the Gate, or am I just imagining thing? Sure Grandia is okay having that kind of pipe passing through?"
"I ain't see a problem here? That huge gaping hole is helpless against that thick burly stick smashing it. Kuku."

　Arariel, out. Koune Chop, Selia Punch, Ichinose Kick.

"A-Arariel... You shouldn't say something so vulgar in front of the ladies."
"Same goes for you Kai, don't point it out. Guilty as charged."

　Kai, out.

"But... That pipe isn't sucking leaked mana or anything. It's draining mana directly from the source. Is that really allowed."
"...Yeah. That thing is straight out harvesting Grandia's resource."
"Well, I'm guessing our worlds have made a deal over it. Nobody besides the higher ups on Earth is the wiser. I bet there were some backhand dealings involved."
"...You're surprisingly sharp, Koune-san."
"Fufu, I'm no mere glutton, don't you know? For your information, my family is one of the oldest in Grandia. We're privy to that kind of intel."

　I see. Maybe Ixia-san knows Shezard House then.

"Ah... I'm sure you guys understand without me telling, but you must not disclose anything you saw here. I believe you've signed the agreement already when you enrolled to our school."
"Yes. We are here in our capacity as students of Akimiya. We won't leak anything."

　Sorry, that's a first for me. What agreement? It's probably included in my contract as a bodyguard though.
　...I know it's late hour and all but there's nothing that'd put me in hot water in the contract is there?

"Alright, gather up guys. We will now hear the detail of this mission from our client. Save any question until they're done talking."

　At the farthest end of the residential area. Jen-sensei stopped in front of a huge door and gave us a warning.
　We all got it. We silently waited as Sensei knocked on the door.

"Scwheinritter, Class SS Instructor. Jen Faril."

　Jen-sensei's voice sounded quite dignified unlike her usual tone, I even ended up thinking, 'Huh... isn't she way cool.'

『Come on in.』

　A gentle voice of the elderly. Following Sensei into the room, the one greeting us behind the door was an old man whose face was of full of wrinkles yet carried an air of overwhelming pressure to him.

"I bid you welcome, Scwheinritter ladies and gentlemen."
"!"

　I reflexively gulped and tensed up when this old man looked over us for some reason.
　...I wonder if it's because I lived my life with my grandparents. There's something off about this old man compared to the elderly I know... I could feel awe and some sort of negative feelings from him.
　What... was that sensation. Just nervousness...?

"Hahaha... I expect no less from chicks chosen by Akimiya girl. They're nothing like your average soldier."
"'Ishizaki'-sama. Please refrain from calling Chairwoman 'girl'. Even if you're our client this time."
"Whoa now, did I offend you. Huhu, I see. She's got her pawns sorted out."
"...We are in front of my students. Please drop it while you're ahead."

　I could tell a tinge of cold aura emanating from Jen-sensei.
　Maybe this old man... is some sort of arch rival to Akimiya.

"Hahaha, a sound advice. Picking a fight with a Dragonia is very much akin to inuring a dragon's wrath. I suppose we can discuss your mission now, can't we? Come now, take a seat. We have plenty."

　I took this Ishizaki old man's words despite his lackadaisical and jeering expression and sat down.
　...Wait, nobody else is sitting. Eh, can't we?

"Oy, Sasahara!"
"Ah, my bad! I'd been living with grandpa and grandman forever. My body's been conditioned to listen to the elderly like this person."
"Ku, kuhaha! Let him be. All of you too, go on and take a seat. Kukuku... I see you lived with your grandparents. Huhu, if only I had a grandchild like you... yes, a grandchild with outstanding achievements under his belt."

　He turned a piercing gaze my way once again.
　The way he phrased it... he knows about the incident last month. I mean, yeah no wonder.

"Good grief... My apologies, Ishizaki-sama."
"I don't mind. Now let me brief you on the detail."

　...Well in reality, I just wanted to see his reaction to my excuse. I'm curious. Just what kind of man is he.
　Ishizaki-san gave us a lowdown on the monsters that caused the mysterious incidents in the last few years.
　They're apparently parasite-type monsters that latched on big fish and gradually transformed those fish. They've wrecked havoc on the ecosystem and even started going after passing ships.
　The dam under construction has encroached on a nest of those monsters resulting in a suspension of work. In other word, all we need to do is eliminate this nest.
　But--

"I'm hoping you could eliminate the rest of the lurking monsters if possible. Merely dealing with monsters swimming on the surface is possible with my private forces. I don't need to call the army. Akimiya girl accepted this mission fully aware of that fact. I ask you students to construct a plan to lure out those monsters and put it into practice."
"...Roger that, Ishizaki-sama. Would you give us the permission to survey the site in question?"

　Jen-sensei's voice has a threatening tone to it. She's... quite a straitlaced woman. I don't think she's the right woman to deal with this scheming cunning old man.

"Oh, go right ahead. It's still a restricted area however. I don't want too many of you to come and go before the mission. I trust you don't mind if I limit the personnel?"
"...Very well."
"Oh, then you don't mind me naming them as well, do you?"

　I bet he's got those names ready from the start anyway. Doesn't look like Jen-sensei is gonna oppose the old man either.

"Instructor Jen, and, let's see... Sasahara Yuuki, I will bear witness to our hero in action. Daughter of Ichinose, I choose you. These three are the limit."
"Sir, yes sir."
"Got it."
"Understood. The rest of you are to stand by at your designated room."
""Yes, ma'am.""





　We need to pass an unfinished corridor on foot to reach the affected sea dam.
　As we're walking on a makeshift path made of bare steel frames and wire meshes above the 700m deep sea, the feeling the three of us have right now is neither fright or thrill, but suspicion.

"That geezer... was so obviously trying to get a rise out of me. Why did Ryouka-san accept a mission from that man and even made it a Field Training..."
"Instructor Jen, we don't know who could be listening, please exercise caution."
"It's fine. There ain't no bugs."
"Fumu... Ichinose-san, do you personally know that old man Ishizaki?"

　I get why he picked me. But it sounded like he knew Ichinose-san as well.

"I only know him by name. He is the previous head of 'Ishizaki Zaibatsu' and the superintendent of this facility, in charge of  overseeing the streams of passing mana. His influence is said to surpass even Akimiya in energy sector."
"Hee, then that old man must have investigated our class already. He probably picked you because Ichinose-san's family got a lot of influence."
"That's a sound conjecture. Sasahara-kun, have you inferred anything from what we know thus far?"

　I don't know how to answer that. At best I could come up with a wild delusion like **rom brain... I don't mind dropping that delusion if she's okay with it though.

"Don't ask Sasahara a difficult topic like that, Ichinose."
"Jen-sensei, you're seriously treating me like a kid, aren't you? We're all the same age here."
"I mean, I get it. But I just don't want you to try so hard..."
"...I'm gonna make you weep hard in my chest on graduation day, just wait you wait. Psyche."
"You dummy, that's not happening. Like you'd get taller than me."
"But you're not denying the weeping part."
"You two... please drop it. Instructor Jen, don't underestimate Sasahara-kun's acumen. On our last Field Training, he was the one who noticed the terrorist's goal and the first to realize their attempt to kidnap Norun-sama."

　S-stop it... You're gonna make me blush! I'm the type that grows on praises but too much and my nose would grow too.

"That's exactly why. People on higher ups, like our clients are sensitive... to those who know too much. I'm concerned about Yuuki. I'm sure you understand what I mean, Ichinose."
"...Yes. But isn't now the right moment seeing as nobody else is listening?"
"...You have a point. Okay Sasahara, give us the gist of things on your guess."

　Thus I talked about the reason Chairwoman gave us this mission.
　And what is that old man's goal.
　My delusional brain tempered by all the games, anime and manga I consumed pieced up together my wild imagination.

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