Chapter 30

Book 3




"...Phew. I see, your legs float when you relax. This is a new discovery for someone who never swims like me."

　Yuuki won't come home until next month. That fact weighs on my mind despite my attempt to stop thinking about it.
　He won't be here tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. The thought alone makes me feel so lonesome.
　Even dipping in a hot water tub did nothing to distract my melancholy.
　I kept thinking the worst, what would I do if Yuuki fell into the sea.

"Oh what to do... I cannot muster up the strength to go and purchase grocery or cook a meal... I suppose I could take a nap until evening..."

　I stepped out of the bath and slipped into the bed in a huff.
　--Yuuki's bed.

"Ah... Yuuki... Yuuki... Please come back home safe and sound, Yuuki."

　As I hugged the pillow and wrapped myself in Yuuki's lingering scent, I hoped for a dream with Yuuki.







　Chairwoman and old man Ishizaki are most likely locked in a conflict of interest.
　It's unthinkable for them to work together when they're like that.
　They're both likely aiming to strike at each other's vital in this mission.
　Old man Ishizaki probably intends to make us fail a mission he prepared which would be akin to Akimiya's blunder.
　The thought of him killing us in an accident crossed my mind.
　But that's far too risky a plan. The world won't see it as Akimiya's mistake alone.
　He's probably set it up so that some sort of unforeseen irregularity arises while simultaneously preparing an exit for us.
　This begs the question, why did Chairwoman send us straight into the enemy's stronghold despite old man Ishizaki's scheme. One so obvious even I could predict it.
　Well, in all likelihood, she probably wants us to face the old man's scheme up front and foil it.
　That woman definitely won't hesitate to make us cross a crumbling bridge if that helps us grow.
　That's the narration I prepared for the two.

"That's about sums it up. Take it with a grain of salt, will you?"
"...I see. It was indeed weird how he limited the number of personnel for the preliminary inspection and prioritized secrecy above all. Sasahara-kun's conjecture may not actually be off base."
"Mwu, is that how it is. Irregularity huh... If we consider that's the reason why I'm here..."
"Well either way, we still gotta do what we gotta do. Look up every nook and cranny and come up with a good plan."

　On the surface that is. Chairwoman probably entrusted her actual objective on me.
　One is to protect the students... And the other is to find out the secret old man Ishizaki is likely hiding here.
　Then why did the old man name me for this preliminary inspection.
　I don't think curiosity alone cuts it... Is he suspecting me as Chairwoman's direct pawn?
　Well, I shouldn't think too hard about it. Not like it'd change what I have to do.
　Take note of the stuff that bugs me and go home. That's all there is to it in the end.



　The still under construction dam is like a giant box built on top of the sea.
　Once we entered the dam, seawater disappeared below our feet. The path inside continues deep undersea.
　We took a gondola downstairs and reached a working area where the seafloor is originally located.

"Ooh... We're under the sea for real. I can't believe it, there's even some marine life."
"Oh, we really are. Sasahara, did you know? That shellfish is known as Helmet Mullet. They're deep sea shellfish that can now be harvested near the Gate thanks to all the development. They fetch a high price even in Grandia." 
"Hee, do they taste good?"
"...No? They're popular for their appearance. My house has some exquisite ornaments made from those shells."

　What, they're not even edible. Wait, when did I turn into Koune-san.

"Sasahara-kun, Instructor Jen. Take a look over there. It's still filled with seawater, I am guessing it's due to the seafloor's shape."
"...Ah. Don't get close you two. That's where the monster's nest is."
"Eh, you can see it from here, Sensei?"
"Yea... Giant fish... Figured they got sharks as the hosts. Urgh, those monsters are annoying as is."

　A huge column of water spurted and a great white shark, but even bigger and legged, leaped out before making a landing. It looks exactly like a shark monster that shows up in horror movies.

"Uwaa... That thing looks super terrifying."
"...Indeed, it is scary-looking. It has got quite the size as well... And there are multiple of them inside this place?"
"Sasahara, come and hug your Sensei if you're scared."
"Screw that, I'm just fine with hiding behind your back... But seriously, these monsters are gonna be a pain in the rear."
"Hm, really?"
"Agreed. Slashing attacks will not work well on that."

　Ah, that's not what I meant.
　I'm saying that because we've also been tasked to deal with the same kind of monsters lurking outside this dam.

"--You're saying. Defeating them isn't exactly an issue?"
"Mwu, I see... You've figured out how to deal with them, Sasahara-kun."
"Yup. I mean, we can just bombard them with ranged attacks, no? There's no need for me or Ichinose-san to get up close and personal, do we."
"Ah, right. Of course... I was under the illusion that we had to defeat them here and now."
"Fumu. But this place goes deep into the seafloor. Even the spot we're standing on right now will get flooded in no time if water breaches in."
"Yeah that's the question. Hence why I'm currently thinking hard about a way to lure the monsters out in the open sea into this place."

　Even if we got them here, water would fill up this box and then we'd have no way to deal with them.
　Umu... what do? What if we hauled them in with a huge net or something?
　No, there's nothing like that here. Hm... what if we killed it every time one drifted in?
　I ask the two if they have a move that can do that.

"If it's only for one monster. However, I need to wait a period of time before I can execute the move once more."
"Same goes here, one is no problem. Dunno how many there are outside though."
"You two seriously got that kinda Moves? I... don't have means for ranged attacks."

　The sluice gate for letting water in is located quite far from the footholds. I don't think I can reach it.
　But our mages can. Not sure if their attacks will work though.

"Hmm.... For now we should focus on slaying the monsters in this dam and think up a way to deal with the ones outside on the day."
"Yeah. Sorry to say but don't expect me to have an eureka moment. I'll leave everything in you students' hands. At worst, we can always lure the monsters and wait the water drains."
"I see, that's a sure fire way to go about it... But it's gonna take a while."
"Fine by me. Can't have you guys risking lives here."

　Or I could stealthily jump into the sea and kill those monsters later.
　Would be bad if old man Ishizaki saw me though.

"Welp, I'm gonna take a look around this place, we should split up. Having separate points of views might give us a better idea."
"You're right. I shall survey the outside perimeter. There might be something we could use."
"Alrighty, I'm gonna go down the seafloor. Don't worry, I won't get close to those monsters." 
"Don't go and get yourself eaten now, Sensei."
"I'll be fine. Mere sharks can't pierce my skin."

　Dragonia are too awesome. They're nothing like humans... I wanna cope a feel.
　Afterward, I looked and groped around everything that could be of use.





　It was past sunset by the time we finished our inspection and met up with the rest of our classmates.
　Right, we're out in the Pacific Ocean after all. Of course the sun goes down quicker than in Japan.
　Uu... I don't wanna walk across the ocean at night ever again.

"--That's about what we found at the dam. We were prohibited to take a picture but we have a diagram here. It's quite huge with 1/3 of the space filled with seawater."
"May I ask something?"

　Kazuki-san raised her hand during the briefing.

"My aptitude is lightning element. Perhaps we could use my lightning to strike first and stun the monsters."
"Unfortunately, that's a no go. I'd have given the OK if it was just an ordinary dam but the place is full of electrical machinery. Doing so risks opening the sluice gate and letting seawater inside. I have to ask you to refrain from using your magic, Kazuki."
"...Understood."

　Afterward, we discussed about ways to deal with the monsters lurking outside the dam since defeating the ones inside would pose no issue for us.
　We couldn't really come to a conclusion before we saw them in reality though.
　Well, at least we concluded that Kai could reliably kill one and so could Ichinose-san since she got the same Move.
　Also Koune-san's ice magic and Arariel's obsidian magic which is sturdier than ice would likely play a role.



"Phew... Even the private room is extravagant... Not to mention that tasty dinner."

　After dinner, each of us was led to a private room more high class than Business Hotel's.
　They served giant fish they caught during work hour for our dinner.
　What was that I wonder? Tuna? Bonito? Whichever, it was so good.

"...Well then, no better time than now."

　Using this rest hour, I headed for a certain place to check something out.



　I knocked on the door thrice. Will she open it I wonder?
　I waited patiently for the person inside the room to open the door.

"...My, I didn't think it was you Sasahara-kun."
"Good evening, Kazuki-san."
"Visiting a woman's room at night... You either lack common sense or you're quite a bold one Sasahara-kun, which is it?"
"Hmm... If I gotta pick, the latter? ...Err, do you mind if you come in."
"...Well, I can tell you don't have anything untoward in your mind. Go ahead."

　Alright, I got to get in Kazuki-san's room.
　She's wearing a pajama-like dress, she's about to go to bed I bet.

"I'll get straight to the point. If the spirit Kazuki-san summoned is able to investigate anything electric-related... including sneaking in a network, I hope you could lend me a hand."
"...May I ask your motive?"
"I want to reduce the risk we shoulder. I wanna find out the scheme lurking in this mission. Old man Ishizaki is plotting something up. There's no way to tell how far he's willing to go to drag Akimiya down. At worst, we might get caught in the crossfire."
"You wish for my cooperation fully knowing the strained relationship between Akimiya and my family?"
"Kazuki-san you're not the type who'd agree to such shady business or can you easily throw away human lives. You're nothing like that old man. I bet you're gonna face them straight up... no, you'll only make maneuvers as far as what an enterprise is allowed to."

　I'm sure she'll pick that path. At least, that's what I think of Kyouko-san as a person.

"I want to enlist your help, Kyouko-san. Not Kazuki family."
"...What a garden variety choice of word... Well, nobody has ever told that straight to my face, however."

　She summoned that cute light hamster on her palm as she said that.

"I am bound by a contract with Akimiya after the summoning experiment. 'You are prohibited from deploying this Spirit during normal times'. However, I am currently on a mission, therefore they will have to overlook me this time. What is it you wish to find out, Sasahara-kun."
"Kazuki-san! Thank you for helping me."
"This peril extends to us all, does it not? Besides... Wasn't it me, Kyouko you sought help from, not Kazuki family? Don't you think there's something wrong with calling me Kazuki?"
"I see, thanks, Kyouko-san. Then... Please investigate all the electrical machinery in that dam through this facility network."
"Fufu, very well. You may go, Elecrea Hamko."

　After she gave the order, the electric hamster cried out 'Chi chi' and jumped inside the TV screen in this room. Whoaa! Electric mouse is too awesome!

"In a few moment, I will have a complete grasp over everything connected to electricity in this facility and the sea dam. What do you wish to know, Sasahara-kun?"
"Please find out if they can remotely operate the sluice gates to let the seawater in and out. Then make it so those sluice gates can't be operated remotely while we're in there on the mission day. That old man Ishizaki is probably aiming for that. He'll get us to fail our mission by creating an unforeseen accident."
"...Would he go that far? From what I can tell from the dam layout, it's pretty much an enclosed area. Letting seawater inside... may even lead to casualty."
"Yup. I think he's also made the preparation to rescue us when the time comes. All to make Akimiya owe him a debt."
"One would... go that far in a rivalry between Zaibatsu..."

　After a little while, Hamko-chan fell down the lamp instead of the TV.
　It's too cute. I want a pet like that too.

"...You're right, every single piece of machinery can be remote controlled from the ex-head of Ishizaki's room indeed. They also have an emergency sluice gate to let seawater out as well as lifesaving equipment hidden within the dam. These too can be remote controlled."
"That settles it then, caught the guy red-handed. Can you stop all of those remote controls on the mission day?"
"It can be done, yes. This leaves us with only one problem now. The monsters lurking outside."

　That huh... What do. I really don't want to get near the sea at night...

"Hey, so can Hamko search for the readings of monsters around the dam? You know, like maybe it could detect the electric pulses from living organisms like a radar."
"I have never put that idea into action. Hey, could you perhaps do that?"

　Kyouko-san looks kinda cute when she's trying to talk with the little hamster grooming itself on her palm.
　Hamko-chan raised its face and cried out confidently 'Chii!' before jumping outside, slipping through the closed window.

"Ooh... That little one's too amazing. It's cute to boot."
"Fufu, it really is. Do you fancy small critters, Sasahara-kun?"
"Yup, I do, or rather that little one's too cute. It's so small and lively."
"So small and lively.... Fufu, fufufu. It really is."
"Why are you looking at me, Kyouko-san."

　Are you saying I'm small and lively? But why, you're the one that's a bit shorter than me!
　Afterward, Hamko-chan came back with a reading of seven large creatures around the dam. I do wonder why they're staying close to the dam when they're monsters not fish. Are they worried about their monster friends locked inside the dam?

"Alrighty, I've got plenty of new intel. I should get going."
"Fufu, so that was truly all you wanted to do here?"
"...You know I'm eighteen, right? Please don't make that kinda joke."
"Fufu, I beg your pardon. Thank you, Sasahara-kun. I am no longer useless in this mission because of you."
"...Hm. That's not really why I asked for your help. It just had to be done."
"Yes, I would have guessed as much. Allow me to express my gratitude regardless."

　I wasn't really worried about her because she looked sad when her magic was banned. I really needed her help. But if that helps ease her mind, that's two birds with one stone. That's all there is to it, Kyouko-san.


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


"Arariel, get away!"
"Aye aye. Whoa darn, almost got me there."

　A shark monster jumped out and hit the foothold Arariel was standing on.
　He jumped out of the way right before it struck him thanks to his bodyguard, Kai's warning.
　Man... Can't believe guy can keep his cool after that. He could have been swallowed whole with the foothold if he was even a second late.

"Koune, how much mana do you have left?"
"Hmm, think around three Ice Spears left? Seeing how much the monsters have been weakened, I should save it up for later and leave the rest to Arariel-kun and Kai-kun."
"Yup, that's a good idea. Koune-san should keep a reserve for when things go south."

　On the second day of our Field Training. We went in the dam to slay the monsters.
　Originally I was planning to dedicate the whole day to brainstorm a plan but thanks to getting the intel on monster number last night, I moved the schedule forward.
　Besides, we don't need to worry about outside interference anymore thanks to Kyouko-san.
　Today I'm leading my classmates to clean up the monsters inside the dam first.

"Kyouko-san, check how many monsters are left."
"...Three monsters are in critical condition, two are still in fighting state. Four have been incapacitated."
"Got it. Kai, Ichinose-san, get down to the seafloor. I'll send those who are still combat-ready as your backup, each of you deal with one monster! Kaname, guard Arariel in Kai's place! Arariel, finish off the dying monsters! You still got mana left?"
"Plenty, I ain't a demon for show!"
"What about me, Yuuki!?"
"Selia-san, keep a close watch on Kai and Ichinose-san, and collect blood from the dead monsters when you find the timing! That'll also serve to finish them off just in case."
"Roger!"
"Koune-san, fall back and focus on recovery! Get near Jen-sensei!"
"Yes, I'm going to have a fill..."

　The plan is simple. Backliners snipe while the vanguards guard them and wear down the monsters.
　And once the monsters have been weakened enough, the two sword users finish them off. Anybody could come up with this plan.
　Though I think it's thanks to our assortment of members being pretty apt for the roles.
　Kyouko-san acting as our radar is also an immense boon.

"...Doesn't look like I need to do a thing. We're about to finish them off, any trace of sluice gate manipulation?"
"Yes, there is. There are cameras set up in some sections near the seafloors. There was an attempt to open the sluice gate the moment Ichinose-san and Yanase-san went down."
"Uhee, what a nasty piece of work, that old man's."
"However, I also detected a separate attempt to activate some manners of weaponry."

　So he could have always dealt with this whole thing himself. That old man's quite the bully.

"Oy, Yuuki, I'm done cleanin' up the dying mons."
"Oh, good work. You can go ahead and take a break. Regroup with Koune-san, Jen-sensei will keep you safe."
"I ain't need no bodyguard. Well, fine. After this and last month, turned out sniping ain't half bad."
"You might be surprisingly suited for it. How about ordering a Linker-type device for sniping?"
"I'mma keep that in mind. Later."

　All that's left is the two monsters engaged in combat with Kai and Ichinose-san.

"Mikoto, gather the monsters in one spot!"
"Understood. It's in your hands."

　Mwu, looks like Kai will finish them off himself.
　Ichinose-san lured her monster toward Kai's monster.
　Not a moment later, Kai swung down the sword he had been holding aloft.
　His sword is wrapped in light. A gigantic slash--I'm guessing an 'Otherside Move'--engulfed the two monsters altogether.

"'Heaven Judgment'... Haha, got them..."
"Yeah, that was well done Kai. Sasahara-kun, this makes all the monsters inside the dam defeated!"
"Yea, you two did great! You can help Selia-san collect monster blood in the containers now!"
"Got it! But will it go well? I, don't gel with blood..."
"What weak excuses are you spouting now, Kai. Come now, we should go and collect plenty of blood."

　There's only seven monsters left, they're all outside the dam. I had been pondering how to defeat them when the idea of them maybe having same trait as normal sharks hit me.
　Actually, I crossed the sea again and did a little experiment after my talk with Kyouko-san last night.
　It hurt a bit but my own blood managed to lure an eerie giant shadow under the moonlight, a monster, when I sprinkled some around the dam
　...Honestly, I was so terrified I could have died then and there. The sea at night is terrifying enough and there you have a giant creature added.
　I turned around and sprinted as hard as I could the moment it came into my sight.
　So yeah, a lot of blood should get them flock near the dam, then we can open the sluice gate to suck them all in and then close it.

"Sasahara-kun, we've collected plenty of blood!"
"So how are we gonna sprinkle this around?"
"Ah, can you bring that up here? Let's regroup."

　Next, I'll make my move.

"Alright, I'll run by the plan once more. First, I'll sprinkle this collected blood over the sea outside the dam while Kyouko-san keeps watch on the seven monsters' locations with her electric spirit."
"Very well."
"Once they're in the spot, Kyouko-san will open the sluice gate. Once all seven monsters are inside this dam, Arariel and Koune-san will slow down the rushing seawater. According to Kyouko-san, opening and closing this sluice gate takes time so we have to do that to reduce the amount of seawater spilling in."
"Yes, I understand. I've got my fill of potions. I can do this."
"No biggie here."
"Once the sluice gate is closed, we resume the monster hunt... but many of you are exhausted from the fight earlier. I'll be the main attacker this time while Selia-san and Kaname-san support me since you two look fairly fine. Arariel and Koune can also assist if you've still got mana left. Kai and Ichinose-san, you two guard them."
"And I shall be in charge of issuing commands for this occasion."

　This should be our best course of action. I made some of them work the least to prepare for the second round.
　I took the container full of blood and jumped on top of the dam in one go.
　I opened the lid and sprinkled the content over the sea near the sluice gate.

"It reeks... Okay this should get them coming."

　I observed the water and saw huge shadows crowding in a spot.
　I hurried my way back into the dam and told what I saw.

"Yes, I have detected them as well. All seven... monsters have gathered in place."
"Alright. Selia-san, Kaname-san and I will go down and get ready to fight them. Arariel and Koune-san, stand by on the scaffold near the sluice gate. The rest of you protect them. Jen-sensei, please find a good place to keep watch over the entire area."
"Yeah, got it. Are you gonna be okay, Sasahara? Seven of those monsters in prime condition are gonna get in here."
"Yes, I'll be fine. I don't feel the after effects from last month anymore--It's also about time I show my classmates that I'm back to my feet."
"Fufu... Kazuki-san and I have born witness to it unlike the rest of you. Kai, make sure you keep a watchful eye. It's a glimpse of one possible terminus of swordsmanship diverging ours."

　Hm, they're getting a bit too excited. Guess I'll go all out from the get go then.
　I feel bad for Kaname and Selia-san but I'm gonna seize all the glory.

"They're approaching the sluice gate. Gate opening!"
"Got it! Jen-sensei, please take a headcount of the monsters!"

　The sluice gate above of us is slowly opening up, seawater starts pouring in from the gap.
　The water keeps rushing in like it's gonna burst open.
　Something big inside the water also streams in. Several of this something keeps flowing in before eventually the seafloor overflows with water it almost reaches our footholds.

"Seventh one, in! Koune, Arariel! Kyouko!"

　As Sensei shouted, blocks of ice and black lump covered the sluice gate, slowing down the rushing water. Following that, the sluice gate is slowly shuttering while making a creaking sound.
　It's okay. This much water is like we're on a shore. It's not enough to help the monsters swim faster.

"I'll take the initiative. Mind finishing them off if I made a mistake?"
"Yup, go make a big show for us."
"Roger that. Don't work yourself too hard. I'm jumping in if things look dicey."

　I'm fine even underwater. This isn't enough to slow me down.
　I took a quickdraw stance, jumped onto a rock and turned toward the flock of monsters swarming in my direction--

"...Here I go."

　First monster. I jumped off the rock, skimmed on the water surface and drew my sword, slicing it head off as I passed by it and kept running toward the wall.
　Second monster. I kicked the wall and drew my sword. The second monster got split between its top and bottom.
　Third monster. I landed underwater and kicked the seafloor hard regardless, brute forcing the water resistance out of my way and sliced through an incoming monster from its open mouth.
　Fourth and fifth monsters. I sliced two approaching monsters altogether and landed on the underside of Arariel's foothold. 
　Sixth monster. I sprinted toward the deepest dam section where the water has gathered the most.
　The water got split apart along with a monster in there. 
　The last one--

"...It's fast!"

　I stopped sprinting. I tried to make as many quickdraw slashes as I could at the incoming monster that had its mouth open wide.
　I did it... Rapid-fire quickdraw slices. The deed made an unbelievable swoosh swoosh sound before the monster got torn apart into pieces of meat in an instant.

"Phew... Managed to reproduce the second move... Kyouko-san! Is that all monsters dead?"
"Y-yes! Well done, Sasahara-kun. No living body detected, all clear."

　I did it. Yes, my Limiter isn't as strictly set since I'm outside the campus ground but that was flawlessly executed. I managed to retrace the move inside my mind as close as I could possibly do.
　I could have done it more stylishly if only I had ways to slice dimensions or means for powerful ranged attacks, but this is good enough. More than good enough.

"We should gather the dead monsters in one spot, shouldn't we? Koune-san, could you clear up a spot in the water with your ice?"
"Ah... Yes. I'll clear a spot near the stairway.... Ha... You really went and defeated them all by yourself..."
"Ueee, you for real man. Oy Yuuki you bastard, you gotta have a match with me once we're back!"
"Okay okay! Help me grab those monsters guys!"

　This makes a mission complete with no room for complaint. We've eliminated all the monsters inside and outside the dam as requested. A bit of water spilled in but that should be within acceptable limits no?
　Now then, can't wait to see the look on that old man's face.

"...This is, Yuuki's swordsmanship... Mikoto, I'm still wet behind the ears. Can't believe there's someone like this in our generation."
"Yeah. You're right, the thought of our school being the strongest on Earth must have gotten to my head... I am glad I enrolled to this school."
"Yeah, agree..."

　What do you expect me to say to that, guys. Here I am getting restless at the prospect of hitting my ceiling soon... Man, I need ranged attacks.

"Hm, huh? This monster is a different type?"

　While I was gathering the monsters. Mixed among the mutated shark-like monsters, I found a different type of monster-fied fish.
　It's... some sort of tuna? Wonder if it's edible?
　Ah, but it's a parasite monster... Guess not....

"What's up, Sasahara."
"Jen-sensei, what happens to these parasite monsters when their hosts died?"
"Hm, these creatures turn into monsters once they've been parasitized so they become one being. These parasites don't run away from their hosts after their dead or anything like that."
"Oh, then, are these edible?"
"Haa? You wanna eat a shark? Don't, I bet they ain't tasty. These sharks eat humans, remember?"
"Nope, look at this. One of them is a tuna! Don't you think this one's edible?"
"...You probably won't die from eating that thing but I ain't know nothing. Monsters killed in a client's site belongs to the client. But... you took down these things yourself. Go ahead and ask Ishizaki-sama for permission when we report in."
"Roger. Let's go and report this."

　Man, aren't you curious how that old man's gonna react?

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