Chapter 31

Book 3




　It's the second day since Yuuki is not home. My smart terminal's ringtone prompted me to wake up despite my unwillingness.
　The caller is... Chief Nishida...

"Hello, Ixia speaking."
『Hello, Ixia-san. Can I have a bit of your time?』
"Yes... I have just woken up, myself. I am not in the midst of anything."
『Eh!? But it's past noon already!』
"Ah... it is. How can I help you?"
『I'm more worried about you, Ixia-san. What's the matter? Are you feeling unwell...』
"I'm merely lacking Yuukinium... Yuuki won't be back until the day after tomorrow, there are still two days."

　I can't believe how much I'm breaking down just because Yuuki isn't around... 
　Ah... Right, I have to return the blu-ray disc today....

『You're really close with Yuuki-kun... Are you worried about him?』
"Of course I am. My Yuukinium deficiency will not recover until Yuuki comes back even a day faster and let me hug him tight."
『Goodness... Ah, I'm calling to tell you that their Field Training was completed without any issue. They should be back a day faster than scheduled. Which is to say, he'll be there tomorrow.』

　It took my unworking mind two deep breathes before I could unravel the meaning of her word.
　Be back? Tomorrow? Yuuki?

『Please cheer up. How about cooking him something delicious to celebrate his return?』
"That's true! I cannot stay idle, I must head for the supermarket right away! Thank you very much, Chief Nishida. Until next time!"

　I hung up the call, jumped out of Yuuki's bed and made a hasty preparation to go shopping.







"Kuhaha... You've gone and done it, you younglings. Bravo, bravo. Kuku... So who's the brain?"
"Got no clue what you're on about. Ah, but we went ahead and fixed the sluice gates cause they were malfunctioning. Sorry to say we couldn't stop a little seawater spilling in cuz it opened up by itself. I bet you wanna chalk it up to faulty and sloppy maintenance. Am I right, old man Ishizaki?"
"Sasahara! Forgive us, Ishizaki-sama. Oy, what's with your tone."
"Kuku, let him be. So, you want to be my grandkid?"
"Nah, I'm good. We took care of all the monsters inside and outside the dam as requested. You've got no complain, yeah?"

　We're currently reporting to old man Ishizaki. He must have realized we did something about his trap, his stare is icy cold despite his hearty laughter. Oh, scary.

"Yeah, it's a mission well done. So what's your plan now, you still have one night. I can throw a grand feast to celebrate your triumph."

　Despite the tempting offer, Jen-sensei firmly refused him, 'We are returning now that we have accomplished our mission.'
　Well, Koune-san and Arariel didn't try to hide their grumbles to that.
　...The dinner last night was real tasty after all.

"That's quite a shame. I'll have your boat ready. A mid-sized passenger boat not a tanker this time. It runs faster."

　That's scary. You're telling me it can go even faster? Do your work, water resistance.

"Fumu... You've got quite the interesting students. Ichinose girl and the hero were not all barks no bites, I see."
"...Yes. I'm proud of them."
"Fumu. Shame, really."

　The two started another staring contest. But I put a damper on that and spoke up.

"Old man Ishizaki, let's make a deal shall we?"
"Hm, what deal, Yuuki-kun."
"There's a tuna mixed among the monsters I beat, you see. That thing looks edible, mind if I get my hand on it? My family would love it."

　I'll break this mood down. We're done with our mission, don't see the need to keep this savage mood up, both of you.
　Tuna out of nowhere!

"Ku... kukaka... of all things. Yea, go ahead. You wish for a tuna monster huh. Very well, I will have it cut up before sending it to your campus. Kukuku.... to think you would put forth this after fighting that."
"I'm aware that was out of place but I gotta do that to clear the air. I mean, old man Ishizaki, you were fine if one of us died in the worst case scenario, didn't you? That's why--"

　I bet it won't get across him. I have neither pressure or the experience to prop me up.
　Nevertheless--I put all my might with all Limiter off into this pressuring word.

"This makes it even to me. Same with Chairwoman. Face her upfront, if you wanna go at her. We ain't no pawns or tools just to be thrown away. Pay up the piper."
"--! Kuhaha... I see, that's how it is... What I thought a kid... turned out to be an Oni."
"Hm, you're overestimating me. But I'll think of it as an honor if you see me in a new light, old man. If we ever get a chance to meet again, I'd rather it was in a better place. Your vibe is kinda similar to my grandpa after all."
"Haha... I see, I see. In that case, I'll regard you my grandchild next time. Hey, Jen-sensei. I'll forward your reward and miscellaneous particulars to Akimiya at a later date. You have good students. I don't believe you can have them under complete control, but see to their growth and lead the way. Make them worth clashing with, for me."
"...Understood. We will stand by the wharf until our departure."
"Umu. Farewell, young warriors. To you as well--next generation Onifuda."

'Onifuda' has the same meaning as 'Joker'.
　I believe it's from Hanafuda? Yeah, I think so. Same with Joker, it's seen as the strongest card. Its property being--'Can turn into anything'.
　I didn't think too hard on the significance of him calling me that at this point of time.



"Sasahara... You're a student, you don't have to go too far. That should've been my duty."
"Haha, I couldn't help myself. Dunno why but that old man's got a soft spot on me. I had to put the word in."
"...Yeah. But that surprised me. Even I got a bit of cold feet when you sent that pressure next to me."
"Really? That's good to hear. About time you stop treating me like a kid, Sensei."

　I spoke with Sensei while we were all spacing out at the horizon, waiting for our boat at the wharf.
　Jen-sensei pulled me all of a sudden.

"No can do. You'll always be a kid to me when you're this small. There there, you did good, Sasahara."
"Quit it! Everybody's looking! You Ichinose-san, quit laughing and put a stop to this harassing instructor."
"Mwu, indeed. Sensei, you ought to stop. Sasahara-kun is troubled."
"Kukeke, I betcha. Getting hugged by that rugged woman ain't nothing to brag about. We gonna check that ranch out together next time, yeah?"
"Quit that! Don't bring that up in front of everybody!"

　Look, Selia-san and Kyouko-san are sending chilly gazes here! I'm innocent, I say!

"Yuuki... You gotta spar with me when you have time."
"Kai, read the room will you... Now ain't the right time for that..."
"Really? But... Yuuki, I'm gonna get even stronger. Just you wait for it."

　Our second Field Training. It wasn't without danger. But it wasn't as huge a whirlpool of intrigues and schemes like the last one.
　But, many things have been made clear to me. The resource known as mana, the power it grants and the countless countries vying for it on the surface.
　Also the unknown dark side between Earth and Grandia. I bet there's plenty of backhand dealings taking place under the table.

"...Is this class really created for our sake..."

　My mind is fully occupied with what and how to report to Chairwoman.
　...Also, tuna. I can't wait.


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


"Yuuki-kun. The pressure you had earlier was overwhelming. It was a side you never showed us. Were you really a high schooler?"
"Ah, Kaname-kun. Yup I was. A country boy who doesn't know left from right."

　On the boat back home. Unlike the one we rode on our departure, this one's a passenger boat complete with a deck to view the scenery. 
　Hard to believe I can barely feel the wind pressure at this speed. Some sort of magic?
　I was on the deck, gazing at the stars in the night sky when Kaname came next to me.

"I had the same thought as well. That we were probably used as pawns in a power struggle during this mission. Of course, I get that's not the whole picture. But, you were angry over that."
"...Well yeah. Then again, thinking about it, they'll probably keep sending us in similar missions if we keep risking our lives in these missions."
"Yup. All good if you've realized that. I get worried about you at times since you're so honest, Yuuki-kun. Perhaps you're... powerful enough to bring us victory regardless of whether our client stand on the side of justice or not. That's why, you've got to be careful. That's all I have to say."
"...Thanks for the warning. I probably get that too somewhere in my heart."

　Kaname. He probably has an inkling about the shady business that took place behind the scenes, beyond what mere students like us should tread into. No wait... Maybe he's dipped in this world already... Think he mentioned something about getting scouted by a company.

"Yuuki-kun, I'm going to bed, are you staying?"
"Hm no, me too. We should arrive at Floating City tomorrow morning right."
"We should yes. Let's go back in. It's cold out here."
"Oh yeah. I was born and raised in a snow country so I'm pretty resistant to cold."
"Were you, now. I was born in a snow country too but I moved to Tokyo for high school. I haven't seen piled up snow for quite some time now."
"Hee, I had no idea."

　Kaname is probably worried about me.
　Thank you, Kaname. He's right, it's not like me to fret over all that stuff.
　I closed my eyes inside the lightly shaking boat.



　As we arrived back at Floating City without a hitch, Jen-sensei gave a strict order for us to take a two day break.
　I wanted to rebut her since I needed those credits but Jen-sensei told me that we got enough credits from the Field Training to cover for those off days. 
　I see, that's what she meant by Class SS getting a special treatment.
　...Well, there's one student frantically protesting her order though.

"Sheesh, pipe down, Kai. You've taken too few classes. You can make it up in a summer course, get some rest today."
"B-but that'll eat up my free time in summer, Sensei! Please let me go, please I beg of you, I've slept a lot on the ship..."
"Mwu... Fine fine. You can attend your classes if you want. You too folks, feel free to if you want. Sheesh, and here I was giving you guys a break..."

　In reality, nobody else wanted to go to school today. Even Ichinose-san looks tired.
　Well... I'm fine personally but a lot of them got seasickness on the boat trip back.
　We took a bus to our campus where we parted ways, except for me and Kai who went to the campus grounds.
　...I've gotta go to Chairwoman's office.





　It's now seven in the morning. About time for students to start coming.
　Despite my unease of Chairwoman's presence at this hour, I made my way to her office regardless.
　But just before I could knock on the door, I heard Chairwoman arguing with someone inside.

『--Sure? To better the life on this world, on earth--』
『That will turn into a calamity far in the future. Think of the distance. We are....』
『That "man" is not making any move. Is that not proof enough for you. You have no ground to stand on, Miss Ryouka.』
『...But he will act in the future you envisioned. You... No, the people of this world take Grandia too lightly.』
『Are you not the one taking our world, no, our country's military might lightly? Fine, we will abide by your word this time. However... don't think you can keep it up forever.』
『...Yes. Please do take good care of your side as well. The day you brought his wrath down upon you... would be the day this world's map has to be remade anew.』

　I went away from the door since it sounded like something I shouldn't be hearing.
　As I was gazing at the door from a distance, a white blond haired woman came out of it.
　She's giving this super cold vibe to her. She must be the person arguing with Chairwoman.
　Once she was gone, I knocked on the office's door.

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

　Her voice sounded a bit tired as I came in.

"Good morning, Yuuki-kun. It fills me with joy to see you safe."
"Yes, thank you very much... Err, are you alright?"
"...So you heard us. Yes, I am all right. A sip of coffee is all I need for a refreshment."
"Ah, then I'll come back later."
"Fufu, would you care having a drink with me. Take a seat over there."

　I got invited. Looks like... She's exhausted for real.
　After I sat down on the sofa as told, Chairwoman fetched a set of coffee making set from a cupboard. I think it's a drip one that uses paper? Seen my gramp used it before.

"Now then... I hope you don't mind a slightly different kind of coffee."
"Ah, yes. I think I can handle it."
"Fufu, this one is actually a substitute coffee. Perhaps you're familiar with Dandelion coffee and the likes?"
"Ah... My late grandfather mentioned that. He was a coffee lover."
"Oh, I had no idea. The one I'm making is made with acorn instead of dandelion, mind."
"Oh... I've tasted that once. My grandfather brewed me a cup during a meeting with his elderly friends."

　Chairwoman put on an obvious smile that I could tell even under her mask.

"That's really nice. Let's have a taste. I'm actually quite good at brewing this, see?"
"Much appreciated... I feel kinda bad having my employer do this."
"Think nothing of it. I'm the chairwoman of the school you're enrolled in before I am your employer."

　I'm pondering what to report while staring at my employer brewing me a cup of coffee.
　Is it appropriate to... express my discontent.
　No, I should speak out. I'm fine personally, I get paid for it.
　But making my classmates bear those risks... I hope she would reconsider.

"Have a sip. Would you like to add sugar?"
"Ah, can I have two cubes."
"Here you go... I'll have three."
"Don't mind if I do... Huh, it's really good...."

　There's a tinge of cocoa flavor inside my mouth. It tastes super high class.
　It's probably made with a lot of time and effort unlike the one used by my gramp.

"Phew... Now, let me hear your report."
"Yes. Deducing from the origins of materials and machinery found inside the dam in question. I can conclude that three countries are involved in its construction. I have managed to take pictures of several sections despite restriction. I have also extracted electronic data in the platform with the aid of a cooperator. The data is saved inside this memory card."

　I handed over all the intel I got during my mission. Sorry, Kyouko-san. Allow me to make use of this data.

"Additionally, I have gained the right of one of the monsters I exterminated in this mission. I believe it will be delivered to the school by tomorrow, please run a test on its head. Ah, I'm claiming the body."

　I managed to smoothly reported everything I thought up. Wonder if that was... enough to get me closer to the image of a capable agent?
　Looking at Chairwoman who had been silent all this time, she had her mouth open agape.

"...I'll be frank with you, I didn't think you would accomplish this perfectly. This data is a great help. And also... I'm amazed you succeeded claiming the right on a monster faced against that person."
"He probably took me lightly for being a kid. He relented quickly when I made a point of wanting to eat the monster because it's a tuna."
"I-is that right... I suppose we might discover something if we analyze the parasitized head. Well seeing how little resistance he offered, I suppose any machination we find on the monster would not lead back to Ishizaki House regardless."
"Agreed. That's my guess as well." 
"...Your excellence has truly surpassed my expectations. I'll give you a bonus for your outstanding work."

　Heck yeah. Guess I'll put that toward my parent home's repair.
　Also for maintaining the field and stuff.

"About that. This mission is part of the power struggle between you and old man Ishizaki, right? I managed to protect my classmates this time but that old man definitely didn't bat an eye at the prospect of one or two of them dying."
"Yes, that is indeed true. That's precisely why your presence were needed."
"...I can't argue with that. But, as their classmate, let me say this--"
"...Unfortunately, no I won't let you say it. This is the world we live in. Your classmates have made their resolves as well. And yet, you can't fully accept that, can you?"
"...We're probably gonna keep getting dragged into adult circumstances from here on out. Doesn't mean that I like it. I'm aware how naive I sound."
"...Yes, you are naive. That's just how this world is. But, if you have the will... perhaps you would like to shut all those danger factors down in advance as an agent of mine?"

　Chairwoman gave me that offer with a slightly cold tone.
　Is she trying to drag me deeper into the shadow.

"...I'll have to decline, for now. I want to stay in this school with the rest of my friends."
"...Yes. That was cruel of me. Forgive me, Yuuki-kun."

　Chairwoman muttered that with an awfully pained look.
　She's really tired.

"However, Yuuki-kun. Remember this much at least. Both you and me are standing on an awfully delicate balance. Soon... you will have to undertake a mission meant for my agents. Please make a mental note on that. I promise I will give you my full backup."
"Yes, I understand... Okay then, you can take the head of the monster tomorrow. Please deliver the rest, I want to eat it with Ixia-san."
"Yes, very well. Tomorrow... you may head to the second floor of our cafeteria. The monster will be cut up there. Or if you want, we could deliver it to your place."
"Ah, that floor is a a kitchen floor? Tell you the what, it's been bugging me."
"Ah, rather than a kitchen... it's more a studio... or well, a multipurpose kitchen I suppose. I would sometimes invite our lecturers there to dine in together."
"Huh... Here I thought it was a VIP dining room or something."
"Fufu, that would be in a different location. I'll bring you there next time."

　For real. Can't believe it actually existed.

"Phew... thanks for the treat. Err, sorry for all the weird questions. I'll be sure to do my missions right."
"Yes. You have my apologies as well. It appears I am more fatigued than I thought. Make sure you give it your all on your term-end exams."
"Will do. If you'd excuse me. Thank you for your time."

　I left Chairwoman's office. Yeah I know, these feelings... are like a kid throwing a temper tantrum.
　Chairwoman gotta have it hard. She gotta deal with people like old man Ishizaki and that woman earlier.
　Before I realized, I started thinking about how to help Chairwoman.
　Well, the best I could do is to accomplish the missions given to me and get good scores in school.



　I've already contacted Ixia-san about my sooner than expected homecoming.
　Just as I was about to put my hand on the doorknob and announced my arrival, the door got flung open and a hand grabbed me inside.

"Yuuki! Welcome home Yuuki! Let's have a return hug, Yuuki! Huug!"
"Gweh! I'm home... Lemme go... lemme go... lemme go..."
"Hnn, no. Huuug! Welcome home, I'm so glad you're not hurt."

　Ixia-san caught me. She's acting weird. Clearly weird.
　She took off my shoes, carried me to the living room and sat me down on the sofa with her.

"Haa... Thank goodness you're back. Did the mission go well? Was it not a hard mission, seeing as you returned a day sooner?"
"I-Ixia-san, let me go, it's embarrassing."
"There is no one else here, is there? What is wrong about a parent hugging her beloved child?"
"P-parent shouldn't do something their children don't like..."

　Not like I dislike it. But this is too much. This woman really... has no awareness just how young and beautiful she is... I'm already at... my limit.

"...Is that so. Very well, I shall cease the hug. Let's hold hands. Oh, you have callus on your palm. Here let me massage it."
"Ah, that feels gooood... Ha... I see, callus huh. Guess I'm not used to it yet."
"Oh? Could it be that your body has not adapted to your new fighting style, yet? Let's see, how about wearing a glove?"
"Good idea, I should buy a pair."

　She looks so happy, I don't have the heart to shoot her down.
　Seeing her massaging my palm with a huge smile on her face almost made stop resisting, "Why not let her spoil me rotten?"

"Fufu... I have cooked up a feast for today's dinner. What should we have for lunch? You have had breakfast already, haven't you?"
"I've. Let's... eat out in the downtown. There are restaurants we can have lunch at, right?"
"Yes, there are. There is this cafe I have been wanting to visit. We can have our meal at that cafe."

　Ah, okay. I'm getting the best healing session ever right now.
　All the worries weighing on my mind have been blown to bits.
　To begin with... I'm probably okay with anything as long I have Ixia-san next to me in this world. Well of course, I want to graduate along with all my classmates too.
　At the end of the day, any conflicts of interest or power struggles happening... are no skin off my back as long as they don't personally affect us. 

"...Or so I thought. But, I wanna do something about it if it's still within my power to..."
"What's the matter, Yuuki? Should I accompany you if there's something you'd like to do?"
"Ah, it's nothing. I'll go get changed."
"Fufu, don't forget to put them in the laundry basket."

　I owe Akimiya a debt. I want to repay them. That too is my truth.
　I bet I'm gonna keep making Ixia-san worried sick about me, but I'll come back to her no matter what.
　I strongly believe that.

"Yuuki, you can set your expectations high for tonight's dinner. I shall cook up a storm."
"Haha, got it. Guess I'm... gonna tend the garden field in the meantime. Let's go."

Previous Chapter