Chapter 33

Book 3




"Thank you very much for having me today. I'll be seeing you again at school."
"Fufu, please do come by again, Koune-san."
"Yes! I'll definitely come back for another meal! Fufu, nothing beats family cooking!"
"Haha... Okay, Koune-san. See you again at the campus."

　At night, I saw Koune-san off after she stuffed herself full with an unbelievable amount of rice and pickled tuna Kalbi grill.
　My mana has recovered somewhat thanks to Koune-san sharing her mana and eating some food, but that magecraft really isn't something I can use willy-nilly.
　If I had to give it a name, I'd call it 'Gale Gash'. Of course I got the inspiration from a game.

"...Now then. I would like to remind you again. Please make sure you resort to that magecraft only when the needs to secure yourself arise. I would have never imagined Yuuki had the making of a magecraft caster. I am elated as your parent but it does come not without a concern."
"Yes, well. I didn't think it would come out that amazingly well either..."
"Indeed... I believe it's a testament to Yuuki's grandfather, Kurazo-san's sheer capability as a Magic Swordsman. It only makes perfect sense for Yuuki to be as powerful."

　My gramp, Sasahara Kurazo. You're a super powerful master now.
　...Pretty sure you'd welcome that, won't you? You were a huge fan of period drama after all.
　I've finally got my hands on a ranged attack at last.
　But then I gotta reduce all combat-adjacent activity for a while starting the day after tomorrow... because we're entering the exam period.
　I've got four subjects to tackle on, 'Practical Combat Theory', 'Grandia Mythology', 'Swordsmanship Study', and 'Device Engineering'. Four written tests and two practical exams for 'Swordsmanship Study' and 'Practical Combat Theory'.
　Six exams in total. Thankfully, I'm only a member of 'Mana Application Study' lab so there's no exam for it.
　There's no clubs or lab meetings during the exam period starting this week. I gotta put my back into my study...



　Now that club activities are on hold in July, the campus is filled with an atmosphere of exam period.
　The giant library has become a hot spot for many studious students. You'd also come across students studying in many places all over the campus as well.
　Even our class who were late with the program by two days due to our Field Training got overwhelmed by the fervor, prompting us to find our studying spots.

"Phew... Hit a good breaking point for today's written exam study. I'm gonna train a bit to practice for Swordsmanship Study's practical exam."
"Hahn? The heck Yuuki, ain't you takin' this stuff easy."
"I mean I've only got one written exam that'll be tough to me, Device Engineering."

　The two other lectures honestly feel like game's guide books, so I'm pretty into them. Good tactics against every type of monsters? I love learning that stuff.
　And Mythology is like trying to memorize novel stories.
　Only Device Engineering is a toughie. It's pretty much science after all.

"Tch... See ya. I'mma hole up here for a bit more. Get ready to take me on later."
"Aye aye. I'll be hanging around the third training hall."

　For some reason, I've been studying together with Arariel a lot lately. Turns out Kai is pretty hopeless with written exams, so Ichinose-san has been drilling the subjects into him every day.
　They invited me too to which I gracefully declined.
　Selia-san is apparently the type that can't concentrate in a crowd so she's been studying in her room. 
　Both Kazuki-san and Kaname-kun don't need to study for their written exams so they're focusing on training for the practical exams.
　Lastly, Koune-san. She does... not need to do anything special for her exams.
　To my surprise, she's supposedly a genius. She told me she never needed to study in her life.

"Uoo... This place's chokeful of people."

　The practical exam of Swordsmanship Study has students face off against an instructor using a sword provided by the campus.
　You get points not from defeating the instructor but from dealing blows on specific body parts.
　As such, the best way to practice is by having a match with someone in one of the nine fields here, but of course all nine fields are fully occupied.

"The least crowded field would be... the sixth one huh."

　I registered my name on the waiting list screen. My opponent is... a schoolgirl from Class B huh.
　Man... This school's way too high tech.

"...Why does Class SS even need to study for exams."
"Hm, what the what?"

　As I was waiting at the audience seat for my turn, someone said that out loud nearby.
　I turned around to the voice and saw five familiar looking guys.
　...I think they're the students I fought in USH Store back then.

"Can't exactly sit around twiddling my thumbs can I? Also, you're not allowed to use a katana device in the exam. Actually what're you guys doing here yourselves. Aren't Class S folks supposed to be the cream of the crop in this school?"
"Tch, that sounds like sarcasm coming from you."
"My bad."

　They didn't pursue the matter further and took off right after. It's rare for Class S to train for practical exams. I don't see a single one in the waiting list earlier... In that sense, I guess those guys are among the more diligent ones?
　A message popped up on my smart terminal while I was having that thought.
『Your turn is next. Please stand by in the Field Six.』
　Everything's high tech.



"Ah, you're my sparing partner. Let's do this."
"Hie! Sasahara-sama! U, um... I'm not good enough for you, I'd like to withdraw..."
"Eh, please don't be like that. I mean we're here to train for our exams, aren't we all, let's have a review together. I'm not going to go all out right from the get go or anything."
"I-in that case... I will be your opponent."

　The schoolgirl I faced in the field cowered when I looked her way.
　I guess her attitude was inevitable considering all the rumors about me going around in the campus just the other day... But getting called 'sama' is a bit.

"Ah, also, please drop the 'sama'. Not like I come from a prestigious family or anything."
"U-understood... I'm ready when you are!"
"Yup yup. Let's go."

　First, I clashed swords with her without Physical Boost.
　Figured you'd have to be strong to even get accepted in this school. Despite being in Class B, her swordsmanship is very refined and her aim at my vital spots are on point.
　She's about on par with me in terms of swordsmanship alone, but her swinging speed is rather problematic.

"I-I can't land a hit..."
"Try to minimize wasted movement. Also, switch to a thrusting attack when you're aiming. Focus on shortening your swing range when you wield your sword."
"Y, yes!"

　It's not easy to immediately put advice into practice but she does, which is amazing. The students here are all too talented.
　She was about to hit my shoulder, a vital spot, even as that thought crossed my mind.

"Whoaa! Dang you're already getting better! Lemme shift into higher gear myself."
"Y-yes!"

　Sparring with someone like this helps as a review of yourself.
　Our match didn't last too long yet I learned a lot.

"Y-you have my gratitude for sparing me your time!"
"Likewise. See you."

　You're only allowed one match per field use so I go back to register again. Not sure why there's nobody queuing on field six...
　But the moment I got my name registered, a crowd of students rushed in and my turn came up right away.

"Ah, I didn't make it! None is allowed to register until Sasahara-sama is done registering! You hear me? No stealing the march!"
"Got it! I'll be his next sparing partner for sure!"
"Nope, gotta be me. Not everyday you can get a personal lesson with Class SS."

　...But why. Is it because they saw me giving advice earlier.
　Afterward, the queue on field six remained empty every time I registered and got filled up once I did, I ended up having to spar with 20 people in a row which wore me down by the end.



"Kekeke, someone's a hard worker."
"Arariel... You could've helped train some of them if you were watching."
"Hell no way, pain in the neck. Was busy beating the hell outta those Class S bunch."
"Ah... Those guys huh. Oh yeah, you only have Mana Application Study as your practical exam. Is there even a point sparring with Swordsmanship Study members?"
"Our exams' pretty much identical. Only difference's between swinging a sword, bare fists or magic."
"I see."

　By the way, this school also has 'Economics Study', 'Laws Study' and 'Medical Study' which got no combat at all. None of which I attend.
　Kazuki-san took some of those classes... which is just impossible for me.
　That said, 'Mythology Study' is considered 'Cultural Study' and 'Device Engineering' is a type of Engineering Study.
　So yeah, that's about how I spent my days studying for exams.



　Middle of July. It's finally time for exams. How long your exams last depend on the lectures you take. I'm just about done with mine on the third day myself. Right now I'm heading for the cafeteria to celebrate amid the still fizzling air.
　I mean... It's all I can eat for free for one whole year. Now's the time to exploit that.
'Margherita pizza', 'boneless fried chicken', 'cola float', and 'beef tortilla.'
　They all look so good! This cafeteria serves all kind of junkie food too and right now, I'm in the mood of wolfing them down like someone my generation.

"Kaah...! Fried chicken tastes way good when you've got no worries!"

　I bite on the crispy fried chicken, and wash it down with cola and the sweet vanilla ice cream! What a blissful time!

"...You really let loose there don't you, Sasahara-kun."
"Gulp!? I-Ichinose-san... Hahaha... It feels so liberating I can't help myself..."
"Fufu... Well I cannot say I don't understand where you're coming from. But that's Akimiya for you, their exams were nothing to scoff at. Practical exams aside, the written ones were quite a challenge."
"If I remember right, you've got as many exams as me, right. Were they really that tough?"
"Yes. It goes without saying that I had made plenty of preparations... How about you Sasahara-kun? I understand that just like me, you have no issues with practical exams."
"Hmm, I guess I did so-so except for Device Engineering."
"Fumu, I see... Unlike a certain someone, you're quite well adjusted even on subjects unrelated to combat."
"Ah... How's Kai doing? He looked pretty desperate during his study."
"Umu... That guy is incapable of concentrating well in classrooms... But he did his very best to study because he didn't want to take on remedial over the summer break."

　Despite how he seems, Kai is a rather lackadaisical student like me and Arariel, or more like guy's quite lustful, normal for people our age. Is he thinking of... picking girls up on the beach during summer break maybe? 
　Being a student of Scwhein alone would probably score you a lot of point with the ladies.
　Me? I'm good with ladies for now. They're kinda scary.

"Now then... I suppose I should order something. I crave for something sweet."
"I recommend cola float. It's been getting sweaty lately."
"Fufu, I suppose you're right. That shall be my order."

　Ichinose-san came back with a huge parfait and slightly blushing cheeks.
　Looks like she couldn't go against her craving after all the hard work despite her dislike of sweet.


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


　Students who have finished their exams are free to go to campus if they want but there's nothing to do there anyway so I busied myself learning new magic under Ixia-san's guidance instead.
　As a result I managed to create a new low cost spell, 'Wind Blade' imitating a certain game move.
　According to Ixia-san, 'It boasts sufficient cutting power and speed. However, I imagine it shan't work well against powerful enemies due to its easy to predict nature.' Uh... What kind of monster can dodge this move.
　So yeah, I spent some fruitful days until the end of exam period when our class got called for a meeting.

"Congrats on finishing your exams. You took a lot of classes didn't you, Selia-san. That's a lot of exams."
"Ah, feels like it's been forever. Yep, I mean I'm a vanguard sure but I also took classes like magic theory and heraldry. Oh and, Sports Science. That stuff you can only find on earth."
"I see... At any rate, good work. Any idea why we got called today?"
"To give us our report cards, I think? Some of us might have to take remedial too."

　Someone groaned when Selia-san touched that topic.

"Stop that... Quit talking about that stuff... I might not get enough credits depending on my scores... If I gotta take supplementary lessons in summer break..."
"What's up Kai, you've got stuff lined up for summer?"
"Yeah... I asked Mikoto's dad to train me in Grandia so I can focus fully."
"The heck that sounds too awesome. Is Ichinose-san going with you?"
"Nope, just me. I really wanna focus on my training."

　I see... Speaking of which, I never got to spar with Kai in the end after the last Field Training.

"Yes, I will not accompany him. There is another event I will be attending instead. I believe Sensei will be accepting application today."
"Ah, Mikoto-chan. Whatchu talking about?"
"Right, Selia was in Grandia until last year. There is a boot camp whose participants are limited to endorsed students age 16 to 20 from every high schools and colleges in Japan. I attended the camp last year. I can see myself joining the camp yet again this year. It's a rare chance to learn and spar with those who come from different academies and fields. But Kai has been losing patience after watching Sasahara-kun's progress as of late, thus he went and consulted my father."

　I see. I did get serious in the last Field Training.

"The heck Kai, you're that bothered about me?"
"Of course I am. Yuuki, you've gotten a lot stronger with your new fighting style, haven't you."
"Fufufu... Lemme give you a piece of new intel, Kai... I've taken another step forward lately. I came up with a literal finisher."
"Wha... No way, tell me you're pulling my legs. That's way too fast..."

　Kai is in disbelief. The one who popped up here is the usual--

"He's telling the truth, Kai. Yuuki-kun has gotten stronger than ever. To be honest... Even Mikoto-chan might be no match to him anymore. Fufufufu.... I'm the only one who knows about that, for now."
"Hou. Have you grasped a new attainment, Sasahara-kun? That's exciting..."
"You kidding me... Just you wait, Yuuki. You gotta spar with me for real after summer break."

　Bring it on I said, but inwardly, I've still got a lot of homework.
　That move consumes way too much mana. Wish I could shave it down.
　My classmates were having livelier chats than usual now that we were all liberated from exams. Before long, a super lightly dressed Jen-sensei came into the classroom. 

"Take your seat, folks. I'll send your exam results to your terminals, go check it up. You can also see your ranking in the school on it, get to know it and motivate yourself to do better."
"Jen-sensei, what's up with your bold fit. It's way too stimulating for young boys like us."

　It's pretty much a swimsuit. She's got short pants though. As usual, her body's quite the bombshell. Not to mention those muscles. She even got six packs.

"Hn, is it? Wanna cope a feel?"
"Drop the harassment please. Quick, send us our results."
"Yea. Okay, you all will receive it all at once. For your information, any lecture with a score below 50 means you have to take supplementary lessons during summer break."

　I checked up the results she sent us.
　...Yup, got full scores on both practical exams for Swordsmanship Study and Practical Combat Theory. Well, I crushed the examiner and all the vital spots the moment the exam started after all. It's only right.

"Guoo... Have you checked on.... Swordsmanship Study practical exam ranking, Yuuki..."
"Hm? Ah, I'm Rank 1 in the whole school! Tied with Ichinose-san though."
"...And I'm third place, or rather the runner-up... Maaan..."
"Don't mind, don't mind. Let's have another match at the end of school year."
"Yeah! I'm gonna kick both you and Mikoto down to second place."
"Fufu, that ain't happening. At best, all three of us gonna share the top spot."

　Scanning the rankings, Ichinose-san, Selia-san, Arariel and Kaname and I all got the top spot for Practical Combat Theory practical exam. All of us being the members of that lab.
　The runner-up is Class S... Rick-kun.

"As you all have seen, this class has a monopoly on practical exams. This result is expected but don't let that get to your head, you hear me? Class S students have gotten a lot stronger over this first term as well. Them catching up to this class next year isn't entirely out of question."
"Hee... That sounds fun. Does that mean students from this class can drop down too?"
"Yep... Hate to say, but those who suffer a big enough injury to impede their performance in combat may have to transfer to Class S. You guys got your Field Training after all."

　Makes sense. The world is not that kind.
　I scanned the written exams' results while keeping Sensei's warning in mind.
　Might have to take remedial depending on my scores. Let's see...

"Whoaa, Kazuki-san came first on Device Engineering. She's incredible..."
"You too. You never took a course on the subject until you enrolled to this school did you? Look, over here. You're rank nine."
"Ah, you're right. Wait, when did you get here Kazuki-san."
"Fufu, I commend your effort. You did great, Sasahara-kun."
"You're really gonna make me blush. But yeah, I'm real happy with this result. It was worth taking all those lectures seriously."

　I checked my other classes and saw my name placed on single digits in all of them.
　Oh crap, it feels so good. I had never got scores this good until I came to this world.

"Attention please! I am done confirming your scores. I'm glad to see none of you have to take remedial. But still... Arariel, Kai, you only barely made it but you did well. Well done."
"Heh, gimme something if yer serious. You got a nice bod, didn't expect that."
"Hmph, go ahead if you can win against me. I ain't desperate enough to get in bed with a brat."
"Arariel... That's over the line..."
"Kai. Yours really only barely made it to the line. Think you better take that supplementary lesson."
"I'm sorry, I can't."

　Oh... The two of them made it.

"Well, I didn't really have anything to worry about with this class honestly. And, you Yuuki. You've really... taken me by surprise, in a good way."
"Frankly, the feeling's mutual. It's a good thing though, right?"
"Well I mean, you're ranked fourth between students who took the same amount of exams."
"Ha!? Darn it, you for real Yuuki! I'm a clown for studyin' with ya!"
"Uh no, you mostly played with your terminal with your notes open on the desk."

　I-is this that thing!? The rumored, 'Got praised by my parents at home when I reported'!? Wonder how it feels... This is the first time I got good rankings...

"At any rate, this makes zero of you taking supplementary lesson. I can move on to the next topic. Next week is the start of summer break, this school will have a few events going on during the break. First, the summer courses. Those who need more credits or want to learn more got nothing to lose by attending this course. For your information, I've got some other business to take care of in the meantime, someone else will teach Mana Application Study short course. Next up is the remedial, but this class don't need to hear it."

　Kai looked relieved. I'm glad for him, no really.
　Come to think of it, wonder if those who live in the dorm go back to their home?

"Ah, those who want to use the school facilities can register with their terminal by afternoon. I believe dorm boarders have received the handout, but just in case make sure to submit the application before the end of this week if you wish to stay."

　Ah, I see. Guess there will be some who stay in the campus.

"Selia-san, what's your plan for summer break?"
"My family told me to go back, so I'll be leaving for my home on the first day. What about you, Yuuki?"
"Me? I'm still undecided."
"Ah, are you? Then--"
"Oy, quit chatting you. I'm not done yet."

　Oh shoot. Thought Sensei was done already.

"Lastly, the summer boot camp. I believe some of you have participated in one in high school. It's a boot camp with academies, corporations and pro battler teams all over Japan as participants. A large scale boot camp where students, and future seniors and juniors gather together. The camp will be held abroad this year as an experiment. Come to the staff room later if you're interested. Note that the destination is even farther than your last Field Training. You will take both ship and plane to get there. Also, you need a passport since you're going overseas."
"That sounds too awesome! Eh, just how huge is the whole thing?"
"Oh? Are you interested, Sasahara. Each school has a quota of 30 students, and students who don't make the cut can't attend. All students from this class... no this whole school can attend no problem, interested? The boot camp lasts for ten days."
"Ah... It's gonna take ten whole days huh..."

　I don't think it's happening. There's no way Ixia-san will let me go overseas for ten whole days. She might relent if it were a mission, but it's a non-compulsory event after all.

"Anyone interested is free to consult me within this week. That concludes our meeting. There's no lab sessions this week, don't stay in campus too late now."

　Jen-sensei left the classroom... What's the reason behind her outfit anyway? Is she sensitive to heat? It was so erotic I wish I had taken the front seat.

"Hey, Kai, aren't you gonna join the boot camp?"
"Ah. I'm intrigued... But I'm gonna spend the entire summer break training in Grandia. Mikoto's dad is gonna take me to an arena there. I'm serious... about getting stronger. Just you wait, Yuuki."
"Ooh... That sounds real exciting. Oh man, can't believe they've got an arena there."
"Yeah. Apparently it's in a city in a remote region of Seryumieruach."

　That's so nice... It sounds so fantasy-like. I can't laze around either if he's gonna train in that kind of place.

"What should I do... Don't think my guardian will let me go."
"Hey, so Yuuki? I was about to ask you earlier, maybe you could--"

　Selia-san who had been wanting to say something timidly spoke.
　However. A certain person who can't read the room--

"Oho? Yuuki-kun, are you free this summer? How about visiting my family then? If I have to be frank, they've been telling me to 'invite the student who accomplished a great feat during the that big incident in Japan'. I actually wanted to ask you sooner, but I didn't want to impose on you... Do you mind?"
"Uee... Even Koune-san isn't immune to that stuff... Well, I guess you can't help it considering your position."
"You're so right. Well, personally I'm not really against it even if they chose you, Yuuki-kun, as my fiance, you know? You're cute and stronger than me. My old man will probably give his okay too, maybe?"
"You're jumping so many steps to conclusion there. I'm telling you it's still undecided. I gotta discuss with my guardian first."
"Is that right. My family would happily welcome your mom, just so you know okay? I'm sure they'll get along nicely."
"...Well, you two did hit it off cooking together."

　Koune-san's family huh... The fiance joke aside, visiting Grandia is a fascinating proposal. All the more if Ixia-san could come with me.

"Oh right, Selia-san, what's up?"
"Err... it's nothing... I think? Don't worry about it, Yuuki."
"Hmu? Okay then... Anyway, I don't have any plan right now. Would be nice if I could join the boot camp though."

　Guess I have nothing to lose asking her.
　That was when. An unfamiliar call tone rang on my terminal.
　What...?

"...Hello, Sasahara speaking."
『Oh, that went well. I have remotely installed an app that affords me a direct hotline to your terminal. Could you come to chairwoman office if you're still in the campus ground?』
"...I'm not gonna probe anymore, but what's up with your caller ID being 'Everyone's Porky'?"
『!? Who saved that as my name...』
"Can't be anyone but the person who installed the app, no? Chief Nishida maybe."
『Or her family member perhaps... She has a sibling that's quite a prankster.』
"Uhee... she's got it hard on family side too."
『Yes. In any case, please come by my office if you're still at school. There is something I need to discuss you with.』
"Understood. I'll be right there."

　Fumu, wonder if it's a mission? On summer break?

"Sorry, something came up, I gotta go. Hope you don't expect good news for my summer plan. I also need to go see my neglected family house."
"Yes, don't worry about it. I had to bring it up because my family pestered me. Just tell me anytime you changed your mind, okay."

　Koune-san huh... She's cute and her glutton side is rather charming... but she's also a mystery. Personally she feels a bit scary to me, like she's got this unknown side to her... Well, that description applies to pretty much everybody in this class though.



"It's Sasahara. Pardon me."
"Go ahead."

　Chairwoman was staring at a document when I came in her office.
　That's a huge stack of papers on her desk. Is she really reading every single piece?

"Thank you for coming, Yuuki-kun. And good work with your end-of-term exams."
"Thank you very much. Frankly, I was worried I couldn't keep up considering the circumstances around my enrollment and all."
"Fufu, did you really? Yet, you are among the top ranks in the whole school and aced the practical exams even with your limiter on. You have me proud as the person who granted you the endorsement."
"It's an honor. So... What's the occasion for my summon this time?"

　Chairwoman's jovial expression turned apologetic behind her mask.

"...It's a personal request from me. You are free to accept or decline. As you may have been informed already, there will be a boot camp taking place in the near future. A few students from foreign vocational schools abroad will be joining this boot camp on top of Japan-sent ones, including ours. I am currently selecting the members of our entourage."
"...Are you asking me to participate in this event?"
"Frankly, yes. A certain organization is plotting something for this boot camp. A certain country, I cannot say which, is planning to intervene and raid this boot camp under the pretext of solving the incident caused by this organization. A charade to make this country owe them a debt by saving the children holding the future of Japan."
"Then... this isn't a mission for me... but for Chairwoman's new trump card...?"
"Yes. You will take on that form in emergency and tell the world how conclusively you resolved the incident as the hound dog of Akimiya. Your power has been greatly honed during your time in this school. By showing off the true extent of your prowess both domestically and internationally... It should serve as a deterrent to foreign countries. That is to say... This is an underside mission. You're necessitated to stain your hands in blood. Of course, I don't mind if you are not willing."

　It's, finally here. It's time for me to work as the next generation Joker under Akimiya, not a bodyguard of my classmates.
　There's two things that need to be addressed though.

"Chairwoman. Personally I don't mind taking on this mission, but there are two issues."
"What are those issues?"
"I've been honing my combat style as Sasahara Yuuki. My Physical Boost may have improved but I can't really say I'm not worried about going all out using a completely different combat style than my usual one. Please let me train somewhere I can go all out at."
"I see, very well. I'll lend you a stadium on the mainland this weekend. Have a mock battle with the most powerful class of forces I will have ready."
"Most powerful class... You mean, your current trump card...?"
"Two steps below if I have to say. Several people like you do exist. I believe the you now have a chance at triumphing. I expect great thing."

　So they're gonna be even stronger than the Underworld Survey Team units I fought last time.
　I'm getting kinda excited. The last one was pretty much an instant kill.

"And what is the second issue?"
"...I'm gonna have to stay abroad for ten days, aren't I? I don't think I can get Ixia-san to agree to that."
"...Ah."

　Chairwoman immediately put her hands on her head. Uh... I wish you luck persuading her.

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