Chapter 34

Book 3




『Alright, today we have quite the... unusual ingredient. We'll be covering how to cook it nicely.』
『Ooh!? What is it, what is it? What's this mystery ingredient?』
『Mother-san, you may take the curtain off.』
『Without further ado... Waow! Oh! Is this a giant tuna!?』
『It's a half tuna half monster to be exact. The meat is slightly harder than regular tuna before you heat it up and it turns just right. It's real good stuff.』
『My word... Where did you fish this out? I would love to get one for my channel.』
『Too bad, that can't be done because this monster only came to be by accident. Ah, we have the URL for Mother's channel below as you can see--』



"Hohou... This is quite the coincidence. We still have leftover meat of that tuna monster in our fridge... I wonder how is it going to be cooked."

　Someone rang the front door's bell while I was attentively watching the daily BB channel video.
　Yuuki said that he would be back early today, but he never rings the bell...
　Thus, the person waiting for me outside turned out to be--







"Overseas... is it? Yuuki is to leave for such a faraway place for ten whole days..."
"Yes. The mission this time is a personal request of mine. I am hoping Yuuki-kun could take part in this boot camp."
"...If that is what Yuuki wishes, then... But he won't simply participate in the camp, will he. You expect him to act during emergency. Do you have no objection to that, Yuuki?"

　Chairwoman visited our home!
　Yes. She personally came all the way here to persuade Ixia-san.
　Man, it's weird how restless I feel when it's my own home.

"Yes. If my power can be of use for Chairwoman, and for the future of Earth and Grandia. I mean the connection between two worlds is the only reason I've got a family now. I want to pay it back."
"My... If that is how you see things... I do not have the word to argue back. But Yuuki being away on the other side of the ocean for ten days..."
"I understand your concern, hence I am willing to make a concession this time. Ixia-san, I have arranged it so that you can join our school as a temporary school nurse during the excursion. You can go together with Yuuki-kun in this mission."
"Is that true!? I have absolutely no objection if that is the case. The both of us will be in your care."

　So yeah. Ixia-san is coming too this time around.
　By the way, her passport, which is a necessity to live in this world has been taken care of by the power of Akimiya... alongside our family register. Naturally, I've got mine made too since I'll likely be dispatched everywhere.

"However... Please promise me one thing. As you are aware, your existence is a closely guarded secret more than Yuuki-kun. Please stay away from the scene of conflicts in case of emergency and have faith in Yuuki-kun's ability to resolve the matter... You might put your cohabiting life with Yuuki-kun at risk if your existence ever comes into light, Ixia-san."
"...Yes, I am very much aware. The mission this time expects Yuuki to fully display his prowess. I believe in Yuuki's ability, he will do just fine."
"The feeling is mutual. That about wraps up my business today. You have my gratitude for your cooperation, Ixia-san."
"Yes likewise, thank you very much for your help."

　As it turned out, Ixia-san readily agreed to my outing. 
　Should I tell her that we're gonna have to ride a ship too to get there, not just a plane...?

"Err... Actually, the transportation we'll have to take is--"



　Afterward, it took me the whole night to soothe Ixia-san who did her very best to try and stop me from going. She relented and compromised under the condition I must stay next to her the whole time we're on the ship... I feel like I wronged her somehow...
We only took this option because when I asked her, 'Maybe you should stay at home?', she replied with 'I shall bear with it if Yuuki insists on going'.

　The following day, I told Jen-sensei that I would join the boot camp and declined Koune-san's invitation. Koune-san seemed really glad about it. I guess she actually wasn't too keen on the order from her house?
　Oh and, Ichinose-san and Kaname are the participating members from Class SS.
　In fact, it was the organizer who asked them.
　According to Ichinose-san, 'My father cannot attend the boot camp this time even though many pupils of our dojo will be present. It is my duty as his daughter to represent him.'
　As for Kaname, 'I'm a champion of last year's amateur battler league, so I'm duty bound to join this camp'. Man... These two are quite the bigwigs aren't they... Kaname hasn't really shown his true strength yet though.



　After such and such, came weekend. Chairwoman brought me to a pro battler stadium located on the mainland.
　It's equipped with a spell formula that turns damage into stamina consumption. I'm very familiar with it but the formula used for pro league players is an even more advanced form that could sap down your entire stamina in one hit and knock you out depending on the firepower of that hit.
　Not only stamina, it also saps down your mana, dulls your sense, stimulates your sense of pain as the price to pay for an extended usage limit.
　...These top pro league players are hardcore.

"...Yuuki-kun. Please change to your suit ahead of time. We cannot afford anyone catching you by mistake."
"Understood."

　In the waiting room, I changed to my combat suit, put on the helmet and fetched the greatsword I don't usually use while Chief Nishida and Chairwoman were watching.

"It would be best if we set up a voice changer in the helmet. Chief Nishida, if you would."
"Roger that. Yuuki-kun, give me your helmet please... Right, I should also install a disguise gimmick while I'm at it."
"Yes, that's a good idea... Yuuki-kun, could you take off the upper garment of your combat suit for the time being?"
"Got it. Oh yeah... People could still figure me out by my voice."
"Yes. To avoid that, we will make a slight modification. Chief Nishida, don't you think you should modify his protector as well?"
"I see. It's a good thing you have a small stature for times like this."

　What what, how am I getting modified again?

"One more thing. You will be granted a formal code name in this dispatch. Yuuki-kun your code name is 'Dainsleif', the crazed demonic blade that craves lifeblood and seeks to destroy every single remnant of its enemies. It's an... embodiment of what I wish you to become. It's too cruel a burden for someone who hasn't even come of age. Are you sure you won't regret walking down this path?"
"...I won't. I can tell that Chairwoman... Akimiya-san is genuine in your feeling of wanting to protect the relationship between Grandia and Earth. I know that you need strength to maintain that balance. And if that means enlisting my power... I will not hesitate to comply."

　However... That's only because I trust Chairwoman right now. If there comes a day when... she harbors an ambition to invade and rule over Grandia, Ixia-san's homeland...
　Ah, also, that code name sounds super cool, I love it.
　I think it's from Norse Myth? Why won't they make games from those myths anyway.
They could have developed that 'Somethingsomething Profile'.

"Family Head, I'm done installing the gimmick. It's an impromptu one. I'll set up an improved version at a later date. Right... I should install the mechanism in his suit to account for times he has to take his helmet off."
"Yes, that will do. Make sure to notify me when you get to it. I'm an adept in the art of molding."
"W-what's this about...? What are you putting in that helmet?"
"Go see a mirror with it on, you'll see for yourself."

　I put the helmet on and stood in front of a mirror. The shape looks the same as always.

"Hm? Behind me there's... hair? Eh, isn't there long hair coming out of my helmet? Huh? My voice sounds weird too!"
"Yes. Fake long hair comes out of that helmet when you put it on. With that hair and your voice, people should see you as a woman."
"Eeh... That's why you were glad about my height..."
"That's right. Here, put this protector on."
"Uwaa, there's a chest bump on it now. Are you telling me to act like a girl?"
"Her personality is up to you. Act like a cute girl or the silent type, choose whichever you want."
"Oh, I have just the right idea for that. First, say this when you beat someone, 'Yan yan?'--"
"Not happening."

　Uwaa, I do look like a combat woman in a suit.
　I absolutely refuse to speak like a girl... I'm gonna follow Family Head's request and act like a terrifying crazed warrior...

"Well, I can decide on that later. Today I'm gonna focus on testing how far can I fight in this style."
"Yes, do just that. Your opponent this time is not an Underworld Survey Team. I have called in Akimiya's private army, a suppressive force we have stationed in Grandia."
"Suppressive force!? What's going on, are you planning to invade Grandia!?"

　I yelled out loud without thinking when she gave me that unexpected reply.

"No. However... it is a fact that there exist Grandians pervasive in disruptive and subversive activities. These people are a task force specialized in roughhousing individuals like those as well as exterminating monsters coming out of the Gate and protecting Grandia villages. They are purely adapted to combative scenarios, I believe they should make for a tough challenge for you."
"So that's how it is. My apologies."
"Last time you fought a well coordinated group of people, but that's not the case now. This group consists of mighty warriors compelled to unite as one. I promised them that the one who deals you the finishing blow would be rewarded handsomely. They will likely go in for the kill."
"Uhii!? That' way too scary!"

　Are you for real. So they're real warriors who've been fighting on front line all this time.
　...Guess that means I should go for the kill as well.

"Five minutes until match start. Yuuki-kun... No, Dainsleif. This is your first campaign. Show me the true capability of my future trump card, that demonic blade of yours."

　I gotta shift my mindset. Recall the strongest, the coolest greatsword wielding game character I love. I am one... The strongest crazed warrior.
　My image is that of a... 『The supreme knight who had been fighting darkness by his lonesome until he lost all reasons』.
The 『Abyss Walker』... I am him--







　This time, the unit's roster isn't exclusive to earthlings. They have Grandians as well. 
　They're all veteran combatants scouted for their strength.
　They deal with monsters and combative people on a daily basis in the dark side of the world. You could call them mercenaries, hit men, or warmongers. In a way they're Akimiya's secret weapon.

"The one who deals the finishing blow gets 3 million yen. Everybody else gets 300,000 yen regardless."
"That's cool. Our boss's real generous. Bet it ain't that simple though... I better put my back into it."
"What's the plan, none, yeah? It's free-for-all except no friendly fires, yeah?"

　Each and every one of them is far more powerful than any army, battler or warriors on Earth.
　A being challenging the seven of them came into the field.

"...A woman? She's tiny."
"Oh geez, oh man... People her kind are all stupid strong."
"Speaking from experience?"
"You betcha. Alrighty, first I'm gonna--"

　In that exact moment. The woman standing in the opposite side was nowhere to be seen.
　The men wasn't sure what happened for a moment. But as you'd expect from veterans, they immediately inferred that their opponent must have jumped up and guarded against the incoming down swinging attack.

　--Yes, they put up a resistance. But two of them got instantly smashed by a greatsword coming down on them. At the same time, blades of wind gush out all over the place, mowing down everything in its paths, incapacitating four of these men in the blink of an eye.

"What the hell! Screw this, 3 million ain't cuttin' it, not even close!"
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! PULVERIIIIIIIIIZED!"

　The small demon-like being moved so fast you'd think she was warping around, turning everything into dust as she swung her greatsword.
　She'd go around their back. A touch of her greatsword would blow her target like they were a ragdoll. A single jump she made would produce a crater in the arena.
　It was like watching a jackhammer jumping all over the place.
　Nobody was left standing by the end of this incarnation of destruction's rampage.
　It wasn't even fit to be called a combat. There was no shred of resistance in the wakes of her destructive trails. Akimiya's special force was utterly obliterated in three minutes flat.

"UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

　The crazed swordswoman roared out loud in the destroyed stadium. The few men who were barely holding onto their consciousness could only cower in fear at the sight of it.



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



　Oh man... Had no idea I've gotten this strong. The stadium's taken a real beating.
　Chairwoman and Chief Nishida looked taken aback when I went back to the waiting room.

"...That was unlike anything I had expected. You were like a completely different persona, fit to carry the name 'Dainsleif'. It appears... you have grown far stronger beyond even my wildest imagination."
"Yuuki-kun, are you feeling okay? Are you angry? Have you calmed down?"
"I'm calm as they come. That was just an act. Nobody could tell that was me, right?"
"R-right. Absolutely no chance. I've still got the jeebies even now..."

　Looks like my intimidation, I mean my acting of a crazed warrior had an amazing effect.
　I took the helmet off and put it away with my suit and greatsword inside my choker.

"Phew... That came as a surprise to me too. So much that... I'm getting afraid that this power might be too much for me."
"Yes well... I believe you could last a minute against 'Joker'. Frankly, I never would have thought you managed to reach that level of power in less than a year."
"J-just one minute...?"

　What kind of monster is even that....

"That is not something you even consider going up against. They're a being that exists to maintain the worlds' equilibrium. Think of them like a natural phenomenon."
"Is that how... it works."
"But, I can rest easy leaving the mission in your hands now. I suspect a certain country would detect the incident unusually fast, in less than an hour, and demand their intervention. It's your job to resolve the incident as Dainsleif before they could dispatch their army."
"Yes. I'll give it my all to crush them all."
"...Indeed. You may reap their lives if the need arises. Just remember this. The boot camp is a gathering of more than 200 first class warriors in the making. A group daring to take them on... must command a considerable amount of personnel, more than the unit you just fought, and take hostages. Be sure to stay wary."
"Yes. Err... Don't you think the students gathered there would act on their own?"
"I do. But that will be their own responsibility to bear. Yuuki-kun. You aren't to be a bodyguard in this mission. You're an exterminator. I am not telling you to abandon them... But you understand, right?"

　I get it. I'm now a part of that world. Akimiya's hound dog in charge of maintaining the balance. I've steeled my resolve to walk on that path.

"Family Head. Please don't put that kind of pressure on Yuuki-kun. Yuuki-kun, you can always get out of this world anytime you wish. Please don't forget that. I'll be watching over Family Head so she won't push you over the edge with impossible missions, okay?"
"...Chief Nishida, you're making me out like a bad woman who merely wants to use him for my gain."
"Aren't you one step away from becoming one? Please don't be unreasonable with him. Push him too much, and I might just ask 'Joker' for help."
"Hie! T-that's not fair, Chief Nishida... Fine. Yuuki-kun, I have good news for you. The world's strongest pro battler will be attending the boot camp and I've made a deal with him to help in case of emergency. The contract I negotiated is chiefly for students' protection, you can rest easy on that front. He's the strongest in public and about your current level on the underside."
"Seriously...? There's really no end to it... I can't even see the top..."
"Keep in mind that we are in the dark about the precise timing of the attack. I won't ask you to stay on your toes at all times, but please make sure you're ready."
"Got it."

　Oh what, she's got the students covered after all.
　That puts a slight relief on my mind. And thus ended my training today.





　Once Yuuki has left, the two people remaining in the stadium, Family Head Akimiya Ryouka and Research Chief Nishida Chise had the gentle expression on their faces erased, replaced with a tense look.

"As you have heard, Yuuki-kun is able to cast high level dimensional magic as well. I'm afraid he will become a true deterrent to major powers of the world in a not so distant future."
"...But that's... too heavy a burden for him to carry. I have always been nudging him toward a path with the least bloodshed."
"...But his power won't allow him to take that path. Someone has to watch over him and show him the way to wield that power in the right direction, and that responsibility falls to..."
"Us, as the ones closest to 'Him'..."

　Grown ups are worrying and debating over the path a boy still too young to be called a man will chose. All for the sake of his future as well as for disputes over resources engulfing two worlds.
　Strong power begets conflicts. Be it WMD, Grandia resources or powerful individuals.

"...A certain country is on the move to remove me. If the time comes where I have been ridden of this position, the rest falls in your hands... Chise-san."
"...Yes, Ryouka-san. I'm sure... the academy too..."
"Yes. If it ever comes to that, I wonder how will he, Yuuki-kun act."





　I held back on my impulse to tour Tokyo and made my way back to Floating City.
　Riding the train on the mainland is such a hassle... Chief Nishida would usually offer me a ride, but she couldn't make it today due to work.
　After the train, I got on board of a ferry instead of the usual monorail to reach the Floating City.

"The bridge and the monorail will have the grand reopening next month huh... It'll be right as new by the time I'm back from summer break."

　Our summer break lasts until the first ten days of September. Can't believe we have the whole August off.
　Since the holiday starts from 26th this month, that makes more than 40 days.

"A mission huh. I'm not gonna last if that's all I think about. I wanna play around somewhere."

　I stopped thinking about all the difficult talk and focused on my first holiday period in a big city. Hopeful stuff like how to spend my time with Ixia-san and all my friends staying on Earth.





　Closing ceremony. It's not exactly a ceremony though. Us students get called to our classroom to be formally told about the end of first term and the start of the midterm before we're free to go.

"Oh, so Yuuki is gonna join the boot camp too."
"Yup. Selia-san, are you staying in Grandia the whole holiday?"
"Uun, I think I'm gonna spend about two weeks here."
"I see. Wanna go around Tokyo together then? I plan to go home later, but I wanna tour Tokyo before I do."

　I think Satomi-san will be back as well.
　I should ask her schedule later. She's probably going home too.

"E, eh? Are you okay with me?"
"Yup. Everybody else's fully booked with their own stuff. Selia-san's the only free one."
"O-oh okay, that's a pity. Then, I'll get in touch once I'm back."
"Yup. Who knows I might be able to grab someone to join us too."
"You don't have to go out of your way to invite them, okay?"

　But then, that'll only make the two of us. It's gonna be like a date, kinda nerve wracking.

"Hm? Yuuki-kun, are you going on a Tokyo Date with Selia-san?"
"It's Tokyo Tour. I'd love you to come along Kaname since you seem to know your way around, but you're going home after the boot camp, aren't you?"
"Sure am. My family's been pestering me since I never went home my entire high school life."
"I see. Oy, Arariel, what's your plan for summer break?
"Ah hey... Yuuki, I'm telling you, you don't have to try so hard..."

　But we might as well ask someone who knows their way around.
　Ichinose-san already declined me by the way. She's going to train the disciples at her family dojo after the boot camp.
　Kazuki-san had already left the classroom. Apparently she's got a presentation at her corporation HQ in Fukuoka, her hometown.

"Aa? I gotta grab a plane to Grandia after this. It's gonna take a week just on transport. A huge pain in the butt, I'mma hole up over there the whole break."
"For real? Oh yeah, heard you can't air travel in Grandia."
"Yea. S'why I gotta go by land and sea routes. Aa, what a pain."
"Hee, so your continent's pretty far away then, Arariel?"
"Ahn? Didja forget my homeland? It's North Lessia continent."

　North Lessia continent. I learned that name in Mythology Study.
　The continents in Grandia were aligned in a row until one day, the 'Demon Lord' as he showed up in the myth split the northernmost continent 'Endlessia' into two, the north and south sections.
'That world's even got a Demon Lord', or so I thought at first, but apparently it wasn't a name for the root of all evil, but the lord of all demons, a race in Grandia.
　By the way, the current Demon Lord is the 67th generation.

"Ah, that reminds me... Mind getting me an original copy of 'Demon Lord, Goddess, and Holy Mother' book? My big sister is a huge fan of the legend."
"Aa? Why'd you wanna a copy of that crusty old book? Stuff's real pricey ya know."
"I'll pay you back. Can't get one on Earth, you see."

　Fuumu, right there's that too. Mythology Study touched upon that subject a bit, apparently it was a popular myth that became the basis of current religions in Grandia.
Faith in 'Demon Lord', 'Goddess', and 'Holy Mother' are the three major religions over there.
　I asked Ixia-san about them and she said, 'I am not familiar with those.'
　Guess they're relatively recent?

"Sure, I'mma get you one if I don't forget bout it, but you gotta introduce me to your big sis."
"Sure, I will."
"You're fine with that, Kaname...?"
"Fine with what?"

　Well, I guess if he's okay with it as her family. Ah, I can only hope Arariel won't sink his fangs on her.
　Thus each of us went our separate ways to spend summer break our way, leaving the Floating City... Expect for those who're staying that is.



"I'm home, Ixia-san."
"Welcome back, Yuuki. Isn't it hot outside? Come, let us take shelter in the living room."
"Ahaha... The summer here is sweltering. By the way, Ixia-san, would you like to go out with me today?"
"Oh? Is there a special occasion of some sort taking place?"
"Actually, yes. I've made a reservation in a restaurant, will you come?"

　August 25 is the end of first term as well as a special day.
　Unfortunately, we're not going to a sushi restaurant this time around. It's a sukiyaki restaurant with private rooms.
　I've been having nothing but tuna lately... I'm craving meat fierce.

"Yes I am free, I have not bought short lived perishable either today. Fufu, could it be a special day for you? You look so happy, Yuuki."
"You can tell? I can't help it because today is super special."
"Your happiness is my joy, Yuuki. Oh I have brought ice cream as our dessert today, let's enjoy them while we watch a movie together, shall we."
"If it's not a horror sure."
"...I don't think it's that scary?"

　Why'd you rent one.



　Evening. We came to an upscale sukiyaki restaurant with private rooms located in the urban areas. 
　Oh right, I don't think Ixia-san has had sukiyaki yet.
　Today is truly a special day for me. An anniversary.
　As I waited for our food to get carried to our room with the smiling Ixia-san, she couldn't seem to hold it anymore and spoke to me.

"Yuuki, please enlighten me. What is the occasion? I cooked up a storm to celebrate your excellent exam results the other day. So what would today be about?"
"To tell you the truth..."

　Just before I could finish, the waiter opened the door to our private room and brought the sukiyaki pot.
　This upscale restaurant actually offers chef service that would cook for you but I declined so we could cook the sukiyaki ourselves.

"Let's talk about that over the food, Ixia-san."
"Fufu, I suppose you're right. Fumu... It's like a combination of grilled meat and a pot."
"It's one of Japan's most prominent cuisines. So you see, first you do this..."

　We relished on the food before the waiter came by again once we had our fill.

"Should we bring the item now?"
"Yes, please."
"Fumu? Oh, did you order a new menu, Yuuki?"

　I smiled back at her as the waiter brought and put a certain dessert on the center of the table.

"Yuuki, this is...? There's something written on it... 'Happy Birthday', is it? Yuuki, it's your birthday!?"
"Nope. Ixia-san, it's today. The day I... summoned your soul to this world. Technically maybe it should be the day your body had finished forming, but to me... It's the day I met you Ixia-san. I took it upon myself to decide this date as your birthday... Is that okay?"

　I might be in the wrong for making the decision on my own.
　But that was undoubtedly the day I called her, her soul to Earth.
　That's why...

"...I, had no idea. It has already been a year, hasn't it... The moment was truly fleeting. That day, I passed away and ascended to heaven as I watched over what was left of my body behind... And then I came to this world as if it was a wish I asked someone. Yes, I believe so. Today is definitely the day I am reborn in this life as Ixia."

　She turned her sight from the cake to me and blossomed into the brightest of smiles.

"Yuuki, thank you so much. I'm the happiest I've ever been... I love you, Yuuki."
"Uu... Y, yes... I love you too."

　The meaning behind mine definitely differs from hers.
　But it's not like I don't have the same feeling she has.
　That's why, it's fine for today. I'm satisfied with that 'love'.

"Fufu... it's such a shame that we have to consume this. So this is what they call a 'cake'."
"Yep yep. Okay, I'm gonna cut it up."

　And thus, I made another irreplaceable memory together with Ixia-san.

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