Chapter 53

Book 5




"Oh, she's like a big sister to Yuuki."
"...Yes, that's about right."
"Hee! So Yuuki's got a... big sister-like someone!"
"My goodness... How blessed is he to have people like Ixia-san and Yuki-san in his life."

　We came across Selia-san in a school building not open for visitors yet.
　I went along with Ixia-san who introduced me as 'Yuuki's big sister-like acquaintance.'

"Which is to say, she's like a daughter to me. I can't help but dote on her."
"...Could you please not."

　Ixia-san tried to hug me out of the blue to which I dodged. An excuse to get all touchy-feely isn't it!?

"But, I see... you're the one fighting today. Winning against Yuki-san is the condition Kai has to clear if he wants to drop out."
"Yes. Family head believes that his warped ideal will be straightened out once he learns how vast this world is from someone his age. He's too... naive. The only future that awaits him is being served on a platter as a foie gras by the corpo world. I believe he still has much to learn."
"Yes I believe so as well. It cannot be an ordinary attempt of poaching if that elderly man is involved..."

　Umu... I got the feeling that old man Ishizaki is merely riding on someone else's scheme. Could there really be a Grandian group making their move on earth? Yup, I got no clue!

"At any rate, break a leg out there Yuki-san. I just know Kai is in the wrong path right now."
"Yes. If possible it would be best if his classmates sit together in a close proximity. That should help you cope with any unforeseen incident."
"Nn, I got it. With so many people around, clumping up is a good idea."

　Just as the building was about to be opened up for general visitors, I parted ways with Selia-san and Ichinose-san to head for the training facility and get a warm up.
　I was about to leave with Ixia-san when--

"Would you be willing to spar with me as a warm up."
"Ah, I wanna see that!"
"...What do you think."
"I don't see the harm."

　Hm... not that it's a bad idea but I gotta be extra careful if I fight them.



　Among all the training facilities in the campus, we chose the one that doesn't allow normal visitors. I went and applied for the permission to use the facility where I fought Mika-chan and Jen-sensei as Yuki back then. 
　The exhibition match is scheduled after lunchtime, but apparently the representative of 'Grandia Knight Trainee Academy - Asia Branch', the winner of Kanto Tournament Championship has arrived already.
　I was told that the representative was really a first year and Koune-san would be their opponent.
　It should have been Kai originally, but Kai got me as his opponent.
　In the second exhibition match that came to be as a result of his warped ideal, corporation's ulterior motive and somebody's scheme.
　I need to... smash his spirit to smithereens during the match.

"Let's have a light spar. And by light, I mean it... all three of you, come at me together."
"No, I absolutely refuse to stand in opposition to you nor will I direct my sword and magic to you. Selia-san, Mikoto-san, please go ahead if you may."
"Eh? Eh? Me too? I mean, sure... err, two against one, really?"
"...I see. You have absolute confidence in your victory against Kai. Very well, I shall spare none of my strength."
"I'll be taking this lightly myself. Please don't push yourselves too hard."

　All out. I'm gonna bring out all of my power I don't usually do as Yuuki against my classmates.
　I might have completed some missions as Dainsleif, but I don't know how much gap is there between me and my classmates, or if it's even there. Hence this spar.

"If you insist..."
"O-okay, let me go and borrow a device first..."
"If possible, please wield your summoned weapons. I said 'light' but this is not a normal warm up. I'll be taking it easy... but you two should bring out everything you've got, within reason."

　Despite my unreasonable request, the two brought out their summoned weapons with a slight look of concern knowing that it's necessary and this training facility's special field.
　Selia-san's weapon is a bombastic looking decapitation axe, while Ichinose-san's a katana decorated with some sacred-looking ornaments.

"Please start the match."
"Ready--"
"Go!"

　Not a moment later, Ichinose-san ran at me in a random trajectory as if she was avoiding obstacles in this obstacle-less field.
　Meanwhile, Selia-san went and stayed out of my sight as she drew closer.
　They coordinated so well together as expected of members of the same lab. Me in my Yuuki state probably can't react to them even if I can see them.
　Above all, Ichinose-san... is using my trademarked 'Sprinting Quickdraw' move.
　I'm not holding any weapon. These two probably thought I'd fight them bare handed.
　However, I can catch every single motion Ichinose-san makes as she draws closer. That is to say--

"...I'm borrowing this."

　She looked like she stopped moving to me. I stuck real close to her from behind and snatched her katana along with the sheath while she was bewildered by my sudden disappearance. Then I drew and shot out a Wind Blade, incapacitating Selia-san.
　Ichinose-san raised her arms, admitting her defeat.
　...Haha... I've gotten really strong. Way way stronger than that time I acted as Dainsleif during summer break boot camp...

"...Thank you very much."
"...T-thank you so much."
"Yes. You two have my thanks for cooperating."

　What the heck is this, I'm gonna end up having funny ideas like Kai with this result.
　It's too strong... last time I went all out was during my last mission, and that wasn't a long time ago...

"The gap is... in order of magnitude. It's... too vast to even be described into words."
"Uwaa... Yuki-san works for Akimiya right... Akimiya's too awesome..."
"Y, yes."

　Is this really okay? Is it really fine to loudly announce Yuki's affiliation with Akimiya?
　It can't have a good end... no, I'm sure Chairwoman has got it under control.
　I mean, look, Ixia-san doesn't look that fazed...

"Wonderful performance, you three. Yuki, your mobility control has seen a drastic improvement since last time. The same goes for you two, it's hard to believe students could reach that level of mastery."
"...Is that, right. Was I really of help... to Yuki-san."
"I'd be honest, I don't even have the slightest idea how I lost... wind magic?"
"That would be correct, yes. I must say however, Mikoto-san picked the wrong move. That move... drew inspiration from Yuuki's move, I believe. I know that move forces its user to take a straight line in the final moment after the zigzagging part. Hence, how easy I had to catch you by surprise from behind."

　Yep, that's it. It's probably the gap in our experience. The know-how of your opponent's move is the key in combat. Innate ability alone doesn't cut it.
　It's the same in games. In short, it's a character-specific countermove.
　Ichinose-san using a move I'm super familiar with backfired badly for her.
　Whereas Selia-san stopped moving due to shock.

"Selia-san. I'm sure you're aware of it already but you must never stop moving. Even the slightest halt turns you into a 'target practice'. Keep on moving no matter what."

　This is an application from video games as well. Frequent openings and halting don't really affect the outcome of a battle between two amateurs. But what if your opponent is a veteran player? What if they're a hardcore gamer who doesn't give a damn about holding back? Complete defeat from a tiny opening isn't that rare in those scenarios.
　...Yep, the more you learn about mindsets and strategies the stronger you get.
　When you think about, both Mika-chan and Jen-sensei aren't really that much stronger than these two innately.
　Yet they have completely different mindsets and approaches.

"...This seals it, there's still so many things to learn here. The both of you are more than sufficiently strong. I believe you could have held out around ten minutes longer had you studied more. Kai-kun is trying to abandon this golden opportunity while rushing headlong into 'real battlefields where one wagers their life'. He must be shown the error of his way."
"Yes... I was under the illusion that you were a bare-handed fighter. The idea that you would snatch my weapon never even crossed my mind."
"S-same here... I thought you would start slinging spells..."
"Ah, here you can have your katana back. It's really well made."

　I handed back Ichinose-san's weapon.
　I've been wondering since I saw it... do katanas exist in Grandia?
　Or maybe it's a Japanese artifact.

"Yes. I still find it hard to believe. Besides me, only my father and my elder brother have succeeded drawing this katana."
"I had no idea. It's quite an incredible katana. Yuuki-kun's device pales in comparison."
"Err, what's your weapon Yuki-san? I mean, your own."
"Yes well, I usually go bare handed... but I can wield anything. If I had to specify a specialty it would be a sword or a greatsword. I could have drawn my weapon but not doing so was part of the strategy. Never let up thinking outside the box even in a warm up. Do all you can to raise your winning chance even by 1%."

　I recalled that black modified greasword I used as Dainsleif.
　That thing can repair itself so it's pretty handy as a shield too.

"...You're right. I lack experience. I may have stood in battlefields but my opponents were all composed of monsters... I have much to learn still.. you're right."
"It really is... I'm getting the urge to train harder right here, now..."
"...Unfortunately, it should be about time for you two to head for the stadium. Your friend's match is about to begin."
"Ah, yeah, Koune's match gonna start soon!"
"Yes we should... thank you very much, Yuki-san. I leave Kai in your hands."
"Yes, consider it done."

　Really... you're such a blessed man, Kai. And the same goes... for me too.
　Why don't we stick around for a while here as birds of a feather. That's why....

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

　I made my way to the biggest training ground in this campus.
　This place have an audience seat area and a safety-equipped training field but it's not usually used outside special occasions.
　Like say... practical tests during the entrance exam.
　I've been invited to the VIP seating area in this stadium as Yuki, the outer face of Akimiya's secret weapon, Dainsleif.
　Of course you can watch the combat in detail through some sort of magic or camera from my seat.

"You're here, Yuki. Please take the seats over there along with Ixia-san."
"Understood. The VIP seating are quite crowded I see."
"Yes. Parties related to Koune-san and Kai-kun, Knight Academy Asia Branch's principal as well as many household names are among the spectators. Kai-kun is apparently watching in a different seating area."
"I see."

　I saw a married couple with aqua colored hair similar to Koune-san among the spectators. And... a strict-looking middle aged man in a suit and a highly strung man next to him.

"Well then, excuse me as I greet our opponent's school principal as one myself."
"Understood. I'll be watching the match with Ixia-san here."
"Yes. You should have a clear view from this seating."

　Chairwoman went and approached the two men. I'm guessing they're from Grandia Knight Trainee Academy.
　...Speaking of which, who are their representative player anyway? I can't see Koune-san losing... but her opponent can't be weak either if they got chosen as a first year in a prestigious academy.
　Curious about Chairwoman's interaction, I peered at her.

『--I see, so this is a revenge. I believe sweeping the matter under the rug would have been for the best for our students' sake...』
『That does nothing to pacify our student's parents. We cannot verify the recording ourselves since it's under the custody of America's investigation bureau. Testimonies from a student alone--』
『...Unfortunately, that student is not present at this campus today. That said... you don't want to make light of my students.』
『...Do you mean to pressure us with your group's power? It seems you have forgotten the number of powerful families backing our academy.』
『Fufu, let the match speaks for itself... The report I have suggests our representative is more than a match for the magic mentor of your rep.』

　The sit looks real stormy over there.

"...What are they scheming anyway."
"What's the matter? The only thing you need to do is to fight with your everything. There is no need to concern yourself on unnecessary noise... you're such a good kid."
"People are watching stop it."

　Getting my head petted is embarrassing at my age. Sadly, I can't really stop her.
　Dangit, can't believe how happy I am at being touched.

"Err... could you be a student of this school... a classmate of Koune perhaps?"

　That was when. A woman who looks to be Koune's mother sitting nearby talked to me.

"No, I'm afraid to say that I'm not a student here."
"My, is that right? You look to be her age, I thought you would know her..."
"...Am I right to presume that you are the parent of Scwheinritter's representative?"
"Why yes, I am. That girl never talked much about her campus life, I couldn't stop myself from asking..."

　The father who sounded like he was slightly forcing himself to speak in dignity started talking.

"We did ask her to introduce one of her classmates to us. Might I ask about you, to be so young yet have a seat in this place? Pardon for my late introduction, I am Naria Shezard. I am the father of Scwheinritter representative player."
"I am a personal bodyguard of Akimiya's family head. The woman sitting next to me would be the mother of your daughter's classmate I believe."
"My my! That's wonderful! I assume that... you are a distant relative of Seryumieruach's royal family? My name is Micael Shezard."
"Oh no, I come from an ordinary family although perhaps my ancestor could have been related to the royal family. An adopted son of mine is commuting this school and belongs to the same class as Koune-san."

　This couple look somewhat like upper class nobles that's kinda hard to approach compared to Koune-san... but they don't give me a bad impression at all...

"My word, your adopted son! You must have quite the discerning eyes to adopt a child brilliant enough to get admitted to Class SS! May I have your name--"

　Ah, Ixia-san's mood is obviously worsening. I bet she got offended because he said it like he adopted me because of my talent or something. Well... they're apparently big nobles... these types view world in a different light.

"...I'm Ixia. Sasahara Ixia."
"Ah."

　Wait, don't give them our family name! If I recall right, this man asked Koune-san to invite me to their house... which means he might be in the know about my background--

"My goodness!! That son of yours would be Sasahara Yuuki I presume! May I ask about his presence?"
"Unfortunately, Yuuki is not here right now to take care of a family matter."
"My, that's a shame. He's missing his future wife's big moment. Such a shame, truly."
"...Is it not up to my son to decide who to marry?"
"However, is there another woman more beautiful and come from a better household than ours? He performed an incredible deed in my eyes. You do not see a young man that possesses such knightly soul and righteous mindset to that degree even in Grandia today. Setting aside all the talk about marriage, I would love a chance to meet him..."

　Ah, her mood obviously improved this time. Ixia-san's feelings showing on her ears is a recent discovery I found. They'd shake ever so slightly. I can differentiate from the way they shake.

"W-well, I appreciate you talking so highly of my son. Besides... I agree that Koune-san is a good kid. She has been frequenting our home as well."
"My my! She's the one Yuuki-kun get along best then!? Fufu, not only is our daughter a good cook, she's also a top scorer in Rahhal Magic Middle School and second best in swordsmanship high school. I'm sure their relationship will deepen further."
"...I see... Koune-san did teach Yuuki magic... we had some cooking sessions together as well."
"Right!? Oh I so hope she could get along even better with you, Ixia-san! Dear, when will the next long vacation be? Maybe we could extend Yuuki-kun's invitation to his mother as well."
"Umu, indeed! What say you, Ixia-san. Would you be willing to visit our household?"

　Oy, don't just set the plan without that Yuuki in question present. They stopped paying attention to me as Yuki along the way. Heck, they're so obviously trying to get closer to our household.
　You too Ixia-san, don't make that 'That's not a bad idea'-face!
　...I mean, I do agree that Koune-san is a nice sociable girl and these parents of hers don't look like bad people. They have their views yeah but they're good people I know!

"Phew. Thank you for waiting, Yuki. Ixia-san as well."
"Welcome back, Family Head. These lady and gentleman are the parents of Akimiya representative player."

　Chairwoman who was having a little dispute with Knight Trainee academy people came back.
　...They don't seem to get along. Well, that academy is like the eternal runner-up after Scwhein School after all... They gotta have beefs.

"If it isn't, Lord Shezard and Lady Shezard. The last time we met would be during the entrance ceremony I believe."
"Umu, I see you're faring well, Ryouka-dono. Have you not been around in Grandia as of late? Your little sister was begrudging your lack of communication recently."
"That's... fufu, what do I about that kid. Very well, I shall vacate my winter break schedule to pay her visit. It would be nice if you could forward that to her."
"Oh! By all means, stay at our mansion--or so I would like to tell you... but your little sister would have likely departed by then..."

　Huh? Chairwoman's got a little sister? I wanna ask but it'll be weird for her personal bodyguard to be ignorant of her family structure. Guess I gotta wait until I'm back as Yuuki.

"Right, winter break takes longer in Grandia. I see, I believe she should be with Norun-sama around that time. Fufu, to think she would go to the great length and visit that continent."
"It can't be helped with such a busy elder sister. What do you say about taking a nice little break every once in a while?"
"I would very much love to but.... There's been a significant increase in calls and meetings with our prime minister as of late, it would be unwise to stay long term somewhere with no means of communication."

　How'd she casually mention prime minister like that. Do I gotta work as a bodyguard for ours in the future...?
　Hiie! Nooo! Me not want that! I don't wanna be in the same room as someone so high up!

"...Yuki, you're looking a little pale. Are you alright?"
"...Yes, I'm fine. My imagination got the best of me."
"Did it now?"
"Yuki, notify me if you're not feeling well. I expect you to go out into the stage in your best shape. Today especially."
"Yes, family head. My apologies for concerning you."

　I'm fine, I'm fine... that won't be happening, will it? A student from a rural district guarding the country's prime minister?

"Speaking of which, that girl mentioned her being your personal bodyguard... Now that's unusual seeing your fame of keeping no bodyguard besides you."
"Oh, now that mentioned you, dear. You even declined my little brother's request to take his son as one."
"...Yes, she's special. To start with, she is equal in prowess to the 'Order of Gold' bearers of your 'Scwheinritter'. It would be in my best interest to keep her under my thumb."
"My word! That cannot be far from the truth coming from you! But for someone so young..."

　Please stop blurting out all those unknown tangos, Chairwoman! 　I ain't got a clue here! I mean, I guess she can't help it since she's talking with Grandians... but what does 'your Scwheinritter' even mean?
　They got their own porky knights too over there or something!?

"Fufu, she's my treasure... You must have some inklings already, are you not Lord Shezard? Everything I have prepared today is done for the sake of giving a hint to other people."
"That's... haha, I see now. I can't say I'm quite satisfied to have my daughter's spotlight stolen, but that makes things acceptable. Please... by all means. You, your name?"
"Dear, what's going on?"
"Haha, worry not. I offer my apologies for not asking my lady's name beforehand."
"...Yuki. I would be a senior disciple to Yuuki."
"Hou! A senior to that man. That's... reassuring to say the least."

　That's when. The monitor showed some movements in the stadium's venue along with the sound from it.

"Such a thunderous cheer. Is the match starting perhaps?"
"That seems to be the case... The MC that will give live commentaries has come on the stage."
"There's an MC?"
"Yes, I hired one."

　That's the festival's main program for you. Chairwoman sure is eager to make it as big as possible.



『Ladies and gentlemen! Today in this Scwheinritter Integrated... I'm gonna abbreviate it! Thank you all for coming to Scwhein School Festival! My commission fee's gone through the roof thanks to you guys! First, let me introduce myself--』

　A person wearing a suspicious-looking full face helmet showed up in the stadium venue. He seems to be the MC. Ixia-san sitting next to me stood up abruptly.

"B.B! I can't believe it, it's the real B.B! Oh my god!"
"...Is he famous?"
"Of course! He's the top cooking youtuber there is! The owner of BB Cooking!"

　Ah, the person in those recipe videos. Tell me why's he the MC again?



『Tell you what, this onii-san here was actually an old time fighter in the past! I can host, am fairly popular and have the ability to give you commentary on the match so, ahead they went and chose me! Alright, that's enough about me. Once again--』

"I see... B.B is well versed in combat... This is an important piece of information..."
"...Really. You're a hardcore fan huh, Ixia-san."
"Of course! Half of Yuuki's lunchboxes were only possible thanks to his recipes."

　Ah, I see. Thank you for the ever tasty food, Ixia-san, and BB-san too. I gotta give them back someday.

『--And snatched the victory Grandia Knight Trainee Academy did! Today their captain, a prodigious first year student! "Saejima Asuka"-kun will represent his academy in this exhibition match!』

　The monitor switched to a familiar looking blond tanned man who sent a frivolous smile--

"Oh, he looks somewhat familiar..."
"...Really."

　No wonder! That was the obstinate guy who tried real hard to court you during boot camp!
　Yep, it's the guy that got made into an internet laughingstock by the combined effort of me and Ichinose-san.
　Ah... make sense. Guy made it into that boot camp, of course he'd get selected for the championship too.

『As we all know, this school can't enter the championship citing their total powerhouse of students, can't say if that's a good or bad thing! Their representative turns out to be a first year student as well! A young ace of Battler Club who also belongs to the newly established Class SS! The eldest daughter of Shezard House known as the 'Elecrea Sword Emperor Shezard' at the Nation of Knights Elecrea, Koune Shezard!』

　Koune-san entered the stage looking as nonchalant as ever donning a combat suit and her summoned azure rapier in hand.
　Her parents are right... she's a beauty which really stirs the audience. She's beautiful enough to make my heart skip a beat if only I never saw her chomp her food.
　She ate five times my portion into that slim body of hers...
　Huh, speaking of...

"...That's impressive. I believe she graduated middle school with the top mark too."
"Haha, indeed indeed. Our daughter graduated as the top of mage middle school and the runner up of swordsmanship high school. Her talent knows no bound. Well, she had to give the high school's top score to her old acquaintance, Ichinose's eldest daughter, mind."
"I see. I saw first hand her proficiency in magecraft as well. The way she taught my son was simply wonderful."
"Hahaha, that she is."
"But, Koune-chan can be such a glutton... it's really unladylike... she could reduce her portion a little bit."
"U, mu... but what's the harm in that if it keeps her healthy."

　Ah, that appetite is not family inherited but Koune-san's personal quirk huh.
　The MC finished introducing the two players while we were talking, and thus the match began--

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