On the next morning.
When I reached the training ground, there were already students there chatting happily while doing some independent training. It seemed like I had arrived earlier than expected.
"Karasuma~ Thanks for yesterday snack!" Said girl student.
"You should bring me the next time you sneak out!" Said boy student.
In the end, the amount of snack that we brought was a little bit... No, definitely too much. Anyway, the other student seemed pretty happy with the little gift, even though they could order the royal chef to make any food they want. I guessed street food had their own kind of charm huh.
But, facing against this many people really made me uncomfortable. It wasn't like I was afraid they would report me to the knights, the problem was...
"Oi! Karasuma!" Shouted someone from behind.
A familiar sounding full of spirit shout, by the time I ignored his shout, a superhuman who was good in all kind of activity, whether it was combat, magical or academical. He had a fluffy light brown hair and gentle eyes, his height was almost 180 cm with a slender yet packed body.
It was Shishio or everyone favourite hero. Yesterday, when I shared some snack with his group, I had this feeling I'd just made a big mistake, and yeah... Shishio was the type of person that would think an act of simple gesture meant someone was trying to befriend him. Should've thrown that food away rather than gave it to him.
"What's up with your face? Didn't get enough sleep, eh? How about sparing with me? Your stats haven't increased that much right?"
I knew he didn't mean bad by his words, I laughed bitterly as I tried to end the conversation with him.
But somehow, he already retrieved two western style sword and threw one of it to me.
Suddenly, I saw the unsheathed sword swept right in front of my face and I hurriedly took a step backwards as cold sweat fell from my forehead.
"As expected, you can evade that huh, and your posture and stance seems better than the usual." Sometimes, he would come to the under 20 group, giving some advice and sparring with us. I knew he did this as an act of kindness to raise our morale, but, what was the point if he was holding back?
I had seen him sparing with Jorgen before, and forgot about learning a thing or two from them. My eyes couldn't even follow their sword, even though swordsmanship wasn't his strongest forte.
"Yo, Tadano, what are you doing? Still pretending to be a knight?"
Speaking of the strongest, here came the weakest person.
"Hahaha! Dude, you don’t have to say it out~”
"What do you do in this place anyway? If it was me, I would have been too ashamed of myself!"
The red-haired guy named Takatou and his gang were laughing like a madman, was there something funny or my sense of joke was bad?
"Tadano! How about joining with us?" Shouted Shishio.
After Shishio saying his piece and stopping the trio for a second, though it was clear he didn't want to have a real fight with his own comrade.
"Ah? Hey hey, Shishio, mind your own business will ya? This guy over here already made an appointment with us."
"Yeah, we are willing to spend our precious time to help this incompetent fellow~."
Even though the trio clearly missing some gear on their brain, they somehow noticed Shishio didn't have the intention no... he couldn't hurt other people.
Status really played a big factor in this world, and yet Shishio never accidentally hurt his sparring partner.
Shishio might have the charisma to lead, but charisma itself wasn't enough to harmonize an entire group of 243 people.
And the trio non chalantly ignored Shishio as they brought Tadano to a secluded place shoulder to shoulder. Moreover, the classmates who noticed this scene also turned a blind eye to it.
“No... I am fine training alone, you can leave me by my lonesome self.”
Much to my surprise, Tadano tried to reject tactfully as he shoved Takatou's arm from his shoulder.
"Ha? We are going out of the way to train the useless you, and yet you were saying this to us? You are being unreasonable. You just need to remain silent and say ‘thank you’ afterwards. Just that sentence will be enough!"
As Takatou said that, he hit Tadano in the back.
"Urgh!" Tadano let out a groan as his face distorted in pain. Unlike Shishio, they were those type of people who would easily resort to violence. And when these type of person were suddenly granted such huge power, it was only natural for them to exploit it. As thus, Tadano who had no power to resist, could only clench his teeth and bear with it.
Now, what would you do? How long were you planning to watch from afar, Jorgen?
As I taking a peek at Jorgen, who had been watching this incident since the beginning. Shishio dashing toward them and pointing his sword right at Takatou's face.
"Then, I believe I should be enough as the sparring partner, right?" Said Shishio with a warm smile.
"Oh my~ How scary~" Unlike the first day of our training, this time Takatou said that with confidence grin.
Without a moment of notice, One of Takatou's lackey, Daichi, used his hidden dagger to strike Shishio right on his face. If Shishio didn't move backwards, I bet that attacks would be fatal.
"Urgh! That's cheating!"
“Whaaat~? C'mon, your status is three times my status, shouldn't I get some kind of handicap? Burn my target, Fireball!"
Takatou launched a fireball. Shishio who hadn't recover from the previous attack desperately using Divine Shield, he conjured a translucent golden shield on his free hand to block the fireball. However, as if it was already planned, Takatou's last Lackey, Masaru cast another spell.
“Stupify!”
If I wasn't wrong, Stupify was a spell that would rob a creature of rational thought. Shishio, who was under the barrage of fireballs, somehow letting off his Divine Shield.
Even though Shishio's status was all around 200, Takatou in his 70 and Masaru's was 50, the main reason for their skill to be able to affect Shishio was because they were using Magic Item given by the Kingdom, otherwise, there was no way such their attack would affect Shishio.
No... In fact, even though with the help of Magic Item, their attack still didn't have any effect. As Shisho at ease conjure another Divine Shield and blocking their attack. But his unwillingness to hurt his own allies made him on the defensive position.
“Hey, hey! you are too weak. Can’t you put in some effort?”
Hearing their leader got underestimated, Shishio's friend started preparing their weapon and spell, ready to help him anytime soon. "Don't come!" Shouted Shishio.
...I see, he might be couldn't hurt the trio, but he could deplete their magic power as their attack was ineffective. Not to mention, this way he had the chance to show the trio his dominance huh.
But an angry shout suddenly came from the distance.
"That's enough!"
When the Trio heard that shout, their faces revealed a dreaded expression and stopping their attack. It was only natural. The one who shouted was Jorgen. Huh. . . even I knew such an attack wouldn't harm Shishio, but now he suddenly decided to stop this fighting, interesting.
At first, I thought he didn't want to get involved with our problem, but that didn't seem to be the case.
"Can someone explain what is going on?" Shouted Jorgen, even though he already watched since the beginning.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"No, please do not misunderstand. This is just ordinary sparing." Said Takatou.
"Save that for later. This already passes our morning routine." Shouted Jorgen.
Was that really the reason he stopped this sparing?
In the end, we spent the rest of the training as the usual.
But, normally after the training ended, we would have free time till dinner time. However today, Jorgen held everybody back for an announcement. As we were wondering what was going on as Jorgen had a different aura and used a deep voice to announce.
“From tomorrow onward, we will be conducting our practical training in Serene Catacomb. We will prepare all the necessary equipment, The purpose of this training so that you guys will have a real fighting experience. You will fight Magic Beasts outside the capital as a practice target. Get your spirits up! Have a good rest tonight! Dismiss!”
He quickly conveyed the important announcement like this. Amongst the hustling and bustling of the students, I sat at the end as I looked up at the sky, maybe all of this happened because Shishio couldn't deliver a serious hit back then.
Either way...
"We (under 20) still need to go to the library huh."
***
Like the Magic Beast, land could also absorb Mana. And, in area with higher mana concentration such land would turn into Dungeon.
Serene Catacomb was one of the dungeons. Serene Catacomb was a huge underground passageway that consisted of hundred floors, located underneath a small town called 'Fallford'. The lower we went, the stronger the Magic Beasts became. Even so, this dungeon was a very popular place for mercenaries and adventurers, whether newbie or veteran. It was because it was easy to judge the strength of the Magic Beasts in accordance with the listed floor.
Not to mention, because of the constant exposure of higher mana concentration, the Magic Beasts in the dungeons also possessed higher quality Magic Stone in their body compared to the Magic Beasts in the wilderness, at the cost the Magic Beast in the dungeon usually several times stronger and unique than the same species in the wilderness.
The Magic Stone was the core that provided power to the Magic Beast. The stronger the Magic Beast, the higher quality the core. These Magic Stones were used as a catalyst to make the magic item, such as Potion for healing or engraving the magic circle.
As such, there was a very high demand for these Magic Stones; It was essential for both the armies and everyday life.
Another way to use Magic Stone was to improve the efficiency of magic, for example, if I was using Time stone together with Time magic, the effectiveness of my spell/skill would increase depending by the quality of the stone. Unlike magic circle engraving, the magic stone used this way wouldn't get depleted as long as one didn't try to channel magic energy more than the Magic Stone capacity.
And by the time I finished reading the layout of Fallford town, the map of Serene Catacomb, and the information about the Magic Beast on the said dungeon the moon already shone from the library window.
With a big yawn coming out from my mouth, I decided to take a stroll.
As I walked on the palace, I noticed several students started already had their own pair, sneaking out to each other room, sitting together near the pond, watching the moon from the veranda. ...I guessed it was normal for romance to bloom when we were living in the same roof.
And between the blooming romance, Azusa was standing with Prince Clayton on her side, watching the moon from the castle window.
Based on what I had heard from other students, she had cleared the entrance examinations with a record-breaking high score, that plus her exceptional beauty.
However, despite her popularity, no one ever saw her smiled, living up to her nickname of 'Ice Queen'. In addition, due to the fact that she was constantly surrounded by an intense aura that made it hard for people to gather around her, just like a goddess, the few meters of space around her was a hallowed ground that was hard to sully.
That and the fact the Prince itself was setting his eyes on her. Combining all of that fact alone was enough to make no one tried to approach her. As they were all content to just gaze upon her beauty and elegance from afar.
Though... I felt really bad with Prince Clayton. They might be stood side by side, breathing the same air and watching the same stars and moon, but no matter how I looked at Azusa, her mind was completely not here.
He would just make an idiotic expression every time he saw her or she responded to his conversation.
It goes without saying that I obviously had nothing in common with Azusa, and in fact, we had never even spoken to each other before.
Then again, she was the second strongest between the student right? and considering we needed to go to the dungeon, I believed it wasn't that bad to help her.
"Azusa~ can we speak for a moment?" I said nonchalantly.
Of course, she didn't even bother to look at me. Prince Clayton himself clearly giving the 'get away from here you cockroach'
"Ah, forgive me, your highness. I didn't mean to disturb your precious time, but I really need to talk to her, it's pretty important."
"Hmph, then just state your business."
"Eh? Right here?" Damn... this prince is annoying
"It's important, right?"
"W-well... if your highness says so... *Ahem* Erm... You see, Azusa, lately when I see someone, it's as if space and time become the finest point imaginable as if time collapses into one tiny speck and explodes at light speed. It's as if my universe begins and ends at the same time."
With each embarrassing word flying out from my mouth, I forced my cheek to turn its colour into peach colour.
It was clear enough for me the girl named Azusa was sighed inwardly, as the prince named Clayton was looking at me with a pitying gaze.
"I could run forever, search forever, but in the end, every path leads right back to your expression and soul. I love you, always."
"Ah... forgive me." Said Azusa.
"You hear that kid? Now go-." Said Clayton.
"Prince Clayton, I love you!!" I shouted as loud as I could.
Clayton's face was so out of character, he just stared at me openmouthed. His brain formulated no thoughts other than to register that he was shocked. He closed his mouth, then letting his jaw dropped, then looked at his toes before glancing back up to catch my eyes. "I think I'll go now," was all he could say.
"Wait! What about your answer?!" When I said that, he had already turned around and left.
On the other side, Azusa was putting her hand on her mouth before she fell silent, almost as if she was thinking deeply about something.
Then the noise that burst forth under her hand was like a cross between a snort and a drunken laugh, Azusa never knowing when to breathe between the giggles. I couldn't say she had the most musical of laughter, in fact, I myself was trying to remember how to breathe, unable to speak, totally stunned as her laughter bounced around inside my skull.
"Oh... mai... gawd... sowwy... his face... ouch... my stomach..."
I felt like I was watching a million domino falling down. One by one, the rumour and her calm image crumbling to dust with each snort she made.
"Erm... just fyi, I didn't mean that. Anyway, if you're planning to take a look at the moon, the west tower should give a better view."
"Yesh... Ai know... it's just... *snort* puhlease don't go yet..."
"...Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"*Snort* ... thanks... but... just dohnt goh yet..."
I spent almost 5 minutes awkwardly watching her finishing her laugh.
" *Ahem*... Sorry for you to see that." She said with slightly pink cheeks.
"...Yeah, somehow I also feel sorry for myself to see that." I said. "Anyway, is there something important? I need to go somewhere."
"Yes, about that, I heard from my friend you occasionally sneaking out to the town, right? Can I come with you?"
"I go with another person though... well, if you don't mind then just wait for us near the pond at 9. And I won't wait for you, so don't be late."
"Pond at 9, right? By the way, can I bring my friend?"
"Eh, feel free."
***
The flowerbed lined the perfect lawn in the palace garden. In the centre there was a pond as large as a small lake with flowering lily pads and a wooden bridge that crossed the middle so one could look down at the rainbow coloured fish.
Tadano was walking on my side as if he was a cyborg. And when I told Tadano that Azusa would join us, he instantly froze for a moment and hastily proceeded towards the door. After fetching the key and opening the door, he already wore what I assumed as the best clothes.
"No way..."
When Tadano presented with such a scene of two high school girl, waiting under the moonlight in their school uniform, he quickly pulled himself together and tried not to stare at them too much.
"Are we bothering you two?" Said Azusa.
"Ah~ No, it’s nothing. Er... please take care of us!" Said Tadano.
I myself failed to comprehend what he meant by that, then again, the thing that really surprised me was.
"Hey! So what are we doing tonight!? What kind of things are we going to do!? Something... something adventurous, right!? Or maybe something dangerous? Or we should have a meal first? Sweets from the other world!? A full course of other world food!? What should we do!? We are free to do whatever we want, right!?"
"...Huh?" Tadano only tilted his head as he stared with a dumbfounded face. "...Kurihara-san? is this really you!?"
The cool beauty image she possessed until just earlier disappeared like a castle sand being swept by a wave and only an innocent high school girl was left behind.
Even though I had tried to keep her cool image, in the end, it seemed she didn't even bother to do so.
"Yes, it’s me!! I'm Kurihara Azusa, nice to meet you, er...Tadano, right?!"
"She calls my name?!" Said Tadano, then again, he dumbfoundedly stared at me, the words from his eyes if I translated it. 'It is far too different from her usual behaviour. Just what has happened to make her this way?'
'Duh, I'm not Sherlock Holmes.' I replied his gaze with mine, though I had some idea why she suddenly removing her mask. "Ah... speaking of which, I haven't told Tadano about this side of yours... you know since you're asking me to not to tell anyone."
"………..Haah!?"
She stopped for a while, cleared her throat, and giving us a warm smile. "Ahem... then, please take care of us, Eiji."
"...You are an idiot, you know that?"
Hearing this, Azusa crouched down and held her head. "I mean... how could you no to tell anything to him?! That's what people usually do first, right?!"
"Eh, ah... don’t worry, I’m not going to tell anyone." Said Tadano.
"You mean it, right!? Then it’s a promise, okay? If you break it, I'll make you swallow the biggest magic stone on this world!"
Somehow I thought she might actually make Tadano did that.
"I understand. I definitely won’t tell anyone."
"Alright then, let’s pinky swear."
Saying that Azusa held up her little finger. While Tadano hesitated to touch the skin of a member of the opposite sex who was literarily in a whole another level than him. Azusa apparently did not care about that at all and grabbed his hand and entwined her finger around his. Somehow I could hear his heartbeat sped up at the feeling of that cool skin.
"...Alright! Now, I suppose it is time for me to enjoy this world to its fullest!" She faced forward and started walking away boldly.
"Ah, that's the wrong direction, we will sneak out from the east gate tonight." As I said that, she turned around with reddened cheek.
"Anyway... Girl A, don't walk alone all by yourself."
She replied with a nod.