Meirou opens his eyes. It feels as if he slept through a long dream.

“Like I said, it was your fault for cramming last minute.” (???)

He is shaken awake from his dazed state as he looks over to his right.

“Are you all right, Meirou? You suddenly stopped walking.” (???)

“Ah… Sorry, it’s nothing. Let’s catch up to the others.” (???)

He notices Mein’s worried look, and smiles at her. She nods with an unconvinced expression, and drops the matter. The both of them quicken their pace to catch up to the other three.

“Damn, I couldn’t help it! My manager suddenly extended my shift! You could’ve helped me out just a bit! We’ve been together since Middle School, haven’t we!?” (Tsukoki)

“Hmph! You should have refused, and told your manager that you needed to hurry home to study.” (Tayori)

“You know how scary my manager is, right!? You’re asking the impossible…” (Tsukoki)

“Then why didn’t you ask Numeke instead? You should’ve known he is much smarter than me. His explanations are always easy to understand.” (Tayori)

Tayori points at Numeke walking alongside them, while reading a book in hand. Tsukoki turns to look at Numeke, and sighs.

“I am willing to give you a discount. How about 75 cents per question?” (Numeke)

Numeke curtly replies behind his book. Tsukoki turns back to glare at Numeke in disbelief, and sighs again.

“There is a saying that every time you sigh, a portion of happiness will slip from you. At this rate, even your luck might not be enough to pass the exam.” (Tayori)

“It’s because of you two that I am in this state!” (Tsukoki)

Tayori shrugs. She turns around and notice that both me and Mein have fallen behind. She glance at us for a moment, then gives us a playful smile.

"Oi, you two! We're going to leave you behind if you continue on flirting!" (Tayori)

The other two also turn to us as well. One closes his book, while the other with an irritated expression. We catch up to them, giving stiff smiles to their banter just now.

“I’ll see everyone tomorrow then.” (Meirou)

“Yeah, catch ya'll later.” (Tsukoki)

“See you guys tomorrow.” (Numeke)

“Be careful on your way home everyone~!” (Tayori)

Tsukoki glances at Tayori and slightly opens his mouth as if he was about to say something, but in the end remained silent. He turns to the road on the left. Tayori was talking with Mein during that time before she parted ways. Numeke took one last glance at Tsukoki before nodding to me as he also went down his own direction. After Mein returned to my side, we started walking together to the direction of our homes.

This is a small neighborhood, so the school is only a few blocks away. Since there is only one big road that leads to the school entrance, we always meet at a specific spot where all our paths converge to the school. I start thinking about what the dream I went through earlier was about. What was that sense of insecurity? I felt like something was wrong, but I couldn't wrap my head over what it is. It was like a feeling where I am an abnormality in a crowd. I felt out of place.

“Meirou? You’ve stopped walking again. Are you sure you are okay?” (Mein)

Ah, I shouldn’t overthink this too much. I’ve probably been reading too much novels. I shouldn’t let my imagination go wild. I’m also worrying Mein over nothing.

“Yes, I’m okay. Sorry about that.” (Meirou)

“You’ve been acting absentminded since this morning.” (Mein)

“Ahaha.” (Meirou)

I pat her head as we are walking. Since the both of us were neighbors and classmates for years, we’ve been sticking together like glue. We have known each other since Middle School, like Tayori and Tsukoki. This means that as a first-year high school student, we’ve known each other for over three and a half years now. When the high school entrance ceremony came along, our group increased to five. Our seats were close to each other, so we naturally started talking and getting along. Surprisingly, the chemistry of the five of us was good. At least I want to believe that is the case. Ever since then, sticking together even outside of school hours felt like it was a natural thing to do.

“Be sure to take good care of yourself, Meirou. I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you for studying together with me last night.” (Mein)

“No need for thanks, I had fun studying with you.” (Meirou)

"I-I see." (Mein)

I smiled at her, and she returns a smile with an embarrassed expression. She heads over to her gate and takes one last glance at me. Noticing that I was still watching her, she started getting more embarrassed under my gaze as she opens her gate, and heads inside in panic with a red face. With a wry smile, I do the same and open the gate after seeing Mein off inside. Right as I step into the living room-

“Ah, Bro, you’re home? Can you help me by setting up the table for dinner?” (???)

“Yeah, sure. Leave it to me.” (Meirou)

I go upstairs to drop off my school bag in my room, and return to set up the tableware for my little sister. I glance at the clock on the wall. Are they not coming home again today?

“Are our parents not coming home again today?” (Meirou)

“Oh, I have no idea. They always return late at night, so I guess they are still at their workplace?” (Meirou’s Sister)

“I see…” (Meirou)

It is true that they always work overtime, usually even staying overnight at their workplace together with their co-workers. Our parents both work in the same company, so they would always return together when they are finished.

I sit down on a chair and grab my chopsticks. My sister heads over after she finishes scooping the food from the pot, placing them on the table. She settles in a chair on the opposite side.

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“Thank you for the food.” (Meirou)

“Thank you for the food.” (Meirou’s Sister)

We clasp our hands before eating. After the meal, we play a game together and head to bed for the day just before midnight arrives.

...

The next morning, I was woken up by the sounds of cooking coming from downstairs. Having a sibling that was this dependable makes be feel lile a useless brother. I quickly drag my body over to wash my face, get dressed, and head down to find her nearly finished.

“As usual, thanks for always cooking for both of us, Shuka.” (Meirou)

I fondly put my feelings into words to convey to my sister.

“Ehehe, you can leave it to me!” (Shuka)

I set up the table without being asked so she could focus on finishing up the breakfast, and move to sit on a chair. I look over towards the TV broadcasting a show about today’s horoscope. Horoscopes, huh?... I don’t really believe in those forecasts, but knowing the results won’t hurt anyone. I can understand why girls would want to rely on these forecasts to gain a bit of self-confidence for whatever they plan on doing for the day. 

I turn to see that she has finished, and smiled to herself when she noticed that the plates were already set on the table. She calls me over and we move to sit together to eat.

“Thank you for the food.” (Meirou)

“Thank you for the food. Ah, I need to hurry or I will be late for club practice!" (Shuka)

After looking at the time, she quickly chows down her breakfast before turning to me as she stands up.

"Can you put away the dishes for me too when you're done, Bro?” (Shuka)

“At times like these, you can leave it to me!” (Meirou)

I puff out my chest and stand in a proud-like manner. Shuka falls into laughter before quickly grabbing her bag and pacing out the door. After washing the dishes, I grab my own bag and step outside a few minutes later. I notice Mein already waiting for me in front of my gate.

“Morning, Mein.” (Meirou)

I raise a hand in greeting while walking towards the gate as she slightly bows in return showing her usual smile.

“Good morning, Meirou.” (Mein)

Her mannerism is still very traditional... but compared to when we first met, it has toned down quite a bit. I am glad she is working hard on acting more casual when around me, and our group for that matter, since it can shorten the distance between her and us making it easier for her to open up more. I can see why she wasn't truly able to make any friends until I met her... We walk towards the meeting point to find two more members of our group waiting for us.

“Gooood morning Mein~! You too Meirou~!” (Tayori)

“Uhn.” (Numeke)

Tayori energetically greets us, while Numeke nods at our presence. While I was looking around for our last member, I notice him running towards us. He stops to steady his breathing when he finally reaches us.

"H-Heh! To have been waiting for the lead character such as myself. I th-“ (Tsukoki)

“-Since the exams are finally over, we can focus on preparing for the school festival!” (Tayori)

Tayori interrupts Tsukoki and starts walking cheerfully. We all start following Tayori’s lead leaving behind Tsukoki.

“H-Hey! Don't ignore me! I didn't… finish… talking……” (Tsukoki)

Tsukoki slowly changes his tone of voice mid-sentence. I thought it was weird, so I turned to look at him. He was staring at something in the sky in awe, so I followed his gaze toward the sky. I gasped. It was light. Pure white light was engulfing the opposite direction of the school closing in towards us. Numeke stares in shock when he noticed I stopped and followed my gaze, along with Tayori and Mein. We witness the tall buildings in the outer city engulfed in light, as it slowly reaches toward us.

“A-AH! OI! RUN!” (Tsukoki)

Woken from Tsukoki’s call, Numeke starts running ahead. Tayori and Mein starts running with me a beat later. Mein then trips, and I quickly turn back to help her. Tayori also turns back with me to help. It looks like Numeke is out of sight. Tsukoki was behind us, but overtook us as he continued frantically running, ignoring us. While I was looking at the back of the fleeing Tsukoki, I turn to the opposite direction toward the pure light. At that moment, I felt it was impossible to run from that pure light, and hugged Mein with my arms. Tayori seemed to have had the same thoughts, and reached for us. She then hugged us both within her arms reach. A few seconds later, we were finally engulfed in the pure light.

………

I open my eyes. I was in a white space. There was absolutely nothing here. I notice the two girls that should’ve been near me, a metre apart. The three of us are a metre apart from each other. The two girls also noticed they were not alone, and as they open their mouths… I hear nothing. Tayori seems to be trying to say something, but I can’t hear anything. I try walking towards her but then there was this glass-like wall separating us.

“Well then, it seems I have visitors.” (???)

I looked around trying to figure out where the voice came from. Tayori and Mein are also doing the same thing as me, so it seems they heard the voice too.

“Greetings, I am called Green Spirit. A being that oversees this world. Though I say that, it seems you are not from the world I am overseeing. It seems the results of a conflict from somewhere caused a dimensional rift in your world, forcibly bringing you over to this world.” (Green Spirit)

“What did you say? A dimensional rift? Wait, where are we right now?” (Meirou)

“………” (Tayori)

“………” (Mein)

“Hey, hey. One question at a time.” (Green Spirit)

I look over to my side and see the two girls trying to say something as well. It seems all of us can hear and talk to him, but we can’t talk amongst ourselves. I turn my eyes back toward the wolf-shaped being giving off a light green glow.

“Now, as for where you are right now, you are currently in my domain. You can call it the space between the world I am overseeing below, and outer space.” (Green Spirit)

“………” (Tayori)

“Us beings have a rule of non-interference. I am not allowed to interfere with your situation, nor do I have the authority. We will, however, give you two blessings. This is given as pity to those who are victims in accidents such as this.” (Green Spirit)

“………” (Tayori)

“No, I cannot take 「Wall of Invisibility」 down. This is to prevent aggression between parties. Everyone will be separated regardless of their relationship with each other.” (Green Spirit)

I can more or less guess what Tayori’s questions were. I still can’t believe the three of us got caught up in such an unbelievable situation. Since our way back home to Earth is now blocked, we will have to think ahead on how to live in the world we are currently above right now. Tayori is dependable and decisive despite her appearance. What I am worried about is Mein, as she has an honest personality to a fault. She can normally converse with anyone, but she is what you’d call an introvert. I think about what I should ask for the next question.

“What kind of world is below us?” (Meirou)

“It is a world of swords. It is currently at peace, but it wasn’t too long ago that the races were at conflict with each other. It is mana abundant compared to the world you are from, and there are various intellectual races in this world.” (Green Spirit)

So compared to Earth, which only has a single intellectual humanoid race known as humanity, this world possibly has more than two intellectual humanoid races. Mana abundant? Does that mean magic exists in this world? I noticed that Tayori was looking at me, and I nod. We don’t have any other choice but to make up a plan on how to start living in such a world. There is no use in immediately looking for a way home, as that is an easy way to self-destruct.

“………” (Tayori)

“The blessings I will give you can’t be anything. I am not omnipotent. You will have to choose two blessings among many engraved in a scroll, which I am about to give to each of you. As I’ve said, I do not have the authority to change the laws of this world for your benefit. At most, you’d be stronger than the average living being in this world. The rest is up to fate.” (Green Spirit)

Three scrolls suddenly appear above the Green Spirit, and floats towards the each of us. I look it over.

Choices of physical blessing:

- Complete Communication - Complete Cure - Complete Perception - Complete Concealment - Complete Vitality

Choices of mental blessing:

- Knowledge in medicine - Knowledge of the world - Knowledge of basic magic - Knowledge of strength - Knowledge of riches

As expected, there is no blessing for magic usage. 「Complete Cure」 seems to be the only magic-esque blessing out of them all. 「Knowledge of basic magic」 doesn’t feel useful, and feels like a waste of a blessing if the knowledge itself is easily obtainable.

“Hey, can you explain every one of these blessings in detail? What does each blessing do?” (Meirou)

“I cannot tell you that. You’ll have to figure out what the blessings can do for you yourselves. After selecting your two blessings, you are free to do whatever you wish in this world afterwards.” (Green Spirit)

It seems like asking for a cheat sheet was rejected. I decided on 「Complete Communication」 for my first blessing, since it seems the most reliable. If you are suddenly transported into a foreign country, you would need to understand the language to be able to avoid encountering hardships. This is something I’ve learned the hard way while rashly traveling abroad once in the past with my parents. I’ll think of everything else afterwards. As for my second blessing, I’ll decide on 「Knowledge of the world」. Knowledge is power. Now I’ve decided, I was about to open my mouth when-

“Oh? Now that is an interesting proposal. It is within my authority, so I can accept your request; but I will be taking one of your blessings in exchange. Are you sure you want to use one of your blessings for this request?” (Green Spirit)

“………” (Mein)

I look over towards Mein. She seems to have requested the green wolf-like spirit of something.

“Then I’ll be taking your second blessing, in return I will fulfill your request.” (Green Spirit)

“………” (Mein)

Green Spirit suddenly directs his gaze toward me for a moment, then turns back to Mein.

“Now, off you go.” (Green Spirit)

Suddenly, Mein was engulfed in light and faded away in front of our eyes.

“Wait! Why did you already send her off!? Aren't we supposed to be sent off together!?” (Meirou)

“………” (Tayori)

From Tayori’s gestures, it looks like she is as angrily shocked as me.

“All of you will be sent in different locations. You will not be sent together. Again, this is to avoid premature aggression between parties. Your previous relationships will not be considered.” (Green Spirit)

This is one of the worst scenarios ever. I’ve got to think of a plan as soon as I land down below. At the very least, the choices I’ve chosen for my two blessings will still be useful for my future plans. I’ve always been the type of person that would use information as my sword. For now, it is much more reliable than obtaining battle strength to fight god knows what. I considered 「Complete Concealment」 for a second, but I can’t confidently say that it is something more than just some sort of ability to hide from danger.

“Green Spirit, I’ve decided on 「Complete Communication」 and 「Knowledge of the world」.” (Meirou)

“Oh, that’s an interesting combination. You have now been enchanted with these blessings. Now off you go.” (Green Spirit)

I turn my gaze to Tayori. She is also gazing at me with a slightly worried but determined expression. I can rely on Tayori, so I smile at her and nod. She nods back with a smile. A second later, I was engulfed in light and my sight suddenly flashed before my eyes.