Volu 12, The Twelfth Question
Please fill in the appropriate word in the following blank:
"Dust piling up like ( )
Hiji Mizuki's Answer:
Dust piling up like (a hill)
Teacher's Comnt:
Correct.
Tsuchiya Kouta's Answer:
Dust piling up like 'garbage'.
Teacher's Comnt:
I see.
Yoshii Akihisa's Answer:
Dust piling up like 'large garbage'.
Teacher's Comnt:
So we can treat it as normal garbage if we divide it up?
"""DODGE!!!"""
The instant we saw the curtain being flipped, we quickly retreated from the middle of the battlefield to the sides.
After that, several large blades of wind flew in from behind, where we once were.
"You alright, Akihisa?"
"Yeah. It's the second ti already, so we're kinda ready for it."
Since we knew the aning behind the curtains, we more or less managed to predict it, so it is more or less easy for us this ti.
"It looks like the other guys are alright."
"Seems that way."
There have been attacks using the power of the bracelets coming from behind; this is the second ti I saw it, and the third for the rest. Of course, there are few losses, both for us…and the enemy.
"It looks like the enemy has understood our intents."
"Those observant ones probably picked it up, huh?"
Our allies, except for those on the frontlines, understood the secret regarding the curtain, but the enemy's not stupid. They may be shocked for the first ti, realize it the second ti, and believe it will happen at the third ti. There might be soone amongst them reading our intentions.
"I'll be worried if they didn't. This is what we're aiming at."
"Hm, Yuuji, you're here."
While we're talking, Yuuji, in charge of leading the operation this ti, walks to us. Goodness, this guy's strategy is endangering us again.
"Ya, Yuuji, you just bluffed again."
"Oh Akihisa, you just got bluffed by again."
Yuuji doesn't look apologetic at all.
Speaking of which, he did say sothing, 'just go while thinking that you're being bluffed' during a previous summoning war. We really got bluffed as a result back then.
"Don't you feel guilty bluffing over and over again?"
"Haven't you gained any learning ability after being bluffed over and over again?"
Ugh…! This bastard's answers are always like that!
"Yuuji, you should be careful of what you say now. It's not wrong to say that your fate is in my hands."
"What do you an?"
"I an, well, that. If I say that your relationship with Kirishima-san has evolved…well?"
If everyone in F class is to know about this, Yuuji's destiny will definitely co to an end.
In response to my words,
"Humph…how naive."
Yuuji rely scoffs it off leisurely.
"Where's that confidence coming from…?"
"No matter whether you say it or not, those girls won't just keep quiet about it, right?"
I was completely speechless.
"Th-That…doesn't that an that my plan to reveal everything after my execution is useless…?"
"It's going to be an execution either way."
"I'm not shocked about it since I more or less expected it."
Guess I have no choice now. I'll just enjoy myself by being executed alongside everyone else. Hopefully, this will be a happy execution to celebrate our victory.
"Instead of that, we need to plan ahead. Akihisa, Hideyoshi, return your summoned beasts and co here."
If we're returning our summoned beasts now, it ans we're going to move sowhere. If it's a battle to decide victory, that ans we're going to where Takashiro-sempai is, right?
"Got it. Will be there soon."
" too."
After checking the enemies and allies on the frontlines, Hideyoshi and I exit the field, removing our summoned beasts in the process, and return to where Yuuji is.
"We're back, Yuuji."
"How about explaining the strategy?"
"Ah, wait a mont. They're coming soon--oh, here they are."
I look over to where Yuuji's looking at, and see Hiji-san, Minami, Muttsurini and Kudou-san coming out from the school.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Why does it feel like I've been waiting for orders the entire day?"
"…Ready to go."
"Since Muttsurini-kun and I are being called out now, it ans that health education is going to be involved, right?"
Kudou-san's with us along with the usual F class mbers. Maybe this ans that it's not a defensive battle to buy ti this ti.
"Yuuji, have you thought of a plan to win this?"
Having thought of the sa thing as , Hideyoshi asks.
In response to that however, Yuuji simply answers,
"Nope, not at all."
"""Huh?"""
We answer imdiately without thinking. He can't think of a plan…?
"Then why did you summon us here?"
"Do we have to strengthen our defenses?"
"But I heard that this is a plan to end the summoning war?"
In response to our doubts, Yuuji gestures for us to quiet down, and answers nonchalantly,
"It's not important for us to win this summoning war. You know what this ans?"
"No, not at all."
"That was a quick answer."
"Can't you use your head a little…?"
Then I'll think about it a little.
What's important to us for this summoning war…? The aim of the summoning war is to get the other class' facilities, and it's important for us to get A class' facilities. That's why we've been declaring war over and over again.
But this summoning war is different. The third years started it, hoping to get 'the facilities of classes A to C', and we just so happened to be against it.
In other words--
"We never wanted this summoning war in the first place."
"That's right. We never wanted to beat the 3rd years at all."
"Yeah. In other words, a draw's basically a win for us."
While it may be nice to get 3-A's room, it is the sa for them if they can get 2-A's facilities. Looking at this disadvantageous situation, it'll be great if we can get a draw out of this.
"If that's the case, Yuuji, since it's not a plan to beat Takashiro-sempai, it's a plan to get a draw, right?"
"That's how it is."
Yuuji nods confidently. Couldn't he just say it right from the beginning? Why explain things in a roundabout way?
"But Yuuji, how're you going to force a draw?"
Hideyoshi asks about the most important thing, the battle itself, and Yuuji answers the question unabashedly,
"We're going to destroy the machine managing the test summon beast system and end the war."
"Well…this feels like a strategy only Sakamoto will co up with…"
Minami's right. Such an unscrupulous plan is sothing only Yuuji can think of.
"But Sakamoto-kun, if we're to simply end the summoning war, won't it be started again once it's repaired?"
Kudou-san, who's been listening to this obediently, raises her hand to ask.
"No, there's only a small chance of that."
"? Why's that."
"Our opponents are the 3rd years, and there's a foreign person observing everything here."
Then, what's that about?
While I'm shaking my head in confusion, Kudou-san, standing beside , claps her hands.
"Ah, I see. This is a serious situation for both parties. They can't back out now."
"That's how it is, Kudou. The foreign sponsors sent soone to investigate because they want to know the results sooner. The 3rd years have their exams, and if the system is repaired even a month later, they won't have the ti to start another war again."
I see. Even if the war sohow starts again, there should be so people being too busy. No doubt it's going to be beneficial to us.
"Also, there's not much rit for them to get the facilities a month later."
It seems Minami has more or less understood the situation as she starts to nod away.
How many people can actually get serious about this when the self-attendance period is just around the corner? The answer is really simple.
"Because of those reasons, we may be able to end this if we delay this summoning war. That's why we have to do sothing about that test summoning system."
"Oh, so there's this way of looking at things too?"
Yuuji has a flexible mindset capable to thinking beyond winning and losing, and this certainly is like his usual self--no, proof that his thinking has evolved beyond that. That lost mindset he had the previous day will never have thought about it.
"We understand our objective now."
"Now's the issue of executing it."
"Yeah, I'm about to explain that now."
Yuuji pulls out a loosely drawn map from his pocket.
"This is a map of the ground floor of the new school building. Since everyone's been there so many tis, we all know where the principal's office is, right?"
"Of course."
"Actually, Yoshii-kun, I don't think any normal person will be called to the principal's office so many tis."
The principal's office is located on the ground floor of the new school building, facing the field. This should be basic knowledge.
"The enemy general has made his base at the 4th level of the new school building, and the enemy has set defenses around it accordingly. In other words--"
"We'll blow the principal's office along with the entire new school building."
"Yoshii-kun? What're you saying!?"
"--And if we're lucky, we'll get many of the 3rd years caught in the explosion instead of just one."
"You too, Muttsurini-kun?"
"I want to do it too if that's possible, but that's impossible now."
Too bad huh? If only we had the fireworks from the school festival.
"Aiko, you'll get tired playing along with Aki and Sakamoto's jokes. Better to just let it fall on deaf ears."
"I-Is that so…"
"Anyway, Sakamoto-kun, what are the details exactly?"
It seems Minami and Hiji-san are both used to our words. I really hope they don't misunderstand though; if it's possible to carry it out, we'll really consider and look into it.
"Since everyone's focus is on the 4th level, there's no security at the ground floor surrounding the principal's office, so we can enter there using the back door.
We already experienced personally how heavy the security is around the 4th level, but the principal office on the ground floor should be okay.
"All that's left is to start a large performance there--"
"And we'll destroy any area that may contain the system."
“That's how it is. If we can get inside the principal office and start a battle, we just need to wreck the old hag's computer.”
Now that I think about it, the principal does use the computer in her room to control the system. Even if the host computer is located sowhere else, it takes ti to restore the system, and it's going to be troubleso.
“Erm…won't you be lashed out harshly if you do that, Akihisa-kun?”
“The only way to prevent that from happening is that Akihisa has to make it look like an accident.”
“You guys are already used to doing this, huh?”
“Well of course. That's what we always do.”
“Though this really isn't sothing to be proud of.”
“What? Don't worry about it too much. Our wish to beat A class has gone down the drain. This is just a little payback.”
Leaving aside the motives behind our grudge, we at least understand what we're aiming at. Now we just have to split the tasks.
“Of course, Akihisa will be the culprit.”
“Hm, okay.”
“You're making it sound so dangerous by calling him the culprit…”
I agree with those words.
“Hiji will work together with Akihisa as escort. If the only enemies inside are from A class, you're the only one who can fight them.”
“I-I understand.”
“I'll work along with you too. If the teachers aren't around, I have to open a field.”
With no enemies or teachers around, Yuuji will have to create a field using his bracelet. This really is much easier for .
“What about us, Sakamoto?”
“Please be our guards until we reach our destination.”
“…Roger that.”
“It's comforting knowing that I'm going to be with Muttsurini-kun?.”
Her jaw might drop if she sees any of his scores other than Health Education, but I think we'll just ignore that for now.
“The others will create a commotion as our cover. Since we're going to use a lot of fighting strength, they will have to respond in kind.”
We can say that we'll be in a pinch if this fails—but well, isn't that the basis of strategy?
“Ah, one more thing, Akihisa.”
“Hm? What is it, Yuuji?”
“I got sothing to say to you.”
Yuuji waves at , and I lean my head towards him, doing as what he told ; he then proceeded to brief on several possibilities that might happen once we reach our destination.
“Hm…I see. That's what you were planning?”
“That's what I observed regarding the enemy's strength as a neutral. I'll leave it to you.”
“Gotcha.”
After those words were said, the strategy briefing ended.
Yuuji clapped his hands, and then said to everyone.
“Alright. Let's begin this plan. Once we see the hint, everyone's to run straight ahead.”
“What's the hint, Yuuji?”
“The hint's that hint. You've seen it a few tis, right?”
Yuuji looks over at the old school campus. Ah, so that's how it is?
“That's not just sothing ant to wear out the enemy effectively, huh?”
“You really are good in this aspect, Yuuji.”
“…To be expected of you.”
So that's why we took quite the terrible punishnt just now, huh? If us at the frontlines are to act without knowing anything, the opponent will probably fall for it. So this is what it ans to fool oneself before fooling the enemy, I guess.
“Well…I guess it's about ti.”
We remain where we are, awaiting the hint.
And so, after waiting for a while, the white curtain from the window on the 4th level appeared.
”It's Kubo! Kubo's here!”
”That thing from before is coming again!!”
”Dodge!!”
Warnings could be heard from the 2nd years—and the 3rd years too. I guess this is what Yuuji's aiming for.
“Let's go, you guys! Let's charge right through!”
“““Alright!!”””
On Yuujis command, we run for the open path right in front of us. Having witnessed the attacks of the gold bracelets beforehand, the 3rd years dodged aside, forming a path. At this instance, it is possible to break through the sturdy defenses in front of the new school building.
Suddenly, I notice Kirishima-san standing at the window of the old school building.
She's looking at us, moving her lips, seemingly saying sothing.
“Do” “Your” “Best”
“…”
“What's with you, Akihisa? You're glaring at like there's a family feud between us.”
“…It's nothing.”
I just so happened to see her cheering him on. Any ordinary person's vision is typically unable to see those lip movents, but she still wanted to chase after Yuuji and cheer him on silently. As I think about how Kirishima-san's warm and gentle feelings were resting upon Yuuji, I just can't help but feel jealous of him.
“Well, it doesn't matter. Soone has to die anyway.”
“Aki, what kind of inauspicious thing are you saying? We'll definitely win if everyone works hard!”
“That's right, Akihisa-kun! We're going to end this battle in the best way possible!”
Minami and Hiji-san are looking at adamantly. This really isn't what I'm talking about…but since they say so, I'll forget about my execution of Yuuji if we're going to settle this in the best way possible.
”Hey, they're not attacking!
”Those guys…! It's a bluff!”
We can hear such words as we run by the 3rd years; it seems they have understood our intentions. There's still so distance to the new school building, and it'll be all over if we're stopped here instead.
“We'll leave this to you guys!”
“““OK!”””
Yuuji shouted, and our 2nd year allies begin battle to support us. I guess Yuuji did brief them on what to do beforehand; they build walls around our path to allow us through, and our F class mbers, after seeing this, quickly got to action. Surely they must have sensed that this is the decisive mont.
But even so, the path is slowly getting blocked.
“Kudou! Muttsurini!”
“Alright!”
“…Understood.”
Upon hearing their nas being called up, both of them shouted the keyword.
““Summon!””
Health Education, 2-A, Kudou Aiko, 498 points.
&
Health Education, 2-F, Tsuchiya Kouta, 671 points.
It seems Yuuji has already expected this to happen as he assigned the Health Education teacher here. The subject field we enter just so happens to be the Health Education Kudou-san and Muttsurini are best at.
“Let's go.”
“…Acceleration, begin.”
Kudou-san's summoned beast charges its axe with electricity before barging in, while Muttsurini's summoned beast accelerates itself before anyone can even blink, slashing down one enemy summoned beast after another.
“Speaking of which, those sure are monstrous numbers of points there.”
“I don't think even the teachers are a match for those two.”
Kudou-san continues to swing the electricity-charged axe, and Muttsurini's moving around, leaving afterimages in his wake. The weak enemies are dealt with easily, while the stronger ones are staggered by Muttsurini's blinding speed before being finished off by Kudou-san's follow-up. Both their summoned beasts definitely look like lightning there.
Thanks to those two, the path in front of us is opened up.
“Though I really want to leave everything to Kudou and Muttsurini—”
“It doesn't look like the enemy's going to be that naive.”
“This is just like the prediction.”
A certain person stands in front of those two with unmatched power.
She isn't dressed in anything dazzling, but even in uniform, there was sothing alluring coming from her.
One would be srized simply by the charming presence surrounding her; Kogure-sempai has appeared.
“I guess I've got no choice then. Aiko and I will take her on.”
“Nope. I want him—Tsuchiya-kun to be my opponent.”
Kogure-sempai puts a finger on her chin and glances flirtatiously at Muttsurini. What could be seen from under the short skirt is causing our hearts to flutter.
However,
“We can't really accept that, Kogure-sempai. Muttsurini's compatibility with you is really bad.”
“Oh dear, I suppose that is supposed to be for him to decide, no?”
Kogure-sempai folded her arms in front of her chest, “…I accept this challenge.” Those large breasts are riding on her arms. Man…! That's despicable…!
Upon seeing this, Hideyoshi reaches his hand out to stop Muttsurini.
“That's enough, Muttsurini. You can't beat that upperclassman.”
But Muttsurini takes a step forward, seemingly wanting to shake Hideyoshi off.
“…This isn't a case of…winning or losing…!”
What's that idiot thinking? Everyone's thinking this now.
“Muttsurini, Kudou, we'll leave this to you.”
But Yuuji doesn't seem to mind as he said this.
“Eh? But Muttsurini.”
“We don't have ti, and this subject field is Health Education. Muttsurini won't be able to contribute if he cos out from here.”
That's true now that he says so; leaving aside Kudou-san, Muttsurini can't fight in any subject other than Health Education. He also has to handle the other 3rd years chasing after us, and it isn't going to be wise asking him to retreat from here.
“Muttsurini! Stop staring at that upperclassman's body and focus on her summoned beast!”
“Aiko! Watch over Tsuchiya!”
Since we have no other choice, we can only make these last requests before leaving. Muttsurini gives us a thumbs up with his back facing us. That probably would have looked reliable if there wasn't a pool of nosebleed at his feet.
☆
“Thank you very much, Tsuchiya-kun. I knew you would certainly not ignore .”
”You can't do that, Muttsurini-kun. Focus on her summoned beast instead of her. I can show you as much leg as you want later.”
”You do not have to worry too much. Please continue to look at my legs if they fit your tastes.”
“You mustn't listen to her, Muttsurini-kun! Once everything is over, I'll dress up in a swimsuit for you to see.”
“…I have no interest in any of you…!”
☆
“So you guys are next, sempais?”
“You actually ca here, Yoshii, Sakamoto…!”
“I'm going to pay you back for everything up till now…!”
After getting past Kogure-sempai, the Toko-Natsu pair, whom we have quite the history with, stands in our way. We can't just leave these two to Kudou-san and Muttsurini, but we don't have ti to waste…!
“Aki, leave these two to Kinosheeta and . You guys hurry on. You okay with this, Kinosheeta?”
“Well, we don't have another choice.”
Like Kudou-san and Muttsurini before this, Minami and Hideyoshi step forward.
“Huh? What are you saying? We have a debt to settle with Yoshii and Sakamoto.”
“Na-Natsukawa, I'll be happy with Kinosheeta as my opponent too.”
Tsunemura-sempai's words caused Hideyoshi's shoulders to shudder. Is it really alright to leave things to them?
“We don't have ti. Let's leave it to those two and hurry on.”
Yuuji prompts us as he rushes forward. I have all kinds of worries here, but I don't have any choice in this situation.
“We'll leave it to you, Minami, Hideyoshi. Aim for their eyes if anything happens.”
“Right, got it!”
“That's not sothing we should be agreeing too, isn't it!?”
“You may pound my flesh and bones into bits, Kinosheeta, but this isn't going to stop my love for you!”
“Ki-Kinosheeta…I think I should go on with Aki…?”
“Shimada, I'll hate you for eternity if you leave behind here.”
We continue on while leaving Minami and Hideyoshi behind. Though the staircase and main entrance of the new school building is tightly defended, it doesn't seem to be the case anywhere else.
☆
“Well then, let's warm up a little before chasing after Yoshii and the rest, Tsunemura.”
“Well, that's true. It's better to settle any personal issues after the summoning war is over.”
“What're you saying now? We're the ones who want to quickly beat you and hurry to Aki and the rest.”
“Right, that's the spirit, Shimada. We must beat them and send them to the detention room as soon as possible.”
“Ah…you guys seem to be mistaken about sothing.”
“Mistaken? About what?”
“Well, you might have underestimated us because Tsunemura and I have been careless against Yoshii and Sakamoto.”
Mathematics, Natsukawa Shunpei, 3-A, 733 points
&
Mathematics, Tsunemura Yuusaku, 3-A, 751 points.
“—This can't be considered a battle with you guys as our opponents”
☆
“Listen up, Akihisa, even if the enemy's defenses are weak, it doesn't an that we have ti. Once we reach there, we need to hurry up with our objective as soon as possible.”
“Got it.”
“Hiji, you'll be our guard. You'll be in the sa field as us, but you'll be handling the enemies coming from the corridor. Please hold on until Akihisa completes his objective.”
“Understood.”
“They're coming! It's those second years!”
“There're 3 of them! Take them out!”
The 3rd years start to gather to prevent us from heading to the 4th level.
We pretend to run to the staircase, before changing directions suddenly towards our real objective, the principal's office.
“I'll call out my summoned beast here!”
Hiji-san stopped at the corridor in front of the principal's office, facing the stairs.
“I'll leave it to you, Hiji-san!”
“Akihisa-kun, please do your best!”
We left Hiji-san behind and continued forward, quickly heading to the room with the principal's office signboard to complete our objective.
“Right, let's begin!”
“OK, let's go.”
Yuuji gets ready to begin the summon the mont I open the door, getting ready to enter. Eh? What do we do if it won't open? If that ends up happening, the lock might be destroyed due to so unfortunate accident. It's good that the door is unlocked, for everyone's sake.
“—Awaken.”
I heard Yuuji say this keyword the instant I entered the room. This is the power of the platinum bracelet we got during the school festival, and because of this, ability, we can summon monsters even without any teacher around.
Once the bracelet's activated, Yuuji hurries into the principal's office. Alright.
“I just need to call out the summoned beast and wreck the principal's office…”
“Well, the problem is that it's not going to be that easy.”
“Oh? That certainly is an unexpected reaction. I thought you would be a little more surprised.”
Takashiro-sempai appears in front of us, looking rather relaxed as he smiles.
“If you don't mind, can you please tell how did you find here? Even though I had to reveal my location, you probably would not be able to track if you aren't at the headquarters.”
Takashiro-sempai asked Yuuji, looking rather interested. Yuuji rely snorted however, don't ask such a stupid question, seemingly saying this as he answered.
“I didn't have any proof about that. It's just a guess.”
“A guess, huh?”
“Yeah. I do know that you're a smart guy. I also know how naive my strategy is.”
Looking at what he did up till now, we can guess that Takashiro-sempai has managed to predict all the situations till now. Naturally, neither Yuuji nor Kirishima-san may be able to predict such situations, let alone , but Takashiro-sempai was certainly able to do so.
“Therefore, if this is really the case, I just made my guess according to those facts. I don't know what your assumptions are, but I can be certain that my strategy was seen through.”
One can say that was definitely Yuuji's way of assuming that our strategy was seen through right from the beginning. Because of that, the plan Yuuji thought of was simple.
“Oh great…after all that planning, you still left everything to . That's certainly a lazy strategy.”
“Shut up. This is a battle with a girl on the line, right? You better do this properly.”
If Takashiro-sempai wasn't here, I'll be the one destroying the target (computer). This little ploy doesn't exist now.
“Since you thought of everything till you, you never assud that I would gather lots of fighting strength, did you?”
“Not at all. There's not much space to allocate so many people, and it'll be difficult not to attract attention if you move so many people to such a seemingly aningless place.”
“Oh…?”
“And more importantly, you have a score to settle with Akihisa over Hiji. Isn't it right that as a man, you want a head-on duel?”
Once Yuuji said this, Takashiro-sempai looked really delighted as he answered.
“That certainly is the case. You really know a man's romance, Sakamoto-kun.”
“…Thanks.”
Yuuji looks rather depressed, probably because he was teased by everyone for being romantic to Kirishima-san just now.
“Now then, I can't waste that much ti along with you guys. I'll leave it to you, Akihisa.”
“Okay.”
“I certainly will not do anything classless.”
As Takashiro-sempai had said, it certainly will be hard to imagine him calling for reinforcents after this conversation, though it's not a bad thing to be careful now.
I stare at Takashiro-sempai, getting ready in front of the principal's desk, and call out my summoned beast.
“—Summon.”
The summoned beast I'm very familiar with appears from the patterned array, and there's practically no difference from the first ti it was summoned other than the clothing material. The weapon I've been using all this ti has been the wooden sword, to a point where I find it weird to use anything else.
“Then, I too will sum—”
“Now, Akihisa!”
“Got it!”
I let my summoned beast run towards the principal's desk while Takashiro-sempai's about to call out his summoned beast. My aim isn't to beat this guy, so I have no reason to wait for him to call out his summoned beast. I'll destroy the desk along with the computer using this strength several tis that of a human's, and if there's nothing, I'll just destroy the entire room!
Using the forward montum, my summoned beast swings the wooden sword down—and at that mont.
“It's not always an advantage to be able to touch physical objects.”
My summoned beast was knocked into the bookshelf on the desk.
“Wha—!?”
I couldn't believe my eyes. Thi-This upperclassman, did he…
“Did you just throw the summoned beast aside?”
“No no no. Only Nishimura-sensei is able to do such a thing. I rely added a little force and changed its direction.”
Takashiro-sempai answered as he eased himself from a stance.
That movent just now was—
“Tch. You have fighting experience huh…looks like you're more than what your appearance seems.”
“I didn't know why so many people hated back then, and in middle school, I occasionally attended a dojo.”
Takashiro-sempai rely answered Yuuji's words with a smile.
“…But it's rely to an amateurish level. I probably would not be able to pull this off if Yoshii Akihisa-kun had not been careless.”
And then, he continued on, smiling at this ti.
I'll definitely be lying if I said that I was wary of him, but it's really unexpected to see him actually fight a summoned beast with his physical body…!
“But even so, after saying such words, you never waited for to call out my summoned beast in the slightest…you really will do anything to win, though I had more or less expected it.”
He actually could counter this action, and it's really too much that he was able to read out actions like this. Guess I got no choice but to fight him head on!
“You understand, Akihisa?”
In response to Yuuji's voice, I nod silently.
Humanities, 3-A, Takashiro Masaharu, 375 points (Geography)
Vs
Humanities, 2-F, Yoshii Akihisa, 302 points (Japanese History)
I see that the indicated subject beside the score is humanities. To be honest, I'm really grateful for this.
“I heard that though you are of F class, your scores are beyond that level. Besides your best subjects, your scores are typically around 150 or so, right?”
“I can't consider myself a man if I let myself rot further after the insults you made.”
I really have lots of issues against this upperclassman. It started when he interfered by giving advice during our battle against C class, and then he shad my friend, interrupted our battle against A class, and most importantly—he tried to reach for Hiji-san. With so many reasons now, I have lots of motivation to fight him…and this ti, I have Yuuji helping .
“This really is bad, is it not? This is the one case I really wanted to avoid, seeing you get such a high score through your own ability, Yoshii-kun.”
Takashiro-sempai grimaced.
What he said wasn't unreasonable. This battle is advantageous for us in that we can win in 2 ways—either to destroy the computer, our main aim, or to beat this upperclassman in front of us.
“In this situation, I might be able to beat you and win this summoning war for the 2nd years, Takashiro-sempai.”
If it were any other subject, I could only aim to destroy the target, make use of the good position to drag it into the attack, and destroy it. I now have another way to attack however, and looking at the current situation, I made the best possible move.
“I see. Deary , I really am in a pinch.”
“I'll make that relaxed look on your face disappear.”
Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is now facing off against mine.
I thought his summoned beast would be sothing like a knight from a story, but it unexpectedly turns out to be a samurai.
“This is going to be…a proper battle!”
“Though you did launch a surprise attack just now…”
I first let the summoned beast charge towards Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast, and not the desk to observe the situation. I pretend to swing the wooden sword down, but I'm really aiming at giving a sweeping kick. I'll see how he handles this attack, and then I'll see how good he is!
“Hm, that level of control is as the rumors say. The motions are really fluid.”
He parried my wooden sword with his own sword, and lifted his leg slightly to dodge my sweeping kick. If that wasn't enough, he tried to aim for my leg that had missed its attack.
“…!”
I tried to balance myself after missing my footing, and focused on trying to regain my balance. I guess I'm lucky that he didn't try to attack , whether it was because he was relaxed, or because he was testing .
“Wait…hold on a mont…that level of control is the sa as Akihisa…!?”
Yuuji could only exclaim in shock upon seeing this battle.
Humph Takashiro-sempai chuckled as he scratched his head, saying,
“You really do not know anything, huh?”
“Wh-What do you an?”
“Do I have to tell you how many nial tasks I was bluffed into doing before the 'Punishnt Inspector' was introduced?”
““…””
No, erm…we're in the middle of an important battle here. If you're trying to act cool…
“Akihisa…there's no one else more suited to be your opponent.”
“Stop it! Don't put on the sa level as him!”
“Hm…I suppose I was insulted in so way there.”
I do have mixed feelings having such an opponent getting everything before I did.
“It looks like there are quite so misunderstandings between us. How about we talk a little to understand each other better?”
“Too bad, we don't have the ti—!”
“Haha, you certainly look busy there.”
I don't know what he's aiming at delaying things like this, but there's no benefit for . I won't gain anything from chit-chatting with him, and it's most important to decide this battle on the summoned beasts.
I continue to launch one attack after another, using the power from my high score and all the moves I practiced. However, Takashiro-sempai was always able to dodge using tiny movents and parry my attacks through attacks of similar power.
“You're rather good to be able to match Akihisa when he has those points. You're not normal after all.”
“It is a pleasure to be praised by you, Sakamoto Yuuji-kun.”
My battle with Takashiro-sempai continued while they're talking. It looks like he's only focused on defending, and isn't doing anything to attack.
“What are you waiting for, Takashiro-sempai?”
“Nothing specifically.”
We don't have much ti in the first place, since the other 3rd years will know that we're here. Hiji-san can't possibly hold them off for too long.
But it'll be foolish if I too ss up here. Takashiro-sempai may be aiming for this, and I have to be careful no matter what; I have to attack actively using my advantage.
“Since you're going to focus on defending, I'm going to do sothing else”
I do have a ti limit, but there are two ways to win. If I beat Takashiro-sempai, let's change to Plan B!
First, I aim at Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast like before, and swing my wooden sword down. Once I find that he's preparing to dodge, I'll let my summoned beast jump behind a certain desk. If he decides to defend against , he won't be able to stop .
I'll jump onto the computer on the desk Right after I thought of this.
I felt my arm being grabbed weakly. Ah…this is bad—!
My summoned beast got thrown out again, and Takashiro-sempai was standing leisurely by the side again. Ugh…! I forgot about that…!
“Leaving aside the fact that it is a battle between summoned beasts, I do not think it is despicable for to personally interfere when you are trying to destroy property, no?”
As he said, it isn't despicable since I did attempt to do what he said. Also, there's no rule in the summoning war saying that 'humans can't do anything to summoned beasts personally'.
“This really is getting a little tough…”
Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is strong, and he can personally block from destroying the computer. It's also against the rules for to attack Takashiro-sempai directly, so that of course is a no-go.
The controller itself is experienced in combat, and Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is so strong. He must be really used to handling one on one battles.
In that case, the best option for to take in this situation—
“Yoshii Akihisa-kun, how about we have a wager?'
“—Eh? A wager?”
This upperclassman just said sothing strange in this situation while I'm disadvantaged. How am I supposed to be free enough to bet on sothing in this battle?
“Yes, a bet. Let us have a woman on the line in this battle, without anyone else interfering. Do you not feel, after making it all the way here, that it is noble to fight over her?”
Takashiro-sempai never specifically ntion who she is, but it's definitely Hiji-san. He intends to use her as part of our bet.
“…I don't want to bet on this while ignoring her wishes.”
Even if I do agree to this, it's aningless if Hiji-san herself does not. Doesn't Takashiro-sempai understand this at all?
After hearing my solemn reply, Takashiro-sempai rely shook his head and answered,
“No no, the winner will not necessarily win her; this is not the basis of this bet. That is sothing she would have to agree with in the first place.”
“Then, what's the bet?”
“Between you and , Yoshii Akihisa-kun, the loser will be unable to approach her. This is all.”
I see. It's true that her opinion doesn't matter here. Takashiro-sempai and I are the only ones who need to accept this.
“It is against my principles to use one's affections for another as a bet…but this is for the sake of Miss Hiji Mizuki's future. It will be really great if you can accept it.”
For Hiji-san's 'future' this sounds really annoying to , and I can't help but emphasize my tone.
“…What are you trying to say?”
If it's that being near Hiji-san will bring her unhappiness, if that's what he's saying, I can't pretend to ignore it.
“Akihisa, don't listen to any taunts the enemy makes.”
Yuuji advised , probably worried that Takashiro-sempai might have so intentions. He's simply worrying too much though. This upperclassman is the reason for Hiji-san's unhappiness.
“It's fine Yuuji. Let him say whatever he wants. He needs to know what reality is.”
And also, maybe I might be able to understand what Hiji-san has been troubled about recently.
Upon hearing say this, “Thank goodness”, Takashiro-sempai nodded in satisfaction. His reactions really annoy .
“Well then, since it will be crude to simply talk about this nicely, I shall get straight to the point.”
Ahemhe coughed pretentiously, and continued,
"Yoshii Akihisa-kun, your existence and future will hinder the future potentials Miss Hiji Mizuki might possess.”
My value of worth was completely ignored by him, and I beco more forceful in my tone,
“…What do you an by that?”
“Do you understand Miss Hiji Mizuki's personality?”
“I guess. A little better than you, that is, sempai.”
I smile leisurely, filled with hostility within.
“Then, do you know of her going overseas in an exchange program with our sister school?”
Takashiro-sempai said.
“…Eh…?”
For an instant, I could not understand what Takashiro-sempai ant when he said that, and I accidentally blurted out.
It seems Takashiro-sempai wants to hear this again as he repeated his words another ti.
“I am asking if you heard that Miss Hiji Mizuki is going overseas for an exchange program with another school?”
Exchange program…?
I couldn't hide my shock at these words.
But after hearing them, I started to think about lots of things.
Hiji-san has been looking weird whenever she was called to the principal's office.
Linne-kun isn't just so 'foreign student', but a 'foreign exchange student'.
Hiji-san and Takashiro-sempai did have so deep talk between them.
He started to explain everything.
“The treatnt over there is just like A class, and living overseas is also an important experience as part of one's growth. You do think that this is also a good thing for her, no?”
I can't deny that at all. I don't know what Hiji-san herself thinks, but normally, she'll get a better studying environnt if she goes overseas.
Because of this, I can understand what Takashiro-sempai ant when he talks about 'Hiji-san's potentials'.
But—
“Why're you saying that I'm stopping Hiji-san?”
I don't know what he ant when he said my existence will only hinder her. I don't understand this at all. It's true that I'll be sad if Hiji-san leaves, but I won't stop her. I didn't know about this at all, and even if I want to stop her, I can't.
While I'm feeling skeptical, my opponent lets out a sigh.
“I do not wish to ntion this to you, but it will be great if you can understand…”
“Sorry, I'm not a smart guy in any way.”
Guess I've got no choice, Takashiro-sempai gave such an expression once he heard my reply, and started talking as if he's lecturing .
“I heard that you've been fighting summoning wars so that Miss Hiji can get A class treatnt.”
“…”
I didn't answer.
The opponent continues on selfishly as if his words were confird.
“This is a fact even I, as a 3rd year, can find out simply through so investigations. Miss Hiji Mizuki also does know your motives for participating in the summoning wars, right?”
I still didn't answer.
“Then, think about Miss Hiji Mizuki's position given her personality. You should be able to know the answer then, right?”
Hiji-san's position.
In terms of ability, she's at class A's level, and while us class F was fighting class A, she got news about going overseas to study—
“Even if there was a superior proposal, how would anyone think if he knows of soone fighting for his sake? As you know, Yoshii Akihisa-kun, Miss Hiji Mizuki is very kind, and certainly she would only have one thought.”
Don't let everything go to waste…there's no doubt Hiji-san will have such thoughts, even if she has to bury her own future.
In other words, my efforts to get class A's facilities for Hiji-san will be—
“That is why she cannot talk about going overseas to study. Your wishes to beat class A is the reason why she would abandon her own future and stay in this school, no? Your efforts and kind intentions were the cause of it.”
I suddenly recalled that when we were fighting against Kirishima-san and class A, Takashiro-sempai asked sothing strange.
“Yoshii Akihisa-kun. When a person with ability, but is unfairly treated, tries to get back the position he deserves, will you step in to interfere?”
Now I finally understand the aning behind that question.
I thought Takashiro-sempai was the one stopping her…but that's wrong. The one stopping her is—!
“It seems you have understood.”
Sempai showed a depressed look, seemingly trying to console .
I didn't say anything as I continue to listen to him.
“And then, once you know this truth, she will be be troubled all the more and say so kind lies to rationalize your actions? At that mont, I hope that you will make the correct response.”
It seed he was done with whatever he wanted to say as he continues to look at without saying anything.
I see. It's because of that reason that he made just a bet…I understand.
Anyway, what I have to do now is—
“…Akihisa, go retreat to Shimada's group for now. We'll get our field into theirs and start an 'interference'.”
Yuuji's voice echoes in the room, probably trying to snap out of my thoughts.
“Eh, what're you saying, Yuuji? How can we run away without doing anything?”
“Just give up. This upperclassman's a lot more prepared than you imagined. You can't possibly complete the objective in such a situation.”
Prepared? I don't understand what Yuuji's saying here. There aren't any ambush forces here, just a simple battle of points, and we do have a good chance of winning here. No, I would say that there's still a second option, so I have so advantage against this upperclassman in a one-on-one battle.
Takashiro-sempai asks, seemingly expressing my thoughts.
“Oh, Sakamoto Yuuji-kun, I do think it's disadvantageous to retreat in such a situation. Do you really think this is a good option?”
“Yeah, we're retreating. Though you're easy to bluff, it doesn't an that you're bad at bluffing others, right?”
“…What do you an by that?”
“Your expression sure changed there. Are you really bothered that we're running away?”
Both of them continued to talk.
“Yes, of course I would. Yoshii Akihisa-kun is strong in battle, and so is Miss Hiji Mizuki. It would be fine if you had understood what I was getting at just now, but I cannot allow you to escape.”
“Ha, such ridiculous words you say. What I think is that you just don't want Hiji and Akihisa to have a chat over this by settling this as quickly as possible.”
Yuuji gave a taunting look.
“I truly believe this is an incorrect decision—but even if I do say so, you would not listen to my words, I suppose.”
Takashiro-sempai said, and sighed.
“Then, I shall add on to the bet.”
He takes out a familiar looking letter from his uniform pocket.
…That's the thing Linne-kun tried to pass to —
“A few days ago, I received this letter from Mr Linne Klein. I assud he would write sothing related to this summoning war, information that was overly unnecessary to you…”
“This summoning war? What do you an? What happened?”
“There is no need for you to know. I think you should have it though, Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”
His stare at has so deep aning behind it. I should have this? What does he an?
“As it is written here, it is a diary of a certain female, translated into Japanese. It was originally written in a foreign language, and it seed Mr Linne Klein wanted to hand it to you after he translated it.”
Suddenly, I rembered a foreign notebook I gave to Linne-kun before the start of our summoning war against class A. Was that a diary?
“I do apologize, but I did so form of investigation to check if he had written any unnecessary information. Of course, the truth was that I was being too paranoid.”
Takashiro-sempai calmly said.
He read the diary? Whose? What's written on it? Is it alright if others know about this?
“This diary contains undiluted love expressed to a certain boy, how she liked 'him', and what sort of hero 'he' is to her.”
This was a diary dropped in class F.
A diary belonging to a girl.
Written in a foreign language.
This is written…with a feeling of not wanting others to know about it.
“I do believe the na of the diary's owner is—Miss Shimada Minami.”
At that instant, I heard sothing snap within .
“Stop it, Akihisa! That's Takashiro's taunt!”
Yuuji binds back by locking in a Nelson's hold, and I try my best to break free from it as I growled at that guy,
“HAND IT OVER TO , YOU SCUMBAG!”
“I do find it surprising to be called a scumbag. I did not read it to peek on her feelings.”
“What are you surprised about when you yapped about wanting to use it as a bet!”
“I am doing all of these for Miss Hiji Mizuki's future. I will gladly accept the task even if these acts are seen as twisted and diabolic. This is no different from what you have been doing till now, and you have no right to despise now, do you?”
“SHUT UP! DON'T SAY SUCH ANNOYING NONSENSE!”
I couldn't move, but my summoned beast could.
I let my summoned beast, which has been on standby till now, attack Takashiro-sempai directly.
“You idiot! That large movent will only get beaten through!”
At the sa ti Yuuji lashed out, Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast stabs at mine from the side.
“…Tch! Don't—get in my way!”
I block that sword with my wooden sword, and then hit out at the interfering summoned beast.
The enemy dodges the attack by twisting its body slightly, and ducked down to send a sweeping kick to .
“You're a nuisance!”
I stamp at the incoming sweeping kick to deal with the enemy's attack, and the enemy frantically kneels down to try and dodge my attack.
“You are able to perform like this even in such a situation…you certainly are not an enemy I can let my guard down against, Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”
“Shut up! I'll smash you to bits!”
“Huh, I guess it is to be expected that you are being so angry after all. You know that your efforts to help Miss Hiji Mizuki are only hindering her, and I pointed out the hypocrisy in your actions. You have no way to argue back even after being told off, and your embarrassnt over your failure led to your anger.”
“Shut up shut up SHUT UP!”
If not for this guy, Hiji-san will definitely tell everything.
If not for this guy, Minami's diary won't be seen!
If not for this guy—!
“Do you truly understand? I rely explained all the facts to you. No matter whether I am around, Miss Hiji Mizuki will still be in a dilemma between your actions and going overseas, and Miss Shimada Minami will never be able to hide her secret because you read it, right?”
The enemy didn't attack furiously, instead dodging at all the ti. I really want to make that bastard shut up, but there's still no developnt in the battle.
“That's enough—I heard enough of those disgusting words.”
But I have an ability that can overco the current situation.
“Double!”
I call out the keyword.
This keyword allows to call out another summoned beast.
Another magic array appears beside my feet, and there appears another familiar of mine.
I let the main beast attack the right arm of the enemy, and the sub beast attack the left arm, using the wooden sword to block the sides.
“So now it has arrived, this power that is said to be able to overpower Nishimura-sensei…!”
Takashiro-sempai's expression changed.
The enemy twists its body to dodge the wooden sword attacking the head, and barely managed to dodge the other attack using a sword. He's not used to fighting against many people after all, just as I expected! Him trying to stop is suicidal!
I let my main summoned beast attack the enemy, and the instant he stops, I'll let the sub beast swing—
At that mont,
“!? Wh…y…!?”
My two summoned beast can't move.
“Chance for , I guess.”
The enemy didn't allow this opportunity to get away as it broke free from the tussle and gets into attack position. Tch…! It's fine! I'm able to take it given my points!
Once I realize that my summoned beast's unable to move for so reason, I try my best to think of how to fight back.
On the other hand, the enemy turns the blade back and attacks the wooden sword from below, attacking the arms of the summoned beast that is unable to move. A reverse blade? Is he going easy on ?
“Are you…making fun of …!?”
And then, I feel a sharp pain in my left arm. Naturally, I want to use my right hand to hold it.
“It will be the other side this ti around.”
I feel an equal amount of pain on the right side this ti.
“Ah…a…”
The sharp pain caused my arms to go numb and slump weakly.
“And then, over here.”
I can't resist as I can only watch the enemy send a kick at the abdon.
An unspeakable amount of pain overcos my entire body.
“—aaa!? Ugh…ahh…!”
My arms are numb, and I can't hold onto my hurting areas, so I ended up kneeling on the floor. It hurts! …I can't take it…I'm…suffocating…!
“Akihisa!”
“You do not have to worry. It is simply a feedback of the pain, and there will not be any wounds. Even so, I did hit the areas where the pain would focus, so the feedback this ti will be 100 tis that of the usual.”
I feel a pain stronger than the pain in my arms overcoming my body, rendering unconscious
I'm rolling on the floor in pain, unable to even kneel.
“…You bastard, you actually did such a despicable thing…!”
“Yoshii Akihisa-kun is an opponent that cannot be dealt with using ordinary thods. Please allow to capitalize on the weaknesses of the 'Punishnt Inspector'.”
I groan. The sharp pain is causing a shock in my heart, and no matter how I try to open my mouth, I can't breath. My numb arms an that I can't put my hands on my belly to adjust my breathing. It hurts…! It really hurts…! It's unbearable…!
“And now for the final blow.”
“Wait, Takashiro.”
“Is there sothing, Sakamoto Yuuji-kun?”
“…We lose. I surrender. Don't let Akihisa suffer like this.”
“Ah, thank goodness. I do not wish for others to suffer in futility, so—”
“Ar—gh…! Move…!”
“Akihisa!?”
“It looks like he still does not wish to give up, but that is all.”
I could control my summoned beast without any issues up till now, and now I cannot give any instructions at all. Damn it…why can't I move…!?
“That truly is an amazing amount of will you have. A hit in the solar plexus would bring about a diabolic amount of pain.”
I still can't breath, and I can't even feel all my pain fully, let alone recover.
In my mind, now devoid of oxygen, the only thing running within is the aim to beat this opponent in front of .
“But I am not a rciless person, so I shall not cause him further pain in this situation. Besides, Yoshii Akihisa-kun is unable to do anything now.”
“What's going on? Why do you say he can't do anything?”
“Pardon for not stating things clearly. I do not an Yoshii Akihisa-kun himself, but that his summoned beasts cannot do anything.”
My summoned beasts can't move no matter how much I try. Why…! Is it because I can't focus in my pain…!?
“The 'Punishnt Inspector' is a unique summoned beast, but you often focus on your advantages and underestimate others. It is the sa for the platinum bracelets.”
“Ah…! Did…!”
“I heard there is a defect in this bracelet. For example, it will short-circuit when used by those with high scores.”
Takashiro-sempai's words enter my mind in the midst of my pain and agony.
How Yuuji and I got the platinum bracelets. Right, it's because there's a defect in them that the principal gave it to us.
“Yoshii Akihisa-kun's strength is a threat, and even with such a score he had, the flaw in the bracelet could not be activated. I might not be able to win if he uses the two summoned beasts then.”
“So you've been taunting Akihisa before the war even started…! That's just to get him to activate the flaw in the bracelet?”
“That is how it is. Yoshii Akihisa-kun's competitiveness really helped out here.”
In other words, I've been toyed by him right from the get-go? Is that it…?
“The efforts you put in to win ended up being the cause of your downfall, and your efforts for Miss Hiji Mizuki caused her anguish—I can understand your pain here, Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”
Upon hearing Takashiro-sempai's pity, I end up in a great amount of despair as I kneel on the floor in pain and agony.
It's fine if everything I did till now is futile. It's not sothing to be happy about, but it's not a rare thing for an idiot like to work hard and get nothing in the end.
But it's different this ti.
My efforts for us ended up causing trouble for my important friend—and the person I like. This isn't a case of futility, but unnecessary efforts.
What did Hiji-san think when she heard say that 'we're going to beat class A'? Did she find it stupid when there was a better choice for her, or did she feel sad for ?
—No, it'll be great if she really thinks that way. That's so sort of salvation for .
Hiji-san isn't soone who'll think like that however.
Hiji-san's heart has been aching whenever she looks at . Because of that, she must have been depressed.
“…Am I…in the way…”
I inadvertently utter these words.
“It is truly a pity, Yoshii Akihisa-kun. There is only one thing you can do, and that is to back out obediently and not say anything ridiculous. This is the best choice both for you and for her.”
As Takashiro-sempai has said, even if I say to Hiji-san that 'I'm beating class A for my own sake', she won't believe it. Instead of being presumptuous in getting class A's facilities, letting her stay in class F without any illness…
Right when I can't tell whether the continuous amount of pain was coming from within .
The principal's office door opens with a creak.
“Eh…? Takashiro-sempai? Why…?”
A familiar girl appears there.
“Hiji-san…?”
She probably ca to check on us because the summoning system isn't destroyed yet, right? Anyway, she so happened to be here, right at this mont.
“Akihisa-kun, what did you say to Takashiro-sempai…”
It was a voice I could recognize straight away.
There's no need to explain, for the atmosphere surrounding us explained everything clearly.
“Akihisa!”
At the mont Yuuji called out to , I felt a feedback in my body. My summoned beasts were probably kicked away by Yuuji.
“…Sakamoto Yuuji-kun. This act seems to be against the rules.”
“Sorry, I slipped trying to get close in my panic.”
I look on, and find that the enemy's summoned beast stabbed through where my summoned beast was at. He probably did that to prevent my summoned beast from being attacked, I guess?
“Do you wish for a rematch, Yoshii Akihisa-kun? Since Miss Hiji Mizuki has arrived, I suppose my allies will co soon.”
Takashiro-sempai points at my summoned beast, which is already unable to move.
No, it's the sa whether I fight back on now. Right now, I'm…
“Please wait, Takashiro-sempai. I wish to say so things to Akihisa-kun just for a while.”
“Normally, I would listen to your requests no matter what, Miss Hiji Mizuki…but a duel is a duel.”
Unlike before, Takashiro-sempai has beco really competitive as he rejected Hiji-san's request.
But to be honest, I'm really grateful that he's showing such an attitude right now. Even if I do talk to Hiji-san, I don't know how to handle what's next.
“I shall formally apologize for my refusal when we are alone together.”
Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast attacks mine.
“Summon.”
At this mont, Hiji-san's summoned beast appears and rushes in, looking like it wishes to let my summoned beast escape.
“Eh, Hiji-san…!?”
“2-F's Hiji Mizuki proposes a challenge against Takashiro-sempai in place of Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”
Humanities, 3-A, Takashiro Masaharu, 375 points (Geography)
Vs
Humanities, 2-F, Hiji Mizuki, 87 points (Japanese History)
Hiji-san's summoned beast readies its weapon, and the score's shown.
“Miss Hiji Mizuki, I do have to praise you for not giving up on your classmates, but you may be overestimating yourself a little too much fighting with such scores.”
He probably expected that Hiji-san used up quite so points before getting here, as he doesn't look wary at all even after seeing her summoned beast.
“I know that I alone can't beat you, Takashiro-sempai.”
My summoned beast can't move because of the defect in the bracelet, and Hiji-san's summoned beast has used up a lot of points. In contrast, we're facing an enemy with high scores and top-notch skills.
This situation is despairing.
“…Yuuji, if you don't want to give up on this summoning war, cancel this field and run out with Hiji-san.”
I say to Yuuji. He's probably thinking about how to overturn this situation, right?
“…What about you?”
Yuuji asks calmly.
I stare at the summoning field in silence.
Hiji-san's summoned beast has been hacking hard at Takashiro-sempai, but it's only a matter of ti before she's beaten.
It's impossible for everyone to escape in this situation, and I can't help out.
“I want to think about so things, in the detention room…”
I'll just stay here and let Yuuji and Hiji-san retreat. According to the rules of the summoning war, if the participant ends the battle on his own will, that person will be disqualified for running away from the enemy in battle. In that case, I should stay here since I can't fight, and let them escape.
Right when I want to say this to Yuuji, Hiji-san says to Yuuji,
“Sakamoto-kun, please bring Akihisa-kun back to Shouko-chan and the rest. You should be able to understand who's more likely to survive, with the higher scores, or Akihisa-kun.”
Hiji-san stares at Yuuji seriously.
After hearing Hiji-san's words, Yuuji decided.
“Sorry Hiji.”
He grabs by the chest and forces to stand up with all his strength when I'm unable to even move, dragging to the window. Is this guy seriously going to leave Hiji-san behind here…?
“Wait Yuuji, it's aningless for to survive now. You better escape with Hiji-san.”
“Shut up, enough with the grumbles.”
Yuuji completely ignores as he drags along, planning to escape.
But I just wish to say sothing.
“But Yuuji…even if we can escape, I can't possibly do my best to survive…”
What'll happen if I continue to work hard? The more I work hard, wouldn't Hiji-san feel more troubled and give up on the better future she has?
Suddenly, I recall two scenes in my mind.
One of it was the scene I saw after school when we were in elentary school.
A girl was writing silently on the blackboard under the glow of the sunset.
The other was during my elentary school days, at a certain hospital.
A girl sobbing as she studied in the quiet ward room.
This girl truly touched for being so gentle, so hardworking. I definitely have to see that she gets what she deserves.
She's currently growing, trying her best to be recognized, her large winds about to et the winds. There's nothing I can do now that I know that my actions will hinder her.
“Miss Hiji Mizuki, I do wish that Yoshii Akihisa-kun will stay right now. Please do not make take you down.”
Hiji-san ignores Takashiro-sempai, who said such things, and she looks to be complaining about sothing as she looks at , saying,
“I'm sorry for not saying this to you, Akihisa-kun. I know I shouldn't hide this from you, but I was wondering whether I should tell you this.”
“That is enough, Miss Hiji Mizuki. I hope you understand this is for your own good.”
Takashiro-sempai doesn't weaken his summoned beast's attacks.
Hiji-san continues to deal with the attacks as her points gets depleted as she says to ,
“Because if I told you that, you'll definitely tell 'you should go', or sothing like that. I understand you'll say that for my sake, but I don't wish to hear you say anything like a farewell to , Akihisa-kun.”
While Hiji-san's talking to , Yuuji lifts up onto the windowsill.
As she watches , she says to , crying yet smiling,
“Because—I like you, Akihisa-kun!”
The mont I heard these words, Yuuji's hands threw out of the window.
And then, I was practically dragged away by Yuuji.
“Run, Akihisa! Hiji's efforts will be for naught if Takashiro catches up to us.”
For naught, my body naturally moved once I heard those words.
I'm thinking of not troubling Hiji-san again.
While I continue to run, my legs felt like they belong to soone else, and in my groggy mind, I think about what Hiji-san just said.
“Because—I like you, Akihisa-kun!”
Hiji-san said that she likes , and because of that, she never talked about going overseas.
Her guess was correct. If I know that she's going overseas, where the conditions are better, I'll be hurt, but I'll definitely advise her to go. As for why, it's because it'll be simply stubborn for to make her stay here.
She likes , and doesn't want to say any farewell to her, so she never said so. That's really a reasonable answer.
But Hiji-san said that she really likes .
In the battle before this, Takashiro-sempai said,
“And then, once you know this truth, she will be be troubled all the more and say so kind lies to rationalize your actions?”
I'm shocked to know that my actions will hinder Hiji-san's future. Maybe she said she liked to console and tell that my actions aren't hindering her.
Hiji-san said that her first love has yet to end, so I know I'm not the one she liked since elentary school…
“…Is it just as Takashiro-sempai said…”
I don't know where I escaped from since I was thinking. I continued to follow Yuuji as he continued to run to escape from the enemies, and recall the first ti I t Hiji-san.
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