After taking about three days to recover my strength, it became clear that using [Brilliant Break] twice had taken a significant toll on my body. Not to mention, I had employed techniques I had never practiced before.
As school resumed, I found myself back in the routine, and my first class was about to begin.
Stepping into the classroom, I was met with an unexpected scene. Several girls rushed toward me in excitement.
"Hu-Huh?" I involuntarily took a step back, a bit overwhelmed by their sudden attention.
"Are you truly the Queen's son?"
"How did you master [Brilliant Break]?"
"It's impossible that you're just an E rank! I can sense it!"
Maintaining my usual stoic expression, I felt a bit lost in how to respond to the sudden barrage of questions and curiosity.
'These girls...' Amai's disappointed voice resonated in my mind.
Out of nowhere, Amai materialized beside me, her voice laced with anger as she lashed out at the girls.
"Leave my Master alone!"
My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Amai had shouted that out loud, exposing our connection. I couldn't help but worry about the repercussions of her outburst.
"L-Lady Oracle?" One of the girls stammered, taken aback by Amai's sudden presence and her assertive tone.
The room was filled with a mixture of shock and confusion. Why was Amai here? Wasn't she supposed to be in Aimi's possession?
Amai returned to my inventory, disappearing just as suddenly as she had appeared.
I awkwardly made my way past the girls, seeking refuge in a corner of the room. I took my seat and stared at my desk in silence.
Most of the girls eventually returned to their seats, except for one who approached me with unparalleled energy.
"Heeeyaaa!" She came dangerously close to crashing into my desk, creating quite a scene.
"U-uh... hi?" I responded, somewhat taken aback by her exuberance.
Who was this hyperactive girl? I had a foreboding feeling about where this was headed.
"Hiii! I'm Nonaka Teruko! It's a pleasure to meet you, Yami-kun!" Her smile was as bright as the sun.
It marked the second time I had seen a genuine smile.
"The pleasure is mine," I replied, matching her smile with one of my own.
There was no need to ask how she knew my name; it was clear. I vividly remembered my mother teleporting me to the ceremony and the duel between Oharu and me. In some circles, I was gaining notoriety. Or perhaps infamy was a more accurate term.
"That fight was incredible! Who would've thought you'd use [Brilliant Break]! Especially not a guy... no offense," she added with a chuckle.
"Y-yeah... I didn't expect it either."
"I can imagine... You're Lady Oracle's new Master, right? Kimiko is going to be so jealous," she said with a nervous laugh, picturing her friend breaking mountains with her bare fists.
"Kimiko?" I mused aloud, a sense of familiarity tugging at my memory.
"You mean you don't know Onishi Kimiko?"
Just saying her full name seemed to carry gravity.
"She's the Battle Maiden Representative for Boreal Hill High!" Teruko exclaimed with excitement. "I'm determined to take her place and represent our school someday!"
I smiled as I looked at her, appreciating her determination. While she aspired to greatness, I couldn't help but ponder my own purpose.
Images of my father's face flashed through my mind, intertwined with thoughts of Taiken... Taiken, all of them must die.
"What an admirable goal you have. I'll be cheering for you," I offered sincerely.
'Idiot!!' Amai's voice echoed in my thoughts, laced with frustration.
I flinched internally at her outburst.
'You're going to have to face her and her team eventually! Kimiko is part of Squad 14, the strongest team in Boreal Hill High!'
I redirected my gaze toward Teruko, who was still looking at me with a determined fire in her eyes.
"In fact... I was hoping we could face each other, to compete for Kimiko's spot," she said, pausing briefly before turning to gaze out the window. "There's an annual event, the Battle Maiden Royale. It surpasses even national sports and events. Representatives from different schools duel in a tournament. I've always dreamt of participating. Winning would grant you privileges for a lifetime—fame, wealth, and more."
"Our school holds a tournament to select its representative," she continued, locking eyes with me. Her finger pointed playfully at my face as she exclaimed, "I'll defeat you, even with [Brilliant Break] activated! I'll show the Queen how strong I've become!"
Ah, a challenge right to my face?
Rising from my seat, I closed the distance between us until we were face-to-face.
"You're on," I declared confidently, a smirk forming on my lips.
Teruko's excited smile matched my challenge.
I returned to my seat just as the teacher entered the room. To my surprise, Teruko took the seat next to mine.
As the teacher entered the room, the chatter among the students gradually subsided, and the classroom settled into an anticipatory hush. It seemed it was time for the class to begin.
The teacher, a seasoned magician with an air of authority, began the lesson by writing a series of complex magical symbols on the chalkboard. My gaze followed the lines and curves, the unfamiliar patterns leaving me bewildered.
"Today, we shall delve into the foundational concepts of magical manipulation," the teacher announced, his voice steady and knowledgeable. "Magic is the essence that flows through all things, connecting us to the very fabric of reality. It's the energy that allows us to shape and bend the world to our will."
I leaned forward slightly, trying to absorb his words, but my understanding remained elusive. The terms he used were foreign to me, and the concept of manipulating reality through energy seemed distant and intangible.
Amai's voice resonated in my mind, offering a simplified interpretation. "Think of magic as a powerful force that permeates everything. It's like the currents of a river that flows through the world, connecting all living things."
I nodded internally, grasping her analogy. It was like an invisible river that carried an energy I couldn't see, but I could feel its existence in some form.
The teacher continued his lecture, discussing various aspects of magical theory. He spoke of mana, the raw magical energy that practitioners harnessed, and the importance of channeling it through the correct symbols and incantations to create the desired effects.
Despite my efforts to understand, the lecture felt like a torrent of information that I struggled to navigate. I glanced at my notes, a mess of doodles and scribbles that held no meaning to me.
Amai's voice intervened once more, attempting to bridge the gap between my confusion and the lecture. "Think of mana as the fuel that powers magic spells. Just like a vehicle needs fuel to move, spells need mana to work. And those symbols the teacher is talking about? They're like the instructions that guide the mana to do what you want."
I nodded again, grateful for Amai's straightforward explanations. Her analogies helped ground the abstract concepts in my mind.
The teacher then introduced the concept of elemental magic, explaining how different types of mana were attuned to specific elements—fire, water, earth, and air. She described the interactions between these elements and how magicians could tap into their energies to create spells of varying effects.
Amai's voice chimed in once more, breaking down the concept further. "Imagine each element as a distinct flavor of magic. Just like you can mix ingredients to create different dishes, magicians can combine elements to create unique spells. Fire and air might create a spell with heat and speed, while water and earth could form a spell with stability and fluidity."
As the teacher delved deeper into magical philosophy, discussing concepts like astral planes and mana convergence, my mind threatened to unravel. Amai's explanations provided an anchor, helping me grasp the core ideas amid the complexity.
The class continued, and Nonaka, who sat beside me, seemed captivated by the lecture. She scribbled notes enthusiastically, her eyes shining with excitement. However, my notes remained sparse, and my understanding was still a jumble of vague concepts.
Amai's voice persisted, offering her insights in a way only I could hear. "Don't worry, Yami. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Magic is like learning a new language. It takes time to grasp the basics, but with practice and guidance, you'll improve."
I appreciated her reassurance, her presence soothing the frustration that threatened to creep in.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson, I closed my notebook with a sigh. The magical world was vast and intricate, and I had only just scratched the surface. But with Amai by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope that understanding and proficiency would come in time.
Nonaka turned to me with a wide grin, her energy infectious. "Wasn't that amazing, Yami-kun? I can't wait to learn more!"
I offered her a small smile in return. "Yeah, it was quite... enlightening."
"So… what are you up to after class?" Teruko's question hung in the air, her eyes fixed on me with genuine interest.
I chuckled nervously, feeling a bit caught off guard by her directness. I shifted my gaze away, trying to evade her playful scrutiny.
"Mmmm? Are you hiding something?" Teruko leaned in closer, her teasing tone laced with mischief.
My heart skipped a beat at her proximity. "N-no, it's not that... I'm just planning to visit someone," I stammered, my attempt to sound casual falling a bit flat.
Her eyes gleamed mischievously as if she was expecting more than just that. I internally sighed, the struggle to resist her infectious energy real.
"Wanna come along?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, prompted by those puppy-like eyes she was giving me.
"Yaaaay! Where should I wait for you?" Her enthusiasm was palpable, her excitement contagious.
"Main gate. I'm heading to the mall with someone," I replied, my inner monologue cursing myself for letting her tag along.
'Ah, damn it! There goes my original plans!'
I glanced at her and asked casually, "Do you hang out with any friends?"
Her reaction was sudden and dramatic. Her eyes lost their sparkle, her face clouded over, and she fell into silence.
'Did I just step on a landmine?' I felt a pang of regret. I hadn't expected that she might not have many friends with her vibrant personality.
Then, unexpectedly, her expression brightened.
"Aww, you didn't have to say that, you..." She smiled like a kid who had just been given a treat. Perhaps she was a sucker for compliments?
"N-no, I'm not..." I tried to play it cool, but her retort caught me off guard. Wait, she retorted?
My eyes widened as realization dawned on me. Her sudden change in demeanor, the dramatic shift... she must have read my thoughts.
"Y-You can read minds?" The words left my lips before I could stop them, my surprise evident.
Teruko nodded, her playful demeanor returning. "Yup! Sure can! So, what's up with all those dark thoughts, huh?"
My heart raced as I realized she was hearing everything going on in my head.
"I... see." My voice trailed off, a mix of discomfort and curiosity swirling within me.
"You sure do have a twisted mind, you know. Kinda gives me the creeps," She shivered playfully as she spoke, looking at me with an amused expression.
"H-Hey, that's not really... uh, kosher," I protested, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Don't you know that's—"
"A crime? Yeah, I know," She interrupted with a laugh, finishing my sentence.
I fell silent for a moment, unsure how to proceed. "I was actually going to say 'sick,' but sure..."
Teruko's expression shifted, her playfulness giving way to vulnerability. "I'm sorry... I hear thoughts. They haunt me, the things I don't want to know, secrets that should remain hidden, things I wish I'd never heard. Guilt overwhelms me sometimes. I feel like this 'gift' is more of a curse."
"It's not a curse," I interjected, my voice sincere. "In fact, I think it's pretty amazing. Sure, some people might find it creepy, maybe disturbing, or even annoying..."
As I spoke, Teruko's face paled, her eyes widening in surprise.
"But this gift can also save lives. You can help others who can't express themselves, those going through tough times..."
I allowed her to glimpse my thoughts, sharing my doubts, my struggles, and my past actions.
Her shock was evident, her eyes revealing the darkness she had witnessed within me—thoughts of death, revenge, and despair.
"But you can use your gift for good, to connect with others, to ease their minds," I continued, wanting her to understand that her abilities held potential beyond the haunting thoughts.
"I... don't know what to say," She admitted, her gaze now seeing me in a new light.
'No wonder Amai chose you as her Master...'
Before I could respond, I checked my phone, realizing I had only a minute before my next class started.
"Oh, shoot! I've got to go. See you at the main gate after class!" I sped off, waving a quick goodbye to Teruko.
As I hurried away, I couldn't help but think, 'Goodbye, friend.'
She watched me go, her expression a mix of intrigue and newfound understanding, before she turned to head to her own next class.
The next class was Physical Training, though I wasn't particularly fond of the name. As I stepped into the vast gym, my gaze swept across the expanse filled with multiple basketball courts and mats to fight in. The atmosphere was pleasant, with the air conditioning running smoothly. The view before me was like candy for my eyes.
Girls were scattered around, engaging in various activities—running, bouncing, and energetically participating in basketball games, while some were stretching and warming up.
Yep, I definitely felt out of place. Very, very out of place.
"Oh? Are you the lone male student?" The teacher's voice cut through the gym's sounds as she approached me. She analyzed me from head to toe before nodding as if making some profound observation.
"You seem weak. Fragile. Do you even engage in any form of exercise?" Her words came in a barrage of critical remarks.
I stood there, absorbing each insult, trying to maintain a facade of resilience.
Not... that it didn't hurt, you know!
"I still can't quite grasp how you managed to stand your ground against a member of the Yoshitaka Clan, and you even defeated her. And then there's [Brilliant Break]..."
I replied casually, "Well... like mother, like son."
"What?! Aimi-chan is your mother?!"
'Aimi-chan?' I almost laughed at the term but managed to hold it in.
"Yes, apparently I'm her son."
"Apparently..." The atmosphere grew awkward, and we both found ourselves looking down at the floor, the silence hanging heavily between us for a good five seconds.
"So... do I just join in or...?" I broke the silence, eager to fill the void.
"O-oh, right now we're just doing warm-up activities. In about ten minutes, we'll start a sparring session, so you'll need to find a partner," she explained.
She added, "And you should change into appropriate attire."
"Yes, ma'am... but, where's the changing area? Is there a locker room for guys or-"
"Head to the forest. Change over there."
I remained silent for a moment, inwardly sighing at the unexpected response.
Of course, go figure.
Storming away in a huff, I made my way toward the forest, my irritation still simmering beneath the surface. The dense trees surrounded me as I sought refuge in their quiet embrace.
Eventually, I stumbled upon Shizue by the side of a tranquil waterfall. The gentle rush of water created a soothing melody, and the sight of the small lake beneath it tempted me to take a dip, though I knew I had class to attend.
As I gazed at the serene scene, a soft hum reached my ears.
"Mmhhh~ Mmmmm~ Mhhhh~"
Oh no, not again!
Why did it seem like girls had a habit of choosing this spot for their impromptu baths? Was there something about this place that made them feel like it was a natural spa or something?
Caught in my exasperation, I accidentally stepped on a dry branch, the sound of it cracking echoing through the area.
In an instant, her attention was drawn to the noise, her gaze locking onto mine. Our eyes met, and a wave of panic washed over me.
'Oh no, oh no, oh no!'
The sheer awkwardness of the situation was suffocating, and my mind raced to come up with something to say or do to alleviate the tension.
"He-hey there... We meet aga—"
Before I could finish my sentence, a blazing fireball hurtled towards me, striking my abdomen with astonishing speed. The impact was immediate, and I was engulfed in searing pain before darkness overtook me.
"You perv!" Shizue's voice pierced the air like a sonic boom.
...
Moments later, I regained consciousness, finding myself face-planted in the forest. Blades of grass had invaded my mouth, and dirt had marred my once-pristine uniform. To top it off, there were scorch marks on my clothing, a grim reminder of the fiery attack that had taken me down.
"Ugh... damn it," I grumbled, hastily brushing off the dirt and straightening myself up.
"She just left me here unconscious, huh? Next time, I'll let the fishes have her!" I muttered in annoyance, feeling a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
After changing into my sports shorts and shirt, I made my way back to the Physical Training class. The teacher gave me a stern look as I entered and promptly dragged me into the midst of the group of girls.
Glares from all directions met my return...
The tension in the room was palpable, and I could practically feel the weight of everyone's judgment. Nobody would willingly want to pair up with me after that incident.
"Girls... and boy, you know the drill. Form pairs and wait your turn for sparring," the teacher announced.
As the girls began to pair off, I was left standing on my own — not that it surprised me. There was only one other person left without a partner, a lone figure waiting by herself.
With a resigned sigh, she approached me in a humble manner, her voice soft and sweet like syrup.
"Um... greetings..."
"Yami, Oshima Yami," I introduced myself.
"Greetings, Yami-san. It seems fate has chosen us to be partners. I hope you don't mind?" Her tone was modest, and she exuded a gentle aura.
How polite...
"No, not at all. I'm completely fine with it." I mused silently, curious about her motive for asking.
"Wakabayashi Yuna," She supplied, introducing herself.
"Yuna-san... Wait. You're part of my Squad!" I exclaimed, a sudden realization dawning on me.
"That does indeed seem to be the case," She replied with a modest smile, her expression humble.
"Have you had the chance to interact with anyone else from our Squad?" I inquired, curious to know more about her interactions so far.
'They all have such unique personalities, making it quite a challenge to engage in casual conversations...'
"N-no... I haven't. I find it rather difficult to initiate conversations with members of such esteemed clans," She responded, her voice reflecting her reserved nature.
She really just said that...
Wakabayashi Clan... one of the wealthiest families in all of Kazumaki. They're renowned for creating the most exquisite and expensive chocolates... Kazumaki, our country.
As the pairs of students engaged in their sparring sessions, I couldn't shake off a sense of unease. It was my turn next, and my partner was none other than Wakabayashi Yuna.
I watched as a few pairs battled it out, each displaying varying degrees of skill and determination. The sounds of clashing, grunting, and the occasional burst of energy filled the gym. As I looked around, I noticed Yuna standing there, her expression a mixture of apprehension and humility.
The time finally came for us to face each other. We stepped onto the mat, facing each other with a respectful nod. The teacher's words rang in my ears: "Remember, this is a friendly sparring session. No need to hold back, but don't go overboard either."
We assumed our combat stances, and without further ado, the match began.
I made the first move, closing the distance between us with a quick burst of speed. Yuna's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she tried to sidestep, but I managed to land a light strike on her shoulder.
It wasn't even close to my full strength, just a tap to test her reflexes. However, her body recoiled from the impact, and her expression turned from surprise to one of pain. I immediately realized that I had underestimated her fragility.
"Oh no... I didn't mean to—"
Before I could finish my sentence, Yuna retaliated. She threw a punch, but it was slow and lacked power. I easily dodged it, but I could tell that she wasn't used to combat. It was as if she had never engaged in a physical confrontation before.
Seeing her struggle, I attempted to create an opening for her. I threw a punch that intentionally missed her by a wide margin. Her eyes widened in response, and she seized the opportunity to counterattack.
Her punch came closer this time, but it lacked precision and force. I could have easily evaded it, but instead, I allowed it to graze my cheek. Yuna seemed surprised by the contact, and I saw a mix of disbelief and confusion in her eyes.
The onlookers, however, had a different perspective. To them, it appeared as if I had taken the hit on purpose and was letting her land blows on me. The murmurs in the room grew louder, and I caught snippets of their comments: "Is he toying with her?" "He looks so evil..." "Yami is merciless."
Despite my intention to give Yuna a fighting chance, my actions were inadvertently painting me as a ruthless combatant. I continued to feign vulnerability, occasionally allowing her weak strikes to make contact. With each successful hit, the tension in the room escalated, and I could feel the weight of their judgment.
I saw Yuna's face growing more determined with every strike she landed. It was clear that she wanted to prove herself, to overcome her own perceived weaknesses. Yet, as she continued to attack, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of guilt.
Finally, after a series of exchanged blows, Yuna's stamina waned. She was breathing heavily, and her movements were becoming sluggish. It was time to bring the match to an end.
I decided to initiate a clean, controlled takedown, making sure it was both gentle and controlled. As I executed the maneuver, I could see the surprise in Yuna's eyes. She stumbled, falling onto the mat with a surprised expression.
The bell signaling the end of the match rang, and we both stood up. Yuna's face was flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and a newfound sense of accomplishment. She extended her hand towards me, and I shook it, offering a small smile.
"You're strong, Yuna-san," I said sincerely.
Her response was a mixture of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Yami-san."
As we walked off the mat, the gaze of the other students remained fixed on me. Unbeknownst to them, my intentions had been entirely different from what they perceived. While they saw an intimidating and merciless opponent, I knew that all I had wanted was to help Yuna gain some confidence.