kscans

Chapter 81 - Chapter 4: Prologue

Chapter 4: Prologue

Mid-June. Rain fell softly, and the air was thick with a humid heat.

Despite it being a weekday afternoon, I was in my room playing video games.

I wasn't skipping or playing hooky. My high school is currently closed.

During the stampede on the day of the sports festival, many teachers, students, and parents died. Many more were seriously injured, and the school building itself was damaged. It was simply impossible to reopen the school right away.

And so, summer vacation came early. The break, which was originally supposed to be from late July to the end of August, was moved to mid-June through late July.

Classes are scheduled to resume right around the time other high schools start their summer breaks... apparently.

Yes, that's the 'plan,' but...

"My, Kyouta-kun, are you lost in thought?"

"Well, yes."

"Hey, hey, admitting it so easily? We're in the middle of a heated battle, you know?"

"I'm stuck in the corner of the screen getting comboed and can't move."

I looked ahead at the game console I'd recently bought—not the one I'd borrowed from Aira-san.

On the screen, my character was being relentlessly pummeled against the wall. The infuriating part was that no matter what button I pressed, I couldn't counterattack.

"Hahaha! My apologies, Kyouta-kun. It's just that I'm too strong!"

"Fight on, Kyouta-chan! Don't give up! Go, go, go! Show him that golden right hook!"

"Erina-san, don't tell me you know how to get out of this combo...!?"

"...Guts!"

"I had a feeling you'd say that."

"Finiiiiiish!!"

My character was mercilessly sent flying. And Aira-san's character started teabagging me over and over.

"Hmph, another victory added to my collection..."

"So annoying."

I can just picture her smug face, even over the telepathic link.

"You should really stop the teabagging habit, you know."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha! The howls of the loser always make the booze taste better!"

"That's why you have so few friends."

"Could you not land a critical hit out of nowhere...?"

"My bad."

Oh dear, she sounds like she's on the verge of death.

"Anyway, let's play a different game next!"

"Did you just say 'anyway'? Hey, look at my emotional wounds! My brains are splattered everywhere!"

"She was dead."

"Wanna play 'Matsuo Race'?"

"Yeah!"

"An amazing recovery speed."

I sighed softly as I navigated the game console to the start screen of 'Matsuo Race 8.'

"What's wrong, Kyouta-kun? Love troubles?"

"No."

"What, Kyouta-chan!? Who is this woman!!"

"I said no."

"So it's a man then!?"

"Shut it."

*"Yes, ma'am."

Besides, I wonder if Erina-san, if not Aira-san, is facing the same problem?

"It's about school. I was just wondering when it's going to reopen."

After all, she goes to the same high school as I do.

I really hoped it wouldn't just close down for good. Transferring would be way too much of a hassle.

"My, Kyouta-kun, I didn't know you loved school so much. I mean, I understand wanting to legally ogle high school girls in their uniforms, but..."

"What do you take me for? And I hate school."

"A perverted demon. And you don't like school. Then you shouldn't worry about it so much, should you?"

"I heard it's supposed to reopen in late July, right?"

"Yeah. That's the plan, but I wonder if it'll actually go according to plan. The school building is a mess all over."

I decided to ignore the ditzy college student's assessment of me for now. When I think back to the victory party, I can't exactly deny it.

Erina-san's bunny suit and Aira-san's slutty cheongsam are precious memories...!

Getting back on topic, the school building is in shambles because of the Demon's attack. Some classrooms are half-buried in rubble.

By national standards, it's definitely in a state where it's 'unusable as a school.'

*"Ah, that's right. You were the one who headbutted it, stabbed the walls with your sword, and stomped them to bits."

"It was all the Demon's fault. No doubt about it."

*"Well, I won't deny that."

Legally, I'm innocent, so it's all good.

...Seriously, I'm glad I wasn't billed for the repairs. I earned some money for Aira-san's lab, but it definitely wouldn't have been enough to fix that much damage.

The last resort of 'fixing it with alchemy' would have risked exposing my unique skill, not to mention I have no knowledge of architecture. I doubt I'd find anything that specialized online.

But, on the other hand, a magician or alchemist with knowledge of architecture could significantly shorten the construction period. So, the building itself might be fine. If they have the budget, that is.

But there's another problem.

"And then there's the trauma for the students and teachers..."

*"Well, the dungeon that caused it is pretty close, so that makes it worse."

"Yeah..."

The Lesser Demons' dungeon is about three kilometers from the school. Since it's not in an evacuation zone, the school can legally reopen once the building is repaired.

But you can't heal the human heart in a short amount of time.

*"Speaking of which, I heard the school is strongly encouraging students to go to counseling."

"Apparently, there's a waiting list. I can't say I'm surprised."

That's how many people want to regain their peace of mind. Even I don't like to remember the sights of that day.

Watching people die in front of you is pretty rough. I saw plenty of dead bodies during the Orc and Centaur stampedes, but that was the first time I'd seen someone die up close.

The calmer I become afterward, the more the endorphins that flooded my brain during and immediately after the battle fade, and a heavy, unpleasant 'something' settles in the pit of my stomach.

It must be guilt. For surviving. For being the only ones with the means to fight back. And for the lives we couldn't save.

Logically, I know it's not my fault, but human emotions are difficult to control, even when they're your own.

What's really messed up is that it would be easier if I could just wallow in some kind of 'tragic protagonist' mindset. But when I eat, the food tastes good. When I see a beautiful woman in a scandalous outfit, my base desires stir. And when I lie down in bed, I sleep soundly. ...On the days I don't have nightmares, anyway.

I'm so half-assed. I've returned to my daily life surprisingly well, yet sometimes, as if remembering, a wave of nausea washes over me.

Another sigh escaped me naturally.

"I'm ready! Let's race!!"

"You're really full of energy."

"Hmm? Well, there's no point in worrying. Besides, hey! Even if the construction is delayed, I'm sure they'll reopen classes at another high school or in a rented building! Or online! Right now, we should enjoy our short summer vacation!"

"Your mental fortitude is insane..."

"Come on, now. Continuing to talk about gloomy things won't change the situation. For now, let's just forget about all the difficult stuff and play our hearts out. It's a rare chance to play on a weekday afternoon, after all!"

"...Oh. Come to think of it, Aira-san. Is it okay for you to be doing this? Don't you have classes today?"

*"I don't have any lectures at this time. And as for the lab, thanks to you two, I've already completed plenty of my tasks."

"I see."

*"Granny is the only one in our lab who can enter dungeons, but of course, she can't gather data all by herself. Besides, she's busy. That's where you guys, who collect all sorts of videos and drop items, come in as really great helping hands. And by scouting you, supporting you, and compiling the information, my own stock rises."

"Well, as long as you have time to play, I guess it's fine."

"Hehehe. I only want to do things that interest me. I've contributed enough to the lab, so I leave the tedious parts to the other students. Thanks to that, I have this kind of free time!"

"That's why you don't have any friends at university."

"Hehehe. ...pien*."

*"She's crying."

"Sorry."

"I just work faster than other people... I do compile data and create documents... I'm not slacking off..."

"No, I'm really sorry."

"Sniffle, sniffle... If only Kyouta-kun would cross-dress, give me a lap pillow, and call me 'Big Sis,' this emotional wound might heal..."

"Hahaha. Nice joke."

"That wasn't a joke, though?"

"I meant that I'll beat you up if you don't make it a joke."

*"Eek."

*"Wow, what a menacing voice."

I do not have a cross-dressing fetish. Absolutely not.

When I lightly searched for things about that day online, I found a blog that seriously referred to me as a 'mysterious beautiful maid.'

When I read the part describing their lust for my cross-dressing self, a shiver of fear ran down my spine.

"Aargh! In that case, I'll vent! I'm going to vent!!"

"Kyouta-chan, any preference for the course?"

"Oh, then let's do the Oeyama Circuit."

"Hey, listen to meeee!! Mia has been so cold to me lately! Even when I call or text her, she barely pays any attention to me!"

"I see. By the way, what kind of things do you talk to Miyoshi-san about?"

*"Like, where do you start washing when you take a bath, or the color of your underwear today."

"You should be grateful you haven't been sued."

*"But I want to match if possible..."

"That's just creepy. You know harassment can happen even between family members...?"

"Sniffle. I'm lonely. Tonight, I'll put Mia's old clothes on Renge and use her as a body pillow again..."

"What are you making a security golem do? Also, that's seriously messed up, as a person."

"Oh, are you jealous? Hah! I'm such a sinful woman!"

"You're using 'sin' in the wrong way."

"But Senpai doesn't seem to mind that much?"

"I didn't want to know that."

Their sisterly relationship got complicated due to certain circumstances. Now that it's been repaired, isn't it getting complicated in a new way? Are Aira-san and Miyoshi-san okay?

*"Is Kyouta-kun also dying to know about my panties? You little closet pervert! Well? Depending on your attitude? I might just tell you? If you beg 'Please, Aira-sama,' I'll-"

"Is that true, Kyouta-chan? Senpai's panties today are light green with a white ribbon!"

*"Wait, Erina-kun. Wait. Please, I'm begging you, don't actually tell him."

So... light green... with a ribbon.

While inwardly thanking Erina-san, I felt a little awkward, so I changed the subject.

"Speaking of worries, I actually have one more."

*"What is it? By the way, I'm going with the heavy tank-type ox-cart. Full investment in weight! I'll ram the other ox-carts out of the way."

"Then I'll go for speed!! A ninja... is all about... agility...!!"

"Don't you two go off-course so often because you're so extreme... ?"

I finished customizing my own ox-cart and completed my preparations.

"So, what's troubling you? Is it love troubles this time?"

"Who is this woman!!"

"Stop with the running gag. No, it's not a big deal, but... my parents have started talking about 'training to become Awakened Persons.'"

*"Ahhh."

That was the second time my parents had been caught in a stampede. It seems they're bothered by the fact that they were saved by their son and his friends both times.

I think fighting is all about having the right person for the right job, but I guess it's a matter of parental love and pride.

I understand their reasons, but it's not exactly something I can celebrate wholeheartedly.

"This 'Awakening training' stuff, it's all shady, isn't it? From what I've heard, 90% of it is a scam, right? And the other 10% is just a fluke."

*"Well, to begin with, how one becomes Awakened is still ambiguous."

There are all sorts of advertisements out there, like, 'Train with us and you can become an Awakened Person!... maybe,' or 'You too can become an Awakened Person with this method! Individual results may vary.'

Bullying of the Awakened by the non-Awakened has become a social issue, but it seems the honest truth is that most non-Awakened people would become Awakened if they could.

And so, the world is filled with suspicious ads and mysterious drinks.

"But my parents seem to think that 'if it's a place run by the government,' it should be fine."

*"...Hrm."

"They're talking about trying to go to the 'National Awakening Support Center' that's been on TV recently."

'National Awakening Support Center.'

Apparently, it's an institution established through Japan-U.S. cooperation to research and provide the process of becoming an Awakened Person. It's brand new, so of course, it has no track record.

Since it's run by the government, I'm not overly suspicious, but anyone can make mistakes, and I can't trust it 100%. Since it's a newly established facility, there might be some 'slip-ups.' Whether intentional or accidental is another matter.

Right now, while I don't really know what kind of place it is, it's an initiative I don't want my parents involved in. At the very least, I want to wait and see for a while longer.

*"........."

"I'd hate for something to happen to my parents because of some weird training method, so I'm worried."

*"...You're right. However... no, it couldn't be that blatant... but considering Kyouta-kun's level..."

"Aira-san?"

Aira-san suddenly started muttering to herself, and I tilted my head in confusion.

*"Hey, hey, Kyouta-chan."

"Yes?"

"Do your mom and dad really want to become Awakened that badly?"

"It seems so. I don't want them to go anywhere dangerous, but... it's the same for both of us, so it's hard to object. And more importantly, just being an Awakened Person can increase your survival rate in some situations."

Actually, we're not the only Awakened Persons at our school. There are some in the second and third years, too. I've never met them, and I don't know their names.

However, I heard a rumor that those people immediately evacuated the scene with only their own families at that time. Frankly, I'm envious. I would have run away if I could have.

If my parents were also Awakened, they might be able to escape immediately if something similar happened again.

As I thought about that, I picked up an item on the screen. Ah, ox dung.

*"...This might be a good time. Hey, Kyouta-kun."

"Yes? Oh, I picked up some ox dung. Can I throw it at you, Aira-san?"

*"My character is behind yours, though!? Ahem. I'm also against your parents going to such a suspicious facility."

"Suspicious..."

It's run by the government, so you don't have to go that far.

*"So, here's an idea. Granny has been saying she wants to talk to you and your parents for a while now. I'll ask if she can persuade them for you at the same time."

"Huh?"

*"I'll check Granny's schedule later, so you ask your parents about their availability too."

"Oh, then I'm coming too! I haven't been to Kyouta-chan's house yet!"

"Eh... eh?"

They're coming? The Professor and Erina-san? For real?

...For real!?

"Uh, um. My mental preparation..."

"Now, now, now!"

"No, I'm saying-"

"Now, now, now, now!!"

"Now, now, now, now, now, now!!"

"You're trying to brute-force this!?"

It's true that Erina-san had been talking about coming over since before the sports festival. The Demon incident managed to derail that conversation.

But this time, it's a set with the Professor. I need them to wait. My brain's capacity is going to break.

"At least! At least don't come at the same time!!"

"Now, now, now, now, now, now!!"

"Now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now!!"

"Is it only 'now'!? Even for brute force, add a little more variety!?"

"Well then. Enough talk... It's time to go for the win...!"

"I haven't agreed to any of this, you know?"

*"Kyouta-chan... you really don't want me to? If so, I'll stay back..."

"Eh, no. That's not what I mean...!"

*"Kyouta-kun is soft on Erina-kun. Ā-chan has learned."

Did she just call herself 'Ā-chan'? This college student.

I fell silent, and a deliberate cough came through the link.

*"Ahem! Now, the time has come to decide the victor, gentlemen! I wonder who will cross the finish line in first place!?"

"...Um. I've noticed we're in a battle for last place."

"I'm in fourth place!!"

"Don't be so proud of such a painfully mediocre rank..."

"Oh, come oooon!!"

After that, Aira-san and I got into a massive squabble, tripping each other up.

...Wait, are the Professor and Erina-san really coming over at the same time? I need to mentally prepare for each of them separately, but in different ways.

...For now, I guess I should hide the books and games I can't let them see, which I carelessly unsealed.