Chapter 197: Like a Phoenix (1/2)

“Wa~, how splendid. So that’s the purple cloud that’s been doing no good.”

At a certain place of the wasteland, looking up at the sky, there’s a purple cumulonimbus cloud.

It had a magnificent size and height.

A purple cloud in the blue sky.

What a highlight.

“It has quite the scale. With this, counting the location, a lot of casualties might be brought about.”

The one who accompanied me when I said I wanted to see a purple cloud if there’s one out, was Tomoe.

Quickly investigating the area that it appeared in, she brought me here.

“Place? Around where is this in the wasteland?” (Makoto)

“At a considerably eastern part. The mountain range that can be seen at the front is dividing the lands other than the wasteland.” (Tomoe)

Tomoe points at the mountains rising perpendicularly.

Obviously, I can’t see the other side.

“When you say east, does that mean it doesn’t have anything to do with Tsige? There’s no base here so, where would the casualties come from?” (Makoto)

“Lorel Union. At the other side of this wasteland is the Lorel Union. If I remember correctly… there isn’t such an important place or a big town in the maps, but there should be a forest and a river, so those will be exposed to damage.” (Tomoe)

“The wasteland is really vast huh. It even makes contact with Lorel territory.” (Makoto)

There’s no accurate portrayal of the wasteland in maps, so I didn’t know.

“The mountain range continues on for quite a long way, so it doesn’t feel as if it is making contact with Lorel after all.” (Tomoe)

“If I remember correctly, Lime is curently there, right?” (Makoto)

Hibiki-senpai is in Lorel, and Lime is telling us her movements.

It seems like he is going together with them, and the detailed information reaches Tomoe’s place.

“Yeah. I am already thinking about having him return soon though.” (Tomoe)

“That means Hibiki-senpai and her group are about to return to Limia?” (Makoto)

“That’s what’s expected. I have been unable to make contact with him these last few days, so it is only a guess though.” (Tomoe)

“If it’s Lime, he should be fine. Senpai is also there after all.” (Makoto)

Tomoe makes a slight face of unamusement.

“Is Hibiki that much of a person? It is certainly true that her head works relatively well, but I honestly don’t think she is as high as Waka praises her to be.” (Tomoe)

“I think that Hibiki-senpai is a genius. To the point that I wouldn’t be able to believe that she is only one year apart from me. I do think that my bow skills can be considered a talent, but Senpai is really a person that can do anything.” (Makoto)

“Aren’t you over evaluating her?” (Tomoe)

“Really?” (Makoto)

“It is certainly true that she has excelling points, but I think that Waka is an even more excelling existence. That’s how I feel. It is hard to say this, but Waka’s evaluation of Hibiki might enter into the category of admiration.” (Tomoe)

“…Maybe. If Senpai were exactly as I had imagined her to be, she wouldn’t be in this parallel world in the first place. I wasn’t able to ask her about this the time I met her, but well, I admit that admiration is mixed in it.” (Makoto)

“Waka won’t grow dependant on Hibiki, but it looked like she had more talent in being a politician than being a warrior. It might be unnecessary, but just to give you a slight warning.” (Tomoe)

“Thanks, Tomoe. I will be careful.” (Makoto)

Well, even if she says that, I don’t think that Hibiki-senpai would set me up.

There’s no reason for that.

Leaving aside Tomoki, I think Senpai is okay.

I did give a warning to Tomoki after all.

“…And so, Waka, have you seen plenty enough of that purple cloud?” (Tomoe)

“Even when we call it, there’s no reaction. It seems like it is impossible to communicate. I think there’s a way, but…there’s no need to go that far.” (Makoto)

“Then you don’t mind heading back now, right? Later you have classes, and there’s also the contact of Limia. Shiki has gone to Rotsgard first, so Waka should also go soon.” (Tomoe)

“Yeah. It doesn’t seem like it can be used in my lectures after all. Next is…” (Makoto)

I call Azusa and set an arrow.

“Waka?” (Tomoe)

“If we leave it be, it will head to Lorel, right? That place is working as a receptacle for otherworldlers, so I was thinking about helping them a bit, you see.” (Makoto)

“In that case, the debt would be bigger when damage is caused, you know?” (Tomoe)

“Hahaha, how to say it, it is not like I want them to be indebted.” (Makoto)

“Compassion is not for others to see, or something like that?” (Tomoe)

“It is a bit different from that too.” (Makoto)

Preparing the arrow, and in a stance where my aim is plenty enough, I answer Tomoe.

The location I placed my aim at was a core-looking part that I found by using [Sakai].

At a point where it is especially thick in density within that gas formed cloud.

If I shoot there, it will probably show results.

What Tomoe said might be close to how I feel, but it is slightly different.

I look for a word that might serve to denote it.

“Ah, right. ‘Sending a favor’, might be closer.” (Makoto)

Releasing my arrow, I speak out the words that I felt were most appropriate.

“Sending a favor?” (Tomoe)

“They gave a home to the Japanese otherworldlers that fell into a parallel world. Leaving aside their motives, I think there were many who were saved because of that.” (Makoto)

“Well, that’s probably the case.” (Tomoe)

“That’s why I felt a debt towards that action of Lorel, and I am returning that debt. It is not a debt that I received though.” (Makoto)

“Is that something the preceding Japanese wished for? To return the favour of people you don’t even know of, it is a feeling I don’t understand well. I also don’t understand why you won’t look for a reward in this matter.” (Tomoe)

The place that the arrow pierced had a hole opened in it, and with that as the starting point, the purple cloud scatters.

The resistance was low.

It is true that it shot through the target, and yet, it felt like it was a fake.

It is the peculiar feeling of an archer that was telling me this.

But it is certain that I did shoot through their link, so it’s probably not gonna turn into a big disaster.

Frankly speaking, the fact that the sensation of ‘killing’ it is not clear is making me have a bad feeling.

Even if I want to confirm it, I don’t have the time.

Well, if anything happens in Lorel, I have the reports of Lime.

It should be okay to deal with it when I learn of it.

“Why I did this, or anything further than that, even I don’t completely understand it myself. Just that, since they took care of my fellow Japanese, I thought of helping them out a bit. Sending a favour is just how I called it.” (Makoto)

“So my learning is still lacking huh. I have to devote myself more. No matter the case, it was splendid. With this, it will probably be unable to create any big evil.” (Tomoe)

“Ah!”

Damn it!

“What’s wrong?” (Tomoe)

“Sample. Shiki said he was interested as well!” (Makoto)

“If it’s about that, I have already collected it and send it to Asora. If it’s only a small amount, it shouldn’t pose any danger, and it won’t pose any problems either.” (Tomoe)

“…I’m glad. Then, let’s go back.” (Makoto)

“Understood. About the people that are going to migrate to the sea, I am thinking about selecting them with the idea of Waka. It will probably take a whole day with Mio and I. If I think about the dried anchovies I will be able to grill, this cannot be called a pain though. Fufufufu~~” (Tomoe)

“Prepare a kotatsu and oranges.” (Makoto)

“Well well, I am looking forward to it.” (Tomoe)

Now then, I wonder how Jin and the others are doing.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

[Now then, it has been a while since our last lecture.]

Shiki and I were at the outdoor field of the Academy, facing the students.

But what’s bothering me is not the serious expressions of my students, it’s the massive amount of gazes being poured at us.

[There’s a lot of spectators.]

[I want you to step back so that you don’t get injured though.]

The later half, I write it towards the students that are spectating.

But the response that came back was mostly about them not minding.

Even though most would leave after saying this in the past.

Well, if they say it is okay to get injured, it is fine then.

The contents of it are the same as what I applied at the office department after all.

[How enthusiastic. Well, okay. Just like always, we will be doing a combination of mock battle and reflection.]

Jin silently lifted his hand.

[What is it, Jin?]

“Who’s the opponent? We want to change our formation depending on it.” (Jin)

It seems like they have been thinking about it a lot and have prepared for the lesson.

Truly zealous.

Comparing it to when I was in senior high school, it makes me feel embarrassed.

But this time would trouble me.

Because I want to see their current skills after all.

[First of all, I will have everyone face a new opponent. The contemplation of it will come later as homework. The mock battle will be with a long distance and close combat. We will be doing a mock battle with the party that you have assigned for it, and do a contemplation and discussion of it. These are the plans for today.]

“A-A new enemy?” (Jin)

Without the need to wait for Jin’s words, tension runs within the group of students.

I wanted to see how much strength they have against an enemy they don’t have information or countermeasures of, and then, after carefully seeing it, I will decide how to train them.

…But the opponent is someone that, if I could take my time looking at the fight, they would already reach the approved line though.

“There’s no way…it could be Shiki-san or Sensei, right?” (Amelia)

Amelia asked nervously.

…

Eh? Did their heads get slow because they tasted being matchless in this End of the Century-turned Academy?

“There’s no way Waka-sama or I would be your opponents. If you get conceited like that, you will bring about unnecessary injuries you know, Amelia.” (Shiki)

“Sorry!!” (Amelia)

Shiki says it for me.

With how it looks, I will have to wring them a bit harder huh.

[Then, prepare.]

“Raidou-sensei! When you say ‘as always’, you mean…everything goes, right?” (Yuno)

Yuno asks for confirmation.

[Of course. Struggle with everything you have.]

“Understood!!” (Yuno)

It seems like she has a hidden card.

The students that were guided by Shiki take their positions, and then they make their formation.

…They are divided in a standard formation of vanguard protecting the rear guard.

They don’t know what will be coming, so they are going to face it with the standard first huh.

That they don’t have a clever scheme might be an indication of their self-confidence.

Now then, let’s call them then.

The two are busy, so let’s go with a time limit.

I confirm the situation with thought transmission, and then, I open a door for Asora.

“…”

“…”

The ones who appeared were two.

The two were looking at their surroundings and confirming their opponents, and after bowing once at me, they looked towards Jin and the others, and took their stances.

“Then, I am counting on you; Ema, Agarest.” (Makoto)

I whisper towards the two.

Confirming that both nod, I take distance from the place that will most likely turn into a battleground.

The opponents of Jin’s group this time are Highland Orcs.

Number one magician, Ema; and the number one warrior, Agarest.

The small height Ema and the giant Agarest that surpasses 2 meters. The difference in height is so big, that one would wonder if they are actually from the same race. But even if they look like this, Ema would win in a long ranged fight.

Now then, what will happen?

Or more like, how many minutes will they last, huh.

While at it, I exchanged looks with Shiki, and he understood what I wanted.

“Begin!” (Shiki)

At the same time as the signal comes, Jin and Daena go for the first move, and dash.

Daena is faster by one body length.

It is a power that he has been training since before the Academy festival.

Without any extra details, it is enhancement to all stats. Daena himself calls it Second Stage.

He is using it from the very beginning.

Compared to the instantaneous enhancement of Jin, its consumption is not good, but to get twice as strong is kinda…appealing.

At that rate, if Agarest doesn’t move, it feels like Daena will arrive first by several seconds.

The rear guard didn’t move, and while being cautious of the Orcs, they began their arias.

And there’s also the vanguard that serves as the role of shield, Misura, standing at the starting point, and it seems he is just waiting and watching.

It is not like they are being overawed or being negligent huh.

Agarest is a macho that looks like a mass of muscles, and in contrast, Ema has a harmless appearance like that of a plushie.

With the first look at them, one would normally get scared or underestimate them, but it seems they are not. That’s impressive.

“I will scatter them.” (Agarest)

“Yeah, that’s what I thought you would say.” (Ema)

Looking forward, the short words of Agarest were responded by Ema who is at his back.

Right after, the body of Agarest was wrapped in a dark red light, at its surface, patterns rose and it increased his intensity.

Daeno who saw this, decreased his speed; Jin also grabbed his sword with both hands and took a stance.

Too bad.

The correct answer was to continue running forward.

“Fuh~~”

Pointing his shoulder guard to the front, he holds his halberd with the opposite hand.

Agarest who is heavily equipped, charges power into his body and breathes in. He makes a clear to understand expression.

‘I will be rushing now’, is what his stance was saying.

No, it’s exactly what he did.

“!!”

“Daena, spread!” (Jin)

“Understood!” (Daena)

Being pressed by the pressure, the hesitant Jin and Daena moved.

Their judgment was fast.

Just like what Jin feared, Agarest rushed forward while still enveloped in light.

It was truly the dash of an Orc that left everything to power.

If it were a normal situation, Jin’s judgment would have made it with spare time, but there’s also the spell of Ema.

I heard that in Kaleneon, he used his whole power and had become stalwart in the fight of Kaleneon.

If Agarest comes flying, it would seriously be no joke.

Agarest passes through the middle of Jin and Daena who had gone to the left and right, and they were assaulted by the squall created by Agarest and the spell of Ema.

“Geh?!”

“A shock wave, and also, heat?! Guh! Damn it!!”

Even though they weren’t touched, the two students were fallen on the ground as if a car had crashed on them.

Jin seemed like he still had the ability to speak so, maybe he let himself be blown away without going against it?

It looks like he is not unscathed, but it doesn’t seem like he is completely out of the fight.

Daena looks like he is still okay. So his elevated powers saved him huh.

But how will the students that are in the crashing point fare?

Agarest’s attack has not even begun.