Chapter 49 - New Semester and First-Year War [1] (1/2)

49. New Semester and First-Year War [1]

After returning from Vesteria Kingdom, I wanted to spend a peaceful summer vacation.

However, life was not so merciful and I was hit by various troubles.

(That’s right… It was when I went to see a movie with Ria and Rose.)

Ria blurted out that we went to Vesteria – and made things unnecessarily complicated.

Naturally, Rose was offended for being left out.

I promised to go alone with her next time, and managed to settle the situation peacefully.

Besides that, I encountered a robbery by chance and subdued the criminals, and I was also harassed by Cain-san from Ice King Academy, who had turned into a passionate stalker. To be honest, I never got a proper break.

(It was a really busy summer vacation…)

I managed to survive such an intense holiday safely and,

「Well then… Ria, did you forget anything?」

「Nope, everything is perfect.」

The first day of the new semester – I went to Thousand Blade Academy with Ria.

August 1st.

Because it was the height of summer, the scorching sun rays blazed down on us.

However, today, the humidity was low and there was also wind blowing, so it was a refreshing feeling rather than the usual suffocating feeling.

As I observed Ria with a fleeting glance, she seemed to be humming in good spirits.

(…It was worth going to Vesteria)

I am able to attend Thousand Blade Academy with her – I’m genuinely happy about that fact.

「…What’s the matter, Allen? By any chance, is there something on my face?」

Ria, who noticed my gaze, said that while touching her face.

「Fufu. No, it’s nothing.」

We went to the classroom, listening to the singing of cicadas in the summer along the way.

■

When I opened the door of Year 1 Class A, many of our classmates were already inside.

「Oh! It’s been a while, Allen!」

The first to call out was, Iron Cutting style swordsman, Tessa Burmond.

「Good morning, Tessa.」

When I raised my hand and gave a greeting – he analyzed me from top to bottom.

「W-What’s up, Tessa…?」

All of a sudden while I was confused,

「Allen, you… have gotten considerably stronger, haven’t you?」

He muttered with a slightly frustrated look.

「I-Is that right? I can’t really tell for myself… Well, I can say the same for you too, Tessa. You’ve improved your skills quite a bit, haven’t you? That palm… You’ve been swinging a lot, haven’t you?」

His hand, which was covered in calluses, was clearly stiff and strong.

「Oh, you realised! But it’s not just swinging, you know? We went through a harsh training to not lose to you. Be prepared for when we fight next time, okay?」

「Aa, I’m looking forward to it.」

After that,

「Good morning, Allen!」

「Good morning! Allen-kun, Ria-san!」

Beginning with Tessa, everyone in the class greeted me.

「Good morning everyone.」

「Good morning! Let’s get along in the second semester as well!」

After I finished greeting everyone, I dropped my belongings into my seat. And then the back door of the classroom opened weakly.

「…Fuwaa」

It was Rose, who came in from there, seeming to be more sleepy than usual.

When she came to me with unsteady steps,

「Fuwaa… Morning, Allen, Ria.」

She raised her right hand weakly while stretching.

「Good morning, Rose. You look as sleepy as usual.」

「Good morning, Rose. Your ahoge is amazing as usual…」

When the three of us were gathered as usual, the familiar academy chime rang, and everyone got to their usual seats.

The seat by the window for the first time in a month.

The scenery outside seen from here also felt somewhat nostalgic.

Then, a little while later, the door of the classroom opened with a rattling sound,

「-Good morning, everyone! We’ll begin the morning homeroom right away!」

As usual, Leia-sensei came in full of vigour.

「I have some announcements, but… let’s do that at the final homeroom today. -Yoshi, let’s start right away! Everyone move to the Soul Dress Area!」

After that, we took the soul dress class without a break in the first period.

Some classmates have already manifested their soul dress, and are now working to control and strengthen them.

I looked at them with a sidelong glance and… felt a little envious of their talent.

(…No, in the first place『talent』 is different for me compared to everyone else. They entered Thousand Blade Academy with their abilities, instead of a recommendation – they are elites among the elites. I have no time to be jealous… Ordinary people like me, simply have to work hard non-stop…!)

Then, I shook off the miscellaneous thoughts, and assumed a stance with the spirit sword in hand, and concentrated my mind.

Inhale deeply and exhale slowly.

I went deep into my consciousness – sinking towards my soul.

And then I opened my eyes – withered wilderness spread before me.

Withered tree.

Withered soil.

Withered air.

(How many times have I come to this desolate world…?)

Then I called out to that guy, who was lying on a huge rock.

「Yo… it’s been a month.」

「Oo…! Despite the previous experiences… you’ve come again… E”e?」

I threw one question at that guy, who had a heinous smile.