Chapter 60: The Strength of the Hero
The day of the Academy's sponsored swordsmanship tournament had arrived.
After last year's tragedy, the academy had taken appropriate measures to hold the event.
The venue was changed from the training grounds of the academy to the arena of the Knights Order. It was a last-minute change. In fact, the plan was to use the arena from the beginning, and it was just kept secret so that information would not leak out.
Many people wondered how much secrecy could be maintained based on the assumption that there might be people from the Anti-Hero Alliance inside, but it was better to do it than not to do it, so no one spoke out against it.
And that's not the only countermeasure.
The arena has been closed to all but authorized personnel for several days now, and every corner of the arena has been thoroughly inspected to ensure that no one can sneak in or plant anything in advance. In particular, the reactions related to magic were thoroughly investigated by sending out a large number of people from the Mage Order.
After doing so, of course, the coming and going of people and luggage on the day of the event were also strictly checked.
No suspicious persons were allowed inside. It was supposed to be such a strict inspection.
"Hey. That's Ren-kun, right?"
Mei, who was sitting in the audience seat, asked Shizuru next to her.
"Yes... it's Ren."
Shizuru answered Mei's question with a nonchalant look.
"As expected. The children are with him?"
There are two children sitting next to Ren, a boy and a girl. Mei can only think of one thing when it comes to children with Ren.
"Orphan children. Ren takes care of them."
"I know that. I mean, the children in the monastery."
"Yes"
"You know, the ones who tried to kill us?"
Shizuru's reaction was not what Mei thought. Mei does not know that Shizuru lives with those children.
"But it's not the children's fault. They're a little harsh with me, they're mean, they do bad things and bully me, but they're good kids."
"...Which part of that are good kids?"
"Because it's just a child's prank..."
They have done many things to her that can't be called pranks, but they don't come out of Shizuru's mouth. The reason is that it is not something she can talk about with others.
"I don't know about this, but Shizuru has met the children before, right?"
"Yes."
"You're too careless. What are you going to do if you get killed?"
Unlike Shizuru, Mei immediately thought of this.
"They haven't killed me."
"Of course not. But if that's the case, I can say I'm relieved. Then I'm going to Ren-kun's place."
"Eh?"
"There's something I want to talk to him about."
She had wanted to talk to Ren for a long time, but Mei hesitated to approach him because she was wary of the children. But after she heard Shizuru's words, she lost her worries.
"Ah, then, I'll be waiting here."
"...That's rare. You're not coming with me?"
If it was the usual Shizuru, she would surely say she was coming too.
"Kinda..."
"I see. I'm glad you're doing that. Well, I'm going to go."
"Yes."
Leaving her seat, Mei went down the stairs. Beyond that sits Ren and the two children. Seeing that, Shizuru inadvertently let out a sigh from her mouth.
(You are afraid.)
Shizuru's body trembled at the voice that suddenly echoed in her head.
(You are afraid of finding out that you, who are supposed to be an honor student, are actually a pervert.)
"No... I'm not..."
(You are afraid of Ren's disdainful gaze.)
"That's right"
(You're afraid that you'll find pleasure in that look.)
"Wrong……"
(You can't help wanting to be toyed with by Ren.)
"Wrong……"
Shizuru repeated negative words. However, Shizuru noticed that the more she said those words, the more her heart swayed in the opposite direction.
(You still don't admit it? Well, it's okay. If you keep on being stubborn, you will only lose forever the chance to know true joy.)
"…………"
Turmoil spreads in her heart.
(Ren doesn't want you)
"…………"
Shizuru feels her own heart sinking deeper and deeper.
(You are the one who is asking for it.)
"I……"
A small light floats in Shizuru's mind when she hits the bottom.
(You want Ren to expose your true nature.)
"True nature..."
(That's how I want you to make yourself comfortable)
"I wonder if it will make it easier...?"
What awaits at the destination guided by that light?
(If you want to be at ease, you must admit that you are Ren's comforter, and expose your shameful appearance to him.)
"To Ren..."
(That's what you want deep down in your heart)
Luna's training game with Shizuru was not over. On the contrary, it is now being done with a clear sense of purpose.
Shizuru stares at Ren's back in a daze. In her mind, reason and desire were intricately intertwined.
◇◇◇
Without even realizing that Luna was secretly doing that, Ren explained to the children about the team competition that was about to begin.
"To put it simply, it's a botaoshi."
(TN: It is a game in which to topple the opposing team's pole.)
"What is that?"
"Don't you know about botaoshi? Well then, let me explain in a little more detail. A team match is a match between six people against six people. Each camp has a pole, and the one who knocks down the pole in the enemy's camp wins."
"That's just a game"
“They can’t really kill each other. Even so, there are many things to think about. How to attack and defend. It's all a little tactical."
"I see."
"Today We're visiting while thinking about that. At the same time, you're going to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the guys playing it."
"All at once?"
It's the first time for the kids to observe a tournament like this. Ren asked them to do a lot of things, and they were a little worried about whether they could do it.
"It doesn't matter whether you will be able to do it. There is meaning in looking at the battle from that perspective."
"I understand."
The children's eyes are directed to the center of the arena. The contestants appeared, and the first game was about to begin.
"So what do you want?"
With his eyes still on the arena, Ren asked a question.
"I have something to talk to you about. Can I sit down?"
"You're already sitting"
"Because it was empty"
Mei shrewdly sat in the empty seat next to Ren. Ren opens his mouth without looking at Mei.
“So what is your business?”
"Impatient."
"Then, please take your time. I only said it because I thought it would make the surroundings noisy."
"Around?"
"It's kind of noisy over there. It feels like some people are coming this way."
"...Ah, I see what you mean."
On the opposite side of the spectator seats, where Ren and the others were seated, were the guests of honor seats. Mei could see several knights running around from the seats.
The reason for this is also immediately obvious. Someone must have noticed Ren's presence and realized who the children with him were.
"What can I do for you?"
"I want to hear how you prevented it."
"I don't know what you're talking about for lack of a better word."
With a dubious look on his face, Ren answered Mei.
"...Mental interference from the church"
Slightly lowering her voice, Mei said this. But Ren's reaction didn't change.
"I have no idea. What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb. We're undergoing some kind of mental interference. I already know that."
"That's amazing. I didn't know that was possible."
Ren looks surprised, but Mei sees it as acting. She is getting more and more frustrated.
"Come on. How long are you going to keep playing stupid?"
"Why would I play stupid?"
"You are not affected by mental interference"
"Even if that's the case, doesn't that mean you're not affected by interference?"
"I don't know..."
Ren's answer was something Mei didn't expect. Mei hadn't thought of this possibility. Unlike Mei and the others, Ren is not a hero candidate.
"I don't know either. Is that all?"
Seeing Mei's reaction, Ren tries to end the conversation without hesitation. But for Mei, this is not the end of the conversation.
"You haven't said anything yet."
"Because you talk about things I don't understand."
Ren has no intention of saying anything about this matter. Thinking that, Mei decided to change the content of her question.
"Why did you reject the hero candidate?"
"Why question that now?"
"I haven't asked you why."
"I think I've talked about it many times. I don't have the strength to become a hero. That's why I decided to find another way. That's it."
"What is another way?"
"I am not obligated to tell you, and there is no point in telling you."
The answer obtained by changing the question was a clear rejection. Still, Mei did not back down. Ren knows something. Mei was convinced of that.
"...The other party is the church. Don't you think we should cooperate?"
"I don't think so."
"Why?"
"The cooperation you want is based on calculation. It can always be dissolved when there is no longer any profit in it. I am not interested in such a relationship."
The answer was sarcastic. The fact that he responded in this way was evidence of growing frustration on Ren's part.
"...Doesn't it bother you?"
"What?"
"The fact that the church does that. We could be brainwashed, you know?"
"So what?"
"What... it is a big problem though?"
Ren's reaction was not what Mei had expected.
"Even so, you're happy with that. Is there something wrong?"
"Happy, we don't know what kind of influence it has, you know?"
"A sense of discrimination, a sense of privilege. Is this the kind of extreme thinking you're talking about? If so, there is no problem for you, being at the top of the ranking. It's just a little amplification of the consciousness that was there to begin with."
"…………"
More sarcasm. But Mei can't complain about it. The sense of discrimination was still there, but the sense of privilege was all too familiar.
"Or is there something wrong?"
"Maybe not now. But it's too late after the problem occurs."
"It's too late. Things are already happening."
What drove Kazuki into a corner was this sense of discrimination and privilege. Ren is astonished at Mei who says this now. Mei is only asking for Ren's cooperation for her own sake.
"If that's the case, then I'm going to have to make sure it doesn't happen again."
"If that's how you feel, you can do whatever you want."
"What about you?"
"It has nothing to do with me. I don't want any part of it."
"I need to know what information you have so I can figure out what I have to do. How can I get you to give it to me?"
This is what Mei wants. Mei believes that Ren knows information that she does not. It is not Ren that she is seeking, but the information he has.
"What, you just wanted to say that?"
"That's right"
"You didn't like asking other people, so you started talking in a roundabout way."
"…………"
"It ended in failure, and you had no choice but to bring out the main subject. However, it was not a request, but in the form of negotiation."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing."
She doesn't want to ask Ren who is lower in the hierarchy. It is also a sense of discrimination. Mei doesn't realize that her attitude is creating a wall between her and Ren.
"So what is it?"
"I have nothing for you. In the first place, I don't have any information. Negotiations have failed."
"……I see."
"Now, can we please cut the crap? I didn't get a good look at the first game. If this keeps up, so will the next game."
"……I understand."
It's not like Mei simply gave up. Because she saw the figure of the knight approaching this place, she thought that she could not talk any more. Among them were faces that Mei knew well.
"Mei-dono, it’s been a while."
"Yes. Long time no see, Hyde-san."
"Let’s talk about it later. Now then, Ren-dono."
"Me?"
Ren was surprised when Hyde called out to him.
"Who else could it be?"
"There are many others."
Ren's frustration has not subsided. Because of that, even his response to Hyde has become sloppy.
"You're the only one in front of me."
"Ah, yes. So what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to ask you about the children you have with you."
"Go ahead."
He knew from the beginning what Hyde's business was.
"Aren't they the children from the Anti-Hero Alliance?"
"No, they are orphans from the monastery."
Ren denied Hyde's words.
"That monastery was the hideout of the Anti-Hero Alliance."
“I know that. But that doesn't mean they are the Anti-Hero Alliance"
Ren did not approve of any of the Anti-Hero Alliance's actions, let alone its ideology. He doesn't want people to think that the children are part of the Alliance.
"However, they actually attacked the hero candidates."
"They were just trying to defeat the guy who attacked them when they were told by an adult. There is no anti-hero idea there. They were just deceived. Isn't that right?"
"...No, it's not wrong."
"Then what do you want? In the first place, a conclusion has already been reached about their treatment. I have no business being told what to do about the Anti-Hero Alliance."
Otherwise, there is no way the children would have been taken in by Ren. If this is brought up, Hyde will not be able to pursue the matter any further.
"...I understand. Is it okay if we watch the game nearby?"
Having failed to remove the children from the venue, there was nothing else to do but to keep a close watch.
"We were free to take any available seats."
"Then I will do so."
Hyde gave the knights who had accompanied him a wink and gave instructions. Following his instructions, the knights took their seats around Ren and the children.
"Is it fun to watch the game?"
"I think it's good that I can concentrate on watching the game."
“Ah, yes. Then, let's watch it seriously too."
The next battle is about to begin in the arena. The next battle in the team competition is the appearance of Jin and his team.
"Hey, who do you think is going to win?"
"…………"
Ren's eyes narrowed while his gaze was still directed at the arena. He's letting his frustration out on purpose.
"Can you at least answer this much?"
"...Who are you asking that from?"
"It's you."
"Hyde-dono, Katsuragi-san’s question."
Ren threw Mei's question directly at Hyde.
"Mei-dono asked Ren-dono a question."
"You have a better eye for it. Or is it unpredictable?"
"...It's Jin-dono."
Hyde had no choice but to answer in such a manner.
"You think he can defeat three Class B candidates by himself?"
"The swordsman in Jin-dono’s group is also quite capable. and I think they can put up a good fight against Class B candidates."
Hyde is well aware of the strength of Jin's team.
"They would beat Mita-san in a one-on-one battle while he's holding out. After all, if you can't use magic, it won't be a team battle."
The use of magic is prohibited in tournaments. Even if there is a mage, it won't be a fighting force. The tactics will not be as broad as they could be.
"If we allow magic, then there will be no battle at all."
"Only direct attack magic should be forbidden. No, we should at least allow elementary magic, otherwise, it would be uninteresting."
"It's forbidden in this tournament."
"I know. What are you going to do now? Shall we go home now?"
Ren suddenly threw a question at the children who were watching intently.
"……Watching."
"Me too"
The children's answer is no. They continued looking ahead with serious expressions.
"Is that so? Well then, let's take a look."
After saying that the children would stay, Ren also returned his eyes to the match. But unlike the children, his gaze clearly lacked enthusiasm.
"Are you bored?"
"I think it's boring to watch a match where you know the outcome, don't you?"
"Still, isn't it a learning experience just to watch a fight?"
"Learn... huh?"
"...That's right"
As soon as the match started, the vanguard came forward. As expected, it's a two-on-three fight. However, Jin's side, which was outnumbered, did not care about that, and delivered effective blows.
The remaining mages had no way to resist.
They simply abandoned their positions, and Jin's team won.
Originally, the result could be called an upset, but due to the overwhelming content, there was no such excitement.
“But the next match was between Yuya and Jin. Yuya's team is dominating, but won't it be interesting to see them battle?”
"I wonder about that."
Ren responded skeptically to Mei's words.
"Are you saying no?"
"Well? You won't know until you see it."
"……Yes"
After a short break, the team competition finals begin.
The battle between Yuya's team and Jin's team. It's clear that the difference in team power is too great, and the final result will end with Yuya's victory, but the venue was filled with anticipation for the one-on-one battle between Yuya and Jin that would take place before that.
"Now, how close did Jin come to Yuya?"
"It seems that he has been training very hard."
"That's right. I felt a tenacity like never before. I feel bad for Yuya, but this time I'm going to support Jin. What about Hyde-san?"
"I am not in a position to support one or the other. I'm looking forward to seeing how the fight will turn out."
Even Mei, who is not a swordsman, seems to be looking forward to the fight between the two. She stared intently at the arena, seemingly forgetting why she was there.
The vanguard moves forward with the start signal.
On Jin's side, Jin and Akira are in the front, the same as last time. And on Yuya's side... Yuya was alone.
"What does this mean?"
"Don't ask me"
"Is he going to take on the two of them?"
"He got carried away and thought of something stupid again."
Yuya often does this to look good. That's how Mei understood Yuya's actions. However, there was a person next to her who had a completely different way of thinking.
"Don't miss it. It will be settled soon."
"Yeah." "I understand."
Knowing the meaning of Ren's words, Mei was surprised and tried to question him. She averted her gaze from the match, and at about the same time there was a commotion in the arena.
"Eh? No way?"
By the time Mei looked back, Jin and Akira had already fallen to the ground.
"Did Yuya do it?"
"Who else?"
"No way... I didn't expect it to end so quickly."
The only Yuya that Mei knows is Yuya who only makes excuses and complains and does not take his lessons seriously. The first time she saw Yuya seriously take up the sword was actually at this time.
"Did you see it?"
"......Just barely."
The boy who was with Ren answered the question.
"Me too"
The girl continues to answer.
"I see. I understand. That's the hero. You guys have to overcome that."
"……Yeah"
"I'll work hard"
"Then let's go home today. There's tomorrow, too. Tomorrow's one-on-one. I think you'll be able to see more."
"Yeah, looking forward to it."
"Then, let's go back."
Ren and the children left their seats and headed for the exit, ignoring the dumbfounded Mei and Hyde.
"…What did Ren-kun say?"
"He told the children to surpass Yuya-dono."
"Can they surpass him?"
"No way. Yuya-dono is a hero whose power overwhelms others. He just showed it right in front of us."
"But he said that after he saw it, right?"
"I think he gave a dream to a child."
“It is. That's right.”
Neither Mei, who hadn't seen the battle, nor Hyde, who was better with the sword than ordinary people, understood the meaning of Ren's question and the children's answers.
When Ren asked if they could see it, the children answered that they could see it, albeit just barely.
The two children replied that they could see Yuya's momentary movement, which many spectators could not understand what he had done.
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