Chapter 57: Reversal
How could something like this happen―― These thoughts filled Shizuru's mind.
This was the first time Shizuru had ever been subjected to the malice of others. Having wealthy parents, Shizuru had been praised for her cuteness since she was a child.
The people around her are on her side. She always had that sense of security. Even if she did something wrong, people around her would forgive her. That is what she thought.
However, the stares she received today were unmistakably malicious. Although their words were polite, they questioned her one by one as to whether or not what she had done to Kazuki was true.
Naturally, Shizuru wouldn't admit such a thing. However, no matter what Shizuru said, the other party spoke of it as fact, and finally said.
"What will happen if everyone finds out about this?"
It was unmistakably a threat. She doesn't know what they want. She was so terrified by the threat that she ran away from the scene and didn't listen. She doesn't even want to go back to the place. Even now, Shizuru's body has not stopped shaking.
Is it really the fear of being threatened? Maybe she is trembling from the fear of being told the truth. Even Shizuru herself does not know that. She had no time to think about such things.
In the corner of the library where she escaped, she was just trembling with a pale face. She didn't even have time to check who was around.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
"Eh"
Shizuru was suddenly called out.
"...Your face is pale"
"You are, a Class C."
A face that even Shizuru knew. It was Class C's Mike. Shizuru seemed relieved to learn that he wasn't a Hero Candidate.
"Heh. I didn't think you'd remember me."
"You're Ren's friend. It's natural that I would remember."
"I don't understand your logic. I don't think I'm on good terms with that Ren."
"...I know."
Mike's words made her feel a little better, but then she felt her feelings sink again.
"For the time being, it doesn't look like you're sick. I'm sorry I talked to you."
"No……"
When Mike returned his gaze to the book he was reading, he began to concentrate as if he had already forgotten Shizuru's existence.
"Hey"
"...Do you want to talk in this situation?"
Mike turned his face in amazement at Shizuru who did not hold back at all.
"I'm sorry"
"I've thought about it for a while now, but you never think about the other person's convenience."
"……I'm sorry"
"So?"
"What are you reading?"
"Is that what this is about?"
"I'm sorry……"
"Enough. Finance books. I'm just studying."
Shizuru only speaks words of apology. Feeling that it was troublesome, Mike explained the book.
“Finance…… you mean accounting?”
"What do you mean by that question?"
"I'm sorry……"
"Like I said, enough of that. I would laugh if it was Ren, but when I have to deal with it myself, it's a pain in the ass."
Mike finally understood Ren's frustration.
"That's a terrible way to say it."
"I'm not going to be bothered by someone who only thinks about her own convenience. Please don’t get in my way anymore. If I don't figure some of this out by the end of the week, Ren will get angry."
"…………"
Her gaze remained directed at him, but Shizuru stiffened without speaking. Mike was about to return to his studies when he finally understood.
"Are you seeing Ren?"
He regretted his blunder.
"...It's not like we're seeing each other."
"But you said, Ren will get mad at you."
"He's a studious guy, so he sometimes shows up at the library. I'm usually here too. So it's only natural I meet him."
"I didn't know that. I thought Ren didn't come to the academy anymore."
"Rarely"
Inside, Mike is terrified of being scolded by Ren. He is trying to deceive Shizuru by not showing it.
"When do you think he'll come next?"
"I don't know"
"How often does he come here?"
"It varies."
Mike's reply was curt and uninterested. Mike's reluctance to talk any longer was obvious. But Shizuru's thoughts would not allow it.
"Then I wouldn't be able to meet him."
"You're lying, right? Are you going to meet Ren?"
Mike couldn't help but react loudly to the unexpected answer.
"Because we haven't seen each other for a long time."
"I don't understand. Do you think you're in a position to see him?"
“…………”
Shizuru falls silent. No surprise this time.
"That response, are you aware of it?"
"About Harumoto-san..."
"That's right"
"But……"
"But?"
"I'm sure Ren will forgive me."
"What!?"
“Because when we were in middle school, Ren was bullied because of me. But Ren didn't seem bothered by it at all and treated me normally."
"…………"
Now it's Mike's turn to be silent. A very selfish interpretation. Even Mike, who doesn't know anything about Ren's past, can tell what Shizuru's words are about.
"I will apologize properly. If I do, Ren will surely forgive me."
"I can't understand it at all. No, I understand one thing."
"What is it?"
"You're a very stubborn woman."
"Me?"
Shizuru was completely unaware of it.
"At first, you were clinging to Ren. After that, you were involved with Jin. And then Hyde Spencer of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. Lately, you've been on Yuya Kisaragi's side. Here again, with Ren?"
"That's not true."
Even when Mike points out the truth, Shizuru refuses to admit it. Shizuru is really unaware of it. Attracted by Shizuru's appearance, many men gather around Shizuru. She doesn't know the difference.
"No different. A woman who changes men one after another. How could such a woman blame her?"
"......I'm not in a strange relationship."
It is different from Kazuki who had a physical relationship. Shizuru tried to make excuses like this.
"That's not the point. I'm talking about the heart. In terms of the heart, Kazuki only thinks of one person."
It only irritated Mike.
"...Jin."
"No. It's Ren."
"Eh?"
Shizuru's eyes widened at the unexpected answer. This reaction irritated Mike even more.
"You don't understand this either. Kazuki has always liked Ren. If you look carefully, you should be able to see that. After all, you're only thinking about yourself."
"…………"
"Don't get in the way this time. Your words make me uncomfortable."
"What should I do?"
Mike intended to throw out such words, but it didn't get through to Shizuru.
"...What are you talking about?"
"It's a misunderstanding. No, not all of them, but at least I didn't intend to kill her. I was just trying to teach her a little lesson for deceiving my dear friend with her dirty tricks."
"What do you want me to do after hearing that?"
He stopped complaining about Shizuru's selfish words. It doesn't matter what he says. Even Mike knew that.
"Tell Ren. It's a misunderstanding."
"And what will that do?"
"If it turns out to be a misunderstanding, my rumors will disappear."
"I see, so that's what you mean. In other words, you think Ren is spreading rumors, right?"
Rumors circulating about Shizuru. Mike also hears it. He doesn't just hear the rumors. Mike knows where it came from.
"Isn't that right?"
"That's a misunderstanding."
"That's a lie."
"It's true. Well, let me tell you. I know the source of the rumor."
"Eh! Who is it!? Tell me!"
"It's Jin Takamiya."
"…………"
Shizuru froze again. For Shizuru, the unbelievable facts were coming out one after another.
"It would be more correct to say Jin and the others. I mean them."
"...I know."
Students who are currently working with Jin. Shizuru also knows who are they.
"I see."
"To go that far..."
"But considering how fast the rumors spread, I don't think they are the only ones. Apparently, it seems that others had a grudge against you."
If anything, those are the ones who are actively moving. Hero candidates who frequently come to the academy. They are the Class C hero candidates who teamed up with Yuya.
"No way..."
"I'm not a hero candidate, but I know about it. Isn't there anyone in the same grade who doesn't know anymore? Thanks to them, you should be able to know. What kind of thoughts did Kazuki go through at the academy?"
“…………”
"Remember it"
This time, Mike left the place, leaving behind such words. Shizuru, who was left behind, was also trembling with a different complexion.
There was no one in the library anymore to talk to Shizuru.
◇◇◇
The second-floor cafeteria at the guild headquarters. Jin and the others hang out there. They spend their days in the guild, fulfilling requests, training, and so on.
After the morning training, they have lunch. Then it's time to chat for a while. Sometimes it is just chatting, and sometimes they discuss training methods.
Jin brought up a slightly different topic today.
"I hear there will be a team competition in this year's swordsmanship tournament."
"Seriously?"
The one who reacted to that was the swordsman, Akira.
"Yes. I'm sure of it."
"That's it, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it means that it was adapted to the current situation of us hero candidates."
"If that's the case, then of course we too?"
"Let's go. It's a good opportunity to check our abilities."
"I see. It's finally here."
It's time to test the results of all the hard work they've put in over the past six months. Everyone besides Akira thinks so, although they don't say it out loud. However, Jin dares to deny such thoughts here.
"Not yet. This is not the last time. We don't absolutely have to win this time. Rather, we should fight with the intention of finding out what we are lacking."
It's a solid Jin-like idea. Hearing that, everyone agrees.
"If you put it that way, we are lacking a lot of things. We are already outnumbered in combat occupations."
Jin's team has three combatants: Jin, Akira, and the mage Manami. That's two less than the other team.
"If that is the case, then we should win on quality."
"I know that. The problem is actually the teams other than Kisaragi's. I don't know how it's going to play out, but it's tough when it's a winner-take-all."
"Especially Kariya's team. There are three Class A fighters. Even if we defeat one, it's certainly tough."
If it's Yuya's team, everyone other than himself is in the same Class C. They had a chance of winning. But not on the other teams. Everyone is talented.
"We need to defeat the rest of the Class B guys."
"It's not like we don't have a chance."
"You can't do it if you don't think so."
"Don't worry. We're getting stronger."
"Yeah. That's right."
Jin and the others are actually getting stronger. They have experienced many battles and continue to train hard every day. Right now they are spending all their time just getting stronger. It is impossible for them not to get stronger.
Jin and the others also felt a definite response.
"Which do you prioritize, Jin?"
"Which?"
“Individual competition and team competition. If you overdo it in the individual competition and get injured, it will be hard for you to compete in the team competition.
"Indeed……"
Kou's question is a difficult choice for Jin. In the team competition, even getting past the first round is not a sure thing, but in the individual competition, he is confident that he can win until he meets Yuya. However, it would be a shame to neglect the team competition, in which everyone competes together. Jin could not give an answer right away.
Seeing this, Akira immediately offered a helping hand.
"Kou. Good idea, but it's too early to think about it."
"That's right. We still don't know the schedule or how to fight in team competitions."
Kou also saw that Jin was troubled and decided to end the conversation.
"Hey. Whatever the outcome, why don't we celebrate after the tournament?"
At this point, Riko brought up something different than the battle.
"Celebrate?"
“The tournament is at the end of the year, just like in the first year, right? Then we can have a year-end party."
"So you mean a banquet?"
“Yes. A big party as a reward for all your hard work.
"......Not bad, but that's a long way off."
Serious Jin doesn't get too excited about this kind of talk. All his attention goes to training.
“There's a lot of things to do, like finding a place, so it's never too early to start thinking about it.”
"Well."
"It's settled then. I'll be the organizer."
"Yeah, please."
Riko is in a good mood to have her proposal accepted. As for Riko, who can't contribute in battle, there is also a desire to show her presence by doing things like this.
And, as a matter of fact, sometimes these roles are more convenient than one might think.
"Swordsmanship tournament huh..."
Manami suddenly whispered.
"What's wrong? You look gloomy."
Kou immediately calls out to Manami.
"That's where it all started."
"...That's right"
The first attack by the Anti-Hero Alliance. That happened at the last swordsmanship tournament.
"It hasn't even been a year yet."
This may sound sarcastic depending on how one receives it. Less than a year has passed since the first attack. And it's been half a year since Kazuki passed away.
"We mustn't forget, but I don't think we should be obsessed with it either."
“…………”
"We who are alive must live life to the fullest. We have to enjoy life. That is for the sake of those who have passed away."
These words were proof that Riko took Manami's words as sarcastic.
"……That's not it"
"Manami!"
"What? I'm just worried about another attack, okay?"
"Ah, I see……"
They thought it was Black Manami's appearance and Kou and Akira's faces looked at each other.
"Attack huh... that's certainly something to worry about."
And sometimes Kou and Akira smile at Jin, who is incredibly insensitive.
"Nothing has happened for more than six months. That means it's over, right?"
“It seems that there are some people who have escaped, but… does that mean they no longer have the strength to take action?”
"That's right"
"I'm sure the academy will think about that. Last time we were caught off guard, but I think if we are vigilant we can prevent them from making any attempts to do anything."
"That's right. There was actually no damage from the attack."
"Who prevented that? I'm sure that person won't be there next time."
Thanks to Ren, there was no damage. Manami is irritated by Riko's remarks that she seems to have forgotten it.
“Manami, stop it! Why do you keep saying things that make me feel uneasy?"
This time, Riko raises her voice in response to Manami's words. A situation that has arisen from time to time in the recent past was born today.
"Nothing. I'm just saying what I think."
The usually quiet Manami did not immediately back down.
"It's unlike Manami to say such things! Can you stop doing things that disturb the harmony!?"
And the role to intervene at times like this has already been decided.
"Don't get angry like that. Manami is a worrywart. I think we need someone like that."
"But."
"Don't worry, it's okay. I will protect you Manami."
"...Kou, then"
"Terrible"
"That's right. See you Kou. I'll protect Manami."
"Akira, stay out of this."
"No, I can't withdraw here."
Always joking like this, the two of them warmed up the mood.
"It's okay. I think too much. Sorry, everyone."
"Well, don't worry about it."
"That's not the kind of thing you say, Akira."
"Eh?"
From that point on, the conversation became a mere chit-chat. The conversation centered solely on Akira. He seemed to be a serious person, but in fact, he had the most cheerful personality. Once you get to know him, his personality changes. In other words, he was shy.
"Well, everyone. What a coincidence."
Then suddenly, a voice called out. Akira's expression turned cloudy. He was not at ease with the person talking.
“You are Lang-san, I believe.”
It was Jin who answered. He meets Lang of the Izrim Magic Kingdom only a few times.
"You remember? It's been six months, maybe more?"
"I honestly don't remember. So what are you doing in the guild today?"
"I just got some information that I was curious about, so I went to check it out. I also heard that Jin-dono has been staying at the guild for a long time."
"Do you need something from me?"
"I don't have any business with you. How are you?"
"Well."
"Just checking in."
This was the only thing Lang wanted from Jin. To Lang, Jin is nothing more than this.
"Just for this?"
"Oya? I think it's important. Izrim Magic Kingdom always cares about Jin-dono. Don't forget that."
It's worthless to Lang personally, but not to the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"......You are not just an ordinary student after all."
"No, I'm a regular student. Our country is very good to us and we are often asked to run errands like this."
"It's a lie."
Riko interrupted Jin and Lang's conversation.
"Oya? I'm pretty sure... you're Satoko-dono."
“Yes. You and Ren were always talking about difficult things. I can't believe you're a regular student."
“It may be hard to believe, but it's true. The general admission students, unlike you, entered the institute to study. It may sound difficult to you, but to us, it's a normal conversation."
"But not with Ren."
“Ren-dono is such an excellent person that even I, a regular student, am amazed. It's good to talk with someone like that."
"If you say so."
For Riko, who doesn't notice Lang's sarcasm, it's useless to pursue it. That is the difference with Ren.
"Because it's true. Oh, I have one more thing to confirm."
"What?"
“This is not for Jin-dono, but for everyone else. You are all willing to work with Jin-dono until the end. Am I correct in assuming that?"
"Of course."
"Wherever the country Jin-dono goes to, you will follow him?"
"Yes. That's right."
She asked casually, but in fact, this is an important question. This is something that Riko and all of them do not understand.
"...Riko-dono is the only one who is replying, but that's fine. Jin-dono, do you still have plans to increase your companions?"
"Right now, that's not my intention."
"From now on, Jin-dono will be evaluated, including their value. Is that all right with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but some countries may see everyone around you as a burden."
If the number of his companions increases, the country will have to bear the cost of living and other expenses for those companions as well. If they don't have the ability to do that, your reputation will suffer. Lang says so.
"...If that's the case, they won't bid. I'm fine with that."
"I understand. Okay, then."
This concludes Lang's assessment of Jin. It was revised downward, but that was what Jin wanted.
"Oi! Do you know it!?"
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed through the cafeteria, interrupting Lang's voice. If one looks, one can see a large adventurer, who looked to match the voice, coming up the stairs to the cafeteria.
"Shut up! Speak quietly!"
An acquaintance of that adventurer shouted back without restraint.
"Yeah. Sorry, sorry."
Still, the voice seems to be loud, and the voice echoes well.
"What's the fuss about?"
“I hear that a bunch of children adventurers have been partying up and getting into all sorts of trouble lately.”
"That's what you're talking about? You're getting information too late."
Jin and the others' faces relaxed when they heard the conversation. The fact that they are getting so much attention that other adventurers are talking about them doesn't make them feel bad.
"You know about this? It seems that even though they are children, they are fighting magical beasts."
"I've run into them, even if I didn't know."
"Heh! So how was it? Are they strong?"
"...They are still lacking in skill and experience."
The evaluation of the adventurer who actually saw it was harsh. Hearing that, Jin and the others are depressed.
"What, that's all there is to it?"
"Except for one person. That one is teaching the other children."
"That's what it is, isn't it? It's about the hero candidate brats, isn't it? They devastated the forest."
"Idiots! They're in the back."
"Oops... Then who is it..."
"What I'm saying is..."
The adventurers' voices were suddenly subdued when they realized that Jin and the others were there. Jin and the others have no idea what they were talking about.
"Well, my business is done. Now I will take my leave."
With a big smile on her face, Lang got up and walked away. She headed for the table where the adventurers were whispering.
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