# 013. Boku to Kanojo no Game Sensou

## 01. Volume 1

### 001. Prologue - It's perhaps not such a distant future story

## It's perhaps not such a distant future story

It was a familiar scene to me.

To explain that scene, just one word would be enough. That is, "Ruins".

Although I made my rounds in the neighboring buildings, I didn't find even a single thing in its original form. Earlier, a lot of people used to live here. The stores and houses bustling with a sense of life have collapsed as a result of bombarding and bombing. And now, in place of the sounds of residents indulging in their daily affairs, only the sound of the gusty wind could be heard.

We were inside those ruins.

"Now then, it's the beginning of the hunting. You guys, are you prepared for it!?"

Contrary to the tragic scene, the lively voice that resounded in the ruins belonged to Sena-sensei. Even among us, he is the leading guy with the most training under his belt, and his combat experience is also quite reliable.

"Move ahead, Kishimine! Today, we must again turn out to be the victors!"

A pleasant voice commanding dignity, struck my ears. Tendou Shinobu. Although she's a girl, she is our leader on whom we rely to keep up our spirits.

"Roger, please leave that to me!"

I also reply reassuringly.

And, the battle quietly began. As a raider, my role is to act as a vanguard of my comrades, and run through the ruins ahead of them. I never look back. My reliable comrades guard my back. It's fine for me to just look ahead.

I prepare to use the Assault Rifle that is generally seen with Sub Rangers. It's just like another dear part of me that I've gotten accustomed to using. As long as I've this rifle, I can exchange shots even with a sniper lying in wait in some corner of the battlefield.

Soon, we approached the street corner. It's a dangerous place. This isn't the first time we're fighting on this battlefield. We knew that the side facing this street corner is an "ideal ambush point".

But, there was no need to stop. . Sena-sensei, who was waiting in the rear, calls out to us.

"I'm going to throw!"

From behind me, something like a spherical ball was thrown into the air.

The thing thrown by Sena-sansei is a hand grenade. Without missing its aim, the hand grenade falls in the street corner, and explodes.

It spreads a fierce, deadly storm.

The moment the explosion stopped, I plunged into the side facing the street corner.

"I made it."

I confirm the presence of enemies. They're the soldiers of enemy nation, dressed in camouflaged clothes. There are three of them. Hiding in the shade of the shelter, they're lying in wait for a typical ambush. Probably the enemies were also expecting an attack from our side, since they didn't look wounded by the hand grenade.

But on a battlefield, small actions decide everything. As a result of escaping from the hand grenade, they wasted a little bit time to spot me and pull the trigger.

That was enough for me.

Without a moments delay, I prepare my assault rifle. Instantly I focus the "iron sight" on the enemy's head, and pull the trigger.

The bullet travelling with blinding speed, accurately went through the enemy's head.

One after another, I pointed the gun point at the remaining two enemies, and fired at them. Even if they're wearing some sort of armour, it can't protect them from the rapid-fire of my Assault Rifle. Instantly, they end up as new corpses. Out of the three of us, Tendou, who was covering my back, took a step ahead. It hasn’t been even 3 seconds since Sena-sensei threw the hand grenade.

"Alright, the actual thing starts from here. Kishimine, robustly move ahead!"

I hear Tendou's voice coming from behind me. That voice probably served as adrenalin for me, and I felt my courage increasing. Unintentionally, I feel the urge to turn around and look at her beautiful face. But, that's not something I could afford. If I don't undergo instant recovery at the last moment following the panic inciting sound of gunshots, I'll die instantly. It's the battlefield I've gotten used to play.

We kept the Trinity stance, and continued our advance. This place is enemy territory. It won't be strange even if there're enemies hidden in some more places.

It's just that we were strong.

"To attract their attention, I'll handle the neutralization fire! Go inside their perimeter, Kishimine!"

The usually aggressive Sena-sensei, is calm on the battlefield. And contrary to sensei,

"Leave your back to me! I'll make those fucking bastards lick your asshole!"

When the battle gets overheated, Tendou, who usually maintains a dignified speech and conduct, becomes the extreme opposite of her usual self.

"Roger, I'm going ahead!"

Under their protection I conduct the raid, and the duo behind me attack the encountered enemies.

My pride is the quick and accurate "aiming", integrated with love and bullet. That sort of aiming is surely what Sena-sensei call "unity of rider and horse". When the enemies attack from the front, those average opponents aren’t capable of defeating us.

But then, this place is enemy territory. The enemies wouldn’t always attack from the front. It's obviously possible that the enemies, who were lying dormant in the hiding like Ninjas, could sneak around to our back.

However, to attack the three of us from the back would mean death. That's because, we're originally a team of four people.

The duty of assaulting and annihilating is carried out by our trio, and somewhere on this vast battlefield, there is a caterpillar-like ambush sniper.

Her duty is to deal with the enemy snipers. And so, the enemies that sneaked around to our back, gets their head or chest shot by heavy caliber bullets.

It's because she's there, that we could run about the battlefield without any worries. We guys fighting on the front line, naturally stand out on this battlefield. But, she's the one with the lengthiest history of combat experience among us, and has taught us ways to survive on a battlefield.

"Team Play, Victory and Defeat. Such things are fine with me. I simply want to attack people!"

That's her catch phrase. They, no, these girls, who don't have anything like a shooter ethics, keep attacking people as if they’re simply breathing.

Their tendency during a war situation was already evident. Because of our iron wall formation, the enemies are at their wits end. Getting shot one by one, they're losing their life in vain.

Before long, I lost the count of the defeated enemies.

The end of the battle appeared in sight.

"The Game is over~! Izunomiya Academy's Modern Games club Team, you've achieved an overwhelming victory!"

The voice of a girl that didn't belong to the battlefield, resounded, and I blacked out.

The boy called Kishimine Kengo, suddenly regained his consciousness.

After repeating the action of closing and opening his eyes for a short while, he gradually recognizes the place he is at the moment.

The things in front of his eyes are, the Television Monitor of the Game Machine and the figure of the on duty hostess in a cute cosplay, who is a High School Girl's voice actress. He is holding a game console in his hands. The place is also nothing like a battlefield. It's an event assembly hall in Akihabara, Tokyo.

"You have become a full on regular customer of JGBC . Izunomiya Game Club Team, you've cleared the first round with an overwhelming score!"

(I see. We won, huh.)

The girl's lovely voice makes us finally acknowledge our victory.

On the Gigantic screen in the centre of the assembly hall, the result of the "FPS Game" ----- "Flashy health recovery, Panicky blow and Swift death Game," as Kishimine was taught ------ that was being played until just a few minutes ago was being displayed. The number of our dead enemies was several tens of times that of the other team. On the other hand, the number of our friendly casualty was zero. In short, a perfect game. In FPS, it's rare to see this much of a one-sided game take place. The opponent team is regretting their loss, but they could only curse their bad luck of facing us in the first round battle.

When he casually turned around, he found the crowd of participants all over the assembly hall, gathering around him. They were deeply moved by the magnificent gameplay of Kishimine and Co., and were cheering aloud for them. Some were booing, saying that their own style is more skillful.

There was a time when he used to get nervous because of this scene. However, it's different now.

(I've completely grown used to seeing this scenery!)

The Kishimine from some time ago never did anything like appearing in public. He always liked to remain alone. He never entered a club, or stopped over at someplace with someone after school while returning back to his home. What's more, with the exception of his relatives, he never talked with the opposite sex.

(It's time to go......)

He moves his eyes side to side. At that place, there are three of his reassuring comrades. Two of them are girls. Furthermore, these "the female high-school students who could even make a flower blush" called girls, are probably the reason for the increase in the booing sound.

These days, Kishimine was always together with girls. Seeing his three years of high school life, he never expected to spend such days.

However, Kishimine Kengo often thinks like this nowadays.

“Putting this and that aside, it isn’t bad to spend such days.”

### 002. Chapter 0 - Full Name: Kishimine Kengo, Hobby: Reading

## EP- 0 -> Full Name: Kishimine Kengo, Hobby: Reading

Kishimine Kengo had disliked the things called "games" ever since his childhood.

When we talk about "games", there are many types of them, but Kishimine dislikes only one type, Television Games.

However, it's not because of some exaggerated reason like his parents were killed by games, or his family broke up because of games. It’s just that he had something that he liked more than games, and since everyone was so engrossed in games, “that” favorite thing of his was being overlooked by everyone. It could possibly be called an unjustified resentment.

"That" doesn’t use electricity, there’s no need for adding buttons to it. For thousands of years, that thing was together with mankind.

That, is a Book.

It's the only medium that propagates the intelligence from the olden days in the present time.

In those days, he used to like picture books, and every time he read the numerous variety of stories in those books, Kishimine was practically able to feel like the protagonist adventuring in the unseen world.

"Kengo, do you like books?"

"Yeah, I love them!"

When being asked that question, he has replied in the same way countless times, nodding his head.

Since he was about 3-years-old, Kishimine was engrossed in the fun world of Picture books.

"Read books, read books~," his parents kept pestering him. In the beginning, his parents also used to gladly read stories to him for the sake of imparting good education, but after continuing the same thing day after day, as expected, it seems that they got fed up. And gradually, their reading style disintegrated to perfunctory level.

Although he was a kid, Kishimine noticed that change. Although he was a kid, he thought that he didn't want to dislike his parents. But still, his desire of wanting to read books was obviously irrepressible. And so, although he was a kid, Kishimine managed to do some unexpected stuff.

He memorized Hiragana by himself.

He started reading the picture books he had in his house to the point of memorizing them by heart. The characteristic adaptability of children helped him in his job, and Kishimine was finally able to learn how to read with Hiragana by himself. "You are so talented. We really wasted our time, didn't we?" Since then, he was often told that by his parents.

And so, Kishimine became unrivaled in his childhood days.

He finished reading the picture books he had in his house. Then he went to the bookstore and finished reading all the picture books while standing. The day he found out about the existence of libraries, he cried and earnestly requested his parents to take him there.

Kishimine used to quickly become completely absorbed in stories. He read many well-known stories, like Aladdin's adventure stories, Momotarou's battles and the revenge tragedy of Saru Kani Gassen . Books often used to move Kishimine's heart, and introduced him to a parallel universe.

However, when Kishimine entered kindergarten, his surrounding environment completely changed.

The government carried out a certain policy. As a result, Television Games were acknowledged as one of the industries in the country. And then, with the words "Country's Approval", at least the tender parental generation were not able to resist the urge to buy games as a gift for their children.

"In Sanders, my individual points rapidly increased to 300 in level 80."

"That's good~! My character has high individual points and was able to get out of Gorky, but it has a reserved personality."

As a result, all the kindergarten students, regardless of sex, were engrossed in games.

But, only Kishimine didn't take part in that completely impossible to understand conversation, and being left alone in the classroom, he continued to spend his days reading a lot of picture books.

Naturally, Kishimine neither paid any attention to it, nor felt displeased about that thing. Instead, he was glad to get more opportunities to be able to read books without others' interference.

It's just that although he was a kid, he used to feel some resentment. "Why doesn't everyone read such interesting picture books?"

That was just like Kishimine, but there was only one thing he felt bothered about. There was a girl who always used to remain alone during play hours.

She was probably a shy girl, and apparently wasn't able to join the other kindergarten students in their games.

As a result of children's simple mindedness, Kishimine thought about something. "If by chance I ever get a girlfriend, she would possibly be someone who would understand the fun of books."

Thus, that day. Kishimine, who wasn't able to call out to the opposite sex in his ten years of life, and who was also not some scary person, called out to the girl.

"Hey! Why don't you play together with everyone?"

"Eh......"

The girl, who was called out by him, naturally didn't hide her surprise. She blinked her distinctly big eyes many times, and after hesitating and flustering for a little while, she frantically spoke some words.

"Since there is only Dreamcast and Saturn at my home......"

Kishimine completely didn't understand the meaning of those words. However, for the time being, he was only able to understand that for some reason she wasn't able to play with other kids.

"Well then. During lunch break, would you read books together with me?"

"Eh......"

It was probably an unexpected proposal, and the girl looked at Kishimine with a surprised look on her face.

"......But, I can't read alphabets."

"If that's the case, I will teach you! C’mon, let's read them together!"

Using some force, Kishimine took the girl's hand, and took her to the front of the bookshelves. Thereby, this became an incident that Kishimine later on recalled over and over again. “That was the first time I proactively grasped a girl's hand. Is that going to end up as the last time I would be able to do so?”

"I'm called Kishimine Kengo. What about you?"

"......Takamitsu. Takamitsu Miyabi."

"Heh, Miyabi-chan. Well then, what kind of books does Miyabi-chan like?"

"All of them are fine! Kengo-kun can pick the one he likes."

"Well then, let's start with this! Kintarou !"

After that, Kishimine often started spending time together with the girl.

The girl called Miyabi was also perplexed in the beginning. But after Kishimine taught her how to read alphabets, she realized the fun of books. In a blink of time, they finished reading all the books in the kindergarten, and both of them even started bringing their favorite books from their homes.

The girl particularly liked Cinderella, and they read the books they brought from their homes together, over and over again. Naturally, Kishimine, who was a boy, was somewhat dissatisfied. At any rate, in Cinderella, there's neither a battle scene with demons, nor a fight scene with a bear.

"Hey! What are the scenes that you like in Cinderella?"

Once, he asked that sort of thing.

"Oh, yeah! Just for a day, she becomes pretty with magic and successfully meets the prince she longs for...... Later on, that prince finds out about her...... I think it's that scene?"

"Huh......?"

As expected, he didn't quite get it. But, Kishimine was glad to know the fact that the girl was also enjoying reading the girly book. It's fun to immerse oneself in a story all alone, but he noticed the fun of being able to enjoy a story together with someone.

Both of them reread various books dozens of times, and completely immersed themselves in those stories. Although they were looked on by others with odd eyes, they didn't feel scared about anything while they were together.

However, even times like these doesn't continue for eternity.

One day, the time to bid farewell arrived.

"Say, Kengo-kun. To which elementary school is Kengo-kun going?”

"Hmmm. What was its name? I don't know much about it, but it's the one nearest to my home. What about Miyabi-chan?"

"Now, my family would be moving to a different house...... That's why I won't be able to go to a distant elementary school......”

From the girl's words and her sorrowful facial expression, Kishimine realized it. He realized the fact that both of them would be going to separate elementary schools.

"I see...... Well then, we're going to separate, huh."

"Yeah, that's right......!"

Both of them sunk into silence. Both of them had no idea what sort of things would be fine to talk about at such a time.

The thing that broke the silence was the girl's crying voice.

"Until I started talking with Kengo-kun, I was always alone and lonely, you know? But, thanks to Kengo-kun, I had so much fun!"

From the girl's big eyes, many tear drops spilled over and fell.

Kishimine also felt like crying, but although he was a kid, he was informed that he should be cheering the girl at the moment instead. And so, holding his tears, he spoke to her.

"I also enjoyed reading books with Miyabi-chan!"

"Say. Let's make a promise! 'We'll read books together sometime again.'"

"Yeah, that's a promise! We'll absolutely do that!"

After that, both of them immersed themselves in stories, treasuring their remaining time.

The "kindergarten" thing couldn't keep them together anymore, so until the separation time comes, they couldn't do anything but read books.

Before long, the girl got into her parents' car, and left the kindergarten.

And Kishimine Kengo, the book lover, his ten years of life didn't change much after that.

### 003. EP.1 – Second High School Life

## EP.1 – Second High School Life

#### Part 1

[Kinkon][Kankon] The Afterschool chime rang.

It’s a time where a normal high schooler finally gets released from his daylong class duties. A time to which probably every student waits for enthusiastically.

To prove this, the boy sitting in Front of Kishimine now suddenly said “Hey guys, let’s go for some hunting!” while taking his PSP out, and even the girl on his Right “Look Look! I made a new MII!” started another conversation, well of course she also had her PSP out.

Not to mention that it’s already March. From next month they will all become seniors, and will eventually have to face a terror named [University Examination]. That’s why for the Second Years, this is the only time where they can enjoy while they have the chance. Maybe it’s due to that the classroom afterschool was always livelier like it is now.

“You guys…, don’t get too cocky just because the Spring Break is right before you-. Though I know no matter what I say you’re not gonna listen anyways.”

Somewhat in the middle ages of his life, the homeroom teacher Yamashiro Sensei warned the class but his words were casual, as he himself knew very well that it will have no effect on the crowd.

But then again, this liveliness due to spring break had no particular connection with one guy.

‘Well then, let’s head to the Library, shall we?’

Kishimine Kengo who was sitting on the corner most seat of the classroom murmured to himself. Without even talking or even bothering anyone at all, He quietly finished with his preparations to leave. Confining himself in the library, after classes are over. That was the daily routine of the boy called Kishimine Kengo for the past 10 years.

No one was even close enough to him to be called as a friend. His Club was well of course [Go Home Club]. And even during break times he likes to read books alone. His Stature and Weight were both quite average, and even his looks were so plain that they can make the Teacher of Fine Arts say something absurd like “Let have Kishimine as a model today, as he has no feature at all, it’s easy to draw him.”.

Kishimine Kengo has an inferiority complex about those features of his. But, as long he can read books he was satisfied with his life. If it will make me lose my time to read, then I don’t need something like friends—his feelings towards books were that much serious. However he gets really bothered by it when during P.E., he was told something like “Okay, Now form a pair of 2 people!”.

‘But, I’m almost finished reading all the books in the library wasn’t I?’

Not even paying any attention to something like it’s a library of Public High School or something like that; his troubles were something of that level.

“Ah Kishimine, would you mind a moment?”

Like that, when he was about to leave the classroom alone, someone grabbed his shoulder from behind.

It was his homeroom teacher Yamashiro-sensei.

“……what is it?”

“I have something to discuss, would you mind going to the council room? I will also head there right after I am done here.”

“Okay…”

What sort of business is it, he asked himself. For a guy like him, who just read books in his break time, and even secludes himself in library after school, for a guy like Kishimine who didn’t made any sort of trouble to anyone neither inside nor outside of the school, he doesn’t have a slightest of an idea of why he is being called by the teacher at afterschool.

‘Now that I think of it…”

In one of his recently read books, in which the story follows where a well maintained salary-man murders someone. It’s because of that reason; he started recalling things from that book.

The Grabbing of One’s shoulder from behind by the boss is a seeming sign of getting transfered somewhere.

‘Well, for a high schooler there is no such thing as a job transfer though’

While thinking something like that, he left the classroom alone.

Well of course not knowing what awaited him.

While he was waiting inside the small council room, Yamashiro Sensei finally came.

“Ah! Kishimine. Sorry for making you wait.”

“No, Not really. So what is it you wanted to talk about?”

“Ah, yes. Let’s see, from where should we begin then……”

Yamashiro was sitting on the chair face to face in front of Kishimine, and on top of that he has his both hands folded together on this chin.

“…………”

And just like that, the atmosphere became too tense and uncomfortable.

“Ah, that’s right. How about a cup of coffee?”

After long pause, he said something like that.

Finally, Kishimine got puzzled. Yamashiro-Sensei, a Teacher who was somewhat in the middle ages of his life, he who was said to have been a teacher for around 20 years, was known amongst the students for his Merciless Scolding and shouting “Hey You!” after spotting a student who is doing something bad.

That teacher not acting himself, and what’s more offering a student a cup of coffee, the situation was just so surreal.

“No, I don’t really need it. More than that please don’t just leave me hanging here. Just tell the reason why you called me…”

Maybe the teacher himself guessed that he shouldn’t make the student more anxious than he already was right now, so he finally started talking a bit.

“I will be quite honest….you see. It’s something which never happened before that’s why, as a teacher I, too am in a dilemma of what to do. As you are a local resident yourself, you must be aware of “Izunomiya Private Academy” right?”

“Well regarding that, I don’t think there is hardly any person in the town who doesn’t know about that School.”

Izunomiya Private Academy. It’s a non-co-ed private school located on the foothills, at the outskirts of the town.

But still, the internal conditions are unknown even to the local people. The only thing known to the outer world is that it’s an outrageous school where Ojou-sama’s and idols go.

Though it’s like that there are various series of stories telling its amazingness. Like for an instance, the thickness of the security. The school itself, constructed on the suburbs, is surrounded by the huge wall due to which it’s impossible to break in. Furthermore, on the surroundings there are guys similar to the guards that work under the President, wearing thick black clothes, guarding the school for 24/7. What’s more, commuting to school with your own private vehicle is like a casual thing for the students, that when it’s morning the roads ahead of the school are filled with a train of Black Mercedes Benz, or so it’s told.

Well of course there are various rumours stating that, the facilities and the teachers wouldn’t even compare to a normal private school, or something like a Top Class level Cafeteria being there or something, or like a fountain spurting water upwards 10 M right ahead of the main gate, or something like there is a statue of Maria-sama to which students pray every morning. Or at the end of the building, an existence of a clock tower on which a real witch resides or something like that, or the Nobel prize winner Physics Teacher teaches there or something like that, and there is even a story, telling that there is a highly equipped spa there in which Massage Therapist and Acupuncture specialist are stationed.

“So, something happened with that school?”

“Yes. It’s quite an unbelievable thing but… As we are having quite a serious conversation, so I will appreciate if you don’t get too surprised, okay? You…, do you like an idea of getting a transfer to High School Division of the Izunomiya Private Academy from this April?”

“………Huh?”

Before the words of surprise gets released from his mouth, he felt disgusted on the mere thought.

“What kind of nonsense are you saying? It’s an all-girls school, so of course there is no way a boy like me will be transferred there.”

“No, wait, haven’t you heard, that from past 2 years that school is accepting boys in the high school division as a policy against the counter-measure for the declining birth rate.”

After thinking about a little bit, he finally remembered.

“……Now that you mention it, there definitely was a rumour about something of that sort.”

That was during his high school examination 2 years ago. When a boy in his class suddenly said, “It seems that Izunomiya Academy will start taking boys from this year!” “No way, are you fucking kidding me?! Then some lucky ass can make a real Harem there!” like that he had a slight remembrance of that time. What’s more, the number of people got accepted were just 10, furthermore, it seems that the admission fee itself was some million yen, Kishimine hasn’t even once thought about entering in there for studies.

“Even so, I can’t really understand on the idea of how it turned out to be me getting a transfer there……?”

“No, to be more precise it’s not just a regular transfer but a plan to inter-exchange the student commuting to Izunomiya Academy with a student from our school. I myself don’t know much about it though.”

“…………Isn’t this is like totally unreasonable? In the first place, if it’s after April then I will be already a 3 rd year student you know? In that important period of time to be changing one’s school……Just how much inconsiderate can you guys be belittling a person’s life like that.”

Kishimine, who was normally very docile, started showing signs of anger.

“Yes, well of course the other party will definitely take such things into consideration. For now, if you just enrol there for 1 year and graduate after that, it seems that you will get a direct recommendation to any college or company you want to go. The other party is the world renowned Izunomiya Academy just so you know. If they feel like it they can even make you enter in the Tokyo University. So how’s it, after hearing something grand like that, don’t you get even get a slightest bit of an interest?”

“…………”

Certainly, it was a very fascinating proposal. Cause if there is no need to go through the greatest terror of a high schooler “Entrance Examination” then, there cannot be anything perfect than this. And on top of that, there is a possibility that he can spend reading more books in that free time of his.

Actually, In the Izunomiya Academy, the security officers do patrol 24/7. So it does felt like they have somewhat of an influence.

“And naturally, you are exempted from the entrance and tuition fees. On the contrary, it seems that they will even arrange your uniform and the bag without charging a penny.”

“……Isn’t this just a thing anyone could ask for? Even hearing all of the things like this even I think it’s a great deal, but…….But still, why me? If one can enter into that Ojou-sama School with these facilities in hand then, there are just uncountable no. of applicants who can fit to those terms right?”

“About those terms, you see, there are basically 4 of them. First is that he should be definitely a resident from locality. Well they must be considering that one should not change their commuting to just study here. And the other is that, they want a person, who will turn 18 years old during the Spring Break itself. And correct me if I am wrong, April 4 th is your birthday right?”

“Yes. Indeed. But, what’s with the age term?”

“For the other party, it seems they want to go under proper process after having a perfect consultation from the students. When you talk about 18 years in age, then isn’t that’s where people gets legal rights to take their own decisions in the society? You can even get license in that age. Well I think they are taking those things into considerations as well.”

“Then, the other 2 are…….?”

“Excellent academic ability and those who have no bad report behind them. Quite reasonable isn’t it? It’s because it will be quite a trouble if they make someone enter who would end up causing some kind of trouble against the Ojou-samas after all.”

After that Kishimine also guessed the reason. And then stated his conjecture in a little bit of a sarcastic way out loud.

“In short, I don’t seem to be a type of guy who will create any sort of trouble, an obedient child in short; it’s because of that, I was selected ain’t I?”

“Well, certainly that’s also the case.”

Yamashiro Sensei didn’t even tried to deny that.

“But to be honest I personally thought that it’s supposedly a good idea considering that it’s you. It’s bad for a homeroom teacher to say this but…… you, you always seclude yourself in the library, and even not a popular one in the class right?”

Hearing something like that face to face from a teacher felt uncomfortable to even Kishimine.

“I won’t deny that. But, I don’t see the relation of that with this topic in any sort……”

“It’s not entirely true you know, just think about it. In a school filled with girls, if a boy gets tossed in then it’s normal for him to be happy with anything that lies ahead right?. In short, it means that if someone like you went to Izunomiya Academy then, you will be able to read books to your heart content there in the perfect environment”

Certainly it held a great benefit to Kishimine. No matter how much he likes to be alone, School is a place where it’s unavoidable to be alone. Similar to the athletic period, there are various kinds of troublesome situations.

‘Being alone is natural thing for me after all……’

As he thinks of it again and again, it ends up appearing more fascinating of a proposal than it was already is.

“Besides look……. To be straight frank here, if you become a third year in this school then there will an event of field trip right? If that comes to that, then you will not be able to stay alone as it’s essential to be in a group for that”

“…………”

That one line was the winning trump card that Yamashiro-sensei held against Kishimine.

The essentiality of being in a team during the field trip. That was the event which makes even Kishimine hates it just by just imagining.

Even though it just meant running away from that, this proposal held plentiful merits in it.

Above all, he was started getting bored from this school’s library as well. Besides, if it’s the library of the famous school, then it will hold quite a look itself.

“Uhm. Is it really alright for me to accept this proposal?”

Yamashiro-sensei got taken back for a second from a sudden change.

“I see, I understood. I know it’s quite an unreasonable proposal, but I think it’s not bad for you. Having that being said, leave the official process to me, while you just talk with your parents about it.”

“I understand. However, agreeing on that I just have one request.”

“What is it? We can’t set any type of terms from here to the other side you know……”

“No, Not to Izunomiya Academy, but it’s for you sensei. Please absolutely, at any cost don’t tell anyone about my transfer. At least not until the graduation.”

“Oi, that’s a bit——”

Yamashiro-sensei opened his mouth trying to say something but, instead of words, just a sigh came.

“……I understood. It sure will feel awkward saying farewell to everyone this late after all. Well if you are fine with it, then do as you feel like it.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

To Kishimine, the 2 years spent in this school, only held that much of an importance to him.

“Just, At last let me tell you just this. To tell you the truth, there is also one more reason for you to get chosen.”

His homeroom teacher suddenly said while making his face really serious.

“Yes. What was it?”

“In the Izunomiya Academy, It seems every student gets advance to Tokyo University just like they are climbing up on an escalator or something. In other words there is no such thing as Examination War in that school. If it was some ordinary school then there will be no such thing as free time after becoming a 3 rd year student but, it’s not the case in that Izunomiya Academy. And it also seems that they held club activities even till the graduation ceremony.”

“…………”

Sensei was trying to tell him something, but he didn’t even get a slightest idea of it.

“In other words, you see. When you will be transferred there, the surroundings will be completely changed, so basically what I am saying is that…….if you really feel like it, you can completely change the way of your last year of high school life you know”

“……I see. Thank you for worrying about me.”

As a Kishimine, that was the best answer he could’ve given there. It was similar to saying that it’s none of your business. He has books for himself. Other than that, it’s was not of his concern at all or something like that.

Thus, 1 month after that.

Towards a certain private high school, a high school boy alone transferred his school.

But, you can say that there was basically no one aside the one who arranged that, that noticed something off in the classroom even after he left.

#### Part 2

That year on the 10 th April, was also supposed to be a nationwide high school opening ceremony day.

And Izunomiya Private Academy was also not an exception to that, so like that just like a freshmen all over again Kishimine started proceeding towards his new high school. The public school uniform he used to wear till last month could be considered as a joke, if you compare it to the one he is wearing right now; the fabric he was wearing was made up of something so excessive in quality that made him total speechless at first which was same with even the new bag he was carrying in his hand.

“I have to climb this slope every day for real……?”

Izunomiya Academy was on the outskirts of the foothills. Maybe it’s because of that reason, the roads to the school was upgraded to the long ones. The slope was definitely not steep but, it still made non-athletic Kishimine a little bit fed up with exhaustion.

“Well, it will cure my athletic deficiency for sure though.”

After forcingly consenting himself like that, he continued climbing the slope.

Maybe it’s because it was too early in the morning, there were hardly any people to be seen. It’s because Kishimine was told beforehand to come early than the commuting time.

At last when he almost reached the slope, the school started to appear in his sight.

An Ojou-sama school which consisted both Middle and High School divisions, Izunomiya Private Academy.

Just as per the rumours say, the surroundings were enclosed with the high walls. Maybe it’s because of the non-intimidating presence of the inhabitants and the students that he seen until now, he would’ve end up thinking it as a western style joke or something, cause if the design were more boorish than it was already is, then it could’ve easily considered as a prison rather than a high class school. Furthermore, this time as well, just per as the rumours, many black suits security officers appeared in the sight.

Just like that, at that moment. A car passed right through Kishimine.

“I-It’s really a Black Benz……”

That Benz stopped right in front of the school’s gate. And then the chauffeur came inside of the car and respectfully opened the rear seat door while bowing.

And the one who came out was as expected, an Ojou-sama.

It was a scene quite far from there, but he could easily grasp the beautifulness of that girl. As per the looks she was calm, with straight black hair, furthermore, the high class design blazer she was wearing was fitting right up to her attire.

“It sure is an Ojou-sama school indeed……”

Just accepting and realising the reality of the situation, he pursued his way towards the direction of that maiden.

“You sure are an unfamiliar face, are you perhaps this school’s student?”

When he approached close to the gate, suddenly, the stern security officer approached and asked this to him.

“Eh? Y-Yes, I have been transferred to this school from today……”

“I see. Sorry but, can you show me your Student I.D. card?”

It was just like the police interrogation he saw on the television. He was a little bit discontented as he was being treated like a suspicious person but, it was not an atmosphere to which he could’ve opposed to easily. Unwillingly, he took out his new School I.D. card from his bag. Maybe it’s because he understood that I am not some suspicious person as he compared my face to the one in the I.D. card, the security officer finally soften his attitude a bit.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, there sure are no mistakes. You’re one of the Transferred Student are you not?”

“Y-Yes, That’s right.”

“You probably already know this, but you must first go to the Principal’s Office. Just turn right after entering the school’s gate, and then at the end of the path turn left.”

“I see. Thank You.”

He sure gave a thought about protesting for being treated like a suspicious person but, he didn’t have the courage to do that against such a stern looking security officer. Thinking things like such as it was bound to happen on the first day of transfer and all, he finally stepped inside the school filled with the mysteries.

What laid ahead there was not some sort of disordered space he thought of.

#### Is this the West? The schools design was so elaborated to make a Tsukkomi [1-A]

like that. But aside from all that, the other things were not so different than Japan. There were no such things as a water fountain, and not even the Maria-sama Statue and Clock tower could be seen, and even the stylish cafeteria which was told in rumours was present. The school building was also not that big. When he actually see it in real now, it’s actually even smaller to that of an average school. It was smaller to a extent which could make anyone think like that.

“It sure is true, alright. All those rumours would just end up as a hoax after all.”

While getting somewhat a little bit let down, and releasing a sigh of relief, Kishimine started walk in the direction to the Principal’s office.

Inside the office, there were already four boys waiting. Probably they are also the transfer students just like me, he thought

“Ah, I-I am sorry. Am I perhaps…late or something?”

“No, it’s alright. In fact it’s still quite early.”

That was the response, from the quite elderly lady sitting on the principal’s seat. As one would expect, from the principal of this iron walled all-girls school, she cut loose the gentle atmosphere around this room, one could even feel a little bit of strictness and sternness from time to time as well.

One can slightly comprehend the reason of why the 4 boys who came before me were standing straight quietly like that. As in front of this principal, one could not do something discourteous.

“It’s already been 5 minutes since all of the students have gathered; it’s still a little bit early but let’s begin. Well then, everyone. First of all let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for transferring to my school.”

After saying that, principal bowed a little. In reflex Kishimine including 4 others said “No, No it’s not particularly…” and bowed their head.

‘In the first place, it’s kinda strange to get thanked over a transfer.’

Somehow Kishimine ended up thinking like that.

“There were basically 2 main reasons that I started accepting boys in my school, which was originally supposed to be an all-girls school as you may know. First one was against the counter-measure of declining birth rate which is a very well-known reason. And the other reason is not yet known to public but, I wanted to provide a chance to the girls of this school to come in contact with that to an opposite sex. Nowadays, in one way or another, the women are starting to stand up in the society after all. Thus it’s not good for student’s to be in all-girls school environment from kindergarten till University. Because of that even if it’s just a minority, I started accepting boys in the school but……due to that I may end up causing you all some troubles.”

She turned her face away as if asking for an apology.

“For there is a very lack of men’s washroom in this school after all. It’s because that Pervert Idiot Chairman keeps on having strange ideas……”

Strangely he thought he heard some un-resting words. Furthermore, it was just only for a second, but he sure saw a light of anger in principal’s eye.

But that too was just for a second; soon the principal’s face was reverted back to the usual calm smiling one.

“A-Ah I am sorry, I sure end up saying something which had no relation to you all didn’t I. Basically, if you all just do your best for 1 year, then there will be no need for you to worry regarding your course after graduation. As you all must’ve already heard, you can actively participate in the club activities in my school even after becoming a 3 rd year student. So please enjoy your last year of High School freely in this school.”

“Uhm–, Is it alright if I ask one thing regarding that?”

One of the boys sitting in the same row as Kishimine timidly raised his hand.

“Well of course. What is it?”

“Just in case, I want to confirm this. But, in this school, dating is allowed right?”

Every boy other than Kishimine got excited over that.

‘This guy to be asking such a thing straightforward— and to even created such an atmosphere in a second.’

But, Principal didn’t minded the question at all, in fact she even showed a gentle smile hearing after that.

“Let’s see. Doing something indecent between two sex is prohibited but, if it’s not indecent then it’s alright I guess. All of the students here are raised specially but, everyone is quite old enough after all. So there should be at least a few people who would take interest in the opposite sex……or so I think. So enjoy your youth in however way you like.”

During the time when we were talking with the principal, gradually the commuting time to which students come to school also started. When they were all leaving the Principal’s office room, cheerful and bright sounds of girls could be heard.

“Oi you guys, why are you making such gloomy faces?”

When they entered the corridor the one who said that, was the guy who asked that question to the principal.

“Finally our new high school life will be starting in this Ojou-sama School. So drop that gloomy face of yours and let’s think together on the ways on how we can invite Ojou-samas to Karaoke! We also got the Principal authorization for just in case as well after all!”

With the very assertive attitude, and while expressing the energetic smile he said that.

“I-I agree! We finally got this golden chance after all.”

“If it’s like that then let’s cooperate with each other. As I also came here for that reason msyelf.”

They were comparatively all similar to each other. They too all came here after getting the unofficial assessment regarding their character but, it seems as one would expect there is always an exception in that sort of area.

Naturally, Kishimine had no intention to enter in that circle of theirs. He was transferred here to be alone after all. If he tried to associate with someone then the whole purpose of his transfer will be lost.

“Sorry. I want to go to the toilet so I will leave first.”

Like that, he managed to make an appropriate excuse and started to move away from the site.

Then, one of the guys started to shout while pointing in front of the window.

“Oi, Look, there comes the rumoured Ojou-samas!”

The view which came into their eyes was filled with girls, girls and girls everywhere.

Furthermore each and every schoolgirl was just like the Ojou-sama he saw on the gate. There were high school girls wearing the blazers and then there were middle school girls wearing the sailor uniform, no matter how you see they can be considered as cute or beautiful, due to that scene, anyone could understand that it was natural for these idiots to get excited over that.

“This is just fucking awesome, I suddenly felt like proposing to one right off the bat! Alright, let’s do this everyone! Let’s enjoy the last year of our high school life to our heart’s content!”

“Yeah-!”

Like that, he glanced back at the hyped up boys.

And just like that, Kishimine Kengo’s Second High School life started.

### Reference Words :-

#### [1-A] Tsukkomi – 突っ込み (tsukkomi). From the verb tsukkomu (突っ込む), meaning something like “butt in”, this is often the role of the partner to the boke in an owarai kombi. The tsukkomi is generally the smarter and more reasonable of the unit, and will criticize, verbally and physically abuse, and generally rail at the boke for their mistakes and exaggerations. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

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### 004. EP.2 –Â General Education Curriculum of the High School is like a Daily routine for the boys

## EP.2 –Â General Education Curriculum of the High School is like a Daily routine for the boys

#### Part 1

[Kinkon][Kankon] The Afterschool chime rang.

It’s a time where a normal high schooler finally gets released from his daylong class duties. A time to which probably every student waits for enthusiastically.

And even Izunomiya Private Academy was not an exception. A girl sitting in front of Kishimine “What should we do today?� casually asked from a girl near her and, the girl’s on the right side were also having an enjoyable conversation with each other.

No matter where he looked, there were just girls. This was truly an all-girls school and, Kishimine very well understood his position as a foreign substance between them.

Possibly, a normal healthy boy, surely would’ve felt envious of his current situation. Well in real, there do existed a few, who entered in this all-girls school because of that particular reason. For example, one of the boy who was sitting right behind Kishimine with a gloomy face was also one of those.

“*Sigh*……. It ended without anything happening today as well……. What should we do after school……?�

His name was Kusakabe Yuuki. If one had to avoid making a contact with Kishimine, then he was the only boy in this class. On top of it, he was the one who purposely asked the rumoured question to the Principal on his first day of the school.

Kishimine and the others, have a quite normal stature and weight, and even their looks were quite mediocre, but Kusakabe was the famous stylish looking kinda guy. Consequently of being it as a private school of Ojou-sama, it was obviously prohibited to dye your hair in the school but, he died his hair brown to the degree that he can claim that it’s his real hair, and even worn out his uniform a bit to an extent that it won’t be noticeable to the teachers.

Furthermore, at first he was quite enthusiastic and said something like “I will do my best to make an Ojou-sama my girlfriend!� but, after four days of our transferring-in, he totally lost his spirit. The reason was very simple. It’s because he transferred here despite being popular among girls in his previous school after all, and now he realised that as the population of the boys were just too small to be noticeable among all these girls, due to that it was like totally impossible to talk to one, yet alone make a girlfriend.

For example, the afterschool classroom was filled up with the sweet sounds of girls enjoying their talk with each other but, there were none who was even trying to approach and converse with either of the boys. The atmosphere was in there was like something in other words [courteously disregarding] their presence.

Thus, like always, he was talking secretly with Kishimine in the corner of the classroom, and was confirming his plan for today.

“Say Kishimine. What are your plans for today?�

“E-Even if you ask me suddenly like that, I was just plan on going to the library as per usual.�

“Sigh, when I heard about it first I thought that how lonely you spend your Afterchool like that but, now I feel kinda jealous of you even having an aim or something. Geez, before transferring, I here thought that I will become a centre of envy of all the boys outside and all. To think that I will not be able to talk to just one girl……�

“Isn’t it’s just the 4 th day after the transfer? It’s too soon to give up like that, if you give a little bit of time you will for sure get a chance or two.�

As he didn’t knew how to respond to him properly, so for now he just decided to say something that will comfort him.

Though to be honest, he really meant his words. In the eyes from Kishimine, Kusakabe looked like a cool guy and, to him he thought that as long as he would be frank with girls a bit more and approached them a bit normally then, he will be popular soon enough.

And then, that happened.

[U, Uhm……]

That day something rare occurred. As one of the girl from the class, approached them.

Kishimine hated to memorize the names of the girls in his class but, he knew about her. Her name was Tanabe Mai and she was their class representative.

It’s not unusual for this school, but she was excessively cute and beautiful. Short hair with serious features as a trait, he understood that it will turn out to be someone like her if someone has to balance out the two components of an Ojou-sama and the class-rep

“Aah, isn’t this our class-rep, Tanabe-san here! Do you have some business with me in particular?�

Instantaneously Kusakabe regained his energy and, said while bracing himself.

But, immediately following his actions.

“……Hiiiii!~�

Kishimine just couldn’t fail to miss that frightened shriek of the girl.

“U-Umm…… it’s a message from the Sensei, I don’t know in detail……but tomorrow, there seems to be the club introduction reception for the new students and the transferred students. That’s why, you’re both asked to go in the auditorium tomorrow after the school……�

“A, Aah. We got it, Thanks a bunch.�

I don’t know whether it is to not scare her more than she already was, he said thanks his tone lowered a bit and that too with somewhat of a stiff expression on his face.

“Then, Then…… as I’ve conveyed the message.�

Tanabe class-rep, left the place in front of them, in a way like she escaped.

Kusakabe then sighed in grief.

“Ha~~ Did you heard that just now? Just talking a bit, and a response like [Hiii!~] is just too much right…… I here, feels like I did something bad and having a guilty conscience about it.�

“It just can’t be helped right? Even the Principal said herself that it’s because it has become a school like this that she started accepting boys in it�

“But still, I never thought that it would be this bad. Sigh, if it’s gonna be like this forever then my only saving place left is the clubs. Because if it’s within one then I will for sure will be able to get a chance or two to at least have a proper conversation with a girl. On that subject Kishimine, what are you gonna do about Clubs?�

“No, I don’t have any intention of entering in one but…….what about you? Do you have your eyes set on one?�

“Since I loved Athletics from before, and even used to play Soccer in my previous school as well. I have that as an option but well, if I have to get into in a club here then, I decided it long ago that it will be either rhythmic sports gymnastics or swimming.�

“……why you have those two as a choice?�

I kinda have a vague idea about it, but I still asked it anyways.

“Why you ask, it’s because. If someone asked you that you’ll be able to see the figure of female High schoolers in the Leotard figure or in the swimsuit, then anyone will go and see it won’t he?�

Kishimine sighed after hearing the answer as it was way beyond of what he expected.

“If one just leaves the idea of being popular and don’t think too much about it, then this school will really be a paradise though�

“Then it will be meaningless! I want a girlfriend! And I want to go on a date with her in the school uniform, and I want to go with her and watch fireworks in the night, and I want to have a clandestine meeting with her in the storehouse of the gymnasium damn it! It’s a high school life I can only enjoy for just once after all!�

His tone is powerful but maybe it’s because so that it won’t be heard to the girls that are still left in the classroom his volume was comparatively low. Kusakabe had completely mastered that kind of skilful way of talking.

“I-Is that so…… But it sure is surprising to me. As you looked like a popular guy, so I thought that you atleast had an experience before with a girl or two.�

“Gufuuu!?�

I said something he didn’t wanted to hear, huh? As Kusakabe fell on the desk while holding his stomach in an over exaggerated manner.

“Ah, My bad. Did I perhaps said something unpleasant?�

“N-No it’s alright. If it’s you then I will tell. You are the only male friend in this class after all. In my previous school I too, was going out with a girl from my class you know…… but then, suddenly I was severely rejected without even told a reason.�

“…….Ah, so that’s how it was.�

“Plus, she was in the same class as me in my old school till the 3 rd year. Just try imagining it, it’s hard to even be in the same class as the girl who rejected you for even a year right?�

“By any chance, did you just changed the schools just because of that?�

“That’s right. If I change schools then I will be able to bid farewell to the old me and her…….�

Then Suddenly, I remembered the words of my Homeroom teacher Yamashiro Sensei. That it’s a good chance to change my high school life after transferring to Izunomiya Academy

For sure it seems that Kusakabe changed his school just because of that particular reason.

“W-Well do your best. In any case, I will head back to library now.�

“Geez, you sure are cold. It can’t be helped then, let’s call the boys from the nearby class and exchange information with each other or perhaps you want to play some game with PSP……?�

“PSP?�

He reflexively raised a question as word he was not used to just mentioned suddenly like that.

‘Damn’, like that before he can even regret about it, Kusakabe was looking at him like he didn’t believe of what he just heard.

“What the hell? You don’t even know about PSP?�

“A-Aah, yeah. I don’t have a slightest clue about what is that.�

“It’s a portable game you know, A Portable GAME. Play Station Portable to be exact.�

“My bad. I see, so that’s what you meant by.�

“Well it’s not something worth apologizing. As everyone has their own hobbies.�

“Well, alright see ya tomorrow then.�

“……Aah Yeah. See ya�

In Some way or another as he started getting uncomfortable, he took his bag in a hurry and left the classroom with quick pace.

Kishimine was bad at talking with energetic guys like Kusakabe since long ago.

But, in this current situation where there are only 2 guys in the class, plus those 2 refer to me and Kusakabe of the 3-B. inevitably he had no other choice but to be the Talking buddy of Kusakabe.

Right now as he too was related to the school, clubs and stuff, more or less he was able to cope up with the conversation. But, still sometimes he too was at the loss of words. And practically, the strange unknown words like PSP do also appear. But what if he was asked something like “Did you watch last night drama?� or something like “What kind of brand are you wearing these days?�, he won’t be able to follow up with the conversation at all. Just imagining the unbreathable atmosphere of that moment, made him more depress.

‘Well, it’s no use in getting worried about future.’

And it’s that Kusakabe he was talking about, there’s no mistaking it that sooner or later he will be too engrossed with the girls rather than bothering with Kishimine. Rather he wanted something like that to happen. Cause after that he will be able to spend his time peacefully again.

The hallway of afterschool was quite as per usual but, there were just too many girls here and there. But one can say as expected of an Ojou-sama School. Every girl is talking and enjoying themselves in a refined way. Unlike his old school where girls used to laugh [Kyahaha] in a loud voice, plus the hallway too was not occupied by the girls sitting and playing games. No, joking aside, he really could hear the [Ohohoho] elegant laugh of the girls.

‘I feel bad for Kusakabe, but I don’t think that there is any room for a guy to enter in between there not until graduation atleast.’

Plus, that too will be quite a good bargain deal for Kishimine. Cause then as planned, he will be not bothered by any other person in this school other than Kusakabe. And like then he will be able immerse himself in his hobby reading, for the 1 year interval till graduation.

One floor below, on the other corner of the school building, as the Izunomiya is a Giant Private Academy which comprises of both Middle and high school. Both division buildings were constructed up in a way where they face each other north and south and were tied together with a passageway. In the middle of these buildings lies the shared auditorium of both middle schoolers and high schoolers and also the cause of hope, the reason of which Kishimine entered into this school— A Library.

With holding quite a history holder Izunomiya, altogether with the co-sharing of Middle School and High School, made the library just too big than ordinary. In this two storied airy and cylindrical independent building. The half of the first floor had the loaning counter and the desks for the self-study, there are desks arranged side-by-side on the center of the second floor as well but, the rest of the space is filled and surrounded by the bookshelves. Without even having the need to do the counting and not even having a rough idea about the figure of the collection in the library, he came to a conclusion in an instant that it will be impossible to be able finish that amount in just a one year of his school life, just by thinking that, his heart throbbed with excitement.

And yet, it’s not even four days since the first semester; yet he noticed that there was just one person besides him which could be seen inside the library other than him. The count will increase with the approach of the mid-term test or something but, for Kishimine it was more than what he could’ve asked for. As his way of reading books was not normal, so if possible, he was grateful of the fact that there are less people around him.

‘But still, there are book loving people everywhere aren’t they?’

Getting a little happier of that fact, Kishimine while dropping his bag on the study table took a quick glance at the sole girl who seems to using the library like him.

She seemed to be a quiet girl. And naturally, she too was obviously cute like the rest. He wondered at first that if she really liked the books or not, as she was looking at the pocket edition of something quite intently.

Suddenly he looked towards her breast. No, not because of any indecent thought or something, but to verify her school year from the colour of her ribbon.

It was pink. That means that she was a sophomore. Unconsciously and quite unexpectedly the big breasts of that girl stole his glance for a moment.

Maybe, it was because of him looking at her direction for quite a while, she too noticed him looking at her.

Kishimine getting all panicked averted his gaze, and started searching inside the book to make it as an escape route. If he just had a little bit of a courage similar to that of Kusakabe, then he might’ve used the book as a source to talk with the girl. But, Kishimine obviously didn’t have the courage to start a conversation with an unknown person from the opposite sex.

Pulling himself together, he quietly walked towards the bookshelf and started looking around. That in itself was quite a blissful moment for Kishimine.

“Alright, let’s go with this.�

The one he picked was the, “ The Count of Monte Cristo � written by Alexandre Dumas. There was not any deep meaning behind that pick of his nor it was like that he heard of the title before somewhere before, it’s just that it was one of the books that he didn’t read before.

He quickly went back to his Study table. Though he also had the choice of reading it at home but, as it’s just been few days with his transfer, he didn’t knew the proper way of borrowing in this library yet. Plus, he didn’t actually dislike reading it while he was in the library. How to say it, the library has its unique atmosphere in which he liked reading books. Above all the biggest advantage is that he can look for any book he wants at any time he want while being inside the library.

‘Let’s spend the entire day by reading this book’, despite his wishfully thinking like that, the blankness and the voidness you can say of finishing it before the actually planned time was quite unbearable in the ways of book reading. “Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets� when he bought the popular work and started reading it after bringing it inside the house quite excitingly, and the shocking impact after knowing that it was actually the Second Volume of the series was way beyond of his ways of description.

That’s why he wanted to read as much as he can while being inside the library, before the crowd starts to gather up.

So without wasting a moment, he opened the book.

The Count of Monte Cristo. The story takes place in the Europe at the time when Napoléon was still alive. The name of the protagonist of the story seems to be Edmond Dantès. He who was the navigation officer, finishing his long voyage returned back to his home village at Marseille’s harbour. As the ones waiting for him there in his village were his old father, and his beautiful fiancé. As even the succession of the captain granted for him there, he was certainly at the summit of happiness.

However, In the middle of the marriage ceremony, he suddenly and unexpectedly got arrested by the police.

“…………�

He himself had no self-awareness about it but, as he finished reading till that point, some weird phenomenon started to occur in the body of Kishimine. His head was working like usual, the sentence and the composition was also entering in his head like usual but, first starting with his sight his 5 senses started to get dull.

The protagonist, Edmond Dantès who got arrested in the midst of his marriage ceremony. His sadness with the other emotions he felt with the other questions like why he got arrested, and what will happen in the story from now on?

Kishimine’s anticipation started to rose and simultaneously with that, the weird phenomenon in his body also started to get stronger.

The scenery from the book started to get more vivid, and he soon crossed the boundary of reality.

And now what lies in front of Kishimine’s eyes was not the letter of text but the scenery. And the place too was changed from the High School’s Library to that of Europe’s Church, where there was supposed to be no one stood the beautiful fiancé Mercédès, and the old father who was looking at him, and even the figure of policemen could be seen who barged in at the marriage ceremony to arrest him.

Even without himself noticing it, Kishimine’s mind and his heart completely turned into that of Edmond Dantès

“Why!? I haven’t done anything did I?! So then why do I have to suffer this much!?�

Inside the dark and cold prison, I continued to grief on the situation I am put to.

But as it was deep and underground inside the jail, no matter how much I grieved it just didn’t reached into the ears of the jailer.

“Why!? Just why this is happening!?�

But no matter how hard I thought about it, I just couldn’t find the reason of this. And eventually getting tired of all my outcries and weeping, I finally succumbed to a deep sleep.

And just like that an entire day past.

And once again what reflected in my eyes after waking up from the sleep was the same dark and cold prison.

Furthermore, just like that each day passed like a void, and eventually day by day an entire month passed.

I getting impatient started to eagerly looked forward for the day, my false charge will get cleared but, there was not even a slightest bit of change in my dark days of living.

And thus shortly enough 1 year got passed. During that period, not even a slightest bit of light went inside these eyes of mine. Spending a day inside this gloomy and depressing prison started to feel like a year and, finally I started thinking of suicide as my only way out. And thus thinking like that I started throw the crude meals that were sent to me, so that I can eventually starve to death.

But at that moment, [Gatsun] [Gatsun] sound reached into my ears.

I then soon realised that from where those sounds were coming. Someone just like me, imprisoned here in the dark prison was digging the hole in the ground.

“I will live!� the other person said.

The two letters of ‘Jail Break’ then shined inside my head, in a similar way as the other prisoner, I too will escape by digging a hole.

I filled myself with determination.

But, there were obviously no tools to dig a hole.

So there I first, broke my water jug. And from its pieces peeled the plaster of the wall, and from the metal handle of the saucepan, in which soup was poured to me every day, I started to dig the hole.

The operation didn’t go too well. But, for me right now, the think I had the most was the time. So every day I dug the whole little by little.

But, what lied ahead was—-.

Was the firm wall of rock.

Perhaps, it was the foundation of the building or something. And I realised soon enough hat with these made-up tools, I won’t be able to even leave a scratch on it.

In the end my hard labour and hardship just didn’t get rewarded.

“O’ Lord! Why you implicit such tortures on me! Don’t you have any compassion left in your heart after all?!�

Now the only thing left to do, was to bury my fate itself in that hole I just dug.

But, it seemed the god I believed didn’t forsaken me after all. As at that moment in my ear, the voice of the jailer like person reached after who knows how many years.

“Who is it there criticising the God?�

It was an old voice.

My prison break in the failed but, that effort gave me a new encounter.

And that too with someone who soon enough become like a second father to me, a Priest named Faria.

But, that weird phenomenon didn’t end there.

“Oi, You.�

“Eh?�

The weird phenomenon started disclosing. As the veteran voice of Priest Faria, suddenly got changed.

“How peculiar, are you perhaps asleep? Oi, wake up�

That too, into the dignifying voice with that of a girl—.

“What happened, get a hold of yourself�

As Kishimine regained his consciousness, what lied in his field of vision was the same gloomy prison——no there was nothing like that anymore. He was already in the library which was now dyed red with the colour of twilight.

“……? Huh? Priest Faria?�

“Priest Faria? Just what are you talking about? Are you really alright?�

A voice of a girl came from beside him.

“Uwaa!?�

As he reflexively turned around, he unintentionally released a scream.

It’s because infront of him lied the face of a very beautiful girl.

He knew very well that this school is filled with numerous amount of beautiful girls. But, even in all of them she exceeded in beauty by far.

On her beautiful perfect egg curved shaped face, laid the perfect set of eyes with long eyebrows. Her stature was not that tall but, maybe it’s because of her long and slender legs, she looked like one of those models appear in the T.V.

Her hair was glossy and black which reached even to her back, and her skin was quite contrastive and smooth white just like that of a silk. With not even a wrinkle on her blazer, and in a similar way, with not even a bend and wrinkle on her breast ribbon, he saw the colour brown, which revealed that she was in the same year as him.

“Ah. My bad. Did I perhaps surprised you?�

In her dignified voice, she lightly apologized. To the girls from this school it was an exceedingly rare thing, and it didn’t even seem like that she was bothered even a slightest bit doing that in front of a boy like him.

Even though a bit, Kishimine regained his composure, and realised his current situation. Perhaps, he yet again was completely got absorbed inside the book.

“Ah, No, It’s me who should apologize. Uhm, Umm….I see. Are you someone from the library staff?�

“No, I am from the Student Council. As the new term has just started. I was on a patrol to give warning to the students who without any particular reason were still loitering in the school this late.�

“F-From the Student council…….? I see, so that’s how it was, I am sorry, I will soon head back.�

In a hurry he took his bag and all flustered stood up.

“There is not any particular need for you to hurry. Playing after school is a different thing, but I just can’t give warning to a person who just got engrossed while reading a book in the library after all. It’s just that……you are probably the transfer student from the 3 rd year right? So you might remember this for the future reference that the librarian of here is a bit strict about the time and the conduct. So if possible, it would be better for you if you head back soon.�

“I-Is that so?�

Casually as he surveyed the surroundings of the library again, the figure of that lone girl from before was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps she too received the same kind of advice and head back.

In other words, he was alone with this beautiful girl right now. It just a coincidence but, for Kishimine it’s obviously a situation to which he was not immune to. And thus he was unusually nervous.

“T-Thank you very much for taking your time and even going as far to give me a advice, I, when gets engrossed in the book, totally forgets about the time…….�

“I see. Thinking back on it, you sure were reading quite intently weren’t you? You didn’t even respond to my several calls as well. So here I thought for once that you were asleep or something, however it doesn’t seem to be the case…�

“I—I see………�

From Elementary School Kishimine, got this weird tendency. If he starts reading a book, he ends up being engulfed inside the story.

It was neither due to the high concentration power, nor because of him getting immersed while reading, as it was not that something minor of that level. As per the words, his consciousness itself gets engulfed inside the story of the book like some sort of a magic or something has been casted.

During this time, he would able to become the protagonist of the story. That’s why any book he reads was interesting but, on the other hand, while he was immersed into that book, no one knows what becomes of his body while in that state. As just a while ago as well, his consciousness dispelled out with a strange voice in the library after all.

“Well whatever. In any case, make sure to be attentive from next time.�

Without even get to know her name, she, while patting Kishimine’s shoulder turned around and left the place.

Even with that dashing figure of her from behind was enough to tell how prominently beautiful she was. Her Long black hair with every step she made shook like a willow. And the thighs, sneaking outside of her pleated skirt was bewitchingly white and thin. He just couldn’t able shake off her beautiful and dignified face from his mind.

But—-at least, he very well understood that she was way beyond his reach and was unrelated to him in whatever way possible. As he had no looks at all, and he was just a mediocre guy who just loves to read the books. In this super Ojou-sama school, he was quite sure that he won’t even able to have a conversation with someone like her in the future, who is a member of the Student Council. ‘In the first place, I don’t even know her name, plus even she doesn’t know mine right?’ He thought.

‘Well, I at least have my books.’

Without even himself not knowing that whether he is being optimistic or just being sore pessimistic about that, while thinking of such things, Kishimine finally left the library.

Part 2

The next day. The new students who came from the Middle School division and the transferred students like Kishimine and others were gathered together inside the Auditorium.

“Today we’re going to introduce you all with the clubs of this school.�

The teacher on the stage announced with a mike in front of her. The event which is happening right now; is not that really rare in schools at this month of April— in other words it was the Clubs Introduction Reception or Event.

Naturally, To Kishimine, who had no intention at all to join a club, it was a trivial event, and thus he was thinking useless things like ‘The schools having auditorium sure are amazing aren’t they……?’

In his previous school, during the time of such gatherings, the place decided was always being the gymnasium and, it was usual for the students to sit on the cold floor. But as one could expect of an ojou-sama girls school, it doesn’t seem that they will be letting their student sit on the floor.

Even while he was thinking things like that, the teacher was still continuing her addressing.

Our school is popular in its sports and cultural activities, and so on. The club activities that happen in your high school life will probably become a precious memory of your life, and so on.

“Good Grief, every school sure has one or two teachers who likes to talk long aren’t they?�

Kusakabe was yawning near Kishimine, but it couldn’t’ve helped. Rather, the girls who seem to be fine hearing this long speech—or possibly ignoring it—were amazing. In the middle school division of the school, they seems to be taught etiquettes thoroughly, maybe it’s the result of that training.

“As our Principal also said earlier in the school entrance ceremony, that our school grants independence to its students. So there, I decided to leave the progression of the reception to one of the student. Tendou-san, I leave the rest to you.�

Finally that teacher finished her speech. And another girl came up on the stage replacing the teacher.

Suddenly, at that moment, the students who were quiet from a while back stirred up in a commotion.

“Kya, It’s the School President, Tendou-san!�

“No matter when you look at her she is really beautiful isn’t she……?�

Just like rooting for their favourite idol, the voices rose here and there, made Kishimine dumbfounded.

It was rare to see girls whispering in secret in this school but, it was first time after birth that he saw a scene where girls were cheering for another girl.

But it was not that he didn’t able to understand the reason behind the girls getting excited and all.

As the female student who appeared on the platform looked, beautiful from even this far back. Her hair was extremely glossy, black in color and waved like a willow with every step she made. Her hands and legs were slender and well proportioned. Her each and every movement looked dignifyingly beautiful like that of a model.

‘Ah, huh?’

Kishimine felt a Déjà vu.

He recognised her.

“Hello everyone. Did you get used to the school yet?�

Her dignified voice resounded. Without betraying the impression of the appearance it was a beautiful and prideful voice.

“Today I will introduce you to the clubs of our school. Using this today’s Reception as a stage, please find the thing you want to do�

‘Ah!’

He finally realised. She was the one who approached him yesterday in the library. Isn’t that the same girl who declared that she was from the student council, right now standing on the stage?

‘I heard that she was from the student council but, to think that she was the President of herself……?!’

“Oi, do you know?�

Kusakabe who was yawning from boredom just a while ago, approached him while breathing heavily with excitement.

“She is this school’s Student Council President, Tendou Shinobu from the 3-D.�

“Tendou……Shinobu?�

That’s the name of the girl. Kishimine, who was bad at even learning the names of his classmate, somehow felt that he will at least be able to remember her name.

“Attractive face and figure, good academic ability and excellent moral conduct, without any spec of defect in her, she is a Perfect Ojou-sama. Her popularity among girls also seems to be quite high.�

‘Even I can understand that somehow. If that dignified beauty, with that dignified speech and conduct was to be pop-upped among the girls, they obviously will get attracted to her.’ He answered in his head

“……Even so, how do you know that much about her?�

Somehow as I spurted the question right out of my mind into words, Kusakabe, together with his refreshing smile thumbs upped at me.

“Four days is enough to get my hands on the details about the important girls of this school. You too can contact me anytime if you want the telephone no of a girl you know?�

“…… Just how in the living hell you were able to get your hands on that sort highly classified personal information in such a short amount of time.â€�

“Well, it’s a trade-secret of the Kusakabe Household.�

Quite proudly, he raised his thumb again.

“Well then, I will introduce you all to our Izunomiya Academy’s clubs. The first one to give their introduction is Soft-ball Club.�

While they were talking the, Student President’s greetings finally got finished, and then replacing her, the girls came inside the gymnasium wearing the white uniform while holding their gloves and bats.

“Good day, everyone. We are from the Soft-Ball Club. So everyone from here, do you also want to release your sweat together with us?�

Things like this, too could be said of the standards of an Ojou-sama girl’s school, and then the detail of the club was introduced.

In the middle school of Kishimine, a play with a bad fellow suddenly barging in and occupying the bat’s and racket’s and repelling others with a sarcastic laugh of his unfolded but, something like that of course won’t be happening here huh?. And so the boring time continued for the Kishimine, who had no intention of joining any clubs from start.

Tennis Club, Literature Club and Tea Ceremony Club……. the varieties of the club here were normal yet again, similar to that of a normal high school.

“Hmm, the traditional clothes of the tea ceremony club were quite good, but as expected the Swimming club didn’t came dressed in a swimsuit huh? Which means that to see that, one should have to go on the tour, huh……?�

As per usual Kusakabe, was just saying things which if heard will draw the girls away.

But, as the next the one to enter were from rhythmic sports gymnastics in their leotard dress maybe it’s because of that particular reason, he started breathing heavily from his nose due to excitement again, which made him feel like he chose the wrong place just by standing near him.

“I wonder if I should just go and join the rhythmic gymnastics after all?!�

He said it with a tone which is hard to tell whether he was joking or not.

“I beg you atleast just don’t do something which will make you get expelled. If I end up being the only boy in the class, I for sure will feel sorry for myself.�

“You are worrying for nothing. Don’t worry I don’t have any intention to do anything without getting the approval from the other party.�

Do what exactly? He didn’t had the energy to ask that.

“……Then at last, the Introductions from the Modern Game Club.�

Then there, working as a host for the event, School President Tendou-san, announced the name of a strange club

“Modern……Game Club?�

It didn’t suited the Ojou-sama School at all, Plus, the name itself was like that from a variety show or something.

At the same time, he started to notice a subtle change in the dignified voice and the manner of the Student President Tendou-san.

In some aspects she looked kinda restless. As if, she was concerned about something.

Immediately following that, commotion started to occur inside the auditorium.

He soon understood the reason. The club introductions so far were conducted only by the girls. But the commotion occurred because this time a guy appeared.

Plus, no matter from where you look at him, he was not a student from any angle. And he was not wearing the uniform, but a white lab coat as well. He seemed to be the teacher of either Physics or Biology

“I- I wonder why the teacher has come……?�

A bit tall in height, features also looked kinda adult like. By no means his shoulders were buffed up but, how to say it, he looked kinda intellectual plus, his each action felt powerful. To even make him think that the expression “with an imposing air� was meant just for this teacher.

“To all the ladies of the first year, Congratulation on your enrolment! And while I’m at it, to all the Transferred Gentlemen as well! We welcome you all! First of all I will take the time and introduce myself. I am the advisor for the Modern Game club, and the Physics teacher Sena-sensei Akio!�

It was an adult like voice, just like his appearance, a meaningless strong and rough voice.

“Modern Game Club. One can’t even tell exactly what our club is with just the name. Not to mention, our club was established just 6 months ago so it has no history as well, the official member too is just 1 person! As a matter of fact, it’s in a condition where it’s not even officially recognised as a club yet. Its existence itself is just like a miracle! But even after saying that, I don’t even have any intention of explaining of what sort of activities our club do to all the people here gathered in this place right now. Because, what we crave for, are not just any club members! But what we really want, are the one are the one’s with the same heart as us…….in other words a comrade! If there is someone with the same set of heart as mine in this place, then without holding back I want you to visit and see our Club’s Audio-Visual Prep-Room. I repeat, I won’t give explanation about our club. But, I will just leave these words as a present to you all!�

It was just too much of an absurd explanation to get. It was completely different from the girls who gave introduction about their clubs quietly with appeal. Maybe it’s because of that reason, Kishimine and the others students reflexively paid attention to it. Or possibly, they were just were overwhelmed by him.

After the speech that teacher, made a round at the silenced students who were sitting in a line. Just like an advocate appealing of innocence in front of a jury, just what he will say next, for that Kishimine and the others just waited holding their breath for his next words.

And then, after taking a long breath, Sena-sensei finally said.

““Everyone here! Don’t you want to try marrying a Seiyuu [2-A] !?�

…….the atmosphere of the auditorium of that moment was not something which could be explained with just a single word.

Dumbfounded, Confused, Surprised—-with these countless emotions the auditorium got occupied with both silence and commotion.

“Seiyuu? Seiyuu are the people who dub the movies and give their voice to an Anime character and stuff right?�

“So, what’s the relation between the club activities and the marriage?�

Naturally Kishimine too, and even the female students got surrounded by a non-understandable disorder.

What’s more, the one which made the disorder into more absurd situation was the moment right after that.

Don’t you want to try marrying a Seiyuu?….. who said that with a composed face, the teacher Sena-sensei was,

“I told you to not say it before didn’t I?!�

“Guwaah!?�

Together with the strange voice, sent flying.

With the Drop Kick.

Replacing the teacher after sending him flying with a kick, was the Student Council President Tendou-san.

To be able to comprehend what really happened there required a bit of time. No one could’ve believed it, as what that neat and clean, dignified Student President just performed was none other than a Pro-Wrestling Technique. The student council president drop-kicked, and sent the advisor of Modern Game Club flying after shouting some certain words, stole the mike and the place. Her skirt was just above the knees, which can’t be said long.

“Shit, I didn’t able see it clearly……�

Kusakabe who was near him dumbfounded, muttered slowly. But he didn’t had energy to question him of what he exactly missed.

“Sorry about that. Sena-sensei is a very splendid teacher but, he has a little mental illness. So please don’t mind it too much.�

In front of the students who were already dumbfounded, President Tendou said that. Pretending as if something like that really never happened and not even trying to clean her dirty clothes.

“As a club president I will give you all the explanation. Naturally, even Sena-sensei didn’t said anything incorrect. What our club needs are not just club members but, an existence which one can depend to, and fight along us with trust, basically a comrade. I too won’t drag my talk for long, and will just say the main gist of it!�

Kishimine and the other First years were once again dumbfounded.

“D-Did she just said, Club President……?�

The Sena-sensei who was made to leave, certainly did said that they have only 1 member.

Then that means the all aspiring President Tendou is that member, moreover the club president?

The Tendou-senpai who is said to have such a high moral conduct, why is she in such a club where that Strange Teacher is acting as an advisor? And, what did she mean by when she said that she wants a comrade than just a member?

In the midst of getting looked by the dumbfounded students, Tendou started speaking.

“I am not interested in just any freshmen, but if someone in here can clear the Spelunker [2-B] – Famicom [2-C] Edition then come to the audio-visual prep-room after school. That’s it.�

And, after saying that she left the place by dragging the body of Sena-sensei from collar that was lying on the corner of the stage.

Immediately after that the auditorium suddenly got surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere.

“Famicom, isn’t that an old gaming console?�

“I wonder if Spelunker is some sort of game. I think I’ve heard of that name somewhere though……�

“How should I put it, didn’t she was like Haruhi [2-D] just now?�

The girls started exchanging words with each other unanimously. It seemed like they had something in their mind to talk about but, it was not the case for Kishimine.

“……… S-She is really a puzzle isn’t she? Even though she is really beautiful…….�

Kusakabe too, muttered disappointedly.

“There sure are eccentric ones in every school aren’t they?�

Kishimine too, didn’t able to think other than something of that level. To the end it’s someone else’s problem. Something which has nothing to do with him——- he was thinking like that. Or at least till that time.

### Reference Words :-

#### [2-A] Seiyuu – Seiyuu refers to the voice actors/actress in Japan. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [2-B] Spelunker – is a 1983 video game developed by Tim Martin and MicroGraphicImage. It is a platform game similar to Pitfall! or Curse of Ra. For more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [2-C] Famikon – The Nintendo Entertainment System (also abbreviated as NES) is an 8-bit home video game console that was developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was initially released in Japan as the Family Computer (ファミリーコンピュータ FamirÄ« KonpyÅ«ta) (also known as the Famicom (ファミコン Famikon) and abbreviated as FC) on July 15, 1983. For more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [2-D] Haruhi – is a reference to the Haruhi from the Anime Series. Just watch the Episode 1 of 1st Season and you’ll know it.

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### 005. EP.3 – First Game

## EP.3 – First Game

#### Part 1

The following morning.

‘I think I should also use the bus to commute.’

While thinking these sorts of things, Kishimine was climbing his way up on the long road.

As he didn’t wanted to bother the Academy as there were already so many students using their own private vehicles drived by their chauffeur, as expected his body which was lacking physical strength, the distance on this slope felt killingly far. Though, as it was spring it was still fine, but with the soon approaching summer, it will start becoming dreadful by day by day.

On the other hand, if it’s inside the bus then he will be able to read books as well. ‘But, from home it takes me 15 minutes, if I am gonna use that amount for the bus fees anyways, then I should just walk and use the money to buy new books’, he contradicted himself. Quite right, as he didn’t had any more space to store new books in his room, maybe it was because of that he was feeling like he was drifting away from the book stores recently.

“Yo Kishimine, what a coincidence”

The one, who suddenly called him out, was his sole male class mate, Kusakabe.

“A, Aah, Morning”

Getting to meet up with your classmate, while going to the school. That’s a scene that could be seen anywhere in the morning on this slot of time in particular.

But as Kishimine didn’t know what to talk at a moment like this, he was greatly perplexed in his mind.

But, as staying quiet for long would be awkward; plus “You don’t have anything to talk to me about?” he didn’t wanted to get an impression from Kusakabe such like that as well. But having said that, he didn’t have a slightest clue about which he should start the conversation.

While in the midst of thinking, he suddenly realized something. Kusakabe strangely was in a very good mood today.

“You sure look cheerful.”

“Aah, it’s because today is a day where various events will take place after all!”

Was there something today to make Kusakabe that delightful, he thought at once.

‘Aah, that’s right. He will be able to tour various clubs today.”

Whether it’s swimming club or the rhythmic sports gymnastic club, if he gets the chance to get close to the girls he will join any club happily, or so Kishimine thought.

“Come to think of it, Kishimine so you were the one to go by foot as well, huh? Is your house nearby or something?”

“Eh? Ah, Yeah. It’s the same with you as well right?”

“Well yeah. But, I usually use bicycle.”

“Eh? Isn’t that against the school regulations?”

“That’s why I always leave it midway at a store nearby managed by one of my relative.”

“Heh…”

As the conversation there ended like that, Kishimine again started cold sweating thinking on what he should talk about next.

With that he again realised, that how bad he was at socialising with people

“Still, no matter how many times I look at it; it sure is big isn’t it? Our school that is”

Fortunately, this time Kusakabe took the initiative to start the conversation.

“A, Aah, it sure is”

Kishimine too while agreeing, started watching the school premises and the huge wall surrounding it.

The total number of students in this school, including both middle school division and high school division are around eight hundred, which is not a large number. But, aside being separate buildings for both middle school and high school, Facilities such as Indoor Pool and Gymnasium are also set up separately for each other. Additionally, as ultra-violets rays are not good for the skin of Ojou-samas, the play grounds are somewhat small, however, the other Indoor Facilities such as Tennis Court and Basketball Court and others are as expected well established separately for both middle school division and high school division. If one compares the total floor space, then obviously there could be no school bigger than this.

“Well for me……it’s that thing which I can’t help but getting bothered of”

He saw the muscular security guards, who interrogated him on his first day after the transfer.

When female students pass, they always greet them with the broad smile but, when the male students pass they always glare at them.

Today too without that being changed, Kishimine and Kusakabe got pierced by the glares of those numerous security guards.

“I wonder why we boys are always glared at like that…….?”

“Aah that you see. Is for the exclusion of the trespassers or so it seems to be the case.”

“That sure is not something to be said that calmly. So what is it about?”

“There seems to be the case where people try to trespass using this uniform. That’s why those black suit bunch trying to remember us boys face, and seeing whether there is any suspicious person mixed in or not.”

“……Ah, I see. So that’s why they checked us thoroughly like that……”

Well it’s a school where so many Ojou-sama go to after all. Maybe it’s because of that reason this school student were always the target of ‘peeping photographic’ incidents which was even well known to Kishimine. He also heard of the rumours which says that the entrance check at the time of Athletic Meet and School Festival are ton times thorough than this.

It can’t be helped as it’s to protect the female students and all but, he still thought that it’s maybe a bit over doing things.

“Well it’s not that really a bad thing for us as well you know. It’s thanks to that Excessive Security outside, that we’re blessed by the god of luck himself.”

“…….What do you mean? What’s with such exaggeration?”

“Want to hear? Do you really want to hear? Alright then let me tell you, you are also a boy after all!”

Kusakabe with a smile on his face approached near Kishimine’s ear.

“Do you know? There is a certain rumour in this school, which states that during this school’s P.E. period–”

By giving a short break, like emphasising on the importance of the context, he said.

“They still seem to be using bloomers as a uniform.”

“……I see?”

To Kishimine, that was the best reaction he could’ve given at that moment.

As if Kusakabe didn’t like his reaction, he increased his voice.

“What the hell is with that reaction? That is the part at which you should’ve gotten more surprised to.”

“Eh? J-Just what part of this conversation should I’ve gotten surprised to?”

“It’s Bloomers you know, BLOOMERS! Bloomers which were said to be already extinct as a legend are still alive, living in this Heisei Era [3-A] Moreover, in this school which is filled with beautiful girls!”

“B-But Bloomers are just a piece of cloth worn during P.E. right?”

“W-What the hell are you saying? Don’t tell me……”

For some reason Kishimine, was looked down by the eyes of pity.

“Don’t tell me…… that you don’t know the greatness of the bloomers? No, wait, I see, well it true that it got extinct when we were still in the elementary school. If I think like that, then its sure can’t be helped if you don’t know about it.”

“Yeah, My bad. I am ignorant about such things……”

He lied.

Well obviously he was well aware about bloomers. As he seen them plentiful of times on the late night T.V. In context, Long time ago it was used as a P.E. uniform or so it seems but, as the exposure in legs was great, the girls started getting reluctant in wearing it, and gradually it got abolished and extinct. Right now it seems that the girls wear them to cover their underwear or something of the sort.

‘I see’, if he imagined the Ojou-sama’s wearing that in this academy then, definitely he could reason with the Kusakabe’s excitement. But, as a boy, to say that sort of thing with such frankness looked kinda uncool in the eyes of Kishimine.

“Well, you too if get to see the real thing, will for sure give your thanks to those guards. Because of the fact of existence of such a high defence which guarantees the restriction of any suspicious person, great culture such as bloomers is still growing here. As fellow students of this Academy, we should pay our respect to that you know? Getting stared to death by the guards every morning is a very cheap deal if one get to see the sight of those.”

“……for now, I very well understood the reason, of why those bloomers got out of date.”

Like that, Kishimine while feeling disgusted realised the degraded reality.

“Come to think of it, you sure are in a very good mood today……by any chance is it because of today’s P.E. period?”

“Yup, that’s right!”

Kusakabe said happily with his teeth sparkling and thumb pointing upwards.

Part 2

Though he said that earlier, it didn’t took that much time to change Kusakabe’s face which was overflowing with hope, to be painted with despair.

After school. Kishimine as per routine was troubled with the complaints of Kusakabe.

“To think, that they will separate the period itself for the boys…….!”

Kusakabe was absentmindedly looking outside the window, with his eyes looking like that of a rotten fish.

“You are still at it? Just give up already, as it was the all-girls school till a while ago, it’s can’t be helped.”

Physical Education Period which was conducted in the 5 th Period today.

“We are not in the elementary school for fuck sake, so there was no way that the both genders will be paired together in same period. But still, wouldn’t they gather all of us together, in the gymnasium or in the ground for the P.E.?” It seems that Kusakabe and the others were thinking of something like that. In other words, they thought that they will atleast be able to see the bloomer figure of beautiful girls during that time.

But, the one which gathered in the ground during the 5 th period were just guys. Moreover all the 3 rd year boys were made to be gathered there together—- Kishimine and the rest – count (5), together with other (5) who were there in this school from the start and somehow still surviving—-in total (10).

In that period of time just what were girls doing, we decided individually on what we hoped to be the answer to that question.

In short, the guys were all completely quarantined.

“At this rate, even if the swimming class starts it will be separated just like this isn’t it……? Hah……. Can someone tell me why I have come to this school again……?”

Seriously, just for what reason you came to this school geez…, he wanted to Tsukkomi [3-B] so bad.

“How about switching your mood for a start? Look, you will be able to do the club activities from today onwards, right?”

“Somehow that too feels dubious at this moment. Who knows maybe in the clubs as well it will be separated like this? In this godamn fucking School there’s no telling what they will do.”

It felt quite plausible to Kishimine.

“Even if that being the case, you will atleast be able to tour before right?”

“Well that’s true. Alright then! Let’s switch the gears, and go on a tour to Swimming Club shall we? Right now, anything is fine to me if I got to see girls.”

After being in contact for few days with this classmate, Kusakabe, He was atleast able to know that how fast this guy was in changing the gears.

‘Like that it will quite helpful if he gets cheerful by tomorrow though.’

As it was quite pain in the ass to deal with him when he is all depressed, he couldn’t help but pray that, for the sake of his wellbeing of course.

While heading back towards the Library, he was thinking of what happened during the 5 th Period.

If one has to see it on a practical scale then, each and every boys who were in their 3 rd year assembled together at one place for the first time but, the students who joined the school 2 year ago, “The Survivors” were, just like the small puppy who found their new master, joined this school on a whim looked quite impressive. And all 5 of them gave the impression of being someone from the wealthy family and, it seemed that due to being in this sort of situation for continuous 2 years they were very tired of this entire all-girls environment.

On the other hand, Leaving Kishimine aside, the other 3 who joined just recently were just like Kusakabe, had their eyes just like that of a rotten fish. It seems that they were also looking forward to watch those bloomers.

After watching Kusakabe and the rest getting serious over just a piece of cloth used for the P.E. Class, he definitely felt a little bit of jealous. The ones you can say the High Schoolers are maybe from the start are someone like that. Being non theoretical and having no common sense, just crazy about girls in their brain.

But, Kishimine just couldn’t able to become assertive like Kusakabe. It’s because he didn’t had any self-confidence in him.

He somewhat understood the reason of Kusakabe’s assertiveness towards girls. They pay attention towards their attire and even their hairstyle; they are even good at talking with others. And he thought that if they got approached by some girls, even the girls will also be able to enjoy themselves.

Comparing with that, he was quite confident that he is not at all anywhere near good. His appearance was quite mediocre, and even in studies he was never able to come up in the top rank once, in the regards of exercise he already lost all hope. Maybe it’s because of him always being alone; he was also bad at socialising, if one to ask his hobby then that will be just reading books. And his only special skill was to get too accustomed in the concentration while reading but, to people that too will just appear as disgusting.

So he just couldn’t think of a girl to be delightfully approaching someone like him.

It’s not like he is not interested in any lewd things. But, if someone like him excitingly talks about the bloomers and Swimsuits then anyone who will see that for sure will feel disgusted.

‘Well it’s all fine, as for me I still have these books’

Till now, when he always succumbed to trouble, Kishimine always cleared his mind by saying the same thing. And even the club touring and joining of those who transferred here and new students which was going to happen today, didn’t particularly going to change his daily life.

And like usual he entered inside the library. But after proceeding towards his reading seat which was on the second floor, he noticed that there was one preceding visitor before him. And even though it was Kishimine, he too quickly recognized that person. It was that Glasses girl he saw yesterday—- if one had to add one more feature about that girl then that will be those huge breast which stood out quite a lot—to that sophomore girl.

“…………”

She was reading the book very quietly sitting on the reading seat but, it’s maybe she heard the footsteps of someone on the stairs, her eyes met with Kishimine’s.

Although, there is nothing happened except that, she got all flustered and averted her gaze.

As that was the quite normal reaction of this school’s girls, he didn’t get bothered by it. It’s just, that girl, as she is coming every day in this library means, that she is also a fellow book lover, which made him a little happy.

“……now that I think of it”

Suddenly, he got reminded of the only bond he had with someone from the opposite sex.

“Miyabi-chan, I wonder what she is doing right now?”

During Kindergarten, she was his childhood friend with whom he spent a short time of one year.

He still remembers the promise he made with her at that time. That when they will grow up, they will read books again together like before.

But, it’s already been more than 10 years since then. 10 years. That is almost the two-third of a time for an 18 years old person like him, a very and considerate amount of time. Maybe it’s because of that reason, from quite a while; he couldn’t even able to even remember her face. By any chance even if they were able to pass-by each other in this town, he was quite sure that he will not be able tell. It is kinda unfortunate but, that parting with her in that kindergarten maybe will become the last memory of her in his mind.

The thing called life is that sort of thing or so it seems, Kishimine remembered reading something like that in one of the story he read before. In that story, he lived the life of the protagonist like usual. And the story made on the composition of several encounters and separation. A loved one, a trusting friend and a possible arch-enemy,—the meeting with those peoples and in the end separation. That was all of it.

Certainly this book was like that as well isn’t it? Like that he took out “ The Count of Monte Cristo ” from the shelf again. During the marriage with his lover Mercédès, getting arrested and thrown into the prison, Edmond Dantès. After that, what kind of encounter or farewell awaited him? If he thinks of something like that, then the troubles that were bothering him for a while back became something trivial and soon he forgot about that.

And thus, the consciousness of Kishimine who now returned back to his seat, like usual got engulfed into the story of the book, and he once again turned into the protagonist Edmond Dantès.

……My Jail breaking plan, which was digging the hole and escaping through it failed.

But, my efforts in the end didn’t end up being in vain. It’s because I was able to meet the Priest Faria, who was also got captured here on false charges just like me.

After coming in this good for nothing prison, I was able to meet an existence who was here with similar circumstances such as me.

I and Father Faria ended up conversing about a lot of things soon. As he possessed magnificent intelligence, he even told me about his conjecture of why I was captured here. Soon enough he became like a second father to me, and I ended up learning various things from him such as Mathematics, Science, History and Linguistics. To me who only knew how to manipulate the ship, Father Faria gave me various kinds of knowledge. Those Lessons took place inside a dark prison but to me, that time never felt unfortunate.

But, those kind of days didn’t lasted for long. And in the end, Father Faria fell under sickness.

But just before his death, he shared an unbelievable secret with me. It was about an existence of a treasure which was hidden by a person who was once a former noble.

And eventually, together with sadness, I lost Father Faria. And once again became all alone.

I was once again was about to fall in despair due to that but, then soon enough I came up with a scary plan to escape from this prison.

“I will just have to switch myself with the dead body of Priest Faria which was in the bag brought by the jailer.”

And the plan itself went pretty well. Without realising I got casted off in the sea as a dead body, and was able to finally escape that gloomy prison.

And then getting success in jail breaking I, as per Father Faria’s words, found the treasure which was hidden by the former noble.

And thus able to get my grasp on an unbelievable amount of wealth and power.

And finally, pledged to take revenge against the people who made me and Priest Faria go through such terrible experience.

But at that moment, something like revelation from the heavens fell upon me.

“Hey, you”

“……Huh? Eh?”

“I am sorry, but listen! I have some business with you!”

The voice that came from the heaven was an unexpectedly loud and young male voice.

I unintentionally went into mayhem. Don’t tell me, now of all times it’s my time to go to the heaven, No, it’s just the voice for now, or so I came to the conclusion.

“Hmm, he definitely doesn’t look like he’s sleeping but, he is definitely not noticing me as well. Just what the hell is going on here?”

Just too much of an incomprehensible development

That at last broke my concentration, and made me wake up from the world of books.

Kishimine, after returning his consciousness from the book, first gets his self-awareness back.

“u-uwaah-!?”

He reflexively raised his voice. It’s because in front him was the face of an unknown man who was wearing glasses.

“Oh, so you finally noticed, huh!?”

With an unusually high voice, that man said.

It doesn’t seemed like he was the student. A bit tall, with a bit mature atmosphere, and above all what he was wearing was not a school uniform but a white lab coat.

“Ah……”

He finally remembered him.

It was that teacher who spouted nonsense during the yesterday’s event about his club and later made to leave with the drop kick of Tendou President.

“It appears that you possess some incredible concentration power there with you! You won’t notice if one taps your shoulder or if one calls out to you, but there is no sign of you sleeping as well! It was……yes, just like you were possessed by the book or something!”

“……well it somewhat fits. Once I start reading a book, I just couldn’t bring myself to stop in middle. Leaving that aside, what business do you have with me?”

As he was also bothered by the disturbance he caused in his reading, he asked that with a bit intense expression.

“Oh! That was rude of me. I am Physics Teacher, Sena-sensei Akio. I am ashamed to be a bit ill-mannered about such things but, you, what’s your name?”

“Haa?”

Why I have to introduce my name to him. He first thought that. But, as that teacher has an atmosphere where you just couldn’t defy him, he couldn’t able to refuse.

“……3-B’s, Kishimine Kengo.”

“Heh, Kishimine-kun, huh?! It’s an unfamiliar face considering you are a senior, are you perhaps one of the rumoured Transferred Student?”

“Yes… that’s right”

“Well then, Kishimine-kun. I want to ask you a question here; say……don’t you want to try marrying a Seiyuu?”

“Huh?”

“Ah, my bad, it certainly was a silly question right, as there is not a single male exist in the world who doesn’t want to marry a Seiyuu! Alright, let’s change the question then. You are a transfer student, and right now in library. So in short, you still haven’t joined any club, am I correct?”

“Well, Yeah.”

‘Just why is he asking me such a thing? In the first place, wouldn’t he cause problem to other people who are using the library by talking in such a loud voice.’

At that time, when he was thinking of such things, it happened.

Kishimine definitely saw it. As if some sort of luminant device was attached to it, Sena-sensei’s glasses [Kiran] sparkled with a suspicious light.

And then,

“Secureeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!”

“Eh? What?”

There was no room for resistance and such.

Because before he even realised, Kishimine got covered in a black cloth like thing from bottom to head—

And got abducted.

That was, the moment from where Kishimine’s daily life started deviating.

He didn’t able to understand what happened just now.

Just a few minutes ago, he as a mediocre student, was spending his mediocre daily life. And then, inside the Japan’s topmost safe school, he suddenly got covered inside the black cloth and got abducted, and at the moment getting carried away some sort of a wrapped caterpillar.

“Wait— what the hell are you doing? Release me please!”

Even at a moment like this he was using honorifics as he knew the other person is a sensei.

“Shut up! Stay quiet! And don’t struggle, I guarantee your safety!”

As his body was shaking quiet violently, he guessed that he was being moved from one place to another.

“Just what type of crap are you saying?! P-Please put me down.”

“Just wait for a while, we’ll be there soon! I suggest that you won’t talk too much though, as you may bite your tongue like that!”

Just whose fault do you think it will be then—?

He wanted to protest like that, but as the shaking was very violent due to being on the staircase or something, he was not in a situation to do so.

Eventually, he heard the sound of the door being opened.

“Alright, we’re here. Okay, I am gonna drop you down now!”

“Eh”

He getting prepared for the throw readied his body but, luckily the strong impact he imagined didn’t occurred. He was put down on the floor quite easily, and then the knot also got loosened and he came out of the bag.

The first thing that entered his vision was the face of the culprit who kidnapped him.

“J—just what the hell is this?! What is this place? Why did I get kidnapped and brought here?!”

“Quiet down, I am not a time traveller who kidnapped you for fucks sake; a man shouldn’t make a fuss over little things like a little girl! And there is no need to be surprised is it? This is our Modern Game Club’s clubroom, audio-visual prep-room.”

“Huh?! Modern Game Club!? Audio-Visual Prep-Room!?”

Even Kishimine knew that this suspicious teacher is acting as an advisor of the infamous Modern Game Club. In that case, it makes this small room, the clubroom. If I remember it correct, on the second floor there were two audio-visual rooms numbered No.1 and No.2 and, the audio-visual prep-room was near to them.

He surveyed the room again. As per its name, it was supposed to be used as a storeroom for both of the rooms. The size of the room was around half of the normal classroom. Plus, the other half of that was filled with the racks on which various types of club equipment’s were piled up. Due to all those racks it cannot be seen, but there should be a door which connects the interior of this room with the No.2 Audio-Visual Room.

It was small, but it was definitely not giving any impression of untidiness. It does giving the impression to that of a storeroom but it definitely could be seen that it was sorted out quite efficiently considering the small space.

Plus what was surprising was, on the left and right of the room was 2 set of total 4 T.V.’s, including some several other expensive looking video player kinda thing lying here and there.

Suddenly, Sena-sensei after seeing Kishimine’s eyes proudly started bragging with his chest puffed up.

“Fuffuffufu, your eyes went there, huh?! Very well then, do look at it to your heart content! These are our clubs’ prideful 4 Plasma T.V.’s after all.”

“I-I didn’t really need for any sort of permission to see things though. But, still even if it’s the private academy of rich people, I am surprised that you were able bring such expensive looking things inside the clubroom……”

“Well aside from the new type big LCD TV’s, the old versioned Plasma TV’s are not that expensive you know?! Well in summers it gets extremely hot but no matter what we needed to have this HD Environment!”

He couldn’t keep up with what he was saying. ‘In the first place, why the hell there was a need of 4 TV’s in a high school’s club?’ he thought.

“Well leaving those things aside! As you are here already, you probably have guessed of what you’ll be made to do right?”

“Ha!? What do you mean!?”

“Well just listen and quietly sign these papers here.”

“Eh!? EHH!?”

Sena-sensei took out 1 thin paper out from his pocket and pushed that on Kishimine.

Without any place to run, he was forced this piece of paper.

Just what the hell was it, as Kishimine looked down to confirm, he just couldn’t able to believe on his eyes.

“W—what the fuck is tttttthhhhhhiiiiiiiissssssssss?”

It was been a while since he shrieked like that.

What were written on top of that thin paper were basically three words namely, “Marriage Registration Form” .

‘Just pure crap.’

After kidnapping from the library, he was brought inside the secret room. And now was forced this marriage registration form. And what’s more terrifying was, that on the place of Husband name column “Sena-sensei Akio” was written.

“W—what the hell is this? Giving this marriage registration form to me suddenly, are you for real!? N—No being suddenly is not the point here, in the first place, I am still a high school……NO, that’s also not it, to begin with it’s impossible between two males….. Ah FUCK this shit; basically, I just can’t get it!”

Lately, in the publishing environment, BL genre is getting a bit of an influence among the people; don’t tell me this club’s name, “Modern Game Club” basically means that.

“Hm? Just what are you saying? Marriage registration?”

In a very strange way Sena-sensei said that, and then looked down at the paper he pushed at Kishimine.

“Aah, my bad, the papers got a little bit mixed-up! This is the marriage registration I prepared to be able to marry up with seiyuu anytime! The one I want your sign is this!”

As usual saying hard to understand things, he now passed the separate piece of paper than that Marriage Registration Form to Kishimine.

On that document as well, as expected 3 words were written.

“Club……Registration Form?”

And then suddenly door slammed opened from behind.

“It was hopeless, Sena-sensei. There are no new students to be seen anywhere……?”

As he turned around reflexively on the familiar voice, there he saw the figure of a familiar female student.

“Hm? You are……I’ve seen you before didn’t I?”

“I-If I remember it right, you are from the Student Council’s……”

His thinking process got more disordered. It’s because the one standing there in front of him was everyone’s ideal Tendou Student Council President.

In an instant, his heart-rate unusually spiked up. And he unintentionally got fascinated by her. No matter how many times he came in contact with her, he just didn’t saw anyone more beautiful than she was, not even in the T.V.

On the other hand, he thought what a person such as her is doing at a place like this.

But, that question too was soon cleared up, as he recalled the other day’s club introduction. It appears that she, the Student Council President is a sole member of the Modern Game Club and what’s more she is its Club President.

“Ooh. You sure came back at a nice timing! Look at this Tendou-kun! I’ve secured us a new club member! He’s Kishimine Kengo-kun from the senior year, same as you.”

Tendou’s face, got overflowed with delight.

“So you’ve finally found it? That sure is a very good news! Welcome to our Club then. And now that I think back you’re the guy who I met in the library yesterday aren’t you? There seems to a somewhat of a fate meeting you here again like this, isn’t it?”

“Y—Yeah”

Fate among us—just those words, getting to hear from a beautiful person such as Tendou Student Council President, started to make him blush.

“……Wai—, No, No, Just hold a second there! Just what’s with this new member thing? Why it’s suddenly turn out to be me joining the club?!”

“Is there really a need of an explanation there?! Today is the start of a club hunt, and you being an independent student came to our club because of that, and that aside aren’t you the one who said that you want to marry a seiyuu?”

“I-Is that true!?”

Before even Kishimine could protest, Tendou started seeing him with somewhat of a pitiful eyes.

“That sure surprised me. To think there was another one who shared same interest such as Sena-sensei…… Well yes……everyone has their own preferences but…”

“Wai— just wait a second there! I never said something like that! In the first place, I don’t remember coming here on my accord, and aren’t sensei you are the one who gone as far to kidnap me to bring me here?!”

“W—what was that?”

President Tendou started glaring at Sena-sensei with scornful eyes.

“Sena-sensei, Is it really true? Did you really bring him here with that method?”

The use of words was definitely polite but, the expression was stabbing.

As if he knew that he couldn’t escape, Sena-sensei averted his eyes and started correcting his glasses,

“No, well, just calm down now! And I also want Kishimine-kun to listen to this first, there was a reason behind my action! As you also know today is the start of club recruit right? But, for some unfathomable reason, there was not even a single person who came here for a tour! Plus there is not even a single male member in this club yet, which is quite fatal in its own. So there, I took a round around the school, and found a free looking you sitting doing nothing in the library, and thus ended up inviting you to the club!”

“That doesn’t even count as an explanation! It’s totally absurd plus, it’s not like I was doing nothing at all……”

“Quiet down and just honestly admit it. Even you knew very well that it will turn out to be something like this in the end! And If you come here nonchalantly without making any kind of fuss then, you possessed some sort of interest from before as well, didn’t you!?”

“Just what kind of host-like crap you are saying to deceive a student?! From the start, I didn’t have any interest in the clubs!”

“You sure don’t know when to give up do you!? Well fine then, in any case this room is soundproof, so no matter if you cry or shout, no one will come for help! And you don’t have a place to run as well now or do you?!”

“Wai— Just what do you think on doing! Ah——”

For some reason exit was blocked by the Sena-sensei, and he was driven into the corner of the room.

“Sensei, stop doing things that will cause misunderstandings!”

At that moment when Kishimine finally started feeling danger, Tendou mercilessly hit Sena-sensei’s head.

“Shit, it hurts! Damn I’ve never seen any student who hits a teacher like that!”

“Then at least do something worthy to be called as a teacher first. In any case, as long as you get involve with the situation it gets more puzzled, so stay out for a bit.”

Saying that severely to him, she turned around and looked at Kishimine.

“It was Kishimine-kun, right?”

“Y—Yes.”

As usual as she looked at him, he lost his calmness from before.

“I was really sorry about that. I somewhat understand the whole situation. Not only he brought you here suddenly, you’re also forced to fill the club membership form, thinking like that, it’s natural to be perplexed.”

“No, well, as long you understand…….”

Involuntarily Kishimine sighed in relief, as expected, though she was attached to a club like this; she is a decent human being by nature. This moment she appeared as some goddess to him.

“But, as you are already here, if it’s good with you, how about continuing the tour for a little bit more? As it’s also true that we are in a severe need of a new member.”

“……Yes”

Kishimine, was bad at socialising. Maybe it’s because of that, he has a character where he just couldn’t able to quick reply if he was asked for a request upfront. He was just afraid to make the person sad by refusing honestly. You are a type who will never be able to escape, if caught in a Catch Sale—were the words of the previous homeroom teacher Yamashiro-sensei.

So of course, he just couldn’t able to decline the upfront request of a beautiful lady such as Tendou.

“If it’s along the lines of observation…… But, seriously what do you do in this club? As Modern Game Club is a name I’ve never heard of before.”

“Very well, let me explain then!”

The one who started speaking in a meaningless loud voice was none other than Sena-sensei.

‘I asked to the President Tendou though’—he thought but, it was something he just couldn’t say it aloud.

“If one has to explain about what our Modern Game Club in few words then that will be, it’s a club where we play games.”

“G—Games!?”

It felt a bit surprising but, after thinking for a while he somehow understood.

Those 4 huge T.V.’s in this club together with these other scattered equipment’s. These would be probably Gaming Consoles. Kishimine was unaware of Games, but he at least saw it in News and T.V. Commercials.

“There’s no need to guess as everything is quite clear but still confirming, by Games you mean Video Games right?”

“Oh! Well Of course.”

“I am sorry, as expected I will allow myself to head back.”

As he hurriedly stood up to head back, in that moment the figure of 2 blocked his path

“Wait there! Just explain me the reason to leave, after hearing that! Speaking of games, they are one of the key industries of japan, and it also considered as a No.1 amusement in the whole world as well you know?!”

“That’s right. And you’ll be able to play those games in the school club that too together with the school authorization. It doesn’t sound like a bad deal for you as well, right?”

Well excluding Sena-sensei, even Tendou too unanimously started to stop him.

“No, well….it’s because I, hate games.”

““Wa—whaattt!?””

The two of them together released a surprise looking voice.

“You hate amusing things you say?! Why the hell!? Explain the reason to me!”

“It’s hard to even believe, but it’s not that you are basing it on some weird information right? Like if you play games, you’ll become violent and such, or become game-addict or so on, because I think you are atleast not one of those heretics who believe such sham like things whose motive is to just confuse the mind of people.”

As Tendou’s face who asked the question was relatively serious, Kishimine had no other choice but to answer it honestly.

“No, not at all. It’s not because of something like that. Even in books there are sometimes numerous amount of violent scenes but, I don’t remember being violent after reading them, and I never heard or seen something like a Game-addict before. It’s just, I love reading. That’s why I don’t want to do anything which will decrease my time of reading.”

That was definitely not a lie. ‘It’s because everyone started ignoring books because of games’——a childish reason was also included in there, but he just couldn’t say it aloud.

“I see……. Well now that I think of it, you sure were engrossed in the book yesterday in the library.”

“Well, certainly, I agree and admit that books too are a very magnificent media to learn and experience things! But, having said that, there is no need to see the other culture with the cruel eyes is it?! Just so you know right now in Japan, NO, in the whole world record breaking Game Boom is taking place! So one must have no choice left but to ride on this Big Wave!”

Tendou somehow seemed to consent with Kishimine, but there was no sign of Sena-sensei to be giving up.

“……I don’t understand it quite well but, is it really that amazing? Well, I do know that everyone plays it but still……it’s just a game isn’t it?”

“ It’s just a game, even so it’s a game! I see. It seems you really don’t know much about it? Well then let me explain it to you in detail. Everything started 10 years ago with a certain policy!”

“I haven’t particularly asked for any explanation though……”

Kishimine got fed up with the Sena-sensei forceful explanations in the middle but, Tendou tapped his shoulder.

“You maybe should’ve realised it by now but, Sena-sensei loves to explain about things. So if you could would you mind listening to him? Because that too will connect with the reason of why this club was built.”

“O—okay……”

Well certainly, when Sena-sensei starts explaining things with such liveliness then, the atmosphere sure becomes something in which one just couldn’t say “No, I don’t want to listen anymore.”

And thus Sena-sensei just like a professional storyteller while mixing in the gestures of his hands and arms in exaggeration, and spreading his white lab coat started the explanation.

“Year 1999! At that time’s coalition of both Liberal Party and Komeito [3-C] ,

putting ‘excitation of the personal consumption’ as an aim, and using children and old people as a base target tried distributing Region Promotion tickets as a propaganda! But, after wasting the money meaninglessly, and in the end getting affected by the purchase cost of living necessities got surrounded by the rumours of them being the connection with the continuous excitation of the consumption. The concerns and rumours like that were firmly rooted thoroughly, and then that policy itself got abolished and driven away. But having said that, the financial stimulation factor was very much needed in the economy, and there as a stand in what used as propaganda then was— “Culture Promotion ticket”!”

“I see”

Kishimine too somewhat knew about that state of affairs.

Culture Promotion ticket. In short, the gift tickets used in Stationary ● Sports ● Goods ● Toys ● Books ● Audio and Video Media, Art Museum and Movie Theatre. The one’s which are even in the purse of Kishimine at the moment. In the country, the unused gift tickets which are not used in the daily necessities are used as provisions and, then with that the cultural industries promotion value is measured within the country.

“From the start, the Japanese culture, is receiving different type of value in the world! In that cultural industry, injecting the funds named culture promotion tickets, and then sending them under development, which then increases the export rate, In other words it improved the business conditions drastically! The thing which profited the most due to that policy was that times Gaming Industry or so they say. Imagine a large sum of gift tickets, if one had to consider about the high priced children goods, then it should be something around the Games right?!”

“Well, Yeah.”

To Kishimine those vague answers were the best he could’ve given.

On the other hand, Sena-sensei’s verbal tone started to get more and more enthusiastic and started becoming more like that of a politician giving its speech.

“And thus the enthusiastic Game Makers started supplying the superior quality games to both inside and outside of the country and, earned large amount of foreign exchange! Automobile or electrical appliances export no matter what, invited the rivalry with the foreign country, and sometime also ended up as a reason of dispute, but there were no such things as obstacles in bringing joy to the worldwide people! “From the next time just focus in exporting those games!!” Even the politicians, to say something that appeared, and the thing called games were no longer considered as a mere toy, and became something like an existence which was an important factor for living!”

Parents are weak on the country’s authorised context. It was also at that time, when Kids suddenly started playing Games, near Kishimine.

“And thus the government which noticed the effectiveness of the Culture Promotion tickets, changed the name of the policy’s to the “Children’s Allowance”, and even now is under work! Giving the allowance of 5,000円 worth of Culture Promotion tickets to the children below 18 years per month, and given the chance to get them into contact with the Culture, and furthermore activating the Cultural industry! It’s because, the user just won’t buy an uninteresting good after all, and if the funds got invested after it gets passed in the eyes of a user then, the superior quality content will go to the superior corporation, which will even allow the growth of that corporation!”

“I see”

Even Kishimine was getting the allowance every month as a Culture Promotion tickets a.k.a Children’s Allowance.

If the simple money was given as an allowance, insolent parents wasting the money in the Pachinko [3-D] etc. will also appear, and it’s also easy to become a hot ground for criminal like activities to also take place. But if it’s distributed in a way where only Children can personally use them, it will be nearly impossible to use them for such Activities. Additionally, there will be no cases such as illegally sending money to foreign as well.

As per usual it has a major drawback where it couldn’t have used for the student necessities, but even having said that, at least, because of the economic conditions, there was a loophole made where it could be used in the Sports, fine arts, and cultural activity goods because the children benefit greatly from these. If one saved all of his tickets for 1 year, the amount will become 60,000円, with which a cheap PC could’ve easily been purchased.

Kishimine too thanks to that was able to buy the books he loved to his heart content. Though, because of that, there was no room for more books to enter in his room, and lately because of that he started using the Library exclusively because of that.

“As a result, right now a record-breaking Game-Boom is going on, and because of that Japanese Game Battle Championship—nickname JGBC named official Gaming tournament has been organised every week, in which day and night furious battles unfold! Okay, from here I will move the conversation on the details about the foundation of our Modern Game Club.”

“……I am not quite getting the connection between the conversations. Just how are they relevant?”

“From there I will explain.”

Like that, President Tendou took the control. Rather, she interrupted. Maybe perhaps she too was getting bored with the long explanation of Sena-sensei.

“Maybe you’ve also heard of it, about the reason of accepting the enrolment of the boys in this Izunomiya Academy which was supposed to be an all-girls school was, to counter the decrease in the all year students enrolment which was due to the low-child birth rate. But, in this impregnable iron fortress of girls, it was just not that easy to accept boys like that.”

“Well, certainly. From the girl’s side, there should’ve been a considerable amount of resistance, isn’t it?”

But still, even after that question Tendou-san seemed fine and in fact—embraced his question.

“Well, it was quite natural to have reluctance, anyhow as there will be sometime in their life where they will get into touch with an opposite gender anyways. So you can say that it was a great change for the girls. In this situation, the one which was under concern was the boy’s side.”

“Ha? You mean, by us?”

“That’s right. For example, at the moment new male students in each class are limited to 2. It’s seems to be quite an intense situation for the boys right? And there were those among the boys who enrolled in this school, there seems to be quite a few ones who were without even getting able to get familiar with the school, requested the transfer.”

“……I can quite understand that.”

He got reminded of his only male classmate, Kusakabe. At first after changing the schools he was quite ragged because of the terms with his ex-girlfriend but recently, he is, just sighing like it was nothing at all.

Plus, the surviving boys from the 2 years ago, he saw at yesterday’s P.E. class. They too if were given just a chance, would’ve quit this school long time ago for sure.

To begin with Kishimine himself got to transfer in a form of a school exchange with the student of this school. And he was quite certain that the one he got exchanged with was a guy who just couldn’t able to bear the pressure of this school.

“In short you see, Kishimine-kun!” said Sena-sensei. “This is not a place where boys belong to! Cause something even like a toilet is limited for them.”

“Well, true indeed.”

In this school which was an all-girls school from the start, there is no way that there would be facilities such as men’s toilet installed from the beginning, and right now one has no other choice but to use the 1 st Floor’s Staff Toilet as a last minute rush. And obviously as it was constantly in use by the teachers, they couldn’t’ve used it for a long period of time as well.

“And there around half year ago, I suggested a proposal to this school! That to make this place school more for boys, and to increase more applicants of boys as well, I want to create a club with the most well-known media on this world—Modern Games, in other words a club in which one can play games you see! If one get to play the games with the official recognition of the school then, that will connect to the enrolment of the new male students and, more than that it will be able to create a place for the boys as well. And practically, there are a lot of schools with these kinds of clubs! And the problems regarding the club budgets are resolved with the help of the people who hold the same interests as well!”

“I too as a Student Council President, fully supported on this idea. And there last year, I together with Sena-sensei helped in the foundation of this Modern Game Club.”

“Haa, I see……”

As the reason of the club establishment was quite decent, he couldn’t help but feel surprised.

It’s been 2 years since this school has started excepting the boys. And if there are also students started coming as a transfer student, then definitely there will occur a need for a place for boys.

It’s just, there gush forth a question.

“Then why even Tendou-san joined the club? You are also working as a Student Council president right? As you will be quite busy with just that, there really wasn’t any particular need for you to be directly attached to the club right……?”

President Tendou’s name was famous even among the newly enrolled 1 st years. Why that kind of girl is associating herself with this weird teacher and why she is in this strange club? That was the question he had in his mind for quite some time.

However, as that kind of question naturally gushed from his mouth, it induced a change which he himself couldn’t have predicted. Tendou’s, cheeks got flushed red as if she was embarrassed.

“T-There is not really any great reason behind it. If there will be no members in the club, Sena-sensei took such Hardships to create then it will look quite inappropriate right? That’s why to match the numbers I just decided to temporarily join the club. Right Sena-sensei, that’s the reason isn’t it?!”

“A—Aah, Yeah, indeed it is!”

What she said was quite logical and made sense but, frankly it was quite suspicious. And it just looked as if they were hiding something.

Above all, that usual composed Tendou Student President had her cheeks dyed red.

“D—don’t tell me……”

A certain possibility came into his mind.

A unique club where there is only a student and it’s advisor. And a blushing Tendou. It derives a possibility. ‘Maybe Student Council President Tendou-san, Likes Sena-sensei……’ or something. If he thinks like that, then everything connected. An Ojou-sama school’s student council president to be in this club when she had nothing to do with the games and stuff, plus the face of her blushing when asked for the reason of that. Tendou’s attitude towards Sena-sensei looked relatively strict but, ‘Isn’t that also her way of showing affection?’ He thought.

For Kishimine who held somewhat of an admiration kinda thing towards Tendou, it was quite shocking.

“Well basically that’s that! And thus our Modern Game Club got established but, after staying for a while new sort of problem started developing!”

As if trying to switch the conversation forcibly, Sena-sensei raised his voice.

Kishimine who still wasn’t quite recovered from the shock thinking that a beautiful girl like Tendou was out his reach anyways, he cut loose those feelings forcibly. That’s why the change of topic was in fact quite convenient for him.

“So, what’s that problem? Ah about, no new club members are coming, huh?”

“Exactly! I don’t know the reason but the one who submitted the club recruitment form is just Tendou-kun alone in the past half an year! And to sum up all on that, even though today supposed to be the club recruition day for all 1 st years and transferred students, it’s already been 1 hour but not a single person with an interest to join our came! It is extremely bad. Though this club was created to grant a piece of place for the boys and yet there are basically 0 male members here, well leaving the principal aside, I don’t even know what that chairman will say regarding this now!”

“…………”

In this past half year, the reason for not even a single interested member to come, the reason was somewhat quite clear to Kishimine.

If one had to consider the surviving boys in this school, as they too also were from the rich families so without exception they too were quite scared of the surroundings like a puppy. So he just couldn’t think of them voluntarily joining this club who had such a pushy, uncool teacher who’d go as far as to kidnap a student. And even this School’s Ojou-samas don’t seem to have that much interest towards the games, and above all, they too for sure just can’t get the idea of getting close to the Sena-sensei.

“Isn’t it that the reason? Look, at the time of Introduction seminar, didn’t you put various types of conditions there? Without doing that you should’ve just normally invited the male students or so I think.”

“Well of course as a last resort we will try that! But, as you can see our club is small and there is a limit to how much equipment we can put in here. We are not in a situation to really say it, but we are also not in a situation where we can just endlessly recruit the students! We had to for the time being recruit a few people and then operate the club with them!”

“Well as long as we don’t have anyone interested in joining the club, that kind of worry is meaningless though.”

“…………”

With that merciless Tsukkomi of Tendou, he tried to pull himself up and corrected his glasses.

“So that’s how it is. Since situation was at its worst, I decided that it would be fine as long we get to have only 1 male student inside the club!”

“……that’s why you kidnapped the lonely looking guy like me right?”

The tone of Kishimine was shrouded with sarcasm but, it doesn’t seem that it even touch the teacher called Sena-sensei.

“Exactly, Kishimine-kun! So just like that, you are a member of our club now! And while you are at it why not together just welcome a Seiyuu in your life as well?! You heard me right?, you understood right?, if you understood then nod a bit you fool!”

Sena-sensei’s hands stretched forward and grabbed Kishimine’s head and just like that forcibly made him to nod.

“Y—es— done! Alright! The agreement has been made! And one comrade secured!”

“Wai—, No way, geez how coercive! In the first place, from your talks, you guys want someone who will be an immediate fire power for the club right? Then it’s not a place for someone like me who not even touched a game before!”

“Even I was thinking like that recently but, but we are not in a position right now to have demands like that! In any case, if our club achieves at getting just a single male member then, we’ll be able to shut-up the chairman!”

“Well just calm down a bit, Sensei.”

Just as usual Tendou stopped Sena-sensei.

“We just can’t make him join the club without his own intentions can we? And even if we do, we don’t know what the chairman will say if he found out about it.”

“I understand that but……so what do you plan on doing then!? Having Zero new members is out of the question just so you may know!”

“I know, so…Kishimine-kun. How about we try playing a game there?”

“Eh?”

To this unexpected proposal, he couldn’t able to give an instant reply.

“I don’t have a tendency to speak about someone’s way of thinking. If you say you like books, then that is good in it itself and I don’t have any problem with that but, there is also a saying in this world that goes ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover. Just suppose that there exists a book which is quite infamous for being bad, but as long you have a little bit of interest towards it, you’ll read it right? And quite unexpectedly, you may find it interesting as well. The same thing goes for me. I want to see your skills with these eyes. So I’m making a selfish request here so won’t you just give a little bit of your time and try it?”

“…………”

If someone told you that as you looked free and then kidnaps you, surely you’ll get angry and leave immediately right?

But, if someone politely requested him, he just couldn’t flat out refuse them.

Plus leaving Tendou aside, Sena-sensei doesn’t look like a person who will bulge when he decide on something. And so even if he refused right now, he just couldn’t think of him giving up soon.

“……I understand, but only for a little while okay? But, if there you get to know how bad I am, please give up on me.”

“Ah, that would be enough. Thank You, Kishimine.”

He felt pity at himself to get unintentionally flurried over that bright smile of Tendou. Even though he knew that this person might be in love with Sena-sensei.

Part 2

Kishimine was made to sit on a chair prepared infront of the large Plasma T.V.

And in front of him, Sena-sensei getting extremely happily was doing some preparations on some kind of big black machine.

“That’s the gaming console, right?”

Suddenly he asked the question.

Sena-sensei then, as if talking about himself, puffed his chest out and said.

“You’ve at least heard of one before right? This is a Play Station 3, in short PS3. It’s Japan’s proudest high-performance machine and, it’s also the human histories finest gaming console you know!”

“I see”

Even though he said the finest, just what and which part is the finest he just didn’t get it.

“So Sensei, have you decided on the game yet?”

“ Ah, well of course! It’s “Uncharted – The Golden Dagger and the Lost Fleet” [3-E] !”

“Uncharted, huh……? Well it’s definitely not a bad choice to pick that as to introduce someone with new-gen games.”

“I don’t understand a bit what you guys are talking about…… so basically it’s a famous game right?”

“Well indeed it is. At any rate, it’s a super-epic game which sold more than four million copies in the world after all.”

“F—four million copies?!”

As one would expect he was speechless. Four million. It was not a numeric value one could just say easily like that.

“So now do you understand, its greatness?! Best seller novel, or possibly a Super Hit Movie can probably do the same thing. But, the price of their one copy is around 1000円 when sold. One the other hand, if we talk about a game, then a copy is sold at around 5000円. Just imagine the value when 4 million copies are sold!”

“……I can quite understand why country is supporting it as an occupation now.”

“That’s right. At any rate, the amount of sales equates to how interesting it is, that rule is quite similar in the gaming industry as well! Not to mention this game is Game Obs—…… in other words has won various Game Industries Academy Award kind of things and is quite famous, I am sure that you will enjoy it as well! We for now, just leave those things aside and enjoy yourself.“

“As from here on forward you will become a Professional Treasure Hunter, Nathan Drake!”

“I see…”

Able to become a Professional Treasure Hunter, if he was told something like that, then instinctively he will start developing expectations, due to his nature of a book lover.

Sena-sensei pressed a button on the controller. [Pii] after making a small sound, the Game Console started, and something came up on the screen. However, it didn’t looked something like that of a game. It was something sort of a menu screen or something.

“Here, take it.”

Like that, Sena-sensei passed him the controller.

“No uhm, even if you pass this to me suddenly like that, I don’t know anything about controls and stuff.”

“Be at ease! While playing games these days you don’t even have to read the instruction manuals and such, they will be taught to you during the gameplay itself. Once you try it, you’ll soon enough get it!”

“I see……”

He observed the controller in his hands.

The size was just big enough to settle in his palms. Plus it seemed like it was working wirelessly, as there was no sign of any cables.

But, what surprised him the most was,

“There are……5-6, 7……8 buttons, what the hell is this?! On top of it, there’s this cross-shaped button……and what are these, two stick-like things?

“Ah, those are analog sticks.” said Tendou. “With the left stick you can move the character, and with the right one you can change your view point.”

“I see. Well basic movement aside, view point……huh?”

As it’s inside the game, he somehow understood the concept of the character movement but, he just couldn’t get the grasp on the concept of moving your view point.

“By the way, those analog stick can act as a button as well! Try pressing a bit hard on them!”

“Okay”

According to Sena-sensei, he pressed on the analog sticks. And certainly it felt like some button being pressed.

“That’s a standard controller used in these day games! Including those cross-shaped button, there are in in total 16 buttons in it you know?!”

“—16 buttons!? And you have to use them all? I am just a starter you know? I will not be able to remember each button functions!”

“Hahahaha, a year ago I sure had a similar opinion about that! But that too is called narrow mindedness you know?! This Uncharted and other games certainly can be called as a representative of the games which uses a lot of buttons but still of that, it sold more than 4 million copies in the world. A game which is difficult to play can’t possibly bring that amount of numeric value.”

“……Is it really something like that?”

“It’s exactly like that! Well then, leaving all that aside, just go and try Pressing the ‘O’ Button.”

“’O’ Button……?”

As he looked into the controller, certainly there were △○×□ painted on the buttons.

“Umm……this?”

As he pushed the button, after waiting for some time, the screen changed.

It seems that the game has finally started. At first on the screen a profound message appeared.

I did not tell half of what I saw.

For I knew I would not be believed……

Marco ● Polo Year – 1324 At his Deathbed

“Whoa……”

It was a letter which suddenly spiked his interest. Speaking of Marco Polo, he was the writer of the Book “The Book of Marco Polo” and a famous person who told the Europe about the existence of Asia.

Judging from the letter basically, he held some facts which were untold to the world, huh? Just like the best-seller “Da Vinci Code” , Kishimine doesn’t hate the stories which start with a cut-end line like that.

And just like that, the screen changed.

Is this inside of the train? The interior design of the train felt kinda modern, and quite a number of solid looking seats were lined up. As if some kind of accident happened. The surroundings were all smashed and everything lying here and there in pieces and even the windows were broken, and the air coming through them was even fluttering the curtains.

Then the next thing which came in the view was the figure of a young man in his late twenties. Is this is Nathan Drake, Sena-sensei was talking about? He was big enough to make people doubt that he instead of being a Treasure Hunter, doing Pro-Wrestling or stuff. But, as he thought he got involved in the accident, huh? It’s because his face was covered with the blood.

“Where is this, place……?”

Maybe it was the impact of the accident. His memories were indefinite. Nathan murmured painfully.

“Aa—, uu……”

Maybe it was because of pain, he had a very wry face.

It appeared that his left side of the back was injured. There was even sign of severe bleeding which does not seemed quite the usual one.

“Blood…… That’s my Blood…… That’s a lot of my blood……”

“……This is certainly quite good.”

At that moment Kishimine was already overwhelmed by it. He heard about the amazingness of these days games but, the beautifulness of graphics was definitely not ordinary.

The inside of the train was finely described to every nook and corner, and was not at all inferior to the real deal. Especially the depiction of the character was just too incredible. Nathan Drake, who had his face bend down due to pain, was made up by the program but, it really looked like a real person, and it could’ve easily be told that he was suffering quite a lot.

Like that, Nathan looked outside of the window.

The first thing which came into his view, reminded of him of the Himalayan Mountain range as what was in front him were huge mountains and piles of snow stretching everywhere. But, he felt somewhat of a bad feeling.

The mountain which was covered with snow…… from right and left rose steeply infront of him.

It was right after that moment. In front of the direction of Nathan, a vessel like came leapt.

“Woah!?”

Nathan just barely dodged that.

But, right after that some another thing leapt on him.

“B—Barrels!?”

Just why those sort of big things are coming right up aiming at him. On top of that, those barrels ignoring all sorts of Physics law and gravity jumping right at him—and splattered the back door of the train.

“Oi, you are kidding me right……?!”

Kishimine on the moment of heat ended up saying Nathan’s lines aloud.

And then something jumped from ahead, saying something like that will sure will the error in the explanation.

As what lied far front of the back door was the…… ground at the bottom. Well obviously it could’ve felt like a joke to him. It was not like that the barrels just came flying at him out of nowhere. They just fell from above. Probably some kind of derailment accident happened. And because of that reason the train—or the coach he was in hanging in the mid-air. That’s why because of all the continuous shaking made by the train looked like as if the mountains were moving and that was also the case for barrels to fall and broke the back door.

“Woah!?”

Right after that maybe it was due to the impact of accident the screw on the seat got loose, and the seat on which Nathan was sitting crumbled and fell to the bottom. But, with just hair breadth, Nathan jumped on the different seat.

But, the seat he jumped on also crumbled and— Nathan’s body fell out of the door.

“Aaaaaaah!?”

Maybe it was to prevent the falling of the passenger from the train by accident; there was a pipe like structure outside of the door.

Nathan’s body fell right on top of that pipe. But as the impact was quite large, the structure broke in pieces. And once again made him fell into the abyss—

But at that moment, with an amazing reflexive reaction Nathan caught the handrail. And like that exhibiting his amazing physical strength, he continued hanging on it.

“Ahahaha! Aah, Oh crap……!!”

And there just like a movie the camera pulled back, and showed the situation surrounding Nathan.

He was indeed in a position which was quite a laugh. The train in which Nathan was, in the scenery of this pure White Mountain, was swinging from the cliff. And on the bottommost part of this unstable shaking train, was Nathan just barely holding on the handrail covered in the blood. To explain this situation more, he was in a position which was just a thread step away from falling into the ravine.

‘I don’t think they do to this much even in Hollywood Movies’, he thought for once in his mind.

“Okay now go, you could freely move the Nathan according to your will now! And Hurry up as you have to escape from here fast.”

Tendou said something like that.

“Eh!? Eh!? I have to move him!? S—so exactly what should I do?”

“It’s the left stick. Use that to move Nathan.”

“Um— Th—This one?”

He tried pushing the left stick on the controller on the left side. Doing that, the Nathan inside the game, started crawling slowly on the left side of the handrail.

“A—amazing”

The shock that Kishimine felt was very strong. ‘Inside the game, you can move the character this much freely, huh?’

If one had to give an example to explain that, it was like moving the protagonist of the movie as a spectator mode with your own will.

“A—at any rate, if you don’t escape fast, then……!”

As here was no telling that, when the handrail he was hanging will also collapse. Kishimine getting absorbed-in started operating Nathan carefully.

By no means could those movements be said appropriate but, as it seemed quite impossible to go back inside the train so then he searched for the good way to go up, and then he noticed that he can continue moving on the sides of the overhead ladder.

And thus like that before him knowing he revolved at the backside of the train.

And there were various types of parts and gaps installed which used to move the train wheels. And those gaps were just perfect to be grabbed by hands. Kishimine then used them to climb upwards.

But, it was at that moment. The derailed train shook heavily and, a huge stone fell from the top.

“Woah!?”

Luckily it didn’t hit Nathan but still having said that, because of the shock his hands got separated from the train.

He was quite close to the death but, he instantly clinged back to the train and fooled the death by a narrow margin.

“Fu……”

He naturally released a sigh of relief. I doubt that even “Indiana Jones” had such a dangerous scene in it.

And once again he determinedly started crawling his way up on the back of the train. But eventually the place he was grabbing broke, and he gets in a position where it impossible to climb up.

However at that moment, “Press × Button to jump” indication appeared on the screen.

Kishimine’s thumb quite naturally went to the ×button and, pressed it.

And quite simultaneously the character jumped forward and caught the gap ahead.

“I see. So that’s how the explanation will come, huh?”

“Heh. Despite being this your first game, I am quite surprised that you memorized the positions of the buttons. Normally anyone would’ve felt perplexed about it.”

Tendou said as like he was admiring him.

However, Kishimine had no scope to even feel happy about that.

I have to escape from here fast—or else. Just thinking about that, he continued climbing the train.

And eventually the place he was holding on broke again. But quite luckily, there stretched something like a metal pole on the side of the train—some sort of pipe—his hand reached to that.

“A—alright, I can use this.”

So this time he used the outline of the pole which used to board the train to climb upwards.

But, even now the accidents didn’t stop happening. Maybe it was because it was not able to support the large body of Nathan’s or just it just got weaken due to the impact of accident, the pipe got broke few metres above him.

But luckily, maybe the pipe held somewhat of strength, it maintained its position there for a while, and because of that he was able to still continue his way up. However, there is no mistaking it that it will bend and break the next time it will came under even a slightest bit of pressure.

“I—it’s fine. It’s still fine, You can do it……!”

Having concerns about the bending back and forth pipe and while cheering for Nathan, Kishimine muttered that to himself.

He himself had no knowledge about it, but at that moment he was already started merging together with Nathan. And now Kishimine, no longer had the controller of the PS3 in his hand. But what exist there was just the feeling of him holding the cold pipe. Obviously he had no injury in real but, he was still sensing huge pain in his left side of the waist, on top of that even though it was supposed to be warm spring right now, he was quivering because of the chilly wind blowing heavily on the snowy mountain.

It was exactly the similar phenomenon which occurred to Kishimine while he read all those books.

And thus finally,

Without even noticing, he himself turned into the Nathan Drake.

I, quite nervously was climbing on the broken pipe. Cause If I just climb a little bit more, my hands will reach on the section of the pipe which is still intact.

But, everything didn’t went according to the plan.

“Woah! Aaa—aaaah!”

As expected it wasn’t able to handle my weight, and started bending around where my legs were. I, without doing anything just remained stationed, clinged on the pipe, and fortunately enough the pipe stopped bending when reached around 90 degrees.

It somehow stopped from the point it bent.

But it was clear given from the situation that it was quite drastic.

“J—Just what should I do?”

As the situation was quite hopeless, I involuntarily became quite confused.

The pipe I was using to climb up, was now horizontally bent and, plus, was on the point where it was not strange for it to crumble at any given moment.

And as usual I am bleeding heavily from my back, and at my feet literally hell stretched out.

It was quite a hopeless situation. As I was in a hurry, I didn’t knew what exactly should I do.

“……That’s right.”

As the pipe I was using to climb up got broken, but as it bent down at a 90 degree angle, what laid in front of me right now was sides of the train.

Just like that if I swing my body with force like a pendulum and jump on a window or something, I might be able to go back inside the train.

But, as the glasses in the windows are broken they were in a situation quite similar to the glass spread wall used as the security in the houses, so if I jumped quite badly, I will for sure hurt myself.

“Shit!”

Reluctantly, I jumped on the damaged side-part of the train. Maybe due to the impact of the accident, the walls of the train came out a bit, which made it looked that you can grab them somehow.

The attempt itself went well, and I successfully made past on the side of the train.

And at the same time, maybe as if it reached its limit, the pipe I was on just a while ago, broke and vanished in the bottom of the ravine. If I was just one second late, there is no mistaking that I too, maybe have faced the same fate as the pipe.

“That was close”

Just like that as I followed the trails of the broken sides of the train, I eventually made it to the ceiling. Geez, it makes me laugh by thinking of how much distance I covered in total till here. I, from the bottom most rear of the train, to the sides and now finally reached the ceiling. Even though if walked normally inside the train, it was a distance which could’ve been covered in a couple of seconds, it almost took me an eternity to reach here. Maybe it was designed to let the sunlight come inside from the ceiling of the train, there was a big hole there which couldn’t be seen in the trains of Japan, by using that I once again was able to get inside the train.

Even though I say inside of the train, it was the inside of the train which was vertically 90 degrees from the surface. It was the situation where one had to use the seats rather than the floor, to go upward. If I missed even a bit of my steps, it was hell waiting for me below.

I jumped from one seat to another, aiming to just get upwards. With each jump, maybe it was because of not able to support my weight, the seats bent a bit, and made me almost fall at often times.

But I still frantically clinged to them.

However, at the moment when I made my 3 rd jump to go upward, it happened.

The moment I jumped on the back of the seat, it greatly inclined and made it like a sliding pit, and because of that I tumbled down and almost fell outside of the train from the window in front of me.

It was a type of crisis which happened to me quite many times in these past moments. But, somehow reflexively I was able to grasp frame of the window.

“C—Crap, I thought I am done for sure this time!”

Humans are relatively strongly built aren’t they? I succumbed to various emotions such as those.

I then after finding another pipe on the side of train, decided to use it to climb upwards.

And eventually the front side of the coach—the peak started to appear in my eyes. And even more above than that, on the edge of the cliff, laid the other coach which was also on the edge of falling. The thing which was holding these 2 coaches together was, just a small coupling and that’s all. And the condition was quite unstable in its own, the coach above and the coach I was in at the moment both, were in a situation where it won’t be strange for them to fall at any given moment.

On top of that at that moment, maybe it got brittle due to the impact of the accident, the cliff slightly crumbled. It was a small impact but, to the train which was sliding in mid-air unstably, it was enough to create a huge impact.

The pipe on which I was holding once again broke a little, furthermore the door like thing which was holding the luggage inside the train got opened from the impact, and the big load of cargo started falling outside of the train.

“D—do you plan on killing me?!”

Coming all the way to here makes me wonder that someone out there purposely trying to kill me again and again!

But, the Luck still continued to support me. First, the cargo didn’t hit me at all. Plus, the door of the opened luggage room luckily could be used as a foothold. I jumped from the pipe to that door, and from there finally able reach the front most— no the top most section of the coach.

“Fuu……”

I took a short breath. But, I can’t stay here for long. As the front coach too was also halfway down the mid-air, and was in a situation where it won’t be strange for it to fall as well. I somehow with my worn-out injured body jumped on the entrance door of that coach.

But, you can say that small amount of weight backfired, and made the coach to start slinting down.

“C—Crap!”

As if the coach was just barely hanging itself on a bare line of fall, I with my whole body power, somehow managed to enter inside of the coach. But, Once again the train shook heavily, due to which I lost my balance and stumbled on my knees.

“Don’t tell me……!”

This time it couldn’t able to settle the sway. And what’s more……the train started to move. Without mistake, it was the sign of it showing that it started to fall down the cliff!

I on that moment grabbed the nearby seat. Like what I did so far, as long as I grabbed something nearby eventually the shaking off will stop, I end up thinking like that.

“Shit, why at a time like this?!”

I am already at my wit’s end at that time.

The fear of having near-death experience so many times in this short amount of time and, this time too fear of an unknown thing happening to me. Those 2 were, stealing my willpower. I can’t do more dangerous things from now on, in fact I don’t want do, is what I started thinking.

And so……I end up picking up the wrong decision.

As the coach I just escaped from, didn’t fell quickly. Then this 2 nd coach will too, despite of this hell of a slanting, won’t just quickly fell in the ravine—I end up assuming that. By clinging to the nearby seat and using that as a means of evasion from all this shaking, and ‘why don’t I just wait for it to stop like before?’ I ended up thinking foolishly like that.

However, the train didn’t showed any signs of stopping and the body started sliding towards the bottom and that force was not something which could be easily stopped like that.

“I—I’m Falling……!?”

Maybe it was because of the violent shaking, I couldn’t able to hold the seat anymore.

This was not the time to hesitating like that. And now the train was proceeding down in the ravines. If I stay here like this, then it will be same as committing a suicide.

“Fuckkk!”

I while holding my body which was covered with blood and fear desperately ran ahead with all my might!

And eventually find the sign of the front most exit.

From there I finally, noticed the reason why the train was going down with such high speed.

As what lied on the other side of the exit was—basically nothing. Maybe because it was due to the accident, but the body which should be there attached with a coupling was not there.

With time the floor started to slant gradually. And now was in a state in which the only thing seen in front of the door was just the sky.

“Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!”

At the moment when the train started to fall freely due to gravity, I tried to jump from the exit door.

But I was too late.

Just a moment of hesitation in judgement and due to fear, stole every chances from me to live.

And now I, without even able to jump from the train, fell together with it in the bottom of the ravine.

“Kishimine-kun! Open up your eyes! Kishimine-kun!”

“Sensei, he stopped breathing for real! You should perform a CPR or something……”

“You are joking right……? Are you saying that a death in game can cause a real death?! No, it’s actually quite possible but……in any case it can’t be helped, as I can’t possibly see anyone dying here in my club!”

“……Eh?”

When he regained his consciousness, he was no longer on the fierce cold wind brewing snowy mountain, but was inside the small audio-visual prep-room which was the clubroom. The injury on the left side of the back too, and the quivering coldness altogether vanished in a moment but, in return— Sena-sensei’s big mouth was approaching at him.

“K—kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?”

He panickly shrieked like a girl and got up immediately, and decided to never approach near Sena-sensei again.

“Ooh, so you’ve regained consciousness, huh? We’re quite panicked here as you suddenly collapsed on the floor like that!”

With Sena-sensei’s words, he realised his current situation. He played his first game in his life, and the phenomenon like when he reads a book occurred while he was playing the game.

“H—Huh? What about a game……what happened to Nathan Drake?”

“You really don’t remember!? He fell together with the train in the ravine. In short, it was Game Over!”

“Is, that so……?”

Game Over. The reverberation of that word, felt heavier than he thought it would.

He somehow knew it from before that, he had no such thing as a Gaming talent in himself. Above all, what made him more depressed was that he will not be able to see the rest of the story involving the Nathan Drake.

“More than that, is your body really fine? You were unconscious till a second ago, you know?!”

Tendou showed consideration.

“Eh? A—Yeah, its fine now”

“Is that so? Then its fine……”

“But still, when both of the coaches started to move, why you suddenly stopped there?! If you haven’t hesitated there and just chose the option to escape then, then you would’ve cleared it you know?!”

“Eh? A—aah”

He remembered the event that happened just a while ago. At the 2 nd coach he somehow managed to reach. And there he fell together with the train in the ravine.

“……umm……It’s because I was afraid.”

“Afraid? What do you mean?!”

“E—even if you ask me that……. Look, wasn’t Nathan like seriously injured? And he was bleeding all over his body as well, and on top of that, in the unknown snowy mountain, there was not even a single sign person he could’ve asked for help…… Plus, consequently occurring dangers were happening right after another you know? That’s why I……got afraid, and couldn’t able to make the decision on what to do anymore.”

He felt somewhat embarrassed giving an explaining like that.

It’s because, it was just a game. To be getting afraid of dying in that, he thought that he will be laughed at for being a small kid.

However, Tendou didn’t laughed and quite on the contrary, she said with the serious face.

“I see, it sure sounds quite interesting. Certainly you from just a while ago, even from our eyes too was looking at the game, which cannot be considered as normal. It was as if you were captured inside the Game World or something!”

“……well basically you are quite correct. I, from quite a while ago, when reads a book can become the protagonist himself or something like that you see”

Kishimine said in a joking way.

His conscious get unified with the protagonist from the book. If one has to think it normally, that kind of thing is impossible to happen. And even if he blurts out that kind of bullshit in words, he will just be laughed at, or so he thought.

But, these 2 remained serious till the bitter end.

“I see. So that’s why at that moment when Drake died, you lost consciousness as well, huh?”

“Isn’t that really a magnificent phenomenon you possess there?! Quite unexpectedly you just might have the talent for gaming!”

“Eh……?”

Unexpectedly he got taken back.

“D—Do you really able to believe that?! I mean this kind of bullshit?!”

“There’s nothing like believing you or not, as in the game, anyone can have similar type of experiences! While cornering in the Race Game the body reflexively moves in that direction and something like a free fall feeling when you take a dive in a Flight Simulation game!”

“And quite practically, if one made to see your figure while reading and play games, then they can’t say that it’s a joke after all.”

The reaction of both was quite unbelievable to him.

But simultaneously he was quite happy as well. Because it was the first time in his life that he was appreciated of his only special skill he had which he considered as useless for quite some time.

“But……it means nothing as I will be of no use after all right? As it got Game Over so soon after all……”

“No, not at all.”

Tendou strongly declared.

“Well certainly no result came out today but, you only had just one Game Over right? Plus, I now know very well that you have a very high concentration power. And that is very highly needed element in the Gaming as well you know?”

“Indeed! And especially Uncharted is a type of game that as long as you don’t give up you can able to clear it without any particular problems. It’s a good chance, how about trying it for a little while more?! If you do that, then you will also be able to know the enjoyment of playing Games and, your Gaming Skills might also be able to bud out as well!”

“It’s just……I’m afraid to inform this but it seems it’s time-out for today.”

While watching the clock, she muttered.

At that moment, it already crossed 4:30.

“Hmm, It’s already time, huh?! However, the curfew is 5:00 you know, I think we still have a little bit of time though!”

“Even if he plays Uncharted for 25 minutes more, I don’t think he will able to understand the charm of the games. Just leaving it for now and have him try the next day is the best idea.”

“Hmm…, if you say it like that, then I surely can’t object to that. We can’t defy the school regulations in these early days of the new term as well.”

“So that’s how it is, Kishimine-kun. I can’t quite force you on this but, how about coming here again tomorrow after school? If you do that, then I think for sure, it will give positive results for the both of us……”

The reason to refuse didn’t came up in his mind at all.

The special skill of him which was useless other than just reading books might just prove useful in some other thing. Plus above all, he might just prove to be a necessary existence for someone.

Besides, the game he played today was also interesting.

The train which was swaying in the mid-air. And he from there, sometimes while grabbing the railing and sometimes climbing on the windows, overcoming various dangerous situations and while risking his life tried to escape. If he now thinks about it, he just can’t believe that, that was the thing called game. If he will be able to experience a movie like experience like that again, then he didn’t really mind on an idea of continuing getting along with them for a little while more.

“……I understood. I will think about that.”

But still in the end, he answered like that.

Leaving both of them alone in the club there as they have tidying up the gaming consoles and switching the windows and lights off and school work to do, he started to head back alone.

He started to walk alone, in the school building which now started to look gloomy.

“……Now that I think of it, I wonder how many years it has been since the last time I spent after school with someone.”

As it was quite miserable of him, he just wryly smiled over it.

And, at that moment, he heard the enthusiastic voices of the girls.

Probably, it’s from the girls of some Sports Club. While thinking like that when he looked towards the ground, he saw the figure of club members wearing the uniform and running around the ground. The girls who were normally quite docile and quiet, doesn’t seem like they were quite bad at sports and such.

From here on forward, the girls will together as a team will spend their youth while competing. As if couldn’t able to bear to see the bright scene anymore, he averted his eyes reflexively.

He was like that since middle school. His previous classmates and even the girls from this school were able to devote themselves like that in this small period of school lifestyle. And he couldn’t even possibly compare himself with them.

Well certainly he enjoyed reading. And he enjoyed staying alone as well. But, the feeling of accomplishing something together with someone doesn’t exist there.

The memories of Kindergarten led astray Kishimine. Miyabi-chan. A sole friend with whom he relished the same enjoyment together. Being alone had fun in itself but, but to share the same hobby together with someone, had different kind of fun in it.

Suddenly Tendou’s beautiful face and voice popped up in his mind.

How about coming here again tomorrow after school——she said.

Even though she might be in love with Sena-sensei. On top of it, he himself didn’t know whether he had capabilities of what it takes to be a club member of the Modern Game Club or not. ‘If unexpectedly, it got proved that I don’t have the talent for gaming, then those 2 will surely end up in despair because of that aren’t they?’, he thought.

He got scared in just thinking like that. ‘As expected I think I should just stay and seclude myself inside the Library tomorrow as well’, he thought.

‘However, even so’

He got reminded of the words of his previous Homeroom teacher, Yamashiro-sensei.

Even if it’s in a bad way, if my existence is needed by someone only a bit—then I can atleast change my way of the last year of the high school, There was this deep thought in his mind as well.

### Reference Words :-

#### [3-A] Heisei Era – Heisei (平成) is the current era in Japan. The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [3-B] Tsukkomi – 突っ込み (tsukkomi). From the verb tsukkomu (突っ込む), meaning something like “butt in”, this is often the role of the partner to the boke in an owarai kombi. The tsukkomi is generally the smarter and more reasonable of the unit, and will criticize, verbally and physically abuse, and generally rail at the boke for their mistakes and exaggerations. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [3-C] Komeito – The Komeito (公明党 Kōmeitō?), formerly called New Komeito, or NKP is a political party in Japan founded by members of the Nichiren Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it, No Just GOOGLE it Already.

#### [3-D] Pachinko – Pachinko (パチンコ?) is a type of mechanical game originating in Japan and is used as both a form of recreational arcade game and much more frequently as a gambling device, filling a Japanese gambling niche comparable to that of the slot machine in Western gaming. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [3-E] Uncharted – It’s a famous series game for PS3. This is the 2nd Part of the series. Now you will notice that the subtitle of the game is a bit different, well apparently it’s the official name of the game in Japanese. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

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### 006. EP.4 – First ROM Cassette [4-A]

## EP.4 – First ROM Cassette [4-A]

#### Part 1

The following Morning.

“Yo, so we met again today.�

The one who approached him while he was his way to the school was as usual his classmate Kusakabe.

“A—ah, Morning.�

As there was only one road towards the school, as long as it matched the commuting hours, the encounter like that was just natural; in fact the other way around should be considered strange.

If it was Kishimine from yesterday, then he sure should’ve disliked it. However, the him today was somewhat different. I want to at least try learning how to talk a bit ordinarily. One way or another he somewhat determined himself like that. If it’s the social Kusakabe, then he will be just perfect for the practice partner right?

“Now that you think of it, in the end which club you end up joining?�

He started talking about the subject which could be considered the best. From another person’s perspective it was quite a normal conversation but for Kishimine it was like a big adventure quest. And maybe it was due to that nervousness his voice was quite loud and shaky.

But, Kusakabe didn’t seem like he was bothered by it.

“Well, about that you see, for the time being, I toured Swimming Club, Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and Tennis Club but, as they didn’t have men’s dressing room inside the club, they told me that I can’t join the club…… That kind of thing should be told beforehand during the club introduction right?�

“That sure is harsh.�

“Yeah, good lord. Including that P.E. incident, it seems that they sure don’t wanna lump guys together with the girls.�

He suddenly recalled the words of Sena-sensei and Tendou from yesterday.

That it was to create a place for boys— that they established the Modern Game Club. And certainly if it’s the club where you can play games, then there was no need to distinguish between genders as well. But, as the club room can’t have more than 10 members due to its size, he understood the reason of why they want to operate with small no of people first for few years.

“Well, I started to get the feeling that it can’t be helped as well though.�

Kusakabe unexpectedly said something quite unlike him.

“I—is that so?�

“Comparing to them we are all big idiots who joined the school with an exemption in tuition fees as well. And in the first place, the boys didn’t enrol in the school just for doing club activities right? If every day we get to stay in between that amount of girls then it’s sort of even for us.�

“……S—so that kind of way of thinking is also plausible, huh?�

He replied it quite bluntly. However, he sort of thought that if it’s Kusakabe he will be quite satisfied with just that as a reason.

Then suddenly at that moment, one bus passed the two of them.

And Kishimine eyes quite naturally, started to peek inside the bus.

“What happened? Looking at bus like that. Looking for someone you know inside?�

“No, not really. It’s just I was thinking that there are quite a lot of people who plays games, aren’t they?�

As yesterday was not like today. To find out how much popular are games really in the current world, Kishimine was surveying his surroundings and the passing buses and trains while going going to the school. And as a result, he was able to see figure of many people such as School students, Salary-man and OL [4-B]  dissolved in the PSP’s with the strap supporting it on their hands.

“What are you saying something natural like that? Aren’t there are Games-games and games everywhere around us for quite a long time? Well our school seems to be an exception in that though.�

“As I thought it’s something like that……huh?�

As the Izunomiya Academy is a school build only for Ojou-samas. He never saw anyone playing games inside the school. Kusakabe and the others seem to be playing with their PSP’s secretly in after school though.

However, if one had to look outside of the box, it’s like that everywhere. Ever since the Cultural Promotion Ticket started in action, everywhere in the world started to get occupied by the games.

“So is it fun? Playing games and all?�

“Well of course. They’re interesting you know? Take soccer, baseball or movies for example, they got popular because they are interesting right?�

He was quite right in that.

I love reading more than playing games. There was not a slight change in that thinking of Kishimine but, he couldn’t able to decline the fact that, the games have the power to mesmerise large amount of people as well.

Part 2

‘I will go to Audio-visual Prep-Room afterschool.’ Kishimine had already determined himself about that.

However, it was also true that as it’s after school now, though only a slight bit but there was a thread of hesitation and indecisiveness which was causing him think ‘should I really go after all?’

But, his hesitations were all in vain.

“Kishimine-kun! The time for the retry has finally come!�

Right after few seconds of when Homeroom got over and Teacher left the classroom. The unique most guy of this whole school dived in the classroom. He was a tall guy who wears the white lab coat. He was none other than Sena-sensei.

If one had to think it rationally then it’s would be just another teacher coming inside the classroom but it didn’t seemed to be the case for the girls with the sheltered upbringing.

“Kyaa……��W—what……?�

And as per expectation everyone had somewhat of a fearful expression on their face, and low voiced shriek were also started to come from here and there.

‘W—why? Has he even targeted me down to the classroom?!’

The one, who was perplexed about that the most, was obviously Kishimine.

“Hey. That guy is Sena-sensei right? The one who is the advisor of that Modern Game Club……�

The one, who was maybe the calmest among the class at that moment, was Kusakabe, and thus he tried poking the fact at him which he didn’t wanted to hear about.

“Yeah, that’s right……�

“Then why he is looking for you? Ah! You……, don’t tell me that you have joined that strange club for real?�

“No, atleast not till the last time I checked——�

At that moment when he finished stating that.

“Ooh, Kishimine-kun, so you were there?!�

Like that he was successfully able to locate him.

‘If possible I wanted to pretend that I don’t know him, but geez as he is calling for me it’s impossible, huh?’, he quickly conjectured his possibilities.

“Come on let’s go together and resume our training from yesterday to be able to remain married with Seiyuu for the rest of our lives! As a matter of fact, I have a present prepare for you today as well! Here take a look at it; it’s a marriage registration form I have prepared it for you last night! With this you too will be fine after having a dramatic encounter with the Seiyuu!�

Quite noisily, the gossips in the classroom got stronger.

“M—marriage Registration!?� “I wonder why marriage registration is needed in that sort of conversation……� “On top of it a man is giving marriage registration form to another man as a present……Kyaa!!�

“K—kishimine…… You……, don’t tell me you swinged that way!? J—just so you may know, I am not Homo alright?�

As the voices of his classmates was reaching his ears, Kishimine started to get mad.

As the situation has become like this, he couldn’t able to remain silent.

“Sena-sensei! Don’t say something that will cause misunderstandings, I don’t really need something like a marriage registration form!�

“Hm? I see, so you are one of those who believe in eloping, huh? Well certainly that kind of means is also possible, but for me I think it’s necessary to marry with legal procedures and give my introductions to the partners parents as well……�

“This person is hopeless!�

The dimension of their way of thinking was obviously greatly differed. That’s the thing they are doing at the moment can’t be termed as a conversation.

“I—in the first place, Please don’t barge in the classroom with without the one in charge present like that! See everyone is scared because of that!�

“Hmm?�

After getting told, Sena-sensei started to look around the class.

If it was the usual afterschool time, then the classroom would’ve surrounded by the pleasant voices of the girls but, right now it was surrounded by a weird atmosphere, and everyone present there were scattered away from where Kishimine and Sena-sensei were standing.

After confirming that situation in detail, Sena-sensei nonchalantly said.

“Hmm, even though it’s already afterschool, everyone sure are thoughtlessly crowded up, isn’t it?�

“No, it’s because they are all afraid of you! Leave it, it doesn’t even matter anymore, let’s just get the hell out of here!�

“I see, if you are that much eager, then it makes the things fast!�

‘I wonder if this person has just an active thought process, or he’s just plainly insolent to the core’, he asked himself.

In any case, at that moment it was the best choice to not let him say a word anymore.

Thus Kishimine pulled Sena-sensei and hurrily rushed out of the classroom.

“Hahaha! Kishimine-kun, you don’t have to hurry up like that, the clubroom is moving nowhere.�

Sena-sensei said while having a total misunderstanding of the situation.

‘No, I can’t let anyone see me together with Sena-sensei anywhere’—while drinking his own words down the throat, he hurriedly head towards the clubroom.

“Huh?�

Inside the clubroom he just stepped in, already had a preceding visitor waiting inside.

It was a female student he didn’t met with yet. Maybe it’s because she was in the midst of cleaning the clubroom or something, she had a duster in her right hand.

“Ah……�

Unexpectedly their eyes met. As usual she was cute and that too to an extent which could make people think about the selection standards in enrolling at this school.

She had somewhat of a small body. And had long eyelashes on her distinct eyes. The ribbon on her breast showed, the clear pink color, which meant that she was a sophomore. And incidentally while he was watching the color of the ribbon, his eyes quite inevitably went towards her breast, which had quite a normal size.

Maybe it was because she had a duster in her hand; she looked somewhat family-oriented, and was giving a feeling different than the other Ojou-sama’s of the school, which was quite rare. However,

“……Hii�

“…………�

The reaction of her was quite natural, expecting this school.

“Oh, isn’t this Niitani-kun?!�

“H—hello……Senseiâ€�

Showing signs that she knew Sena-sensei from before, she bowed a little. Her gesture was polite but, her face was clearly showing signs of fear. She seems to be a type which is bad with boys, in short androphobia, which was not that rare in this school.

“Umm, she is……?�

As it was not the atmosphere where he could’ve asked her directly, he asked Sena-sensei about her.

“Aah, that’s right you still haven’t met each other right?! She is our clubs temporary member.�

“N—……nice to meet you. I am Niitani Sanae from 2-C.�

She was clearly concealing her fear.

He wanted her afraid to be due to Sena-sensei than himself; however it doesn’t seem like the case at all.

“H—hello, I am Kishimine Kengo from 3-B.�

He said that with an intention to not scare her more than she was, however it didn’t looked like it had any effect.

“Huh? But you said earlier that this club had only 1 member……didn’t you?!�

“Aah, official member is Tendou-kun alone. And I said that she is a temporary didn’t I? She is originally from the Cooking Research club and……also the secretory of the Student Council?�

“Yes, just in case……But it doesn’t much to do at the Student council. As President finishes nearly everything by herself.�

‘By President she meant by Tendou-san right?’ He thought.

“Then, due to the connection with the student council she ended up here?�

“That’s right! As I went to talk about this club to the Student council, if there isn’t going to be any member in the club, and then it won’t be officially recognised by the chairman, so at that time she together with Tendou-kun entered here!�

Niitani-san suddenly started to blush due to embarrassment.

“As……I am always causing trouble for President, so I thought that I atleast will be able of a bit of help like this. But as I am not at all good with games……I just became a temporary member, and only sometimes visit the clubroom to do the cleaning……�

“Heh……�

In short she is sort of a fan of President Tendou.

“U—umm……I’ve heard about you a little as well…… Kishimine-senpai too, must be also quite good to be able to join this club……isn’t it?�

“…………�

Despite those casual words, Kishimine relatively received quite a shock.

He would’ve been fine with any comment on the club joining. But after these long 18 years, he in his first time in his life was referred to as Senpai. On top of that the one, who said that, was the girl who was exceptional even in this Ojou-sama School, which was making him quite nervous.

“D—did something happen?�

Niitani bent her head slightly to one side. Her each and every gesture was very cute.

“Eh. N……N—no, well, I still don’t know whether I will be able join the club or not.�

“Umm, if you could, then please take care of President. As I think she will be very delighted if the number of who can play games increased just by one……�

‘What a good child she is……’

That was the impression that came inside Kishimine’s mind. Thinking about Tenou President more than herself and on top of it going as far to clean the clubroom of which she was not even an official member.

‘If only she only was not androphobic then for sure’—the thought came in his mind. However, in this school the girls like her are what can be considered normal. So he had no choice but to give on that thought.

“Sorry, I got late.�

Suddenly, at that moment, the one who came in the clubroom was the Tendou Student Council President.

“Ah…… Hello, President.�

The one, who greeted foremost, was Niitani. From her face, the fear from just a while back vanished somewhere and, instead a smile just like a flower blooming started floating. It seemed like she can even make such kind of cute expression in regards with the same sex.

“Oh, Isn’t this Niitani? What happened? Have you finally decided on playing games once in a while?�

“No, I just came here to do some cleaning and while I am at that, I got to meet the new club member-san as well. Then, as I am also done cleaning here I will head back to the Cooking Research club now.�

“I see, it sure is regrettable though as I wanted you to play with me once in a while……but I can’t ask for impossible.�

Like that, as if being the reason of that she averted her eyes towards Sena-sensei, and even at Kishimine.

He understood the reason somehow. In short, as she was somewhat Androphobic, she can’t just force her to stay together with 2 guys.

“N—no, after all it’s also because I am bad at games, and I am doing this because I like doing it. Well then, I will drop by sometime later again.�

Till the end she was just normal in front of the Tendou, and then left the clubroom with the quick pace. Fearing that he will scare her again if he said something in a loud voice from behind, Kishimine decided to see her off while keeping his mouth shut.

“I sure feel sorry for making her busy with all the duties and work. Even though there are games just perfect for her……�

Tendou looked really disappointed.

“However, it’s not a time to be softening up your heart like that, cause no matter how many times she tries Mario, if she keep dying at the first Kuribou [4-C] then she won’t be able to become our comrade for real!�

To the comment of Sena-sensei, Tendou became a little bit angry. But, after releasing a sighing once, she shook her head.

“It can’t be helped, huh……? Well, there are more important things than that at the moment—�

Tendou, aimed her sweet and happy smile towards Kishimine. It was her 3 rd Time meeting with her but no matter how many times she turn her face towards him, his heart never stops to beat fast.

“I am glad that you came, Kishimine-kun. I was worried for a bit that you might change your mind you know?�

“Hahaha!� before even Kishimine could’ve replied, Sena-sensei started laughing. “There is no way that could’ve happened. He is the comrade I’ve found myself you know?! It was already fated for him to be here!�

“……It’s not something that exaggerated but, it’s because I couldn’t able to let you guys wait all in vain.�

That was in his own way, was the best answer he could’ve made to share his thought.

“I see. With just those words I am very happy you know?!�

‘As I thought I am attracted to her, huh?’ Like that he somehow able to comprehend. Even despite having a possibility of her being in love with Sena-sensei, he thought that it was somehow worth quite a lot just coming here today.

“It’s a bit immediate but time is precious! So shall we continue from where we left off in Uncharted?!�

Sena-sensei after saying that started to set up the PS3.

“No, wait a second there Sensei.�

However, Tendou interrupted him.

“Hmm? What happened?!�

“Yesterday, I thought about it a bit. As it’s only been just one day since Kishimine-kun started playing games, I don’t think it is quite good to let him play just Uncharted.�

“That’s not exactly true! To get in touch with the latest technology is a good thing. As you also will able to experience the wonderfulness of the game with that, and above all Uncharted is designed in a way where even a beginner can enjoy you know?!�

“That’s true! However, everyone has their own concept of what’s interesting or not isn’t it? For instance, Old games maybe are simple and cheap, but that’s the more reason they have the merit of understanding the amazingness of Game. We should let Kishimine experience the pure enjoyment of games first.�

“Heh…, so basically what is it?! You are saying that you want to make him play the Retro Games first?!�

“Exactly. I was thinking of making him play……this!�

Tendou, as if like Mito Koumon [3-D]  presenting the seal box, took out some quadrilateral shaped object.

The size was 1 size bigger than that of the Cassette Tape. With American Comics type illustration also drawn on it; he didn’t able to understand half of it but there is also a small red lamp like thing also attached to it.

“O—oi, Tendou-kun. That red radiating diode, don’t tell me……�

The usual arrogant Sena-sensei was, strangely didn’t able to hold his astonishment.

“What is this thing? It looks some sort of game to me……but.�

“This is called a ROM Cassette, it’s a media which was quite the mainstream before CD and DVD got popular.�

“I see……�

And once again Tendou started to survey the cassette she just took out.

An image of a person facing a ghost like monster was drawn on it. And on top of it, the Game’s title was also written.

“……Spel—unker? Huh, it seems I’ve heard of this name before……Ah.�

“I am not interested in just any freshmen, but if someone in here can clear the Spelunker – Famicom Edition then come to the audio-visual prep-room after school.�

“That’s right. Though I am surprised you actually remembered that. It’s a game I came up as a sort of club entrance exam. Well, there were not enough candidates to actually hold one though.�

With feeling somewhat mortifying, she said.

“Heh… if Tendou-san especially came up with this game as a club entrance exam then that means, it has quite a lot of features isn’t it?�

“Well, without mistakenly it’s a famous work indeed!� said, Sena-sensei. “Among the gamers there is basically no one who doesn’t know about this game at least. Yesterday, you have played Uncharted haven’t you? In a manner of speaking, it’s that games predecessor. The protagonist as expected is a treasure hunter, which in search of a sleeping treasure dives inside the big underground world and unfolds great adventure!�

“Though to be exact, Spelunker means “Cave Expeditioner� and it’s somewhat different from the English word Treasure hunter. No, or maybe it was “Reckless Cave Expeditioner� ?�

“I see……�

‘I don’t quite get it but, if it’s a predecessor of Uncharted then it should be somewhat easier to play’, he thought.

“It’s just, no matter what of whose opinion you may consider, the main characteristic of the game lies in its difficultness! I told you before that among gamers there is hardly anyone who doesn’t know about this game but, that too is because of its difficultness. To be honest, even I can’t clear this game that easily!�

“I—is it really that difficult?! I, just had my first experience of a game yesterday you know?!�

“Yes, even I want you to learn the enjoyment of games, and that’s more the reason I want you to avoid Spelunker, but……�

Kishimine’s and Sena-sensei’s sight got directed towards Tendou.

“I understand your anxiousness. It’s just, as you said earlier it’s clear fact that we need instant fire-power who at least can be able to clear the Spelunker. Plus I also believe that if it’s you, you just might be able to pull it off in one way or another. So saying that, just try it once.�

“……okay.�

If he got told that much then he had no other chance left but to try it.

He sat in front of the T.V. and saw that the gaming console was different to the one yesterday was being prepared. It was a gaming console which was completely different in size, color and structure than PS3. It was a mixture of red and white color. And the controller too was connected with the proper wire.

“What is this? Looks like a strange old fashioned gaming console to me though……�

“Mu— How cruel. To say old fashioned to an internationally famous legendary high-spec machine.�

“Well, don’t say like that, Tendou-kun! He just recently came in contact with the games, so it can’t be helped if he doesn’t know about a gaming console born more than 20 years ago.�

“2—20 years?! Isn’t that before we were even born?!�

After looking at the Kishimine who wasn’t able to hide his astonishment, Tendou made a little proud looking face.

“That’s right. This is the one who introduced first games in Japan, and soon conquered the whole world a legendary high-spec machine, Famicom . And in addition to that this is not a new model you know? It’s one of the old model. In which buttons are not made quadrilateral out of rubber, but instead made circular out of plastic.�

“I see……?�

Kishimine didn’t understood a thing she just said but, but in any case ‘it’s an amazing gaming console’ he understood just that. Plus, he remembered listening about Famicom even before somewhere in T.V. or something.

“At any rate, Just go ahead and try it. Here, take this.�

He was handed down the controller.

“Woah, there are so less buttons!�

The first thing he got surprised of was that. In the PS3 controller there were more than 10 buttons but, in the Famicom one’s there are just 4 buttons. Unlike PS3 controller there are no analog sticks in it, and at last there was just 1 cross shaped key.

“It’s simple and easy to understand right? I can’t deny of the fact that the more buttons increase the latitude of gaming experience but, as long as there are just 2 buttons you’ll still be able to play games. Well, go ahead and see it for yourself�

Tendou connected the switch like thing of the console. Immediately after that, the cheap music started to flow out of the T.V., and on top of T.V screen which was empty just a while ago, gaming screen appeared.

“……Mu.�

Old fashioned. That was the first impression of the Kishimine.

As he heard that it’s more than 20 years old he expected it to be quite cheap but, still having said that he didn’t thought that it’s going to be that much old fashioned.

On the screen, with just one wearisome orange color, SPELUNKER was displayed. ‘1985 written there is probably a year it got released, huh?’ Which clearly means that it’s a game which was made 10 years before Kishimine was even born.

“So, what exactly should I do?�

“For now, try press the Start Button!�

“Start Button?  Ah, this?�

Following Sena-sensei’s direction, he pressed the centre button on the controller.

It was that moment. Without even a second lag, suddenly the screen changed to Game like screen.

“C—cheap……�

As expected that was the unchangeable impression of Kishimine.

I see, just like told before, it seems that the stage of adventure takes place in the underground cave, as that kind of graphics are being displayed. In the bottomless pit below, there was an elevator like thing, and in there the one riding was the protagonist like character who was wearing a head light installed helmet with a backpack.

At any rate, it was a very small character. The protagonist of Uncharted, Nathan’s facial features and the other body parts were all like a real human being but, the protagonist here, had only head and body, which was really looked like a deformed character which sometime appears in the manga’s for kids.

“So, umm…, it’s alright if I just search the treasure in the underground right?â€�

As I questioned, Tendou said with a nod.

“That’s right. In this underground somewhere, there is a sealed pyramid filled with treasure. You have to somehow find that pyramid.�

“I see.�

Hearing the goal sounded quite easy but, achieving that looked difficult. It’s because he didn’t know a thing about what he should do.

One the screen, there was a Dollar bag and a golden colored lid of a pot—no it’s maybe cold coin— and, Blue key like thing are lying on the floor. Probably, he should proceed while collecting item which looks like that.

On top of the screen, bomb and capsule like icon together with the numeric value was there, and besides that, time together with a strange moving cursor on left side was also there.

“In any case, do something. Rather than learning, just get used to it�

“Okay?�

For the first trial he tried pressing the left side of the cross shaped key. By doing the character started to advance.

And—— just easily and casually like that.

Character fell out of the elevator.

RinroRinroRinroRinroDenDenDen.

“……Eh? What?�

An ominous sound effect started to resounded. The character started flickering, and soon vanished.

And the screen switched back, and once again returned back to the starting point.

“What was that, just now?�

“Hmm, just as I thought it sure ended up with that result, isn’t it?!�

“I did consider it as a possibility, but as expected you ended up doing that huh? Well it’s sort of a rule for everyone who plays it for the first time�

“Rule……what do you mean?�

“My bad, it’s because I thought it would be for best to experience it first-hand rather than teaching you about it beforehand. To put it simply this game’s protagonist is not that strong as Nathan from Uncharted. If he fell from the high place he will die and, if he ends up in a situation where he is about to fall he can’t grab on the cliff as well like that in Uncharted.�

“I see. So as I thought, I died back there then right?�

“Yes, that’s what happened. If you try a bit more you will able to grasp on the things fast. Though I dare tell you this beforehand, that character just dies too fast.�

“Okay�

“Tendou-kun. It’s different from Uncharted this time, so shouldn’t you at least tell him the basics of the controls and the like first?! If he doesn’t know how to use bombs and the flashlight, then he won’t be going anywhere!�

“Mu. That’s also true, as it has not any instruction manual with it as well. Alright, then let me teach you.�

“Eh……�

Reflexively he got startled.

It’s because Tendou suddenly approached very near to him.

“Okay Listen! First with this “A� Button, the character jumps. The ghost who appears sometimes can be repelled back with the use of a Portable Fan by pressing this “B� Button.�

“…………�

Not Even Half of that Detailed Explanation went inside his Head. This is because Tendou’s beautiful face was so close to his that even her breath was reaching to Kishimine.

“There are dynamites falling inside of the cave that will try to kill you. And you can use Flash Capsules to repel the Bat’s. And then, the arrow indication on the top of the screen displays the remaining Energy Gauge—�

“…………�

A Nice smell was coming from where she was. He read the description about that in several of the light novels before, however he finally understood that all of what’s written there was all true.

He wondered from exactly where such kind of nice aroma was coming. On top of it, Tendou’s breath was tickling the tip of Kishimine’s nose, and her beautiful fingernails too were tickling his hands.

“……Oi, are you seriously listening?�

“Eh? Ah— Yes!�

To avoid himself being treated as a Pervert, he somehow averted his eyes.

“I understood till now, with the each passing of time and the use of Portable fan, the energy gauge will drop, and to restore that I will have to collect the item called Energy Bar right?�

“That’s right! Look at you, aren’t you listening just fine?!�

It was even mysterious to him that he was able to remember those things without even paying attention to it.

“But Tendou-kun! What exactly is this Portable Fan you speak of?! Isn’t that thing called Machine Gun you use after you press the “B� Button? And what’s with the Dynamites reference? I think they should be termed as Bombs from the looks of icon!�

“No, that would incorrect. The thing you use by pressing the “B� button is Portable Fan, and they are not bombs but dynamites. It’s even mentioned like that on its official site.�

“Mu…. Portable Fan you say…… so basically you mean that they are not guns but fan, and that guy blows the ghost away with that? I think Machine gun quite fit’s the part though……�

“Wrong explanations are no good. The game should be played and understood with the plot and names that the developers created into the story.�

“I don’t think there was also a reason for you to deny me so hard like that…… Well, we should stop with these boorish talks infront of the Kishimine. That being said, Kishimine-kun! Just as Tendou-kun told you before, this character is too weak!�

Sena-sensei said that in a meaningless powerful voice.

“If he jumps from a high place he will die, and if he gets involve in the blast of the dynamite he will die! He will even die if he gets hit from the feces of the Bats, and if he gets hit from the poisonous gas sprouting from the walls unfortunately that will also result in his death! Therefore you’ll have to carefully cross all these obstacles by observing the surroundings, but still having said that if you use too much time the energy gauge will fall—�

Like that, at that moment.

He heard somewhat of a warning sound which suddenly started coming from the screen. And as he looked, the mysterious arrow—which was supposed to be the Energy Gauge— reached to the left most side of the screen.

As he looked in wait to see what will happen— he again died.

“I don’t think any further explanation is needed! As you can see, you will die!�

“……He really dies to everything isn’t he? Even though Nathan from Uncharted survived with even that severe injury in his abdomen.�

“Well Nathan too dies easily where he is designed to die! Well in any case, with this it should cover the most things. The rest is up to you, go ahead and give it a try for yourself now. First find the Red key and Blue key which are dropped somewhere. Once you collect those 2, you will be able to clear the Stage 1.�

“I see. T—then……�

He still was consumed, but for now he decided to restart the play.

First he made it to the elevator and descended downwards, and halted it to near the edge of the cave. And to make the character reach the cave edge he with perfect timing pressed “A� Button.

[Pyoi]

Together with the light sound effect, the protagonist jumped from the elevator, and finally succeeded in reaching the ground.

For just practicing he decided to press the “B� Button. By doing that, the protagonist took something out and started shooting with a [BaBaBaBa] sound effect. He soon understood the point of Sena-sensei, according to Tendou-san this is supposed to be a Portable Fan named tool but, the Machine Gun reference was indeed suited it more.

Next, he tried picking up the item that looked like a Money Bag. However, aside from the score increase, there was no other particular change.

And without a break, he proceeded ahead. The first obstacle which appeared was the gap in the ground. In front of that gap lies the mysterious automatic lift which was going up and down. It was just like a pair of an escalator which from one side was going up and from another was going down.

‘I wonder on what kind of power these things are moving?’

He involuntarily end up thinking about something minor like that, but then soon realised that it’s not a place and time to be thinking something like that.

‘At any rate, there’s no reason to put myself in danger to ride such strange and complex lift’; he came to a conclusion like that.

And thus, decided to descend that height without using the lift—

RinroRinroRinroRinroDenDenDen.

“……Huh?�

The ruthless BGM started to resound.

And, on the screen Game Over letters started appearing, and finally Kishimine was able to take a guess that he yet again died. It seems this protagonist can’t even cross a distance of that degree.

“……Will I, really be even to reach the end of this game?�

“Your concern is quite natural!� like that, Sena-sensei said while correcting his glasses. “Tendou-kun! As expected this game is just too harsh for a beginner like him?! Well certainly it excels Uncharted in terms of simplicity but, I think with all these unreasonable death being the reasons even Kishimine won’t be able to experience the enjoyment of playing games!�

“Well just wait for a moment, Sensei.�

She alone, as if knowingly that it will turn into a situation like this, calmly said.

“Kishimine-kun. Let me give you a piece of advice. I think you will be able to proceed very well if you listen to that.�

“Ha? Advice……is it?�

“I don’t know what you are plan on saying but……� said Sena-sensei. “I don’t think Spelunker is a type of game where you get good just by getting hints from someone.�

“Well just listen for a bit. If I am not wrong, you said that you found Kishimine inside the library didn’t you?�

“Aah, that’s right but. What it has to do with this?!�

“At that moment, what he was like? I doubt he was concentrating so hard in the book that he didn’t even noticed you when you called to him.�

“Hmm… Certainly it was just like that but……,�

“It was similar in my case as well. You remember it right, Kishimine-kun? A few days ago, we met in the library didn’t we?�

“Ye—es! I do remember.�

“That sure was an impressive level of concentration. I could’ve still understood if you’ve slept while reading the book or something, but you were intently flipping the pages and reading the content with your eyes open wide. That’s right that was…… indeed as if you were possessed by the book. To a degree, which looked amusing if watched sitting right by your side.�

Kishimine involuntarily started blushing. That’s why he didn’t want anyone to see him while he was reading the book.

“……I can’t really deny that. I said this yesterday as well though, when I start reading book, I completely shut myself out from the surroundings.�

“You become the Protagonist himself……you said something like that right?�

“Yes, that’s about right.�

As he still didn’t able to understand what Tendou was implying. That kind of half-hearted reply was the best he could’ve given.

“After hearing that, I wanted to try something out a bit. Kishimine, you played both Uncharted and Spelunker. However, clearly you lacked a piece of information needed in both. And that’s in itself quite possibly, was the most important piece of information to you.�

“Ho? So what exactly is it? Though I don’t think there is anything important than an instruction manual.�

Tendou, while folding her hands and then making a confidence looking expression said.

“It’s very simple thing. A Story .�

“……Ah.�

It was like as if he was pointed at about something grand which he was forgotten.

Certainly, he still remembered about that. For instance, Uncharted’s Protagonist Nathan. He just what for reason was inside that train. Just where and what caused that big of an injury to him.

And in the end, after surviving through that train, just what kind of story awaited him. Just like book reading that kind of things were all what he regretted not knowing.

“I see. Story, huh?! Certainly, in both books and games, it’s a factor needed to make one feel empathy towards it. In the era of Famicom and others, they just hurriedly printed some sort of a prologue kind of thing together with the instruction manual after all. However Tendou-kun, in the first place does Spelunker even have something like a Story—�

To Sena-sensei who was trying to say something, Tendou stopped with a hand.

“Just leave everything to me from here. So, that’s how it is Kishimine-kun, that’s why I think of teaching you the story of the Spelunker.�

“I see…… I sort of feel happy about that though.�

In the stories most of the protagonists are, always waiting for goal and the reason to fulfil that goal. For example, the book he was reading at the moment, “The Count of Monte Cristo� too, the protagonist Edmond was suddenly thrown in the prison because of False Charges and, was now taking action to fulfil his Vengeance.

Maybe Games too are something like that. Nathan, and even the protagonist of Spelunker as well, should be surely moving because of some sort of goal or something.

“Now then, First of all……that’s right, just like Uncharted’s Protagonist who is called Nathan, this Spelunker’s Protagonist also has a name. And that name is……Umm, that’s right, Mike, he’s called Mike.�

“……It somewhat like a name which could be heard anywhere isn’t it. Like in an English textbook or something……�

“Uu-�

As he pointed out like that, due to some unknown reason Tendou started feeling discomfort. And to hide that, she coughed a little.

“I—in any case, Mike has a goal. Well obviously he was searching for the Treasure sleeping inside the cave, but do you know the reason for that?�

“Ha. Did he need money for something?�

“Exactly. Mike is an expeditionary but, In reality he had a lover……No, a friend……no that’s also not right, more than a friend but less than a lover, Yup, that’s right, a girlfriend was there. Her name was……yes, M—……Maria but, she was the sister who was working in an orphanage and, that orphanage because of financial problems was about to get demolished.�

“Hmm…… Did really Spelunker had that kind of story? No, certainly it’s a story which is quite a plausible scenario during the era of Famicom but,�

Tendou started to feel discomfort again and started to glare at Sena-sensei.

“Like I said before, Sensei, please leave the things to me, and stay quiet.�

“Hmm, if you say it like that then, I have no choice but to leave it to you……�

And thus, she coughed slightly as if to switch over that, and continue with the explanation as if nothing happened.

“So that’s how it is! If, he returns with the treasure of Spelunker, then it’s a happy ending waiting for him. However if he fails, the orphans will be driven out on the streets, and a fate where Sister Maria will be sold to the mafia by the loaners was waiting for him.�

“……Does this game really had that kind of a heavy plot?�

“T—that’s right. Everything has a thing called necessity. Spelunker’s Protagonist too is just a normal human. When compared to Uncharted’s Nathan, he lacks power and is inferior in each and every aspect. However, it’s due to the existence of a person which he needs to protect no matter what, he was risking his life.�

“But, Games and Books differ in one aspect. It is that the conclusion of the Story depends on you. Do you understand? The fate of Sister Maria and the children are just hanging on your palms.�

“……So that’s how it is, huh?�

Kishimine was already used to Fiction Stories. And so…, because of that he was able to wholeheartedly listen to what Tendou just said, and end up believing that.

‘This Spelunker’s Protagonist really dies fast; he dies no matter what he does. That kind of a weak guy was Spelunking in this dangerous Underground cave. You can simply call it Recklessness, but it was close to a Suicide.’

‘However, what if he had a reason behind that— a goal in particular? If it’s like that then everything fits the blank spots.’

At that moment inside Kishimine’s mind, Sister Maria’s figure came up who was praying for Mike’s safety while crying. Of course he was able to imagine the face of her but quite naturally it was the face of Tendou wearing a catholic nun dress.

Like this she will be taken away by Mafia. But as long he was able to get the money, everything will be solved. And that money lay bare everywhere in this cave.

Every time whenever he re-read a book, a thought comes up into his mind. That if the protagonist took a different action at that particular moment, then a future much more amazing would’ve been waiting for him— something like that.

However, the conclusion in a book will not change no matter how many times he reads it.

But, Games are different. This story will not just end up as a happy end, and in the end it all depends on the Player. That’s the most fundamental difference between a Game and a Book.

He wanted to try watching it, a future where Protagonist finally reunites with Sister Maria after getting his hands on the treasure.

As he thought like that in his mind once, he just couldn’t able to hold back his desires.

“Umm. Can I try playing it once more?�

Tendou nodded happily.

“Of course. Play it to your Heart Content.�

And thus like that, Kishimine once again grabbed the controller.

‘Mike is just an ordinary person.’

Spelunker’s Protagonist is not a tough guy like that Nathan from Uncharted. However, he had no choice but to enter the underground cave filled with danger. Everything is for Sister Maria. Not a wife, not even a lover. Everything for an intimate girlfriend which was just more than a friend, he was risking his life for her.

“…………�

When he thinks like that, something started to fill up his heart. It was impossible to call him ordinary. For someone he considered more than himself, he alone, with such lightweight equipment, without even carrying a rope, was going deeper and deeper inside the cave where ghosts and other mysterious monsters appears.

“Kishimine-kun. It’s better if you wipe off those tears you know?�

“Eh? Tears?�

He realised for the first time, after getting pointed out by the Sena-sensei, that his cheeks were wet with tears.

“Ah, No, Umm, it’s because I was continuously looking at the T.V. for quite some time my eyes got dry. Look, it’s because I don’t really watch T.V. that often.�

While saying good excuses like that, he wiped his tears off, and grabbed the controller.

And to reform his mood, he took a deep breath.

What he learned with his last play was that, this game has too many unreasonable death scenarios. It’s because he just died just from a small gap in the ground.

However, perhaps his cognition was wrong. He right now was finally able to understand that.

‘It’s just this game is overwhelmingly close to reality.’

For example, in this game, if you stay at one place, you will die because of the loss of energy. Then in that case isn’t that energy bar like an oxygen meter of the oxygen tank he is carrying?

And, it’s not rare to see the poisonous gas spurting out of the walls of the tunnel of the cave, and deep inside the cave there is a lack of oxygen itself. So having an oxygen tank was a matter of life and death.

On top of it, if he goes deeper, there are underground water geysers that spout steam and enshroud the area due to geothermal heat. That heat and humidity will relentlessly exhaust his body, and that will in return relentlessly exhaust the oxygen supply.

Plus, this is an underground world where even if he dial 119 Â [4-E] Â

no ambulance will come to help. For instance, if he breaks one of his bones in his leg, then that will make him impossible to return.

It’s a rock ground where it’s just hard to even walk under normal circumstances. So if he jumped from just a small height then that will easily break a bone or 2 for sure. No, even with just a sprain in the leg, it will be impossible to return back. Not to mention this protagonist, is carrying things like a machine gun, bombs, oxygen cylinder and that kind of a big bag. That’s why if he was to jump from even a small height, then it would not be strange for him to receive an injury to make him unable to move.

“……I see. So that how it is.�

The more he thinks about it the more it made sense. Uncharted too was certainly a game which was close to real but, this Spelunker too was overwhelming close to a real game.

Inside Kishimine’s heart, a new kind of desire started to develop.

It was a Curiosity. Just what kind of ending is waiting for him? Similar to while reading the book, when that kind of desire starts to appear, he just can’t able to control himself up.

He firmly closed his eyes for once and then when he opened them again,

Kishimine already turned into the Mike of Spelunker.

I started to go deep inside the underground cave while operating the elevator.

And soon enough, what lied bare in front of my eyes was the maze-like complicated cave.

“There is a Treasure somewhere in here……�

I need that treasure at all cost for Sister Maria and the children.

An unprecedented cave in which no one entered before. While flinging with the trembling fear, I further descended below the cave in the elevator.

And soon enough a tunnel started appear in front of my eyes.

The pit stretched still long deep below, and there was another deep tunnel right below this one. But it’s not like it was proven in any way that the below one is the right way to proceed. Since I don’t even have a map, I have no other choice but to investigate everything from the scratch.

And thus, I stopped the elevator on the entry of the first tunnel. And prepared myself as the moment I will jump from this elevator, an adventure involving the risk of losing my own life will start, where I will not even have a slightest bit help from the above ground.

An adventure. For a Normal Person those words will probably be enough to make their Hearts throb with excitement. However, what was waiting for me right now was just “Several Risks�. As with just a slightest bit of an injury I won’t be able to able to return back from this Underground cave and without anyone knowing will end up rotting here. And because of my death disastrous fate will befall on her who was more than the friend and less than the lover, and the orphanage children she was supporting.

“Uh-oh, that’s bad�

I shook of my unpleasant thoughts. Its maybe of me being all alone inside the cave, I started being all emotional and pessimistic all of a sudden.

“Alright, let’s go then!�

I tried jumping from the elevator. However, the gap between the elevator and the cliff was enough to make a person fall.

Cold sweat started run down by spine. If I fall here, I will end up dying just like that.

But still, there was no point in fretting at the start line like this. I then preparing myself, jumped out from the elevator.

“……Fuu�

Fortunately, without even my feet slipping and the cliff being still intact nothing happened, and I somehow succeeded in taking my first step in the cave. But still, this adventure is a journey filled with dangers, and the grim happenings will just going to continue ahead as well.

While shaking off the mood, I started to look deep inside the cave.

Maybe it’s because of the geothermal heat, the uncomfortable air wrapped around my whole body. And even my oxygen starting to deplete rapidly, it’s going to be painful in here without this oxygen cylinder.

As there was no time to be standing there idle I started to proceed deep inside the cave.

And soon, found something.

It was a money bag. I then soon understood the reason of why this is called the cave of buried treasures. It’s not going to give me that much money, but I will gladly take it.

The next thing which I then saw was a strange artefact, a set of lifts which were side by side to each other and were moving up and down in direction.

For god sake, just who the hell was the one who was using this cave? Is it using some kind of geothermal energy or hydraulic power as a source? To be able to make something like a semi-continuous moving lift like that.

In any case, it was just right to move ahead. I then carefully jumped into the one which was going down. Which was severely life threatening! If I missed my timing just a bit and would’ve fallen to the bottom, then there was not a doubt that I would’ve received a great injury enough to make me rot at this cave for eternity.

Fortunately, the attempt ended up in success. And the lift I was riding continued to descend like that, and I was able to cross the difference in gap and finally reached the ground below. While lifting the fallen golden coin again, I started to move forward in a hurry again.

The next thing that then appeared in front of me was a steep cliff and a rope which was hanging from the ceiling down to the bottom. From the looks of it, it looked like something that I have to climb to advance ahead.

It’s no use in fretting coming all the way here, so there I, while preparing myself, jumped on the rope and, slowly climbed on it. If I was a normal person my bones would’ve surely broke while climbing on a rope with this heavy backpack but, I too just in case am one of a Cave expeditionary, that’s why a feat like this is a speciality of mine.

The problem was how to jump from the rope to the cliff back. As usual the ground is rough and uneven. If I got to slip my legs anywhere while jumping, I will break my leg and won’t be able to return back to the surface for sure.

“Aarrgh, hasn’t this adventure just begun?�

I can’t let myself hesitate on an obstacle of this degree. While resolving myself, I jumped from the rope.

“Fuu�

Somehow I was able to make myself on the cliff successfully. If I got to ascertain the height of the cliff before jumping, then it would’ve not end up being any problem.

It’s just, quite disappointingly, was a dead end on the cliff.

But still it didn’t looked like it was a waste coming all the way to here, as various things could be seen lying here and there. Dollar Bag, Flash Capsule and for some reason Dynamite as well.

I thought for once—that why these things are here. But then thought that they probably are the relics of the construction workers or something from the time when this cave was still in use. There is no mistaking that it will come in use. So without holding back, I also put them inmy bag.

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I then decided that I should head back to the elevator to investigate the bottom tunnel I saw earlier as well.

However, then I reconsidered it. The difficulty level of the expedition in this cave is beyond my expectations. And the Death’s Shadow was always walking besides me. In this nerve wracking tension there is no place to even rest. Like this I won’t have enough stamina for long. And even the Oxygen cylinder which was holding my life is not infinite.

So there I, just for a trial for once, operated the elevator to take me the bottom most part of the cave. It’s because I thought that if I knew that how much deep it is, and how many number of tunnels are there, if I’m able to get even a portrait of it, then that will be at least a bit helpful in my expedition.

While making a clattering sound, the elevator continued to descend. The pit was even deeper than I thought, and even the number of tunnels exceeded my expectations, with just looking I was able to locate 5 of them. Moreover, in some even poisonous gas was gushing out, and in one of tunnel the cry of a mysterious beast could be also heard. I was expecting danger from before, but it looks like it’s gonna turn out to me more life threatening of an adventure than I predicted it to be.

In no time the elevator reached the bottom most part of the cave but still, the tunnel laid ahead was a dead end. Which meant, from one of the 5 tunnels I saw above lies the correct answer? And I have to alone, search through all of them.

When I think about those hardships, my stomach starts to hurt. If I had a large amount of funds, without even caring about these life threatening situations, would’ve just organised a large expedition party and then searched for the treasure with them, but for the one who didn’t had money in the first place, and that too came here to find it was a meaningless thing to talk about.

“Huh? That is……?�

Suddenly, I saw something lying on the dead end.

“An Oxygen……Tank?�

Why something like this is lying at a place like this? Perhaps it’s also a relic from the construction party from the cave before, huh?—while I was assuming answers to my question like that, it happened.

Suddenly, I heard an ominous moaning like sound.

That voice, which I never heard before in my life, didn’t seem to be the cry of a beast or something. And it sounded just like it was coming from beneath the earth or something.

“Don’t tell me……�

Just in case, I have heard about it once. That in this cave, ghosts appears.

I don’t believe in unscientific things such as ghosts. But, if I am gonna say that, then the whole thing about the treasure existing in this deep cave would be turned into a big fake hoax as well. And if it’s in a cave such as this, a ghost appearing sounded quite a plausible thing as well.

Maybe it’s because of that nervousness, in the midst of my heart pounding so hard, I started to prepare my one and only weapon for the emergency purpose, a Machine Gun.

And just after that—that thing manifested itself.

Shining with a purple light, certainly there was no other term more suited for it to be than a ghost. His manifestation too was suddenly from the wall as well.

With his hand rising upwards, and mouth opening wide, he was coming straight in my direction to attack me.

“Uwaaahhh!!�

I without a thread of hesitation pulled the trigger of the Machine Gun. With a tearing sound, the bullets came out of the gun with a tremendous force.

If one had to think it rationally, then the metal bullets shouldn’t work on a ghost. However maybe it was because of the thunderous sound of the bullets, or my spirit itself, pushed it back. The parts which were pierced by the bullets slowly started to fade away, and soon without any particular sign, it completely vanished.

“Fuu……�

I wiped the sweat from my forehead. It’s maybe I did something which I was not used to, or just controlling the Machine Gun’s from all those recoils was difficult, that ended up consuming a lot of my stamina.

And because of that, the mystery of why the oxygen cylinder was felled here at a place like this also got solved.

I don’t want to think hard about that but these are probably, the relics of the Spelunker like me who lost his life here.

In that case, that ghost, is sort of like that guys all of the hatred manifestation.

“I’m sorry. But there are things I must do.â€�

As I was scared of the wrath I didn’t wanted to find the treasure the predecessor hid here. But I without hesitation at least decided to take that Oxygen Tank with myself.

And even after that the dangerous adventures continued.

Jumping through a big gap of a hole, climbing on the rope, descending on the lift, and blasting the obstacles such as big rocks with Dynamite, and avoiding getting involved with the aftermath of blasts—

I absolutely can’t cut my concentration at any place. As I am a frail human being, just a tiny miss-happening can end up being the result of death.

However, once again in front of me a new kind of obstacle appeared.

“What the fuck, are those giant bats……?!�

From quite a distance ahead, from the depths of the cave [Kii][Kii] eerie cry was echoing. And the source of those sounds, were the Giant Bats living in the depths of the cave.

With them just being still there would’ve been fine for me because of the fact that bats don’t just attack humans broadly like that. But the problem was, they thought of me as a threat that entered in their territory, and as a result started excreting their feces everywhere.

I involuntarily shuddered.

Bat feces especially of a large species of bats are basically harmless, but some species have rabies and other type of viruses in them, and it also seems the strong smell of them sometimes causes the problem in the respiration.

And I just can’t even imagine these bats that are living in these caves as harmless. And I don’t even know what kind of disease they will infect me with once I touched their feces.

Above all, as I, too am one of the Spelunkers. I too obviously had a way to deal with bats. And that too is a very simple trick, Bats are weak to the light.

I took out the Flash in my hand I picked up from earlier from inside the cave. Maybe someone who came for the treasure hunt like me would’ve left this by accident for the counter-measure against the Bats.

I released the flash, the white ball of light raised in the air, and the next moment the inside of the cave, got enlightened by the white light.

Once the flash settled down, there were no signs of the bat anywhere.

However, it’s not like I killed them all or anything, they just ran away from all of the light, and thus there was no telling when they will return back. So for now I while take my chance to cross my way through the passage.

“But, this sure is an interesting phenomenon alright!�

At Kishimine who was playing the game devouringly, Sena-sensei was observing with great interest.

That was just like, as if he was possessed by the game, or like he become the protagonist of the game itself. To meddle with it a little, he tried swinging his hand in front of his face, and tried shaking his shoulders a lot but, nothing happened. Kishimine was immersed in it as if he got completely possessed by the game.

“To think he can manifest the power of concentration to this length……As expected he might just have a talent for gaming.�

Tendou said. If someone normal had to hear this, would laugh at it while saying “How foolish�. But, the gamers who have seen the battle between the two elected gamers before, to them, it was not something they can laugh at all.

“He can get inside the game……huh?�

But that phenomenon was not at all something which was rare. In RPG getting extremely enraged over the sins of a Demon Lord, and getting drunk by the strength of their own character in an Action Game too, is a sort of this phenomenon which occur when player end up merging their thinking with that of a character of the game. The phenomenon which was occurring in the body of Kishimine, too must be the elongated state of something like that.

“I see. So that’s why Tendou-kun, you fabricated such kind of story didn’t you? Seriously, what’s with “to rescue the orphanage?� You’ll end up scolded by the developers you know? Well, for a game from an era of a Famicom it’s a story which is quite plausible though.�

Tendou lost her composure a bit.

“W—well isn’t its fine? With just that if he will be able to understand the fun of Spelunker then, even the developers too will forgive me.�

“Everyone has their own concept of what’s interesting in a game or not, huh?�

The games in the era of Famicom had a lot of constraints but, the major one of them altogether was the graphics. Old games such as Spelunker and Mario, were just made by the gathering of several dots— and even in those dots the number was largely restricted— it was an era in which every graphics was displayed by using that. Background and even the characters face was the something of a definition of cheap itself.

However, that was the reason which allowed the players a margin to imagine on their own. The players with their own power of imagination were able to taste the fun of the games they played to their own likings. And that act itself, was relatively very interesting. In other words, it’s because each and every human being separately can be able to drag out their individual way of what’s interesting in that game.

For example, in the initial stages of the game designed for Famicom, there were quite a lot of story based plot where you have to save the heroine, and the young boys who were the user overlap that girl with real girl they are somewhat interested in, and end up showing high emotions while playing the game.

‘The Kishimine-kun right now, might just be that like that.’

And as they suddenly watched the game screen again, Kishimine finally was able to clear the 1 st Floor.

“Unbelievable……! Even though it’s just his first time playing the Spelunker, he already cleared the 1 st Floor, huh? And he is playing flawlessly for quite some time as well, right?�

“It’s not that strange. As the No.1 secret behind while playing the Spelunker is to never lose the concentration while playing it after all!�

“I see! Well, certainly!�

The causes of death in this game are, 80% by the fall. You will die if you get involved into the bomb explosion or gets hit by the poisons gas, every cause were something minor of that level.

These causes of deaths, if carefully with estimated timings were manipulated then they can be all easily avoided.

However, the lack of spirit when got the hang of the timing or, if the concentration gets interrupted in the long running plays, can easily result in misplays. And this game is a type which cannot even overlook just one misplay.

On the contrary if one has to say, if that sort of negligence is not there, clearing this game is not really that difficult.

“The power of concentration which makes him even able to enter inside the game, if that’s the best weapon he has……then certainly, the Spelunker might just be an ideal game for him!�

At the time he was made to play the Uncharted yesterday too, they should’ve been told him about the story in detail.

At that moment, Kishimine said, that when the train started to slide he from fear didn’t able to move. If he was told that how tough and robust Nathan truly is and how much of hardships he had crossed over, before he started playing the game then that would’ve not happened for sure.

“Guaaaaaaaooooo!�

The moaning of a ghost, as its gauging back the entrails, echoed heavily in the quiet cave.

The reckless Spelunker who was obsessed by the treasure, even now together with the courage and fear on his face, was progressing in the dark and underground cave.

Heavily dirtied with blood, sweat and dirt all over his body and mind laid the profound coloured expeditionary.

When he used the rope he took care that he didn’t sweat that much, and when he used the bomb he carefully checked that he is quite far as to not get involved in the blast, Progressing slowly like that was the etiquette of being here. Of course, no Spelunker stands still when they run out of Flashes in front of the bats though.

Underground Cave. That was truly, the Country of the Dead.

Â

……Maybe it’s was an effect of an explanation I read somewhere before, in my brain that single verse continued to float again and again.

The adventure was going very well for now, Though I hesitated at first on how to proceed on this new route, but luckily as I was able to get my hands on one of the blue keys quite easily I was now proceeding quite easily even to the further inside.

However—the greatest obstacle of yet soon enough came in front of me.

When I crossed the blue gate by using the blue key what laid in front of my eyes, were the countless lines of rope in front of each other to the other side.

For me who had crossed a countless number of obstacles and hurdles, I soon was able to comprehend that there is something for sure on the other side of this obstacle. And I have to jump from one rope to another like a Tarzan  [4-F] .

From the looks of it, it doesn’t seem to be that easy of a job. But, I can’t stay long enough at one place as well. I then making myself resolute, jumped on the first rope.

It seemed fine.

And without a moment delay I then jumped to the 2 nd rope.

“It’s alright. As long as I don’t lose my concentration……�

I then with a tempo, jumped to another rope.

Another, and then on another. Sometimes finely looking at my position and while adjusting the rhythm, and, also praying that Ghost won’t appear. I proceeded.

“Alright, somehow it looks quite plausible.�

However.

The end suddenly made its appearance.

I didn’t even lose bit my attention a bit nor interrupted even my concentration. And reached till here taking each and every step of mine very carefully.

But still, something which I couldn’t have helped happened.

When I jumped from one rope to another, at that moment,

I hit my head from the ceiling.

“Oww!�

Even the time to shriek was just a mere second. And without able to do anything, I fell at the bottom of ground.

Right after that, due to the tremendous impact on my whole body my field of vision started to become dark.

“Ah, I will die now.�

One way or another I was atleast able to understand that.

The impact just now probably would’ve broken nearly all the bones in my body. I can’t even able to move my hands and legs.

With this, my adventure will close its curtain for real. In the end without even anyone knowing anyone, my life as a Spelunker will done for nothing.

“Ha……haha……�

With my consciousness slowly fading, I laughed on myself.

I started to remember those countless number of ghosts I fought until here. I too will now join among them.

At least, I want to pray that the remaining oxygen cylinder and dynamite should be helpful for another expeditionary who pass through here.

The only regret I have right now is about the Sister Maria who I left alone on the ground above.

I wonder what will become of her and the orphan children she was supporting. I just couldn’t help but feel pity at me who was in the end up didn’t end up of any help for them.

“Forgive me everyone……�

I closed my eyes slowly.

In my mind, at the end, Sister Maria’s sad looking face started to float.

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And as expected that sister was none other than Tendou.

“Oi Kishimine. Open up your eyes, Kishimine!�

“……Haa?!�

As he noticed, what was in front of Kishimine now was not Sister Maria……but the face of Tendou who was in the school uniform.

As one would expect of a person who has such an out world experience as a daily routine, he soon able to understand the situation he was in at the moment. ‘It’s was that phenomenon again. And I yet again got immersed in the world of games.’ He came up with a conclusion.

“Are you okay……asking that is somewhat strange isn’t it? It was splendid of you to reach to the 2 nd Floor but, as one would expect, even you wasn’t able to do something about that perilous pass right?�

“Well, that was seriously unavoidable!� Sena-sensei also approved. “If someone exists in this world to be able to clear that perilous rope pass in his/her first try, then I honestly want to meet that superhuman myself. Seriously, I think it’s a miracle to just avoid that 1 st Floor’s hidden hole you know?!�

With the remarks of those two, Kishimine too was finally able to remember of what really happened.

I, played Spelunker named game for the first time, and in the end—

“……I see. So I really died didn’t I?�

The emotion of disappointment started to slowly fall on him.

Just what kind of treasure lay bare at the end of those Caves? Just what kind of ending was awaited for him? He lost the opportunity to know the answers to all those answers.

Above all, he was upset that he didn’t able to get to improve his talent for the gaming.

To divert that frustration of his he started to chew his teeth.

“You Passed.�

“……Huh?�

To the words Tendou said calmly like that, Kishimine just barely failed to listen.

“P—passed……? What do you mean?�

“I said that you passed the test. You have a great talent in gaming. It’s coming this late from me but, I will still say it once again. Won’t you join this club?�

“Eh? Eeeehhhh!? But I, far from clearing it, died just at the 2 nd Floor you know……?�

Tendou abruptly laughed.

“That kind of thing is not much of a problem. It’s even quite impossible for me to clear this game. Seriously I too at my best can reach to the 3 rd Floor at most. But doing flawlessly like you without committing any mistakes is even impossible for me. If it’s the speedrun gamer such as Sena-sensei then, that’s a different thing though.�

“Well in my case, it will take around one whole night I guess!�

Sena-sensei said quite that quite casually.

“So that’s how it is, so I’ll suggest that you shouldn’t really get bothered by things like that. I organised the test itself to just ascertain 2 things in the new club applicants, by making them play the spelunker.�

“2 things? I know only one. It’s the talent to be able to play games right? Then what’s the other……?�

“The passion towards the game. And naturally, if there is someone good enough to clear Spelunker then they are also welcomed at any time. But what is more important is not to clear the game, but how much passion you have towards the games. Well certainly Spelunker is a game who takes pride in its level of difficulty, due to which hardly anyone play it these days. However, this game too has its own charm.�

“……I understand it. It’s because one way or another, I also had fun while playing it.�

“Yes, so that’s how it is!�

Suddenly, Sena-sensei shouted.

“You now already know the way of enjoying the games! Certainly, your talent of gaming is still far from perfect but, that’s not the case for your passion towards the game! And with just that it would be enough for now!�

“…………�

Getting approved by someone genuinely made him very happy. After spending so much of his time reading alone, experience of doing something together with someone was the first time for Kishimine.

“So what do you say? Obviously I can’t force you but, as long as you’re fine with it, I certainly want you to join the club……�

None other than Tendou said that he wants him. With just that he would happy. Plus, he also started to understand the enjoyment of playing games.

‘……H—huh?’

But even despite that, the “Yes� like word didn’t came soon from him mouth.

‘W—why……?�

On the contrary, at that moment he noticed that all his enthusiasm from before suddenly cooled down.

Till now Kishimine, neither has spent such a long time together with anyone, nor had any experience in doing something together with anyone. Well certainly he had able to live up on the expectations of Tendou and others. But he was not sure that will continue to happen in the next few times too. So no matter how hard he was praised, it’s just been a day since he started playing game for the first time in his life.

‘Sena-sensei and even Tendou loves Games. Will I really be able to prove of any help to them without holding them back? If they both gets disappointed in me, will I be able to recover from that?’ That kind of obscure uneasiness one after another started to shook the inside of his mind.

‘In the first place, I, who has avoided social contact with everyone until now, would really be able to spend such a long time with them? A guy like me who didn’t able converse with even my classmates till now, and still at a loss of words, a guy like me’, he started to think.

Above all, in the end he was still concerned about the relationship of Tendou and Sena-sensei. Tendou was certainly very beautiful, and he also had some feelings to stay together with her. But, what if it turns out to be that they are dating, then he will completely turn into a hindrance. And in the first place, he didn’t want to see Tendou with anyone.

“……What happened? As expected…… you don’t want to?�

Tendou looked a little sad, saying that.

It’s the first time he saw her face clouded like that.

‘That kind of face doesn’t suit her. If possible, I want to see her always laughing.’ He thought.

And he thought that if right now what can make that happen was a reply from him saying “Yes, I agree on joining�.

But, if on a spur of moment said those words then everyone will end up regretting that later. Just thinking about that, made his both legs tremble in fear.

“……No, umm…… I certainly enjoyed playing the game. But, I also love reading. If I end up joining, then I for sure will lose my time to read books, so if I think about that then……�

That was just an excuse. At any rate, it was a thought he made on a spur of moment to leave this place.

“……I see. Well certainly, you also have a way of living your high school life you have pictured from before. And it will be also impolite to ask you to change it suddenly like that……�

“Wait right there, Kishimine-kun!�

Sena-sensei opened his mouth, and at that moment the air itself of that place started to get heavier. Quite honestly, he thought that he got saved because of his bright characteristics.

“I see I understand that you might have your own circumstances! But, to be frank, if we don’t make you join the club, then we will be in serious trouble! So considering the occasion, your personal matter and what you think doesn’t matter much, so just join the club!�

“How U—unreasonable!! Well certainly, I know that you have your own circumstances but still……�

“Very well, then let’s negotiate! You started to form an interest towards the games as well right? So there, how about entering into the club as a temporary member like Niitani-kun?! If you do that then you will be freely able to go in and out of this club! And like usual you can seclude yourself in the library, or if you change your mind you can continue from where you left in the Uncharted and Spelunker as well!�

That indeed was a very fascinating proposal to Kishimine. His lack of decisiveness was maybe his own way of leaving from the place, but if he get more time to think about that then he was fine with that.

“I understand, if it’s like that……then let me be the temporary member.�

“Yup, very well said! Then I Welcome you to the Izunomiya Academy’s Modern Game Club! Even though it’s just temporary, let’s celebrate your joining the club!�

Sena-sensei lively said.

But contrastively, Tendou couldn’t able to digest that.

“Wait a second you two. Temporary club enrolment? Are you really fine with that kind of a half-assed conclusion?�

Those words stung deep inside the chest of Kishimine. Certainly, it’s because it was a judgement of a conclusion which carried several types of problems.

“Aren’t you the one who said that it can’t helped due to our current circumstances before, Tendou-kun?! So why not just give him a little more time to think about that?!�

“……well certainly that’s true but…… It was different in Niitani’s case. Even if he was to continue club activities vaguely like that, I don’t think of that benefiting either of us.�

“Well of course I want Kishimine-kun too to get in a mood like that! Isn’t that’s more the reason we should extend some time, so that he can get a little bit of time to think?! Plus, isn’t this the best possible way for all us?! As our club will also be able to save its place if though it’s temporary a boy joined the club! Plus even for Kishimine-kun this will become a place where if he wants he can be able to get in contact with the games!�

“Mu…… Well that’s also true……�

“Umm, I am sorry. It’s because of my indecisiveness……�

He said reflexively thinking that he is causing troubles for everyone. But as he said that, Tendou immediately replied back.

“No, not at all, it’s not something you should worry about. And now that I think it back, it was us who forced you into this situation in the first place. Thinking like that we should feel happy of the fact that you started to take an interest in the games.�

“I—I see……�

‘Seriously, Am I really fine with an outcome like this?’ As per usual that uneasiness grasped hold of his heart but, as he himself wanted some time, he didn’t said anything aside that.

And thus like that, even though it’s because of those turn of events, Kishimine first time in his 18 years of life registered himself to a club.

### Reference Words :-

#### [4-A] ROM Cassette – is A ROM cartridge, sometimes referred to simply as a cartridge or cart, is a removable enclosure containing read-only memory devices designed to be connected to a consumer electronics device such as a home computer or games console. ROM cartridges can be used to load software such as video games, or other application programs. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [4-B] OL – stands for Office Ladies. For more more information, Now there is no need to GOOGLE it, is it?

#### [4-C] Kuribou – Kuribou or Goomba is a first enemy which appears after mario starts.

#### [4-D] Mito Koumon – Mito KÅ�mon is a Japanese jidaigeki or period drama that has been on prime-time television since 1969. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [4-E] 119 – 119 in Japan is a direct-dial emergency number that connects the caller to the fire brigade and emergency medical services. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [4-F] Tarzan – Tarzan is a fictional character, an archetypal feral child raised in the African jungles by the Mangani great apes; he later experiences civilization only to largely reject it and return to the wild as a heroic adventurer. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

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### 007. EP.5 – World is basically moving with the Power of Money

## EP.5 – World is basically moving with the Power of Money

#### Part 1

The following morning, he didn’t meet with Kusakabe on his way to school.

Well it’s that lousy and slacking Kusakabe he was talking about. So considering him, it was maybe a series of coincidental events that he was able to meet with him every day.

And just like imagined it felt kind of comfortable walking alone like this to school but, on the other hand, it was his bad habit of end up thinking and worrying about various kinds of things while being alone like that.

“Thinking about it, I wonder if I will be forced to go to the club instead of the library from now.”

That was his today’s worry.

As he just entered as a Temporary Member, he didn’t had any obligations to go in the club. But still, he wondered that maybe it is essential to show his face at least on the first day of the club or not? In order to not make Tendou disappointed in him as well.

Having said that, he was still feeling very uneasy. As the place, to go After School from Middle School was always the library. So that’s why he was planning to spend the last year of high school with his friends – “Books” in his own Pace, just like he did in the former 2 years of his high school life. But……,

That life of his might change from now on.

‘I have never imagined even in my wildest dreams that something like this will happen.’

It’s not like he particularly hated that change as he was starting to take interest in something like games as well. And there was also the desire to play more of Spelunker and Uncharted and even more types of games. Plus, there was even Tendou in the club. For though she might have feelings for Sena-sensei, however with just spending such long time together with her made him happy.

But staying as a temporary member like this for now will only end up disappointing her more. On the other hand, as the problem about him having the qualifications to really join the club vanished, his determination to officially join the club also vanished somewhere.

Slowly, he started to hate his Indecisive self.

“U—u—u—umm…… its Kishimine-senpai……right?”

His name suddenly got called from behind. Somewhat melodious, and yet afraid voice, he quickly remembered the origin of that voice clearly.

And as he turned back, as per his imagination it was a figure of Modern Game Club’s another temporary member, Niitani Sanae.

It was quite surprising. He never thought that he will be approached like this on his way to school, more so by the androphobic her.

“M—m—morning, Niitani-san.”

To begin with, he never had any experience of getting approached by a girl during his commute to school. So unintentionally he greeted with a loud voice.

“Umm……I am sorry to suddenly call you like that. As I saw you from inside of the car, I thought of going together with you……”

While cowering just like a little puppy, Niitani said.

On the other side of her, a big car which was stopped could be seen. It was not Benz but, the big guy who was sitting on the driver’s seat, was clearly glaring at him and his glare were clearly telling him “Try doing something strange, you’ll not be able to leave this place on your feet.”.

He was somewhat taken aback but, he clearly saw that she forced herself to approach him. So he just couldn’t flat out refuse those feelings of her, and he didn’t have the courage to refuse a request from a girl in the first place.

“I—I am fine with it……”

He answered without making an eye encounter with the chauffeur as much as possible.

“T—thank you very much. W—well then……”

They started walking towards the school together. But then, as Niitani was 3 steps distant from him, it couldn’t be said that they were together if seen from a 3 rd person prospective.

For Kishimine it was a strange state.

He didn’t able to understand the reason of getting such kind of proposal from Niitani, even though it was just a course of events, he didn’t thought that a day like this will come in his life that he will be able to go to school together with a girl. And to add another thing on top of it, there was an existence of a car following them from behind without making a spec of sound, which again too was quite frightening.

“U—umm, Niitani-san?”

As they couldn’t have stayed like that, Kishimine finally mustered his courage and asked.

“Y—yes!? W—what is it?”

“W—why with someone like me, I mean, you decided to go together to school? No, It’s not like it’s a bother or something like that but, look, you……No, the other girls from the Izunomiya Academy too seems to be bad with guys……right?”

He frantically and carefully chose his words.

“U—umm. It’s just as you said; even I haven’t talked to the boys of my class yet…… But, I lately started to think that it’s not good to continue like this as the school itself has already become co-ed. And so there as I am also a member of the Student Council, thought to follow the ways of the President who is so good at dealing with boys ……Ah, I—I am sorry! I, might’ve said something impolite……”

“No, It’s fine. If it’s like that then you can use me as many times as you want.”

In other words, he might end up becoming a guinea pig in curing her androphobia. But, he just couldn’t become angry at her. As he obvious saw her doing her best in her own way, so he just couldn’t able to laugh at that effort of hers.

Plus, He too is somewhat similar to her in that aspect.

“N—now that you mention it, Tendou-san looked fine dealing with me and Sena-sensei didn’t she?”

“Ah, Yes. It looks like that way.”

“She also grown up with all-girls school environment……didn’t she? I wonder how she is fine like that?”

“Ah……I—I too getting curious about that asked President before. Do you know? President’s seems to be born on April 2 nd .”

“Heh. No, I didn’t knew about that……”

“As April 1 st considered to be as an early born so that’s why it seems like the one born on April 2 nd end up becoming Onee-san the fastest. That’s why I, have to do my best as an Onee-san for everyone……she said something like that.”

Involuntarily Kishimine end up laughing.

When he thought that due to such childish reasoning’s, she even end up Drop Kicking a teacher, he found it pretty amusing.

“Somehow it’s like her.”

“Yes, Really.”

Niitani also started laughing.

And then, both got silent. It somehow ended up in a good mood but, it was a little embarrassing for both of them as well.

“W—which reminds me——”

Like that, this time while hiding her embarrassment Niitani brought up the subject.

“Were you able to join the Modern Game Club?”

“Eh? Ah, No, I still don’t know. I am thinking of trying playing games a bit more to decide……”

“Is that so? I thought that boys these days will be delighted just of the fact that they will be allowed to play games……”

“It’s probably because I am one of the exceptional cases when it comes to those things. Ah, but still comparatively, there are no boys in the Modern Game Club, aren’t they? On the outline, I heard that there are around 20 boys in the High School Division but…… as I thought it’s due to those Conditions after all, huh?”

“Ah, I think that’s……”

After saying something, Niitani closed her mouth.

Which meant, that the reason was something, she can’t say easily like that.

“I—is something else there? By any chance……it’s because of Sena-sensei?”

“……Yes. Or so I think. As expected everyone, don’t want to get involved with that Sensei in any sort of way……”

“Ah—”

Somehow able to consent with just that piece information, was quite frightening in itself.

It’s because he’s a type of person, who said something like “Don’t you want to try marrying a Seiyuu” with such a serious look. And Kishimine himself wouldn’t’ve even approach him if he hadn’t got kidnapped in the first place.

“I wonder why a person like him is a teacher?”

“It’s because he is quite a famous teacher in the World of Physics. He is acting as a head of something which is not one his field, but his lessons are famous for being very easy to understand everywhere. To an extent which made rumours such as that he was a brink away in having the Nobel Prize for Physics……”

“……T—that sure is amazing.”

The saying “Heaven does not grant people more than one talent” started to float inside in his mind. Probably, I wonder if god ended up making a mistake vectoring his physics talent rather his character.

“The rest of the problem is the atmosphere I think.”

“Atmosphere?”

“Isn’t our School is like an overly serious Ojou-sama School? Well of course there are just too many girls who haven’t even gone to Karaoke or bowling but that’s more the reason it becomes a type of atmosphere that doesn’t allow anyone to say that they like games and stuff……”

“H—heh……”

Considering both Games and Karaoke, they both have an image of an amusement build for common people. In the Izunomiya Academy which was filled with just Ojou-sama’s, those types of things is one to expect hard to approach.

“But, if that’s the case then I wonder why Tendou-san joined the club? I heard that it was to create a place for boys but……”

“Eh? You don’t know reason?”

Somehow Niitani suddenly got puzzled as if she was deceived by a fox or something.

“Hm? Did something happen?”

“Ah, No, Umm…….”

Now she looked like as if she was brooding over something.

“……T—that’s right. You just joined the club haven’t you? Then that’s expected if you don’t know about it yet…… President said that it’s a secret not to tell anyone but……But, if you’re going to end up becoming a member then you must also know about it.”

“W—what do you mean? Just what is it about?”

As he asked, Niitani after remaining quiet for a while, put a determined look on her face and then said.

“Uhm…… Today at Lunch break…… if possible around 12:55 P.M. will be good. I will ask Sena-sensei to leave the lock open. So secretly, go to audio-visual prep-room. You know that the audio-visual prep-room and the nearby No.2 audio-visual room are connected right? Enter from that door without making any sound. Though I don’t think she will notice a little bit of a noise.”

“……so basically you want me to sneak-in? Say why do you want me to do something like that……?”

As he asked her, he doesn’t know why but Niitani looked as if she was enjoying herself a lot.

“That’s something you will have to see and enjoy once you go there. But I am quite sure that you’ll be able to know President’s Secret there.”

“H—heh……”

It’s not something admirable to peek at someone’s secret. However, if he was told that he’ll get to see the secret of Tendou, the typical interest gushes forth from him no matter what.

While they were talking about that, the school started to appear. And at the same time, Niitani strangely started to become restless.

And he somehow able to grasp the reason for that as well.

“It will be wise to separate our ways from here. As there are also classmates watching, you also don’t want to make them see that you are commuting together with the boy……right?”

Niitani then making a complex expression of relief and disappointment apologised.

“Umm…… if you excuse me then…… I—I am terribly sorry, I am doing something very rude don’t I……?”

“Ah, I—it’s fine! As we both have our positions to consider as well…… And even if I was in your position I might’ve thought about various things just like you. Well then I, will go ahead.”

“Ah, But Umm!”

Behind his back who was hastily trying to leave the place, once again Niitani called.

“Umm, Kishimine-senpai you were really easy to talk to, and I also enjoyed myself a lot. So, if we get another chance like this again……can we walk together again?”

“Eh…… A—aah, Okay.”

To those unexpected words, he gave nothing but a suitable response.

“Thank Goodness. Well then, see you.”

Niitani while laughing happily waved her hand a little.

“…………”

Without saying anything, Kishimine this time again headed towards the school gate at a quick pace.

She enjoyed her time together with him. And she wanted to be together again if get another chance. Excluding Miyabi-chan, it was his first time in his life that he was told something like that.

It was not anything in any romantic way. On the contrary, he was just a companion who she found just easy to talk to. But he was genuinely happy if only a bit, to be able to make her cute junior happy.

Kishimine finally started to feel gratitude of the fact of getting transferred to this school.

Part 2

And thus the Lunch Break came.

Kishimine was frantically accompanied to Kusakabe’s talk while eating his Bentou [5-A] , and when the needle of the clock was just about to hit the 12:55P.M., he left the classroom while making an excuse like “I will go to the toilet for a sec”

He was reluctant on the idea of peeking on someone secret but, Niitani also went that far to tell him about that, and above all it was difficult in controlling his desires to know more about Tendou. Plus, he thought that if it was that much of an inconvenient secret then, Niitani who was like a fan of Tendou wouldn’t have told him about that.

He went downstairs, and reached the 2 nd Floor. On this floor were No.1 and No.2 audio-visual rooms and the Modern Game Club which was in the audio-visual prep-room.

First, as per told he entered inside the No.2 audio-visual room. And just as he thought it was unlocked this time. And like that he passed through the lines of desks and headed towards the door which connected the room to the audio-visual prep-room on the inner side of the room.

“She said to sneak-in right……?”

He asked himself again and again before, that why there is such a need to do something like this but, at the moment he was not even bothered by the fact that he was actually doing that. And gently pushed the door and opened it a bit without making as much as noise he could.

As the room was built on the disposition of being as an audio-visual room, so it was soundproof. Maybe it’s because of that being the reason, when he slightly opened the door, some sort of noise started to flow inside the room.

It was an old and unusual kind of electronic sound. And he remembered that sound very well. And that was because he heard that just yesterday.

It was the BGM [5-B] of Spelunker.

It looks like someone is playing in the Famicom there. Just who was it— thinking like that Kishimine slowly skimmed his way in through the opened door.

While hiding himself behind the racks of the machine, he started to secretly examine the room.

“Ah”

The one, who was playing in the Famicom, was the Tendou.

But as he thought about it, it was not anything unusual. As the one who can play games in this games, are just club members. So if it’s not Sena-sensei then it’s gonna be Tendou for sure.

‘By any chance, this is the secret of Tendou-san……?’

Tendou was, truly looking at the game screen quite intently. He now understands very well the reason of why she said that even if he sneak-in it would be fine as long he made just the small noises. If one were to concentrate that hard in the game, then it would be possible that she might not even notice him even if he calls her name.

“……Still, she looks like she’s having fun isn’t it?”

The Tendou he knew was always looked dignified and smart. And now she had a facial expression which was full of emotions. Sometime as if enjoying herself, sometime as if absorbed vacantly in it, sometimes getting angry over it.

It was as if a child was playing the game innocently. Just by watching at her even he started to enjoy himself.

‘I see.’

He finally able to understand what Niitani wanted to convey.

‘Tendou-san, just purely loves the games.’

For the sake of school, For the sake of creating a space for the boys, the outward reason was indeed something like that, but, she just simply loved games herself.

This is a leading and distinguished Ojou-sama school in the Japan and, she is the Student Council President of that school. No matter how much games are popular in the world, if someone was put in a position like her then, one can’t just openly present something like the games. That’s more the reason how she simply collaborated in the establishment of the Modern Game Club and became a member by herself. And like that, she is now playing the games secretly.

But then, even though being that the case he just couldn’t get in a mood to criticise her as she was enjoying herself that much in the game.

And he got the feeling that there might be a good reason to officially enrol in the club as well. Because he will be able to stay in the club he loves that much. With just that, there was indeed something worth in entering this club.

Plus, Kishimine got to learn one more fact. She enrolled in this club due to her love towards the game which meant, that there might just not be anything between her and Sena-sensei.

Like that, at that moment when Kishimine was thinking all those stuff.

Tendou as if due excitement, raised her voice.

“Damn, you Fucking Ghost! To think that you will show yourself at this timing!”

“…………Heh?”

Suddenly at that moment, he thought that he heard something totally outrageous.

However, there is only Tendou and himself at this place right now.

‘I—I misheard……that just now right? Oh Yeah, no doubt about that’

The Tendou who was always calm, dignified and beautiful and even loved by her junior, there is no way a girl like her will say something like ‘Fucking’ with that mouth of hers.

‘T—that’s right. There is no mistaking it, it’s was just me hearing things.’

To think that he imagined a word so vulgar like that, he felt sorry for her. And even kneeled down to apologize in front of her in his heart.

[Kinkon][Kankon] the chime suddenly rang

It’s a warning bell. Stating that in just 5 minutes the 5 th Period will start.

Kishimine started to feel anxious about something completely different. As Tendou was playing with so much enthusiasm, he started to get worried that whether she heard the bell properly or not. She getting late because of getting so much dissolved in games, considering her position, it was not something she could’ve made an excuses for. He was considering calling her, and thus even resolute himself to make her see that he was peeking.

However it looks like his worry was meaningless.

“Fuu, this far, huh……?”

Her low voice like she was very disappointed reached to him.

As expected of someone like her, huh? That she didn’t able to miss the chime even though she was that much lost in the game. She with very disappointed face dropped down the controller, and switched off the Famicom.

Despite him feeling relieved and happy, he finally noticed that he lost his timing to get out of here. If it was at that time when she was engrossed in the game then that was another case, but if he open and close the door now, he will be caught for sure.

‘Well, it’s fine huh? As after cleaning the place, Tendou-san will also head straight back.’

However, his guess was wrong.

He didn’t understand the reason but, even after cleaning the place up. She didn’t look like she had any plans to head back.

As he checked to confirm from the gap of racks just what was taking her so long.

Tendou was in the middle of undressing her uniform.

‘Eh——‘

He received a critical damage in his heart.

If it was just blazer, then it could’ve gotten explained that she was feeling hot while playing games for that long. However, following that, she smoothly untied her ribbon, and started to open up the buttons of her white blouse one by one.

“…………”

Kishimine couldn’t’ve believed of what was going on in front of his eyes. It’s as if his brain stopped working, and he wasn’t able to recognize, what exactly she was doing.

In the meanwhile Tendou was finished opening up all the buttons, and was finally done undressing her blouse.

Her White Bra, not giving up in contrast with her pure white skin at all.

“uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

And that Tendou, was now just in a Skirt and Bra figure.

As what he read was just printed type books, and as he never touched or seen any type of adult featured books, for someone pure like him that scene was too stimulating.

I am watching something that I shouldn’t see—like that, he reflexively averted his eyes. However, the detail features of her bare body which was in front of him just a while ago just couldn’t able to leave from his mind and scorched quite a lot into his eyes.

Silky smooth and white skin. Slender arms. Slim and elegant shoulder. And a very slim waist. Even though he just saw it for a moment, her beautiful body with detail was again reproduced in his mind.

And, what stole his attention the most was—

‘I—I wonder if that is due to her slender clothing?’

As the Tendou was quite slender, maybe because of that reason her breast size didn’t stood out that much. But, the pure white breasts he saw just a while which were wrapped around by the bra, were curved abundantly and forming a perfect cleavage to an extent, which couldn’t even be imagined from over her uniform. Furthermore, as if to show the softness, her breasts shook to every action she was making.

‘I—I can’t, I can’t!’

Kishimine as if to forget what he saw a while ago, closed his eyes strongly and started to shake his head.

‘I absolutely can’t peek like that.’ ‘As you are hidden its fine isn’t it?’ The devil inside his heart also whispered against his reasoning’s but, at a situation like this, the one who finally won was the Kishimine reason.

But, even if he closed his eyes, No, it’s because of the fact that he closed his eyes the other things stopped coming in his eyes, and his mind couldn’t able to stop thinking about that pure white body of Tendou.

And even with his eyes closed, he couldn’t able to stop the sounds coming in his ears. The sound of her in the middle of being taking her clothes off. She might be undressing her Skirt this time. With just imagining like that, he slowly started to lose his mind.

But, he should be called fortunate I guess, as no matter what kind of bad dream it is, it never goes on for forever.

“Let’s go shall we?”

He heard Tendou murmuring like that.

It seems like she was done changing. As finally Kishimine slowly started to open his eyes with the sigh of relief.

With very apologizing feelings, and to confirm that it’s fine now or not, as he himself didn’t knew of what exactly was going on— furthermore holding somewhat of an expectation himself, he peeked at the appearance of Tendou.

‘uwaa……’

He again almost raised his voice, and he also felt his face becoming red.

Well certainly she was done changing her clothes. However, as expected he thought that he saw something he shouldn’t have.

As Tendou was now in the Bloomer outfit.

Slender, long, white legs which from this far looked silky smooth, together with her thighs was clearly visible.

“So……the legend was real after all……!”

In short, as her next period was P.E., she was changing in here.

And that was just a gym cloth used a long time ago. But, if the one wearing was someone stylish as Tendou, with just looking at it he thought that he committed some sort of a sin or crime.

The figure of Perfect hips enveloped in the deep blue Bloomer. And from there stretched the slender legs were, due to that deep blue color was showing the prominence of the pure white color of her body. On top of it, it also made it more look like soft and silky smooth.

‘S—so that is……the thing that Kusakabe loved……’

I see, after watching by himself he sort of understood the feelings of those boys who wanted to do the P.E. that much together with the girls.

Like that, while he was deep in the middle of thought, Tendou left the room. As her appearance from behind was yet again beautiful, he wasn’t able to stop watching.

“Fu……”

As the door closed after she left the room, he finally took a deep breath of relief.

He finally understood the reason behind the P.E. period being completely separate like that. That’s not something a guy should watch. No, infact if possible he wanted to watch it as many times he want, but as expected he got a feeling that it’s not something he should watch.

At any rate, as soon enough the 5 th Period will start. So while controlling his throbbing chest, and the trembling of his heart, he headed towards his classroom.

Part 3

And, in afterschool.

“I feel somewhat strange……”

Kishimine murmured to himself.

Well of course the reason was the incident at Lunch break. At that time what he saw was the Tendou’s soft white skin, well obviously he tried his best to forget about that but, he was not that confident in himself that he will be able to hold his calm meeting her after that.

But still saying that, he had not any intention of slacking on his 1 st day as a Temporary member. And like that reluctantly he stepped inside the audio-visual prep-room.

“Oh, isn’t this Kishimine-kun?! Glad you came!”

The one greeted him immediately was the one who seated himself calmly on the chair, Sena-sensei. It’s just even though he looked here and there in the clubroom; he didn’t saw any signs of Tendou.

“Huh? Where is Tendou-san?”

“Who knows? Well, she is the Student council president after all, so it’s not rare for her to get late like that, don’t worry she will eventually come. What happened to you? Don’t just stand there like a scarecrow there and get inside already!”

“Ah, Yes!”

He nervously stepped inside the clubroom.

“Which reminds me, did you get here during the lunch break?!”

“Heh?”

In a second, without even understanding what exactly Sena-sensei was saying, he didn’t able to respond properly.

“Don’t “Heh?” me. So, you haven’t seen it after all, huh? Her secret that is.”

“A—aah, Y—Yes. I’ve seen that but, how do you know about that……?”

“It’s because Niitani requested me to leave the No.2 audio-visual open so I guessed it should be like that!”

“Aah, now that I think about it, it was that right……?”

“In any case, with this even you understood right?! That she is hiding in the public but, she is one hell of a Game Maniac!”

“Ah, as I thought it’s like that isn’t it?”

“What are you saying? You’ve also seen it right? Her enjoying the game while spending each and each moment leisurely like that.”

“Y—Yes. That’s right, I’ve certainly saw her playing games enthusiastically.”

To be precise, even more than that though.

“B—But still, does she play like that every day during the Lunch time?”

“It’s not every day but, she plays relatively a lot I say! Especially, as she was busy with you yesterday and day before yesterday, maybe she couldn’t able to control her desires anymore to play games.”

“S—so that’s how it was.”

Even though it’s the think he didn’t knew before he somehow ended up stealing her time to play the games. And thus he somehow started to feel a little bit apologetic to that.

“But even that being the case, in this school, I think there’s no such need to play the games while hiding and like that.”

“Well, even I don’t understand the reason for that. But, can’t you really imagine that? For example, she is this school’s Student Council President. Besides, it also seems that she is from a family who is wealthy enough to be called as nobles of some distant era. No matter how popular games really are, they are just a part of pop culture after all. So you just can’t show yourself publicly playing games like that right?”

It was somewhat similar to the thing he heard from Niitani.

“That’s why Tendou-san assertively collaborated in the foundation of this club, and right now too staying as a member right? All that to create a place where she can play games openly……”

“Probably! By the way, she is a great fan of Modern Japanese Culture you know?! To an extent that she even owns Anime DVD and other stuffs.”

“Heh…. She also loves those kinds of things as well, huh?”

“That’s right! Otherwise she wouldn’t have said something like “I am not interested in just freshmen, but if someone in here can do—then come to my place” as a greeting. I bet she was copying Haruhi at that time!”

“……I see.”

‘I don’t quite understand it, but it seems to be a line from a famous anime or something.’

“Ah that’s right! I forgot to tell you this but, in the case when she has P.E. as her 5 th Period, she seems to use this place to change her clothes. She is a popular and trusted Student President of all the students, so it seems that she can’t do impolite things like running to changing room just before the Lunch Break gets over and change clothes there. So you too be careful not to come in this room at that time!”

“…………”

‘It’s already too late; tell that kind of thing beforehand please’— well obviously there was no way he can say something like that.

“Umm. I don’t particularly know the time table of Tendou-san Class though……”

“Ooh! That’s also true isn’t it?! Well, let me tell you a little then. Ah—! Wait a sec there? If I remember it correct Tendou-kun’s P.E. class was today in 5 th Period right……?”

Involuntarily Kishimine startled.

He didn’t know whether it’s to deliberately think over of what exactly he was thinking or something, Sena-sensei corrected his glasses and changed the topic.

“Well fine, Aside that let’s get to the main point! So how’s it, it’s been just 1 night since then but, have you finally determined youself to be the official member?! I have no intention of hurrying anything but, Tendou-kun and others are not patient like me after all, so it will be better if you decide soon enough!”

Even though he was relieved of the fact that the subject was changed, but even despite that the next question too was somewhat hard to answer.

“Yes. Though to be honest, I am still deciding. And thinking of trying playing games a bit more to be able to get on the proper conclusion……”

“Hahaha, as I thought you still thinking over it, huh? You too are a type who broods a lot aren’t you?!”

‘Geez as what he said was absolutely right I can’t even object.’

“Alright, if it’s that’s the case then let me tell you something which might benefit you! I, you see don’t have any intention to deny a person’s way of living his/her life. However, I atleast want you to know that the time of high school is a precious three-year time period in one’s life! And you’re spending that time only for reading, don’t you think it’s somewhat of a waste!?”

As one would expect as his hobby got ridiculed like that, he started to get somewhat angry.

“W—well its fine isn’t it? As every human being build differently. Plus it’s not like I am bothering anyone or something as well.”

“No, let me get this straight to you but what you are doing right now is, by no mistake, quite a bother!”

“T—to, whom in particular!?”

“None other than your future self!”

To a reply, he didn’t even think about in the slightest, he got taken back.

“W—what do you mean? I don’t think there’s any way you can tell of what’ll become of me in the future though……”

“No, I can tell it alright. Okay listen then suppose there’s a liberal arts club consisting of both men and women then that means that both of them have to spend a long time together which other right? That is life’s first chance, and if careless life last chance in itself you know?!”

“L—life’s first and last?! Aren’t you over exaggerating things a bit? In the first place, in this school no matter where you see there are so many girls.”

“Nice one! Definitely even in your class there are too many girls right? But, if paired according to sex ratio with the current situation then the count will be even less than 15, it’s not an environment where a guy can freely call out to a girl. That’s something even you should’ve understood by now, right?”

“Yeah, well true but from my club enrolment, why did it turn into a conversation like this?”

“Well just shut up listen me for a second! It’s not like you are not interested in the conversation about the girls or something right!?”

“……I—it’s not like that…”

He couldn’t able to deny that.

As a boy he obviously held interest. But to admit that frankly was, not elegant at all, and quite a shameful thing to do in his eyes.

“Quite naturally, the girls and boys in the class have no choice but to face each other in the classroom! If there by any chance due some trigger end up becoming in a situation where you end up in a relation of boyfriend and girlfriend, and after some time due to some reason I dare say break-up! Then from the next particular day you will not be able to stay in the classroom due to exceeding awkward atmosphere. But, if it’s a club, then there is no problem. It’s because when such kind of moment arrives then you always have the option quit it after all!”

“……Yes?”

In the end, he wasn’t able to understand a bit of what Sena-sensei really wanted to say but, he got the feeling that what he said was highly persuasive. And as a matter of fact the reason of his classmate Kusakabe’s transferring to this school was due to the trouble like that, isn’t it?

“But, it doesn’t have to be particularly in High school right? As there are women everywhere whether you go to a college or company.”

“Well of course, if it’s to get in a contact with opposite sex then there will be many chances like that in life! However, for a person who hasn’t even had a proper conversation with the opposite sex till his high school, then whether you go to college a company it will remain exactly the same!”

“I—Isn’t it fine to not decide something like that from beforehand? It’s being prejudice you know, to say something like that.”

However, he couldn’t able to deny that.

Kishimine was also not a blockhead, so if he asked that he wants to try dating a girl or not, he just can’t say ‘No’ to a question like that. It was true that he admired Tendou, and it’s also true that he was secretly hoping for a passionate encounter like the one he usually reads in his books. He transferred to this Izunomiya Academy because of the reason he thought that he will be able to remain happy alone but, ‘If there are so many girls, then I will be able to make a girlfriend as well who loves to read books’—if he said that he never thought of that before then that will be a huge lie.

However, if he was asked whether he had courage to try approaching a girl and talk on his own, then the answer to that will be an obvious ‘No’. And, if he asked that that will he be able to change his way of life once he goes to college or a company, he started to think that the answer to that will also be ‘No’.

“So basically it’s like that! If you don’t join this club, in future you won’t be able to make a single girlfriend, won’t be able to marry, remain single for your entire life and then die a solitude death and then will be buried in a community cemetery with no one to attend to it!”

“W—with just a high school club the conversation will jump to that extent, huh……?”

“Ah of course it will! It’s because the experience you gain in you high school, influence that much of your future life! Be honest with me Kishimine-kun, what do you think about Tendou-kun? Despite that kind of character and background, she is quite beautiful right? She is a rare type in this school who is not bad with boys as well, if you got to have even a single conversation with her staying in this club together, with just that it will be quite a favourable thing right?! On top of it, she doesn’t have a boyfriend as well, and it seems that she never hang out with anyone from the different gender as well!”

“…………”

He became loss for words. What do I think about Tendou? Due to some unknown reason with just hearing that, he became embarrassed.

“W—what about you Sena-sensei?! If you’re gonna say that she is a beautiful girl and sort then, then you also will have some sort of feelings for her right?! As you both were alone here in this clubroom till now!”

He was well aware that he was greatly missing the point here, but he still forcibly asked that. By now he was very able to understand that the reason behind Tendou for being in this club, was purely because of love for games, but it’s not like he was 100% sure about that, plus it’s entirely the different thing of whether Sena-sensei had any feelings for her or not. If he think about it, for a teacher to have a love-affair with a student in this school was totally impossible but, Sena-sensei was also quite a famous teacher, if one has to see just his outward appearance then he was quite tall and handsome as well. So he got the chance he just wanted to ascertain about that in any case.

“Me?! With Tendou-kun?!”

He got surprised for a second, and then started laughing.

“Hahaha, Be relieved Kishimine-kun. Even without this teacher and student relationship, for us to be in a relationship, even if heaven and hell toppled with each other, is impossible.”

“H—how can you say for sure like that?”

As he asked another question, Sena-sensei laughed a little and then declared in a loud voice.

“It’s because she is not a Seiyuu!”

“……No, even if you declare something like that with such confidence.”

Even though he got relieved in his heart he ended up thinking like, ‘as usual I just can’t get this person’ and then sighed.

Seiyuu. Whenever he talks with this person, time to time that word appears.

Don’t tell me that it’s his way to dodge the subject he thought but, as he saw his face saying something crap like that, he couldn’t think of that as a joke. Because, he is a type of person who always carries something like a marriage registration form as well.

“Umm. You’ve said that at the time of club introduction as well but, why are you so obsessed with Seiyuu’s?”

“Even I don’t know you see? That why there is a need for you to ask something so obvious like that!? Well listen then, when you consider the humans true nature, then they for sure attract towards the outward appearance of another human being! For example the atmosphere, other will be looks, and of course to the voice as well! Then according to that theory, isn’t Seiyuu who are the owner of all such great things are truly appropriate for being a person’s partner?!”

“……I see. Well, the all human beings are designed differently after all……”

More or less, he was somewhat able to understand. For example, Tendou’s voice was really very pleasant to him. If that kind of voice of an opposite sex got to cheer him up every day, then he get the feeling that he can bear anything.

“So that’s the main gist of it, my reason of teaching in this school is because of that reason as well you know?”

“What……. So basically what you are saying is that as there are all girls in the school, then there is a higher chance of some Seiyuu to be born among them sometime in near future?”

“No, wrong. It’s because there is a thing called public entertainment department here! It’s not sometime in near future, but in few days there is a chance that one of my students might just awake that potential.”

“W—with just motive you……”

As one would expect, he couldn’t able to follow up with the conversation anymore.

“W—, Huh? But wait a second?”

And like that, at that moment. Kishimine noticed the most fundamental thing.

“I understand your motive very well Sensei. But, is there any kind of relation of Seiyuu with this Modern Game Club?”

“You sure noticed something good didn’t you?! Honestly, in that only lies my grand plan! You remember about JGBC? A game battle tournament that happens every week, we had a conversation about that before right? It’s about JGBC though……in that large scale battle tournament, most of the hosting is done by the Seiyuus!”

“…………Huh?”

He couldn’t able to understand what he said at first.

But, as the time passed, he finally understood the meaning behind those words.

Sena-sensei likes Seiyuu. And, that seiyuu is acting as a host at that tournament.

It was a very simple thing.

“S—so basically, it’s like this? You want to win at the tournament and through that want to get close to the Seiyuu or something like that huh?”

“Exactly! It’s exactly like some Pro baseball clinging with the T.V. Reporter! If we somehow managed to continue winning in the rounds at the JGBC then, we will be allowed to get in contact with the Seiyuu that much, and the chances of her noticing my appeal will also rise up! On top of it, if we do that……”

“No, its fine already, as I already understood the most of it.”

As his feelings were in a mess in various ways, he released a big deep breath.

“Geez…… just where that ‘creating a place for boys’ went to? Even though I so much moved hearing about that before……”

“Hahaha! Well of course it’s that thing too, but its fine for a person to have an individual goal as well right?!”

“…………”

He thought that the order might be in reverse though. The Modern Game club was neither built to grant the place for boys nor for some other decent reasons similar to that but was just so that he can get close to a Seiyuu and there as a counterfeit he made a decent excuse such as that.

It was at around that time.

“I am sorry I got late again didn’t I?”

The one, who entered in the clubroom while panting, was none other than Tendou.

“Oh. Thank goodness, you came today as well didn’t you?”

Their eyes met. As he moved his face towards hers, everything from just a while ago from Sena-sensei talk to other things became trivial.

“Y—yes. Well, I thought I should come at least on the first day……”

At the moment he answered that, he was trying his best to not remember about what happened during the lunch break but, it ended up being a futile effort.

With just watching Tendou’s figure on top of uniform, those slim and elegant shoulders, slim waist, and the abundantly filled cleavage of the breast vividly popped-up in his mind.

Especially, the most tempting was the legs. As she was the school’s student council president, her skirt was not unreasonably short but, as it was above the knee as he looked at the white skin which was appearing from there, he started to remember Tendou’s Bloomer figure.

It’s not like he didn’t able to understand the things that Kusakabe and Sena-sensei told. It’s his last year of high school. ‘If I get to date a beautiful person such as her’— as he thought about that, his heart rate spiked roof. Not to mention it’s confirmed that she has no relationship at all with Sena-sensei, and looks completely vacant.

Well of course, he couldn’t think someone like him who was like a sample of mediocrity itself suited for someone like her. However, even not going far as to date, as long he comes to this club, he will be able to spend long time together with her.

“Hm? What happened? Your face looks a little red you know!”

As she approached near him, while making a worrying face, with just that he got flustered.

“N—no, I am fine. It’s my f—first time in a club so I am a little nervous that’s all……”

“Is that so? Even though it’s temporary you’re still a member of this club, so don’t hold back yourself.”

“Y—Yes.”

“Well, then it’s one of club’s day which calls for a celebration. Sena-sensei, have you planned something out for today?”

“Well of course! As I thought that we should know a bit more about each other you see, so I was in the middle of telling him about you!”

“Yes?”

Tendou was clearly shaken hearing that.

“Me? J—just what are you telling……”

“It’s about the reason of why you created this club. It’s because I think that it’s essential for him to know about these stuff as he’s a comrade of ours now.”

“I—I-If it’s about that then didn’t I explained about that beforehand?! That I, as a Student council president, just helped you in your request to make the place for boys!”

“No, not that but the other one, if it’s Kishimine then it’s particularly fine, right? Then he should know that in reality how much you love Games and Ani—”

It was at that moment. With a sudden popping up of a sound made in the room, and like that Tendou’s face suddenly dyed flushed red.

“Wa—! Wa—!”

Kishimine involuntarily became dumbfounded.

That dignified and adult like, and usual calm Tendou was, with the bright flushed red face quite seriously waving his hands as if to stop Sena-sensei to speak anymore.

It was a scene he recognised from before. It was similar to when he asked about why she was here in the club.

At that time too Tendou had a face flushed red due to embarrassment. And due to that being the reason, Kishimine ended up assuming of her being in a relationship with the Sena-sensei as a reason but, it looks like he was completely misunderstood the situation at that moment.

So basically, she likes games and anime and she wants to leave that as a secret.

“Aah, Understood, I understood Tendou-kun! If you don’t like it to talk about that much then let’s give up on that!”

“T—that’s right! Absolutely, don’t you dare ever talk about me!”

There, she finally noticed the dumbfounded sight of Kishimine.

She tried to pretend calm, after coughing on purpose. However, as per usual her cheeks were still a bit red.

‘So she has a cute side of her as well, huh?’ He thought.

“As t—time is precious, so we shouldn’t waste it in doing something like this. T—that’s right, first let’s discuss about the future plans of our club!”

The way she changed the conversation was a bit little pushy. Kishimine also wanted to see her troubled face a little bit more but, as he can’t disagree with her, he decided to go with the flow.

“Plans…… is it? Is there some sort of trouble?”

“Yes. Anyhow this school is an overly serious Ojou-sama school right? So there are quite an amount of teachers that have an old way of thinking that games are just for the kids. Plus there is also the problem regarding our club member’s count, so that’s why we are in a situation where it won’t be strange to get abolished at any given time. That’s why as our greatest plan, we should achieve some big achievements as soon as we can.”

“I see. But, how is it possible to get achievements with just games?”

“Aah. From there the conversation will move to the Japan’s Game Battle Championship in short JGBC.”

“So in short basically, it will be like a Koshien [5-C] for us!” Sena-sensei entered forcibly in the conversation. “If we enter as a club in this JGBC, and won then, then we will become famous as the fellow Gamers, and on top of it, if our club name will get famous around countrywide, then even if it’s the chairman, he won’t be able to complain regarding that!”

“Ha……, I see”

“But, there is just one problem” said, Tendou. “JGBC, consists of 2 parts which involve individual tournament and Team battle tournament. As we are participating as a club activity, then we have no choice but to participate in the Team battle tournament. But for that we need atleast 4 members.”

“Why we have to participate in the Team battle tournament? I think we will be fine with just individual tournament though. I don’t really understand it but, the Kendou club and others clubs, enters in both team competition and individual tournament right?”

“The point is to get the reason to consent the teachers and everyone. If we’re gonna play games individually, then there is not a point of having a club is it? And like that we also won’t be able to consider it as a part of a club activities right? “It’s because we are playing games as a club activity, we support and help each other, and as a result achieved this.” There is a need to show them an appeal like that.”

“So that’s how it is. Though if we made our club big in the future, then we really could be able to take part in Individual tournaments as well!”

“Haa, there are various types of restraints present isn’t it……?”

They have established something like a Game club in this overly serious Ojou-sama school. So they might’ve put up with unreasonable demands even more than he thought of.

“The reason is not just that.” Tendou continued. “The individual tournament of JGBC are truly something like a ‘squirming horde of evil spirits and demons’. It’s not a level of a normal club activity, if it’s not someone who has put his entire life in the games then; it’s not a place to expect the win. However, if it’s a Team battle then the students like us too have a chance to win.”

“Heh. Is that so? I think that we students will be quite busy with the lessons and exam preparations though……”

“It’s because there are various types of formalities in the Team battle tournament after all! In the individual games you have to be absolutely familiar with various types of games but, in the Team battle tournament if there are 4 members who excel in special skill then then, with just that it will drastically improve the chance of winning. Plus, even though we’ll be busy, but if it’s the similar student from the same school then it’s easy to gather together and do practice right?! It’s not similar for a working adult, and on the other hand, for a NEET [5-D] too it’s very impossible to create something like a team.”

“I—I see.”

For working adults who have a job, it certainly looked impossible to gather together for the practice of Team battle tournament every day. And on top of it even to gather members was a bit……

“I understood. So in short, we need more club member’s right? As including me and Tendou-san and……even after including Niitani san the count will be just 3.”

“No, you are slightly wrong there Kishimine-kun! It’s slightly unfortunate but Niitani-kun can’t enter due to the lack of potential skill! So members will be You, Tendou-kun and in the end me!”

“Eh! Even Sensei will enter?!”

“Well of course! It’s because it’s not really a school event or something like that! So there’s no problem with me entering.”

“Well, at any rate even if Sensei enters we still lack 1 more member” added Tendou. “It’s just……if it was any normal school then there will be an abundance to students who love games but, this school is a peculiar one after all.”

“Yeah, indeed. Plus, it won’t be good with just loving games right?”

“Definitely. They should at least have some sort of talent similar to you.”

“Well I don’t think that highly of my talent though……”

Even though he laughed a little on the outside like that, he was still a little bit happy getting praised by Tendou.

“Well, it’s not something which can be solved in a hurry like that! In any case, if you find someone good enough as a gamer then just call me immediately! At any rate let’s do what we can do for now! To be honest, even I have something I thought a little from before you see, I was thinking of teaching Kishimine-kun today about the Gaming Industry.”

“Ah, that will be quite good. As I, hardly have any knowledge regarding that”

“Right?! There is a perfect need for the explanation right?”

Sena-sensei corrected his eyes—No, his glasses.

But the one who objected to it, getting bore was none other than Tendou.

“Certainly I think that it’s needed but…… For heaven’s sake please just make it short, Sensei.”

“Hahaha, my explanations are always simple and short. Alright! Let’s see……, let me tell you a bit more regarding JGBC then.”

“Yes. Please do.”

He then remembered that Sena-sensei was supposed to be someone who likes to give explanation.

As he thought that he will be again secluded in his long explanations, he understood Tendou feelings a bit. But if he’s really plan on working together as a member of this club then, it was also something which was necessary to hear. So while being patient he inclined to listen properly.

“JGBC—Japan’s Game Battle Championship is a game tournament which every week was organised here and there all over in Japan! On small scales sponsored by shops, and on larger scale by an enterprise, there are also cases where even event halls are booked! And the count of those event place are exceedingly high, to an extend that on every weekend, all around Japan—no, on prefectural level there will be certain somewhere for sure that will organise the JGBC despite of the size!”

“That sure……is something amazing!”

A tournament which is conducted everywhere in Japan on weekend. It’s a thing much more of a high level than he thought of it to be.

“However, the JGBC that happens like that is entirely an opening performance, nothing more than the qualifiers! As you go up in the JGBC rankings, you’ll awarded with a thing called “G Points”. The individual, who collects more G Points, or a team who do it, are then allowed to take part in the final tournament which takes place in Tokyo in January!”

“I see. It’s sure is becoming a bit more like Koshien alright!”

“Exactly! However, in normal sports tournaments if you even lose once it’s over for you but, in JGBC you can participate no matter how many times you want! Due to which it’s also has a name of “The losers revival war” as well! But, the participation is limited to only 2 times a month, on top of it, you can’t carry the points you earned from the Kantou [5-E] Region to the Kansai [5-F] Region or vice versa”

“Heh……that sure is an interesting rule.”

There are just uncountable numbers of chances. To Kishimine who was self-aware about him being weak to the pressure, that was quite a lifesaver.

“JGBC is basically an event organised for games sales production after all! And it’s one of the purpose lays, in making the participants buy the games played in it! If it gets over in just first try then that won’t increase the sales right?! So allowing participation in JGBC as much as possible and make them buy the games which might come handy in the event itself.”

“H—hearing that makes them looks like a quite fishy organisation though……”

“Isn’t it?” Tendou nodded with a bored face. “JGBC is a tournament which was not administered by the country but the enterprises after all. So it can’t be helped if few fishy things come to surface. That’s why we should also profit a little out of it, or so I think.”

“Quiet you two, Stop with your Middle school level talks! As long as it’s an event sponsored by the enterprises, that kind of fishy things will come to surface quite a lot you know?! To an extent that, if there is a local shop who has a large stockpile of a certain game then just to sale that they will open up the JGBC!”

“It’s starting to become more of a talk about money isn’t it……?”

“It’s because of the culture promotion ticket being still in action after all. Due to which, even a child can buy a copy of game per month. So there the vultures wait for the prey in patience.”

“I wonder who you are referring to vultures though, and in the end isn’t it just fine?! I mean as a result, the huge amount of money gets invested in the gaming industry right? Which then allows them to produce new games! And practically due to that being the reason, the domestic economy gets circulated and even superior quality new games gets born! Plus, the games exported to the foreign countries, acts as a means to earn large amount of foreign exchange without getting mixed and causing the trade disputes! It’s a party of and for the economic activity and development, Ladies and Gentlemen!”

“I see……”

If he get to told all of those things, then he certainly thought that it has good points in itself, and couldn’t able to say anything in objection.

Though, Tendou looked unpleasant, and was making a face as if she wanted to say something.

“I understood the gist of it. In short, we have to gather members and enter in a Team battle tournament to earn points as fast as possible and from there aim to advance in that final tournament right?”

“Yup that’s how it is. Although, our ultimate goal doesn’t lies in the final tournament but infact lies much more beyond that.”

Tendou calmly declared.

“Beyond……? Just what is it if it’s not Finals……?”

“There’s one more concluding and last Tournament which takes place at the end of the year in which only the winners of the JGBC Finals are allowed to participate.”

With that, even Kishimine able to take an approx. guess.

‘JGBC is a Japanese Tournament. So basically, the stage is set on a tournament that’s not inside the Japan.’

“I see. So it exists isn’t it? The World Tournament……in short, World Game Battle Championship.”

“Yes, that’s right. Our final goal is to win that holy war of games, named WGBC.”

Tendou’s tone was, strong as if to show how strong her determination was.

“Naturally, it’s not that simple like that you know?!” Sena-sensei raised his voice as well. “In just japan there are more than 10 million gamers, that game population is said to be way more than any sports ever! On top of that, in world the gamers count exceeds more than 100 million you know?!”

“…………”

He suddenly got succumbed to a shivering impulse. Even though he thought that becoming the best in Japan was an outrageous thing in itself, he couldn’t even think about aiming way above more than that, which was the Best in the World.

“……Will someone like me, will really be of any help to you all?”

The question he held to himself for quite some time, naturally rushed out from his mouth.

Sena-sensei and Tendou the two of them looked at each other.

“It’s not like I don’t understand your uneasiness. But well, worrying like that before the challenge is inevitable.”

“The skills you’ve shown at Spelunker, is not something ordinary you know?! So trust these eyes of ours who saw a possibility in you!”

“Yes……”

He understood very well that both were trying their best to cheer him up. However, that unease alone in his heart didn’t vanish.

“Well as it can’t be helped about your uneasiness! I have a little suggestion regarding that! You lack the knowledge and the experience in games, your being feeling unease is due to that being the reason as well right?! Well leaving the experience aside, if it’s a book lover like you, then grasping the knowledge about the games is not that difficult! For the trial, how about try reading the game magazine or something from next time?!”

“G—game’s magazine……is it?”

It was a suggestion he couldn’t even think of. In the first place, he didn’t even knew that something like an existence of game magazine.

“I don’t quite get it but, what kind of thing is a game magazine?”

“As per its name, it contains the fundamental information about games” said, Tendou. “Introduction about the latest games and the playthrough articles of several games is the main right now. In addition to that, articles covering the game events, reviews and other columns are also published in it. Yup, certainly it’s all filled with things that are important for you to know.”

“Hah……., I see.”

Suddenly his interest to read gushes forth.

It’s just, there was one slight problem. As his room was packed with books to an extent where he was keeping himself held and reading in library instead of reading it at home, if possible he didn’t wanted to increase the count there more than that.

However, it’s not like he couldn’t buy 1 or 2 copy of magazines. As he still had some unused cultural promotion tickets in his purse. So it will be fine if he just buy 1 for a trial.

“Umm……, so in the end which one should I go with? Please recommend me something so that I can buy the next time I visit the bookstore.”

“Hmm let me see, as expected my recommendation will be “ Dengeki PlayStation [5-G] ”] ” ! It will end up featuring only the PS contents but, the easy to read crispness of the articles and the expertise is the best in the industry, for a beginner like you it will be good to get acquaint with several things for sure! It’s the next serialisation of the magazine I had after that is “Marukatsu Super Famicon [5-H] ” ! Though I am already retired with that, Huh? It’s where you should’ve added a Tsukkomi saying “How old are you?” you know?!”

“……I see. I don’t quite get it but, Dengeki Playstation……right?”

‘For the time being, let’s just remember the name of that magazine’, he thought in his mind.

“If you like, there is also a way where you won’t have to be so much fixated on the Magazine media.”

Tendou gave a suggestion.

“Do you have a PC at home which is connected with net?”

“If family shared one will do then, yes I have one.”

“That will do. On net there will be no need to spend the money, and right now there are just unbelievable amount of site with the games information as a concept present as well. For the time being, how about surfing “Dengeki Online [5-I] ” every day? It’s the site managed by the company, about which Sena-sensei just mentioned a while ago, and as a game information site, it’s just perfect!”

“You do have a point! First trying website, and from there if he’s interested he can also buy the magazine. That’s right, if you’re gonna surf the game site anyways, then “4Gamer [5-J] ” is also not the one that should be left alright! The amount of information they have is not ordinary, and it will be quite good for as you are now!”

“……Fuo, Four— Ga—ma—?”

As per usual it was a word he never heard of before. Kishimine reflexively asked again but, it might be the similar kind of site for Gamers, and then the argument started between the two senpai’s of his.

“Wait a second there please. He’s a beginner who just recently started playing the games. I think even if he visits and reads such kind of heavy stuff then it will just cause more confusion to him.”

“There’s no way that’s possible! What Kishimine needs the most is to have an interest in games! At any rate, it will be best for him to get in contact with the lot of information first, and from there going with the specific interest will be ideal. PC Games articles, It’s better for him if he try everything!”

“If it’s like that then wouldn’t something like “GAME Watch [5-K] ” would be better? It’s well established and the structure is also quite simple and easy to understand, and the articles itself are fundamentally well written.”

“Hmm, you do have a point there…… No, that’s right, in his case, individual sites would be much better than the corporate site for him! As it will be much more easy to hold interest in a site which was constructed by a same user like him! Thus It would be better for him to try “Ore-teki Game Jouhou@JIN [5-L] ” or “Hachima Kikou [5-M] ” !”

There Tendou pulled a wry face which was quite rare.

“I doubt that it is a good idea to try those first! Unlike the corporate site, To the Individual site there is chance that the information might be indefinite. Plus, there are cases where according to the intentions and liking of the administrator the information get altered in weird ways. And it will be quite bad, if he dragged in a weird direction!”

“However, there are things that only could be done in such individual sites! Not to mention the blogs, twitter and Wiki, isn’t this an age where individual activities cannot be separated from the games?! If you like it then you can continue watching it, and if you don’t then you don’t have to, that’s what Internet is all about! To throw a kitchen knife with an intention to kill someone IRL is a sheer stupidity!”

“But still, considering the blog itself is affiliated to a corporate site on the same level is—”

“If you deny the economic activity then you deny the civilization itself! Corporate site has a tie of obligation with sponsors—”

In between those two, somehow the turbulent atmosphere started to float.

‘It would be better to stop them before things get out of control’, he thought. But in the first place, he wasn’t even able to get what were they talking about.

“I—I understood, I understood alright! Umm, that Game Watch and Four Gamer and……. In any case I will check everything! Cause In the end, everything comes down to me after all”

As he said that, those 2 finally calmed down—instead it looked like as if they finally realised that they were having a meaningless quarrel.

“Ah, as you said. It can’t be helped even if we say anything more than this to the third person.”

“Yup, let’s leave the judgement to Kishimine himself.”

As he finally found out about her secret, he finally realized that there was no need to be suspicious about their relationship in the first place. Cause Tendou was perfect in everything but, on the other hand Sena-sensei was somewhat sloppy but calculative to a high degree. He couldn’t even end up thinking of these two getting together.

“However as it become like this, what should we do for today then?! It’s not like we can do anything together with everyone on the spur of moment. So for the time being why shouldn’t we let Kishimine-kun resume his Uncharted playthrough?!”

“It’s about that…… I also have a proposal prepared for today.”

“Ho……and that is?!”

“Day after tomorrow on Sunday, how about 3 of us participate in JGBC’s Individual tournament?!”

It was a proposal he didn’t saw coming. And that was somewhat similar to Sena-sensei as well, as he showed his rare sullen face.

“I wonder about that. No, I understand where you are going with this! You want Kishimine-kun to have an experience at JGBC first hand right?”

“N—no matter what the circumstances are, isn’t it just too soon for me? I’ve just started playing games a couple days ago you know?”

“I understand that unease very well. However, in any case, until we gather 4 members we can’t really participate in the Team battle tournament. If it’s that the case, then we should do what we can do for now right? Plus, I have thought of something which will prove useful for you as well.”

“……Fine, if you thought that far about it that then, I won’t judge your decision.”

“If you’re all fine with that, then I can’t object to that as well but…… Still, what kind of game event it’s gonna be this time?! As if it’s gonna be a genre that Kishimine-kun haven’t tried before then it’s will be too rough for him!”

“If it’s that, then I have investigated about that in detail. As this time it was told beforehand as an announcement after all.”

“Eh? This time…… means, there are times they even tell something like that before?”

“Aah. Like Action or Shooting they do announce the genre but, till the participation it’s not rare for anyone to not know what kind of game they will be made to play. Cause there are times when the games decide on the polling of the participants and the discussion of the fellow competitors after all.”

“Cause with that sort of structure, the users will end up buying different types of games for the practice purpose after all!”

As Sena-sensei again said something on his economic principles, Tendou again pulled a wry face.

“Please don’t say needless things, Sensei. You should say that it’s a System designed so that even a beginner can participate freely.”

“But isn’t that the truth?! In the first place, in JGBC where the games are pre-decided, mostly are sort of an invitation poster for the sales promotion campaign you know?!”

“I understand it very well so let’s return back to the topic shall we?! So then again, just with which game I have to battle?”

As he took a guess about the atmosphere getting worse like before, he hurriedly pushed his way in the conversation.

And fortunately, the quarrel between those two ended up easily like that. Unexpectedly, they might have the self-awareness about these useless quarrels.

“The name of the Game is “Gears of War [5-N] !” ”

“Is it GearWar 2?!”

“No, it’s the 1 st Part.”

“Now that I think of it, I’ve heard that the latest work of the series is going to be out soon! I see, so they want the new people to know about the game, huh?”

“I see. So as usual this time too it’s a famous game right?!”

Gears of War. According to translation it should be something like “The cog-wheels of war”? In other words, it should be a game where we have to fight to the bitter end acting as the cog-wheels of the war.

All of a sudden, he got interested.

Maybe it’s because he wanted an explanation about it, Sena-sensei shined his glasses.

“Gears of war is a game made by the foreign company Epic soft, and is Xbox 360 exclusive game which is marketed by Microsoft all over the world. Cover, Jump and other action in this game, is clearly distinguished than other Shooting games and its profound scenario is also highly evaluated, infact to an extent that in just 1 year after getting released, it broke the record and sold around 5 million copies!”

“Heh……”

As usual, it’s because as he was not much knowledgeable about games, He couldn’t able to understand that much from the Sena-sensei’s explanations. But still he sort of understood that it’s an extraordinary game.

“But, there is one problem Tendou-kun! That’s a CERO [5-O] Z-Rated [5-P] game you know?!”

“Ah.”

Tendou released a befuddled voice from her mouth.

“Oh No……! That’s right, I was playing it quite naturally from past month but, it’s still too early for you, huh?”

“……What is it about? CERO is?”

“It means by the age limit. The Z rated game in CERO ratings are, prohibited to be sold and assigned to the person less than 18 years old.”

“S—something like R-18 huh?”

R-18. That held the sweet melody for the high school boys.

“That’s right. It’s because GearWar is a game subjected to war. So that’s why it has scene that revolves around splattering of blood, and other other extreme portrayed scenes as well.”

“Ah. Y—you mean in that way, huh?”

There were regretting a bit about it but for the time being it was fortunate that he can solve the mystery easily this time.

“But, either way there’s no problem at all. It’s because I am born on April 4 th . See, here it is.”

As he showed his I.D. Card, Tendou’s face suddenly shone enthusiastically.

“Is that so? Thank goodness. Even though it’s just a coincidence, it’s quite a grateful thing”

“If that’s the case then there is no problem at all. Alright, let’s have you play without wasting any time! There you go, you can sit there.”

“Eh? We going to play this at once?”

“It’s a world renowned game you know? So there’s no way we’re gonna send you there without any preparations! Apart from that, what’re we gonna do Tendou-kun?! If you’re entering in JGBC, then I think it will be better to Multiplay but, considering Kishimine-kun’s characterstics, it might be better to start with the Campaign first!”

“Let’s see. With just telling him the scenario he cleared the 1 st Floor of Spelunker like that, so it will be better to have him play Campaign first.”

While having the conversation together with each other, they were arranging and handling down the preparations.

And then the controller got handed to him by Tendou.

“Heh. It’s again a controller I’ve never seen before. And it’s different from both PS3 one and Famicom one as well……”

“Aah. This is the Controller of Xbox 360.”

“Heh…… Still, it’s quite big isn’t it?”

It’s not like it was actually heavy or anything but this white controller was, three times that big from the controller of Famicom.

“Well it’s a Console created by Americans after all. On the contrary, it seems that the PS3 Controller is small for the Americans. If one get used to it, then certainly it’s not much of a difference though.”

“Ha, I see.”

As it was something he already imagined, he somehow able to consent with that.

And soon enough, in the T.V. monitor in front of Kishimine, the gaming screen booted up.

Gears of War. The symbol was drawn with those words, with an eerie image of the skull enveloped in the cogs all around it.

“That’s right, Tendou-kun! As we can finally play co-op in the campaign mode, why don’t you go and help him as well?!”

Suddenly Sena-sensei suggested that idea.

“Eh? M—me?”

“Co-op? What’s that?”

“To put it simply, it refers to the cooperation play! In this game there is a mode which allows you to advance on a scenario together with someone you see!”

“Heh…. That sure sounds interesting.”

As he now knew that Tendou is a big game lover. So after having that piece of information known it will be somewhat awkward to play alone today as well. So if there she got to enjoy herself together with him, then to Kishimine that was a very delightful thing.

As he looked at her he could told that Tendou was so eager on playing the game with just a look. With sidelong glances from time to time she was looking furtively at the game screen and her state was, as if, the “Wait” command was given to the small puppy, while presenting his favourite dish in the plate.

‘Here I have to definitely make her play.’

Plus, to be able to play game together with Tendou, just by imagination Kishimine was satisfied.

“Tendou-san, let’s do it. As it will be boring if I play the game alone by myself.”

“G—Geez, it can’t be helped then. If you’re gonna ask that much then I can’t refuse. Alright, leave the controls of Dom to me then.”

On the contrary of those words, her face was oozing out with happiness.

She quickly started with the preparations to be able to play on the next T.V. quite delightedly. If she grow a tail like a dog, there’s no mistaking it that it would’ve been moving at the moment with excitement. ‘I am glad that I asked her to play together with me’, he again thought.

“By the way, who’s this Dom? It’s looks a strong robot like name to me though……”

“Aah, it’s the name of the character from the game! He’s a pal of the protagonist Marcus who always stays with him in a pair. No matter how dangerous the place it is, he gallantly comes together with Marcus without even making a slightest bit of complaint. It’s because of that courage of his that he is called “Dom Boy”. He also has a clumsy factor in him as he sometimes thoughtlessly barges in the middle of enemies.”

“D—Dom Boy……”

He was able to understand the characteristics of the character.

“For now, let’s briefly tell you the story! As it’s quite an important factor for you after all!”

Sena-sensei after saying that, with his hands gesture mixed in he finally started to explain things.

And that followed in this manner.

The stage takes place on the certain distant planet in the universe. And there on a certain day, from beneath the depths of the planet suddenly the creatures called Locust started to attack. The humans fought hard but, they couldn’t able to bear the fierce attack of those creatures, and thus continue to get defeated.

During the war with Locusts, the protagonist Marcus was fighting on the frontline but, as he heard about how much danger was his father in, he ran away from the war, and therefore as he broke the orders he was imprisoned.

“But one day however, the Locust’s Fangs even reached him to prison cell! In an instant it turns out to be a Disaster but, there the one came to save him was his Heroine, Dom Boy! From there, the game then starts!”

“……With just hearing the story, if really feels like some sort of movie. Though, you strangely highlighted the Dom Boy part though.”

“Practically, it’s nothing like a movie you know?! Well you will notice that eventually so for now just give it a try!”

“Yes.”

As he told that by the Sena-sensei, he started the game.

At first, the screen was just pitch black.

But, it was not like nothing was being projected in it. It’s just it was a pitch black room. Something dimly was being projected but, it was not that much visible.

Eventually, text appeared on the screen.

Ruins

14 Years after the Locust Appearance.

The field of vision slowly started to get better. It’s a damp and depressing pitch black room. The roof was covered by iron bars of the prison, and on top of it was, swarming with the monsters he had never seen before.

‘So that’s Locust, huh?’

As if combined from Insect and four-footed animal that monster, was dripping some kind of liquid from his mouth and was looking down at him but, as he didn’t have any means to break through those bars he eventually left.

Suddenly, a human voice came. It seems it came from quite far as he wasn’t able to catch what he said, but certainly it was a human voice.

After sometime, a light came from the door of the room. The small window present on the door then got opened, and someone peeked through it.

“Jack, rip that door open!”

Right after that, the burner like light burned down the key box.

After opening up that metal door, the one who entered was—a very stern looking man.

“He is the Dom Boy, the one who Tendou-kun will control, in short your partner.”

Sena-sensei explanation entered in.

“……I see. So he is”

Dom Boy. He was a large beefy man who had muscles lumped all over on his body. I see, I can see where his name is coming from.

“What are you doin’ here?”

He heard another rough voice. Probably, the owner of that voice is the protagonist Marcus himself.

“Getting you out. Here, Put this on. You’ll need it.”

Dom tossed a heavy looking baggage at him.

“You could get into a lot of trouble for doin’ this.”

Marcus was in a prison because he committed a crime of running away from the battlefield. ‘So the crime of assisting someone to escape even exists in this world as well, huh?’

However Dom didn’t looked like he minded that at all.

“Not anymore. Things have changed.”

As he finished wearing his equipment a man appeared on the screen wearing very strong and hard armour. He was a large guy who no in no way was inferior of Dom. I see, I sure can get why it’s a system that American like that much.

“He’s Marcus, right?”

“That’s right. It’s a character that you’ll be controlling today.”

“I see.”

Kishimine’s expectations started to even raise more.

Day before yesterday he was a Treasure Hunter, yesterday a Spelunker, and today he will become a tough and muscular soldier.

He loves books and prefers them over everything else because of the reason that he could turn into different characters. At this point, Game too was equally similar.

Like then, the game as started turned into a 3 person view just like at the time of Uncharted.

“Do you mind a bit?”

There Sena-sensei’s hand stretched out, and took the controller away from the Kishimine’s hands. And there he returned back to the game menu and started to fiddle something in it.

“What are you doing?”

“In this game, there is Xbox LIVE……in other words calling Tendou via Internet. In real it’s not using the System Link with LAN but, creating an environment as close to the JGBC would be perfect.”

“I see.”

He didn’t quite understood what he just said but, it seems like it’s some sort of setup needed before the co-op play.

“Alright, linked in.”

After a while later, Tendou then said.

“Well then, it’s you turn from now!”

He was given back the controller.

Suddenly, the Dom inside the game started to speak something.

“We’ve got two options. We can go back the way I came, through the guard’s quarters. It takes time, but it’s safe. Or, we can go through the prison blocks and get right into the fight. Your choice.”

And like that, on the screen “Choose Path” indication appeared.

Right one was “Training” and the left one was “Combat” indication.

“Heh. We can even choose our own route like this?”

“That’s right. It’s one of this game’s features!”

To be able to choose the various routes in the story, it’s a feature different from the books he read. The screen too was beautiful similar to that of a movie, he started to get the reason of why instead of books, game was the one who get to become that much popular in this world.

“Umm, then as I am a beginner after all, I should just choose Training here right?”

“No, that’s not a choice at all. Choose Combat here!”

Tendou immediately replied.

“Eh—Combat right off the bat?! Even though I still don’t know the controls properly?!”

“There are times that one made to compete in a completely new game on the battleground of JGBC, so it would be better for you to get used to it as it is now.”

“Yes……”

He was somewhat feeling unease but, ‘As Tendou-san is together with me as well it will be fine I guess’, thinking like that, he clicked on Combat.

“Let’s take the prison blocks. I’m ready to kick some ass.”

“Hell, yeah! Let’s do it!”

As their conversation ended, he was able to control the character again.

“Well let me give you a quick explanation about the operation procedures at least—”

There Tendou suggested that to him.

Character operation procedures, Cover—— is secretly hiding to avoid getting noticed—and after that, the way to hold the gun, and how to shoot and reload etc., he was taught the basic operations quickly.

“The basics are just that. In short, it will be just fine if you just shoot down the enemies with the bullets to death after finding them. It’s quite simple right?”

“Yes. Certainly it sounds simple if you say it like that.”

“Tendou-kun, you forgot to explain about the Active Reload!”

Like that, Sena-sensei forcibly cut-in.

“Huh? Active……Reload?”

“Aah! That kind of rare system is also in this game you see! After you press the reload button, if you press it again with the right timing, the reload time will shorten drastically and for some short period of time, the fire power of the weapon also rises! On the contrary, if failed, the gun gets Jammed and the reload will take longer than normal to finish!”

“Eh? Eh? After pressing the reload button, press again? On top of it what exactly gets Jam……? Aah, you mean by the cartridges, huh?”

As there were just too many terms in his explanation that he had yet to learn, he couldn’t able follow him that very well.

“You don’t really have to know about those parts yet” said, Tendou. “As you play the game for some time you’ll gradually be able to learn them. And the explanation will also will be displayed on what to do in the game screen as well.”

“Yes……”

Like that, another event started to take place inside the game.

Marcus and the others, maybe it’s due to their battle with Locust, were inside this old abandoned prison. And then, Dom started having a communication with someone.

“6-4. this is Delta Two, we are en route, Over!”

“Copy that, we are beginning our run.”

“6-4 in position. Fox-one, fox-one”

Somehow it looked that there are quite a lot of comrades in these ruins, as there were quite a lot of replies immediately like that.

Nevertheless, Fox-one. It was a word he heard somewhere before. Somewhere in one of the military based novel he read before.

‘Ah, if I remember if correct it was a sign of when firing of missile……?’

It was at that moment.

On glass rooftop, a large Helicopter like thing appeared—and fired something.

“uu”

It looks like it was an explosion of some sort. As inside the game Marcus groaned at the same moment, on the screen a red skull mark appeared.

“W—what’s with this Skull Mark?”

“If to say in a word, then that would be your life force! As you take more damage, the redder that Skull Mark will become. And when it becomes complete crimson, you will be down for good! Well, as long as Tendou-kun is alive, she will help you at that time!”

“I see.”

So basically, the one right now was they being involved in a friendly fire.

Like that, Dom again shouted on the transmission.

“6-4, this is Delta Two, hold your fire! We are inside the prison. Over!”

“Roger that, holding fire. Advice you relocate ASAP.”

It seems like somehow the situation was a lot in chaos. Well it might just be natural. Cause inside these ruins those creatures were started to intrude one by one.

“Alright, let’s go Kishimine-kun. Follow me”

“Y—Yes.”

Dom Boy and Tendou took the lead and proceeded. In panic Kishimine followed after him.

Even so, the prison in ruins looked too ominous.

Maybe it was due to the effects of battle, or it’s just made it to look more prison like, the dead body of humans sometimes seen lying or hanging upside down.

Uncharted was also quite similar in that context, but the beautifulness of these days games was truly terrifying, to an extent that when suddenly the real like dead bodies came in floating in mid-air, he reflexively gasped.

The two of them passed through the passage. And the helicopter passed through them in the air.

Soon after that. Maybe it was because the helicopters aerial bombing, the watch tower like building which was quite near them, suddenly exploded. The fumes of the explosion, covered the Dom and Marcus, and blocked their vision.

“Hide yourself! The enemy is coming!”

Tendou became alert.

“E—Eh?!”

“Gurandouo—ka—da!”

A muffled voice, which couldn’t have said to be that of a human, reached his ears. And at the same time from inside the smoke, someone or something appeared.

A figure of someone plunging in while holding a gun. Additionally, there were several of them. Certainly, they were not human. As their faces were like the ogres and trolls that appear in the fantasy movies. With just one look it could be very easily told that they were monsters.

‘T—that’s, Locust!?’

Suddenly appeared from the beneath of the earth, and was continuing tormenting the humans for last 14 years.

Before even Kishimine could recognize, the firefight started.

“Hide or you’ll end up as a swiss-cheese!”

“Y—Yes!”

With Tendou’s voice, Kishimine reflexively pressed the ‘A’ Button. As he done that Marcus hide behind the lied shelter. And took the cover position.

And at the same moment, the place he was standing just a moment ago, was penetrated by countless bullets.

“N—No way! Doing an actual fight like this so suddenly, is absurd!”

“If it’s you can do it! Shoot above in the sky!”

“Aaah, Geez!”

Just as he was told, Kishimine pressed the ‘RT’ Button. As he done that, the Marcus who was hiding pulled his gun upwards in front of the enemies and started to fire randomly.

However, as he was nervous his aim was indefinite; furthermore as the enemy as well took the covers, it didn’t hit anyone.

“J—Just how real is it……?!”

That was surely a firefight, the friend and foes both sides while hiding, were exchanging numerous bullets at each other, it was just like a real firefight which he didn’t even seen in the movies.

Nonetheless, unlike movies, this fight has no decided plot at all. In that storm of bullets, if not of his actions and judgement skills, he couldn’t have survived for sure.

To kill the enemy hiding in the shelter, they also had to pull out their head and body, and aim carefully without missing any chance. However, unlike movies, if they pull any body part outside, the enemy relentlessly fire the bullets at that direction.

Thus, the battle in that long passage continued for quite some time. Sometimes, the bullet hit the enemy and the blood splatters as well, but as they are overly tough, they were not showing any signs of falling down.

“Kishimine, I will barge in, so cover me!”

As maybe she was getting impatient, she said something like that.

“Ehh! Ehh! Just what should I do?!”

“It will be fine if you just keep firing regularly and make the enemy hold their position!”

“I—I see!”

Kishimine (Marcus) stretched his hand which had the gun from the shelter he was hiding in and started to fire the bullet until the magazine gets empty, without stopping.

The Locusts hid themselves in the shelter to escape from the shower of bullets.

Finding the gap in that, The Dom which was being controlled by Tendou charged in nimbly while lowering his body. And coming right in contact with the Locust who was hiding in the shelter she poured the shower of bullets at him.

The blood splattered everywhere.

“A—Amazing!”

Tendou too was amazing but, to be able to reproduce such a movie like action with our hands was just too amazing in its own. He understood that why this game had sold several million copies in the world. That real like experience, was enough to draw his consciousness into the game world.

“You also come along! We’ll be breaking through here!”

“Y—Yes!”

And thus, as usual, without him knowing himself,

Kishimine was, not Kishimine Kengo anymore. But Instead, become an old military soldier Marcus who was fighting with the Locust.

I, charged in the opening that Tendou(Dom) made. After Shortening the distance with the enemy in one go, I started shooting together with Tendou.

I was in the military as a soldier for many years but, as expected maybe it was due to being in the prison for all this time that my attacks were not hitting considerably. But still, with each passing time, I am starting to get my touch back as a soldier. And thus gradually, my Gun-Handling skills as well started to become smooth.

Even though the enemy were hiding themselves behind shelter, it was just impossible to hide such large build like that. So I started to take rounds shooting at the head, arm and the legs which were sticking out of the cover.

As they jumped out due the pain, without wasting a moment delay Tendou deals the final blow.

“Aren’t you doing just fine? Looks like you already got the hang of it.”

Tendou said with a smiling face. She’s my pal, with together her we’ve survived numerous battles. Even with that large build armour wrapped around her, her beauty was not losing in the slightest to that gallantness of hers.

“If you have time, make sure to pick up the ammo and grenades the enemy drops as we can’t fight without them.”

“Understood!”

We cross through that passage, and entered in the next building. Which led us in a large hall.

“This is an entrance hall. The exit is just right after this.”

However, it was already filled with enemies.

“Humannn!”

Maybe they’ve heard the firefight from before, as several Locusts were waiting for us while hiding behind cover.

“Don’t hesitate, continue!”

“Yes!”

After responding to the Tendou’s call, I hid myself behind cover and started to fire the gun.

The enemies were not weak at all. And were using the surrounding as cover very cleverly, they exchange the attacks from us, and if we show even a little of gap, counterattack in a flash.

But, it was one thing we surpassed them in. And that was the coordination.

Me and Tendou without even planning and discussing anything from before, parted the ways separately to the left and right in the hall and surrounded the enemies.

No matter how much they hide themselves, they just can’t handle the attack from the right and left simultaneously. And one by one the Locust count started to decrease.

“Cover me!”

At the moment when there fierce attack settled down a bit, once again Tendou(Dom) charged out from cover.

“Roger!”

Without a moment of delay I to prevent the enemies to counterattack, started firing from the gun. Several of the bullets hit them but there were no signs of them falling down.

However, at that moment Tendou already closed the distance. And once again using the hilt of the gun, with all her strength to knock the Locusts down. One shot, Second Shot, and with that The End.

The hall which was surrounded by the fierce battle just a while ago suddenly became completely quiet, and now the silence which was painfully quiet ruled the place.

“Somehow we were able to end it easily like that didn’t we?”

“Don’t lose your guard! It’s because there’s no telling when enemy reinforcements will come. Make sure to replenish your ammo as well before that happens.”

“Yes!”

On the other hand, at that moment.

Sena-sensei who was watching the two of them playing the game, was completely treated as an outsider.

“Oi, Kishimine-kun? Tendou-kun? Oi, Oi!”

For quite some time he was calling them out but, as Kishimine was like usual was completely lost in the game, didn’t noticed him a bit. In addition to that, Tendou was glaring as if she meant that he’s being an hindrance.

But still, hearing those two’s conversation, it looked like that Tendou’s voice was reaching to Kishimine.

“Well both of them went to the battlefield together, so it’s natural to become like this, huh?”

He was speaking to himself like that, but as expected as both of them are completely lost in the game, they didn’t mind him at all.

For them to be this much lost in a game, as an advisor of the Modern Game Club he was a quite happy but, as he was left alone like that, he was somewhat feeling lonely.

‘If it’s like this then being reasonable I should’ve asked to play the multi-match huh?’——Sena-sensei was regretting on his actions alone.

Me and Tendou(Dom), to prepare for the next battle with enemy were doing the gloomy work of scavenging the ammo from the dead bodies of the enemy.

However, Locusts didn’t grant even a bit of rest to us. As immediately, their moaning voice reached our ears.

“Enemy?! F—from where?!”

“From the Front! They are trying to break through the door!”

In front of the Hall was the solid gate which appears to be the entranceway. From the corners of it, a burner’s flame could be seen.

They’re trying to rip-off the door.

“Hide yourself! We’re gonna ambush them.”

“Y—Yes!”

I hurriedly hid myself in the shelter which was near to the door. And even during the time I was doing that, the burner continued to fire, and from the edges the door was being cut.

And finally,

“Okay, here they come!”

Door exploded. It’s as if the tactical way of entering by the special military unit.

From the dust of cloud which was rising up, one after another the Locusts came while holding their guns.

Without a moment delay, I started to fire. However, the count of the locusts that just came in is just too many.

Which Locusts should I focus my fire on, a doubt suddenly produced in my mind which in turn made my barrage weak.

If it’s like this then the hall will be completely filled with them—at the moment when I involuntarily shuddered, Tendou threw something.

“I threw the grenade! Stay down!”

“!?”

As she said, I instantly hid myself.

After a small moment of time, a large explosion occurred. The Locusts body who charged in in a formation got scattered here and there.

“A—as one would expect!”

“Don’t lose your guard! There are still a few left!”

However, Mostly all the enemies died with her grenade. And the rest left were all sporadic one’s and having said that, we easily able to eliminate all the Locusts troops he barged in.

“Alright, let’s go outside!”

“Yes!”

We leapt through the door which locusts destroyed just a while ago and entered somewhere which looked like a courtyard.

The first things which came into my eyes was the blue sky. It’s a sky I have not seen for quite some time. And, the ashes of the building in the ruins of this abandoned prison could be easily seen.

“Enemy units! Right there, right there! Over.”

Maybe it was from the helicopter which was revolving above, the transmission came.

Just like the report, there are a large amount of Locusts swarming ahead.

“I see them. Moving in!”

Another transmission came.

“T—the one right now was……?”

“Aah. It’s maybe from the helicopter that came to extract us.”

“More are coming two clicks to your right! Can you suppress them? Over.”

“You’ve heard it right? We’ve to make sure that the helicopter lands safely, Okay go go go!”

“R—Roger!”

And thus yet again the severe firefight started.

It’s because unlike before, it’s the open outdoor battle. The count of enemies was several times more than we’ve faced until now. Not to mention, they were attacking from all the directions.

Mine and Tendou’s(Dom’s) battle was continuing without getting over. And not just us, the helicopters that were revolving in the sky when needed, covered us.

“Alright, this time I will cover, and you go mow down those Fucking Locusts!”

“M—Me!?”

Will I be able to do the similar kind of thing as Tendou(Dom)? I hesitated for a second but, this is a battle, and my pal, Tendou is with me, she has been together with me for all this time. So I can’t doubt her judgement at all.

“Understood! I’ll continue to fuck them up till the moment I die!”

I think that we have just used a very disturbing word. But, it was an obvious fact that our enemy was those Fucking Underground beings. If I think like that then, then there’s nothing strange in using that.

Tendou(Dom) started to continue moving to the left, and started to fire at them.

The Locusts who were in front of me, pulled their attention in that direction.

Without a moment of delay, I jumped from the shelter and charged in. But I didn’t fire the gun. As It’s to not let them know my charging in as much as possible.

Maybe it’s because that tactic worked, I was successfully able to get close to a degree that now I was right in front of the eye of one.

“Uwaaaa!”

I frantically hit the locust with my gun. But even with that, the tough Locust didn’t went down. On the contrary, it fired at me at point-blank range.

I didn’t had any time to evade that. And thus because of that several bullets pierced my body. If it was not of this solid armour, I would’ve died instantly for sure.

“Kuu”

As it couldn’t’ve helped I also shot from the gun.

Point-blank range gunfight. That was just like a Chicken race. With no margin to avoid getting shot, we both continued to fire at each other, and were desperately started to wait for the each other’s stamina to run out.

And the one who was first to fell, was the locust. Maybe it was fortunate that I was able to hit him that hard before.

But maybe it’s because I also got shot various times, my field of vision was complete red.

If I received damage from another locust right now, even I myself didn’t know what will become of me. But luckily, that didn’t happen.

It’s because my pal, Tendou(Dom) dealt with the remaining Locusts.

“Well done. For someone who just released from jail, it was quite a performance.”

“T—Thanks. From a while now, my field of vision is a little red, what’s with that?”

“Don’t worry, after resting a bit that too will become fine.”

It was at that moment, one helicopter started rotating around the sky.

“Retrieving Delta Squad now.”

“Alright, our ride has come!”

On the vacant ground just right up ahead of us, helicopter landed successfully. If we board it, then we’ll be able to get some rest.

But, it looks like the enemy doesn’t want to let us go at all cost.

It’s because another transmission came in our ears from the allies. And that too, a very ominous one……

“Delta, there’s something moving below the ground. Over.”

“I see it too… What are we looking at?”

“Hell if I know.”

The disturbing transmission came one after another.

“W—what is it? Is something happening!?”

“Leave it for later and just run towards the helicopter for now! Go Go Go!”

“Y—Yesss!”

Something dangerous is happening right now. I started to run towards the helicopter in a hurry with all my strength.

And it was at that moment. The ground shook.

I thought that it was an earthquake but, I was wrong. It’s because if it’s an earthquake then the ground just shake and not wriggle right?

That wriggle gradually become bigger, And—the corners of the ground began to crack.

And something came from the ground.

“W—What the hell is that?! A Spider?!”

That was a Spider like monster who had giant legs just like a tree.

“You can tell by just looking at it right? It’s a giant enemy!”

She answered my question in a simple and clear way.

“F—for something like that to appear as well……these locusts, just what the hell are they anyways?!”

“Save your questions for later, let’s get the hell out of here!”

“Y—Yes!”

Maybe it was because of the precise judgment of the Tendou, that we were able to board the helicopter successfully.

At that moment, the spider like monster was already completely outside of the ground, and was trying to pursue us.

However, before that shark and big legs could’ve pierced us, the helicopter already took off.

And thereupon as if, feeling vexed on letting us escape, who was a prey for him.

The Spider Monster roared in a fierce way.

And at the same time, I lost my consciousness as well.

“Haa! H—Huh!? Where’s Spider Monster?! What happened to us!?”

As usual, after opening his eyes, he first explored his surroundings.

And first realised that this was no longer the insides of helicopter, and Tendou too was not holding the gun and also understood that he was not wearing the armour anymore.

“Ah, that’s right. I, once again while playing the game……”

The controller was still in his hand.

As he looked at the T.V. to see what happened after that, there was nothing projected in it.

“Ooh, it looks like you didn’t faint this time! For the test I tried turning off the T.V. and just as I thought you came back quite smoothly like that”

“I—I see. So that’s what happened.”

If he dies in the game then he faints, and return back if the T.V. gets switched off. Really, even though it was his body, it was the Phenomenon he didn’t knew much about.

“More than that, so how was it? GearWar felt interesting wasn’t it?”

Tendou inquired, while brimming with confidence.

“Yeah, well, Of course. But seriously, what the hell was that? To think that one can experience such kind of a firefight…… These days games are really terrifyingly amazing.”

“Right, Isn’t that right?! If you enjoyed yourself then that means my accompanying you, didn’t ended up in vain.”

Tendou looked happy as if she was the one getting praised.

“And your play too was quite amazing you know?! GearWar is without mistake a masterpiece but, it has some portions which are very hard for a beginner! Even though it was just 1 st stage, you did well in clearing it without any miss!”

“That’s definitely because you’re there with me Tendou-san. Your presence alone was very reassuring.”

“I—is that so? In that case, I am glad.”

It’s maybe she was praised, her face was a little red. As expected she is a very good person.

“Which reminds me, I wanted to ask you one thing.”

Like that, Tendou said in a rare way, like she wanted to confirm something important.

“Eh? Yes, what is it?”

“Your consciousness once again leapt inside the game right? At that moment, how was I being projected?”

“Ooh, Even I want to know about that! So how was it? Was it like, the appearance was of Dom, but the voice got changed to Tendou or something?!”

“N—Now that you mention it……”

He recalled the happenings of just a while back. Constantly being the Vanguard, the one who lead me all the way to the safety was not Dom, but was the Tendou who was dressed in Dom’s outfit.

“Before I can even notice, Dom became Tendou-san. Armour and Gun was Dom’s but, the figure and face was that of Tendou-san’s. E—Even I don’t know what I am saying though……”

“I see. That’s was certainly a thing I wanted to see……”

Tendou looked a bit disappointed. Unexpectedly, maybe she too might also like to be a different character.

“Even so, the thing about my consciousness getting driven inside the games, you’re guys really believed me……didn’t you?”

“Hm?”

Tendou doubtfully bended her neck slightly to one side, as if she wanted to say that she couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“There is nothing like believing you or not, in reality it’s like that right? Or, were you lying about that before?”

“N—No! It’s not like that but……”

“Then of course I’ll believe you. Just what the hell are you even saying?”

Her expression was as if it was a natural thing. They believe even this type of bullshit. To be able to feel her trust, he became a bit happy.

“Remember this well!” Sena-sensei raised his voice. “It’s natural for not knowing this but, in JGBC the high rankees are just filled up with oddball and freaks who are strong enough to be called as ‘evil spirits and demons’ and all. And can’t say this for definite but you might not be alone there who will have such a skill as you!”

“H—Heh……”

It was a thing which he couldn’t able to digest that quickly. But, as he didn’t know that about his own abnormal skill, then he had no choice but ends up believing him.

“Well then, in any case with this, you got familiar with the GearWars right?”

“YY—Yes! Generally. But, in JGBC things won’t turn out like today right?”

“Well yeah as the enemy won’t be computerized program but actual human beings after all. So their strength can’t be compared to this at all!”

“Well, it will be fine as long he gets enough practice right?! And next time even I will allow myself to join, and there forming a team of us three, why not just take part in the multi-field battle or something?!”

“No, it’s a good idea but let’s leave that for now.”

With the Tendou’s cold and swift reply, Sena-sensei took quite a shock.

“W—Why!? I think that Kishimine-kun also should get an experience of fighting in an individual battle before JGBC though!”

“I have planned something up. Certainly it will be his first individual battle that one should be celebrated highly but, I think wasting it on a low stage such as some random online field is a lame choice. So there I think he should let him play his first match on a grand scale of JGBC. You’re also fine with that right?”

“Yes. If Tendou-san thinks that its fine then I don’t have any particular reasons to disagree as well……”

In his heart, he was obviously feeling anxious. However, it seems like Tendou had planned something up. If it’s that the case then, he had no other choice but to follow on her instructions.

“See, he is also saying that, Sensei you too are also fine with it then right?”

“H—Hmm. Then it can’t be helped but……atleast let me have one……”

Like that, as Sena-sensei complained in a low voice which was rare for him, at that moment.

Chime rang to tell that it was past the end of school time. And as they saw the clock it was almost 5:00P.M.

“It’s almost time’s up. Looks like we have to stop the activities here for today.”

“Ku, we end up wasting time in long conversations today as well huh?! It can’t be helped then, Well then let’s entrust your judgement this time! Okay then, let’s assemble at the Akihabara on next Sunday.”

And thus like that.

Kishimine himself not knowing that after how many years it’s been since the last time he had planned to go out with someone on Sunday went home.

### Reference Words :-

#### [5-A] Bentou – Bento (弁当 bentō) is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [5-B] BGM – refers to the Background Music For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [5-C] Koshien – In Japan, Kōshien (甲子園) generally refers to the two annual baseball tournaments played by high schools nationwide culminating at a final showdown at Hanshin Kōshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Japan. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [5-D] NEET – A NEET or neet is a young person who is “Not in Education, Employment, or Training”. For more more information, Just GOOGLE it.

#### [5-E] Kantou – The Kantō region (関東地方 Kantō-chihō) is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest island of Japan.

#### [5-F] Kansai – The Kansai region (関西地方 Kansai-chihō) or the Kinki region (近畿地方 Kinki-chihō) lies in the southern-central region of Japan’s main island Honshū.

#### [5-G] Dengeki Playsation – Dengeki PlayStation (電撃PlayStation) is a Japanese gaming magazine published by ASCII Media Works (formerly MediaWorks).

#### [5-H] Marukatsu Super Famicon – It’s an old japanese serialization of magazine which deals with the content released for Famicon.

#### [5-I] Dengeki Online – Unlike the Dengeki magazine it’s more like an online version of the content published in the magazine. Including new featured game, and other news

#### [5-J] 4Gamer – 4Gamer is a coporate site managed by Aetas company to give people information and introduction to the computer games. The site was first published in Sept’2000

#### [5-K] GAME Watch – Game Watch too is a coporate site managed by Impress company to give people information and introduction to the computer games.

#### [5-L] Ore-teki Game Jouhou@JIN – Ore-teki Game Jouhou@JIN is one of the summary sites which deals with games, animes, and other related news and stuff.

#### [5-M] Hachima Kikou – Hachima Kikou is also one of the summary sites which deals with games, animes, and other related news and stuff.

#### [5-N] Gears of War – Gears of War is a 2006 military science fiction third-person shooter video game developed by Epic Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios.

#### [5-O] CERO – The Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (特定非営利活動法人コンピュータエンターテインメントレーティング機構 Tokutei Hieiri Katsudō Hōjin Konpyūta Entāteinmento Rētingu Kikō) (CERO) is a Japanese entertainment rating organization based in Tokyo that rates video game content in console games with levels of rating that informs the customer of the nature of the product and for what age group it is suitable.

#### [5-P] Z-Rated – Ages 18 and up only (18才以上のみ対象 Jūhassai ijō nomi taishō)

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### 008. EP.6 – First JGBC

## EP.6 – First JGBC

#### Part 1

Sunday.

Kishimine while swaying inside the train after a long time was hearing the odd in-car announcement.

“The Doors will close now. Next is—, Shinaga—. Shinaga—”

As he was always stayed inside his town, he rarely used the train. Its maybe because of that being the reason, he couldn’t get used to this in-car announcement of the train which was headed to the city.

He was headed for the Shinagawa for now, and from there he was plan on boarding the Yamanote Line [6-A] .

For Kishimine, Akihabara was an unknown place. But still he knew how much that city was famous. It’s a leading edge of the Japanese Sub-Culture, and has an uncountable number of Anime, Games and Manga shops in it. And, it’s also said to be a city that is profiting quite a lot after the distribution of the Culture promotion tickets. For the Gaming tournament which was organised every week, it was definitely an appropriate place as the venue.

Soon after that, even from the inside of the train the Akihabara started to appear. Its prosperity was quite obvious. As beautiful buildings that had big banners suspended one after another. And there were People, People, People everywhere. It was filled with humans just everywhere. For Kishimine who was bad with crowd, it was a scene that made him flinch a bit.

“Ah, that building, huh……?”

Quite fortunately he was able to identify the destination building even from the train. Akihabara was filled with tall buildings all around but, it was the building which was taller than all of ‘em.

Leaving the station, he faced in the direction he saw that building in and started walking towards it. However, after watching a certain sight, he automatically froze at the place.

‘I—it’s a Maid. There’s a real Maid here……’

He couldn’t help but getting surprised to that spectacle.

From News and Newspaper etc., he knew very well that Akihabara’s speciality is Maids. But, spectacle of Maids distributing the leaflets on the roadside everywhere really, felt unreal to him. But then, that didn’t draw that much interest of his. Maid dress and the girl cosplaying both were cute but, he was watching the exceptionally beautiful girls in the school uniform for quite some time in that school of his. Though if Tendou and Niitani was to wear Maid uniform such as those, then he won’t be able to remain calm at all.

“So this is Akihabara, huh……?”

Just what kind of game tournament it’s gonna be if it’s getting organised here? He couldn’t able to imagine it all the more.

Part 2

“This is bad…… I am almost late.”

Maybe it was because of the reason it took time to proceed in between this absurd number of people that, when he finally reached the building, he just barely arrived on time.

The meeting place was supposed to be outside of the building but, there were several number of people already outside of it. ‘Will I really be able to find Tendou-san and Sena-sensei in this crowd?’ –—like that Kishimine was worrying but, fortunately it ended up in vain.

“Why did you come in your casual clothes?”

Due to the sudden reprimanded comment from the Tendou.

As he turned his head into the direction of voice, Tendou and Sena-sensei were there. Due to some unknown reasons, Tendou was in the school uniform, and Sena-sensei too was in his usual white lab coat outfit. Perhaps I will be able to see the Tendou’s casual clothes figure—the expectations he held in secret was crushed in a second.

“I—I am sorry, was coming in the casuals was a bad choice?”

Despite getting happy of able to meet up with them, he apologized immediately.

“Obviously!! We’re gonna participate as a club here you know? So even if it’s outside of the school, you should’ve come in the school uniform.”

“Well isn’t it fine, Tendou-kun?” said Sena-sensei reprovingly. “As it’s also our fault for not telling him beforehand and in the first place weren’t you shopping just a while ago? If you’re gonna consider this as a part of our club activities then, dropping your way in just to do shopping is not something admirable as well you know?!”

In a moment, Tendou’s face blushed. While holding her arms, she huffed and averted her eyes.

“T—to do shopping with Culture Promotion tickets is an economical promotion approved by the country itself, so there is no problem with that!”

She raised another strange theory.

He couldn’t help and then guess on the sole possibility of her getting embarrassed like that. Quite expectedly, in this city which is the centre of Sub-Culture, she must’ve been buying games and other stuff.

“W—well for not telling you to come wearing the uniform in advance was certainly my miss. But in any case, make sure to be cautious next time.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

‘If it’s a part of club activities then wear school uniform. It was definitely something diligent like Tendou.’

It’s just he thought that it was quite troubling in itself.

There were quite a number of men in Akihabara. Of course there were figures of women as well but, in majority there were just men.

And what Tendou was wearing was the Ojou-sama school’s brand uniform. On top of it, Tendou was beautiful like an angel. And thus the result of the mixture of those 2 components,

‘We’re standing out! We’re standing out a lot you know?!’

From a while now, the passing by people, were taking glances at Tendou. And if it’s not for Sena-sensei who was giving of a weird aura from him while wearing the white robe besides her, then he was quite sure that she should’ve gotten hit-on.

‘Although, even if she were to wear casual clothes instead, then that would’ve in itself gathered more attention. If she get to involved into a guy or in a quarrel with someone because of a hit-on or something then, at that moment I should really protect her’— like that, he got busy piling up various delusions.

Quite surprising the, event hall was inside the building, and that too after using the escalator was on the 2 nd floor.

“Big……!”

That hall, which was using the entire one floor of the whole building, was wide enough to even play a game of baseball. There was a stage at the front of the event hall, and on top of it was a giant T.V. monitor, as they reached the inside of the hall they saw around 50 gaming consoles and T.V. here and there.

As they were entered the area just before the staring time, there were already quite a lot of participants gathered there. It’s just, as the game today was meant for the adults; the majority of them there were older men. And because of that the existence of Tendou who was wearing the clothes of an all-girls school was quite prominent.

“It sure is on an amazing scale. To think that this kind of tournament is organised in every nook and corner of the country……”

“Well, Akihabara enters in a unique class after all” Tendou said proudly, as if talking about herself. “Though if a tournament is organised on the scale of a small shop then, the participants are limited to few dozen, and cases like being organizing it with just 1 T.V. are also not that rare.”

“Heh……., as expected from the world famous Akihabara.”

“In any case, why don’t we just head to the Reception Desk for now?”— on the Sena-sensei proposal, they headed to the desk which was on the corner of the hall.

After following the long line, he bought something like a JGBC Member’s Card for 500円. It’s a card which had the ID No. and his Name in it. If he continued winning in the JGBC then, in this card, points will be added, and someday he with that he could also take part in the finals of the JGBC. It was kinda unexpected for him that he had to pay for it to get it but, as he told that it’s for the next whole year then it didn’t quite bothered him.

It’s just, aside from the Card fees, as he was even made to pay 500円 for the entrance fees for today’s tournament; he was feeling a bit little down.

“B—By any chance with each time participating in the tournament you’ll have to pay the fees?”

“There are times when it’s free as well but, most of the time Yes, they take money alright!! Well it can’t be helped is it? As the construction fees of the event and the equipment’s rental fees plus personnel expenses, nothing is cheap in this world! Also, isn’t 500円 cheap if you are allowed to play for the entire day with it?”

“Yes……”

Certainly it might be exactly the case but, as a normal high school student he was worried about his financial standings.

“Which reminds me, what’s your Participation Number?”

To the Tendou’s question, he looked at the Participation Badge which he got at the time when he was filling the form.

“Umm…… It’s 501.”

“Hmm, I am right on 500. What about Sena-sensei?”

“499. Hmm, with this we might be grouped separately from Kishimine-kun!”

“Eh? What do you mean by separately? Today we came for Individual tournament, right?”

“There are a lot of participant’s right? That’s why in these cases blocks are made like from 1-100 or 101-150 and then the battle between the blocks take place.”

“Heh……”

This means, that in both cases, he’ll have to battle in a completely different block than Tendou and Sena-sensei.

“W—will I really be alright? I mean like being alone like that……”

“Wh—at, It’s because it’s individual tournament, isn’t it in fact better that we will be able to play without having to fight with each other?!”

“Well now that you mention it, it sure is.”

“At any rate, it’s fine even if you were to lose today, rather just think of it as having a good experience!”

“I won’t ask for you to lose beforehand but……well, it will be a good chance for you to get used to the atmosphere. Well then, as it’s almost time. Let’s head towards the hall.”

Finishing their talk the three of them together then head towards the stage. Due to quite a crowd it wasn’t quite visible from behind but, still the enthusiasm was transmitted even to the back.

“Sorry for making you wait everyone.”

From the speaker, the sound of a cute girl suddenly started to come. And simultaneously, the hall which was noisy a while ago suddenly became quiet.

“The 87 th JGBC Akihabara tournament! Will now commence!!”

The hall then wrapped around with the cheers.

Those cheers were just like the shouts of the 1000 men together, it was only for a second but, the air itself trembled.

And from that moment, Kishimine started to feel his heartbeat getting faster from each passing time.

‘It’s finally starting.’

The JGBC which is said to be the ruthless battle of more than a million gamers. Even though it’s just for testing his skill with them, he will finally take his first step and will start from here on.

It was not that much, but he couldn’t able to remain calm.

On the surroundings, as if not able control their excitement, the large amounts of participants while cheering started heading towards the stage. And due to some unknown reason in between them Sena-sensei was also included, with while putting his hands around his mouth was shouting something from the middle.

However, nothing reached to the ears of Kishimine. As if something weird happened to his ears, he couldn’t hear anything but just a [Kin] vibration like sound.

Kishimine never had any experience with competing with someone beforehand. And because of that he lost completely to the fighting spirit of all the participants in the surrounding.

Plus, thinking that if he didn’t achieve splendid result here then, how much disappointment will he cause to Tendou and Sena-sensei who expected that much from him.

His thoughts on his own started to flow negatively. Maybe it’s because of that, the lack of harmony in his body started to get stronger. His heartbeat pulsated even fast, and even his hands strangely started to shake a little. Even though it was supposed to be not that hot or cold, strangely his whole body started to release cold sweat.

“Haa…….Haa…….”

Getting worse he slowly started to even having trouble in breathing. And even his vision started to hazily get wrapped in black, to an extent that he even forgot where he was actually standing at the moment.

“Calm down, Kishimine-kun”

There, at that moment. Someone placed the small hand on his shoulder.

As he turned his head, the usual composed and dignified Tendou’s face was there.

“It might be all in haste but you diligently practiced. And we all recognized those skills of yours. The rest left is to do what you can do.”

Maybe it was to give him a piece of mind, her face was unusually gentle. As he saw that beautiful face of hers, the lack of harmony in his body just a while ago unbelievably vanished somewhere.

“Y—Yes. I am sorry.”

‘I am just keep getting relied on her haven’t I?’, he almost laughed bitterly.

There was that situation with Kishimine as well.

But at that moment somewhat of an uproar was occurring on the corners of the even hall as well, which obviously he failed to notice.

Part 3

On the corner of the event hall there was a single young man.

He was tall, somewhere around 180cm and his figure too was quite proportioned like a model.

He was a centre of gaze of all the people who were around in his surroundings.

Even though it’s already spring, yet he was wearing a full black coat with sunglasses, that fashion was something like which can cause everyone to laugh if he had to take one step wrong, and certainly being that the reason he was getting a lot of attention.

But that was not all of it. The attention was not at all because of his attire but because of his peculiar atmosphere as well.

The surrounding participants of JGBC were, either nervous, or getting overly excited, and while holding these complex expressions were looking forward their match.

But in all of them, he alone was calm and composed. Infact you could say that he was overly composed. It’s as if he was already confident about the result of today’s tournament matches.

“Oi, that guy…… haven’t you seen him somewhere before?”

“That’s right, that Black Coat! If I remember it correct, was of The First Gen-Champion……right?”

The surroundings stir, all the more entered into the ears.

“It’s sure been a while, this atmosphere too……”

The young man said to himself while correcting his sunglasses.

The thing which was coming at him was either respect, or plain hostility. But as it was him who stood on top of the 1 million gamers, he held quite an experience with this kind of atmosphere.

“U—Umm……!”

Like that at that moment. Maybe from one of the participants, a girl approached him.

“Are you perhaps, < > -san!?”

“Aah. It’s really been a while getting called with that name.”

A bright smile appeared suddenly on the girl.

“I was a huge fan of yours! If possible can I shake hands with you?”

“It would be my pleasure”

As he grabbed the hand which was stretched towards him, in an instant her face became flushed red.

“I am deeply moved to be able to meet you at a place like this! I’ve heard about the rumours of you retiring but……”

“Who knows…… Even I myself am puzzled on what to do or not but, for the time being this year too for once more I wanted to taste this atmosphere.”

“Please do your best! I’ll be rooting for you!”

“Thank You. You too”

As that young man smiled, he left that place calmly.

But maybe it’s because he dealt someone from the participants, the other gamers from the surroundings couldn’t able to ignore him anymore.

And threw questions one after another at him like, haven’t you retired already? Why have you decided to participate today of all times? Get away from my sight you bastard, and so on.

“I am sorry but, as the tournament has already started. In order to not bother the other participants, I’ll excuse myself.”

After saying that he passed through the crowd with the quick pace looking for a corner of the hall which still had a lot less people.

And quite luckily, there were no one who intended to talk with him after going as far as to pursue him. And that too was quite obvious, as they too were waiting for their own matches, and they don’t had any spare time to be wasting it on someone else.

“Wait a second there!”

However, there was someone there who approached him for some reason.

Moreover, that was a voice that young man was quite acquainted to. As he involuntarily turned back, he saw a little girl glaring at him while her arms folded up.

“Oh? That sure surprised me!”

“What? Are you saying that it’s strange for me to come here?”

Somewhat stinging, and a voice which held a strong sprit of rivalry came back at him.

However, the voice itself was very childish, and the owner of that voice too was yet small.

The height was that to make her look like an elementary school student, the hands and legs were also small like a small animal. However, due to her small height it didn’t stood out that much but, the area around her breast alone was extraordinary big. Her look was delicate and cute just like some western doll but, from her big eyes, her naturally strong wiliness can be felt. Plus, maybe as she had a blood of a foreigner in her, her hair was beautiful golden coloured and her skin too was surprisingly white. If it’s not for that strong-willed impression of hers, she must’ve surely looked like a doll.

There were large amount of men in the tournament, and again in this special land of Akihabara, there sure were several of men to whom she was the perfect type but, there was no mistaking it that there would’ve been no one who dared to even approach her.

It’s because the little girl had quite a shark looking eyes, plus it looked a little unpleasant just by looking at them. She sure had an appearance of an Elementary schooler but, she had a calm intensity in her, which even allowed herself to even calmly approach an adult man without any hesitation.

However, < > knew that she, who looked nothing more like an elementary school kid was, in real 17 years old girl.

“I too myself didn’t thought that I will be able to meet you at a place like this, < > ”

“What a coincidence indeed, Gondawara Shigeo.”

“…………”

Then a sudden silence fell between those two.

Staying like that for a little time, the one who pulled a wry face was the < > a.k.a Gondawara Shigeo.

“……I told you to not call me with that name right? My name is < > , nothing more and nothing less than that.”

“You’re were the one who called me with that weird name first didn’t you?! In the first place, you’re already retired right?! So just how long do you plan on calling yourself with that name like a brat?!”

“Well isn’t it fine being called as < > like that, plus it’s also cool name right? Though I think that < > fit’s quite a lot on you as well.”

“It’s none of your business!”

“Good grief……”

Gondawara took a deep sigh. He acknowledged her skills. As she too was a comrade, you left half of her into that world.

‘Even though it’s like that then why we, who voluntarily chose to live inside games, are bound with the real world’s names. I don’t get it at all’, he confusingly asked himself.

“Well fine, In any case let’s be happy that we got to see each other at a place like this. And aside IRL, it’s been around 2 years since we’ve met …… right? Although, your appearance hasn’t change since tha——Gufuu”

The reason for such a strange sound to come out was because he was hit mercilessly by her in the stomach.

“Did you perhaps say something? In 2 years I’ve also grown, it was something like that right?”

“E—exactly, my bad”

He remembered that she had a complex about her height. ‘The thing which only changed in these 2 years is just, the size of her breasts’—if he said something like that to her, then joking aside, he’ll be found sinking in the Tokyo bay after a few minutes.

“Even so, when did you come to Japan? It’s again due to a trip or something?”

“Around 2 months ago I guess. And this it’s due to parental circumstances. It suddenly got decided that I’ll be staying in Japan for a while.”

“I see. I don’t plan on listening the complicated reasons but, I personally feel happy that it has become like this. But, huh? Wait a second, if I remember it correct wasn’t today’s GearWar was restricted to only 18 years old?”

The little girl sharply looked at Gondawara.

“Yes that’s right! Even though I even went as far to bring my controller together with me to see the skill of Japanese gamers but still, to think that I was made to stop at the reception desk like that. Really, what is going on in Japan?! Even though it was alright for me to play this game in America!”

“I see, if I remember it right, its R17 there right? Well it can’t be helped then, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, they do say that right?!”

“Ha…… I didn’t think twice that I will be end up anxiously waiting for my birthday like that. Well in any case, as the situation has become like this, I will allow myself to spectate your play to my heart’s content. Cause if it’s not for that at least, then my coming all the way to here will end up in a vain.”

“I see. If too are gonna end up as a spectator then, I think that I will also put somewhat of an effort in it.”

It was at that moment.

“Participant Number 535! Please gather at the 8 th Block! The first qualifiers are going to start soon!”

< > looked at the badge on his hand; the number written on it was 535.

“Oh my, it looks like it’s suddenly my turn.”

“Thank goodness then, cause waiting any more than this gonna kill me from boredom. Okay then get moving quickly then.”

“Very well then. It’s the duty of the First-Gen Champion to excite the gallery after all. Though to be honest, I wanted to take part in a pair with you, cause if it’s the pair of Magician and Pixie, then the compatibility would be extraordinary don’t you think?”

“Go ahead and lose horribly for all I care, Cause I refuse on the idea of forming a team with you.”

“Oh my……it looks like Pixie is not in a good mood today.”

“I always think this but, you sure can say such embarrassing words openly like that don’t you?”

“Of course I can’t, that’s why I am always hiding my face with these sunglasses.”

“…………”

The little girl couldn’t able to say anything after that.

At that moment Kishimine and others too were, waiting for their turn in one of the corner of the halls.

“I wonder what’s happening…… as It’s quite noisy there.”

“Ah that? It seems like < > is here today.”

To the Tendou’s nonchalant reply, so many Tsukkomi’s could’ve made.

“Eh? W—who was it again?”

“I see, you don’t know him, huh? < > you see, is the JGBC’s Individual tournament’s First-Gen Champion.”

“……I see.”

‘If he is called champion then he must be strong. I see, I can sure understand the reason of getting so noisy there all of a sudden. But, what’s with that term of Night Magician?’ he couldn’t help but getting curious about it.

“I see. So he is here huh……?”

Quite unexpectedly, Sena-sensei muttered in somewhat of a serious way.

“Sensei, do you know him?”

“? Aah, well somewhat. In any case, he’s a champion who left quite a lot of legends. And truly not shaming that name of his with his overwhelming skills destroyed countless number of the players in the tournaments.”

“Heh……. Then I sure don’t want to fight someone like him in my block right of the bat. But still, “Night Magician” is quite a terrible name isn’t it……? And don’t you think it’s a little embarrassing as well?”

However to his question, the both of them didn’t approved even a bit.

“What the hell are saying? Rather if you are a gamer then you should have a second name like that. As there is no particular need to be tied up with your real name even in the world of games.”

“In short, it’s fine as long as you’re not beaten by someone who has a second name! It’s alright as it’s a practice match for now but, if we’re going to genuinely take part at the Team battle’s then, you should come up with some sort of a new name for yourself as well!”

“Eeeehhhh…….”

On a thing one should be shocked on, it’s like he was the strange one for thinking like that. It looks like in the JGBC industry there is this kind of custom.

Then, at that moment, from a little distance he heard the voice of the officials.

“The Person with Number 501 is here!? If yet, then please gather at the 8 th block here! The first qualifiers are going to start soon—!”

“501……? Ah, it’s me!”

He felt that his heart froze at that moment.

“Go now!”

The one, who pushed his back from behind when he was faltering, was as expected Tendou.

“You can’t chicken out coming all the way to here you know?! Just don’t think something like; it’s just a practice session today. And just give your best”

“Y—Yes! I don’t know how far I can make but, I will try my best!”

He then headed towards the officials with the quick pace.

As it seemed that he was the last one to arrive, he while apologizing with a small voice stood in front of the 4 th machine slot which was empty. Because of the division in middle it was not that visible but, similarly on the other side too there should be four participants lined up in front of the machine.

“Well then as all the 8 participants have finally gathered, we’ll start the first qualifiers of the 8 th block. Everyone please finish doing the settings change from the option configuration.”

‘I—it’s finally the moment.’

Maybe it’s because of the nervousness, his heart started to beat fast again but, after remembering the words of Tendou from before, he somehow managed to calm down himself.

“The Game mode is something named “War Zone”. It’s one of the most popular game modes from the Multi-Player of the game”—was the Sena-sensei’s explanation.

The setting was that the teams will be divided into the 2 teams of humans and Locusts and will fight with each other in the 4 vs 4 stage, and will aim for the total destruction of the enemy team. And that too will be divided into the rounds of 5.

He was feeling a little weird playing the Team Death match in the individual tournaments but, in this case, the team’s win is not that relevant. But whoever kills the most people wins the round. In short Kill score will decide everything and the one to hold the most of the kills at the end will decide the winner.

The participants who were left and right of him are just temporary in the team. So he just didn’t want to do something weird, and pull them down.

“Well then, Please start!”

With the official’s voice, finally the 1 st round began.

Finally he took his first step in JGBC; he no longer had any spare time to be worrying. Kishimine took a deep breath, and then looked at the screen.

Stage of the battle was, “The Broken Mansion”. Although it’s called that, one can even get outside in the courtyard, so it seems it was both indoor and outdoor battle.

“A—Alright”

Maybe it’s the name used in this game, he moved his character which was displayed as “PC1”.

The allies named “PC2”, “PC3” and “PC4” were already started moving. While continuously dashing and rolling, they were continuing in the shadows of the shelter and moving with the flow.

Undauntedly Kishimine also proceeded. It’s because of him that it would be wise to stay with his team with as many numbers as possible as it’s the Team battle tournament.

Eventually, sporadic sounds of the gunshot started. That was because they encountered one of the Locust who was in the small garden right outside of the mansion.

The nervousness started to run in his hands.

‘It’s alright, didn’t I am told so many times before that I have a good talent in this?’

The controls are already remembered by his body, what else necessary was the self-confidence of him getting assured of his talents.

Suddenly, at that moment.

From the shades of the wall, one of the Locust from the enemy team suddenly jumped in.

He just jumped in alone in front of four people. From the looks of it he looked like a prey. And Kishimine and others human team, as if prearranged from before simultaneously sent a rain of bullets at him.

“Eh?”

But the result was something no one imagined.

Instead of the enemy one of the allies got burst down and scattered.

The Locusts which came suddenly like that, with swiftness which can’t even be followed with the eyes rolled forward and sideways while doing precise actions avoided the countless number of bullets that approached him— and then shot one of his allies at the point blank range. And for that too he must’ve used the Shotgun.

“S—strong!”

One of the ally who was near him then suddenly screamed.

“F—Fuck!”

Kishimine and the others as if covered in the fear started to shoot at him.

However, that lone enemy Locust, as If using some kind of magic or something moved swiftly and evaded all of the gunshots fired at him, and even counterattacked with his shotgun.

And one after another,

Before he could even realise, everyone except him was blown to nothing and now what remained was their dead bodies alone.

“U—uwaaaaah!?”

Involuntarily he screamed in a loud voice.

‘Strong. This person is absurdly strong. He’s not someone to whom I can match at all.’

Kishimine, for the time being decided to run away, gave the character the command to retreat. And for the time being, decided to hide behind the back of one of the shelter. He was thinking of the opponent to come at him while hiding there.

But—it ended up being as an insignificant act after all.

As if knowing beforehand that he will take refuge there.

A Locust while holding the shotgun was already there waiting for him.

Immediate following.

The “PC1” which was controlled by Kishimine, scattered and dispersed.

And like that < > a.k.a Gondawara even after finishing the 1 st Round that easily, didn’t stopped his overwhelming force, even in the 2 nd Round. The character “PC5” which he controlled without any wait jumped again into the middle of the enemy out of nowhere, and continued to turn the humans into the lump of meat with his shotgun fire from the point blank range.

And shortly after that, a message displayed of the closing of 2 nd Round.

“Hmm, those moves, they are beginners alright……I wonder if I should go easy on them a little?”

At around that time, the Gondawara already started showing sympathy because of the weakness of enemy team.

For the beginners, to grant a chance for practice. That was the style of the gamer that succeeded the golden age of hand to combat games.

“No, that sure was stupid of me. It maybe be possible while playing games in Game Centre but isn’t it’s called manners to crush the opponent with what you’ve got in JGBC?”

Regretting like that he corrected his sunglasses.

Maybe it’s because someone saw him talking to himself like that, he finally noticed that one of the participants sitting in the machine next to him was looking at him quite startled.

However, that could be said the discipline of that level of his. In any kind of situation, if he got bothered by the actions of the some unknown person, then he wouldn’t be standing at the summit right now.

While that was happening, the third round too ended easily like that.

At that moment, “PC5” which was controlled by Gondawara was at the top with 11 Kill Score. On the other hand he had 0 deaths. If one to imagine that he killed 4 enemies in every round, then it was almost a perfect game for him. Though his allies got killed many times but that too was none of his business at all.

“Good grief. With this I might end up disappointing the < >. ”

‘If it continues to be overwhelming like this, then I won’t be able to excite the gallery at all won’t I? Even if only enemy team had someone like a < > in it then, then it would’ve gotten a little more interesting though……’

And eventually the 4 th Round started.

He didn’t know what kind of expressions the opposing team that was sitting on the other side were making but, he could tell that their fighting spirit from earlier had already vanquished. As that could be clearly be told from their battle style. Their control and moves was all over the place.

It’s a thing which was quite common in players who gets defeated. Considering the given situation, the 2 nd round was much better where they were thoughtlessly charging like fools and firing relentlessly without any coordination at all. Right now they completely admitting their defeat, were just wanted to get this over with as fast as possible. Particularly it’s because him being there, there were quite a people spectating the qualifiers. So the players too were not disgracing themselves because they feel like it.

So there as to show his benevolence towards them, Gondowara killed those 3 humans.

But, he just couldn’t find the last person at all, which stated that he was hiding inside of the mansion.

“So there still existed someone who didn’t lose his fighting spirit?”

Preparing for an ambush inside the mansion was definitely a good tactic. But, in the end it was just a meaningless struggle. As with just that kind of clever thinking one can’t beat the champion.

Gondawara, started to run around the inside of the mansion without even using meaningless action and with smooth movements. Those moves were so perfect and continuous that could one think that it won’t be possible for even the Special squad of the SWAT to perform them in real, he continuously, performing those Cover Action skills, quickly started to clear the building filled with obstacles.

“I—It will be fine here!”

There was a U-shaped narrow passage inside the mansion. Kishimine was hiding in the nook there and was waiting for the enemy to come at him.

It not a total dead end but, here he can mostly tell the direction from where the enemy will come from and as the place itself was quite distant from the enemy, he can evade safely as well. He thought that even a novice like will have an upper edge if he ambushed him here.

However, there was another completely different problem that was bugging Kishimine. Just waiting for an enemy who is so formidable and not knowing when he will come, was much more stressful than he imagined it to be.

Both of his hands which were holding the controller and the index finger which was on “RT” button were shivering. That was maybe just because of the fatigue or could be because of plain fear as well.

Because the one he is facing right now is a formidable enemy who has such overwhelming skills. So no matter how had hard he planned his ambush, just a little amount of negligence will result into a quick death.

‘I can now quite understand the feelings of the characters from a zombie movie……!’

It was at that moment.

Finally from the shades of the passage, enemy showed up. That ugly looking Locust was truly like an enemy appearing in Zombie Movies.

“Kuu!”

Without a moment delay he pulled the trigger. The assault rifle’s bullet which he aimed was, without any mistake pierced the enemy.

Just as planned, his pre-emptive attack worked. But, the enemy immediately after getting hit, retreated to the nearby shelter.

“Damn it……!”

He was regretting the fact that he should’ve waited and pulled him more towards him before attacking but, it was already too late to be frustrated about that.

At any rate, it was certain that he did damaged him. And there’s no mistaking it that at this time, on the screen of enemy, the red skull which forecasted the death would be projecting.

But there Kishimine got puzzled on he should proceed now. It’s a place where he should pursue him and deal the final blow to him but if he leaves the shade of shelter and approach badly, then there is a high chance that their positions will be reversed. ‘So at this moment wouldn’t it be right to wait?’

Or possibly——as the enemy already knows his position. So leaving from here and waiting for an ambush at somewhere else might also be considered a right choice.

From these 3 choices, as Kishimine still didn’t had that much of an experience as a gamer, he was brooding on which one should he choose. And thus, that indecisiveness of his turned lethal against him.

From the shelter in which the enemy hid himself, something came flying at him.

After hitting the walls several times, what finally landed infront of Kishimine was,

“A G—grenade!?”

He tried to evade it by running in the opposite direction of the passage, but it was already too late.

Grenade exploded. Though somehow he managed to survive the instant death but still having said that, there was no doubt that with all those damage the his screen was occupied by the crimson skull.

And thus not missing the chance, the enemy also appeared. And this time without any hesitation he thrust in with a dash.

“Kuu!”

Panickly he pulled the trigger of his assault rifle. Maybe it was lucky of him to be in this small passage that, the bullet’s the enemy shot was blocked by shelter and the bullet’s he shot at him one by one penetrated his body.

But, that was not enough to bring him down. The enemy while taking continuous damage filled the gap quickly, and took out his favorite weapon—which was the Shotgun.

And pointed that gun at Kishimine, and the right at the moment the enemy pulled that trigger of his Shotgun, Kishimine felt as if everything he knew turned into slow motion.

The character named “PC1” which was controlled by Kishimine, who just took a live Grenade, didn’t had enough life force left in him to bear that one hit of the Shotgun. And thus once again he turned into a lump of meat.

“S—Something like……”

Only a moan was able to come out of him.

The enemy was overwhelming. And it’s was an overwhelming defeat.

In the 4 th round too, he completely lost. The human team in which Kishimine was got toyed with just one enemy named “PC5”and continued to get killed.

“You say that this is the level of JGBC……?”

The computerized enemy are not even close to a comparison. Even though they were playing the same game in the same circumstances, the difference in competency is just too overwhelming.

His heart got filled with frustration and embarrassment.

‘I have the talent for games. Tendou and Sena-sensei said that. For me they even participated in the tournament, and even went as far to help me with the practice of GearWar.’

‘Even though they did much for me, just what’s with this sorry state of mine? Without even killing a single enemy, continuing to get humiliated like that and in the end getting killed like a dog.’

‘I just want to land one perfect blow to him.

Kishimine while biting his lips to a degree that blood rushed in it, tightened his grip on the controller.

“If only I had a stronger weapon……”

Even just a while ago too, he was able to deal somewhat of damage to the enemy. However, he now knew very well that with Assault rifle it’s just impossible to defeat his enemy. That’s why he desired the weapon with higher firepower. For example, something like a Shotgun which most of the players from the both team were using. He very well knew that in this stage there are various types of weapons and grenades lying here and there but, he didn’t knew the location of shotgun. As long as he get his hand on that, he might just be able to put-up a good fight with him.

And like that, the last 5 th Round started.

Kishimine while taking a side glance at his 3 allies, who charged without thinking of the consequences, ran inside the mansion to search for a new weapon.

But soon after that both allies and enemies death notification appeared on his screen one after another. It looked like, his 3 allies in this final round to be able to give a final blow, killed their enemies one after another. And like that “PC6”, “PC7” and “PC8” died.

However—there was no sign of enemy of “PC5” going down. Quite on the contrary, his allies one after another got killed by him.

Before he could even realise, the one surviving in the human team was just Kishimine’s “PC1” alone.

But still, his search for the new weapon while sacrificing his allies as a scapegoat paid off.

“T—that’s it!”

It was quite regretting but he couldn’t able to find a Shotgun. However, he successfully found a weapon, which was by far, stronger than the normal Assault rifle.

< > who already slaughtered the 3 of the enemies, was now searching for the remaining one.

“The one left is again “PC1” huh? Let’s see, did he again hid inside the mansion again or something?”

Even while thinking that it’s tedious, he continued his search for him.

But suddenly at that moment.

“Oh!?”

A single Gunshot resounded in the air, and at the same time the deep crimson skull appeared on the player screen.

He just received a very powerful attack. Getting panicked from the sudden turn of events he hid himself behind the near shelter.

“Sniper, huh?!”

He just received that much damage with just a single hit. He can’t even think of getting more hit than this.

Sniper Rifle. In the GearWar it has an official name of Long Shot Rifle. It held so much powerful that as long it’s a headshot, it can kill a person with just hit.

“Even so, to think that he would be able to snipe someone like me.”

FPS [6-B] , refers to the lose F ocus, take a P erfect blow and then S wiftly die. But to be accurate, GearWar was not a FPS, but TPS [6-C] game. But though it was like that, the difference was not that big. And Gondawara too was without losing his focus and guard, was always moving swiftly from one shelter to another. To be able to shoot someone like him like that clearly displayed that the enemy was quite skilled. He was thinking that ‘the enemy “PC1” was just a beginner but, to think that he had that kind of sniping ability.’

“Fine by me. Let’s see what you can do then.”

While waiting for the characters stamina to restore, he corrected his glasses.

And fortunately enough, with the shot from earlier he almost pinpointed the enemy’s location as well. ‘He is lying in wait from somewhere in the garden.’ As long he knows that then there were just countless ways to deal with that.

Kishimine was desperately looking through the Scope of his Sniper Rifle.

“What’ll you do……? Just from where you will look next?”

He continued to glare at the shelter where “PC5” just hid himself without blinking.

And he somehow was able to get used to deal with Sniper Rifle he just held in his hand for the first time as well.

It was a weapon which required reloading with each time after shooting a bullet but, because of the high magnified Scope, it was quite a one-sided weapon in a long distance battle.

“Go on, show yourself……!”

He continued to look through the scope. If the enemy just even tried to peek then, he will win the next moment by firing on that part. He even felt breathing a troublesome thing at this moment.

However, the enemy didn’t show himself at all.

Instead, from the rear of the shelter something got tossed up in the air.

“A—another one?!”

He didn’t able to understand the intentions of the enemy. Cause even if he throws grenade from such distance, it wouldn’t effect Kishimine at all because of such high distance.

But, that grenade didn’t exploded. On the contrary, started to release a smoke of cloud from it.

“W—what the hell!?”

He sensed the intentions of the enemy.

It was not to deal damage on him, but it was to steal his field of vision.

“Kuu!”

Immediately he lost the sight of the enemy. The advantage he had just a while ago, just vanished into thin air.

“W—what should I do!? What exactly should I do……?!”

The “PC5” which Gondawara was controlling, with all his might move inside the mansion.

When facing a Sniper one on one, there are basically 2 ways to deal with him.

Either take a long detour and then stab from the sides, or by throwing the smoke grenade charge in through the smoke screen.

But, in the battlefield being tied up with the foundation and basics, conversely leads to a quick death thus constantly adapting to the various situation to deal with the enemy. That was the most plausible way he had in his mind.

After experiencing all these fights, he couldn’t think of “PC1” getting used to this game that much. Nevertheless that high class sniping earlier was bothering him but, those fighting tactics were clearly those of a novice.

Therefore, at this moment Gondawara, stole his field of vision by throwing the smoke grenade at where his possible location was. And on the other hand, he himself was inside the mansion to pincer attack at the enemy from the sides.

In short, that smoke grenade was just a decoy. That’s why he was sure, that about this time, the “PC1” was eagerly waiting for him to come outside of the smoke cloud. ‘However, that is so meaningless of him. Because before he could even realise he will die from my attack, right beside of him’, he thought.

About now the only problem remained was how to finish him off. Cause it will be too unartistic if he finished him off with the Shotgun by getting closer at him. He wanted end this in an as much artistic way he can to please the audience on this final stage of the round.

But, at the moment, he jumped from the Mansion’s hall to the passage, something he didn’t even think of happened.

While holding the Long Shot rifle “PC1” was already waiting for him there.

“W—Whatttt!!??”

Before even getting shocked he moved his fingers. He jumped sideways. Those instant reflexes are what’s the real strength of < > was .

And just by a hair breadth, the place he was standing a while ago got pierced by the Long Shot Rifle’s bullet.

“I missed!?”

Kishimine regretted bitterly.

Just a while ago, when “PC5” threw the smoke grenade. Kishimine, disagreed with the idea of waiting still there. It’s because he chose that kind of way of fighting in the 4th round, that he got defeated such miserably after eating that grenade in that such cramped place.

Therefore, this time he decided to be aggressive this time. He didn’t knew exactly how enemy will move. But, it will be fine as long as he just forestall him. He came to a conclusion.

And just like that as his judgement hit the mark half right, he encountered with the enemy who was taking a detour. And like that Kishimine got the head starter, as he was quite prepared for it.

But, the certain death shot which was aimed at the enemy, got evaded by the hair breath margin which was enough to make Kishimine gasp at the monstrosity and the abilities of the enemy.

“Now that if it has come to this!”

Kishimine hurriedly active reloaded the next shot. It was an encounter in the inside of the mansion; therefore it was not a distance which was advantageous to the Sniper Rifle. He wanted to put the distance by moving away for now but, the enemy was someone who wouldn’t allow him to do that easily like that.

Therefore Kishimine, instead of running, on the contrary, charged in. He was very sure that the Sniper rifle too had high firepower like that of the Shotgun. That’s why he judged that as long as he hit something he will somehow able to have an upper edge.

At this moment, he didn’t realised but his consciousness was already inside the game. Just like when he reads the book, he became the character in the game itself.

Gondawara, struck with admiration when “PC1” started to charge in without changing his stance.

“He’s trying to do an assault snipe?!”

Assaulting sniper in other words an assault sniper. Just as the name says, refers to the sniper who uses the gun an assault rifle to charge in.

However, that’s not some mid-grade level skill. Unlike shotgun, sniper rifle uses the hip shot action, and where there is an absolute need for a person hold it properly shooting. To be able to perform that in the close combat, one needs to have an ability to move the gun like his own limbs.

“Very well then, that’s what I was hoping for anyways.”

Gondawara held his Shotgun, and he himself progressed as well.

And then in the hall which was inside the mansion, a tremendous battle started.

The first one to fire was the enemy. However as if anticipating that, Gondawara jumped left, and while correcting his posture shot with his own Shotgun.

The released countless number of shots from the shotgun, somewhat hit the enemy but, the damage was far from being fatal. In a flash he tried firing another shot but, the enemy escaped the point and jumped sideways. And while correcting his posture, pointed the Long Shot Rifle at him.

He couldn’t evade that. Quite unbelievably, in this battle, at this close range, the enemy hit him with the Long Shot Rifle. Though he somehow able to avoid a headshot, but still on the screen the crimson skull appeared.

“Tch!”

Reluctantly, Gondawara retreated, and hid himself behind the pillar. There were no signs of pursuit. Maybe the enemy too was restoring himself from the damage he took from the shotgun’s hit, he presumed.

“Now were talking.”

He started to release cold sweat. Long Shot Rifle, even if it hits something aside than head it won’t result in an instant death. But, if gets successful in the Perfect Active Reload action then, for several seconds the offensive ability will raise, and it can make someone down as long as it hit something other than legs. The player, who is down, will collapse at that place and will just have to wait for someone’s assist, and after a certain amount of time, will just die without even landing a final blow. If “PC1” would’ve been successful in doing a Perfect Active reload earlier then, he would’ve lost just now.

Even so, the “PC1” who was slow-witted till the 4 th round is moving unbelievably now. To an extent that could make people think that the player has switched places with someone or something.

“But……I too am a champion you see!”

“PC5” once again jumped from the behind of the pillar.

Reflexively Kishimine prepared his Sniper Rifle, and tried to shoot. He himself was not aware of it but, his aiming was fast enough to make even the people watching in the gallery open their eyes wide.

“Kuu!”

However, as if “PC5” was anticipating it, jumped to the right and in return shoot at him.

And thus in the moment when Kishimine started reloading the next bullet, “PC5” switched to the offense.

And this time it was Kishimine’s turn to retreat. Jumping quickly from left to right continuously, he slip passed the rain of bullets. And when finally done reloading, seize the enemy in his field of vision, and pulled the trigger.

But that was again evaded. And thus again the offense and defence got switched. By doing continuous roll he evaded the shots, and once done reloading will move to offense once again.

From one perspective that scene may appear as a dance. Both of the opponents as if making a circle were rolling on the ground and, were shooting each other when gets the chance, and once again moving to evade the next shot. Fire, Evade, Move and then Fire. It’s because those moves of the both were prevailing and excellent that it looked like they were performing a Death Dance.

But, to every battle there is an end to it.

And the first one to fall in the disadvantage was “PC5”.

He changed his weapon to that of an Assault Rifle. From the looks of it, he ran out of the ammo’s of Shotgun.

“Now!”

Kishimine preparing himself to eat the bullets, stood up.

And thus immediately got shot. But, Kishimine himself knew very well how much firepower those shots had.

Without caring about his field of vision getting red, Kishimine after aiming a lot released a certain kill shot.

And quite frighteningly, that shot too was evaded by the “PC5” by jumping. Those movements were quick enough to make one think that he read the future or something just now.

And simultaneously prepared his Assault Rifle. Instantly Kishimine prepared for his death but, due to the effect of his evasive manoeuvres, or maybe because of his posture got destroyed from all these shots, “PC5” somewhat missed. Furthermore, as his ammo in the magazine ran out, he started to reload.

“! Chance!!”

With this he can still shoot an another shot.

Without a moments delay, Kishimine started to reload his gun. ‘As I shot before him, the reload will end much faster than him. And then this time for sure, I will be able to give the final blow to him——.’

He was thinking like that for a second but—maybe it’s because he relaxed himself like that, it became the loss for Kishimine.

The Game called Gears of War was made real to an infinite degree. One of the systems that symbolises that, is Active Reload. As the skilful soldier’s reload time is faster than that of the new recruit. If the player pressed the reload button with perfect timing then, the reload time could be decreased significantly. That’s Active Reload.

However, if the player missed the timing completely and then pushed it. As a penalty, the amount needed to reload will conversely increase to a great extent.

“Wh—!? It’s jammed!?”

Sniper Rifles, ejecting tube got jammed.

Panickingly by hitting the gun barrel, he was somehow able to fix it to normal.

But, the enemy was not such a nice person who will wait for him to do anything other than that.

‘It was quite a battle you know——.’

He thought he heard someone voice saying that.

And thus, the shot from Assault rifle resounded, and the “PC1”’s body dyed red.

“Well, that will do for now”

< > put down his controller.

And at the same time, official raised his voice.

“Match concluded! The one at the top is Participant No. 535, with maximum kills of 19! Congratulations!”

“Aah, Thank you!”

19 Kills. In opposite to that, his Death Count was Zero. It was the result which can be concluded as a Perfect Game by anyone. It’s maybe because of that, there was a large amount of cheers coming from the surrounded gallery.

However, on the opposite of those results, Gondawara was not smiling. It’s because the last round was close and harder than he expected it to be. Maybe the hotness he was feeling right now, was due to him becoming involuntarily enthusiastic in that round.

“Even so, it sure is strange.”

‘That challenger—“PC1”, wasn’t he moving like an amateur till the 4 th round? And yet, after starting of the 5 th round, why he start moving like a completely different person?’

There was one another question. It was why he was fixated on using the sniper rifle till the bitter end like that. He was that much skilled in aiming. On the point when it turned into close ranged combat if he switched to the Shotgun then, then the result of the final round would’ve been reversed.

‘No wait a second, by any chance——’

He remembered about the miss he committed when he first started playing the Multiplayer of this game.

To use the Shotgun that everyone was using, he searched all around the map but, he just couldn’t able to find it at all.

And that was quite obvious of a mistake as well. It’s because Shotgun was from the Initial stages of the game is inside every players inventory. If he checked his inventory quite carefully then he could’ve easily switched with that anytime.

‘Don’t tell me, he didn’t knew about that?’

If he thinks like that then the enemy’s irrational movements too made sense.

In addition to it, it’s just April, and this years JGBC has just started. Those movements from the 1 st Round till 4 th Round too, could be explained that as he was the newbie he didn’t knew what to do and that’s why was perplexed on what to do.

However, that conjecture itself consequently was quite frightening.

What needed the most as a Gamer is, practice and knowledge. If “PC1” was really a newbie and, was not that accustomed to the game then when the next time he returns with more practice and knowledge then,

‘Next time to loser might be me.’

Involuntarily, he tried moving to the opposite side of the machine, it’s because he wanted to see how “PC1” looked like. But, the crowd was in the way, plus putting the salt on the wound was not something < > liked so he quit that vain effort of his.

“You sure had a hard time in the end didn’t you? That too against such a terrible Assault Sniper.”

Said the < > who appeared out of nowhere near him.

“I will not give any excuses, but it’s true that I had a little bit of a close game back there.”

“……Hmph”

She continued as if spitting out.

“Even so, just as I thought Japan’s Shooters are completely hopeless. I can’t stand to even watch them anymore. Someone straight ahead dashes in the enemies like an idiot, and someone hides behind cover and waits to ambush…… I wonder if they don’t know anything else to do besides that.”

“Well it’s fine isn’t it? In the end, the FPS and TPS foundations are, summarised as assault and ambush after all.”

‘Plus, the last one was quite an ominous one too’—he said deep within his heart.

“Even if that being the case, their basic way of fighting is beyond saving. Even if you want to charge, what good it will come if you just charge in like a fool from the front? And if you want to ambush, then you should pay attention to your ally’s movements more and then construct your plan through that. Even their aiming too is just dreadful. There was countless number of chances back in the game I wonder why they just couldn’t able to beat a person like you.”

“You’re really harsh, aren’t you?”

She was born in the home country of FPS games, and grew up and forged her skills over there. Her skill was something which could be considered as the real deal and if given the Sniper Rifle, even Gondawara wouldn’t know what’ll become of him. From the eyes of her, even that “PC1” could be considered as a spoilt.

‘It’s really regretful, like for real.’

For someone like her, who was strong, it was really difficult for her to enter in the JGBC’s high rankings for individual tournament, and even Gondawara knew that very well. Her FPS and TPS skills were that of an elite but, on the contrary, due to some reason she was not that assertive towards the other genres. And with just excelling in one or two genres, is not enough to win the Individual tournament.

If she get to become famous in the JGBC then, that will be possibly when she joins a team. If in FPS she will, and in the rest genre his team will fill the gap then, there’s no mistaking that team will slaughter anyone in their way. That’s right, if a starter like “PC1” was taught by someone like her then—

“This year’s JGBC will become somewhat interesting.”

“Hm? Did you say something?”

“No, not really.”

While saying his prediction into those words < > gazed at that little girl.

Part 4

“Shitt……Shittt!”

At that moment Kishimine was, strongly biting his lips in front of the machine, to an extent that they were slightly bleeding. While thinking that the pain might make him forget about that frustration of his.

‘Just what the hell is wrong with me?!’

He remembered his score from a while back. 0 kills. He intended to do what he could’ve done but, he ended up with the only one who without killing a single enemy ate the complete total defeat.

‘I have somewhat of a talent in gaming. Tendou and other said that to me. That’s why I agreed on taking part in JGBC suddenly like that, because I for real believed that something might—just. It’s a usual type of pattern that happens in the books as well. The story in which at the crucial game or stages the protagonist’s talent suddenly blooms and he end up getting great achievements.’

‘However, reality is just this messed up. I am just a useless guy who can’t stand up to anyone’s expectations. Reading a book alone is what suits me the best.’

While he was thinking like that, he sensed someone approaching him.

It was Sena-sensei and Tendou. However, even though he was miserable, he couldn’t help but face them.

“I was watching, Kishimine-kun! The last round sure was close wasn’t it?”

Sena-sensei said that to cheer him up.

“Sensei, that’s not something you should say. Cause it’s all meaningless if we don’t win.”

Tendou mercilessly said.

If we don’t win, then there will no achievements and then then everything will become meaningless. It’s because she pointed it out like that, Kishimine was endlessly overfilled with more frustration then just a while ago.

Even though he knew that it was very unseeingly of him, he couldn’t stop his tears coming out like that.

He wanted to stand up to the expectations of Tendou. And wanted to prove both of them that he won’t hold anyone back in the group.

However, he couldn’t able to do either of those things.

“I—I…… am r—really shorry……”

His voice got blotted.

In the middle of such large crowd, he unseeingly started to crumble in tears. From the surrounding he was looked with weird eyes, and sometimes laughter voices could also be heard.

Even so, he couldn’t able to stop crying. Now that he thinks of, he didn’t even know after how many years it’s been since he last cried. It’s because of that he didn’t even know the way to stop his crying.

“What happened? What is there for you to apologize?”

“I—I mean…… W—with this, you all now know that…… I won’t be of any power to you guise don’t you?”

“Hahaha! That’s not something you should be worrying about is it?! In the first place, even your play just a while ago was—”

Sena-sensei was trying to say something while laughing but, Tendou interrupted him.

“Hm. What is it?”

“Why don’t you leave this to me? As for that reason I suggested the idea of coming here in the first place.”

“Hmm, is that so? Very well then, I’ll leave it to you”

Sena-sensei, took a stepped backwards, and in front of Kishimine now Tendou stood.

“Kishimine-kun. No, Kishimine. I want to ask something from you. But before that I want to you look at this place carefully first.”

“Yes……”

As told, he looked around the whole floor.

What came in his eyes was the big screen which was displaying the intense battle, and the figure of gamers who were wholeheartedly controlling their characters with the controller.

“How’s it? Don’t you think it’s an amazing spectacle?”

“……”

Even Kishimine saw it the same. However, he no longer had any willpower to agree on that.

“Everyone here did nothing but practice every day, and right now they trying to prove their existence to the world. Do you understand now? It’s not something easy to just easily beat them down here. You easily lost today. It’s not something I should say but, I think it was a very obvious outcome. And why do you the reason for that is? What do you think you were lacking in yourself that lead to your loss?”

“I—I don’t know something like that!”

It’s as if to divert his frustration as he told again and again that he lost, he shouted.

“Don’t look away. And for now just look at me and answer.”

Tendou was serious. So reluctantly, Kishimine faced her, and answered what he thought he lacked.

“……Experience……isn’t it?”

“Wrong. What you lack is resolve.”

“……R—Resolve.”

That word penetrated deep inside his chest.

“We all are fighting in JGBC as our club activities. There sure are advantageous points in that but; in regards of resolve we might lose to those enthusiastic gamers. Though it’s like that, Kishimine. You are still a temporary member. It’s because of that half-hearted resolve; you lose in something you could’ve easily won normally.”

“…………”

It’s as if his eyes got open from a dream or something.

‘I don’t want to shorten my time to read books. I don’t know whether I will be able to prove anything to everyone.’

‘I always make excuses like that and thus never make firm decisions.’

‘And that was not something limited to just joining a club. Even transferring into Izunomiya was sort of like me running away from my previous school.’

As he thinks more about it, he was able to know how far his lifestyle was away from that 7 letter word.

Afraid of that he will creep out anyone if he stays near them for long. Afraid of that his lifestyle will change, and thus always—running away in the library to read the books.

“I’ve said this countless time already but we both approve that you have a talent for gaming. And if possible even want you to walk on the same path together with us. However, for that it’s necessary for you to be resolute. But even though I say that, we don’t have any right of forcing that on you as well. It’s because it’s your life, it’s your liberty on using it the way you want to on your last year of high school”

“…………”

What Tendou was trying to say, he started to understand vaguely.

And simultaneously, he remembered the words of Sena-sensei. That the 3 years of high school, holds the significant meaning in the life, and if he didn’t change his way of life now, then he won’t be able to change it in the future as well.

‘And I wasted those 2 important years of that by just running away like that.’

Then at least for the left last year, isn’t it fine to just cast away everything and dive-in completely into something.

Kishimine wiped away his tears.

He finally understood the reason why Tendou gave a proposal of entering into this tournament. The always dignified Student council president gave the last chance to seriously think it over, to him.

“……I understand.”

While dripping wet with tears and a runny nose, he straightened his back, and bowed towards Tendou.

“I will try and do it. I don’t know how far I can go but, I can say this for sure that I will not be the temporary club member from today on. So please let me officially join the Modern Game Club.”

At that moment what kind of expression was Tendou making, for Kishimine whose face was down he didn’t knew.

However, he certainly heard those words alone.

“Excellently said. You, starting today will be an official member of Izunomiya Academy’s Modern Game Club.”

And thus like that,

It signalled the starting of Kishimine Kengo’s Game Wars.

Part 5

At that moment, the former champion of JGBC and a little girl who was called < > , noticed a little uproar which was occurring at the corner of the hall.

“Uwwah, what is that? Is that guy crying?”

The one who was in the centre of uproar was a participant who looked like from high school. His face was crumpled with the tears and the dripping nose.

“Quite a lot of them lose here but, but crying like that by just losing sure is pitiful.”

She more and more started to feel disgusted with the Japanese gamers. And started to miss the fierce battles of her home place in America.

“Oh my, don’t you know?”

At that moment. Gondawara who was still near her said while putting up the airs.

“……about what?”

She was not someone to remain quite if pointed as ignorant. And thus immediately pointed her needle sharp eyes at him.

Gondawara then, continuing to make it more dramatic corrected his sunglasses and continued.

“In this world, the ones who know the taste of real frustration becomes strong.”

‘This guy, sure says decent things from time to time.’ She thought

“……hmm, keep saying that. That way of thinking, is really old just so you know.”

“Oh my, you sure are cold.”

The little girl once again looked at the participant who was crying. The ones who know the taste of real frustration becomes strong. The little girl didn’t able to negate that. And unexpectedly, guys like that might just become too powerful.

‘Though, it’s if that weak looking guy had the tolerance of climbing over that frustration of his.’

“Huh?”

Suddenly, she noticed something.

To the participant who was crying like that. Just besides him, was a girl who was wearing a school uniform.

That alone was not something weird at all. This is Akihabara. And there are quite a few who likes to participate in JGBC while cosplaying and, there are all also cases where students participate in the JGBC as a club activities or sort.

However, she knows about that particular uniform.

“Isn’t that……the same uniform as mine?”

The little girl—Sugishika Madoka murmured to herself.

~Contd.

### Reference Words :-

#### [6-A] Yamanote Line – The Yamanote Line (山手線 Yamanote-sen) is a railway loop line in Tokyo, Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most important lines, connecting most of Tokyo’s major stations and urban centres, including the Yūrakuchō/Ginza area, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Marunouchi and Ikebukuro, with all but two of its 29 stations connecting to other railway or underground (subway) lines.

#### [6-B] FPS – First-person shooter (FPS) is a video game genre centered on gun and projectile weapon-based combat through a first-person perspective; that is, the player experiences the action through the eyes of the protagonist, and in some cases, the antagonist.

#### [6-C] TPS – A third-person shooter is a game structured around shooting, and in which the player can see the avatar on-screen in a third-person view

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### 009. Afterword

## Afterword

Being an author is where you not able to have the time to talk to people at all, end up as a hikikomori will just be a machine who makes the manuscripts, a job that is one of the extreme fateful occupations out there. And to those hikikomori’s the one thing which could be seen to a high degree as a past time hobby is games. For a hikikomori who doesn’t step outside of the room, games are really a beneficial tool which can provide them with various types of excitement, thrill and experience.

And especially with all these latest, Wifi , PSN and Xbox LIVE , multi play environment feature it has become a period of time, where one can play with other person with just sitting on his chair.

And thus, before anyone knows a certain Light novel author who had the similar hobby started to amuse himself late at night with these games. And thus ended up creating a “Light Novel Game Club”

We from game club, on a particular time deciding on the gathering, started to play various types of games together using the skype chat for communication. Sometimes helping each other in killing a giant monster, sometimes controlling the cart and throwing shells at each other, or sometimes becoming the soldiers and entering in a battlefield or something……

In the midst of all these, I started to notice about various things and patterns. Games just didn’t had the genre that let you test various things such as skills and experience, strategy and information gathering skills. And then thought, that it could be just possible to create such a thing using the novel—or so.

And thus, “What if the games industries are officially recognised by the governments and they even aid in the development of games, ‘I didn’t had the chance of talking about that in the story’ or if there exists a world where minors cellphone functions like calling and mails etc are limited”

—I let my delusions run wild, and that certainly ended up creating a lot of manuscripts in which of them hardly anything was even worth mentioning. Well at the very least, though I said that, I will be glad if you find this one worth the price and enjoyed reading it.

Okay then, let’s borrowing some extra space here, and say our thanks to people who really deserves it.

First, I want to thank the game club members, who gave me the trigger of an idea of writing this series. Followed by, “Let’s take permission from the original gaming making companies and let them know that we are writing something like this!” when I planned something this absurd, “OK, Let’s do this!” acknowledged it by saying just that, and after that, “Let me handle all the discussions with the Game Maker-san” knowing that it’s too much of a work, agreed to do the job, my editor K-sama , followed by everyone from the Dengeki Game Editorial department . And the ones who gave their permission to use their games carefully, SCE ( Sony Computer Entertainment ), IREM Software engineering, and Microsoft Japan ’s company’s officials. And at the last, I want to thank Happobijin-sama for creating such charming and attractive characters.

If there was just a single of support missing among them, then this book wouldn’t’ve made out in this world. I will borrow a little bit more time and tell you that I am really grateful for all of your support and I will be lucky if you continue to support me next time as well.

Okay then, it’s regretting to leave with just that but, I will pray from the bottom of my heart so that I could meet you all again.

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## 02. Volume 2

### 001. Part 0

I was fighting alone with the Monsters.

Appearing underneath the ground, they were the enemies of humankind who possessed such an ugly face which justified the reason of them being the monsters. Since they arrived, we humans have been in a desperate continuous struggle to survive for the past 10 years.

“Damn, how strong these bastards are……”

I came inside the old mansion with my 3 other comrades to hunt those hiding locusts, and the hunt was going well uptil now as we were able to kill 3 of them and only 1 remained.

However, the strength of the last one was abnormal. Even though physical strength and ability between the Locusts and us trained humans are not that different, he was moving from one shelter to another with such agility as if he was using some sort of magic, and was even counter-attacking with his shotgun whenever got the chance.

If shot from a shotgun at close distance, even humans won’t be able to maintain their form. And just like that, the people who were my comrades were now scattered in a pile of meat.

As the only one remaining was me, I used all the means I could come up with to survive. However, neither ambushing him in a narrow passage nor sniping him from a long range went well.

“Why…… Why won’t it hit…!”

My fear was at its peak.

In the end getting all frantic wielding my Sniper Rifle I challenged him for a close-combat. It’s because I thought that I would be able to defeat this nightmare of an enemy if I manage to land one hit with my sniper rifle.

However, the enemy was not an idiot who would fall for such a vain struggle.

Giving up on evading my aim, the enemy started pressing even closer to the bullets which couldn’t be followed with bare eyes, and thus.

Pointed his Shotgun right at me.

“————”

Not even given any time to scream.

I too, just like my comrades, turned into a pile of meat.

◆

“Onii-chan. It’s morning, wake up already!”

From his little sister’s optimistic voice coming right out of his room, Kishimine Kengo opened his eyes.

“Huh—!?”

He suddenly got up, and realized that it’s just his room and not the battlefield. And obviously his body too was a pile of meat.

“……The outcome is decided even in the dream, huh?”

He remembered about yesterday. Kishimine, as a temporary member of a game club a.k.a Modern Game Club, for the first time in his life, participated in a gaming tournament named Japan Game Battle Championship a.k.a JGBC.

And, got badly defeated. Getting toyed with just one player with overwhelming skills, he experienced a defeat which could be sarcastically called a perfect game. And that too in front of a girl he admired a lot.

“Geez, Onii-chan are you still asleep—?”

After opening the door, the little sister somewhat smaller than him appeared.

“Ah Yup, I am awake alright……”

Even though it’s getting hot day by day as it’s nearly May, the mornings were still a bit cooler. The bed warmth was too tempting for him but knowing very well that his sister will throw him out from the bed anyways if he remained in, he involuntarily got out from the bed and started preparing for the school.

### 002. Part 1

Kishimine casually started to recall the meaning of the word Blue Monday .

It was totally an unrelated word for him who was going to the school on a whim. But after the recent happening, he finally understood why such a word exists.

“It’s hard getting to school today……”

Those were the only words which came out from his mouth, while on the way to the Izunomiya Private Academy.

” You Have Talent ” , he participated in yesterday’s tournament getting high from such words of flattery but in the end, without even scoring a kill he uneventfully got defeated, and after that without even caring about his appearance, reputation and all he continued to weep. It was also yesterday that after getting over with that defeat of his, he decided to give a serious try to the games, but it was Kishimine who was bad at socializing with people from the start. So with his social disposition, he didn’t know a bit how he should face the people from the Modern Game Club after showing such a shameful sight to them yesterday.

However, at that moment. The president of the Modern Game Club, who he secretly admired, as usual had already planned ahead.

“I was waiting for you, Kishimine-kun”

Suddenly, that dignified voice resounded in the air.

“Eh……!”

The person who appeared suddenly right in front of him was exactly the person he didn’t want to see at the moment. Tendou Shinobu. Not only was she the President of the Modern Game Club but, also the Student Council President admired by the several students.

And obviously Kishimine went into a mayhem. As Izunomiya Private Academy was a former Ojou-sama School, most of the students commuted to the school on their private vehicle. That’s why he was confused. Why a person who is an Ojou-sama among all the Ojou-sama’s doing on the road used by plebeians. Plus what did she mean when she said “I was waiting for you.”?

“W—Why is Tendou-san at a place like this……”

“It’s because I wanted to talk to you a bit.”

In her usual manner, she laughed.

She wanted to talk to him. As she said that, he quite frankly felt sort of blessed and couldn’t help but feel happy about that. However, as expected he couldn’t help but feel anxious about a question.

“Even so…… how did you know about my school route?”

“I heard it from Niitani that you take this route to school every day.”

“Ah, so that’s how……”

The riddle solved a bit. Niitani was a 2 nd Year Student who admired Tendou-san, and she is also enrolled in the Modern Game Club as a temporary member. It’s not unusual considering the Izunomiya Academy but she is also extremely androphobic so, to do something about that problem of hers, tried going to school with him just once.

“If we stand here for too long then we will definitely get late for the school. You don’t mind if I come with you right?

“Eh? Ah, yes, that would be……”

Situation turned into something quite unbelievable.

His heart started to pound like crazy. He was going to school walking side by side together with a girl he’s interested in. It’s a situation which happened with him quite a lot inside the books but, he didn’t thought in his wildest dream that he would be able to experience it like this.

‘No, wait a second……’

He recalled the time when he went together with Niitani once. That time too it was a commute together with a girl but, for some reason there was also a car which silently followed them continuously till the school. And the chauffeur inside too had this strange pressure which was like if he made a move on Niitani, he will kill him by running the car over.

As to confirm whether by any chance today too someone——he started looking over his surroundings.

But he couldn’t see that type of a vehicle anywhere. However he did feel a strange gaze which can make one think that they would vanish from the world, if he did something weird to her.

“What happened? You look all restless.”

“Eh? Ah, nothing really. Now that I think of it, Tendou-san too use to commute by foot?”

“No, I am not fixated on just one. There are times I allow myself to come by the car but there are also times when I use the bus.”

“Heh……Is that so?”

The part of allowing herself to get into a conversation like that, was as one would expect from the Ojou-sama School’s Student Council President. But if that’s the case then, that means that she came especially to talk and go together to the school with him.

“So, it’s kind of about yesterday”

She made the expression as if it’s somewhat hard to say. Yesterday. ‘In other words it’s regarding when I made such an unseemly face after the game tournament’, or so he conjectured.

“I too……umm, also think that I said too much yesterday, you see. So I was worried that you might be angry at me because of that.”

She, who was always so dignified was unusually cowering.

The one who was at a loss of words was Kishimine because he thought that he made her feel unpleasant yesterday. There was not even a slightest bit of a reason for her to feel worried about.

“T—There’s no way I would be angry at you, you know? Rather I feel grateful for what you’ve done!”

“I—Is that so? I don’t particularly remember doing anything worth your gratitude though……”

“That’s not exactly correct, you know? Certainly just as you’ve said earlier I used to do everything half-assedly. And thanks to your words “that I lack resolve” it really felt as if I woke up from a deep sleep or something.”

“I—I see. Then its fine……”

Maybe it was because of his frantic words, she somehow felt consented.

And in reality too, that was not a lie. If it’s his thanks then that’s a different case, but he really didn’t remember about her doing anything for which she should apologize for.

“By any chance, did you come here especially because of something like that?”

“Muu, ‘something like that?’ was unthinkable. I am Modern Game Club’s President you hear, so it’s natural for me to worry about members.”

“Ha. Is it something like that?”

He found it somewhat regretting. He was really happy of the fact that she came all the way here just for him but, as he now knew that she did that as her duty as a President, he felt a little sad. But, having said that, considering his position at the moment, that alone should be quite satisfying for him.

“Oh and one more thing, I today too, have a proposal for you.”

“Yes, and what would that be?”

“I want to call you Kishimine from now on, would it be fine with you?”

“Eh……”

Yet again it was a proposal which he didn’t see coming. ‘She’s really a person who does the completely unexpected’.

“I don’t really mind it but, what happened?”

“I always call people who are close to me with their names. So calling you “Kishimine-kun” is really sluggish. Certainly if you hate it, I will give up on it……”

“N—No! Not at all. I obviously don’t mind it!”

This time he genuinely felt happy. So much that it was very difficult for him to hide his happiness.

So basically, it means that he is now recognized as a close person by Tendou.

“I see, thank goodness. Then make sure to call me Tendou from next time as well. Don’t worry I won’t mind it.”

“U—Understood. Then, Tendou……san”

‘San’ reflexively got added at the end, which made Tendou to wryly smile.

“Oi, Kishimine. That doesn’t change anything like that”

“I—I am sorry, as expected it’s really hard to say……”

Now that he thinks back, there was not even once, he called a person from an opposite sex with just their surname. So that’s why for Kishimine, the hurdle was just a bit too high.

“Ah, that’s right. So how about calling “Buchou [1] ”? As I too after all that have finally became an official member of Modern Game Club.”

“Buchou, huh……?”

Tendou after turning a bit made somewhat of a cool face, she seemed happy as well.

“……This might be actually good. Now that I think of, after the creation of the club there weren’t that many chances of me getting called like that, I see, feel free to call me Buchou then.”

“Okay, I will do that then.”

Now that he thinks of, he still had doubts about calling her, who he admires, with official name. However, he felt that for now this will do. As at the moment, in the Modern Game Club, there were only 2 of them, which in short means, the one to call her Buchou is him alone in the entire world.

As they were talking about that, the school approached near.

Naturally, he recalled the other day’s commute with the Niitani.

“Umm, Buchou. I wonder if we should go separately from here on.”

“Hmm? Why? We are both headed for the same place right? Then what’s wrong with going together?”

“B—But, Look……A boy and girl commuting together, wouldn’t that be rare considering Izunomiya Academy, rather wouldn’t that attract weird gazes from the people……?”

“Ah, you mean like that, huh?”

Tendou felt somewhat sad.

“I totally get that you are being considerate and all. However, I feel that tendency itself is what is disposing the place for boys more and more. I don’t particularly encourage the illicit relationship between the two sexes but, isn’t it appropriate for two classmates to normally go together with each other if they found each other while coming to school? Rather, I think if I as a Student Council President took the initiative and came in contact with you, then solving this problem would be quite easier…… No, but if it’s troublesome for you then of course I also won’t mind going alone from here.”

“No, Not at all! If it’s something like that, then I will gladly tag alone!”

“I see, that sure helps. Okay then, let’s go broadly then.”

Tendou, as a Student Council President is just proving that being together with the opposite sex is not a bad thing. However, Kishimine was still very happy. The reason too was also very simple. It’s because the time to be with her increased a bit again.

And thus, the two of them together alongside each other headed to the main gate of the school.

Like usual, the infamous school guards in black, glared at him. Taking this former Ojou-sama School into consideration, the boys were always treated as potential criminal targets.

However, the glares of them today were sharper than normal. The reason was obvious as near him was a girl, and that too the famous Student Council President of this school.

“You brat, just with whose permission are you standing next to a girl?!”

“In this school, you can just watch the beautiful girls with your eyes, aside that everything is prohibited you bastard!”

He one way or another thought he heard those things. The guards eyes and face, were saying that in a way which couldn’t sound as a joke. But still, he didn’t pull back after all that. He understood that tomorrow’s school commute will be a little scary, but if that would increase the time he spend with Buchou just a little, then there was no other choice but to man himself up.

As they approached near the main gate, the students naturally started to appear in the surrounding. Various girls wearing the High school’s divisions Blazers and Middle School divisions Sailor Uniform, were politely exchanging greetings such as “Good Morning” or “Good Day”, it was really a scene he still couldn’t get used to.

However, those polite girls too when came near the 5M radius of a boy would raise a little screen “Hii—……” and run away with fear on their faces.

But then, the reaction for Kishimine alone was a little different than the others.

“Hii……Eh……”

When those girls came in the 5M radius of him, they first released a little screen of fear like usual and then got surprised seeing Tendou standing next to him.

“Ya, Morning!”

Tendou casually greeted.

“G—Good……, Morning……”

Leaving Kishimine aside, if got greeted by the Student Council President then there’s no way the girls won’t respond, so after greeting they hastily put a distance from them. The other girls too had a similar reaction.

“Hmm”

Tendou got annoyed a little.

“If it was usual, then everyone would’ve greeted more assertively…… With just a boy standing near me, this is the state, huh? How pathetic.”

“Well you can’t help if they are not used to all this, we boys too understand that”

“Even if you say that, it’s already been 2 years since this School started enrolling boys you know? So I think things should be more normal given how much time has passed……”

“G—Good Morning, K—Kaichou [2] ”

At that moment. Even though the voice was stiff, a girl approached her assertively.

It was a girl who was wearing glasses and had a short cut hairstyle which looked quite good on her. She was emitting a strict atmosphere around her but, her cuteness was as one would expect from this school’s standards. However, for some reason she looked in a very bad mood, and was angrily glaring at Kishimine.

“Ah, it’s you, huh? Morning, Kotono. Kishimine, let me introduce her to you, She is Student Council’s Vice President, you see. Even I am always getting saved by her.”

“Heh…… In short she is like your right arm?”

“No way, it’s quite the opposite, it’s me who’s always getting helped by Kaichou.”

She got embarrassed a bit but, after noticing Kishimine’s gaze she stiffed her expressions again.

“T—that doesn’t matter! That aside, why in the world Kaichou of all things is together with the likes of boys!?”

“What? Does that really require any specific explanation? His name is Kishimine you see, and he is the new member of the Modern Game Club. It’s natural for the people in the same club to do something like talking when they coincidentally met each other while coming to school right?

“B—But… Kaichou is also the role model of numerous students. I think that if Kaichou, will be with boys, then the other girls will also get the bad influence.”

“I wonder about that. We both are school friends you know? Just what kind of bad influence are you talking about by having two school friends talk to each other.”

“But! Didn’t Chairman itself said that just by remaining close to boys one could get pregnant? C—Children should be born between couples who have sworn their love with each other!”

‘Oh My God!’

Kishimine almost burst into laughter but somehow he managed to endure. ‘Just what kind of education these girls are getting in this school’

“Just what will you do believing that kind of nonsense. If girls got to become pregnant with just boys near them then, all the co-ed schools in the world, would’ve filled with pregnant ladies.”

“Well that’s also true but, I am just questioning the likelihood of that being the truth.”

“Hmm, I see. I sure can’t deny if you term it like that……”

‘You really can’t deny that?’ he wanted to Tsukkomi like that but, as there seemed several types of problems, he decided to keep his mouth shut. In the first place, getting pregnant when both boy and girl are alone, as a boy he couldn’t deny that because of several reasons.

Be it any case, with each passing day in this school, he sure hears this “Chairman” word quite frequently. With everything going on he can’t help but feel this “Chairman” is responsible for not having the “place for the boys” in this school.

“However, just like you said I as a President of this school, should remain the role model for the students, which makes it completely impossible for me to get frightened of the little possibility, and distance myself from them just because they are boys. Kotono, I want you to understand that.”

As she said that, the vice-president who respected Tendou a lot obviously gave up on opposing.

“……Understood, if Kaichou says that, then it really can’t be helped.”

Despite her agreeing like that she seemed rather displeased, which made Kishimine think that she just gave up on convincing her further.

Next, she turned and faced towards Kishimine.

“Kishimine-san……was it?”

“Y—Yes, Hello”

Kotono, as if determining something, brought her face close to Kishimine’s.

“Please make sure to take care of Kaichou earnestly. It’s because she’s a person we all respect a lot.”

“Ah, Yes!”

For a second, Kishimine got startled but, that restlessness too disappeared right after the second he heard the small whisper of hers.

“Please be careful alright. Cause if something does happen with her then——I will be sure to stab you to death.”

“…………”

“Well then Kaichou, see you later.”

And she left the place, while Kishimine was freezed in fear.

“What happened, Kishimine? Did she say to something to you?”

“Eh? Ah, No, Not really……”

“I see, then its fine. But to think that even Vice-President thinks like that, the problem surely has some deep roots.”

“W—Well it would be fine to fix it eventually with time, that aside, I will be able to attend clubs on a full scale basis from now on right? I am curious about that more, like on various scales.”

The reason he changed the conversation so quickly was because, he learned how fearsome it was for boys and girls to be together with each other. In this school if one was to approach on that subject badly, then, he had a feeling that one would seriously be killed by some girl——like Kotono.

Plus the only girl for now who was on good terms with him was Tendou alone, so if it’s her alone then by just going in the clubroom afterschool would be easy enough to give him a chance to interact.

And fortunately, she too when involved into a conversation about the club, without caring about the anything else from before, started to smile.

“I see, I feel happy to be able to say that much. Ah that’s right isn’t it? From today on, we have to train you with different types of games after all. Though I would like to have one more member for full-scale activities.”

“Ah, Now that you mention it, it was about four was it?”

The goal of Modern Game Club is to win the JGBC’s Team Battle. However for now, the only official members were Kishimine and Buchou – Tendou alone. To make up for the members Sena-sensei too could also enter in the Team but, even after that they are just a team of three. There is also Niitani who is a temporary member but, she too seems that she is bad with the games, so in the end they want 1 more member by any means.

“Even though that’s the case, it’s not something which can be resolved easily like that. So till that time just enjoy playing games.”

“Yes, I will gladly do that.”

Though he gave an appropriate response, he was no longer able to look at it like it is someone else’s problem, as he wanted his revenge in the JGBC as soon as possible.

◆

“Four members, huh?”

During break, he was constantly thinking about that.

In the society, games aside, things like Karaoke and Bowling are enjoyed by most of the students, but, as this is an extreme Ojou-Sama school, the count people who haven’t even tried that are overwhelmingly high. Thanks to which there is basically no one at the Game Club a.k.a Modern Game Club.

‘……Well, it’s not like I have the rights to say anything about people.’

Always reading books afterschool, Kishimine too just recently touched the thing called games. So he had no say in the matter.

There was another reason, for the club to have almost no members.

That the advisor of the club, Sena-sensei was yet another young man. In this school where men are hated, having a male supervisor would be the reason enough for the girls to stay away from the club. And to make it worse, there is yet another new male member added in the club as Kishimine. Considering the situation there would be basically no one among the girls who would remain sane because of that.

On top of it, there is also a condition to enter the club. What they want is basically a well-trained fire-power for the club. As that person will have to fight together as a team, “Want a person good enough to clear at least Spelunker” were the words of Tendou. Even though in minority there are boys in the school, for them it wouldn’t matter much if the advisor is the male teacher or not. But it doesn’t seem that there are many people who can pass in her eyes.

In the first place, it’s already been 6 months since the club was established. If there were any potential members among the students than Tendou and Sena-sensei would’ve already secured them.

Which means, the target should be among the new students who just enrolled in the school, or the students who transferred here just like Kishimine——the Transferred Group Batch.

“Dude, what’s with that stormy face of yours?”

The one who called him out from behind was, the only male classmate he has in this class, Kusakabe.

“Ah Yeah, I was thinking about something……”

There, he realized that Kusakabe too was also the same Transferred student like him.

“AH, that’s right. Kusakabe, do you have any interest in Modern Game Club?”

“Ah, Now that you mention it you joined that weird club right? Or rather what kind of club is it? I heard that it’s just a club made to play games.”

“Well you are somewhat close, as we really just play games for now. But as we only have 2 members at the moment, we are quite limited on the club activities. Kusakabe, you play a lot of games right? Say, wanna join?”

“Well, of course I don’t hate games and all. But, after all the hardships I am finally able to transfer in this Harem Ojou-sama School you know? The existence of that beautiful Student Council President sure is tempting but— I can’t say about staying in a club where there are almost no girls.”

“Is that so? It can’t be helped then.”

Kishimine just as easy like that gave up on inviting him.

It’s because he realized to a certain fact after hearing his words.

For now as the members there were just the two of them in the Modern Game Club, that’s why there were many chances for him to interact with Tendou naturally. However, if one more boy joined in, then it would be the same as giving up on her. It’s because he ended up thinking or assuming like that.

‘……Huh? But like that, wouldn’t I end up cornering myself more in the search of new members?’

He very well understood that how small and pitiful his way of thinking was, but as expected he didn’t have any intention of giving up this time.

“Say, you sure changed your mind easily and ended up joining the club, after saying that you will spend your time afterschool reading books and all? Just as I thought, you’re after that Student Council President, right?”

Kusakabe almost pinpointed it.

He desperately hid his face turning all red. Whether he got successful in that effort or not was unknown to him.

“I—it’s not like that. It’s just, I surprisingly enjoyed a lot after I tried playing the games, and so I thought about giving it a serious try.”

“Heh—? Well, we finally managed to enter a school which had no relation with exams at all, so it’s all okay to try various types of things. Call me whenever you need Student Council President’s number, I will gladly help you.”

“Its fine, I don’t really need it.”

If the telephone number a girl he’s interested in got mentioned then, of course he would get interested in it. But, even if he gets her number, calling her all of a sudden and chatting with her or asking her out on a date was impossible for him.

Suddenly, he thought about a certain thing.

“That’s right. Kusakabe, you can search about various thing about girl’s right?”

“Ah. I have almost filled my collection with the address and phone no. of all the girls in the school. Height and their Three Sizes too are just a matter of time. OH! And though I am a researcher, I am not so unrefined to search about one’s weight, just so you may know”

“……No, I don’t want to hear something like that. Then say, can you search if there’s any girl among the freshmen who likes games?”

“Likes games, huh?”

Kusakabe, took out a small notebook with “Confidential” written on it out from his pocket and started flipping the pages. If that notebook’s existence got found out by anyone, then for sure he would be restricted, Kishimine understood that quite easily with just one look.

However, maybe it was because he wasn’t able to find the corresponding data, he in the end, as if throwing the spoon while eating in frustration closed his notebook.

“AHRGH— No good. Sorry dude, the Compilation on the likings of girls are still short. So give me a little bit of time.”

“I see……”

With time he will be able to learn the liking’s of the girls, huh? That sort of question was also raised into his mind, but as expected he didn’t want to know more about that.

### 003. Part 2

Afterschool. Kishimine like normal headed to the clubroom.

“Huh? Niitani-san?”

However the one who was in the clubroom, was Niitani Sanae, a 2 nd Year girl who is enrolled in the club as the Temporary member.

And just like the first time he saw her, she had a duster in her hand.

“……Ah”

As she turned around and saw Kishimine standing, getting half scared she released the voice.

“Y—Yo”

“H—Hello, Senpai”

She said with a constrained smiling expression on her face.

Even that interaction could be considered hundred times better. As she too just like other girls of this school is androphobic, and that too to an extent that made her release a scream “……Hii—” the first time they met. The reason of her to not release a scream this time was because that hard effort finally bare results.

“S—So, you were cleaning today too, huh?”

Kishimine, while putting down his bag and constantly keeping tabs that he maintains a proper distance with her, started a conversation that will make her relax more.

“Y—Yes, Only just a bit though.”

“Thank you for always doing this. I am sure that Niitani-san is the reason why this store room kinda clubroom always looks so clean and pretty.”

Maybe it’s because of him hastily thinking about saying something to make the conversation continue, he went a little overboard with words.

But quite fortunately, she didn’t show any signs of minding that at all.

“Ah, no, not at all. It’s because I can’t be of any use in games after all……”

I don’t think that’s true at all though…… encouraging words like that just couldn’t come out from his mouth. As everyone has different hobbies, so he couldn’t just force her to play games.

“Ah. That’s right, I’ve heard about it, that Senpai participated greatly in yesterday’s tournament.”

“I wasn’t really great you know. In fact, I lost without doing anything……”

“I—Is that so? But when I heard from Kaichou, she quite happily told me that she is looking forward to play with Senpai in the future, you know?”

“……R—Really?”

Even if he recalls about yesterday, aside all the embarrassing things, he can’t seem to remember anything he did to be praised by someone. Or it could be just Tendou being considerate.

Then at that moment, the door behind Kishimine made a sound.

“Oh, so everyone gathered, huh?”

It was Tendou.

And just like that, on Niitani’s face the smile of relief started to float. As expected, being alone with the opposite sex is still too early for her.

“Hello, Kaichou.”

“Aah, so you’re done with the cleaning today too, huh? Thank you for doing it always”

“No, it’s become like a daily habit for me now.”

“It’s quite an occasion, so how about taking part in Modern Game Club’s activities this time? I’ve even prepared some games that even you might be able to play”

“Ah……I am sorry, there’s a meeting at cooking research club today. So I’ve to leave soon or……”

Tendou looked truly disappointed.

“I see, then it really can’t be helped. No, then don’t worry about it, as your main job is that after all.”

“I am sorry, but please invite me next time too. Well then, Kishimine-senpai too.”

“Ah, Yeah”

And like always, while being courteous till the end, Niitani left the room.

“Fu—, as I thought it will not work, huh? I won’t say to officially join the club but, I somehow want her to know at least the enjoyment of games.”

Tendou who failed to invite her, sat down on the pipe chair.

He completely understood that how much Tendou loves games. And thus she wanted to spread that enjoyment to as many people as possible.

“Well, you can’t really help it. As things like these in the end completely depends on the people themselves.”

“That’s right isn’t it? So for the time being let’s be satisfied with just you alone being here. So now then, Kishimine. Do you have any game in particular you want to play today?”

“E……L—let’s see then”

If asked like that then, he had plenty of games he wanted to play.

That aside, he even wanted to play more of Uncharted, Spelunker and Gears of War.

However, enjoying himself alone was not fair. As she looked more of a game lover than he is. That’s why if possible he wanted to play a game which Tendou liked as well so that both of them can enjoy together playing it. But, he still didn’t know the likes and dislikes of Tendou.

Like that, Kishimine suddenly realized a certain thing. The obvious fact of being alone with Tendou in this small clubroom.

“Hm? What happened? Suddenly getting all restless.”

“Eh? Ah, No, Sorry. It’s just I still can’t get used to all this club activities thingy……”

He blurted out an excuse he found most appropriate for the situation.

“I see. Well get used to it as fast then. Just think about this as your own room and do what you want to do freely”

“M—my own room!”

Being together with Tendou in his own room. Just imagining that situation made him feel embarrassed. Thus, Kishimine’s nervousness, instead of cooling down, grew worse.

If the current situation progressed like that, then for sure Kishimine’s suspicious behavior would’ve spurred to a high degree. However, at that moment the door suddenly burst opened.

“I apologize, for my late arrival!”

It was none other than Sena-sensei. Those glasses had an essence of intelligence in them, and he was also wearing his white lab cloth as usual, the Physics teacher of this school, and our Modern Game Club’s Advisor. Plus, one of the members of the Team that represents us from the “Modern Game Club”

In that instant, his time together with just Tendou got over. Though, getting relieved that he didn’t have to be nervous anymore, he was sort of regretful as well.

“Hm? Is something the matter, Kishimine-kun?”

“N—No, not really.”

“Is that so? Well in any case, with this everyone has been gathered, so without wasting any time, let’s set about on the problem at present!”

“Yes, we’re just having a discussion about which game to play just now. Sensei too have something in mind?”

As Tendou said that, Sena-sensei started correcting his glasses with his middle finger with quite a disappointing look on his face.

“It was not about that was it, Tendou-kun?! Wasn’t our problem at present regarding the fourth member?!”

“Well you are right but……It’s not something that could be solved instantly is it? Not unless you have already found someone?”

“Exactly! It’s a good news, Ladies and Gentlemen! I brought a sweet souvenir of a news together with me today! Did you hear that today there was an inspection organized in one of the class?”

“Really? It wasn’t in mine class though”

“Neither in mine. Rather wait a second, does something like that really happens in this school……?”

For Kishimine who went to a normal high school till a month ago, it was something which he was not aware of.

“WHATT!? Then that means there was not one in your previous school?!”

It seemed that it was something really shocking to Tendou, as she had a surprised look on her face.

“Yes, Well. As carrying a Gaming device was a normal thing for the students.”

“Muu…… though it’s duty of the students to study, to be able to carry a DS [3] openly like that sure makes me jealous. Well let’s leave that for now. So, Sensei. What does that inspection has to do with our missing member?”

“Hm! As a matter of fact, as the confiscation box is in the staff room, I myself looked inside it! And for some unknown reason, there was an Xbox 360 controller inside it!”

“Eh? Just Controller……alone? I understand if it’s something like a Portable Gaming Device but, what’s the point of carrying a controller alone?”

To that Kishimine’s obvious question the one to answer was none other than Tendou.

“No, it’s quite a possibility. At JGBC one can bring their own controller to play the games. So for a Gamer to walk around with their “My Controller” is not that weird.”

“Heh……Is it something like that?”

“Although bringing the controllers are just recognized in the JGBC, in the last tournament, didn’t you see quite a lot walking with their own controller?”

“R—Really? I didn’t notice.”

He didn’t remember. Rather, at that moment, because he was at his wits end, he didn’t have any spare time to be looking at the other players.

“It’s quite a well-made system you know?”

Sena-sensei’s glasses shined. Kishimine knew that what’s coming next is Sensei’s explanation.

“At present, there are various types of Game Hardware in the world developed by Multi-National Companies you see, for instance there are various games that are designed both for PS3 and Xbox 360. However, even how much of a gamer you are, you never buy both of them! On the other hand, you never know which edition will appear in the event. So there, quite conveniently, PS3 controller that looks just exactly like Xbox 360 is sold.”

“A controller designed suitably just for left-handed people, or a light controller designed especially for small children, or a controller designed for women in a way that they can personalize with decoration. So that’s why it’s not rare to see a gamer to walk with their own personal controller.”

“I see, it sure seems to be a lot isn’t it? Do I need to get one for me as well?”

As he asked, Tendou bended her neck a little.

“No, not really unless you feel uncomfortable using these club ones for the moment. Anyway it’s better for us to get accustomed to any given situation after all. Well at any rate, if there is a student in the campus whose controller got confiscated then that means that person holds an interest in games. This sure seems worth a search.”

“However, there seems to be slight problem! As I said, I just took a quick glance inside the confiscation box, so, I don’t know the name or class of the owner!”

“That’s gonna be a trouble. But if it’s Sensei, then you can easily inquire about which class got inspected right?”

“Well, about that, for some unknown reasons I am hated by the Student Counsellor! So they won’t tell me even if I ask!”

“I don’t think that’s something to admit with such brimming confidence……”

This person known as Sena-sensei is a person who did say something absurd such as “Don’t you want to try marrying a Seiyuu?” in the club-recruit meeting after all. So he could understand the reason of him getting disliked by the Student Counsellor.

“But, I do have an idea! Tendou-kun, lend me your ear a bit!”

“Hm…….?”

Sena-sensei approached her neck and started saying something in a small voice.

But it looked like something absurd as her angry voice suddenly resounded in the room.

“Sensei, don’t be absurd! I am certainly a Student Council President but there’s no way I could use that authority for my personal matters!”

“It’s not like I don’t get your point! But, just as you are the Student Council President, you are also the Head of this Modern Game Club! In short, you have a duty to put effort as a head of both places! Or perhaps you are saying that you don’t consider both equally!?”

“Don’t you think t—that’s what you call a frivolous objection, it’s just a controversial way of thinking”

“Even if that’s what it is, isn’t my proposal just for the sake of a student?! I see, it may appear to you as abusing your power but wouldn’t it be a matter of great celebration if it that turns in the favor of student whose personal belonging got confiscated and for the Modern Game Club’s future as well?!”

“Mumumu……”

Kishimine didn’t know what kind of idea Sena-sensei presented to her but, he understood very well that she won’t oppose if got told that it’s for the sake of a student.

“I understand, Sure I don’t wanna get used in a matter like this but——”

And just as Kishimine thought, she nodded after releasing a sigh.

“Certainly, that student would be worried right now as his/her things got confiscated. So, let’s hold back from scolding the vice-president for now. Well then Sensei, I will head to the Staff-room for now.”

“[Nod] will be expecting something good from you then!”

And thus, both the men were left in the club.

“Sensei, just what are you trying to make her do? It appears like that this school regulations are quite strict, so I don’t think that even a Student Council President could do something extravagant”

“Well you don’t have to worry about anything so just be relaxed! As long as it’s entrusted to her, it will go smoothly even if she was going against a teacher!”

“I see. Is Tendou-san that incredible?”

“[Nod] you might not know but, she is incredible enough to serve as a Student Council President since her First Year!”

“Heh……!”

Leaving even Second and Third Year’s behind, a First Year becoming a Student Council President. Certainly it was something that requires a person with excellent aptitude and virtue.

At any rate, he realized that he still didn’t know anything about Tendou yet. The only thing he knew was that she was in the same year as him, the Head of the Club, the President of the School, a huge game lover and in the end that she is quite a beautiful person.

And just like that the point of Sena-sensei, got proved. As [PinPonPanPon] the Broadcast resounded in the whole school.

“Contacting every Student”

It was none other than Tendou herself.

“This is High School division Student Council President. Today, a sudden inspection got performed in various classrooms. Though it’s a rule to not bring anything unneeded in the school but, as the new term has just started, this time alone the inspection will be overlooked. Thus, people whose things got confiscated, come urgently to the Student Council room to take it back.”

“……Oh. I see, so like this”

Maybe it turned out like this because of Sena-sensei’s plan itself but, even if that’s the case, he can’t help but feel amazed at Tendou’s performance.

‘Probably the broadcast must’ve been performed after talking it over with the Student Counsellor teacher. To be able to do such a thing like that would be impossible unless you are really trusted by the teacher. I see, I sort of understand why she is the Student Council President from her First Year of the school.’

“Alright, with this the pieces are now all in order! Kishimine-kun, let’s head to the Student Council as well!”

Suddenly Sena-sensei presented the idea.

“Eh? We too? What do you plan to do?”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s to secure our member! Hurry up!”

“Eh? Eh?”

And while pushed like that, he departed from the club.

And soon enough Kishimine ended up regretting the fact that he couldn’t remember how he himself got “Secured” as a club member.

◆

The Student Council Room was closed. But with the key that Sena-sensei had, it opened quite easily.

“Is it really alright? To enter a closed classroom like this on our own.”

“Ah No Problem, I am also a teacher as well you know?! And for a teacher to take a round inside the school is a natural thing!”

What he said was, for once, quite proper. He started to get the reason why the Student counsellor teacher doesn’t like him.

“Heh……, so this is the Student Council Room, huh?”

Though it was just another room in this Ojou-sama school, it was quite a simple room for which the saying “The strength of sobriety” fits perfectly. In the extent similar to that of a Modern Game Club, the room had only a long desk and a file cabinet. However, the flower which was arranged in a vase decorated with small accessories, was explaining the characteristics/nature of the people who were using the room.

Like that he realized that Sensei was inspecting the room while waiting at the entrance.

“Sensei, is something wrong? You look like a suspicious person you know?”

“No, I am bad with the Vice-President of here you see. So if possible I don’t wanna meet her.”

“Ah— I totally get that.”

He recalled the Vice-President Kotono from this morning. She is a girl who said “I will be sure to stab you to death” in a manner which could be hardly considered as a joke. So if she got to know that in order to “Secure” a member Tendou was being used then there was no telling what she will do.

“Well for today it seems that the Student Council don’t have that much work, so it will be alright I guess. So then, Kishimine-kun. Let’s hide quickly before Tendou-kun arrives!”

“Huh? Hide?”

“Let’s see, I think that the usual behind the curtain will do for now! I will be here, so you go there!”

“EH? Huh? Wait, what you mean!? Why there’s a need to hide!?”

“Geez Okay Listen! In any second, the girls who had their belongings taken will come. Not only we are not the authorized people of the Student Council, but also 2 guys, which this school’s girls hate! So mistakenly we can’t scare them can we?!”

“Ah, I see……—No, wait, we didn’t come here to hide did we——”

“Geez, just go and hide quickly! It’s almost time for Tendou and the others to come!”

While forcing his words on him, Sena-sensei hid himself behind the curtain.

And as arguing more appeared useless, Kishimine also hid himself giving up saying anything more.

And soon the room of the Student Council got opened and someone came in.

As he peeked secretly from behind the curtain, he saw the figure of Tendou and the box in her hand would be that infamous confiscation box.

As she put the box onto the table, without any moments delay numerous girls appeared.

“Excuse me, Umm, I am Ikeda from 3-D. I had my book confiscated earlier……”

“Aah. By Book, you mean this? I do think that it’s alright for Teachers to usually overlook something around that line, but still School Rules are School Rules. So do take care from next time.”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

The conversation of Tendou and that girl reached into his ears.

After that numerous girls and their several conversations as well but, there were no signs of the person to take his/her Game Controller back.

“Hmm, now the only thing left is this Game Controller, huh? Did he/she leave already huh?”

He heard the small voice of Tendou saying that.

Now that he thinks back, this conspiracy that Sena-sensei came up with was put into action a little after After-school. So it wouldn’t be unusual if he/she returned home before she broadcasted that information.

When Kishimine was reaching to that conclusion, it happened.

“…………”

Someone entered the Student Council Room.

‘Eh? A Middle Schooler? Plus, she is not even Japanese?’

For Kishimine who was behind the curtain watching the situation, for him to reach that point, there was a certain reason.

The Little Girl who entered inside was, a middle schooler, rather she was small enough to be mistaken as an elementary schooler and on top of it she was wearing the sailor uniform. He thought of her from a Middle School division for a second, but then it’s weird for her to come inside the High School division Student Council Room, plus now that he looks at her carefully, the design of the sailor uniform was quite different from this School.

Her hair was beautifully blonde. He can’t think of this school allowing any student to dye her hair, which means that without any doubt that’s her real hair color. Even her skin was rather white than any normal Japanese person.

“She sure is a cute girl…… Looks exactly like a Western Doll.”

Her height was around 140 centimeter, and her arms and legs were also quite slender—rather quite small. On the other hand the eyes were quite big, but contrastively her face was small, she vaguely has this Japanese feeling to her as well. It’s just, right now, her mouth was in a shape of “へ” character, and she looked rather in a bad mood, which was ruining her cuteness.

Moreover— Kishimine’s eyes got drawn naturally to one part of that little girl’s body.

“B—Big……”

Despite of her body being small, her breast alone were unnaturally quite big. That point alone couldn’t be compared to even Tendou, though her looks were that of a child, she had this dangerous feeling to her.

‘I wonder if this school really enrolled people by their looks……’

Now that he thinks back since his enrolment into this school, he, not even for once, saw any girl who didn’t give a cute or beautiful impression to him.

“You also here to get your confiscated belongings back?”

As first Tendou inquired,

“Ah, Yes. You are gonna give it back here right?”

Her voice was also childish, and that little girl replied in a rather stiff and bitter way.

“So what was it that got confiscated?”

“……It was a G—Game controller”

“Now Kishimine-kun, SecuuureeeeEE her!”

After saying aloud, Sena-sensei leapt from behind the curtain. Out of nowhere, he pulled out a big bag, big enough to easily put a person inside.

“W—What!? What the hell is with—”

She didn’t even had a chance to scream. With the speed of a wolf hunting its prey, he literally covered her body from top to bottom with the bag.

“S—Sensei!? Just what in the world are you doing!?”

Tendou throwed a natural question at him.

“You can guess by just looking right, It me securing a new member! Let’s go Kishimine-kun, Grab that part carefully!”

“Eh? Eehh!?”

Pressing the conversation on him, he got forced to shoulder the human bag.

“Be sure to not let if fall, okay?! Well then, let’s go!”

“Eh!? Eeeeehhhhh!?”

◆

‘By any possible chance, I wonder if I am the type of a guy who could be used easily’

Kishimine casually thought, while carrying an unknown girl on his shoulders.

He was literally helping in this kidnapping. He thought that he should’ve stopped Sena-sensei before things turning out like this, but then again, this turned out, even after stopping him from getting out of control.

“Hey! What the hell is wrong with you, Put me down already!”

The little girl inside the bag was struggling but, the power was not that strong, and didn’t turn into a hindrance in carrying her at all.

‘Still, it’s quite light’

The weight was negligible considering that a human was inside the bag. Plus, for some reason, she felt unusually soft.

Now that he carefully thinks about it even though it was inside the bag, he never touched a girl like this before. After thinking of that he strangely started to feel embarrassed, and yet pitiful of the fact itself.

“Hyaa—!? Hey! D—don’t you dare touch me at weird places!”

“S—Sorry!”

Somehow feeling guilty he apologized instantly. As that was happening, they finally reached the clubroom. The fact of reaching there without getting caught by a student or a teacher could be considered as a miracle.

“Alright, let’s drop it Kishimine-kun!”

“Yes”

The person is a girl. As one can’t be careful enough, he put her on the floor, very carefully.

“Geez, what’s wrong with you!? Open it already!”

“Calm down, I am going to open it now”

The moment he opened the bag,

“Ugofuu—”

The blond head leapt suddenly, and directly strike the chin of Sena-sensei.

“S—Sensei!? Sensei—!?”

It was a one-hit KO. And Sena-sensei was stretched wide on the floor, collapsed.

“Tch, I let my guard down! I thought that Japan was a country with good public order but to think that a perverted teacher like him slipped inside the school itself.”

Next, the little girl, sternly turned her glare at Kishimine. Even though she was small enough to be mistaken as an Elementary schooler, the glint in her eyes was strong enough to put even an adult to shame.

“You are also one of the Kidnappers aren’t you!?”

“N—No! Well, you are partially right, but still No!”

“Be silent! Plus you also touched me…… a while ago didn’t you!?”

Her face turned red, and she started to hide her body—No, to be exact she folded her arms to hide her big breasts which were on her small build body.

So he sort of understood where he touched her a while ago.

“N—No, Uhm, S—Sorry!”

“Shut up! If you are gonna apologize then don’t go touching in the first place!”

A loud voice resounded and he got his face slapped by that little girl.

“…………”

Well it obviously hurt in its own way. But on the other hand, that pain was kinda refreshing. As he did something which was worth getting hit for, he started thinking about it.

And now that he thinks of, it was first time in his life that he got slapped on the face by a girl. After joining this club, every day is filled with new experiences, or so he started to think.

“……Huh? That pitiful face of yours, I have a feeling that I have seen it somewhere……”

Suddenly, she said something like that.

“W—well of course we are the student of the same school, so maybe we could’ve passed by each other somewhere.”

“No, that’s not right! Not in this school but Yesterday—”

As she was about to say something,

“Just as I thought it turned out like this, huh?”

The one who appeared on the entrance of clubroom was none other than Tendou.

“Huh? You are from back then— I see, so you are also one of them, aren’t you?”

After watching the body of Sena-sensei stretched wide on the floor, Tendou who was interchanging the questions, sighed and nodded.

“Aah, regretfully, yes. I am the head of this Modern Game Club, and this is my clubroom. The one who is collapsed over there is the club advisor, Sena-sensei. And the boy over there is the club member named Kishimine Kengo. I also remembered something after watching that uniform of yours. If I am not mistaken, you are the girl that got transferred to this school last year right?”

“Yes, that’s right but”

“Oh, so she was also the transferred student. Be that the case, I wonder why such a little girl got transferred into the High School— Oufu”

Kishimine released a strange voice. And the reason was because he got elbowed by that little girl. He started to wonder, that if someone got hit suddenly in the stomach then a shriek like that comes out quite naturally.

“I am sure that you’re misunderstanding something really rude aren’t you!? Just so may you know, I am a third year! Giving my name like this is kinda shocking but it can’t be helped, I am Sugishika Madoka from 3-D! Be sure to remember it!”

“EeeehhhH? Same year as us!? Unbelievable, I mean you don’t look anything like a high schooler—gufuu—”

Kishimine once again receive a strong blow in his stomach and reflexively fell on his knees.

“I—In the first place, isn’t your uniform itself different. If you are in the High School division then it should’ve been a blazer instead of the Sailor Uniform……”

“I transferred here from America! So this is the uniform of the school I was in there!”

“A—Aah so that’s why……”

Even though she said she is in High School and wears a sailor uniform instead of a blazer, and that too is slightly different in design from the usual sailor uniform of the Middle School division. He finally understood the reason behind all of that. Considering her name being Japanese and her Japanese too was very good, it seems that she had Caucasian blood in her as well which was quite evident from her beautiful blonde hair and white skin.

“But to think that even in such a strict school, something like that is permitted……”

As Kishimine searched for an answer, Tendou replied.

“I am not familiar with it that much but, with just a single world from chairman it got permitted. Well getting transferred from America would’ve been hard in its own way”

“I don’t give a damn about that at all!”

The little girl named Sugishika Madoka hit the desk near her.

“Just what is this!? What’s with this rude boy over there!? And why the hell have I been brought here like that!?”

“I apologize for all the rude things that happened. For now, let me give this back to you.”

After apologizing open-heartedly, she took out the game controller out from the confiscation box.

“This is yours right? An Xbox 360 controller, huh? You can’t just bring such things in the school, you know?!”

The little girl called Sugishika Madoka flinched for the first time till then.

“You’re M—mistaken! This is umm, that’s right! It’s my big brother’s! He by mistake put this into my bag, and thus by chance got found by the teacher!”

“Fufufu, it would be better if you don’t lie like that, as you can’t hide anything from me!”

The one to shout such a thing, was Sena-sensei who just got 1 hit KO’ed by her a while ago. As one would expect he got revived without no one watching him.

“This is not just an ordinary controller. This is a controller customized so that even a child with small hands can use it, a JGBC’s Official custom controller. You might’ve gotten out of it if you would’ve said Little Brother instead of an Older Brother.”

“Uu—…….”

He doesn’t quite get it but, Sena-sensei cornered Sugishika in an argument.

“Well let’s leave these things aside, and get to the point! Sugishika Madoka was it right? To be honest, I have brought you here because I wanted to have a conversation with you.”

“……After all that you dare say “brought you here”? Well fine, let’s hear.”

“Let’s get one thing straight first, if you’re walking with this kind of a controller then, you must be quite a gamer yourself, are you not?!”

“…………”

Sugishika didn’t say anything.

“Then, let me get this straight! We built this Modern game club with the aim to win JGBC, No, an overall WGBC’s Team Championship.”

“Come to think of it, I did hear about a rumor about this school having a gaming club. I see, so this is that club’s clubroom, huh?”

Sugishika looked around in the clubroom. Big Four Plasma T.V’s plus several gaming consoles. No matter from what angle you see, it was a club designed to play games.

“If you know about us already, then that would make things fast! As you can see, in the club including me, the ones who can play games are just the three of us, so for now we still lack one person to officially participate in the Team Battle! So there I want you to join the club!”

“I refuse”

She replied very quickly.

“Won’t you tell us your reason first?” Tendou asked “If you join the club, then no one will say anything to you even if you were to carry that controller with you as it’s related to the club, plus you could play whatever you want at afterschool, you know?”

“I couldn’t care less about something like that. And I don’t plan on hiding it, Yes, I love games. And I even plan entering in the JGBC. But, I am satisfied with just Individual matches. That’s why I would very much like to decline joining a team that is as weak as a dog and which would pull me back.”

She declared that with a composed expression on her face. She was sharp with her mouth just like her appearance. And then, for Kishimine who had a self-awareness of him being weak like dog, it was something that made him mad.

“I see, it appears that you too have quite some confidence in your skills as a gamer.”

The one to respond like that was none other than Sena-sensei.

“But still, don’t you think it’s rude and cold of you to refer us weak without even actually knowing our skills!? For your information, we too didn’t build this club just for show or on a mere whim. ”

“Heh……, so basically you are saying that you are confident enough to take me? Oh well, if you went as far as making a club then you guys too must have some skills in you. But even after that, I know the potential of this small island’s gamers. The moment they go on the international stage the best they can do is to just avoid getting beaten too horribly.”

“Ho, it’s as if you’ve seen the stage yourself.”

“Well of course I did. I used to participate till last year in the AGBC [4] in America.”

“AGBC……”

It was a word he heard for the first time but, he somewhat comprehended the meaning of it. JGBC stands for the Gaming tournament that take place in Japan. Then, AGBC should be the American Edition of it.

“Ho, so you are a veteran gamer of the infamous AGBC, huh? That sure makes it interesting then.”

Tendou’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes, that’s more the reason I got depressed after watching the condition here. The FPS level here is way beyond saving. That’s why there is no hope for a world level here.”

As usual it was a conversation that couldn’t make sense for him.

“Umm……, what was FPS again? I think that I’ve heard of it somewhere before but”

Sugishika made a face as if she felt very sorry for him.

“Haa!? Are you an idiot? Besides, First Person Shooting Game, what else could it be?!”

“F—Fast Pers—on……?”

“You played Gears of War right?” said Tendou. “To put it simply, those kind of shooting games are what it is. Although both Uncharted and Gears of War lie in the group of TPS genre to be exact, In other words they are Third Person Shooting Games.”

“……I sort of get it, but then I don’t. In short FPS is where you can firefight with first person viewpoint, right?”

“Exactly” said Sena-sensei. “In America the FPS and TPS build Fighting Games are quite trending you see. Popular enough to be saying that the fan count for those games are crossing more than 10 million!”

“I see, as expected of the American Society……”

“Well certainly you could say that because it’s America that genre is popular.”

Tendou commented with a little sullen expression on her face.

“On quite the opposite end of it are the Japanese which are whatsoever related with guns, and because of that there is not even one decent FPS game in trend. However, if a genre gets dominated by 10 million users then, it’s normal for it to get selected in WGBC event matches. If one is aiming for WGBC then, he/she needs to be really good in the FPS.”

“So that how it is, you understand now?”

Like that she pointed her fingers at Kishimine.

“In other words, for Japanese who are bad at FPS, world conquest is a farfetched dream! So there’s no way I am gonna join a dog who doesn’t even know FPS!”

“Well, I wonder about that though? It seems you don’t get the real meaning of Team battle!”

The one to say that as a provocation was none other than Sena-sensei.

“Well FPS is certainly one of the major genre that is required in the WGBC but, the there’s no way that all the games appearing in the WGBC will be FPS based! If you are not good at games other than FPS then it would be impossible for you to win the main thing.”

“E—even if that’s the case, there’s no mistaking that FPS too is an essential genre.”

“So there! To win through the Individual’s you have to excel in each and every genre of gaming. However, if it’s a team match, then it’s a different thing. Just like you excel in FPS. I and Tendou too have a genre we excel in! And it’s the same with even Kishimine, who you branded as a dog! Team battle has a special feature in it where one can win as long as every member uses the things that they are good in! So there let’s have you lead if it’s FPS, but if it’s the something besides FPS then let us lead you.”

“…………”

It seemed as if there was somewhat of an effect of that persuasion on Sugishika, as she for a moment lost words.

But that too lasted for just a moment, as she quickly regained her previous posture with her arms folded, as she said.

“Hmph, it’s just impossible. To comply with what you are saying, there’s a condition where all four should have some skills. If in a team there existed a guy who was nothing more than a burden, then it’s natural for a Team battle to result in a loss right? Plus, I just can’t think that you all have what it takes”

“C—certainly……”

Reflexively Kishimine ended up agreeing to her. It was because, what she was pointing out, was right. Plus, if he had to think of someone among four who had the most potential to be a burden for everyone else, then that would be none other than him or so he thought.

“I understand what you are saying. It seems that you are also a typical gamer.”

For some unknown reason Tendou seemed happy. Considering her character, maybe she was happy about the fact of having another enthusiastic gamer such as her in this school or so Kishimine conjectured.

“Okay let’s do this then, let’s settle this with a gaming battle. As a result if you judge our skills as worthless, we will give up on recruiting you. But if it’s the opposite, then I would like to welcome you as our, Modern Game Club’s comrade.”

“I don’t have any reason, not any obligation to go along with that plan though”

Sugishika bluntly said

“But, if you too are a gamer. Then there is no way you could refuse a straight out challenge to a match. Right?”

To Tendou’s question, Sugishika for the first time after meeting them showed her smile.

“Very well then. If you’re gonna say that much, then I will allow myself to show you my genuine skills. As that would be much easier to make you understand my point.”

“W—what a confidence……”

“Isn’t it obvious? As there’s no way for me to get beaten by the likes of Japanese gamers?! If you like I don’t even mind giving you a handicap you know? Let’s see, how about making it a 3 v/s 1 match?”

“There’s really no need to do it, as a game should be played with fair rules. Though……as to which game it’s gonna be, it would be fine if we decide on that right?”

“Hmph, do what you want to. However, the game must be either FPS or TPS, because I want to see how far you can go in that genre with your aim of conquering the world.”

“Alright, everyone is okay with the agreement right?! Quite good as it’s easy to understand!”

Sena-sensei said that as if to conclude the conversation.

“Well then let’s all meet up here tomorrow afterschool! And have a showdown!”

And like that.

For Kishimine, his second gaming battle got arranged.

### Reference Words :-

[1] Buchou (部長) – refers to the head of a club/organization or a company. [2] Kaichou (会長) – refers to the President, Chairman etc. [3] The Nintendo DS (ニンテンドーDS Nintendou DS) is a dual-screen handheld game console developed and released by Nintendo. [4] America Gaming Battle Championship

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### 004. Part 1

And thus, the next day afterschool.

Though it was April, it was drizzling since morning which made it a bit colder than usual.

“The weather sure doesn’t feel like it’s the day of the battle.”

As for Kishimine, he couldn’t help but feel like that. He understood by now that in real life things won’t always work out as they do in the novels.

As he reached the clubroom door, there was already a visitor waiting there.

It was the person himself who they were battling against, Sugishika Madoka. As he looked at her, she still didn’t appear to him as a high school student. Plus, maybe it was because of the sudden cold today, she was standing with her arms folded around as if embracing her own body, which made her look even smaller. However, standing there in that pose, was highlighting her breast even more, which was very tempting for Kishimine.

“Ah, you’re finally here, huh!? You’re very late, what good would it do if the one who challenged me comes late?”

The moment their eyes met, she suddenly yelled at him. He soon realized that despite her size she was quite strong willed.

“My bad my bad, so you were already here? As it turned out to be a battle with all that development I sort of thought that you won’t be that eager to come here…… Ah, Could it be that Sugishika-san too was looking forward for today’s game battle……?”

Kishimine…, who was so bad at conversing with others, asked her a question.

As he asked that, for some unknown reason Sugishika averted her face as if she was angry.

“I—it’s not like I was looking forward to it or something! It’s just not my style to run away from a battle and also the homeroom got over a bit early than normal today!”

“S—so that how it was, my bad then.”

He asked himself that why did he apologized there but, for the time being he decided to remain quiet and to not intrude any more, as he was scared to make her more angry than she already was at the moment.

“That aside, open the door already! This corridor somehow feels chilly!”

“Ah, so it’s locked? But, even I don’t have a key……If Buchou, Sena-sensei or Niitani-san is not here then……”

“Huh—!? What the hell is that!? Geez, how useless!”

Useless. She was being a bit irrational and unreasonable like that but, getting called something like that on his face by a girl was something that occurred for the first time in his life, so he was a little depressed.

However quite fortunately, Tendou and Sena-sensei appeared right after that.

“Both of you were already here, huh? I apologize, I sort of wanted to come early myself but”

Tendou open-heartedly put those words of apology in front of her.

“You guys are really slow! Why should I have to be the one waiting here like that!?”

“Hahaha, Sorry about that!” the one to laugh composedly was none other than Sena-sensei. “Oh that’s right, as an apology let me arrange a spare key of clubroom next time! For Kishimine-kun and Sugishika-kun that is!”

“Eh? Well me aside, Sugishika-san is not a proper club member yet you know—”

The one to say that was Kishimine but, he soon realised that it was something Sena-sensei said to provoke her.

“You sure said that. Do you guys really think that you have any chance of winning against me?”

“Well that will be decided in the game itself. For now just come inside, and let’s begin without wasting any more time!”

And like that, that day’s club became livelier than usual.

◆

“So then, which game are we gonna play for the competition?”

As they came in, Kishimine asked that while putting his bag down.

“About that, after discussing it together with Sena-sensei, we decided to go on with this game today.”

Tendou showed a packet of the game to him.

On the package there was illustration of many soldiers with the gun in the hand lined up together with the military type robots. CERO rating C, a game for 15 years and older. A Futuristic Story that won the first prize for the Japan Game of 2009.

Kishimine read that title out loudly.

“ ”Lost Planet 2” ……is it?”

“It’s called LosPla2 in short!” the one who started to explain things was Sena-sensei. “Genre – TPS, to be precise it’s similar to the Gears of War you have played before!”

“TPS, is it?”

If the name appears casually like that again and again, then obviously Kishimine too would remember it eventually. TPS. Third Person Shooting. In short, game where you can firefight as a third person viewpoint.

“Just like Sugishika-kun told, FPS and TPS are genre that are quite popular in the foreign country! However, this Lost Planet 2 is a game which is made by a famous Japanese Game making company named Capcom . It’s one of the few domestic TPS games that were made and that too is not limited to just shooting randomly from your gun, but is a game where you have to fight fiercely with giant monsters called Akrid , a game where you can really perform various actions such as Anchor Action! ”

“Heh……”

A fierce battle with the giant monsters. As he heard about that, he naturally got a bit excited.

“Or rather, what is this?” Sugishika glared him with her cold eyes. “Even though you are Japanese yourself, you are saying that you don’t even know about LosPla?”

“Ah, sorry about that. It’s because I just recently started playing games.”

“……Fighting with someone like me after that, I will praise your courage. Well fine by me, at any rate if it’s a TPS game I have no problem. I will beat the 3 of you altogether in a go!”

“No, I don’t have any intention of making it a competition!”

Tendou said something completely out of the box.

“You can do Co-op with 4 people at once. So we’ll go with that.”

Co-op. It was a word he remembered from the time he practiced playing Gears of War. In short it’s where you play a game cooperating/collaborating with other peoples.

“What’s with that? I’ve never played together with anyone before, and just how are you going to decide black and white?”

“I’ve been thinking about that as well. Forcing you to join will do us no good. And rather it’s much more important to play together first. We leave the judgement to you. If you’re able to trust us, then feel free to join, but, if you’re not then we’ll also stop pressuring you further. When I thought like that, I came to a conclusion that rather than fighting it as a competition. Co-op will be much more convenient.”

“Hmm……, is that so?”

Sugishika changed her viewpoint at the situation a little.

“Well, it will be fine I guess. That’s right, if we are gonna play it anyways, then some hard stage will be the best. It can’t be helped as we have to clear the whole stage first, but choose a map where a boss appears in the end.”

“Yup, very reasonable!” like that Sena-sensei also agreed. “If we’re gonna play it anyways then a famous giant boss of LosPla would be quite good after all! Well then, let’s start from Episode 1’s Chapter 2!”

“Ah, and “Respawn” will be prohibited as well okay? It would be impossible for me to team up with someone who dies easily.

“Ah that too is reasonable, very well then. That will create a nice feeling of tension after all.”

Kishimine sort of understood that Sugishika put up some very absurd conditions.

“U—Umm. What was Respawn again? I’ve a feeling I’ve heard about it somewhere before as well.”

“It’s regarding the revival. In this game one can revive as many times as they want after dying, so we’ll be prohibiting that. Since, there’s no setting option to do it in-game, one would have to manually turn off their console.”

“EeeehhhH? W—will I really be alright? I’m getting a feeling I’ll die very easily.”

“It’s fine you know, to give up if you want to” said Sugishika. “Let me get this straight, I don’t have any intention of teaming up with someone who can’t even clear a game like this.”

“It’s alright, Kishimine” Tendou tapped on his shoulder. “For you, it’s best to have a bit of tension in the air. You’ll do well without any doubt.”

“I—if you say like that…….I—I understood, I’ll try my best”

He was anxious but, he couldn’t help giving an answer like that.

And like that the stage got set.

The 4 Plasma Display and the 4 PS3 got powered up in the clubroom.

Tendou observed everything with a strange happy look on her face.

“A day like this, where we could use the full feature of this room has finally come.”

Kishimine sort of understood her feelings. This room which only had two gamers till a while ago, it’s potential to have 4 members play at the same time always felt like a useless old treasure that was only decaying.

‘As it has come to this, I’ve to make Sugishika-san join this club by any possible means……!’

If she approves after playing this game then finally they’ll able to officially take part in a Team battle. He was in a lot of confusion given that it was a game he was playing for the first time but, he knew that he had to play his part in the best way possible.

“Ah, that’s right” Sena-sensei raised his voice suddenly. “Tentatively, I and Tendou-kun have their Save data with us but, we will use the weapons and action skills similar to that of an initial stage, its fine like that right?”

“Well I don’t care as we are not gonna score in this anyway. But certainly doing that would be fair alright.”

It seemed that it was a conversation regarding the Game settings, but as usual Kishimine couldn’t grasp anything. Though it would be considered as usual, this kind of atmosphere always made him feel somewhat left out.

“Alright then, everyone sit on the chair you want to sit then! But make sure to sit 1 meter behind the monitor at all cost! It’s a rule for all the gamers.”

Just as he instructed, they started making arrangements grabbing the seat they wanted.

As the clubroom was not that spacious to begin with, they had the Plasma T.V’s and Consoles prepared side by side, alternatively to each other. So, as per his character, he decided to sit at the last seat.

“Uh-oh, that’s my seat, Kishimine-kun!”

But for some unknown reason he got stopped by Sena-sensei, who whispered the next lines close to his ears.

“You should go sit on the chair between those two, I can ensure that it’s quite a view, you know?”

“Huh……?”

He didn’t even slightly get it but, he sat on the pipe chair that was between those two.

‘T—this scene is……!’

He finally understood the meaning behind Sena-sensei’s words. As the seats were arranged alternatively to the 4 Plasma T.V’s, it resulted in making somewhat of a strange view.

First, there was a Plasma T.V. in front of him, on his left and right sides Tendou and Sugishika were seated, and thus the T.V in front of him was acting as a mirror for him and was showing the 2 of them projected through their respective T.V’s

Two high School girls were sitting right beside him. On top of it, the skirt of their school was short. In short, Kishimine was in a situation where he could clearly see their thighs by adjusting his sight a bit.

“…………”

Tendou Shinobu’s silky smooth legs.

And, Sugishika Madoka’s voluptuous and thin white legs.

On top of it, just a slight movement resulted in the space behind those thighs to almost appear.

“Hey, you seem a bit red, are you really okay?”

“Are you perhaps nervous? It’s alright, just play like usual”

“Yes!? Ah, No, I am perfectly fine.”

He shook his head to let go of those sudden worldly desires.

He knew that it’d be quite disastrous if they found out where he was looking a while ago and above all, the game they were gonna play would decide the club’s future. That’s why he can’t just let his mind be occupied with unnecessary things.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, shall we start the show then?!”

He might’ve given his seat knowing that this would happen, as he gave the command with a grin on his face.

Soon the game began, and he once again started concentrating on the screen in front of him.

The starting point was a little shed surrounded by a valley.

“Ah, I see, certainly it’s sort of like GearsWar.” On the screen a soldier like figure with a gun in his hand appeared. In the centre of the screen an icon with a gun aim was there, on the corners of the screen a gauge with “LIFE” written on it, the weapon and grenade icons were also written consecutively, with the numbers which apparently describing the barrel and left grenade count.

“Ah, I forgot to ask before but, how do you operate this? It looks sort of similar to Gears of War to me though.”

“Substantially, it’s quite similar to that” said Tendou. “First as a trial try pressing various buttons. There are times when one is made to play a game totally unknown to him/her in JGBC. So make a habit of learning that on your own from these experiences.”

“All TPS games are almost identical to each other” Sugishika also said. If you press the buttons randomly then you will be able to know how to attack with your gun, how to aim a grenade, how to exchange different weapons or how to jump.”

“I—I see.”

As a trial when he started pressing the buttons, he got to know that certainly the operation system was quite similar to that of Gears of War. You could move with the left stick, and you could change your viewpoint direction with the right stick, with “R1” you could fire from the weapon, and with “X” Button you could jump and could do adjacent firing with the “O” Button.

“And in the end, this is something you might not get unless told! Try pressing the left stick for a moment!”

“Haa”

As he did that, the character crouched at the place he was standing. And as he pressed the stick to move, he even moved in the crouched position.

“If you advance in crouch position, then you would be hard to aim by the enemy! Plus if you press the jump button while in that crouched position then you would be able to perform even the evasion action! Perfect timing on the evasion action makes you literally invincible, so be sure to learn how to do it!”

“I—I see”

While in the crouched position he pressed the “X” button, and as he was told, the character took sort of a defensive pose than before.

“Ummm, then what about this?”

He tried pressing the “L1” after that. As he did that, he threw an orange glowing thing.

“I wonder what that was.”

As he curiously approached the thing he threw.

“Ah, you idiot!”

Sugishika’s small voice resounded—and some kind of explosion happened.

Kishimine, and Sugishika who approached him by accident, got blown off quite a bit from that explosion, and the meter on which LIFE was written decreased a bit which made clear that they took quite some damage from that.

“Whoa! Wo—! That was quite close to death!”

“You got involved into a grenade blast there” said Tendou. “Calm down, as long as you get to use the T-ENG (Thermal Energy) then you can activate your harmoniser and replenish your LIFE.”

“T—Thermal Energy?”

“To put it simply it’s a type of energy that is unique to only this planet. Press and hold the start button”

As he did that, his LIFE meter got filled quite a lot with some sort of smoke sound effect. But in exchange, the value of T-ENG which located on the upper-left corner of the screen reduced a bit.

“I see, so that’s what you mean by using the T-ENG to replenish the LIFE”

“Geez! Be careful from next time! It’s fine as friendly fire is invalid, but if it was not, I would’ve taken quite a lot of damage as well!”

“F—Friendly Fire?”

As he heard a word he had never heard before from the mouth of Sugishika, he like usual turned it into question, and as he did that, as per usual Sena-sensei started explaining about it.

“To put it simply, it is when you accidently shoot or damage your friend with your attack.”

“Ah, I see. It literally refers towards “An attack towards your friends” huh?”

“This time, we’ve made into a setting where you won’t take damage even if something like this would happen! Still, do take care about not doing something like that again, as grenade blast will blow you up just like before!”

“That’s right, be careful! There are cases where a blast will result in you falling into the bottom of a ravine or right into the centre of enemy’s horde.”

“I—I am sorry.”

“Hey, since how long do you guys plan on having a conversation like that that? The enemies are here already!”

“E—Enemy?”

As he looked ahead after getting alerted by Tendou, she was already in battle with the enemy like monsters.

The enemies were of two kinds and that too almost the size of a human being. One kind was of an aerial monster which was fluttering in the air, and the other was a spider like monster which was on the ground. Both were gushing forth one after another from an orange like body—which was probably their nest.

“W—what is that?”

“Akrid, nicknamed AK you see, in short a monster which inhabits this planet! Come now, Kishimine-kun let’s join her in battle!”

“Y—Yes!”

After aiming he pressed the “R1” Button. Fortunately as the aerial and spider monsters were not much powerful, they got finished up easily with the machine gun. Though their count was quite a lot, when hunted by four of them, they were nothing that great. And while they were at it, as they shot the nest like object from where all the AK were coming with their guns, it exploded after shooting some sort of questionable orange looking fluid.

“What is that, orange looking fluid?”

And now he notices that the same orange looking fluid is spilled everywhere from the bodies of all the AK they’ve defeated.

“You really don’t know anything do you……? Picking up anything that drops from an enemy that you defeated! Isn’t that a common sense of all the games?!”

Sugishika touched that orange fluid and as she did that, the fluid got absorbed by the character of Sugishika as if sucked in.

“That is T-ENG (Thermal Energy)” said Tendou. “As it has its worth by just touching, despite of its outward appearance collect the amount you can.”

“Heh…….”

As he touched the liquid personally after being told, the value of T-ENG located on the upper-left screen rose a bit.

‘I see, I’m sort of starting to get it.’

In short, there are monsters on this planet called AK. If you beat up those monsters they drop the energy called T-ENG, which could be used to do several other things such as restoring your LIFE, etc.

“Don’t waste time here and let’s advance to the front as it’s gonna be quite a long journey from here on!”

Sugishika advanced to the front in high spirits. Panicking Kishimine too followed her.

Some sort of giant flood gate was there up ahead in the valley. And up ahead of that gate, was quite a wide river which was flowing.

But at that moment, a system message appeared suddenly on his screen.

“U—mm……, Activate a Data Post? What is this about?”

“Aah, it’s about this!”

Sena-sensei started running. The way he was headed, had this scarlet coloured cylindrical object lying on the ground. However, the AK were swarming around the post.

“I and Sugishika will take care of those AK. You go with Sensei and activate the Data Post.”

“Y—Yes!”

He was asked to do something which he had no clue about, but still, he decided to tag along with Sena-sensei.

“Just press the “O” Button continuously. The faster you press it, the faster you will be able to activate it.”

He followed Sena-sensei’s direction and with each rapid click on the “O” Button the Data Post started to transform, and something like an antennae started to grow out of it.

As he continued pressing the button, the form of the post finally got completed. At the same time the data post took its final transform, it released a light similar to a scan line.

“Ah, the map is—”

The right upper corner of the screen, which was blank a while ago, got filled up with various types of information.

On the map, the icon values 1~4 with some red spots popped up, which looked like a position indicator for AK. While on the other hand, it seemed like the value of 1~4 was indicating their position.

“It’s quite important, so keep this in mind! When you activate a data post, the radar will search the vicinity and then that area will include in your map. Also, after activating one, you could even use that Data Post to replenish your T-ENG! Kill the enemy to collect the weapons and the T-ENG out of them, Continue with the activation of the Data Post and in the end, proceed further, that is the natural flow of this game.”

“I—I see. I’m sort of starting to get it.”

“We’ve also finished cleaning the low-life’s here! Let’s proceed further!”

Leading the way, Sugishika started to advance. But, Tendou stopped her.

“Wait, Sugishika. I have an idea. How about taking a Back Route after going back a little?”

“Back Route? Aah, Now that you mention it, there was one in this game right? You could collect various types of items there was it?”

“That’s right! As we are here already, I thought of showing Kishimine a little bit more.”

“W—well I don’t have any reason to object”

“Then it’s decided, well then everyone, Here”

Following Tendou’s direction, we started heading back.

“Is something over there?”

“There’s a hidden route here. If I am not wrong it should be somewhere around……ah, found it.”

There was a wall of a huge cliff in front of Tendou’s character. But as he looked carefully, there was a small black cave halfway up on the mountain.

“Just how will we reach there? It’s not a height which could be covered by just a jump, and it’s also not a slope where we can climb casually.”

“Try pressing the “□” Button after aiming! With that you could shoot an anchor till there!”

“A—anchor?”

“Look carefully, you do it like this!”

Sugishika’s character shot some sort of cord like thing towards the entrance of the cave.

“Heh……, that’s anchor, huh?”

The anchor pierced deep into the ice, and Sugishika easily reached to the entrance of the cave by pulling herself up on the cord.

‘Then I’ll also try doing it.’ He pressed the “□” Button after aiming carefully towards the entrance of the cave. The anchor got released and pierced into the ice. And just like her, his character too pulled himself up automatically to the entrance of the cave.

“Amazing. To think that something like this is plausible”

“Aah, you could say that diverse actions such as these, is what made this game that famous.”

Tendou who was talking about the enjoyable things in the game, as expected, appeared livelier than her usual self.

After gathering on the top, all four of them headed into the cave. And after walking a bit inside, the Stage Clear indication appeared on the screen.

“Huh? It’s over already?”

“Of course not! It’s just we entered on a different route, the real show has just begun!”

And just as Sena-sensei said, the next stage began.

What awaited them after exiting the cave was a big valley. There was this long bridge, and the other side of that bridge was a small shed.

In the surrounding of that small hut and on that bridge which was made from metal, several human figures could be seen. They were wearing the same kind of dress as them. At first glance, he thought of them as friends—but, he soon realized that he was too hasty in making his judgement.

The reason was that they started firing at them.

“Whoa, they fired at us!? The enemy is not AK alone!?”

“In this world, the battle and hunger for power is like a daily routine! Come now, let’s break through them!”

“I am gonna laugh so hard on you guys if you all die here!”

Tendou and Sugishika without even caring about the sudden enemies, were trying to break through the bridge.

“Let’s cover them, Kishimine-kun!”

“Y—Yes!”

To cover up those two, he teamed up with Sena-sensei and started firing at the enemies.

Shooting at the enemy from across the bridge with the machine gun was somewhat difficult but, maybe it was because they both were shooting with each other in sync, the enemy line-up and posture were destroyed completely, and like that they sealed the enemies counter-attack.

In the meanwhile, Tendou and Sugishika, filled in the gap.

“Eh!? Sniper!?”

Suddenly, Sugishika’s scream reached his ears. It was as if to notify the situation of a comrade who’s in a pinch. On the top screen of Kishimine, it got notified that Sugishika has dropped a lot of her LIFE force.

“What the hell is this!? For some unknown reason I took quite a damage with after getting hit with just 1 shot.”

“Ah, my bad! Didn’t I mention it before? As “normal” level of difficulty would’ve been too easy for you, so I chose “hard” instead!”

Sena-sensei answered while laughing.

“Hey!? Tell something like that beforehand!”

Continuing to play the game without even backing off due to turmoil, clearly explained how skilled she was. Sugishika used the anchor to reach the roof of that small hut, and silenced the enemy sniper with her rapid fire from the machine gun.

“Say, how are you gonna make up for this damage!”

“Hahaha, my bad! I’ll share my T-ENG with you, so let me off the hook for now! Here, Kishimine-kun you too also try doing that! Press “△” and “L1” together. As you do it, instead of the grenade, you’ll be able to equip the T-ENG injecting equipment. With that share your T-ENG with Sugishika-kun!”

“Okay, you mean like this?”

As he entered the command, just as he was told, an orange like ball shot out, and got absorbed by Sugishika’s character. Maybe Sugishika used the T-ENG to activate her Harmonizer, her LIFE value got restored soon enough.

“Well, as stretching the matter would be troublesome, I will let it pass this time. However, I will gladly allow myself to use this!”

Sugishika equipped the weapon which was lying on the roof of the shed. And it was yet again quite big of a gun.

“Sniper Rifle?” asked Tendou. “You’re supposed to be a sniper, huh?”

“Ara~ Didn’t I tell you before? That’s right, the weapon I am especially good in, is this. As it’s quite an opportunity, make sure to also remember this, I am not just an ordinary Gamer, but, a Shooter.”

“S—Shooter—……”

It sort of had a cool sound to it.

But still, he found it surprising for her to be using the Sniper Rifle, as Kishimine also had a bit of an emotional attachment with that “hard to handle” gun. In the JGBC’s Gears of War competition that happened few days ago, he, after picking up the Sniper Rifle challenged the enemy for a 1 v/s 1 duel. The Sniper Rifle’s biggest advantage is to annihilate an enemy from long range, but on the other hand, to be able to snipe an enemy from a scope who excels in quick movement and is also quite clever, is next to impossible and quite practically he couldn’t beat him at that time.

And Sugishika says that she’s quite good in using that difficult yet powerful weapon. He got interested in seeing how she will fight next.

All of them started to move further. The steep cliff and the boulders made the road really rough.

The enemy too, started to make their appearance. From halfway across the cliff of the mountain, the flower bud like shaped nest appeared and from inside it the spider like AK’s, one after another, started to gush forth.

The enemies were weak enough to be called as low life in Sugishika’s reference but, their count was just too much. The Spider like AK started to attack the group from three directions on the cliff which was quite troublesome.

“As a greeting, let me show you guys my skills! Hey you there, throw the grenade up in the air!”

“Eh? In the air?”

“Just do it, hurry up!”

“Y—Yes!”

He threw the grenade high up in the sky.

Though he threw the grenade, it would take around 3 seconds for it to blast. Even though it was thrown up in the air, for it to fall on the ground and then explode was destined. If that happens, not only the swarming AK would be destroyed but they too would get involved in the blast.

But, suddenly something unbelievable occurred.

“……Right there!”

One gunshot resounded loud in the air. It was because Sugishika used her Sniper Rifle.

At the same time, the grenade blew up in the air and almost all the surrounding AK’s got involved in the blast.

“J—just what the hell was that right now?”

“Quite commendable” Tendou admired what occurred just now. “She sniped the grenade you threw up in the air with her rifle.”

“Splendid indeed. Usually one would rapidly fire with their machine gun or would use their shotgun to perform such feat! To think that you would snipe it with your sniper rifle……!”

He finally understood what kind of a stunt she just pulled up.

“Amazing……!! To be able to snipe such a small moving target with the scope.”

“H—Hmph! It’s just that the collision detection was considerably big. Getting praised over something such as this doesn’t make me happy or anything! There, just hurry up and clean up the rest already!”

Even though she was getting praised by everyone, her attitude was cold like before. It’s just that her face seemed more perplexed than angry.

“By any chance, Is she shy……?”

He, one way or another, came to a conclusion that he couldn’t put into words.

And thus, Kishimine and the others resumed their march, but soon they noticed something strange collapsed at the bottom of the valley.

“There’s something dropped here! Look some sort……of robot or something”

“Aah. That’s a Vital Suit, a.k.a VS, a boarding weapon suit, though you can’t board this one as it’s broken.”

She said it quite causally but her words were quite interesting for Kishimine.

“What? Then you mean that there are even robots that could be boarded?”

“Yes. It’s not weird for them to lying here.”

“Heh……!”

Robot’s which could be rode. That genuinely drew his interest in.

“Ah, it seems that we can still use this VS’s Rocket launcher! Let’s take this for insurance!”

Sena-sensei after saying that, removed the weapon out from the robot. There was this big gun—No, artillery weapon installed into the robot’s body as well.

As Kishimine was getting amazed that something like that is also plausible in this game, Sugishika suddenly raised her voice .

“See the radar, a big-shot is coming our way!”

“EH? What?”

As he looked at the upper right corner of the screen, the 2 big dots were certainly displayed there.

As he looked ahead to confirm what that was, a big AK with body and limbs of that of a pillbug and armadillo co-joint was rolling at a thunderous speed at them, and that too, two at the same time.

“What the hell is that thing?!”

“Like hell it’s time to be talking about that, just hurry up and run!”

“EeeehhhH?!”

With Tendou’s voice as he looked in his surroundings, the other three were already done taking shelter on the higher parts of the valley, after performing the Anchor action.

But before he could fire the anchor and escape like others, those AK reached him first.

In an instant what came up in his mind was Evasion action. He pressed the left stick together with the jump button. He rolled up sideways and somehow was able to evade the attack.

However, the other AK saw his movements and followed where he suddenly evaded, and approached near him. He completely got cornered alongside the wall.

“Damn you, Damn you!!”

He shot at them with his Machine gun but there were no signs of that working on their hard shell.

“Kishimine ..!! That thing’s body is hard as steel! Aim at the end of its tail!”

Tendou gave an advice. The tail end of those AK alone was glowing with the same colour as T-ENG which made it obvious that it was its weak point.

“E—even if you tell me that!”

But there was no way that he could aim at their tail as he was cornered alongside the wall.

As he was thinking of his way out, one of the AK jumped at him. With no place or time to even evade, he ate a direct hit, and got blown off in the air and hit the wall behind.

“Hii!”

That attack made him lose almost half of his LIFE and there, as if to land a finishing blow, the 2 nd AK started approaching him.

“It’s hopeless, like that, he is completely screwed.” Sugishika ruthlessly said.

And practically too, he didn’t have anywhere to run. He was in a position where he just had half of his LIFE left. It’s true that he had a surplus of T-ENG with him, but he didn’t have any spare time to use that to restore his LIFE.

“Leave it to me, I will get you a chance!”

‘How—’ he couldn’t even finish it…

And the next moment, the screen got filled up with the blast.

“Gyaaa!?”

Kishimine’s character too also got involved in the blast. But, though he got blown off, there were no signs of any damage.

“Alright, now’s the time..!”

“Geez, you’re such a troublesome case!”

In that gap, Tendou and Sugishika aimed at the tail of the AK.

“What was that just now?!”

“It was just a VS’s Rocket Launcher. Here have another one!”

“Gyaaa!?”

His screen got covered with another blast, and he again got blown off.

However, maybe it’s because friendly fire is invalid in this game, he didn’t take any damage. Plus no matter what AK did while he was being blown off, he didn’t even take damage against them as if being invincible at that time.

And in the meantime, Tendou and Sugishika continued aiming at the orange tail of their respective targets. With each hit, their T-ENG scattered like blood, and soon the AK froze like some solid ice, and eventually broke into pieces.

“Kishimine, restore your LIFE with the T-ENG of those guys.”

“G—Gladly……”

He went through a lot but, somehow he managed to survive. That’s why he had no reason to complain regarding anything.

It was at that moment when she reported something like this.

“Oh, there’s a VS (Vital Suit) here. On top of it, it looks like this one is not broken, so you could ride it!”

“Is it okay if I ride this one?! This is the small size VS with codename “Vensa”! So I think if I install this VS build Rocket launcher in it, I will be able to fight quite flashily!”

“I don’t have any problem with it as it would be quite meaningless for a sniper like me to ride one.”

“I will also pass as I don’t think I will be able to handle it.”

“…………”

Kishimine noticed that at that moment Tendou had quite a greedy loon on her face but, as Sena-sensei already took the initiative, he couldn’t just help her this late in the topic.

Sena-sensei approached the VS and installed the Rocket launcher in it, and at last boarded it.

With a metallic voice, the Robot got activated and started moving.

‘T—this is one hell of a game……’

Beautiful graphics, Violent battles between humans and AK, Sharing T-ENG with your friends and comrades, or performing anchor moves, and one could even board a robot. What’s more is that you could de-install or install the weapons out from the robot. Kishimine had tried different type of games but, he never had played a game where you could do so much different things.

As they eventually proceeded ahead, the way started to divide and that too into 3 different paths. The left one was headed to halfway up the cliff, the middle one was just like usual headed down the valley. However, both of the roads had a big rift in the middle with a very thin bridge. The right road alone seemed to be without any particular rift in the middle.

“S—so which one is it gonna be? As expected, we would move together right?”

“No way, it would be quite troublesome if we leave any enemy behind. We should move separately from here.”

“Well then I shall go to the one in the middle! As it would be quite troublesome ascending with this giant frame!”

Sena-sensei agreed with Sugishika’s idea.

“Well I will go to the one on the right then, as I will be able to acquire quite a lot of vision there.”

After saying suddenly like that, Sugishika shot the anchor on the cliff and started climbing her way on the right one.

“Well then, Kishimine, let’s proceed our way to the left.”

“Understood!”

Being able to stay together with Tendou was the best thing he could’ve asked for. And thus, both of them together started climbing their way to the cliff.

The fierce battle started. The VS controlled by Sena-sensei commenced the fight with the enemy below the cliff, and Kishimine too, together with Tendou started shooting at the enemy which were on the other side of the bridge, so they could cross it safely.

“Can you see it, Kishimine? There’s a VS lying on the other side of the bridge, let’s board that.”

Certainly on the opposite side of the bridge, there was a VS lying on the ground which was slightly bigger than the one Sena-sensei was using.

“Understood, let’s head there then!”

Together with Tendou, he started breaking his way through the bridge.

“Be careful, the thicket around there is filled with enemies!”

And Sugishika’s warning was spot-on. There was quite a thicket on the other side of the bridge but, there were just too many enemies that were waiting for an ambush and soon the two of them got surrounded.

“Uwaa!?”

“Kuu, this is quite bad!”

There was just nowhere for them to hide themselves, which caused their LIFE to decrease quite a lot.

“Damn, even here!?”

He wondered that why didn’t he notice up until now, that the enemy was hiding even in the thicket right in front of them. On top of it the barrel in the machine was almost empty and it required an immediate reload to fire again.

However, in the midst of when the situation was getting dangerous, the enemy got blown off.

“What are you…, taking a walk in the park?!”

It was Sugishika’s voice. With that he sort of understood what happened just now. She covered them from the behind with her Sniper Rifle.

And while he was thinking, another got shot right in the head.

“Thanks for the save, Sugishika-san!”

“I—it’s not like I saved you both or something! It’s just I wanted to increase my score!”

“Now’s your chance Kishimine, board the VS before your LIFE runs out!”

“Huh!? But it would be better if Buchou rides this!”

“It’s because your LIFE is lower than mine, well then hurry up!”

“Y—Yes!”

Even with Sugishika’s covering fire, the enemy still remained. Kishimine’s LIFE was quite low and he had no time to use the harmonizer to restore his health.

Perhaps her idea was the best at that moment, so that’s why trusting her proposal for once, he as per told boarded the VS.

“Initializing”

The machine made an initializing sound, which would mean that the machine would be starting up.

“Is this……what activation is?”

He pressed the “X” Button. As he did that the engine got started, and the VS started moving.

“Oh, his name is Nida! It’s a Medium-sized VS in which you could install a maximum of 2 weapons. It’s quite a convenient VS, you know?!”

Just as Sena-sensei said, there was an absurdly big weapon called “VS Gatling Gun” installed in both of its arms.

“Fire, Kishimine! Mow them down.”

“Roger! Here goes nothing!”

Obviously, he didn’t know how to control it. But, guessing that it would be something like this, he pressed the “L2” and “R2” button simultaneously.

As he did that, the Gatling gun installed in both of the VS’s shoulders started emitting fire and the power of the flames was so fierce and dreadful that the enemies near him started to drop one by one. The defence of the VS was quite good as well, as he did receive the counter-attack a few times, but there were no signs of the unit getting damaged.

“It’s quite a chance, so I’ll also allow myself to ride in it.”

Tendou suddenly said.

‘By any chance is this a 2-man boarding VS?’— He thought at once but, Tendou instead of entering inside, hanged herself on the right shoulder of the VS’

“Amazing! You could even do something like this?!”

“To be honest, it’s not something that significant though”

Even so, she quite enjoyably, continued to shoot at the enemies while swinging.

As they continued to head on the road, eventually the 3 paths merged into one again. After cleaning-up the enemies in the surrounding area, they finally joined Sugishika and Sena-sensei.

“Huh? Sensei, what happened to your VS?”

He asked as for some reason, Sena-sensei was walking.

“Hahaha, there was an enemy VS on my side you see, so I lost mine as we were exchanging the Rocket launcher! Well that aside, let’s head ahead!”

“Yes”

Like that, as they continued their march, on the radar new red spots appeared.

“Somehow, new kinds have appeared—!?”

Two Dog-like AK that were made up of bones and on top of it, a Giant Bee who was flying up in the air spraying some sort of dangerous looking thing.

“Be careful, it’s Vodogg and Raibee!”

Sena-sensei’s sudden explanation came in.

Dog and Bee. It was quite obvious that which one of them was the Vodogg.

On the other hand, though the Raibee was flying up in the air, but, maybe because of its size, its movements were dull. And thus, the first ones to attack were—the two Vodoggs.

The body of those dogs was covered with some sort of hard shell, and it seemed that they had quite a considerable amount of stamina. On top of all those things, there were not any specific weak-points on it as well.

“It’s alright. As long as you have the firepower they are not that strong of an enemy.”

Sena-sensei’s advice was quite precise. The two Gatling guns, and the firepower of the rest of the three, was enough to incinerate the Vodoggs without even letting them do anything.

Now what remained was just the Raibee. That giant bee in the air was on stand-by and was not doing any flashy attack on them.

However, suddenly a white light started to accumulate in its rear part.

“Careful, he’s planning to release a lighting attack!”

‘Please say something like that a bit—’ before he could’ve even complained he got hit.

“Uwaa!?”

However, there were not any real signs of damage as VS yet again guarded him with its high defence.

“Aim his wings! Then, he won’t be able to fly anymore!”

“R—Roger!”

With Sugishika’s command, Kishimine and others started firing at it immediately.

And soon enough it fell onto the ground and started wriggling violently.

“Alright, I’ll deal the final blow then!”

As Tendou started filling the gap, it happened.

On the radar a new red spot appeared, which was yet another new AK.

However, that red spot was bigger than any he had seen until now.

“Be Careful! A big one is coming our way!”

Sena-sensei shouted to gather everyone’s attention! And soon enough after watching the AK which came breaking the ground, Kishimine released a scream.

“Eeeeehhhhh!? Wh— this size is not fair!”

He could tell that the Boss that Sena-sensei and others were talking about is none other than this. At any rate, he was just too damn big.

In a word, it was a giant mantis. It was 10 times the size of the VS, Kishimine was riding. Whole screen was completely filled up with just 1 AK.

“Don’t fret! The enemy is not really invincible! There, just shoot, shoot at him!”

Getting halfway desperate with Tendou’s voice, he started shooting at the enemy.

Fortunately, even that AK had a weak point. The weak point was its tail which was glowing with a bright orange colour. However, aiming right at the tail from front was hard, and that’s why no one was able to deal an effective amount of damage to him.

“Beware of the Swing!”

The giant mantis-like AK did an obvious attack considering that body of his. He mowed down the area clean with one swing.

At that moment, the one who was ahead of them was, Tendou. And as it was quite a narrow area, there was just no space for her to evade the hit.

“Damn, he got me!”

Tendou got blown up quite far and lost many LIFE points.

“Buchou!? Are you okay!?”

“I am not in any position to really say that, alright”

And soon enough the Giant AK, took a posture for his 2 nd attack. Kishimine realised that if she got hit now, then, even she would not be able to make it.

But, it was at that moment when Sena-sensei suddenly shouted.

“I am counting on you, Sugishika-kun!”

“Geez, it really can’t be helped!”

Just before, that swing reached the ground.

Sena-sensei threw the grenade, and Sugishika shot at it and the blast of that grenade, made the AK to flinch.

The coordination was top-notch. It’s because those two were extremely skilled gamers, that they were able to perform such co-op play without even planning it before.

“Now, Aim whatever you have at his weak point!”

“Y—yes!”

Without even a seconds delay, he started firing rapidly with the VS’s Gatling gun.

With that the giant AK again got aggro’ed and started to swing his arms but, with the restless and continuous rapid attacks of the VS, he couldn’t hold much longer, and eventually collapsed.

“Fu, thanks for the save back then. That was quite a splendid coordination.”

Tendou activated her Harmonizer to restore her LIFE back.

“T—there was no need for me to save you all. But, even I would be troubled if you go and die on me this late on the stage.”

Sugishika gave an unnecessary excuse while turning her face.

“Well shall we go then, ladies and gentlemen?! This stage is almost over as well!”

“Wait a second there, Sensei! While we are at it let’s have Kishimine’s VS repaired as well”

On Sena-sensei’s words, Tendou responded like this.

“Repair? Even something like that is possible?”

With all that battle till now, the VS controlled by Kishimine got damaged a little. So if possible, he wanted to fix it.

“Of course it’s possible. Can you come out from your VS for a moment?”

“Y—Yes!”

Now that he thinks of, he really didn’t know how to get out from one but, as he pressed few buttons randomly, the VS dropped on his knees and he was able to come out of it.

“Alright, the rest is similar to what you did at the time of Data post.”

As he approached the VS, their appeared a message on its body saying “Press “O” Button to repair” and as he went according to the instructions, he was able to fix it’s durability in exchange for his T-ENG.”

He started to get that the degree of freedom in this game was quite high. You could use the T-ENG like this to repair the VS, or could just keep it reserved to restore your LIFE at the time of need.

“This will do for now. Now you can board it, Kishimine.”

He wanted to reply “Understood” and act accordingly at once but, then he recalled that Tendou too wanted to ride it.

“I had my fun already, now please Buchou you board it next!”

“W—what?”

Tendou got confused at such a sudden proposal but that restlessness of hers, which was just like a dog whose favourite dish has been placed in front of him, was something he couldn’t fail to miss.

“Without a doubt the VS are strong but, as it’s quite a chance I want to experience various ways of fighting. So from here on, I will walk on my feet”

“I—Is that so? Then as it’s quite a chance, I will allow myself.”

To the end, Tendou responded humbly but, her face was livelier like ‘a kid right before his trip’.

“Alright, Vital Suit Activate!”

She boarded the VS in high spirits, and activated it.

“Sorry for the wait, everyone! Well then, VS advance!”

Curiously, Kishimine tried swinging on the arm of the VS similar to what Tendou did a while ago.

‘I see, it had no deep meaning than just grabbing the arm’ However it was interesting as he was able to feel sort of a link with Tendou like this.

And soon, they entered a cave, deep inside the valley.

At this time point in time, Kishimine was already quite pleased with the game.

Beautiful graphics which were not in any way low than the “Uncharted” and “Gears of War” he played before. Humans, Giant monsters, Fierce battle against enemies in a variation rich environment, and in the end various kinds of joint struggle with friends.

He never knew that the games these days are so much high in regards to freedom. His character that was walking while exercising its ingenuity was a certain adventure novel itself.

Kishimine’s heart, was throbbing loudly with excitement.

◆

The next stage began.

As they finally came out of the cave, they found themselves at the cliff. Below the cliff was a big lake and, surrounding it were manmade structures—even something like a DAM could also be see there.

“Well now, ladies and gentlemen. Prepare yourself for the real hunt!”

As Sena-sensei said that loudly, “that thing” came from inside the lake.

“Wh—……”

Even Kishimine had a premonition that something might appear here.

But he never in his wildest dreams thought that it would be this big.

“W—what the hell is thattttt!?”

The one which came out, was a giant—No, a super-giant AK.

The appearance looked somewhat similar to that of a Mantis type AK from just a while ago.

Big 2 arms and a thin body. It’s just that as her body was inside the lake, the actual size couldn’t be calculated. And her face too was more like an ant rather than a mantis, and on the joint of her forehead and arms, nearby her antennae, an orange glowing light could be seen.

Kishimine still couldn’t believe at her size. Just a while ago, he fought a giant AK which was big enough to fit the whole screen. However the one this time was even bigger than that. Even though they were still on the cliff, she was big enough to not fit in the whole frame of the screen.

“Okay listen carefully, she’s the Queen! A “Category G”, large AK.”

Sena-sensei’s explanation came in. He couldn’t tell what exactly this “Category G” means but, he guessed that it would be based on the size. ‘She seems to be the Queen, so it means that she is the one to give birth to that Mantis like AK, huh?’

As he was thinking like that, a friendly Helicopter appeared out of nowhere in the sky.

“T—that is!?”

“It’s useless even watching it!” said Sugishika. “Let me teach you something useful. Mostly whenever a helicopter comes in a TPS and FPS games like this—”

Queen, swinged her arm on a big scale.

“—they end up crashing like that!”

Helicopter got hit by that arm. And then crashed.

“Ah, just like that!”

“Stop sightseeing and let’s go! It’s the time for the Boss hunt!”

Tendou’s VS had already started sliding through the cliff. And Sugishika and Sena-sensei too started heading there without any fear on their face.

“I—I too.”

He also had no intention of being there on the height and continuing his sightseeing. So he too, started sliding his way down the cliff, while carrying his machine gun.

He had seen drawings of the protagonist in the adventure novel fighting the giant monsters. However, controlling that protagonist and fighting against that monster is something that could be done only in games.

Just how will he fight such a giant enemy, and just how will he win against it.

Kishimine’s consciousness, started to cross its peak.

He had a special skill that was acknowledged by even Tendou and Sena-sensei. When his concentration would reach its peak, his consciousness would get absorbed in the Books or Games, and then he would become the protagonist of the story himself.

And that was something which was not an exception this time as well.

◆

“B—Big!”

I’ve had experience of this shudder before. But now as I stand right in front of her, I once again could tell that how big she was. An absurd size which was far bigger than any I had faced before.

However, even if they were big, they did have a weakness. It was the part that was glowing with the same orange colour as the T-ENG (Thermal Energy). From what I could tell, it appeared that the queen basically had 3 major weaknesses. Small antennae which were attached to her body, the giant joints of her arms, and in the end her forehead. Especially the light around her forehead was the brightest, and clearly looked like a weak point but shooting the forehead of such big AK from lower ground was very difficult.

The combi of Sena-sensei and Sugishika-san started shooting at the AK with their machine gun. And even Buchou who was right at the front of the Queen started attacking with the two Gatling guns of the VS.

“HaHahaha! Eat this to your heart’s content, you fucking AK!”

As if it was because of all the adrenaline rush of facing such an AK, Buchou was quite enjoying herself. Her appearance of rapidly firing the storm of bullets at the AK was befitting the expression of “Happy Trigger”

Watching everyone, I also started firing. If 3 People and 1 machine would fire a continuous barrage of bullets like that then, any kind of defence would appear like a thin paper.

And eventually, the weak point on her right arm started to change its colour to red. Perhaps, a lot of damage might’ve been accumulated there. And, thus we continued concentrating our fire at that location.

Soon enough, her right arm got smashed.

Maybe it was due to all the pain that she released a scream and started rampaging. If someone of that size would move like that then, there’s no way anyone could aim properly.

However, rampaging with such high build drew her stamina out. Eventually she got tired and bent her head down.

And her weak point on the forehead appeared.

“Now! Shoot with everything you’ve got there!”

Simultaneously with Sena-sensei’s order, we all started firing rain of bullets on her forehead. As our attacks showed effects, T-ENG started scattering like blood from the Queen as she quivered in pain.

‘What’s this? She doesn’t look all that strong……?’

“Is she just big”—we, who reached to such a conclusion, soon realised that we were too hasty in making our judgement.

All of a sudden, the queen started defending herself. Before we could even think “what’s she plan on doing?”, her right arm which she lost a while ago, grew back.

“What!? She regenerated it back!?”

“The enemy is sort of like a lump of T-ENG itself. So she can restore her limbs to her hearts content as long as she has T-ENG in her!”

“There’s no need to think too deep into it, we just have to keep shooting at her till she runs out of her T-ENG!”

Sena-sensei and Sugishika-san said.

I see, as there’s a way for us to restore our LIFE back by using the T-ENG, so for AK too, it would be something similar like that.

“We’re gonna aim at that small antennae part next! Concentrate your firepower there!”

Buchou, yet again, calmly instructed us to shoot the next target.

With things turning out like that, I ended up following everyone, and thus, concentrated all my firepower at the antennae which were attached to the body of the Queen.

As expected of the extreme firepower of the VS (Vital Suit), the antennae dropped one after another. Queen started to wriggle in pain, and finally after losing more than half of her antennae she lost to pain and dropped her head again.

Without a moments delay we aimed with our guns at her forehead and started shooting at it. With an incredible force, the T-ENG started to scatter everywhere again.

But even after that, the Queen didn’t surrender. And once again she shook her body and restored the antennae she just lost.

On top of it, some kind of unexpected accident occurred in the VS Buchou was riding.

“Muu! One side of the of Gatling is out of ammo!”

Which implied that suddenly our firepower decreased quite considerably.

“There’s no need to be concerned about that, and continue firing. Next aim at the left arm!”

Sena-sensei shouted. We could do nothing except firing now. So we continued to pull the trigger and did nothing else.

Maybe it was because of our decreased firepower that it took a lot to break that left arm of the Queen.

As a result of that, the queen who was just receiving one sided damage till now, as if to extract revenge, switched to offence. She raised her right arm high up in the air, and striked at us.

And the target was—Buchou’s VS. In Queen’s eyes, that would’ve been a natural target as we relied on VS’s firepower a lot.

There was no way for a slow-witted VS like that to evade a strike of that speed. The impact of the attack echo’ed quite a lot in the vicinity, and Buchou’s VS took heavy damage.

“B—Buchou! Repair it!”

“There’s no time to be doing something like that, VS in the end are use’n’throw weapons after all!”

Queen yet again swinged her arm. Tendou didn’t even think about dodging it this time and just kept shooting with Gatling gun at her antennae.

Queen once again twisted in pain as most of her antennae got destoryed.

However, it seemed that this time she bore that pain of hers. And thus, raised her left arm upwards——and swinged it in the direction of VS.

VS took a great fall that caused sparking in varius parts of its body and then the airframe started emitting light from various places..

Even I knew what all those signs meant.

“I—It’s going to blast!?”

“Don’t get close, or you will also get dragged into it!”

Right after Buchou shouted, the VS released huge amounts of flame and got blown into smithereens.

Fortunately, Buchou managed to escape in time. But, as if waiting for that particular timing, Queen’s second attack came in.

“Shi—”

As she just escaped out from the VS and was gaining back her posture.

She had no spare time to do an evade action.

“Damn, that’s how far it’s gonna be, huh……?”

I certainly heard Buchou’s voice as if she resigned to her fate.

The Queen shook the ground with her swing.

And after the big swing, what remained on the ground was just the collapsed body of Buchou.

“Buchou!? Buchou—!!”

I quickly ran towards her as I thought that she will be alright if I shared my T-ENG with her.

“What the hell are you doing?! She’s already dead, but the queen is still alive! So resume your firing already!”

“It’s just as Sugishika-kun said, Don’t let yourself be concerned about the corpse and fight!”

“Ku……”

I couldn’t say anything back to the cold-hearted opinion of those two as they were both right.

Buchou sacrificed even herself to deal more damage to the queen and maybe it was the result of that, that the left arm of the queen had changed from orange to red.

And when the three of us concentrated our fire there, it broke quite easily.

Queen’s head again bent towards the ground and without a moments delay we started pouring the bullets on her forehead.

But even after that—Queen once again stood up. She restored that left arm of hers and, looked down on us.

“I—Is she immortal or something?”

“Just keep firing, that’s your only way out of here! I am gonna throw the ball! Shoot it!”

Sena-sensei’s voice resounded as he threw the orange coloured grenade in the air.

If it was thrown normally then, without any doubt it would’ve exploded after getting dropped in the lake and would’ve done seriously nothing. However, the thrown grenade exploded on the place which was very much near to the antennae. It must’ve been Sugishika-san sniping it again.

On top of it, we continued our firing. Soon the antennae broke and Queen started to rampage.

I wanted to shout that “Just shut the hell up already”. However, she restored her antennae like nothing, and stood in front of us yet again.

Probably even the enemy was having the same thoughts as us as she demonstrated quite an outrageous attack.

Right after that moment, she deeply inhaled and swinged.

She released an ice breath from her mouth and froze the area in the surrounding.

“Whoaa! What the hell is this!?”

I panicked, as my body instantly froze in the ice, and took heavy damge. On top of all that I couldn’t even move.

“Just keep moving your body! That will break the ice!”

Following Sena-sensei’s advice, I frantically started to move my body with everything I had.

“The next attack is coming! Hurry up and run!”

My whole body shuddered.

The queen was ready to swing her right arm, but, here I was still freezed up and in a position where I couldn’t have moved.

“S—Shit!”

I frantically tried moving my body.

As soon as I got out of the ice, her attack hit the ground. It happened almost at the same time .

Getting saved by a hair’s breadth was something what this could be termed as I evaded her blunt attack with my evade action.

It was beause of continuous firing from both Sugishika-san and Sena-sensei in the meantime that her right arm again shattered.

The queen groaned in pain. I found that gap quite efficient and activated my Harmonizer to heal the frostbite. But, just like me, Queen too restored her right hand and stood in front of us.

Queen shook her body. No matter how you looked at it, it was a new attack.

Something got thrown at us from her back.

It were the icicles. She threw the icicles which were even bigger than the Medium sized VS at us.

“Uwa!?”

Everything about her (Queen) was insanely absurd. The icicles hit the nearby ground and scattered. My will to not surrender and die somehow, made me able to dodge that attack.

“Damn! That got me!”

However, it looked like everyone wasn’t able to dodge that, as Sena-sensei took quite a damage.

On top of it, Queen was still not done and readied her giant arms for a swing. Plus, for not a vertical but a horizontal attack.

And casually, she released a swing.

The space was very narrow from the start and if she attacked horizontally like that, it would leave no space for us to run. There was just one possible way to evade—that would be Rolling onto the ground at the right time.

For me to evade that, It must’ve been because of luck or something.

“Dammittttt!”

“S—Sena-sensei!?”

However, it seemed that Sena-sensei was still busy fixing his injuries he got a while ago because of icicles, and now a mow down attack like that made it impossible for him to evade that.

His body rolled on the ground like a doll and never moved again.

“Kuu, as expected this is really quite bad……! Even here T-ENG is……!”

As I turned and looked at her, I found out that even she was seriously injured.

“Sugishika-san, use mine instead!”

As I prepared my T-ENG injecting equipment, Sugishika-san said.

“H—Hey!? I am fine here, rather worry about yourself!”

“Isn’t it obvious that it’s better for you to survive than me!? It’s fine, if it’s just avoiding the attacks, I will somehow manage!”

“……Fine, there’s no room for an argument here is it”

Sugishika-san activated her harmonizer and restored her LIFE back.

And yet again, the fight against the Queen resumed.

“Having said that, it’s still tough fighting against her with just two people isn’t it……!?”

When we were fighting as four people, it was rather equal. But as the only remaining ones are me and Sugishika-san, it was rather hard.

“Damn, if only I had more ammos……”

However, at that moment, I discovered something strange.

It was that Sugishika-san was using a machine gun, which was quite obvious as she couldn’t use a sniper rifle while evading Queen’s fierce attacks.

“Sugishika-san! You still have bullets left for your Sniper Rifle!?”

“Well I do but, it’s impossible using it against this guy!”

Found it. The way to fill in the gap of firepower.

“I have an idea! Sugishika-san, you retreat and cover me with your Sniper rifle, while I will go ahead and aggro all of her attacks!”

“It’s absurd! I can’t even imagine a novice like you evading her attacks forever! Plus, in order to aggro all her attacks, you have to keep on attacking her continously, you know!?”

“Even if that’s the case there’s just no other way around, we have no choice but to try it!”

Sugishika-san took just a second to think about it.

“Fine, go ahead and try then! In case you failed, I am gonna laugh so hard on you and your pathetic idea!”

Sugishika-san fell back. There were just cliffs in the surroundings, but now as I looked back again, there were a few scaffolds midway between some cliffs. As the distance was too far to be covered by bare hands, she used the anchor and climbed her way on one of the platforms.

I, playing my part as a decoy, started gazing at the Giant Queen. But Queen didn’t seem to care about it.

So I threw a grenade at her. It was not so smooth like Sugushika-san, but I made it explode with my machine-gun.

And just as planned, it drew queen’s attention towards me.

“……Here she comes!”

That vertical swing came right at me but I evaded that by taking a step back.

“Kuu!”

And right after gaining my posture, I started to retaliate with my machine gun! Controlling the recoil from the gun, I continued to aim the weak point of the Queen. However, as I was alone, I just couldn’t deal enough damage.

It was at that moment.

From the weak area around her forehad, T-ENG scattered in the air.

It must’ve been Sugishika-san.

Queen’s weakness was her forehead. However, to aim that one must first weaknen her by dealing enough damage at the antennae or the arms so that she can hang her head down.

However what Sugishika-san was doing, was aiming directly at Queen’s forehead. The Queen who was not weakened was moving her body quite actively. Aiming that trembling head of the queen, would’ve been impossible even with the rapid-fire of the machine-gun. However Sugishika-san was most certainly piercing that forehead of hers with precise snipping, one shot after another.

Maybe Queen had realized her mistake of taking her lightly, as she turned her face towards her and inhaled greatly.

It’s was the Ice-breath. Her hands might not reach that far, but that certainly could.

However that attack was quite straightforward, and as it was from quite a distance she got enough time to evade it by rolling on the ground.

“Don’t you dare ignore me!”

To draw her attention towards me again, I once again threw the grenade at her. And made it explode from the rapid fire from the machine-gun.

Getting irritated, she faced me again.

And in that time, Sugishika-san sniped her again.

Once again, getting hit on the forehead, Queen faltered.

“Uwaaa!”

Without a moments delay even I started firing from my machine gun. Quite undauntedly, Queen launched her arms in my direction, but I yet again evaded the hit by a hair’s breadth.

I didn’t have any T-ENG with me at that moment, so getting hit once would have been the done deal for me!

But it’s because I was in a position like that, I was able to pay attention to her actions quite greatly. Queen was big and thus her attacks too were quite powerful. But because she was big, there was always some sort of sign or hint before each action.

As long as I could see that, I could basically tell what kind of attack she was gonna throw at me next. The rest was just evading that somehow.

As we were doing that, we gained a bit advantage for a while. Queen getting sniped on her forehead again and again scattered T-ENG.

Which obviously made her very weak. But, at that moment, something terrible occurred.

“Crap, I am out of ammo!”

The keystone of our attack, the Sniper rifle was now out of ammo.

“This is really bad! Even I don’t have much left……!”

As one would expect, there’s no way we could’ve fought without the weapons. And unintentionally my face started showing the signs of despair.

However at that moment, a miracle happened.

“Use my weapon on the ground!”

I thought I heard Buchou’s voide from the Heavens.

“That’s right, how of all people I could’ve forgotton it!”

Sugishika jumped from the scaffold and ran to the place where Buchou’s body was lying.

As we were all quite pre-occupied fighting the Queen, we didn’t realize that there was a machine gun lying there. As Buchou was in her VS most of the time, the ammo shouldn’t have been a problem.

However, as if to stop us from having our way, Queen shook her whole body greatly.

“Watch out! She’s attacking!”

I warned Sugishika-san, but as she was in the middle of picking up the weapon, she was not in any position to evade that attack.

“Kuu!”

To save her, I had no other choice but to make Queen flinch from my attack. But, even I had less than 10 shots left in my gun.

However, there was one another way.

If I could throw a grenade between me and Sugishika-san before Queen reached her……

Sugishika-san picked the momento of Buchou.

Queen made a big swing.

And I threw a grenade.

(Explosion)

The explosion from such short distance also ended up being fatal for me. However, that blast barely saved Sugishika-san from the Queen’s attack.

“Hey, Kishimine!?”

“I…… leave the rest to you……”

For me who bathed in that kind of blast directly, I had no power to stand my ground.

With a big explosion, I rolled on the ground. However, in the end, sacrificing my life linked us all to our last hope.

“Kuu, something like thisssssss!”

Sugishika-san frustatingly started firing relentlessly with that machine gun.

Queen’s right arm, and her antenna broke which caused her to bend her head again, and then Sugishika-san pounded her head with a rain of bullets.

The Queen’s forehead started to release huge amounts of T-ENG, and in the end, she started to scream in agony which sounded like as if she was close to her death

And at the same time her giant body, as if turned into a stone sculpture, stopped moving at all.

I sort of understood what it meant. She had lost too much of her T-ENG. Not only she couldn’t restore her body parts anymore, but she couldn’t even replenish her life force.

“The End”

As Sugishika-san said that, she instantly pulled the trigger.

And a loud voice of a bullet getting shot resounded in the air.

Queen’s giant body scattered into small pieces.

At the same time as I ascertained that happening.

I lost my consciousness.

◆

“Fuu, it’s finally ended.”

After managing to beat the Queen somehow, Sugishika Madoka took a breath.

For her, playing LosPla2 was something she had not done in quite a while and that too on Hard mode. So that’s why she couldn’t shake off this feeling of putting up a clumsy play.

“Hmm, so in the end, the one to survive was you alone after all, huh??”

The advisor Sena-sensei said in an unnecessary loud voice.

“That indeed was a magnificent play! Hmm, you surely justified your lines from before.”

“Indeed. To think that you would snipe the Queen’s forehead directly.”

As she got praised so honestly like that, she lost words.

“H—Hmph! It was really not something great like that. That aside, what happened to him?”

She pointed at Kishimine who was seated right besides her.

For some odd reasons Kishimine, as if had lost consciousness, was out cold on the seat.

“Ah don’t mind him, it’s like a usual thing for him”

“What? Getting fainted is like usual? What is he sick or something?”

“There’s this special skill he has. As his concentration reaches its peak while playing games, he turns into the protagonist of the game itself”

“What?”

Sugishika was at a loss for words.

Turning into the protagonist himself. There is no way, something like that— she just couldn’t brush it off like that in her usual way.

“……It’s quite likely”

She recalled the Gaming tournament at America—AGBC. She indeed saw many gamers there with similar state.

“So to summarize, you mean it like this? As he died in the game, he lost his consciousness in real?”

“Well, something around those lines”

“Didn’t he show quite an interesting play in the game!? Well it’s true that he didn’t achieve quite a whole lot but, at the time of the Queen fight, he was the only one who hardly got hit from her attacks!”

She got taken aback by Sena-sensei’s words.

“……Now that you mention it, it’s true.”

And now as she thinks back, the reason he died was due to his suicidal bombing. Even she herself got hit from the Queen, badly enough to make him share his T-ENG with her.

Tendou tapped his shoulder.

“All right. It’s time to wake up now Kishimine. The game is already over.”

### 005. Part 3

As Kishimine opened his eyes, he found the beautiful face of Tendou looking at him.

“Uwa? H—Huh!? Buchou!? What happened to the Queen!?”

“That’s quite a usual reaction isn’t it? If it’s about Queen then Sugishika put an end to her.”

“Heh……?”

He recalled faintly.

“Now that I think of, certainly Sugishika-san defeated the Queen with her last hit……”

He suddenly realised that she was looking at him with suspicious eyes. Well it was reasonable too as he fainted right in the middle of playing a game.

“I—I am sorry for making you see something unpleasant”

“It’s not like I care about all that. That aside, is it true that you can turn into the character inside the game?”

“Ah, did you hear it? Yeah, I doubt you will believe it though……”

“……Not really”

The words that came from her mind were not of denial but rather of affirmation.

“If you are a gamer then it’s quite natural for you to get immersed inside the game. I see, so that’s why you were able to survive till the end against that Hard-mode Queen in your first try……?”

For now, he became extremely happy that she was able to understand him. But then, he remembered about a certain grave fact, the basic reason for playing the game together with Sugishika-san.

“Ah, that’s right. More than that, Sugishika-san, will it really be a no……? As the three of us ended up dying and all……

As he asked, for some unknown reason Sugishika inclined her head in confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

“Even if you ask me that……It’s regarding whether you will join this club or not”

“I see, so you really forgot about that, huh?” Tendou joined. “Wasn’t today’s gaming session itself based on whether you will join the club or not? So how about it, I now know how good you really are. Well obviously I can’t force you or anything but, as long as you are fine with it, I certainly want you in the club”

“…………”

Sugishika, after thinking for a second, shook her head.

“Obviously it’s a no, for something like that. After all, the one to live till the end was me alone wasn’t it? I said that from start haven’t I? That I will not team up with someone who can’t even clear a game such as this!”

“Well, I wonder about that!?”

At this crucial point, the one to say that was Sena-sensei.

“Didn’t you too just barely manage to withstand till the end, because of that T-ENG Kishimine-kun shared with you! So I doubt that you are in any position to look down on others like that!”

Sugishika flinched as Sena-sensei rubbed salt on her wounds.

“I—it’s not like I asked him or anything! It was just him giving it to me of his own accord!”

“But, if it was not for that, it would’ve been very hard for you!?”

“Well……maybe but”

“Sugishika”

Tendou suddenly called her.

“As for me, I think that it’s much more fun if you play a game with many people. Answer this seriously, how was today’s game? Wasn’t it quite interesting facing an enemy with four people like that?”

“Now don’t say that it wasn’t! As you got so immersed in the game that you even forgot the reason why we played this game”

“T—that is……”

Getting cornered like that, Sugishika was not sure what to say.

“Getting to enjoy the game is what it is important in gaming! Well certainly our skills might not be good enough to satisfy you. That’s why I won’t ask you to join the team immediately. But, as a fellow gamer, if you get to enjoy the game together with us……then it’s quite an opportunity, how about associating with us a bit longer?”

“This is so U—unfair of you all, to corner me and changing the conversation like that!”

Sugishika just managed to answer like that.

Her point was quite reasonable too. From “Who’s good in games and who’s bad in games” kind of conversation, it got changed to “The game is enjoyable or not”.

However, Kishimine didn’t think that she really hated the change of conversation.

“That’s right. At start, even I had my mind completely occupied with just how I should make you approve of me. But, as I was enjoying myself after riding that robot, and fighting against the giant monster, something like that became trivial. So, how about it? As 3 are better than 2, I think that it’d more fun to play a game with 4 people, plus, I also have various things I want you to teach me……”

“……Ah—Geez, I get it already! You guys really can’t be helped can you?”

With an “Hmph” Sugishika said, folding her arms and facing in the different direction.

“Well, fine then. It looks like the equipment here is all in order. It may not be too big of a difference for me to play at home or at school, and even though it’s just to not make my after-school go to waste, there might be some worth to it!”

Tendou face suddenly glared.

As at that moment, yet another comrade joined to play the game together.

“I see, very well said. Then let my Modern Game Club welcome your enrolment.”

“I—I’ll just be here to show my face!? It’s not like I have any intention of getting along with you all!”

To those Welcoming words of Tendou, for some reason, she answered in a rough way like that.

“Hahaha! What, there’s not much difference in the both!”

Like that, Sena-sensei pushed a pen forcibly in her hands.

“In any case, you were fated to join this club! Here, quickly sign here!”

“Eh—Wai— what the hell is this? For some reason its written Marriage Registration here though!?”

“Uh-Oh, I did it again, huh?! Here, this one is the official Club Application form! Just sign this quickly!”

“I—I still haven’t said that I am gonna join!? Wait, don’t make me forcibly sign like that! Wai— A—ah!?”

“Hahaha! With that, the four members have finally gathered!”

Sena-sensei’s laugh continued for a while.

On the application with an earthworm like handwriting “Sugishika Madoka” was forcibly written, and like that Kishimine and others welcomed their fourth member.

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### 006. Chapter 3 - Sugishika Madoka’s Basic FPS Lecture (External Link)

## EP.3 – Sugishika Madoka’s Basic FPS Lecture

Part 1

Famous for being an all-girls school until two years ago, the Izunomiya Academy had extremely low number of boys. If one had to take a ratio then it would be like 2:30. Not to mention that in the senior year, the total count of boys was just 10. So because of that, every boy in their senior year had to take their physical education lesson in a group.

Thus, that moment was like a precious gathering time for all the boys.

“Ou”

“O—su”about you?”

“Useless as usual. No one even bothered to look at me—“

That day too when the P.E class started, the ones to start that kind of conversation were the Transfer Students who enrolled here this spring—in short, “The Transferred Batch”. Without giving up on their quest to make a Harem, they made P.E time as a place to exchange useful information.

Obviously, Kishimine was also included in the “Transferred Batch” but as he wasn’t able to follow up with their conversation he completely avoided them.

On the contrary, the most active among the group was his classmate Kusakabe.

“Hey, the group over there! Stop with the talk and start moving those legs!”

Their female P.E teacher, who should be somewhere in her 30’s raised her voice with an excessive fighting spirit. Yes, today too they were made to run on the ground.

“Rather, I wonder why we are just made to either walk or run on the ground every day. Something like a walking race is not something you should do in your P.E. class, right?”

“Well obviously that’s because there’s nothing on the ground”

In this Academy, facilities like Tennis, Volley-ball, Basketball were extremely well flourished. Plus, there were just unreasonable amount of indoor institutions prepared for different sports. However, the problem was that only girls were allowed to use them as there were no locker rooms build for the guys.

So inevitably, the P.E. for boys had turned into a muscle training time like “sprinting and walking” etc., in short, anything that didn’t involve any equipment.

“(Sigh) If only girls could also do their P.E. here, then we could’ve been able to see their Bloomer figure from the window or something.”

“Well, think of the brighter side. The white skin is best suited on a high school girl, so isn’t it a good thing that they are not getting sunburned?”

“Fuck off, for a dark elf lover like me, isn’t that like total shit?”

“What’s with this “dark elf love” all of a sudden? By the way, I, with the “odour fetish”, am also here. Doesn’t someone care to understand me as well?”

The “Transferred Batch” was always busy with such kind of talks. It seemed sort of fun, but for Kishimine, it was a circle he couldn’t possibly step into.

“U—Umm, Kishimine-san, do you have a moment?”

“Eh?”

At that moment, the one that came over to him and triggered a conversation was a student.

In this Academy, there existed two kinds of senior boys. Firstly, the transferred students like Kusakabe. Secondly, the boys who enrolled in this school in their first year, in other words, the so-called “Survivors”.

Two years ago when this school started accepting boys, many male students enrolled in but, unable to get used to the Ojou-sama atmosphere, most of them transferred to other schools. Thus, the numbers reduced to being just five students, hence known as the “Survivors.”

The one who approached him was also one of them. These “Survivors” had quite common characteristics among them, like they all had a quiet disposition, their body too was somewhat small and none of them were wild like the “Transferred Batch”. In fact each one of them was like a small animal or something. He somewhat understood that in order to survive in that environment they must’ve had no choice but to give the appearance of a harmless creature.

“Umm, do you want something from me?”

“Y—Yes. Um, is it true that you joined the Modern Game Club which is led by Student Council President Tendou-san?”

“Well sort of”

At that moment.

His face sparkled with amazement.

“A—amazing! To be able to join a club despite being a boy, it’s a brilliant achievement!”

“I—isn’t it scary? I mean that club has Student Council President and Sena-sensei right?”

The other “Survivor Batch” boys also gathered around him like puppies.

“S—scary? Well I admit that Sena-sensei is a bit weird but, I think that Buchou——Tendou-san, is a nice person who can talk to us boys quite normally”

“N—no way! I mean she is a person who stands on the top of this school’s girls you know!? There’s even a rumour which goes like if by any chance if we went and offended her, there will be no tomorrow for us to look forward to!”

“That’s right! I haven’t even made an eye contact with her yet…… I don’t really get all of this but I remember that there was this one guy who transferred one month after he was forced to take the Modern Game Club’s entry examination, you know!?”

He, yet again, was made to realise another one of those reasons for which the “Modern Game Club” had no members whatsoever. And thus, he started thinking that just what kind of invitation were both of them going with?

“Oi, what the hell!? Was there really a club in which we boys could’ve entered!?”

At that moment, as if eavesdropping on the conversation, the other guys from “Transferred Batch” hopped in.

“Eh? Ah, Yes. It goes by the name Modern Game Club……”

As usual he was bad at talking to the other guys from the “Transferred Batch” but, even after losing his bearings he was able to answer to that.

“Modern Game Club? Aah, that weird club that has clearing “Spelunker” as a requirement, huh!?”

“Obsessing ourselves with rhythmic gymnastics, tennis club and Swimming club was wrong from the start, huh? It’s OK for a guy to enrol in that club right!? We could finally get in touch with the girls right!?”

“I—I wonder about that? I mean well, we did club activities together but……”

Situation started to get quite weird. The people gathered around him to listen what he had to say.

That too was something that happened to him first time in his life, so he couldn’t remain calm.

“Ah Kishimine which reminds me, the other day you said you were looking for more members right? So what happened after that?”

As Kusakabe went and asked him that, the eyes of every “Transferred Student” changed.

“What?! Are you fucking serious!? If it’s like that, then I am ready to join anytime, okay!?”

“Then M—me too! I take pride in being somewhat good at games as well!”

“A—about that, we already found the last member. A girl named Sugishika Madoka from 3-D joined just a while ago.”

The words that, he thought would put a stop to them, gained quite an unexpected reaction.

“Say what!? You just said Sugishika Madoka, right!?”

The first one to react to that was as usual, Kusakabe.

“Eh? Is it really something to get that much shocked about?”

“Well, of course it is! There’s no way I could miss checking a Blonde Giant Breasted Loli can I?”

“B—Blonde Giant Breasted Loli……”

What a terrible way to put someone. But certainly, it was quite a fit representation of her.

“She’s quite C—Cute isn’t she? Her body is also way smaller than us guys, somehow like a doll or something……”

Even the guys from “Survivor Batch”, who usually couldn’t follow such kind of topics, were saying things like that with red faces.

“I dare say that it’s amazing, those huge breasts, that don’t go along with her small size! How to put it— it’s like a charm which could corrupt any guy!”

“I know right! Ku—, I want to hold that small body of hers with these hands and bury my face in there!”

Where!? To ask such a question was impossible for a pure minded person like him.

“How nice to be in Modern Game Club! Heck even Tendou Shinobu is there! I think I will join the club!?”

“Exactly, please add my name on the list as well! At this point, if it would increase my chances to get around with girls, I’m all in”

“EH? EHH?”

He started to flow in the weird course of events.

They had already found the last member for the club. The clubroom was small, not to mention the equipment was limited and could not be used by more than four people at once. So there really wasn’t any room for more people to enter the club. Above all, he hated the thought of any other boy getting near Tendou.

However, he was afraid to put that into words as every high school boy’s feelings, to get close to girls, were natural. So, if only he got to achieve that then, it may end up hurting the other guys.

“Now, don’t be too hasty guys and just relax for a second”

The one to give him an unexpected helping hand was Kusakabe.

“Just go and give it a thought. Until now there was literally no one in the modern game club and because it was like that, Kishimine was able to join. Now, just try entering there together as a group. Not only will you scare the girls off, but will also cause the club to disband doing club activities together as a group.”

As if getting convinced by his words, the guys nodded.

“Well certainly……considering this school, it’s quite likely”

“Now that I think of it rationally, it would be bad at various levels if we join a club that has only 2 girls”

“That’s why let’s just see off this gallant warrior of ours!”

As if to conclude the conversation, Kusakabe said that.

“First of all, Kishimine will do club activities together with everyone there. Not to mention the leader is the Student Council President, who holds the trust of entire school’s girls. So if the word “Student council president is getting along with a boy” got around, then it’s quite possible that the wall between boys and girls might break free, don’t you all agree?”

The boys were taken aback.

“I see…!! As expected of you Kusakabe, you are a true tactician indeed!”

“Yeah, our main priority should be breaking that wall!”

“Fine, Kishimine. We entrust our hopes to you! So please do your best in making an environment where we get to enjoy our youth”

“A……Yes, I—I will try do my best”

As he had to say something, he gave an appropriate response that went well with the situation.

After that, running on the ground for countless times, when the numbers had decreased quite a lot, Kishimine came near Kusakabe.

“Thanks for earlier, Kusakabe”

“Hm? For what?”

“For stopping the guys from entering the Modern Game Club. As we have limited amount of equipment in the club, I was worried about how would I turn them down.”

“Don’t mind it, as I did it because it would do more good to me like that. At any rate, if we got even just one official couple, then I am sure that it will make a crack on the wall. So to make that happen, be it Tendou or Sugishika, I am okay in conceding one of them to you. I will even erase all the obstacles from the way. That’s why somehow please, go and cross the line.”

“By C—C—Couple you mean…… It’s not like I have such an aim or something……”

As he said that with his face all red, Kusakabe patted his shoulders one after another.

“Even rhinoceros beetles, if put in a closed jar would start having fun with each other. So if a girl and a boy were left alone in a small clubroom then it won’t be weird if something happened!”

Didn’t you have anything else other than that as an example? He wanted to add a Tsukkomi, but he was too embarrassed to do so.

So that’s why his options were limited to somehow changing the topic.

“C—come to think of it, Sugishika-san transferred here from America right? That hair of hers sure looks American to me but, that way of talking plus her name is also Japanese……, I wonder why?”

As America was her immigrant country, it felt a bit strange to Kishimine. Not to mention, that white skin combined with the hair colour made her look as if she belonged to some Scandinavian country.

“Aah. According to their family register it seems that she holds the dual nationality of both America and Japan. I don’t know the particulars but, it seems that her mother is Japanese.”

“……Heh…”

A sudden and obvious question floated across his mind but, getting to know a little bit about Sugishika made those feelings a bit complicated.

“Well, tell me anytime, if you want her number. That’s right, if you are embarrassed inviting her out, then there is also an option to make it a double date you know? Isn’t going somewhere with Me, You, Sugishika and Tendou has a nice ring to it?”

“I—I will give it a thought……”

He couldn’t help giving him a vague reply like that.

Part 2

And thus it was After-school.

From today onwards they will have the full gathering of four members, which means that they can finally start with full-scale club activities. While thinking about it, Kishimine approached the clubroom more nimbly than usual.

‘Not to mention, the current situation could be viewed as a small harem in its own right……?’

That too was one of the reasons behind him walking with light feet.

Tendou and Sugishika. The reason for boys getting jealous was because both of them were very beautiful and charming, and from today onwards, he would be able to spend his time together with them at the same place. If he had to exclude Sena-sensei out of the equation for being a teacher, then without any question it was a state of a Harem indeed.

‘Well, I do have a feeling that some clichéd happening out of a romance novel won’t occur at all……’

When he considered his character, depressingly or not he had no choice left but to agree with himself on that. In the first place, he didn’t even know if they even saw him as someone from an opposite sex.

Nonetheless, even without a juicy story like that, Kishimine was sort of excited as he would be able to do full-scale club activities from today onwards.

As he reached in front of the clubroom, he took out the new clubroom key he got from Sena-sensei during the lunch break. It was like a proof of him being the club member of the Modern Game Club.

However, as he tried to put the key into the keyhole, he noticed the door was already opened slightly. It was a sign that some other club member was already there.

So he opened the door and entered.

“Ah——”

The one who was there before him, was none other than Sugishika Madoka.

“What? Is it bad for me to be here?”

“N—no, not at all”

While pretending to put his bag down, he started surveying her. The reason he did that was because of the effect of the talk he had with the other boys during P.E.

‘I see…!! Certainly there is no doubt that she is cute. The beautiful blonde hair, with those big pupils and small body. If only she didn’t have those sharp gazing eyes, then she really could’ve been mistaken for a western doll. Not to forget her petite body, small enough to be mistaken for an elementary schooler and her huge breasts were without any question her charm points.’

“Hey. What are you staring at?”

“Eh? Ah, it’s not—”

As he got caught, he flutteringly came up with an excuse.

“It’s just that I got a little surprised seeing you here before me as you didn’t seem that much eager to take part in the club activities.”

It was an excuse he made in a hurry but, it unexpectedly showed a lot of effect, as she started looking down.

“That’s because……I had something I wanted to tell you”

“Eh? To me?”

It was a reply he didn’t see coming. And he didn’t know what she wanted to talk about?

Above all, for some reason she didn’t have that usual sharp atmosphere around her and was looking like a bashful child.

Her modest attitude started emphasising her cuteness even more, which led it to whole new level, and thus made Kishimine nervous.

“Um……I am sorry about yesterday, calling you a weak dog…”

“Heh?”

At first, he didn’t get what she was trying to say as she had been using foul language against him from start. That’s why he couldn’t believe that a girl like her was apologizing to him so easily.

Him being not able to say anything in return made Sugishika lose her patience as she shouted

“Ah Jeez! I mean, I get that you also have some potential as a gamer, I feel that I went too far calling you a dog and all!”

“Ah, What, so it was that? Don’t worry I don’t really mind it, as it’s true that I am a beginner at games”

“Y—you…, don’t you feel anything calling yourself a beginner and all?”

“Eh? But, that’s true”

“Ah—Jeez, Fine I get it, be a dog or whatever for eternity! Ah, and one more thing, you use honorifics and call me “Sugishika-san” right? It’s annoying so can you stop with that!? As we are in the same year and all!?”

“Eh? Oh, yeah it was supposed to be like that?”

“Why a question there!? You…, don’t tell me, you are making any weird assumptions regarding my age with respect to my height or something!?”

It was a bulls-eye. As one would expect, she really had a complex regarding her height.

“A—at any rate, I got it. But……in return how should I call you then!?”

“Be it “Sugishika” or “Madoka” call me however you feel like.”

‘Madoka……?’

He got embarrassed as he mumbled that in is mind.

And soon realised that there was no way in hell that he could suddenly call her by her first name.

“Got it. Okay then…..Sugishika”

“Yeah, it’s fine now”

“…………”

Kishimine didn’t know that he would be engulfed with such emotions so many times.

Just recently he got prompted by Tendou to stop referring her as a stranger but, in her case, the topic concluded with him addressing her as “Buchou”. Therefore, it was the first time when he addressed a girl casually by her surname.

The high school life, which he thought might end just reading books till a while ago, would transform like that. It was still hard for him to believe that.

“Oh, new members have gathered alright!”

The one who entered in the room all happily was Tendou.

“Sugishika, so you also ended up coming diligently didn’t you? One way or another you were also looking forward to be able to play didn’t you?”

Sugishika, for some reason, ended up getting embarrassed.

“D—don’t get the wrong idea! I just came here to show my face as I didn’t want to be branded as someone who runs away. If I feel that it’s boring or something then I will resign anytime, so you better remember that!”

“Fufufu, it’s fine if that’s the case. We will be playing games together from today so, obviously it won’t be boring”

As usual Tendou seemed like she was happy with just being able to play games. Seeing her smile, that had no ill intent hidden in it, even Sugishika got taken back.

“Hmph, very well then. So, what game is it gonna be today?”

“Hmm let’s see. As we have a beginner here as well in form of Kishimine, let’s go with a simple game. Like Super Smash Brothers [1] or Arika [2] series.”

“Eh—? I have been saying this for quite some time, haven’t I? That the genre which is popular in the world these days is without a doubt FPS!? So isn’t Halo [3] or CoD [4] should be like a rational choice here?”

“Mu”

Tendou pouted.

“Do you know how much Smash and Arika series are selling in the market all over the world? Certainly, I admit that FPS genre might be considered as mainstream, but that doesn’t mean that it will do us any good if we just fixate ourselves to that”

“Even I won’t go that far but, wouldn’t it be basic for him to learn through the right path!?”

“If you say that, then all the more reason he should start playing Nintendo games first!”

Kishimine sensed the sudden unrest in the air.

“Excuse me—? Both of you?”

Intending to bring the conversation back on the peaceful track, he succeeded in attracting their focus.

“Now-now Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s not something to be arguing about is it!?”

The door got slammed open and Sena-sensei entered the room.

At that Kishimine thought that maybe this guy was eavesdropping from outside and was waiting for this right moment to enter, as the timing was just too perfect to be termed as a coincidence.

“What Tendou is saying is extremely right! Kishimine needs to try different types of games to accumulate experience! But even if that sounds right, letting him try different games without mastering even one will only cause him unnecessary trouble! So wouldn’t it be better if we choose TPS, or some FPS game that uses the same control system, and then expand his options from there!?”

“Ara~ aren’t you quite knowledgeable. That’s right, plus it’s a genre that could be even termed as a foundation for 3D games. It would be easy for you to jump to another games if you first got used to this, so I don’t think that it’s a bad idea playing a FPS game first.”

After that, Sena-sensei got close to Tendou’s ear and said something in a small voice so Sugishika wouldn’t hear him.

“I understand that you are not satisfied with this! But probably Sugishika-kun is a type who gets hyped up when flattered. So wouldn’t it be a good choice to let her do as she pleases for today so it can guarantee her stay here”

“……Fine. If you two are that eager then, I won’t mind backing down for today”

Nobody knew how much effect Sena-sensei’s persuasion had but, Tendou backed down.

“Um…..I know this is usual from me but I don’t get anything, is FPS that much popular of a genre?”

Kishimine suddenly asked something which was bothering him from quite some time now.

“Ha? What the hell are you saying?” like that, Sugishika said in annoyance “It’s a period of time where you see at least one FPS game in every five games that are selling, you know?”

“Yeah, even I agree on that” even Tendou nodded. “Though the rest of the sales are covered by Nintendo”

“A—at any rate!”

Sena-sensei voluntarily forced his way in after clearing his throat.

“It’s popular enough to make a saying among gamers! which goes like “Those who control FPS, control the world” ! In other words in order to take over the world, one has to clear the hurdle known as FPS! So there—Sugishika-kun, is where you come in! Please teach us all the basics of FPS!”

At that moment, Sena-sensei started sending gazes in Kishimine’s direction and fortunately he was able to grasp the meaning behind that, as he too heard a bit of what he said before about Sugishika being the kind of person who gets happy when flattered.

“I—I would also like to request. I don’t want to keep pulling everyone behind and want to get as much stronger as I can. Um, exactly like you”

“It can’t be helped if you put it like that! Fine, I am okay with teaching you a bit”

And just as Sena-sensei presumed, her expression and attitude were like before but she accepted their request a bit bashfully.

“At any rate, let’s play, so you can gain as much experience as possible. So, what FPS games does this club have? As you guys have Display and Game Hardware for four people then you must have that much of a variety right?”

“Of course. Ah right, then how about letting me decide which FPS game it’s gonna be? There is a game that has been on my mind for quite some time”

After saying that, Tendou started searching the box contents which was on one of the racks, and took out something. It was a Game Pack for four people.

“ ”HOMEFRONT [5] ” ?” Sugishika read the title aloud. “Well it is a genuine FPS game. But, playing this in a PS is out of the question. Don’t you have the Xbox version of this game?”

“What the hell are you even saying!?” Sena-sensei snapped. “Why do you even ask for an Xbox edition when we already have a PS version of it?”

“It’s no joke. You hear? FPS is a genre that was born and cultivated in America. So that’s why, isn’t it common sense to use Xbox to play a FPS game?”

“That’s a common sense only limited to Americans! Expand that mind of yours! If one has to speak about a Game Hardware that’s famous around the world then—”

“Ah—Jeez, I beg you please stop already!”

Sensing the danger blooming, Kishimine forced his way in to stop them.

“In my eyes, both are same and we don’t have the whole day with us, so let’s play already!”

As that was quite an unexpected action taken by him, they immediately stopped arguing.

“Yup, just like you said, time is precious here. Sugishika-kun, in any case, you have your own self-use controller right? Then you can just use that to play the PS version!”

“Fine. I will allow myself to freely use that then.”

While complaining, she opened her bag and took out her controller. Even Kishimine remembered the design as it was confiscated the day before yesterday.

And like that, Kishimine and others, sat on their seats.

“…………”

The seating arrangement was similar to yesterday with Tendou and Sugishika sitting on his either sides. As usual it was quite— no the environment itself was poisonous for his eyes. Especially Sugishika was sitting without any reservation with one leg on another. It appeared that she was not at all aware of how dangerous that posture was with that small skirt of hers.

“Fu—Ha—”

He took a deep breath to cut loose the temptation from his sides, and focus more on the game.

“Now don’t get too worked up, Kishimine. As it’s just a practice match today”

Tendou encouraged him, as she guessed it wrong.

“I—I know right?”

He didn’t have any choice but to play innocent now.

“So Sugishika, Which is it gonna be first? For now, should we just start private match with four of us?”

“Let’s see. As it’s a quite a distinct game, I think it would be fine to practice a bit”

“T—that would be a lifesaver”

For Kishimine, who was made to play a genre he wasn’t familiar with, it was more than he could’ve asked for.

“By the way, what kind of game is it? I sort of get that it’s a shooting game though”

“Fu! Very well, I will give you the explanation then!”

And as per usual Sena-sensei volunteered himself happily as the one to explain things.

“Homefront is a software (game) made by the foreign developers called Kaos Studios [6] . And in the Japan itself the sales are spiking. To put it simply, it’s a War game where the stage is set in the Modern World! After all, the distinct part of this game is its story! It begins when a certain northern country called Greater Korean Republic (GKR) merges the entire Asia together and invades America!

“That indeed…… is quite distinctive……”

“Is that so? It’s not that rare in American Fiction, you know?”

Sugishika’s straight American Tsukkomi, weirdly made a deep impression on Tendou.

“Ah, now that you mention, it’s true.

“Leaving humans aside, there is also an alien invasion and futuristic robots to look out for, where they end up becoming the governor of the state.”

“Well, at any rate it’s a game like that! In multiplayer you get divided into GKR Team and American Team and are made to fight against each other! Although, you will be on your own! At any rate, let’s give it a try. As the controls are pretty much the same as other TPS games you’ve played before, I am sure that you will get used to it soon!”

“By Pressing “L1” button you will enter in aim mode, similarly you can shoot by pressing “R1” button. As long as you remember these two, you will be fine I guess”

“I see”

After Sena-sensei’s and Tendou’s frank explanation, the game started.

The thing that first appeared on the screen was the equipment select option. As he was unfamiliar with that stuff, he went with the default “ASSAULT” option. And similarly as he wasn’t sure when the next option of main arm selection came in, he went along with the default “Foot soldier” one.

As he was done selecting these two option, the screen changed. The stage began in a metropolitan area, but having said that, it was actually the battlefield. And with no liveliness in the air, it was like an abandoned castle.

“Huh?”

On the screen, the bullets count and the radar like gauge appeared, and in the centre, an aim pointer like mark as well. It’s just that the character which he was controlling was nowhere to be seen.

However, his misunderstanding soon cleared up when he saw the positioning of both his hands and the gun.

The visual point completely differed. In Lost Planet and the other games he had played until now, the focus was always on the on-screen character which he could operate. However, in this game, the focus was via his eyes and that’s why his face didn’t appear on the screen. Only his arms and guns were displayed.

And like that, he once again recalled the meaning of the word FPS.

“I see, so this is what firefighting with first person as a viewpoint means”

“Exactly! It’s indeed a special feature of FPS which lets you taste the battlefield freely as if you were really a soldier!”

“Now try pressing “L1” button to hold up your gun. You will soon experience the difference from the TPS games”

“Um, Like this?”

Following Sugishika’s words, he pressed the “L1” button.

“Heh……”

As he did that, the aim like mark which was in the centre of the screen disappeared, and the character entered in a position for battle, with gun in the centre of the screen. Also the scope out of which you could focus on the target popped in. He thought that this might be the aim mode she spoke of.

“Amazing. It’s as if I am really holding a gun”

“Naturally, as it’s developed to make it feel as much real as possible! Oh and by the way, the scope you are using at the moment is something called “Hollow Sight” and is really easy to use Optical scope; but, as there are no special features in it, most people use the iron scope as it is at the end of the gun! So when it comes down to iron scope, the way of using the gun differs, plus there are things that are hard to use in it as well, so the need to customize your gun pops in!”

“Heh… Gun Customization is it?”

There were a lot of expert terms in his explanation but, somehow he was able to understand most of them.

The scope, which was attached to the gun he was using at the moment, had a small white dot in the centre such that most of the vision won’t be unnecessary blocked. It must’ve been the gun that was customized like that from the start.

“There is more to the guns than just scopes! For example, attaching a suppressor in your gun will make you incognito even if you fire at the enemy, and you can even attach a mini grenade launcher below the barrel of your gun!”

“Alright! Alright! Enough with all these explanations and let’s start already. Everyone fine with a Team Death match right?”

“Eh? R—Right of the bat?”

“There is no need to take forever, thinking about difficult stuff like an idiot. For starters, it will be a 2 vs. 2 Death match but, at any rate, just take any moving person for an enemy and shoot at them”

“EeeehhhH, that’s not helping at all!”

Without paying much attention to his protests, the game began. And somehow the team got divided on the basis of gender, with Kishimine and Sena-sensei on one team and Sugishika and Tendou on the other.

And holding his start-up equipment – Hollow Sighted Assault Rifle he started running.

Moving along the shade of the building, he passed the corner. Maybe it was because of the map being too vast with just 4 of them on it, that he didn’t encounter anyone.

However, that too was just a matter of time.

As, he was just entering the building from outside……

He found someone approx. 20M ahead.

“Wa—! Wa—!”

Panicking, he started firing. However, no matter how much he rapid fired at the target, there were no real signs of damage being dealt.

And that too was quite obvious. There was certainly an aiming mark at the centre of the screen but because of the distance, the target was even smaller than the aiming mark. Not to mention, all these rapid fires were making the gun recoil too much.

“Kishimine, you have to properly aim when you have that much distance from the target or you won’t hit. So while pressing “L1” button try shooting”

It seems like that the one at the distance was none other than Tendou. She didn’t shoot Kishimine who was standing like a scarecrow and became a target for him by staying at one place.

Relaxing a bit after hearing her voice, he once again prepared to shoot.

“L—Like this?”

He entered in aim mode after pressing the “L1” button. The character positioned his gun, and a white dot appeared in the centre of the screen.

With Tendou as centre, he pressed “R1” button.

“Huh? The bullets are not coming out?”

“It must be because you emptied the magazine with the continuous rounds earlier. Just reload normally”

“Ah, that’s right”

But, he still didn’t know which one was for reload. So to find it, he started pressing different buttons. The correct one was the “□” Button. As he pressed it, the character started to switch the magazine.

“U—m, with that……”

Entering in aim mode with “L1” Button, he shot with “R1” button.

The bullets got released and without any moment’s delay, she collapsed and some kind of point like thing appeared on his screen.

“Yup, Just like that”

“O—one sure dies easily in this game don’t they……? Only 4 shots hit you right? Though in both GearsWar and LostPla2, the character wouldn’t die even after getting hit by more than 20 shots”

“Something around those lines is normal” said Sugishika. “Ah, come to think of it, you didn’t get the explanation right? The FPS games like this, that are faithful to real life mechanics, are called Real Systemic FPS. Aren’t we humans as well fragile enough to die from one shot? That’s why Real Systemic FPS is faithful in that regard. You could increase the durability with Body Armor and Helmet and other coverings but that too come to an end after 3-4 shots.”

“Heh……”

‘Real Systemic FPS. Now that she mentions it, it really gives an impression of the real thing. Building and street designs are also American styled, and even the character behavior is also like that of an actual human being.’ He thought

“Ah, which reminds me, when I defeated Buchou earlier a point like thing popped in, what was that?”

“It’s exactly what you said it is! Not to mention, in Homefront’s case, you can also consider it as sort of money! There is a figure on the lower right corner of the screen right? That’s how much points you have. The more points you have, the more you could do with it like calling for bombarding squad or even ride different type of vehicles!”

“Heh… in short, the more you kill the more bonuses you get, huh?”

“You can consider it as one of the interesting features of FPS games” said Tendou. “In Homefront, you can even ride a helicopter or a tank”

“T—tank!?”

Ever since he rode the robot in LosPla2, the idea of being able to ride something appeared fascinating to him.

“Just to let you know, you need a ton of points to be able to ride a helicopter. Now, hurry up and come back in the game”

“Let’s see, the next time I won’t go easy on you”

“Y—Yes”

He once again started concentrating on the game screen.

After loitering in the abandoned city for a little while, he once again found someone 10M ahead of him.

He aimed via “L1” Button. And then tried shooting with the “R1”

“Ah”

However, much faster than him, and without giving any chance, the enemy shot him to death.

“Not good at all. I told you that you’ll die easily if shot in Real Systemic FPS right!? With that slow aiming you won’t be able to survive till the end, you know!?”

It seemed that the one to shoot him down was none other than Sugishika.

“A—aiming……?”

“In other words, it’s regarding scope adjustment!” Sena-sensei replied. “It’s because the one who shoots the fastest in FPS wins after all! That’s why it’s quite important to have the skill to aim fast!”

“I see. Ah, what to do, after I die……?”

“You can just respawn again. So, die a bulk”

Sugishika said looking in his direction.

The word “Respawn” sounded like resurrection or revival to him.

And indeed, there was an indication appearing on his screen to press “□” button to get back in the game. As he followed the instructions, his character soon got revived.

“Alright, once more”

After returning back into the battlefield, he started moving again.

Progressing on the road, as he entered a building and started climbing the stairways,

“Woah!”

He instantly clashed with an enemy which suddenly appeared few meters ahead of him.

All flustered he tried aiming at the enemy, but due to the close distance, the enemy took the chance away from him.

And he once again got shot to death.

“S—Shit I died again……”

“Kishimine. In close battles like that, shoot from the waist”

Tendou gave an advice to him.

“How is it different from the usual way?”

“Ah, you didn’t get the explanation, did you? When you press “L1” button, you hold your gun up and then shoot right? That’s the aim mode. But for shooting from the waist, you don’t have to press “L1” button”

“Ah, I see”

Somehow he got it. For trial, as he shot by pressing “R1” button without entering in the aim mode, it seemed as if the character was shooting from the waist.

“You might’ve noticed this already but——” said Sena-sensei. “When you enter in aim mode, targeting a long distance enemy becomes easy. However, your movement suffers due to that! Hitting a long distance enemy is good and all but, there are times that you can’t hit a close distant enemy because of its fast movements! So for that, there is the option of shooting from your waist, which not only gives you a lot of mobility but, also fills up both your offensive and defensive gaps! Though, it’s nearly impossible to hit a long distance enemy like that! So basically, it’s important to know which one to use in which condition!”

“Yes, understood”

He recalled his clash with Tendou in his first round. At that time, due to the distance being quite large, he couldn’t hit her at all without entering in the aim mode.

“And also Kishimine, don’t fire too much! You see the radar like thing on your screen, right? Your each shot reveals your location on our screen. You will get cornered if you let your enemy know your whereabouts, just like this!”

“Eh?”

He got shot, and his screen turned red. The reason why he didn’t die instantly was because Sugishika showed mercy on him.

“Got it? Letting your enemy know your whereabouts makes you an easy prey for an ambush or sniping targets, so avoid wasting your bullets as much as possible”

“Ah, yes……understood. Still Sugishika, just where did you shoot from? I didn’t notice you at all”

“Look at the radar. As I shot just now, you could see a red pointer right? That’s me”

Certainly there was a red pointer at the end of the radar. As he faced in that direction and focused, he saw an enemy shadow far away from his position. And maybe it was because of it being more than 100M away that it was even smaller than a grain of rice.

“Woah, you shot from that far!? Ah, by any chance, did you use the sniper rifle?”

“Nope, it’s just a normal assault rifle. It’s built in a way where you can shoot down an opponent without worrying about the distance as long as you have the aim mode. You try it from there as well”

“Y—Yes”

Kishimine positioned himself and carefully pointed the scope in her direction.

And pulled the trigger. The first two bullets grazed her but due to the recoil, the muzzle moved a lot and the rest missed the target. Because of all those rapid fires the magazine got empty.

“Not good at all, rapid firing from that distance won’t hit me at all. Look, you shoot like this”

Sugishika counter attacked

One hit, two hit, he took the damage, and instantly died.

“W—why? Even though I fired that much, you just easily like that……”

“In FPS there are about three kinds of shooting ways. “Firing with your waist” , “Aiming mode” with your gun held up and the last one being “Finger Click” ”

“F—Finger Click?”

“You might’ve noticed that when you use your full automatic gun, due to all those recoils the muzzle moves a lot. That’s why, even if you perfectly target a long distance enemy; only the first couple of shots would actually hit the target. But you see there is this Centering Feature in the guns, which lets the aim pointer to be in the center as long as there is no rapid fire. That’s why, even with the full automatic gun, if you release the trigger with each click, you can easily aim down a long distance enemy.”

“Click……”

Kishimine who respawned again, started testing on a random tree near him.

First was full automatic firing. As he already knew, due to the movement of the muzzle, except for the first shot every other shot missed.

Next, he tried doing the “Finger Click” which Sugishika just explained. After shooting a couple shots on purpose, he released the “R1” Button (Trigger).

As he did that, the aim pointer which was moving a lot, returned smoothly to the center again. This must be the Centering Feature she was talking about, he wondered. As he once again pulled the trigger, he was able to shoot the target again.

“I see, I totally get what you mean by clicks. But, can we really aim down an enemy with this method? Normally, I imagine them escaping after getting hit by the first shot”

“Even I want to know that” said Tendou. “In long distance battles which require finger clicking, it’s nearly impossible to match the aim pointer to an enemy, right? I have a feeling that he/she should be able to run away even if they move a little bit after getting hit by the first shot”

“Nice question. But you don’t have to worry about that as it will be an online battle. There will always be lags”

“L—Lags……?”

“Well, I might explain that later if I feel like it, as it will end up being quite a long talk. Leaving that aside, right now getting you some gaming experience is what comes first.”

And like that, he continued to die for quite a while.

On the other hand, he gradually started to get the knack of Real Systemic FPS games, which was finding the enemy first, and shooting them down with perfect aiming. Not to mention, “Firing with your waist” when fighting close ranged battle, “Aim Mode” for Mid-ranged battles and “Finger Click” for long ranged battles. Now he knew that it’s important to know which technique to use given the situation.

“Kishimine, you are starting to get the gist of it, right?”

“Ah, Yes. I guess……”

“Then, let’s move to the Field Team Death match soon, as it’s hard to have a proper battle with just four people”

“Eh? Field Team Death Match?”

Somehow, he was able to imagine the meaning of that word.

“In short…… Online PvP?”

“Well, yeah”

“EeehhH!? Isn’t it’s too early? It’s just been 30 minutes since we started you know!?”

“Don’t worry, Kishimine-kun!” said, Sena-sensei. “In these games the more you die, the stronger you get! Plus, no matter what you do when you’re fated to die you die, so at least join an online PvP and get used to it fast!”

“You don’t have to think that hard about things! Just focus on fighting different type of battles, and learn from the strong players. That’s how you will get strong”

“U—understood. I—I will give my best then”

With the three of them being on the same wavelength, he couldn’t object.

“Then, here we go. By the way, there is no need to enter with four of us as a party right now, right?”

“Let’s see. I guess sometimes its fine that way, as we will be able to pinpoint each other’s faults more easily like that.

“Then, I am entering first and you guys just follow me after that. So, you all are fine with Team Death match, right? As there will be around twenty four people, there will be a lot more opportunities to fight than now”

“T—T—T—TWENTY FOUR!?”

The maximum amount Kishimine experienced in an online PvP was eight people when he played GearsWar. And now, twenty four was three times of that.

“It’s not that uncommon in FPS you know!? Just to let you know there is also a game in which you fight against two hundred fifty six people at once”

“T—Two hundred people…… It would be like a real war then……”

While he was submerged into deep feelings like that, the game started.

“Come on, let’s go! It will be fundamentally same from what we’ve done until now, so be offensive!”

……And as it was his first time, battling in a Field war, not to mention his first online PvP, the result was quite miserable.

Though he knew Finger Click and other aiming skills to some extent, he lost miserably due to an overwhelming lack of experience. Rather, it would’ve been fine if it were a proper shooting match because mostly he got shot from side or from behind. There were many times that he even got sniped as well from far off distance, where it was impossible to even counterattack.

Eventually as the game progressed enough and the score reached to a certain limit, the game ended.

And on the screen, everyone’s result—— from Kill to Death count popped up.

“23 Kills and 8 Deaths…… I think I was a bit careless this time”

Sugishika seemed dissatisfied with her result, but she was still at the top with quite a margin.

Tendou was second with 15 Kills and 10 Deaths and Sena-sensei was third with 13 Kills and 5 Deaths.

“I—I didn’t score a single kill……”

On the other hand Kishimine had 0 Kills with 10 Deaths.

“Well, it’s normal for a beginner. So, just do what you can do for now. However, put some effort in scoring at least one kill with as many less deaths as possible”

“Ah, Yes……”

Eventually, the next game started.

And obviously, he was still not at a level where he could accomplish great feats.

But still, with each death he learned new things.

One was that “Waiting” was quite prominent.

Being a beginner, he knew that dying was inevitable if he kept going with his frontend assaults but, if he were to hide and wait in the shade of a pillar or something then he could easily kill any enemy that’s out of position without worrying about enemy counterattacks.

And if one thinks about it, it was quite obvious as well. Focusing and attacking an enemy while moving is difficult. On the other hand, one could totally focus on their target while hiding. Plus, hiding in the shadow of big objects safeguards one from enemy attacks.

So as a trial, he tried doing that. And while holding his gun upright, he waited for the enemy to come as he hid himself in the shadow of the wall.

Waiting for an enemy who could come anytime was quite tiring than he thought it would be and required a lot of patience. But, soon someone showed up.

He shot and naturally the enemy also shot back but, as he expected, the ambushing proved to be quite effective and this time he wasn’t the one who got killed.

“Hell Yeah! I finally scored a Kill!”

“Oh! Good going Kishimine. So how did it go?”

He got praised by Tendou.

“Yes! I understood that waiting and ambushing were quite effective, so I patiently waited for an enemy to come to me.”

“I see, waiting, huh……?”

For some reason Tendou’s expression got clouded.

“Eh? Was waiting…… something that I shouldn’t have done?”

“I won’t say that you shouldn’t have but, the tactic sure is not something that praiseworthy in a Team Death match”

“Yes, if you don’t know then you should learn” said Sugishika “There are basically just two basics of FPS gaming. One being Ambush and the other being Assault. However, people who wait at the same spot and ambush their targets are termed as Campers and scorned by everyone. Remember that”

“C—Campers? The people who camp……? Ah, I see”

‘Those who wait at a certain place forever, are known as Campers’ he came to a conclusion.

“But is camping really such a cowardly act?”

“It’s true that it’s one of the tactical ways to do things, however, yes, without a doubt it’s hated quite easily. As you’re playing for quite a while now, you can somewhat get it right? That due to its overwhelming advantage, there’s hardly anyone who can counter it. It’s hated to an extent, that in latest FPS games such Camping Ambush blind spots have decreased rapidly.”

“Yes, somehow I can tell”

‘For instance, if someone ambushed me at the corner of an alley, then they can pretty much be specific about my movements. All they then need is to point the nozzle of their guns in my direction and …….’

‘In return, for me to charge in that alley, I have to first jump in that corner, confirm my enemy, and then shoot. Not to mention, I have to do all of that while evading their attacks.

“I can tell why it’s hated and all but you can’t deny that it’s a legit way of fighting right?”

“There is one more reason which makes it bad. You can’t contribute to your team like that. Unlike charging, in this case you have to wait for your enemy to come to you right? If it was a game where you’ve had to protect your base then it would’ve been fine, but in a mode like Team Death match where you have to score more kills to win, you can’t afford to be passive at all. Which is why most people don’t like it”

“I see……”

Just as she said, when he changed his playstyle from charging to waiting, the chances of him fighting against someone decreased extremely. He soon realized that with this fighting style, he can’t come anywhere near Sugishika’s score.

“So in short, it would be fine as long as you don’t stop at one place for too long! There’s no doubt that it’s a powerful tactic. So, ambush the target after anticipating their next location!”

“So basically, what you’re saying is that waiting that requires one to be active is fine?”

“But it’s important that you know assault skill! That’s why learn assault rather than focusing on waiting.”

“B—But……even if I do that, I would mostly end up dying horribly”

“Well that’s given as you’re a beginner who started FPS just a while ago. If you want to get stronger, then improve your aiming skills with these matches. The strongest gamer is good at aiming without exception. Pointing the gun, as soon as the enemy comes into the field of vision, that would be your training menu”

“I—Is that so……”

‘It seems like I can’t avoid dying for some time’

“Or you could try changing to a different weapon”

Said Tendou

“What you have equipped now is an assault rifle right? It’s designed for mid-ranged battles after all, so how about changing to submachine gun and fight indoor?”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea as in close combat he can just waist shoot without any special focusing, which might be easier to do as a beginner”

“Yes, I will give it a shot then. ……By the way, how should I change my weapons again?

……They finished their current game and before starting the next, he made Sena-sensei change the weapon settings for him.

“There you go. Like this, you will have a considerable advantage in close combat battles at least!”

“Yes, thank you very much”

The next game began.

He ended up getting killed as usual but, following Tendou’s advice, he remained in the building as much as possible to have a close combat fight.

“Ah, I again defeated someone”

Slowly, he started to secure a few wins in close combat battles.

“Submachine sure is strong”

“Yes, but only when it comes down to close combat! Otherwise for mid-range there is assault rifle, and for very close ranged fights, Shotgun!”

“Heh…… There are so many kinds of weapons?”

“That’s right. In mostly all of the FPS games there are 5 kinds of weapons – Shotgun, Submachine gun, Assault Rifle, Light machine gun and Sniper Rifle. Each of them has their own special features; you kinda know it already right?”

“Shotgun for very close targets and Sniper rifle for remote targets, right?”

“Yup. Shotgun is quite powerful in cases when you suddenly bump into your enemy but, if the target is even a little bit off distance, it’s useless like hell. Similarly, with Sniper rifle you could aim down the targets from far off distance but, in close range assaults it would turn out almost impossible to use.”

“Here’s a bit of a trivia! It sounds kinda professional if you call Shotgun as “Shagan”.”

“Shagan, is it……?”

He couldn’t care less about it, but as he tried saying it, he somewhat agreed with her.

“R—really, it sounds kinda American”

“Doesn’t it!? By the way, for a period in JGBC there was this powerful shotgun user who named himself as Shana!”

“I see, Shagan’s Shana [7] , huh? ……Pfft”

For some reason, Tendou burst into laughter.

And as it was so sudden, all puzzled Kishimine and Sugishika looked at each other.

“Say, Kishimine. Just what part of that was funny?”

“Don’t ask me. Buchou, what’s up with Shagan’s Shana?”

For some reason she blushed as she got asked about that.

“Ah, N—Nothing in particular. Sugishika, continue with your explanation”

“……Fine, I guess. As I said earlier, with each kind the features change. Take Submachine for instance, in most of the FPS games, its fire rate is quite high but it’s systematically designed with range attenuation so it’s hard to use on ranged enemies. Plus, depending on the game, it also affects your movement speed.

Again some unfamiliar words popped in.

He somewhat guessed that fire rate would mean how fast the bullets comes out of the gun. However, the other word flew right above his head.

“What does R—Range attenuation mean?”

“It means that with the increase in distance, there is a decrease in firepower. In real life too, air pressure affects the bullet and slows it down right!?”

“In other words, even if you can shoot down an enemy which falls under the 20 M radius in 3 shots, you would need at least 4 shots to do the same outside that radius.”

“I—I see. Now that you mention it, even I can’t imagine targeting long ranged enemy. Ah, I know that assault rifle specializes in mid-ranged combat then, what exactly does light machine gun specializes in?”

“Light machine gun has overall high caliber storage, with low range attenuation! In other words, it’s good at scattering the bullets from far off! Plus, it’s also my favorite”

“That’s how it is. No matter which FPS game you take, if it’s a long range battle between assault rifle and light machine gun, light machine gun will win for sure. However, submachine gun will have a cut-out advantage in close combat. If one understands these special features of each weapon and fights at a battlefield that suits their style, then even a beginner can easily win against a pro player.

“Yup, I sort of get it”

As he too, while fighting indoors with his submachine gun, was starting to secure a few kills.

“Just find your trait first” said Tendou. “If you do that, you’ll eventually be able to identify the weapon that suits you best. If you are good at sniping then use light machine gun or sniper rifle but, if you like close combat style then Submachine gun or Shotgun would be the ideal choice. By the way, as I like to do both equally, I like using assault rifle”

“Ah, is that so? Then with Sena-sensei’s light machine gun, and my sniper rifle…… Kishimine, I think it would be best if you stick with submachine gun and be the one to charge in first.”

“R—Really? Okay, if that’s the case, then I will continue practicing like this”

If there was something that he could help with, then considering his nature, he couldn’t have asked for more. Plus, as he more or less had tried both “Waiting” and “Assaulting”, he somehow knew that he wasn’t cut out for waiting.

“Ah, and you can’t just fixate yourself to just one weapon. It’s important that you decide and change it depending on the situation. Just imagine that, there is this very good submachine user in the opponent’s team, so if you switch to assault rifle or light machine gun then it would surely increase your chances of winning. On the contrary in case of a sniper, just switch to mobile submachine gun and go around and cut in horizontally. If you can do that, then you will be the one to dominate the game”

“I see, thanks for telling”

“I’ve said this so many times already, that you will be able to improve faster, if you try various things and find your own forte. So for now, just focus on making your Kill/Death ratio 1”

He again heard an unfamiliar word.

“K—Kill/Death ratio?”

“In short, it’s the ratio of Kills and Deaths you have! For example, if you killed 10 and died 10 times then your Kill/Death ratio becomes 1! But if you killed only 5 and died 10 times then it becomes 0.5!”

“I see, so basically, as long as it’s 1 then it would mean that one is contributing somewhat for their team, right?”

“That’s right! And, Kill/Death Ratio is indexed in other games besides FPS one’s as well, so do remember that!”

As he calculated his score from a while ago, he found that his Kill/Death ratio was 0.1. Now, he clearly understood that he was just being a huge burden on them.

Part 3

Who knows what it was……, whether he was starting to get a knack of the submachine gun or he was getting used to the game, that his kill score started to rise up with time.

It’s just that, no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t improve his Kill/Death ratio. It’s because, as he got more and more involved in the fights, his death numbers also increased, which in turn left his Kill/Death ratio almost unchanged.

However, when it was around 4:00, Kishimine and others got involved in an unusual event, which was not at all related to the game.

“Um, is it just me? Aren’t you guys feeling a bit hot in here? And it’s still April……”

While lightly cleaning the sweat on his face, Kishimine said.

“It’s not just you. I am also getting kinda annoyed because of this heat for a while.”

“I—I know, right? I wonder why it’s this hot……?”

“It can’t be helped, can it now!? We are using 4 Plasma TV’s in this small room!”

“Eh? It’s because of the TV’s?”

As a test, he tried moving his hand near the screen. ‘I see, certainly you can feel the heat coming out of it’

“……I—I see”

Tendou said with a grave expression

“Looking back at it again, yesterday was the first time we used 4 Plasma TV’s and consoles at the same time. It was cool yesterday because of the rain, plus we didn’t play for that long so I didn’t worry that much……so it will become this hot if we use all of them at the same time, huh?”

“Hey, this is obviously too much. Do you mind switching on the air conditioner?”

“Hahaha! This club was made in a hurry by borrowing the AV preparation room just 6 months ago, you know!? A.C. aside, there isn’t even a table fan in here!”

“WHAATT—!? Wai— Do something about it then! If it’s this hot in April! Summer will make this a sauna!”

“Yup, I can’t agree more but there is no helping it! For now, let’s take a short break and have the fresh air flow in!”

Sena sensei leaved the controller on the desk and opened the window

“For the time being, we have no choice but to pass time like this! So, let’s use it to come up with some appropriate countermeasures together!”

However, as the room was made soundproof, the ventilation was not that great from the start! So that’s why, just opening the window didn’t change the heat in the slightest and it swooped down on them.

“Hey, I don’t think it’s working at all! In this heat!”

Sugishika, fluttered her sailor uniform along with her undershirt in annoyance because of sweat.

“…………!”

Kishimine’s body temperature rose even further. As Sugishika’s small yet cute bellybutton and slender— No, rather small waist was in full view.

“Even if you say that, there is nothing much that can be done given the situation! Plus, even I can’t get my hands on an A.C. in this season immediately, even though we’re talking about this academy.”

As one would expect, even Tendou was not in her usual cheerful mood.

“I can’t believe it. To think that there’s a clubroom without A.C. in this day and age…… Ah—Jeez, I can’t take it anymore, I am taking it off.”

A shock rushed down, and that too mainly in his mind.

As Sugishika unbuttoned her breast ribbon, grabbed her sailor uniform with both her hands, and took it off.

“…………!!”

Naturally, she was wearing a turtle-neck T-shirt beneath it. However, the act of a cute girl taking her clothes off, in itself, had quite an impact on him.

“Sugishika, no matter what, that’s improper of you”

Tendou remarked as a Student Council President.

“What do you mean? Isn’t it’s normal to take your clothes off if it’s hot?”

“You might be forgetting but, we also have Sena-sensei and Kishimine in here, you know? You can’t just take off your clothes casually like that in front of an opposite sex”

“Well it’s the both of them right? Plus it’s not like I am naked and all. I don’t think it’s that much of big deal”

“That’s right; rather you’re being rude Tendou-kun! To begin with, I have no interest whatsoever in non Seiyuu girls! Well, leaving me aside for once, do you think Kishimine-kun will see a fellow comrade with such eyes!?”

“Mu……”

Tendou looked Kishimine with an apologetic face.

On the other hand, the person in question, Kishimine, who was somewhat looking at Sugishika with such eyes started feeling sorry.

“Um. So, should I head out for some time?”

“No, there is no need to. You’re certainly a trustworthy comrade. Sorry, for even looking at you with such doubtful eyes. Alright, I too will follow Sugishika’s lead”

Tendou, as if showing that she trusted him, started taking down her blazer.

“……!…….”

It was just that. It wasn’t like she had any body part exposed now. It’s just, she was now in her blouse and that’s all.

However, the act of a girl whom he secretly admired, taking her clothes off in front him, was a little too stimulating for a guy in his puberty.

“Kishimine, I think you should also take your coat off, as your face is flushed red”

“Yeah. You’re looking red as a lobster for a while now”

“Aah. Yea, I—I think I will do that”

Flustered, he also took his coat off.

However, his eyes involuntarily moved towards Tendou who was now in her Blouse. It was natural for her body lines to be seen clearly from when she was still wearing her blazer. Thin shoulders and slender waist, with her breasts standing out more than before. Not to mention, due to sweat the blouse was sticking to her body at several parts, making her white skin to show up. Which resulted in the memory of her underwear appearance from a while back, to involuntarily pop up in his mind.

As he reached his limit of looking at her, he changed his vision to his left when Sugishika, who was now in a thin shirt and short skirt, came into his sight.

Her body was small enough to be mistaken for an Elementary Schooler. Her arms and legs were slender and thin than Tendou, however her breasts alone were something that were too abundant. Also, the shirt that she was wearing fitted her small body perfectly but, it looked as if the chest measurement was not taken into account as it was clinging tightly to her breasts giving an appearance of a brassiere. Furthermore with each little movement, they (¬‿¬ ) shook a lot.

“…………”

It turned into a mental state where he had no other option but to chant Buddhist prayers to let go of his worldly desires, as the appearance of those two, was just too much stimulating for him.

“Say, you sure you’re fine there? You don’t appear that well to me”

“Yeah. I know it’s hot in here, but your face is way too red”

“I—its fine, I was born with this face! R—Rather, why did you choose Plasma TV’s over LCD ones? They don’t cause this much heat right? As we also have one at our home”

Instead of continuing with his prayers, he started a conversation like that.

“About that, there were several problems with that, you see?!”

And their advisor, who liked explanations, took the bait.

“First, there was a problem of response speed! Just think of it as a speed at which a TV receives data and projects it on the screen!”

“Yes. Come to think of it, I’ve also heard in the news that ever since it got changed to terrestrial digital broadcasting, the time signal has been lost”

“That’s just because it takes time to change the terrestrial digital broadcasting waves, so when it comes to games it’s a completely different thing, you see! At any rate, in this day and age there are three kinds of TV’s out there — CRT, LCD and Plasma. Among them, the one that has the lowest response speed is LCD and the one with the highest is the CRT”

“I see. So, how does that relate to the games?”

“What are you saying? Of course it’s very much related to games. In Real Systemic FPS games, everything is decided with a single shot, you know? Using a slow response speed TV means that you are asking yourself to be killed, with a target board painted at the back of your head.”

“Ah, I see”

In games, when you pull a trigger, it reaches to your target instantly. Because of that, it’s important that you shoot faster than your opponent. That’s why just a small delay can be fatal to you and your team.

“That’s why it’s important to have a TV that’s good at processing! And, normally CRT would’ve been the ideal choice but, as that thing is way past its generation; we can’t use them with these days HD games!”

“Plus, if we went ahead and played an HD game on a CRT, we won’t be able to read our opponent’s names, which in turn would also restrict me from sniping them!”

High Definition. He, yet again didn’t know what that meant but, as he kind of figured that it might be something about the amazing image quality; he decided to keep his mouth shut.

“And thus, Plasma TV becomes the only thing that goes well with both HD measure and processing speed! But then, with all the daily technology advancements, it has now become a situation where unless you own a 50 inch TV, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Plasma or LCD. That being said, we decided that rather than investing in the new advance LCD TV’s, it would be efficient to invest in more games!? That’s why the situation ended up with Plasma TV’s!”

“And that’s how it is. As you already know, we have quite a large collection of games in this club. So it might be helpful if you think of this heat as a compensation for those games”

“Certainly, anyone would choose games over TV. So, we have no choice but to endure this heat right……?”

“Well, it can’t be helped. They say on paper that latest LCD’s are no different from Plasma TV’s but, I dare say that those better image quality LCD TV’s are not meant for gaming”

“Eh? Is that so?”

“Yup. They have installed some sort of processing software inside the TV to improve the quality, which in return leads to more lags. And though they have also added a feature of “Game Mode” which drops the image quality and make the processing faster, you then lose the purpose of playing on a high resolution TV.”

“Heh……Leaving Sena-sensei aside, you are also quite knowledgeable aren’t you?”

“I—it’s not like that. You get to know about these things when you play a lot”

It was around that time when the chime rang; signaling that the school hours had come to an end.

“Muu. It’s already time, huh? Time sure passes fast when you’re enjoying a new game, doesn’t it?”

“Right on time I would say. With this much heat piled up, wouldn’t it be fine to wrap up the things for today?”

“Hmm…… Then, let’s conclude the club activities for today here”

And like that their first club meeting as a four came to an end.

### Reference Words :-

[1] Super Smash Bros., known in Japan as Dairantō Smash Brothers (Japanese: 大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ Hepburn: Dairantō Sumasshu Burazāzu, lit. “Great Melee Smash Brothers”), is a series of crossover fighting games published by Nintendo [2] Arika series refers to the Street Fighter and other games produced by the Arika Corporation. [3] Halo is a military science fiction first-person shooter video game franchise created by Bungie and now managed and developed by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Microsoft Studios. [4] Call of Duty (commonly shortened to CoD) is a first-person video game franchise. The series began on the PC, and later expanded to consoles and handhelds. Several spin-off games have also been released. [5] Homefront is a first-person shooter video game developed by Kaos Studios and published by THQ. [6] Kaos Studios was an American video game developer based in New York City, New York. Kaos Studios was formed in 2006 when publisher THQ hired the core members of Trauma Studios, the team behind the popular Desert Combat modification, to create a new studio based to focus on first-person shooter video games. [7] Shagan’s Shana – In Japanese it’s Shagan no Shana (I think the reason why Tendou laughed was because it kinda matched with Shakugan no Shana) (¬‿¬ ) Now, we all know what it is.

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