September 10, 2027 – 8:00 am
Gulielmus POV
"Class, I want to thank you all for your diligence and hard work performed in both your Sorato training and the written language translations. The naval officers, base commander, and I have approved and will grant your off-base privileges."
My class responds in applause upon my announcement. I feel elevated and proud of them myself. Once the applause died down, I continue,
"Now I wish to begin your first outing with a little contest. It will be a race to a designated point in Tokyo. The participants will be—yes Subaru?"
"Sorry to interrupt, Sensei. My friends and I have been curious about your real age aside from your time in stasis."
"My age, huh? I don't mind the question. But first, does anyone here want to share their ages?"
"I don't mind starting first since I interrupted you. I'm 18 years old."
"I'm 6,000 years old." Tet says playfully after Subaru as if to one up him.
"Fuahahahaha! Moi's much older than thou, playful god of games." Taunts Vanir
"Oh? How much older Vanir-san?" answers Tet with a challenger's smile.
"Hahaha! How about we play a game? I'll tell you my age if you win."
"Eeeeh? Sure! But we play with only Aqua and Wiz as witnesses. Can't have you cheating with your All-seeing power."
"Hahaha! The god of games is already taken measures against Moi. Thou are a worthy opponent, better than that joke of a goddess over there!"
"HAAAH?! You're talking about me now?!" complains Aqua.
"Okay Class! Let's not get too off track. Tet, Vanir; you can settle your dispute another time. Is there anyone else who wish to share their age?"
Class remains silent. Subaru then says,
"I think there's no one else. Come on, Sensei. What's your age?"
"Yeah." "How old are you?" "Come on, Sensei."
Requests from various students follows after Subaru's "Captain Obvious" moment.
"Okay. Are you ready to hear my age?"
Everyone nodded yes with anticipation in their eyes. I answer,
"4,278,346 years old – including my time in stasis."
Every new students' jaws dropped after hearing me.
"…4…million?"
Moments later, Subaru says,
"Ano…thanks for sharing this with us Sensei. That's really REALLY old."
"It is. Isn't it? Now then back to what I want to do to kick off today. The allowed participates of this race through Tokyo will be anyone in this classroom new to Tokyo under the temporal age of 13."
"Under 13? Why under 13?" asks a suspicious Hyoizaburoo.
"I understand your concerns, Hyoizaburoo-san. Please do not be alarmed. There are good reasons.
- Japan has laws protecting the rights of children in regards to any violence done against them so if something does happen and we have the evidence—and we will have the evidence, we are covered legally.
o Law enforcement will respond if they happen to be on scene when something happens.
o Plus, there's me—which you'll see later how.
- This country has a societal infrastructure that encourages children as young as 5 years old to make independent trips from home to school and back.
o Cars (which are the mini mobile fortress destroyers) drive slowly to share the road with pedestrians.
o Crime rate is extremely low.
o There's also the practice of women-only carts in trains and cafes for added safety.
- The participants of this race will give encouragement to the rest of this class that Tokyo and Japan are navigable.
- Those under 13 have been progressing nicely with my Sorato training. Not to mention some of the underage are already strong by human standards. If they get approached by anyone meaning harm, this will be their chance to shine.
o They've also studied the common forms of Japanese scripts. This race will test their knowledge.
- One last thing: Even though she knows Tokyo quite well, Shiro may participate in the race due to her social handicap.
Does this address your concerns, Hyoizaburoo-san?"
"I guess so. My daughter Komekko doesn't have to partipate, right?"
"Correct. She is not required. However, if she wants to participate, I recommend letting her."
"I don't know…"
"Otōsaaan! Please let me go on this trip! I wanna see onii-san's big city and smell all the great foods!" Komekko pleads with all her heart in response to Hyoizaburoo's expressed doubts."
"You know Hubby, we do let our little Komekko stay at home a lot, right?" Yuiyui interjects.
"Well, that's true. But a big city is different." He locks eyes with Komekko who is giving him such a pleading puppy dog look.
"Well…if our youngest daughter wants to…then sure. But Gulielmus-san, you will protect her right?"
"You have my word, Hyoizaburoo-san. And you will see how later today."
"YAAAYYYY! I GET TO SMELL FOOD...MAYBE EAT THEM!"
As Komekko finishes her little victory dance,
"Shiro, you don't have to go on this outing since it's the real Tokyo."
"Right, Nii. I'll go maybe a bit later."
Little Komekko happens to overhear the『 』siblings and taunts, "Eeehh? White-haired Onee-san is scared she'll loose to someone tiny?"
"…Oi." Both siblings shoot back, clearly provoked.
The『 』siblings get up with Shiro marching right up to Komekko. Standing in front of the little Crimson Demon she then says, "『 』does not back down from a challenge. Nii-chan, I will go on this race."
"You got it Shiro."
"Let me come with you-desu."
"Okay Izuna-tan, you may come too."
As the group from Disboard settle their participants, others start announcing their intentions.
The first to speak is Iris.
"Your Majesty, please let me partake in this race on behalf of the Kingdom of Belzerg. This will allow me to accompany Komekko-chan."
"*sigh* Very well, my little princess. Gulielmus-san, I'm holding you to that promise you made."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
"YAY! Onee-chan's underling is with me!"
The next set of voices came from Naofumi's corner of the class.
"Master! Filo wants to race! Filo wants to see your home city!"
"Well you have been studying really well on your Katagana and Hiragana scripts. Go ahead Filo. Just stay in human form please."
"Will do, Master! Filo will see the city! Yay!"
"Your Majesty, please allow me to accompany Filo-chan in this race on behalf of the Kingdom of Melromarc."
"You may participate Melty. I know you'll be okay with any of Iwatani-sama's trusted friends."
"Arigataugozaimasu."
"Yay! Mel-chan will be with me!"
That settles their group. Next is,
"Sensei, I wish to participate in this race on behalf of the Emilia Camp."
"You may, Petra. Will you go by yourself?"
"Well, if I have to. Honestly, I would like to have Beatrice-chan with me. But I know she's technically older than 13."
"You have a point. But she does look 12 years of age and does not know Tokyo as well as Subaru does. I will allow this exception if Beatrice decides to join you."
"Sensei! What are you getting at, I suppose?!" She's really touchy about her age, isn't she?
"Come on Beako. I will feel better if you go with Petra. Besides she's your BFF, isn't she?" pleads Subaru.
"Ghhah! I suppose…Fine, Betty will go with Petra."
"Arigataugozaimasu!" Both Subaru and Petra give their thanks for Beatrice's participation.
"Excellent! That's makes a fourth group. Anyone else wish to partake in today's race?"
A peculiar veteran student of mine raises her hand.
"Yes, Asuna-kun?"
"Lielmus-sensei, may Yui-chan take part in this 'Amazing Race—Loli Edition'?"
"…Har…har…har…Very funny, Asuna-kun…but no." I give Asuna my 'unamused smiley face' with my response. Yui knows Toyko like the back of her hand.
"Oh well…it was worth a try. He-he."
My veteran students giggles loudly at this exchange. To be honest, I appreciated this moment myself.
"Aside from that, anyone else?"
The class remain silent.
"Alright then! I will now explain the details and rules of the 'Amazing Race'. The four teams will be taken to four different starting points on the western end of Tokyo's Special Wards. The final destination will be on Tokyo's eastern end. The exact destination point will only be revealed during the race.
- Each team will be given a packet that gives you the information, clues, cash, and train tickets you need to make it to the next destination point. Spend your cash wisely.
- Speaking of destination points, there will be three of them you will go through before reaching your final destination. At each point, there will be JSDF personnel waiting with a new packet for you. They will wear their uniforms so you can't miss them. Use the clues given in your previous packet to find them.
- The third point will have the information and clues for the final point.
- I have means of watching your every move for safety measures, so be sure you are acting on a behavior you are okay with me and your loved ones witnessing.
- If you run into any harm you can't avoid or deal with, myself and your closest loved ones will teleport to your location right away.
- And lastly, the team that reaches the final point and touches a golden trophy wins.
Any questions before we begin?"
The room remain silent. Everyone has excited anticipation in their eyes.
"Excellent! The four teams and their closest loved ones please follow me to the front gate of the Naval Base. The rest of you, please proceed to this location on base (which is an open park with picnic tables).
After I drop off the four teams to their starting points, I will rejoin the rest of you."
At that, the whole class stands up and we proceed to walk out. They follow my instructions with the four teams tailing behind me to the front gate while the rest follow the officers to the open park. With the four teams and myself are Sora, Dola, Ino, Naofumi, Raphtalia, Queen Mirellia, Subaru, Emilia, Frederica, Hyoizaburoo, Yuiyui, Megumin, Kazuma, and King Belzerg.
It's worth mentioning everyone is wearing appropriate attire than let them blend in with the local populace as I instructed earlier. They were all assisted by the officers on selecting their new clothing at the base's Navy Exchange yesterday. Those of royalty were especially encouraged to dress in business casual so to not draw attention as this world does not know them yet. After a few minutes of walking, we approach the front gate known as the Carney Gate. I turn and face my group announcing,
"We are about to step foot into the rest of Japan. Are you all ready?" I couldn't help but smile at them as I ask.
"Ready as we can be, Alien-sensei!" answers a cheery Komekko. The others around her smile at her cute aura.
As we walk through the gate, one of the base MP guards notice us.
"Ohayō, Gulielmus-sensei."
"Ohayō, Officer Toshiro. Everything going well?"
"As well as it can be sir. These are your new students?"
"Yes they are. We are kicking off today with fun activities in Tokyo."
"I see. Well, you all have fun then. Try not to draw too much attention."
"Understood. I assure you, they are in good hands."
"Knowing you, I'm sure they are. Take care, Sensei."
"And you as well."
After exchanging our goodbyes, we proceed across a footbridge outside the Carney Gate. Once we got on the other side,
"Okay my students, we will traverse Dobuita Street and two other streets to the Shioiri Station. Four JSDF Officers will be there waiting for us and each one will accompany each team at their starting points. From there, we will ride the train up to Tokyo where the four teams will be each dropped off at their starting points. Loved ones are welcome to wait with the teams until the race begins. Any questions?"
Emilia raises her hand. "Sensei."
"Yes, Emilia?"
"Is there anything special about Dobuita Street?"
"You know…funny thing is I don't. I may be powerful but I learn things on a need-to-know or want-to-know basis. How about we go find out together?"
"Okay Sensei." Answers with a pleasant smile.
Komekko then drops this snide remark, "Heeehh? Our Alien-sensei is not all-knowing?"
I face her and casually answer, "…I never claimed to be all-knowing."
"Ooooooooo." x21
…
"Hey I know we are next to an American Naval Base but damn! There are lots of references on this street."
"So it would seem."
As we are walking down the narrow but charming Dobuita Street, Sora spoke his mind on the names of the shops we pass. We see names like "M.C. Perry Cafe & Grill", "Yokosuka Navy Burger", "New Texas", and "Vegas Fashion Chourt". The mixed in English words didn't help some of my new students as they try to read the signage.
A certain little princess asks Kazuma, "Onii-chan, what are those symbols mixed with the Japanese script?"
"That Iris is what you call American Influence."
"American…influence?"
"Yes, my little sister. It's when a stronger country gets to have an unconditional say in a weaker country's day to day life. You'll learn more about it in our class sessions."
I had to say my two-sense though, "Well we can at least be grateful the United States for the most part, did not inhumanly mistreat Japan as a people after World War II. Worst has happened between other nations in this planet's history."
"Uh…right Sensei."
…
After walking through the streets, we arrive at the Shioiri Train Station. We link up and exchange greetings with the four servicewomen of the JSDF whom were waiting for our arrival. It was fun guiding my students through the ticket gates with their giving tickets. The newcomers are easily startled by the opening gates after they insert their tickets. We then wait on the platform for the next train. I'm curious on how some of my students feel about their experience. Naturally, I inquire,
"So Your Majesties Belzerg and Melromarc, what do you think of Japan so far?"
King Belzerg answers first, "Well it's…different but similar to my kingdom in some ways. Narrow roads, most of the buildings are two to three stories high, and open shops and bars just like how the streets back in my capital would have it. Sure the shapes, language, and colors may be different but the charm is there. Although, this world could use cleaner air."
"Interesting thoughts, Your Majesty. How about you, Melromarc-sama?"
"I'm still getting adjusted to how people move around using these 'cars' instead of wagons. Sure I see them occasionally in the Naval Base but walking out here really brings it home just how technologically advanced Naofumi's original world is compared to mine. Right now, I'm honestly anticipating this 'train' we are awaiting."
"I see. Well I hope your first impression of the train will be a positive one."
"It's funny you say that, Melromarc-sama. I was thinking similarly." Says King Belzerg.
"Nice to know the two of us royalties think alike." Says Queen Melromarc with a smile.
These two are getting along quite well, aren't they? Iris and Melty seems to have taken notice as well.
"Mamonaku ni-ban-sen ni Oppama-yuki ga mairimas (Soon, to platform number 2 a train going to Oppama to come)."
Suddenly, we hear the announcement from the station's intercom. Moments later, the whooshing, electric motors, and screeching brakes of the train are heard followed by the train in question coming into sight.
Some of my students look on in awe at this long machine that carries many people.
"Sensei…please tell me we are not going inside this monster!"
Apparently some like Megumin see this machine as a monster. I stare blankly at her.
"Megumin, this is a train. Trains are safe creatures that take you to faraway places nice and quick. As long as you obey the unseen woman's safety instructions, you'll be fine." Kazuma tries to put her at ease—but with a blank face.
Anyways, the train comes to a full stop and open its doors. I take lead and board the train. Since I'm twice a human's height, I bend down comfortably since I'm used to it. I then urge my group,
"Come quickly now! The train will not wait long for you."
There was a brief hesitation among those who never rode a train before. Fortunately with the help of those experienced with trains, everyone got on before the doors closed.
"Good job everyone for keeping up. Now then, we will get off at the Yokohama Station to get on the train bound for Tammachi Station. In the meantime, enjoy the views of Japanese Civilization."
Iris POV
After settling in and hearing the kind unseen woman say some safety guidelines, the doors close and the "train" begins to move. Honestly, I'm excited even now to go on an adventure with Onii-chan and Boss—even if there are no monsters to kill. I and my classmates close to my height are seated next to the windows while my father and the adults are standing holding onto these hanging "rings". Sensei of course, is crouched.
I look outside my window and I see a street with these "cars" below, then go through two tunnels.
After clearing the second tunnel, I see more hills covered in trees and houses before we go into another tunnel. Kazuma's world looks fantastic! People seem to live in harmony with nature. There's this charming feeling that people use every inch of space to the best they can. It's quite cute!
"Nē, Izuna-tan. Let's count how many train stations we pass before we get to Jiyūgaoka Station."
"Okay Shiro-desu."
I overhear the two starting their game to pass the time. What can I do? The scenery is great but the trip to Jiyūgaoka will take an hour according to Sensei. The train ride is strangely soothing though.
3 Minutes and 9 tunnels later, our train slows down and stops at the Oppama Station.
Emilia POV
While our train open its doors to let people on and off, I notice a woman standing close to the front end of the train wearing a dark blue uniform of some kind. She was making all these point-precise hand gestures.
"Nē, Subaru."
"Hm? Doshta, Emilia-tan?"
"What is that woman doing over there?"
"Oh, her? I think…she's a conductor. She's making hand signals with someone at the front of the train."
Both Subara and I turn to look for the other person. Such enough, we see a man with the same kind of uniform inside the front compartment making similar hand signals. He then steps out of our train.
We look to the woman and see her stepping onto the relieved conductor's place. She then makes more gestures before she faces the front window, close all the doors, and starts the train. I've never seen such mechanical movements from a person. Afterwards, we leave the Oppama Station behind us.
…
Gulielmus POV
36 minutes and 5 stops after leaving the Shioiri Station, we finally arrive at the Yokohama Station.
"Min'na! We are here. Let's make our exit quickly now!"
Everyone did as instructed in a quick manner.
"Sensei, can't we just teleport to the Train Stations right from the Naval Base?"
Kazuma asks me this sensible question. I answer patiently with, "Apologies for not explaining everything upfront but I wanted everyone here to experience Japan's railway system to Jiyūgaoka Station before we move onto teleporting the remaining three of the four teams to the other starting points."
"Okay that makes sense. Thanks Sensei."
"You're welcome. Now everyone, let's make haste! We don't want to miss the train to Tammachi Station."
As we walk among many people through the station's wide corridors lined with shops, I overhear two of my students discuss their game.
"Izuna-tan, how many stations you counted so far?"
"17 train stations so far, Shiro."
"Good job, Izuna-tan! That's my count too!"
…What a lovely pastime, I thought. The locals naturally give us looks due to my non-human students accompanying me. Fortunately, they also know not to mess with a Senzo.
"Stay close everyone. I don't want to be losing any of you."
I hope the adults don't feel too much like I'm a chaperon over them.
Nobody seemed to complain though. We make it to the platform for the Tokyu Toyoko Line without issue then wait for our train to Tammachi Station.
8 minutes after getting off the previous Keikyū Line train, our next train arrives. The doors open, letting people come out. We board the train more smoothly this time around afterwards. Onwards to Jiyūgaoka Station!
My students seem to be in a little awe as we pass through more tunnels and by taller buildings. 25 minutes and 7 stops later, we arrive at our destination and disembark from our train and walk over to a clearing on the platform.
"Okay class, great job in keeping up with me and conducting yourselves with propriety. Now I will teleport the three other teams to their starting positions. Afterwards, I will teleport myself back to Yokosuka. Once everything is in order, I will signal the race to begin via our JSDF officers. Afterwards, I will teleport all non-participates at the starting points back to Yokosuka as well. Team Petra, Beatrice, and respective loved ones; please remain here with Second Lt. Fujimoto. Everyone else, please follow me. We will go to a place where I can teleport us discreetly."
Everyone exchanged jolly goodbyes while following my instructions. I lead them up a staircase in one of the neighboring buildings to the roof. The informed staff of the building ensured we had no issue passing through the doors. Once there, I turn and face my group.
"Brace yourselves."
In a flash, we teleport over to an accessible roof of a building next to another train station.
"Now then, I want only Team Komekko, Iris, respective loved ones, and Second Lt. Hamasaki to come with me to the Seijogakuen-mae Station. Everyone else, please remain here. I will come back to you once I've dropped off Team Komekko then have us teleport to the next station."
"See you all later, min'na!" says the little Komekko.
Everything proceeded as I intended and I repeat the same steps with the last two train stations. I say my last goodbye to Team Shiro at Hibarigaoka Station then teleport only myself over to the reserved park space in Yokosuka—right in front of everyone already seated for a show.
"Ooooh, hey Sensei!" Klein is the first to greet me. Others follow suit.
"Hey Klein and everyone. Good to see you all again. Give me a moment to setup our 'camera feeds'."
My SAO and officer students know what I mean. However, my new Isekai students are puzzled by my statement. I teleport in a small cube-shaped device that has various uses from my private room in the VR training building. I set the cube down in front of everyone facing me then activate it with my mind, thus creating four holographic screen projections each one focused on one of the four teams. The newcomers are startled at first but eventually became impressed with what.
"Naruhodo. This is what you meant by protecting everyone and gathering the evidence if we need it."
"Indeed, Crusch. Now, let's get ready for the Amazing Tokyo Race! JSDF officers, don't you copy?"
"Hai!" x4
"Excellent! Now, please hold your walkie-talkies up to our teams."
The officers do so.
"Now when I say 'Game Start!' the officers will give you a packet for you to the open. As I said earlier this morning, they will have everything you need to get to the next point. Are you ready?"
The four teams respond "Hai!" with determined smiles on their faces.
…
…
"GAME START!"
The officers quickly hand over one packet to each of their respective teams. Upon receipt, they quickly tear open the packets to start reading their clues. Money, train tickets, and a satellite image of the next station's surrounding area are provided.
Shiro: "Take the train to Ikebukuro Station, then find the place where a wellspring share its night with golden lights."
Melty: "Take the train to Shinanomachi Station. A place where many people dine with drinks and BBQ out in the open lie in wait close by."
Iris: "Take the train to Yoyogi-Uehara Station, then seek a small open place that has a red grid for children and cherry blossom trees."
Petra: "Take the train to Naka-meguro Station. Seek a humble little store of orange, white, and green at the foot of the tallest building close to you."
The four teams scan around them looking for the signage to direct them to the correct platform for the next train. At nearly the same time, everyone found what they are looking for and rush over. Their loved ones follow behind. Minutes later, their respective trains arrive and open their doors. The teams board them while saying their goodbyes.
Shiro: "Jā ne, Nii-chan!"
Sora: "Jā ne, Shiro! Make your Nii-chan proud!" He is seen joyfully crying as Shiro and Izuna boards the train.
Petra: "Jā ne, Subaru and Emilia-sama!"
Subaru: "Jā ne, Petra. Beako, take care of your BFF please!"
Beatrice: "I will, in fact!"
Komekko: "Bye-bye Otōsaaan, Okāsaaaan, Onee-chan, Onii-san!"
"Bye-bye, Komekko!" x4
Iris: "Take care, Otōsan. I'll do my best for us!"
King Belzerg: "I'm sure you will. Be safe, Iris!"
Filo: "Bye, Master!"
Naofumi: "Bye Filo! Take care not to cause trouble!"
Filo: "Hmph! Filo will not cause trouble!" she gives off a cute pouting response.
Melty: "Don't worry all! I'll make sure she doesn't!"
Mirellia and Naofumi: "Arigatō, Melty! Take care!"
With their goodbyes complete and the trains leaving the station, I teleport everyone else back to our park in Yokosuka. I say afterwards,
"Hi everyone. Please take a seat and enjoy your loved ones' Amazing Race."
"Hooohhh! This is what you meant by ensured safety!"
"Indeed Hyoizaburoo-san. We get to watch them in real time."
The teams' loved ones take their seats on the grass. As they did, the crowd is full of energy over the Race. At the bottom of each team's screen, everyone can read the respective Team's checkpoints they are supposed to arrive at. They read as follows:
Team Shiro points:
Hibarigaoka Station - Ikebukuro Station (packet in Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park) - Nippori Station (packet in Asakura Museum of Sculpture) - Keisei Takasago Station (packet in Mengokoro Kunimoto Ramen Restaurant)
…
Team Komekko points:
Seijogakuen-mae Station - Yoyogi-Uehara Station (packet in Shibuya Kuritsu Uehara Park) - Otemachi Station (packet in Wadakura Fountain Park) - Kanamachi Station (packet in Katsushika Central Library)
…
Team Filo points:
Kichijōji Station - Shinanomachi Station (packet in Forest Beer Garden BBQ restaurant) - Asakusabashi Station (packet in Komeda's Coffee) - Keisei Takasago Station (packet in Himalaya Indian Restaurant and Bar)
…
Team Petra points:
Jiyūgaoka Station - Naka-meguro Station (packet in 7-Eleven Store at the base of the Nakameguro Atlas Tower) - Higashi-ginza Station (packet in Chuo Ward Tsukijigawa Ginza Park) - Keisei Takasago Station (packet in Yoshii Restaurant)
…
Displayed at the bottom of the whole projection is the final point in text: 帝釋天参道 (Taishakuten sandō) Shopping Center. Closest train station is Shibamata Station.
…
"Place your bets, everyone! I'm putting my money on Team Iris!"
"Really Dust?! We are placing bets now on little girls now?!"
"Whaaat? This race will be more exciting with a little money on the line."
Lynn confronts Dust. However,
"You know what...I'll put down ¥500 for my Team Shiro. I know they'll win!"
"Sora!" exclaims Dora.
"Well since we're doing this, I'm placing ¥1,000 for Team Iris!" Kazuma place his bet. Megumin, her parents, and King Belzerg follow suite despite their initial hesitation.
"Okay, I'll place my obligatory bet of ¥1,000 for Team Filo." Says Naofumi. Then, Queen Melromarc comes forward with her fan brought open to her face. She dramatically declares,
"I will place ¥2,000 for Team Filo!"
"OOOOOooohhhhh!" the crowd cheers in excitement! In the sea of joyous cries, one peculiar voice speaks out in a deep boom,
"Comrades! I will bet ¥10,000 on a draw!"
"!" The crowd responds in quieted disbelief mixed with displeasure to Captain 1st Rank Maksim's sudden declaration.
"Yes, you heard me right, comrades. For what I know so far of your cherished companions, they are all capable individuals. This leads me to predict they will all somehow grab the golden trophy simultaneously—perhaps even break it in the process. Thus, ending the Race in a draw."
"Well, that's an outcome that's not off the table. I will still support Team Petra to the end!" declares Subaru.
Everyone continued placing bets as our Teams ride their trains to the first checkpoints. The bet placements finished just before they got off their trains. Our brave—but nervous—girls all agreed on asking the locals for directions.
Izuna: "Excuse me sir, is there a wellspring close by-desu?"
Bystander 1: "Umm…wellspring? I don't know of any wellspring."
Izuna: "Um, well we have this clue to go to a wellspring that spends its nights with the golden lights."
Bystander 1: "I see. It could be referring to Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park that has a fountain and nightly decorative lights just west of here. Shouldn't be hard to find. I hope it helps."
Izuna/Shiro: "Arigataugozaimasu!"
Sure enough, they find the park and the officer waiting for them at the fountain ready to give the second packet. They obtain it and jog back to their station afterwards.
…
Iris: "Excuse me sir, is there any open parks close by? Maybe even one with a red grid and cherry trees?"
Bystander 2: "Sorry, I don't know which park that could be."
Komekko: "Sir, do you have 'smartphone' or 'iPad'?"
Bystander 2: "I do have both."
Komekko: "Give me iPad please. I can find park that way."
Bystander 2: "Okay. Give it back when finished please."
Komekko: "Arigatooo!" giving thanks with a beaming smile.
Within minutes, Komekko uses Google Maps to search through 3 parks within 500 meters of Yoyogi-Uehara Station. She finds the park closest to them with pictures of the cherry blossom trees and a 3D monkey bar grid of some kind. Iris overseeing this is impressed.
"This must be it, Onee-san!"
"Good job, Komekko!"
Meanwhile back in Yokosuka,
"Oi. When did Komekko learn how to use an iPad?" Kazuma addresses his question to Yuiyui.
"While most people were not looking, Komekko would play around with those flat tablets in learning about everything of your world."
"Gosh! Komekko proved again she will be an amazing person in the future. She must have kept this a secret for a time like this…"
…
Team Filo asks locals and obtains directions for a restaurant to the south. However, they have another unexpected source of confidence.
"Mel-chan, Filo smells BBQ…this way!"
"Eehh? You can smell that?"
"Yes! Filo can! Filo's been eating BBQ with Master a few times." exclaims joyfully.
What amazed Melty and everyone watching back in Yokosuka even further was the fact Filo can smell the distinct BBQ restaurant apart from a different Japanese restaurant closer to the station. Team Filo proceeds to the Forest Beer Garden BBQ restaurant and obtain their second packet without issue. Or so we thought…
"Please Mel-chan! Let's eat their full course meal!"
"Filo-chan! Filo-chan. We have a race. I'll buy a snack for you. But we have to go!"
"Eeeeh? Okaaaayy." Filo sighs as she surrenders to Melty's direction.
Team Filo jogs back to Shinanomachi Station afterwards.
…
Petra: "A little store of orange, white, and green…I've never heard of a store with such colors."
Beatrice: "There's the tallest building close to us. Maybe we'll see the store if we get closer, I suppose."
Petra: "Okay, we'll go there."
Team Petra walks over to a tall somewhat cylindrical building just south of Naka-meguro Station. As they do, they spot their destination.
"There it is, Beatrice-chan! Let's go!"
"Hai!"
They pick up their pace. Meanwhile…
Subaru: "A 7-Eleven store? Really, Sensei?"
Gulielmus: "Hey now. 7-Eleven stores are fantastic in this country! Everyone here will benefit from learning about them as great, fair-priced stores providing your basic food needs. I especially appreciate their onigiri (rice balls)."
Team Petra obtains their second packet then jogs back to the Station for their next ride.
…
All four teams got through their first checkpoint without any major issues. The experience goes about the same as they go through their second checkpoint, obtaining their third packet. However, their smooth experiences are cut short just afterwards…
Team Shiro is making their way out of the Asakura Museum of Sculpture when they see a large group of primary school children approach the front entrance.
Izuna: "That's a lot of people. Do you know who they are, Shiro-desu? Shiro? Shiro?!"
"Lots…of…people…SCARY!" Shiro is in full social shock complete with a pale face!
Sora: "AAAHHH! HER SOCIAL FEARS HAVE CAUGHT UP TO HER! Please Izuna! Just get Shiro out of there!" He screams at Team Shiro's monitor. Of course, they can't hear him. Sora and the rest of his Disboard companions—except Tet who is smiling in fun—are pulling their hair out at the stressful sight.
Izuna: "Shiro! Shiro! We have to go!"
Shiro: "People….scary….people….where's Nii-chan?!"
"Who are those girls over there?" "Yeah. One of them has purple hair and cat ears."
Izuna notice the school children looking in their direction. She places Shiro on her back and hastily walks back into the museum. She quickly finds a side exit of the building and rush her way through, triggering an audible alarm. I quickly explain to the JSDF officer and the Asakura Museum staff over the radio of Shiro's social anxiety and advised to let them continue the race while I still watch them through my monitor system. Team Shiro makes it back to Nippori Station and board the train for Keisei Takasago Station.
…
Iris: "Komekko, may I see the clue again please?"
Komekko: "Okaay! Here's the clue. AAHH!"
Just as she was going to hand the paper to Iris, a sudden gust of wind comes by and blows the clue right out of her hand. The little piece of important paper fly with the wind into a nearby street and meets its fate with a fast moving truck.
"AAAHH!" screams everyone watching them.
"Awawawawawawawa…" x2
Now Kazuma's group are the ones pulling their hair out.
Iris: "Okay Iris. Calm down. Komekko, what do you remember about the clue?"
Komekko: "Ano…Kana…machi…Station and…a library…I think?"
Iris: *sigh* "Okay, Kanamachi Station and a library. That's better than nothing to go by. Let me write that down fast so we don't forget."
Kazuma: "Yah! Way to go, Iris!"
Megumin: "Way to go, Komekko!"
…
Melty: "Oh boy, that coffee shop was kind of tricky to find. Right, Filo-chan? Filo-chan?"
Team Filo's loved ones: "Oh no. Not us too…"
Melty frantically searches around her for Filo. She probably felt 5 intense minutes pass when only 30 seconds went by before she found Filo—staring into the window of a burger café called "Freshness Burger".
"There you are Filo! Come on, we have to go."
Filo's tummy grumbles just as Melty finished.
"Filo is hungry, Mel-chan."
"Okay, we'll buy something cheap and quick to take with us."
"Yay! Mel-chan's the best!"
Melty buys the cheapest burger the café had on the menu and gives it to Filo. They make their way back to Asakusabashi Station with Filo eating the burger. They are about to cross the ticket gates when Melty realizes,
"Wait…where's our tickets? Huh?! Where's our packet?! Ah! We left it back in Burger Café! Filo, we have to go back!"
"Right Mel-chan. Let's go!"
They hurry to recover their lost packet. To their fortune, one of the café workers kept the packet in safety and return it to Team Melty once they enter the café. With no more issues, they board their next train to Keisei Takasago Station.
…
Petra: "Okay Beatrice-chan. Onwards to Keisei Takasago Station!"
Beatrice: "AAAHHH!"
Both girls pump their fists in the air in determination. They step towards crosswalk to wait for the lights to change for pedestrians. However, Petra is still unfamiliar with the bumps and grooves of the modern world. In a rare fluke of misfortune, Petra trips on a bump and falls forward towards the street flooded with moving cars.
Time seems to have slowed down for everyone watching this unfold. For almost everyone in Subaru's group, their hearts skipped several beats along with a surge of adrenaline in response to the shock inducing moment.
A clear face of panic is shown on Petra as she falls forward.
Just milliseconds before Petra meets her fate with a passing car, she is suddenly pulled back into the sidewalk.
But no one touched her.
It turns out…Beatrice pulled her back with magic.
Everyone watching destress as they now see Petra safe in Beatrice's arms.
"Betty can't have you getting hurt in this race, in fact. How did you get klutzy all of a sudden?"
"I'm sorry, Beatrice-chan! I don't know how I fumbled that one!"
There are tears in Petra's eyes as she gives her remorseful reply to her BFF.
"Hmph! Apology accepted, I suppose. Come on now, we have a race to finish."
"Hai."
Team Petra jogs back to Higashi-ginza Station. Naturally, Petra is watching her every step now.
…
A good 20 or so minutes later, Team Komekko disembarks their train at Kanamachi Station.
Iris: "Excuse me sir. Is there a library close by?"
Bystander 3: "A library? Well, the only one I know close by is Katsushika Central Library. Just leave the south exit of the station and follow the road next to Keisei Kanamachi Station and the building with a rounded corner and a red roofed entrance on your left will have the library inside."
Iris/Komekko: "Arigataugozaimasu!"
The two quickly run south following the bystander's directions. As they enter the building known locally as Venasis Kanamachi, a group of primary school boys notice and follow distantly from behind. Team Komekko's parents and I take note of this.
A few minutes have gone by and Team Komekko exits Venasis with the final packet at hand. They are greeted by the same group of boys.
Hyoizaburoo/King Belzerg: "Oi! Get away from my daughter!"
Claire: "Sensei! Please teleport us there so I raise my sword against those impeding Iris-sama!"
Myself: "I understand you concerns. Please everyone calm down. I want to see how the two handle the situation on their own."
Boy 1: "Hey. One of you look like an outsider. Where are you from?"
Boy 2: "Hey girl with red eyes, are you cosplaying a character I know? You look cute!"
Iris: "Sorry. We really need to go! We're on important business!" states politely but with urgency.
Boy 1: "Eeeh? Can I least have your phone number?"
Komekko: "Guys! We really need to go. Leave us alone!" says with a face of refusal.
Boy 2: "Hey I'm not letting you go until you go on a date with me!"
Kazuma: "Really?! These 10-11 year old school skippers are seriously cat-calling them?!" says with simmering rage.
Komekko then steps right up to Boy 2, stares him in the eye, then…
"AAAHHHoooohhhhh!"
Kicks him right the groin! Boy 2 capitulates and falls to the ground.
"Oooooooooo!" says everyone watching in excitement!
Shalltear: "Ara ara! I love how little Komekko-chan handled that! Putting boys in their places!"
"Hey…Kazuma."
"Yes Dust?"
"Remind me to never get on Komekko's bad side…ever!"
"Hah-hah. You got it bro."
Komekko: "Come on Onee-san! We gotta go!"
Iris: "Hai!"
Boy 1 steps in front of Iris. "Oi! Give me your number since your friend hurt mine!"
"I'm sorry for this." Iris gives him a courteous bow.
PAHH! "AAAHHHoooohhhhh!"
And proceeds to kick him in the groin. The two girls quickly run for Keisei Kanamachi Station.
Meanwhile…
The other three teams arrive at Keisei Takasago Station in different enough intervals. Their final packet were also placed in different restaurants around this station. Thus preventing them from seeing each other. However, once they come back with their final packets at hand…
Shiro: "Metly? Filo?...and even Petra and Beatrice."
Beatrice: "I could say the same to you all. Our third packet brought us here too, in fact."
The three teams continue eyeing each while waiting on the platform for their final train to Shibamata Station. Izuna quickly initiates Blood Destruction mode to try to read the other teams' packets without being noticed. To her expectation, time has greatly slowed down around her. She walks over to Team Petra. The unexpected suddenly happens,
"Don't think we are such easy opponents, in fact! Now go back and rejoin Shiro-san. Shoo! Shoo!"
Izuna is surprised by the sudden outburst from Beatrice. Adding to the surprise,
"Filo is not slow too! Filo will do whatever it takes to be Master's best ally!"
At this, all a stunted Izuna can manage to say is "Tsk" and rejoins Shiro while relaxing away from Blood Destruction.
Everyone else here watching did not see this turn of events. I of course can see this because I trained Beatrice and Filo to deal with time dilation scenarios at their request. They were all too aware of temporal spells like Ainz's Time Stop and wanted to defend themselves against it. I am honestly impressed and please they are implementing their training.
Their final train arrives and the three teams board it—while keeping an eye on each other. The atmosphere here in Yokosuka has been gradually intensifying since the three teams spotted each other.
Just minutes later, all four teams disembark at their target station. Team Komekko gets off on the eastern platform while the other three teams gets off on the western side. The clues read by all of them tells of an outdoor shopping plaza where 5 roads intersect. They quickly ask the locals for directions and got word of a place called "Taishakuten sandō Shopping Center". Both trains leave the station, allowing Team Komekko to make eye contact with the other three teams. After half a second of realizing how close this race is, Team Komekko speeds off to the north exit. The other teams give pursuit, crossing the tracks from the other side.
Everyone watching are now at the edge of their seats. After just 30 seconds of running….
"There it is." x8
The four teams spot their final goal in the middle of a 5 road intersection overseen by a JSDF officer: The golden trophy. The local pedestrians take note of the unusual group of girls and quickly sense they must get out of the way—they do so.
The teams take one last quick competitor's glance at each other, then…
*queue dramatic violin music*
They sprint for the trophy! Everyone at the shopping center quickly ducks further inside any open store!
After just 2-3 seconds, 8 different hands reach out for the trophy at the same time! ALL grab the trophy at the same time!
Now the 8 LOLIs are wrestling over the trophy!
Everyone watching is in complete bewilderment of this scene!
"I got this first!" "NO! I GOT THIS FIRST!" "NO! ME!"
The girls are screaming at each other in anger. After a good 10 seconds of fighting over the trophy,
It breaks into four different pieces!
A handle for Team Shiro!
Another handle for Team Komekko!
A ½ cup for Team Filo!
Another ½ cup for Team Petra!
…
…
"Nani?! What does this mean?!" screams Komekko.
I speak to the JSDF officer at the shopping center over the radio.
"2nd Lt. Takahashi, please bring your walkie-talkie up to the race participants."
She does so and the four teams turn to the walkie-talkie to listen. I announce,
"This means the race ended…in a draw. I know it's not what any of you wanted, but I'm happy to see you all doing your best in a new city you've never been to."
As I said this, Vanir is laughing hysterically due to the abundance of anger and disappointment swirling among the teams' supporters. Adding salt to their wounds,
"Alright comrades, where's my money?"
Those who bet their yen tearfully proceeds to hand over their money to a smiling Captain 1st Rank Kostya Maksim.
And thus concludes the afternoon of their unforgettable lost…to a Russian.
XXXXXXX
Author's Note: Finally! That's chapter 13 done! Sorry guys for the month long absence. The coronavirus pandemic and personal life matters has been big distractions while writing this chapter. It was also very challenging since extensive research into the Tokyo Rail System was required to make this chapter sensible to me. But it's finally here and I hope you all enjoy it! Next chapter will cover this same day's night time fun some of the class will have so stay tuned! Also, stay safe and live strong, everyone!
Until next time, take care all!
