Two weeks had passed since Hajime was labeled the weakest student of the bunch.
Not only was [Synergist] a non-combat-centered job, his status was just too low to be useful in a battle.
Just the fact that Hiyama's jeer, of there being citizens more compatible than him, wasn't a complete lie was more than enough reason to knock down Hajime a peg or two.
'Not that I was on any, to begin with...'
Hajime sighed and slumped against the wooden table. The book he had been reading, [A History of Tortus] flipped back to its cover.
After it became a fact that he wasn't going to be an effective fighter, Hajime naturally turned to books.
It won't hurt to know the world they were tasked to protect, and besides, it was a good excuse to skip training.
Commander Meld tried to convince him otherwise the first few times, but after a few days, he seemed to have given up on him, which was fine by Hajime.
The one downside he felt on his skin was that, by ignoring the training sessions, he was missing out on Kaori as much as he did everyone else in his classroom.
Even during the meal breaks, which were the only moments when he'd be in the same room with all of the others, he'd often find Kaori busy studying medicine or in conversation with someone else, like Shizuku or Kouki.
He felt redundant that he was the one avoiding Kaori, but Hajime just couldn't muster up the strength to break through the unseen barrier between them.
The very same barrier was present back at their homeworld as well; Hajime realized that it was always been his girlfriend who took down the blockade.
"..."
Hajime drummed his finger on the cover of the book.
It was a drawing of the entire landscape of Tortus: An island that had a mixture of distinct mixture of climates ranging from swampy tundra to lush rainforests, deserts, and fairly developed countries like the one he was staying in.
The book was filled to the brim with information about the three major species inhabiting the island, their distinctive features, and cultures, to the current position—all of them something he'd found very interesting as a Grade-A Otaku if he wasn't in such a miserable mood.
He was in another world for god's sake; his dream had literally come true. But it was as if the Monkey's Paw made it a reality.
He'd been transported to a different world where magic and monsters were real, sure. But he didn't change a bit.
He was still the introverted lacky who can't muster up the courage to talk to his 'so-called' girlfriend.
Hajime shook his head. He tried to push aside the gloomy negative thoughts clouding his head.
However, it was difficult to accomplish when he had nothing else to think about; nothing to look forward to. No purpose.
That was the key word—Purpose.
Kouki strived to become the savior of the world as he was destined to be. Kaori wanted to help her friends who would help the people of Tortus. Even Hiyama must have something that pushed him and his gang to show up to train.
But Hajime...Hajime had nothing. He was empty. He had no idea what he can do, let alone what he wanted to, and struggle for it.
"I have no idea what happened while you were away. But I must say, you are now only a shell of what I appreciated about you, Nagumo Hajime."
Maybe that was what Shizuku meant back at the park a few weeks ago.
"Shizuku..."
"What."
Hajime nearly jumped out of his skin. He spun around in the chair to see his childhood samurai glowering down with her arms crossed.
"Well?" Shizuku raised her eyebrow.
"Uh..." Hajime's brain short-circuited trying to think up an answer that would be satisfactory for the class head. "...nothing."
Shizuku snorted as if she didn't expect any better before turning away to the rows and rows of
"Wait," Hajime called at her back. Shizuku stopped in her tracks but didn't turn around. "How's...Kaori doing?"
For whatever reason, that question must've pushed a button, because Shizuku spun "If you want to know so bad, why don't you try talking to her yourself?"
"But—"
"Or don't. Like I care!" She snapped back before stomping into the History aisle.
The librarian looked up from the counter and stared at Hajime with disapproval. It was entirely unfair, but Hajime didn't bother to explain it.
Less than a minute later, Satoru crept into the library. He looked around a few times before quietly making his way to Hajime.
"Little S been giving you a hard time?"
Hajime nodded. Little S was referring to Shizuku. It was another one of his weird nicknames.
Satoru clucked his tongue, then whispered in a low voice, "She's in a tight spot at the moment. We're trying to look for something...and currently, it isn't going so well. Try to understand, k?"
"Sure," Hajime murmured. He wasn't really intrigued by whatever Shizuku or Satoru had to look for. To be honest, it was surprising that they shared even one topic that they're willing to combine forces to look for.
Still, Satoru took his word for it. He flashed a broad grin and pat his back reassuringly.
"And a little advice from your senior of life; keep trying. It's better than not trying every time."
"Right." Hajime was sick of those cardboard motivational quotes. He'd rather eat actual cardboard than listen to them.
With another pat on the back, Satoru slipped into the History aisle as well. Hajime took the [A History of Tortus], and a few other books he planned to read and took them to the counter.
He'd rather not stay in the library and risk getting into another conflict with Shizuku. Ever since the playground incident, she was out for his blood.
"You are now only a shell of what I appreciated about you." The past voice of Shizuku whispered into his mind.
"Shut up," Hajime told it. He wished he could say that to the real person. With a hefty load of several heavy books in both arms, Hajime waddled out of the library.
* * *
The rest of the lunchtime was spent reading through the books.
Aside from the general history he left off on, there was a guide about various monsters that inhabited the land, an illustrated book about weaponry and how to forge them, and basic how-to-begin on training of Heiligh Kingdom.
The last one was completely useless to him. To be honest, Hajime didn't know why he picked up the book; it was just filled with technicalities of various Jobs and rules during the training.
Aside from that, the other two books were filled with useful and interesting information. Hajime found himself getting lost in them; especially when it was easy to make the connections between the history of the weapons with the monsters it was meant to counter.
It was a Synergist's job to provide a weapon to the army and Adventures in need. So technically, the job itself wasn't 'useless' per se.
It was just that the trait wasn't rare. The Heiligh Kingdom already had well-trained and experienced Synergists in spades, ready to aid the heroes at any time.
Having another Synergist, a newbie no doubt, wasn't more thrilling for them as it was for Hajime.
After he was done reading, Hajime closed both books and looked up at the clock. It was nearly time for the afternoon training.
Usually, he'd ignore that and either spend time resting or at the library, but neither option wasn't ideal at the moment.
Besides, Shizuku had said to talk to Kaori himself, didn't she? Hajime guessed, if he was going to try he'd make an attempt during training; when most of the class would be busy doing their stuff.
So with a pounding heart, Hajime made his way to the training ground. It took a bit more time than he had estimated as he wasn't used to taking these routes of the castle.
The training ground was filled with students and tutors in a heated learning session. Some were practicing a consolidation spell in groups, while others were sparing with their teachers.
Hajime spotted Kaori on the other side of the training ground. She was tending to Ryutarou, who seemed to have a bad case of bleeding nose from sparing with Kouki.
For a second, their eyes met. Hajime was sure of it, even from all the way across the field. However, Kaori quickly averted her eyes without giving any sign of recognition.
A rush of embarrassment rose on Hajime's face. He suddenly felt out of place, as if he ran into a bustling plaza while naked.
What was he even doing? He didn't belong here. He was a failure; it'd be best if he just leave and let everyone else do their jobs without hindrance.
Hajime was about to turn around, not noticing that Kaori's eyes had snapped back at him when he caught something out of the corner of his eyes.
It was a secluded corner of the training ground, inconspicuous from the eyes of the teachers. Hiyama and his gang were standing around something, occasionally casting a ball of fire or wind.
Against his better judgment, Hajime tip-toed closer. And what he saw made his heart rate spike up.
"Hey, there's a saying that struggling worms die early. That's because they don't know their place. I think it was made to teach idiots like you a lesson."
Hiyama snickered and sent another fireball at someone's back. Nakano, Saito, and Kondo jeered as the person struggled to stand up.
Kaito snorted a spec of blood out of one of his nostrils. He had already been battered on several occasions, but that didn't do much in hindering his spirit.
"You're not much of a man yourself; ganging up on 4:1. Even playground children know that's cheap."
Hiyama and his gang shared glances with each other.
"Yeah, whatever."
Hiyama aimed a kick at Kaito's ribcage, but Kaito let the attack sway to his side with surprising fluency and advanced.
"What the—"
Kaito was just about to slam his fist into Hiyama's face when Saito quickly aimed at his back.
"[Wind Sphere]!"
A clod ball of wind struck Kaito with similar force to a pro boxer's punch. Nakano and Kondo grabbed him by the shoulder and pushed him back while Hiyama rubbed his chin.
The initial sense of surprise quickly exchanged into anger as he regained his senses.
"...Admirable effort." Hiyama growled, "But that's not gonna work on me." He landed a nasty kick to Kaito's side, making him double over and everyone started to lynch him.
For some reason, Hajime couldn't stand watching anymore. He couldn't tell why—maybe because he knew what getting stomped felt like, or perhaps it was just hostility towards Hiyama and his thugs.
Whatever the reason was, he charged at Hiyama and thrust his fist forward.
Hajime was never an athletic person. He never set foot inside a gym in his life, he certainly didn't know how to throw a proper punch.
This time was no different.
However, the surprise factor made a miracle happen: his flailing fists made contact with Hiyama's face.
"Ugh!" Hiyama groaned and stumbled. Hajime was frozen on the spot, shocked that he actually did something.
The moment didn't last long.
"Why you—" Hiyama's startlement was quickly replaced by unbridled rage.
With surprising agility, he rushed forward, grabbed Hajime by the shirt collar, and slammed his full force against the wall.
"You. Fucking. Piece. Of. Shit!"
Hajime gasped for breath as he was repeatedly slammed into the wall. His back felt like it was splintering apart.
"Stop!"
Suddenly, a row of white chains wrapped themselves around Hiyama's arms, letting Hajime drop to the floor.
He looked up just in time to see Hiyama's thugs getting bound by a magical chain shining white. Kaori and her teacher were standing at the
"Linch in the training ground!? All four of you will be reported to Commander Meld as soon as possible!"
"But—" Hiyama tried to argue.
"No excuses!"
With a resounding tap of her staff, the white chains around the Petty Four's mouth.
The teacher huffed indignantly. "What a disgraceful action of future heroes!"
"Tell me about it," Kaito grunted, wincing as he slumped against a grudge wall.
He waved off the teacher approaching to tend to him. As the teacher dragged the four troublemakers away, his eyes went over to Hajime and Kaori.
"..."
Kaori was just kneeling right next to Hajime. And by that, she was so close that Hajime could guess what scent of shampoo she used this morning; for anyone who wonders, it was Lily.
"Hold still," Kaori muttered as she tried to slip her hand under Hajime's shirt.
Naturally getting deeply flustered, Hajime recoiled.
"Kaori, what are you—"
"I said, stay still. I'm just checking how hurt you are."
The strangely strict manner made Hajime swallow his words. He stayed completely still as Kaori raised the back of his shirt.
"This is a hefty bruise."
"Certainly feels like it—gah!" Hajime winced as something cold was placed on his damaged skin. It took him no seconds to deduce that it was Kaori's hands.
"[Divine Heaven, lend us thine blessing.]"
Kaori's hands enveloped in pure light. With a satisfying warm sensation, Hajime felt the throbbing pains easing away.
After she double-checked that Hajime was healed, Kaori stood up.
"And...Kaito. How about you?"
Kaito waved away the offer. "I'm fine."
Kaori glanced at him for the longest second before helping Hajime up. "So...what happened?"
"Well—"
"He butted in to save me," Kaito nodded toward Hajime with his chin. After a pause, he shrugged. "It wasn't much help, but I appreciate it."
"I see."
Kaori seemed to be in deep thought for a long time. Finally, she turned to Hajime.
"I'm sorry for ignoring you for the past 2 weeks."
"So you were ignoring me," Hajime said.
Kaori looked down at her feet, her hands tightening around her staff. However, Hajime was surprised that he was less hurt than he'd thought he would be.
"I..." Kaori compressed her lips. "I...thought, if I wasn't around, you'd start to stand up to yourself. Find your footings."
"I see."
"I was worried that I might have been spoiling you. Shizuku told me over and over again back at school, but I never believed her until..."
"Until I gave up on everything."
Hajime finished her sentence. Kaori nodded, lowering her head once more; deeply ashamed.
"Kaori, thanks."
Kaori shook her head. "You shouldn't thank me, Hajime. It wasn't a good thing to do."
"Well, you did heal me, so...take the thanks."
Kaori raised her head. Slowly, a smile started to spread across her lips. It was the smallest change, but she knew that yesterday's Hajime would have just taken her word without antly sayings.
"That's a standard procedure for all healers in training, Mr. Nagumo. Next time, try not to get hurt."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hajime replied.
They both started to crack up when a loud groan interrupted them.
"Do the lovey-dovey's elsewhere. I need to train." Kaito said while rolling his eyes.
"About that," Kaori glanced at the far side of the training room, where Commander Meld was harshly scolding Hiyama and his gang. "I don't think you two should be training while those four might be in the same room."
"Wouldn't they be punished for this?"
"They will, but they would eventually make their way back. And then what do you think would happen?"
Kaori gave Hajime a knowing look. Hajime understood what she was eluding to immediately.
"They'll return with vengeance. Be more cruel and cunning..."
"Exactly."
Kaito raised his eyebrow. "You two know a lot about how bullying works. Nagumo I can understand, but..."
"Hey!" Hajime complained, and Kaori shrugged.
"I did my studies...for reasons. I don't think I'll need to anymore, though. Am I right?"
"Certainly," Hajime reassured. Kaori beamed a smile until Kaito started to make gagging noises.
While his girlfriend shot the thrid-wheel a dirty look, Hajime cleared his throat.
"Alright. I think Kaori has a valid point."
"I'm not sitting ducks around this place. Besides, the prince keeps pestering me to teach him some tricks when I'm not busy!"
"I didn't suggest you two don't flat-out train." Kaori said, "I already have an idea..."
* * *
"No."
"Oh come on, Shizuku!" Kaori's desperate voice rang through the open training ground of the castle.
It was reserved only for a more advanced level of training, which required more room to execute. Currently, the only ones there were Shizuku and Satoru.
The latter waved at Hajime and Kaito cheerfully, while the former looked between with doubt.
"Kaori, I can't allow them to join our training grounds. Not only that would be a violation of rules and fairness, I don't think they won't be too much help in our front."
"You two can do whatever you want. We match ourselves in terms of power level." Kaito suggested.
"Besides, if Kaori also joins as an attendant, we can attend this training ground as well," Hajime added, which surprised Kaori as well as Shizuku.
"Since when was that a rule?" Shizuku demanded.
"Since always?" Hajime replied with a shrug. Internally, he was thrilled that his mounds of readings were starting to pay off.
"It's written in the book I picked up from the Library: If someone with a Healer license is attending, up to 2 people per healer can join the outer grounds."
"But how did you know that I had a license?" Kaori asked in awe.
"You healed me without any supervision. That's only allowed after you graduated from a trainee. Again, something I read in the book."
"Yeah, see? I said he is smarter than you give him credit for." Satoru said.
"I never said he was dumb; I only said he—" Whatever Shizuku was about to say, she decided to keep it after a quick glance towards Hajime.
"—Fine. Just don't bother me, or else."
Kaito waved off Shizuku's warning. "Yeah, whatever. You do your stuff. On an unrelated note, I think it's time for dinner."
"Alright then!" Satoru sprung up to his feet, "See ya'll...whenever we see you!" and he jogged to the castle with astounding agility.
Shizuku sighed and after sheathing her sword, followed his example.
"Come on, we need to hurry!" Kaori shouted.
"Why?" Hajime asked back; puzzled. He never had any trouble finding a seat even when he usually showed up half an hour late.
"If we want to find three seats next to each other, we need to hurry!"
"Oh."
"Oh."
Both Hajime and Kaito were taken aback at Kaori's reply. The two boys shared a glance with each other.
Kaori, after deciding she couldn't pull two teenage boys and run at the same time, went ahead.
Hajime waited for her to run far away before asking: "You like Kaori, don't you?"
Kaito sniffed his nose rather noisily.
"Yeah." He admitted. "But I don't think I'll end up well with her. I'm tasking the job to you; so don't mess it up."
"I'll try my best."
Kaito slapped Hajime on the back as a sign of approval, before bolting off into the castle. Hajime followed suit as best he could.
For the first time in many weeks, his chest felt light-weighted.
Finally, some redemptions!
I'll officially claim that the "Prologue" is done with this chapter!
And by that, I mean that from the next chapter, we'll push the plot forward!
I am very excited to go more depth on them, as I have many events planned and more events that are yet to be planned.
See you all next chapter, Ta ta~
