Recap of the previous chapter: The True Science Institution helped Yuigahama Yui as part of its Service Duties in improving her elemental magic. During a spar between her and Yukinoshita, the two science members already found her flaws and Hikigaya trained her to physically withstand the penalty of using too much elemental magic, known as the "Equal Feedback". In the evening as Hikigaya made his way home in the forest, an alvarez seek help in defeating a giant monster that can inherit traits of beasts or monsters it ate known as the gogmagog. A week after he slew the giant monster, it was revealed that Yuigahama chose the Knight course for the sake of the boy who saved her in their childhood. Noticing Yuigahama's frustration at her own weakness, Hikigaya encouraged her that her savior might be happy that she worked hard regardless of her current strength which gave her even more motivation to train. After ending her second day of training, Hikigaya encountered Yuigahama's fiancèe, Oliver Seerwind, who noticed how he was close with her.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Oregairu series as it is respectfully owned by the author and studios.
Chapter 3: In The Bitterness of Struggle, Hikigaya Will Taste the Sweetness
Hikigaya just stared at Oliver Seerwind with a cautious gaze, attempting to decipher the meaning "chat" from his statement. Hikigaya was cynical towards humans, his own race. His relationship with Yukinoshita and even Yuigahama were not friendship or acquaintances. He only viewed them as significant assets to his goal. Not exactly as tools, but important factors that would ensure the success in the extermination. It would rather take more than idle chat and tea time to make the young dark mage trust a noble's words. Hikigaya's eyes focused on every little detail in Oliver's person. From his attire to his posture, just one detail that would give away Oliver's true colors hidden behind the facade. However, he couldn't see anything, although Hikigaya didn't need to find evidence of this person's mask. After all, nobles held value in superficiality alongside with materialistic values such as wealth and objects of power.
"If you're thinking that that airhead and I got something going on, relax. I'm not into nice girls." Hikigaya said with indifference to deny whatever assumptions Oliver had between his fiancee and the dark mage.
"No no. I don't think that way," Oliver said with light laughter. "I don't see Ms. Yuigahama doing that. However, that last sentence would make me misunderstood your reason. Are you saying you prefer... naughty women? Such as women with no chastity?"
"No, I'm not interested in women in general, but what I hate the most are nice girls."
"Why?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"Please do not be like that. I'm just curious to know about you. As I said before, you appeared to be quite close to Ms. Yuigahama as acquaintances despite your reputation here. She does worry about her image as a noble and the one who will carry her family, but she seemed to not mind talking to you."
"Wait, did anyone see us?" Hikigaya asked with widened eyes. He was sure to be discreet in interacting with Yuigahama to avoid rumors. Usually, he didn't care what others were talking behind his back, but she would be affected by rumors as well. It sounded uncharacteristic for him to worry about other humans, especially nobles. However, so far, the orange-haired girl treated him fairly, even though most of the time she was annoyed by his banter and mockery at her clumsy actions during training. For Hikigaya, it would be tasteless to ruin someone's life based on only hatred as it would be like acting the same as these pathetic humans.
"Do not worry. No one saw you. I noticed for the past few days that Ms. Yuigahama exited the building much later than usual so I tried asking her but she didn't tell me anything."
"So you stalked her?"
"I recently followed her after class until we reached the training grounds. Please don't call this action 'stalking'. I know it is tasteless tailing her but I need to know but that doesn't mean I'm stalking. That would be an invasion of privacy "
"Alright... What do you want to know about me?" Hikigaya asked with a scrutinizing gaze. His question was a test to see Seerwind's crack on the mask.
"Hmmm... what is your purpose in becoming a knight?"
"Do you have any questions besides that?" He said in a deadpan tone. "First the future wife, now the future husband? Why is their first question about my goals? Are they trying to act like some guidance counselor? Is this how strangers talk in society? What kind of-"
"I understand. I can see that I asked something personal." Oliver assumed with a smile. He held his chin in thought of a new question. "Hmm... What do you think of Ms. Yuigahama so far?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"What are your impressions of her? Do you think she is a strong mage? A good person? Do you find her annoying or comfortable to interact with? Something as trivial as that."
"Now that you mentioned it, she's very annoying."
"Very talkative? Too cheerful for your taste? Already gave you a nickname?"
"Yes, yes, and yes. You know your fiancee well. More impressive you can tolerate such an atrocious personality."
"She acts that way ever since I met her in our childhood. I was at first surprised by her liveliness. It took some time to get used to it."
"Were you expecting her to be some graceful and polite lady?"
"A little, yes. She is very polite though when it is necessary. Did she act differently around you?"
"A very talkative and cheerful idiot who gave me a nickname."
"Ah, yes, of course, haha. Anyway, I also see you are well-acquainted with Ms. Yukino Yukinoshita. She started this so-called True Science Institution despite the negative feedback from the faculty. Are you also a member of that institution?"
"One, no we're not well-acquainted. Think of it as a relationship between a mad researcher and the poorly paid, and tortured assistant."
"W-what?! You were tortured?!"
"Relax, it's just an expression."
"I... see..."
"As for your second question, yes I am a recent member."
"Interesting, why did you join her of all people?"
"Life has a funny and cruel way of forcing you to do things." Hikigaya answered while folding his arms. His answer confused Oliver for a moment until he knew what it meant.
"You were forced into joining her cause?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and the young dark mage only remained silent in which Oliver figured the answer. "Did you complain to the faculty?"
"No, The teacher who dragged me to that Ice Queen won't take no for an answer. And even if I complained, I doubt they would take my side since you know..." Hikigaya said with a sigh.
"Oh, I understand," Oliver said while nodding. "It is getting late so this will be the last question. What did Yuigahama request you two?"
"She didn't tell you?"
"I tried asking multiple times but she didn't give me a single tiniest clue."
"Then I guess it's much more personal for her. Don't worry, tomorrow will be the end of her request. All I can say is that it was difficult but she can manage once it's over."
"I see. Well, whatever she requested, I'm glad it worked out splendidly."
"Now I'll ask my last question before we finish this chat," Hikigaya said as he gave him a menacing glare. "What's your deal?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm asking what the hell are you after? Out of all the people you want to ask about your fiancee, why me? Why aren't you bothered by the fact that I'm a dark mage? In those idiots' standards, it takes some guts to even approach me out of curiosity. And I doubt curiosity is the real reason. Do you want something from me?"
"... It seems that most of your past involved people discriminate you for being born with such magic." Oliver walked towards a window and looked outside to stare at the scenery of the capital in a sunset. "Not exactly all people see you that way. Those who are more intellectual wish to observe and learn about your magic. Even if it's a magic based on an evil god who almost destroyed all mana, it is the rarest element in the world alongside light element. In my perspective, I see dark magic as a powerful tool for our world but dangerous to use. I approached you so I could evaluate if you can be an ally for our cause or an enemy we must destroy in response to one of the public's longstanding wishes. I do not need to tell you many people are now trying to remove you from this kingdom, or do I? Since it is easy to notice their reactions every time you are at their proximity."
"Yeah, they really didn't even try to hide their animosity and it's growing by the day," Hikigaya stared at his back with the same menacing glare. "So instead of stalking Yuigahama, you're here to stalk me?"
"Again, please don't call it that. It's observation," Oliver turned his head to look at him with a deadpan expression. "My task is only limited in this academy and nowhere else."
"Who ordered you to do this?"
"That is classified information... However, you deserve to know because this action is clearly a violation of one's privacy... It was decided amongst all the noble family heads in Villfalt." This revelation shocked Hikigaya. He knew the world was against him but to go this far. But there is one thing that bothered the young dark mage.
"Why monitoring me and not I don't know... kick me out?... Or better yet, kill me?"
"Majority of the families suggested that but there are a surprisingly few who argued with that. Two of those few are me and my family, and the Yuigahama family"
"What? Is Yuigahama involved in this?"
"No, only her mother. Ms. Yuigahama as well as all the children and heirs to their families know nothing about this."
"What about her dad?"
"Died years ago..."
"Oh, uh... sorry for asking."
"It's fine. Anyways, we made a convincing argument that instead of removing you, we considered if we can make you an ally. The academy will guide you by giving you the same education as every student enrolled here. Your guardian, Ms. Shizuka Hiratsuka, will be the one to monitor you as a teacher while I watch you from afar and give reports on your progress."
"So in their language, I'm just another tool they can use as they please and so they try to make me an obedient slave through this magic academy,."
"In a way, yes." Oliver said with a sigh. "Although they didn't suggest forcing you into obedience as they might do it with their own hands in the shadows."
"So they're holding back their frustration until it leaks... Well? How am I doing so far as a potential ally?"
"So far, fairly well as long as you maintain that. If not, then the opposing families' frustration will grow and that is when your daily life ends."
"How bad are we talking?"
"They might bribe the faculty into failing you or they will hire assassins to kill you silently and cover your death as a tragic accident."
"Wow, so they're that desperate, huh?"
"... You seem calm about this."
"Hm? Oh, well at first, it surprised me the noble families made a move after so long. Even so, it was kinda expected."
"You expected people are going to kill you?" Oliver asked in shock at the young dark mage's statement. He made it sound as if in the entirety of his life, it was all about people attempting to murder him. The child of Seerwind always knew how all dark mages were treated, at least from what he heard in the surface. He didn't know to what extent would the discrimination develop into beyond morals. Hikigaya looked outside in the window and saw the sun slowly descended lower into the horizon as the time of night approaches.
"Welp, I think that's all for the day," Hikigaya walked past Oliver and went downstairs. "Nice knowing you, I guess."
"W-wait!" Oliver tried to stop him, but he already left. The young dark mage exited the academy building and went to the usual route to his home in the forest. However this time, he was looking at his surroundings, from the citizens to the roofs and insides of the infrastructures. He looked behind him a few times, his anxiety grew but hid it well behind his stoic expression. He finally reached the usual alleyway, but before he entered the alley, he took deep breaths. His grip on the pouch tightened while the other empty hand shook nervously until it formed into a fist.
"It was decided amongst all the noble family heads in Villfalt."...
"So far, fairly well as long as you maintain that. If not, then the opposing families' frustration will grow and that is when your daily life ends."...
"They might bribe the faculty into failing you or they will hire assassins to kill you silently and cover your death as a tragic accident."...
"This is affecting me a lot more than I thought. I need to calm down," He closed his eyes to steel himself until they were opened to reveal the strong and determined look. "They can throw whatever they have at me, I'll step on every obstacle like how the others stepped on me..."
After another deep breath, he entered the dark alley, but he stopped in the middle. He then suddenly jumped from wall to wall until he landed on the roof made of clay tiles. Quickly but stealthily, he leaped from roof to roof as he heard the bustling sound of the crowd from below. No one saw him nor did anyone bother to look up as they were all minding their own business with their daily routines. He jumped onto one last roof and walked around it. Hikigaya finally stopped and knelt down to knock on a clay tile a few times. After a few seconds, the clay tiles moved to make a hole big enough for a person to sneak inside. He dropped down into a dark room that seemed to be the attic and someone immediately tackled him.
"GAH!" Both fell down on the wooden floor with the mysterious attacker on top of him. He winced in pain and looked at who tackled him. It was a girl with short black hair and wore a plain brown yukata. They stayed in that position for almost a minute now, so he patted her head and said with indifference. "Okay, okay, can you get off now, Komachi?"
"Hehe~ sorry, onii-chan!" The little sister known as Komachi giggled and stood up. "Glad you're finally visiting me. I thought you're already fed up with my cooking!"
"Oi, oi, what kind of big brother hates his sister's cooking?" He said as he tried to comfort the pouting little sister with a head pat. "As your loyal and strong onii-chan, the possibility of hating every single thing you do is little to zero!"
"Uwaaahhh, there it is, the 'Gomii-chan' power," She covered herself in her arms and moved far away from him.
"It's my 'Onii-chan' ability at full power," The big brother said while picking up his pouch and sword.
"I see, I see," She said with a smile that looked hollow and Hikigaya noticed that. Suddenly, Komachi punched his stomach with her full strength. The pain was unbearable to the big brother and so he clutched his stomach and knelt down, dropping his stuff on the floor again. "What took you so long! You were supposed to visit me a few days ago!"
"I was taking... care of the forest..." Hachiman said between grunts of pain.
"You can at least come by for dinner! Or just say hi to me! Do you love your beast friends more than me!"
"No!... Onii-chan loves dear Komachi... More than anything!" He stood on all-fours to get back up on his feet.
"I can't trust your words anymore. I left so much food for you if you ever visit me late, but all of it was wasted! You really are such a stupid onii-chan. I think I'm going to put you on a leash so you won't leave for good!"
"Am I a pet now?"
"It's part of a practice of discipline. So please stay with me in a leash?~" She asked with a cute and sweet tone while giving him the puppy eyes.
"Komachi, you are the most adorable sister in the world but you can't convince me with that deadly weapon called the 'puppy eyes'." The big brother flicked her forehead and she yelped in pain. "So what's for dinner?"
"Your favorite curry!" She said with excitement.
"No tomatoes?"
"Not a single red piece in it!"
"That's perfect." The siblings climbed down the ladder and went to the dining room. Hachiman was still clutching his stomach because the pain didn't fade much. "She hits hard! How did Hiratsuka-sensei train her to be that strong? At this rate, Komachi will become a rude, merciless tomboy! Is this part of sensei's plan to subdue me to her bidding?! Well played."
"Well, if it isn't the big brother," A familiar female voice reached his ears. Once they went downstairs, Hachiman saw Hiratsuka eating the curry Komachi cooked. She wore a smirk on her face while eating another spoonful of curry. "Don't mind me. I'm just eating this tasty dinner that was supposed to be yours but since you didn't visit a few days ago..."
"Oi, save some for me," He sat down to a chair across from his teacher. "That curry is for me."
"Supposed to be," Komachi joined in with a plateful of curry in-hand and put it on the table right in front of her brother. The food was only half as full as Hiratsuka's. "Since you visit me now than earlier, Aunt Shizuka will have most of the curry while you only get this."
"What? K-Komachi?!"
"AAANNNDD, you're going to sleep in the attic. Grab your own futon and pillow once you finish eating."
"How can you do this to your onii-chan?" He said with a downcasted expression.
"Don't make that face! You still got to see your wonderful sister and eat your favorite curry."
"Yeah, I guess I can make do with you and this dinner and most importantly, your love."
"That sounds so creepy, onii-chan," Komachi shivered.
"Siscon," Hiratsuka said in a deadpan tone while eating another spoonful of curry.
"It's only natural for a big brother like me to accept the cute little sister's love." He retorted.
"The way you said that is too creepy. Way too creepy. Makes me think you have the ability to corrupt women when you're a 'Gomii-chan'."
"Corruption spell, huh? Sounds like Exhibitor-class magic," Hiratsuka finished her plate and drank a glass of water.
"I'm an Augmentor so I don't have that kind of magic," Hikigaya said as he took his own spoonful of curry. "So I'm not corrupt."
"Anyone can have that kind of magic, no matter what Enziel class they are," The teacher explained. "It's all in the manner of how they're going to obtain it."
"Anyone?" Komachi asked as she sat down the chair between her brother and teacher. "They can do anything?"
"Yes, hmmm..." Hiratsuka contemplated whether she should lecture the siblings now or let the magic academies give those lectures. After a moment of silence and the anticipated stare from both siblings, she decided to tell them. "Alright, I guess I'll tell you, think of it as a reward for killing the gogmagog."
"Oh! I saw the news just as the guy put the chronicle on the public board! That was really cool, Onii-chan!" Komachi praised him with a big smile.
"Oh, that?" The moment the teacher said the monster's name, he remembered the decapitated corpses of all the massis wolves done by the giant monster. He didn't know any of these wolves because they were in a different pact, they were one of Tenro's species and beasts that he could be friends with. Suddenly, Oliver's revelation earlier came to his mind. Fear, guilt, sadness, and anxiety; all negative emotions crashed his thoughts down for a moment. He drank a glass of water to calm his nerves and slowly but surely, the emotions faded.
"Hey, you alright?" Hiratsuka asked with a worried expression. She and Komachi noticed his erratic breathing and his skin turned pale. They figured something terrible must've happened in his battle against the gogmagog. Komachi remembered more details in the chronicles that the gogmagog absorbed the traits of a massis wolf, which meant that the giant ate the beasts that her brother favored the most.
"Onii-chan... Are you sad you couldn't save your friends from that monster?" Her question made both Hiratsuka and Hachiman to look at her in shock. Her brother recovered quickly and contemplated until he answered.
"Well, that's one of the reasons," He said it nonchalantly, his breathing returned to normal along with his skin color. But then, he shook his body to make him look like he was afraid of a thought. "I just remembered how painful that giant's punch was. And when I imagined that Hiratsuka-sensei's punches after knowing she was stronger than an orc chieftain is-"
"Mr. big brother..." Hiratsuka's aura suddenly emitted a fearsome killing intent that even bystanders outside could feel it as they all ran far away from the house. Komachi hid under the table while Hachiman was frozen in place because of overwhelming fear. "I can predict a hundred words you're about to say next so let me enlighten you before you say it. There are some things that a person should never say to a lady, especially if that lady is a 25-year-old who just started practicing to be more feminine to get married only to not have any luck in finding a good partner because men aRE TOO STUPID TO SEE MY CHARMS WITH THOSE DAMAGED BRAINS OF THEIRS!... Got it?"
"Y-yes mam," That was the only answer he could give before silence took over the room. Komachi went out of the table and sat back into her seat as the teacher's menacing aura faded. "Other than that, I'm fine. In the end, they all died fighting even if it was a losing battle. In fact, I'm happy that protecting their pact was the last thing they did before meeting death."
"If you say so. Anyway, back to our previous topic. Enziel magic is a power that can be awakened through understanding and connecting with your own self. From your desires, emotion, a certain memory, or your own personality. Creating an Enziel spell literally means putting any of those things to obtain a certain spell you wish. All Enziel-class can have the same spell but there are three main differences: The process of creating the spell; how they cast it; and the conditions.
For Embracers, they need to use a certain part of their bodies such as a hand, entire arm, or even one of their cheeks to cast their desired spells. Enhancing physical abilities is just one of the very basics for embracers.
In Augmentor's case, it's the objects that symbolized the meaning and purpose behind your created spell. The object can be a simple object like a pen or even a sheet of clothing. Augmnentors need to use objects to cast spells. They must fuse the magic circle into those objects to work.
For Liberators, they have to manipulate their released mana into specific shapes, like a sphere or cube. Liberators are the only Enziel mages that don't need a magic circle and instead, use the mana shapes as the source of casting a spell. Meaning they have to write the runes and lines on those mana shapes.
Lastly, Exhibitors require to create a figure made of their mana called a 'Ziel Puppet' to cast a number of spells. It's similar to liberators but think of it as summoning another you to fight."
The siblings wore a confused expression at the explanation of exhibitors and the teacher noticed that. She scratched the back of her head as she tried to think of a simpler explanation of the last Enziel class. "What I mean is a Ziel puppet is a personification of a mage's soul."
"I see, what is that condition you were talking about?" He asked.
"All of us have hidden desires we wished to be fulfilled. From basic needs to extreme demands, desires are the dark, and inaccessible part of our souls. They are instinctive and primal, but our morals and conscience can hold back those urges to prevent us from being out of touch with reality and logic. Enziel magic is a type of magic that defines oneself. Which means it is developed through the person's entire soul. The desire is the spell that we want to create or cast, and the morals and conscience are the conditions required to activate the spell and make it more effective. Got that?"
"Uhh..." Komachi was confused halfway through the teacher's lecture while Hikigaya understood it completely.
"That's interesting," Hachiman said and then formed a smug. "I wish I was an exhibitor instead so I can send someone else to do my work."
"What class are you?" Komachi asked with curiosity all over her expression.
"Augmentor,"
"That's good," Hiratsuka commented with a sigh of relief. "If you became an exhibitor, your laziness is gonna shot through the roof."
"Oi," A vein popped on his head.
"I can imagine Onii-chan letting his Ziel puppet doing all the household chores while he just sleeps in bed," Komachi said with a deadpan tone while nodding in agreement.
"Even I need rest, you know?" The big brother retorted while folding his arms. "A man needs rest after a tiresome day."
"You were sleeping throughout most of the classes," Hiratsuka said while stretching her neck. "I've been getting complaints from a lot of teachers about your slothful behavior. Do you know what I've been through to convince those dumbasses while resisting myself to punch them?"
"I got good grades so far. Why complain when I'm doing fine in academics?"
"Appearance and good behavior are part of their criteria for what a good student should be, especially in a prestigious magic academy."
"Annoying standards. They can blab about me all they want, it's not like they'll-"
"So far, fairly well as long as you maintain that. If not, then the opposing families' frustration will grow and that is when your daily life ends."...
"...Okay, they might do something."
"You get it now? Thinking about disciplining yourself from now on?"
"Meh, when I feel like it."
"How long will that be?"
"In Onii-chan's term, it would be when he's either 100% rested or he drinks his favorite coffee," Komachi said with a finger up.
"Don't tell her that," The big brother covered his little sister's mouth to prevent her from revealing more of his "weaknesses".
"Coffee, huh? I'll search every shop and restaurant to find that favorite of yours..." The teacher wore a smirk and laughed menacingly.
"Hmph, good luck. There are about 250 different brands of coffee in this kingdom. I doubt you can find the one I want."
"Is that a challenge? Then I guess I'll be-" Hiratsuka and the Hikigaya siblings chatted for hours. It was a moment full of warmth and laughter, even Hachiman enjoyed such a mundane activity. Perhaps as long as his little sister was there having fun, then he would as well. Their conversations ranged from a simple chat about their daily routine to Hachiman mocking Hiratsuka about her smoking habits which resulted in getting punched in the stomach, specifically at the same spot Komachi hit earlier. The pain was overwhelming that he laid down on a couch to recover. The moment lasted until it was finally bedtime for Komachi since she got her own school to attend.
"Did she fall asleep?" Hiratsuka asked while sitting next to an open window to smoke a Kiseru, a type of smoking pipe.
"Yeah, not before she talked more about school and what she did with her friends." Hachiman sat back down on the couch after taking her to bed. He treated her more like a child even though she's 14 years old but she didn't mind. Both of them didn't know how a real sibling should act, but what matters to them was they get to find some time to interact with each other. "It was as if she was giving me a report about her day"
"I guess that's a good way to put it. Komachi does want to tell you everything happened to her since you worry too much."
"I'm just fulfilling my role as her beloved Onii-chan."
"Siscon."
"Whatever, I don't know how real siblings act so I'm just doing what I can," He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "... Sensei, I need to talk to you about something-"
"Are they finally making their move?" Hiratsuka said with a serious tone as she looked outside the window. The streets were empty and the night sky is full of beautiful stars twinkling. However, she didn't look outside just to enjoy the view of the sky. She was on guard, watching every angle that was possible for assassins or watchers to hide. Her gaze was scrutinizing everything she sees, not missing a single movement of any object or living thing, even the wind itself. She spotted a movement at an alley only to see rats running around. She relaxed her composure but her eyes remained the same.
"I gave it away, huh?" He said as he held his sheathed sword tightly. He was unsure what kind of tactic the noble families would use against him. Despite being told by Oliver that he was still clear from such possible dangers, Hachiman couldn't trust his words as he was also a noble himself and a fiancee of a woman that he became 'acquainted' with which would not sit well with the son of Seerwind. And so he kept his guard up, ready for any attack.
"At first, I thought your erratic breathing was just an act but I'm now sure it wasn't after that pause you gave earlier when we talked about the teachers' complaints."
"You're really bothered by me comparing your punch to a-"
"I can't help it! Even though I work as a teacher, I was still trained as a knight back in the day! Old habits die hard, you know! I'm doing my best to get those morons to ogle at me..."
"Uhuh... So back to the topic, was there anyone suspicious following her?"
"Komachi is doing fine. Nothing bad happened to her, at least that was what she said to me. I'll try to convince a friend of mine who works at her school to watch over her."
"Thanks,"
"So... what are you gonna do now?"
"They move way too soon. Are they really that desperate to get rid of me?"
"Discrimination against dark mages is very extreme in all kingdoms. Well, in all human kingdoms at least since I don't know how other races treat dark mages. If you study somewhere that is not Villfalt, a lot of people wouldn't hesitate to show their hatred in public. Villfalt is a symbol of unity amongst all races-"
"Which didn't work out well..."
"Yeah, but this is still the symbol of unity amongst all human kingdoms. If a single country caught a whiff that they were treating someone poorly because of his/her elemental type, it would spread like wildfire and all of the kingdoms would despise Villfalt for not living up to the established symbol."
"Wow, even if they still hate dark mages? Are they really hoping for unity? Doesn't sound like those bastards."
"Probably. Although the most obvious reason is that the elders in the noble families respect King Alexander and his dream so they tried their best to fulfill that."
"So if I somehow expose their plot against me..."
"You might have some of those elders back you up and at the same time get rid of the obstacles."
"How are we going to do that?"
"Right now, just go with your life as usual. It's impossible to go up against then noble families with just the two of us."
"That won't be a problem. I know one guy who might know every little thing about some noble families and can go in their houses with zero difficulties."
"Who?"
"It's a secret,"
"Just tell me already," Hiratsuka asked in desperation until she made a look of realization. She contemplated on his suggestion while smoking with her kiseru. Her thoughts wandered towards the possibility of that person to join their side to find crucial information that would stop the families from further harassing one of her favorite students. But she saw a flaw in his suggestion. "Are you going to convince the guy who told you about the noble families?"
"How did you-"
"You were still your carefree and lazy-ass self this morning till after finishing working on Yuigahama's request so you might've got the revelation after we parted ways. Also, you said a person who knows everything about the noble families and can get in their mansions easily. Knowing you, your social interactions is little to zero... not to mention, that person was willing to warn you about it-"
"Um, sensei?"
"What triggered that person to just tell you almost everything... Hmm... Maybe he saw you as the guardian?"
"Well, no-"
"Theeennnn..." Hiratsuka scratched her cheek with the kiseru as she tried to put the pieces together on the identity of the person Hachiman mentioned. "You don't do much in this city, so maybe someone in the academy?... It's Oliver Seerwind, isn't it? That would make sense, your recent activities were pretty much interacting and training with Yuigahama so he might've been suspicious of her behavior since she exits the building a lot later than usual. And despite Oliver acted normally throughout the class, I did see a little crack on his fake smile and I think that started on the 2nd day of Yuigahama's request."
"... Sensei, you work as a teacher, right?"
"Eh? Uh, yeah?"
"And you didn't have any jobs before that?"
"Hehe, I'm smarter than you think, Hikigaya," She smoked with the kiseru before giving the young dark mage a huge smirk. "So? Now that I figured this secret person, tell me everything."
"Fine," Hikigaya sighed as he explained the event earlier between him and Yuigahama's fiancee. After his explanation, silence filled the room once again. Both teacher and student thought every detail of that encounter to see what Oliver's motive truly was. "It can't be that he's trying to help me, right?"
"That's a possibility but there still doubt on that. Did he felt threatened that you're getting a little too close to Yuigahama?"
"Then he wouldn't rather tell me about the families and would beg them to remove me soon."
"Hm, if it's really to determine if you can be an ally, or rather a 'tool' or an 'obstacle', then the plan is still the same; lay low and act normal. How are you going to convince him to be our agent."
"I'm still thinking about it."
"Oi,"
"Hey, cut me some slack. Everything is all too sudden for me to think properly."
"Then let's call it a night and go to sleep." The teacher stood up and went upstairs. "Oh, don't forget. You'll be sleeping in the attic."
"I thought Komachi was joking about that." Hachiman said while sweat dripped on his head.
"She was really angry at you for not visiting sooner."
...
A few days ago
"IDIOT ONII-CHAN!" Komachi screamed while repeatedly jumping on top of a bed. She held two pillows in each hand and swung them around in anger. "I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU FOR A WEEK AND THEN I SAW THE CHRONICLES OF YOU TAKING ON A GIANT?! YOU'RE HAVING MORE SWEET TIME WITH A MONSTER THAN ME?! IDIOT ONII-CHAN! STUPID ONII-CHAN! GO HANG OUT WITH YOUR BEASTS FOR ALL I CARE! MINUS ONE MILLION KOMACHI POINTS!"
"She lost it..." Hiratsuka hid outside of the bedroom as she witnessed the little sister's tantrum. The teacher did ask Hachiman many times to visit Komachi but he refused with different excuses such as taking care of the beasts, and too tired to visit because of service duties. In truth, Hiratsuka begged him because Komachi's patience began to falter and her intense aura would spread in the entire house every day and unintentionally (or maybe intentionally?) emit her magical energy. Hiratsuka could resist the pressure as long as she could keep her guard up but of course, she couldn't do that forever.
"I HATE YOU, ONII-CHAN!" Komachi screamed as her magical energy exploded, destroying the bedroom that Hachiman would use in the process.
...
"Of course, she's too embarrassed and guilty to tell you that it was actually her fault," Hiratsuka laughed after remembering that moment.
"Attic it is, then," He stood up and slouched his way upstairs to follow the teacher. "Where's the extra futon?
"Komachi already put the futon and pillow in the attic. Didn't you notice?"
"Sorry, I didn't bother looking around because the pain in my gut distracted me. How is she that strong?"
"Impressive, right? Once I successfully trained her, she will be the one to punch you for your laziness in my place!"
"I knew you're using my sister to subdue me! I gotta get back those Komachi points before it's too late..."
"Gahahahaha! Think about that after getting some sleep. Good night."
"Tch, I'll get you for this," That was the last thing he said before they went to their own bedrooms to sleep
...
#$ !#(! #*! #! "Cast him away!"! ^#&**# #((#&
"!# $ $ "- to us all!" %*&&*( "
"He will ruin-" ! (# &$&(* "
The angry shouts of the people overwhelmed the boy's ears. He couldn't hear most of what they were saying as the sound of a strong gust of wind and the grunts of animals cut their voices off. Their sentences were difficult to understand, but what was easy for him to understand was the strong hatred these people bear towards the boy. He was on his knees, only staring at the ground as it was the only thing he could see with no animosity. But
"Why ! # #&$#^% still here?! ^$%&^%#$^&% away from me!"
"! *$##&*( is a living curse!"
"I've never #$#$%$% scum."
"Cast him out!"
"Banish him!"
"EXILE!"
"EXILE!"
"EXILE!"
"EXILE!"
"EXI- #*&!^* (*&$#&^*&!"
- #$*&!^&*(^&&$#*&^*$(*^$(*&^#$%(^*#$&$%-
"The eyes !# $%"
Suddenly, the boy was just lying on a pedestal with his hands and feet restrained by ropes. He couldn't move so he looked around only to see darkness stretching endlessly. The light hovering above him was the only thing illuminating him and he noticed his wrists had red marks, a representation of his struggle to break free from this horror.
"Give! #$%%$#$ # eyes, now."
The boy heard a female voice, yet he looked around and saw no one. Her words were cut off by the clanging of metals and screams of children. A figure of a man approached the retrained boy while holding what looked to be a spoon based on the shape and appearance of the metal tool. The man had no face, just a black figure that just stared at the boy closely even though he had no eyes. The man slowly moved the tool closer to the boy's left eye. The shadowy figure's intention became clear, and the boy's expression was full of fear. He tried to scream to tell the man to stop, but he couldn't release his voice. The boy struggled to let out his voice using all the air in his lungs, but it was for naught.
" #*! ^&* the eyes! $#$%#$"
"Give him #$%^&$^$%"
- #&*$^( *)#*$(*#&$&*^ *#&(^#*(&$) (*#&)(*#&$&^* (-
...
Hachiman opened his eyes wide, awakened from the dream. His body remained still and he unintentionally held his breath. Cold sweat dripped down on his face, not even bothered to wipe it off. He stared at the ceiling for a few moments before looking at his surroundings. He was in the attic, lying on a futon with a blanket. There wasn't much stuff in this room but crates of whatever Hiratsuka bought for reasons. After fully assessing his current state, he finally exhaled a breath and calmed himself.
"What a nightmare..." He stood up to look outside the window and saw daylight and blue sky along with citizens strolling around working in town. Compared to the liveliness outside, in the attic was lifeless and full of despair until his composed and normal self had returned. " it's only a dream, and about something that has ended long ago. Keep it together."
Though he said that to himself in which it successfully calmed him, the dark thoughts of the past and the current issue with the noble families still remained. The only thing he could really do was to take their challenge and earn their "trust" as an "ally" which will be difficult for him depending on what sort of trials they were going to give. The young dark mage was still determined to achieve his goal in fulfilling his guardian's wish and couldn't afford to let some discriminating rich ignorants ruin his progress. He went downstairs to grab some bread as his breakfast and more for a school lunch break. After taking a few pieces of bread in the kitchen, he went back to the attic and exit the house via the same secret entrance he used yesterday, and he jumped from roof to roof to get to the academy in time.
...
"Good morning..." Komachi wobbled towards the dining table with her face still sleepy, her hair was a mess and her yukata was a little loose from moving in her sleep. She saw Hiratsuka eating bread with her usual attire as a teacher in the magic academy.
"Good morning, Komachi. Looks like you got a good sleep."
"Tell me about it," Komachi responded with a smile while she still looked sleepy. "Where's Onii-chan?"
"Seems like he already left since he's not in the attic and some of our bread is missing."
"Idiot, Onii-chan." The little sister pouted. "Didn't even stay longer for breakfast. At least say goodbye to me before leaving..."
"He has a school to attend to so it can't be helped."
"All he does is sleep in class, right?"
"Most of the time. He does pay attention in class on subjects he has trouble with or when the faculty's patience reached its limit and tried to lower his grades."
"Hehe... So even Onii-chan can't disobey the academy." Komachi took a piece of bread in a bowl of clay and ate it.
"He needs to follow at least SOME rules or else he would get expelled. But enough about that, hurry up with your breakfast and get ready for school. Your friends should pick you up any minute now."
"Ah! You're right!" The little sister finished eating her bread quickly and went back upstairs to prepare for school. After a few minutes, she finally returned while carrying a shoulder bag that consisted of books and other school materials, and wearing different attire. This time, it consisted of a red yukata with patterns of dragons. She combed her hair back to normal and her face was full of energy once again. Komachi saw Hiratsuka at the door and it was knocked three times before hearing familiar voices outside.
"Hiratsuka-san!"
"Time to go to the academy!"
"Your friends are here." The teacher remarked.
"Right on time. I'm going now!." Komachi hugged her tightly.
"Take care." Hiratsuka patted her head in response. Komachi exit the house and greeted her friends.
"Good morning, guys!"
"Took you long enough, Hiratsuka!"
"Hey, I didn't take me that long. I was at the front door before you arrived!" Komachi and her friends walked away to attend school, leaving the teacher alone in the house to think.
"That's right. Here, she's not Hikigaya Komachi, younger sister of a dark mage but Hiratsuka Komachi, the young niece of a teacher in the academy where the dark mage enrolled." Hiratsuka sighed at the identity change. Before Komachi arrived in Villfalt, Hachiman begged Hiratsuka to take her in as a niece to cover up Komachi's relation to him. It was all to help her avoid experiencing the same cruelty as his only because they were related. Komachi relented at first, not understanding her brother's circumstances, but she agreed to the arrangement after he fully convinced her. "The kid's life is probably the most complicated thing I've ever tried to handle. How did you get used to something like this, Wylfrid..."
After School
Today was the last day of Yuigahama's request. The result was still the same, her physical ability significantly increased but her elemental magic prowess, the very main goal of this request, hadn't improved. However, the orange-haired earth mage didn't stop meditating in the middle of the training ground to at least get the tiniest of progress in her main goal. Yukinoshita and Hikigaya also sat on the ground, meditating while at the same time, praying for good results.
Meditation is the most basic and most effective method of magic training. It is a practice of focused concentration on the spirit inside to emit, control, and strengthen one's magical energy. In order to perform this training, a specific magic circle must be drawn in the ground where the person will sit on. if the meditation is for elemental magic training, then the person must surround him/herself with the element they were born with.
If it is earth, like Yuigahama's, four rocks must be placed around the mage. The rocks will levitate
If it is water, like Yukinoshita's, there must be four cups of water.
If it is fire, there must be four lit candles.
Mages with the wind element only require the magic circle as there is wind everywhere.
For lightning mages, they first must find a high place in the open sky with clouds that they need to attract the energy on those clouds with their magical energy to surround themselves in lightning.
Both light and dark elements do not require any sort of material that represents their elements. Mages with those rare elements can just emit the light and dark within them and use them for meditation. As with what is happening with Hikigaya, emitting a dark aura around him. In this training, mages will manipulate the representing elements placed on the circle, controlling and shaping them into the mages' desired form or figure. Meditation is also a method of creating original spells whether it is Enziel or elemental, both with different steps in achieving it.
"Kuh! Ghgh!" Yuigahama groaned in pain as she was nearing its limit in her magic training. The consequence of overdoing this kind of elemental magic training didn't involve the Equal Feedback but instead would take a toll on the mind and body, the same effects as when overusing normal magic. Overexertion in meditation would lead to all the mana emitted and controlled to burst inside and out of the mage's body. It could result in either week of medication or total lethality, so once the mage experienced a headache, the first sign of him/her reaching the limit, the mage must stop to rest. However, Yuigahama didn't stop. In fact, she was pushing her meditation even further. The rocks floating above her shook as she started to lose control and her body tensed with veins became visible and pulsing. The pain in her muscles made her scream in which got the two service duty members' attention.
"GHAAAAAAA!"
"Oi, Yuigahama!" Hikigaya stood up to try and stop the orange-haired earth mage from nearing death's door, but he was stopped by Yukinoshita.
"Don't!" Yukinoshita put a hand in front of him. "If you stop her so suddenly, the magical energy she was controlling and maintaining will explode. Her injury would be fatal. She needs to stop the meditation herself."
"Doesn't look like she's trying to."
"Yuigahama-san, stop!" The Ice Queen shouted at Yuigahama but it didn't work. "We're too late. The mana inside her is going out of control."
"This idiot," he mumbled in frustration while staring at Yuigahama's suffering from the drawback. Hikigaya then thought of an idea to save her. He didn't know if it would work but he had to try. He gently moved Yukinoshita's hand away and approached Yuigahama with a deep breath. "I hope this works."
"What are you planning, Hikigaya-kun?" Yukinoshita asked with an anxious expression. He didn't answer and just knelt down to place his hands on the magic meditation circle. In his mind, he tried to think of words as runes for a magic circle, and to create a chant for a spell he just came up on the spur of the situation.
"Darkness.
Devour.
Unseen.
Hunger.
Alright, I got it." A small purple magic circle appeared on the ground under his hands. He closed his eyes and chanted the new dark magic spell. "Living or non-living; darkness will envelop all; becoming unseen by the eyes behind the black color; Like a creature without a body, able to devour anything that approaches; Its hunger will be satisfied.
Dark Magic: Essence Eater!" A black substance spread under Yuigahama and completely covered the meditation circle on the ground. The black substance shaped into a figure of a human head but looked deformed and hairy. The dark head figure opened its mouth, revealing the shadowy shape of sharp teeth and a red light glowing inside the mouth. The air was being absorbed into the mouth as if it was a vortex and at Yukinoshita's surprise, Yuigahama seemed to calm down and didn't look like she was in pain anymore. After a few seconds, The shadow head on the ground closed its mouth and dispersed into nothing, and the orange-haired girl was about to faint into the ground before being caught by Hikigaya. "She looks okay, for now. You really are the biggest airhead in this academy."
"What happened? What did you do?" Yukinoshita asked, still bewildered by the event.
"Essence Eater," Hikigaya explained. "A dark magic spell that consumes anything, well supposedly anything. I used it to absorb all the unstable magical energy inside Yuigahama to stop the drawback."
"Impressive. This is my first time seeing dark magic."
"Yeah? And what do you think? Disgusting? Terrifying? Ugly?"
"The element indeed looked terrifying, but I can't help but be intrigued."
"I see. Glad that I became interesting to you." He said in a sarcastic tone.
"Yes, it is a shame that I have to observe the dark element through a lowly barbarian like you." She said as she held her temple and had a look of disappointment.
"Whatever you say. Let's take her to the infirmary." He stood up, carrying Yuigahama in his arms. His vision was all blurry but that didn't stop him. He carefully walked towards the exit and Yukinoshita noticed his awkward movements.
"Is something wrong?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"My vision is a little messed up." He then walked faster and closed his eyes without caution with Yukinoshita following him by his side."But I'm fine. I memorized the path I need to take so it didn't matter much."
"Is this an Equal Feedback to dark mages?"
"One of them, yeah."
"You shouldn't use too much dark magic in one day. I don't know what you were doing earlier this morning but be more manageable in your magic."
"It's just an original spell I came up with on the fly. I guess creating one and using it on the first try is a risky move."
"That was your original spell?" Yukinoshita asked in disbelief.
"Uhh... yeah? What's the problem?" He asked with a genuine confused expression.
"... It's nothing. We must hurry to the infirmary. I fear that Yuigahama-san might become corrupted the longer you touch her."
"Oi, I don't that kind of spell for that nor do I intend to make one."
"But if you do, you'll definitely take the chance."
"No, I don't. How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested in interacting with ugly social creatures we call nowadays 'humans', especially humans who are rich, arrogant, and self-centered."
"I'm curious why you are looking at me as you said those words, not to mention with the eyes of a predator hunting innocent maidens."
"Me? Looking at you? It must be your imagination fueled by your narcissism. Don't expect that men will always look at you the moment they notice your presence. That kind of expectation can be found in a typical mindset of a moron who thinks she is the fairest of them all."
"Please do not misunderstand my mindset as narcissism. It is a known fact here in the academy that all males whether students or teachers, look at me in awe and infatuation. I am apparently the most beautiful student here and perhaps the entire capital, according to a secret poll those deviants made. So my expectations of people looking at me are based on the daily routine of people staring and giving me empty praises."
"I can't exactly tell if you're genuinely having a hard time going through all that, or that just boosted your ego."
"A little bit of both, I must admit." She gave him a taunting smirk in which irritated the young dark mage, although he didn't show it. "Now enough talking and move faster."
"Alright, alright." Both of them walked even faster and finally reached the infirmary. Yukinoshita was impressed by his memory skills but what was truly on her mind was his exclamation earlier.
"He made an original spell? Just like that? Was it that simple for him or was it just a fluke that it worked? Making an original spell takes imagination, and words that strongly connects to that imagination. Finding the right words for runes and chants requires trial and error since at times the words won't connect with his/her imagination or sometimes not related to the original spell the mage deeply desires. There is also drawing your own magic circle and even that has its own difficult process. And yet, this man succeeded on the first try?... The top 3 student in the academy, huh? You may have demonstrated you could be higher than that, higher than Hayama-kun if possible."
"Mmnnn..." Yuigahama's body twitched as she regained consciousness. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around to see various wooden shelves full of flasks and small glass bottles. She then saw Hikigaya and Yukinoshita appeared to be arguing over a certain topic as usual until they both noticed her awake.
"Hikki... Yukinon?" She called out to them in a weary tone.
"Easy there," Hikigaya folded his arms. "The doctor said your muscles were damaged and your body heat is low. He already treated you and gave you the medicine so all you need is rest."
"Oh... sorry for making you guys worry." Yuigahama mumbled.
"That was very reckless of you," The Ice Queen scolded. "You should have stopped when you reached your limit. Why push yourself to this extent?"
"I...I..." Yuigahama stuttered as she tried to think of the right words to say. Her face was clearly a mix of exhaustion and confusion. She felt dizzy and there was subtle pain throughout her body. "I... got too desperate."
"Desperation will lead you to nowhere. Does the man you admired really worth breaking yourself for?" Yukinoshita's anger grew but her voice was still calm and sharp. Hikigaya could only just stare at the window as the sunset illuminated the room.
"I told you... he saved my life..."
"That is the only thing you know about him. He is your savior, I understand. But what else do you know other than that? If you don't then you are only doing this for a stranger."
"Yeah... During the first year, I barely knew anything about him. I tried to talk to him but... I was nervous... and scared... But now, I know a lot. How he talks to someone, how he acts in class, even how he moves around. The more I know about him, the more I admire him more..." Yuigahama said while directing her gaze at Hikigaya and looked at the ceiling before the two noticed. Her cheeks were blushing slightly and she had a warm smile. "I... don't know if everything I've done this week was worth when I barely made any progress. And now I'm a mess. I can already tell he's disappointed in me right now... I don't want him to look at me like I'm weak or not fit for this..."
"How are you so sure about that?" Hikigaya asked in curiosity. "And from the way you say it, it almost sounds like you're doing all this to impress your saviour than repaying a debt."
"Ah... well... That's part of the reason... I guess."
"Well, this week was a waste." He sighed in disappointment and touched his head as if he had a headache. "All this for impression?"
"I-I said that's part of it!" Yuigahama said in an embarrassed tone. "But now I failed."
"Hikigaya-kun, save your frustrations for later. You're insensitive towards Yuigahama-san."
"Hey, let me finish," He scratched the back of his head. "Listen, humans are simple creatures but men are the simplest of all. They get all hot and bothered when pretty and cute girls talk to them. Meaning, just your best effort in training will send them flying up to the heavens in happiness. It doesn't matter if all we've done so far amounts to nothing or you're just weak and pathetic in general."
"Weak... pathetic? shut up!" Yuigahama suddenly sat up and lightly punched him multiple times in which he guarded all of them with one arm.
"As long as he knows you did your best, he'll be moved." He said while blocking another barrage of light and clumsy punches.
"Is that how it works?" Yukinoshita asked while holding her chin.
"Would it move you, Hikki?" The orange-haired girl asked.
"Me? Hmm..." He contemplated for a second until he answered. "Yeah, probably. Well, not exactly be moved, but I would give them respect for making an effort. Whether the outcome is against her or just inevitable, trying her best even knowing such negative information deserves praise and admiration. So yeah, don't work hard if all this was to impress a guy."
"I... see." Yuigahama looked down on her bed sheets and smiled.
"So, what will you be doing now, Yuigahama-san?" The Ice Queen asked.
"I'll... try and do things my own way." Yuigahama answered. "Thank you, Yukinoshita-san. Oh, and thanks for saving me."
"I do not deserve that credit. Hikigaya-kun was the one who saved you."
"Ah... Thank you, Hikki!"
"I told you not to call me that." He said with an irritated expression. The three students heard footsteps at the door and it opened to reveal Oliver panting. It seemed he ran from somewhere to here when he caught wind of Yuigahama in the infirmary.
"Ms. Yuigahama, are you alright?" He asked between heavy breaths.
"Eh? Uhh... Yes, Oliver-san. I'm fine now. You don't need to worry." Yuigahama reassured him.
"Well, I guess I'll be going home now." Hikigaya stood up followed by Yukinoshita.
"Yes, we will be leaving you two." Yukinoshita went to the door first and the young dark mage followed suit, but not after he heard Oliver whisper.
"Talk. Same place as yesterday."
Hikigaya stopped his movements for a second as a response to his message until he exited the room.
"Hikki... saved me again." Yuigahama mumbled in delight as she stared at the door where the two service duty members left off.
"Was that really the right thing to do?" Yukinoshita asked with uncertainty. The dark mage and the Ice Queen were walking in the hallway to go back to the training grounds since they left their things there.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"I believe you should take up any kind of challenge if it will help you develop as a person. I think it would have helped Yuigahama if she did."
"Hm. Hard work betrays none, though, at times, it betrays dreams."
"Huh?"
"Working hard doesn't necessarily mean you'll fulfill your dreams. It's actually more common for it to not bear fruit. But just the fact that the person did her best can serve as a sort of consolation."
"That's just a shallow sense of satisfaction. You're so naive. Disgusting."
"What brought this on? I just said all that stuff to Yuigahama earlier just so she would stop overworking herself."
"It is the way you said it that bothers me. I could not help but disagree with such an idealogy. Also, you said hard work betrays dreams yet you are working hard to participate in the extermination event for a rumor."
"I said 'at times', didn't I? The probability of hard work stabbing you in the back would be low if the dream has steps that are established, specific and proven to be effective. For example, if a person wants to be let's say 'The Greatest Mage in the World', what does he need to do to achieve that? Does he need to get stronger magic-wise? Study magic and make a discovery? Know every known and advanced spells? So many branches to choose, too many uncertainties."
"Life is full of uncertainties. We have no choice but to walk through it."
"That doesn't mean we have to keep walking blindly. It is possible to decrease the uncertainties."
"But it won't become a 100% certain outcome." Both stopped walking and had a staredown. They were already in front of the door to the institution room but their argument led to a clash of anger and dissatisfaction to each other's beliefs. Hikigaya was the first to break the staring contest and went inside the room to grab his things. Yukinoshita followed suit and they went their separate ways in silence without giving each other's farewells. Hikigaya's mind was focused on nothing but what happened earlier when he used his original dark spell. The black figure looked very familiar to him. It appeared to be a monster, that much was obvious, but he felt it was a monster he encountered recently.
"It... was a gogmagog." He sighed and held his forehead. "Why did I make it look like that? Why is that monster the first thing that comes to mind?... Uncertainties, huh?"
Five days later
Everything was back to normal for him except he still had to adapt to the new daily routine of working in the True Science Institution as the Ice Queen's assistant. So far, he experienced and sort of understood the job in the service duty, now he was working for science.
"Hikigaya-kun, where is the iron bars. As well as the hammer, nails, and chisel. Finish the mixture I've instructed you to create. Where are the iron bars?"
And it was very difficult for him. He couldn't tell if Yukinoshita was still angry from their argument they had days ago, or this was how she worked in this institution. Either way, he preferred doing service duties from clients over this torture.
We're... making what I suggested, right?" He said in a weary tone.
"For the umpteenth time, yes." She answered with a frustrated sigh. "Why do you keep asking that?"
"Because this looks sort of... not what I was imagining."
"And what exactly did you imagine it be?"
"I don't know, something that looks like a crossbow or a small catapult."
"Hmph, your imagination is lacking. Your idea takes a more complicated build than a simple catapult."
"I bet it's a lot better than what you're imagining right now."
"Please. As if you can compare our imaginations. Now finish that mixture."
"Almost done." They heard a door knocking but none of them bothered to open it since they were busy crafting an invention.
"Who is it? We are very busy." The door opened to reveal Yuigahama with her hands holding two pouches.
"Yahallo! Yukinon! Hikki!" She shouted with an enthusiastic smile
"What do you want?" The Ice Queen asked with a sharp tone. The orange-haired earth mage's request had ended so Yukinoshita wondered why she was here, especially during science time.
"Eh? Am I not really welcome here?" Yuigahama wore a sad expression. "Do you hate me, Yukinon?"
"Not really, but you are interrupting our work. And please do not call me this 'Yukinon'."
"Oh, sorry for interrupting but I wanna give you guys something. Ta-da!" She gave them the pouches and they looked inside to see small pieces of rocky objects. The two science members were confused as to what these objects were. Yukinoshita took out one piece and analyzed it thoroughly while Hikigaya already guessed what these are.
"I've read this before in a romance novel Wylfrid-san once gave me." He said in his thoughts " One of the main character's love interest gave him treats as gratitude for saving her life or something. However, the love interest never cooked before so the treats tasted awful. The story was absolute trash so I forgot most of what happened, but if this is what I think it is, then accepting it would be considered food poisoning. Although I am basing this on fiction so just in case."
"What are these?"
"Cookies!"
"I knew it. These don't even look like cookies at all! They look like burnt charcoal!" He then turned his head to Yukinoshita and saw that she had a nervous expression and fear of these pastry.
"It's as thanks for the other day!"
"I'm... not very hungry." Yukinoshita said while trying her best to hide her disgusted expression.
"Cooking's actually pretty fun now that I've tried it. I asked our baker to teach me how to make the easiest cookie he knows and at first it was really hard! But I'm starting to get the hang of it. I failed a lot of times in making these but I think this time it's good!"
"You think?" Hikigaya repeated one of her words.
"Well, at least that's what mom and Oliver-san think."
"That's even worse! Why can't you see that they lied?! I bet they only said that so that she would feel better. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book!" The young dark mage and the Ice Queen looked at each other in worry of how Yuigahama's cookies would taste. Yukinoshita sighed.
"We have no choice. It would be rude to not accept them. Right, Hikigaya-kun?" She said to him with a taunting smile. "After all, it is the thought of her efforts that matters. That is what you said."
"This Ice Bitch..." He glared at her before looking back at Yuigahama. She smiled at them and her eyes indicated her expectations of their thoughts on the cookies. He sighed in defeat and quickly took a bite of the burnt cookie with Yukinoshita followed suit. Both closed their eyes to prepare themselves slowly chewed the treats. Hikigaya opened his left eye that looked lifeless while Yukinoshita just stood in silence after swallowing with eyes still closed.
"W-what do you think?" The orange-haired girl asked in a nervous tone.
"Obviously, it is burnt and it lacks the sweet taste." Yukinoshita answered without hesitation.
"Same here... But it's still edible." Hikigaya took another bite and ate the whole cookie. The women in the room were shocked at his verdict and watched him eat more of the burnt cookies. "I tasted worse."
"Hm? Oi, is it just me or does my pouch is bigger than Yukinoshita's?"
"I gave you extra as thanks for saving me!" Yuigahama happily said while having the glint in her eyes. She never felt this happy before and suddenly had this growing desire for him to praise her more, to do many more things for him, and to be with him. She stopped all those thoughts as she remembered something. "Ah, Hikki. I heard you were challenged by Terrowin Merek to a duel!"
"Oh, I also heard that in class," Yukinoshita said while holding her chin. "I thought it was a baseless rumor or one of these fools' delusions since I see no possibility of challenging an insect like Hikigaya-kun. I didn't expect it to be true."
"Oi," A vein popped in Hikigaya's head and sighed. "Yeah, he just barged in our classroom and just challenged me right off the bat."
"I see, when is the duel?"
"... Today."
"Hoh? Never thought I can witness you being destroyed so early."
"Heh, make sure you also prepare to be disappointed when I win."
"I believe you can win, Hikki! Just do the things you did to me on my training."
"Did what exactly?" The three students converse on each other about the upcoming duel, with Yuigahama and Hikigaya thinking of ways to win while Yukinoshita mocking the dark mage. As they talked, he remembered his conversation with Oliver a few days ago
...
"Firstly, you have my deepest gratitude for saving my fiancee," Oliver bowed his head with his hand on the chest.
"Get on with it, already." Hikigaya folded his arms and glared at Oliver. They were both standing at the same place they first interacted at the same time. The orange light of the sunset illuminated the hallway through the windows.
"Yes of course. The noble families decided to test your abilities in a few days via a duel with a third-year student."
"That's way too soon, don't you think?"
"On the contrary, you were already observed ever since you enrolled here. It was a professor who was your observant but now that responsibility lies to me now."
"Now that you mentioned it, why did they chose you?"
"Difference in observation skills and judgment, that is all. Though, I heard that the professor was biased on his reports."
"Hmm... So who's the guy I'm going to be dueling."
"A man name Terrowin Merek. He is a wind mage like me and also an exhibitor."
"A wind mage like you, huh? Compared to him, how do you fair?"
"Slightly above him. He may have the upper hand in combat but I can overpower him with magic. Be careful, you do know how wind magic works."
"Uhuh, invisible and swift attacks. It's gonna be a hassle dealing with him but I'll manage."
"You are confident. I hope it is not from arrogance."
"Well, I don't know what he can do other than the info you gave me, but we'll find out at the duel."
"Yes. I wish you luck, Mr. Hikigaya." Oliver bowed once more before turning around to leave. However, before he could move, Hikigaya stopped him by asking a question.
"Wait, one question."
"Yes?"
"Did they order you to tell me all this?"
"No, I did this on my own accord."
"Why?"
"So you can prepare yourself. After the duel, whatever outcome may be, things will settle down for you but I do not know how long will that be. Their ideas and decisions are sometimes random. It will be a duel in a few days and the next an all-out assassination. Some would take matters to their own hands behind the shadows where no one will know. This is bigger than you can imagine, and I believe it is unfair for you to be living in ignorance."
...
The Battleground is a place where students and teachers can duel. Built right next to the training grounds, the battleground has almost the same features as the training grounds on the inside, with one difference being the battleground has stone bleacher seats. There are three kinds of battles; one-on-one duel, team fight, and battle royale. The rules are decided by the challenger and accepted by the challenged mage. Conditions and rewards are also decided by both parties. However, the decisions must not be immoral and cruel such as slavery or taking their homes.
"It's finally time!"
"I've been waiting a long time for this."
"My bet is on Sir Merek."
"That dark mage will eat dust."
Students of all ages and in both Scholar and Knight courses gathered in the battleground to watch the spectacle of a duel. All are in favor of Merek's victory and the dark mage's crushing defeat. Only four people wished for Hikigaya's victory; Yuigahama, Hiratsuka, Oliver, and Yukinoshita (even though she mocked him in losing the duel, she wanted him to win). The two women sat in the front row while Hiratsuka and Oliver stood at the far back. They all see two people came out of their separate gates and everyone cheered for the wind mage while shouting their disdain towards Hikigaya.
"Go Terrowin!"
"Kick his ass!"
"Slay the cursed mage."
"I'm not cursed, dumbass." Hikigaya said in his thoughts as he looked at the audience. He saw Yuigahama giving him a small wave, next to her was Miura and Ebina. He then saw Yukinoshita giving him a nod of encouragement as well as Hiratsuka and Oliver at the far back. Then, he saw several suspicious things; One was a person covered in a hooded robe, wearing a necklace with a glowing blue gem; A small, red glowing bird flying in a circular motion; Another hooded figure with a blue glowing sphere floating on his shoulders.
"So they're also spectating, huh?" Hikigaya finally looked at his opponent eye-to-eye. Terrowin Merek wore a full-body armor with a red cape, and his black hair tied into a ponytail. Meanwhile, Hikigaya still wore his usual black kimono with its right sleeve completely torn off, but wearing an iron pauldron on his right shoulder and iron gauntlets.
"Hmmm... Are you sure that's the look you're going for?" Terrowin asked as he gazed at Hikigaya's attire with uncertainty until he wore a playful smirk. "Is this some sort of handicap for me? Or you just don't know how to increase your defense?"
"No and no," The dark mage answered while shaking his head. "I'm just more comfortable like this."
"If you say so." Terrowin unsheathed two swords and pose a stance. Hikigaya also unsheathed his sword on his waist, revealing the chipped and dirty blade. He could hear the audience's disgusted reaction to his weapon of choice and saw Terrowin looked at the sword with widened eyes before burst laughing. "HAHAHAHAHA! Is this a joke?! You're going to fight me with that?!"
"Yes, this is my best weapon."
"Pfft, more like your best junk. Hahahaha-" The wind mage laughed until his spine shivered. He felt an intimidating aura in the dark mage and was being glared.
"If that's what you think... then I'll give you taste of this junk and break you," Hikigaya's voice sounded menacing. The audience didn't hear what he said but they all felt choking aura he was emitting. They all went silent and wished to escape, but that would mean not witnessing the duel. With that in mind, the audience stared at the two fighters. Some of them gulped nervously, anticipating what sort of battle they would witness. Yuigahama feared his aura that already disappeared, but her perspective didn't change. She would still cheer for him. Yukinoshita and Hiratsuka smirked, feeling satisfied to see the fools cowered in fear. Oliver smiled but for a different reason. He was even more curious about Hikigaya's capabilities after feeling the aura. He may have already caught a glimpse of those capabilities. Suddenly, the ground beneath the fighter's feet shook and rose into a wide, square platform.
"The rules of this duel are simple," A woman wearing an academy black robe with gold trimmings spoke. "Fighters must win by knocking the other off the stage or by rendering him unconscious. There will be two rounds. If the opponent is rendered unconscious in one round, then it is an automatic victory for the winner. Are you two ready?"
"Yeah," Both fighters said in unison.
"Then let the duel... BEGIN!" As he shouted the duel to begin, Terrowin wasted no time and cast a magic spell.
"Wind magic: Breathing Darts!" A small white magic circle appeared in front of his face and inhaled. He blew through the magic circle and Hikigaya's instincts triggered. The dark mage dodged an invisible projectile to the left and then the right. He ducked to evade another wind projectile and ran towards Terrowin at a speed that caught the wind mage and the audience by surprise. Hikigaya punched him in the face which sent him flying out of the stage and fell on his back. The eyes of the audience widened in shock at this outcome of the first round. Yukinoshita was also shocked. Although she did witness his physical strength when training Yuigahama, it apparently wasn't at his full power. Yuigahama's jaw dropped at the spectacle. The round barely even started and Hikigaya already won.
"WOOHOO! GO, HIKKI!" She cheered in her thoughts as saying it out loud would attract negative attention.
"Pfft!" Hiratsuka spat and tried her best to hold back her laughter. She already expected the audience's reaction to his victory but it was still funny to her, especially how the dark mage handled the duel.
"Amazing..." The son of Seerwind was astonished by Hikigaya's physical capabilities.
"Oi," Hikigaya called the referee who was also in trance at the outcome. "I won."
"T-Terrowin is knocked out of the stage. The victory in the first round belongs to Hikigaya Hachiman!"
"Tch, don't get cocky..." Terrowin stood up and went back to the stage while emitting intense magical energy. The young dark mage was surprised and took a step back. "I'm gonna get serious, so you better do the same... or else."
"This is gonna be tougher than I thought," Hikigaya mumbled with a smirk.
Trivia: Hiratsuka's explanation about conditions in Enziel magic spells is a reference to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory.
Hey readers! It's me again! Back with another chapter of this fantasy AU. There's nothing much for me to say other than... quarantine and boredom. Well, I've been watching season 3 of Oregairu and so far it's kinda great. I said kinda because while the main theme of this season's story is interesting, I just find the events that act as a road to that theme a bit... uninteresting? Not right? I don't know but something about this prom thing doesn't sit well with me. But overall, it's still good. What do you guys think? Do you like it more than I did? Or do you also share the same issues?
With that out of the way, let's get into the reviews from the previous chapters!
Guest: UGH!
LoneVirgo98: I'm so glad you like this story and the changes. I also feel nostalgic when I wrote those scenes. Totsuka will still appear but I don't know 8man will act around him. I'll figure something out.
Lean: Thank you very much! Expect more world-building in later chapters!
Hachiman fan: Interesting, do you at least know the title? I'm curious to read the story! Also thank you for liking this story.
muhammadhaykal21: I still don't have a specific heroine in mind yet, but I'll keep those suggestions in mind!
zeroliken: Yeah, I was afraid of that. But I still want to finish these stories even if this community will die out. Thank you for the review!
Lots of changes that stray far from the source material, lots of unknowns as to how this story will go. Seems like our 8man's life is starting to get... interesting and also dangerous. How will he face the challenges given by the noble families? Will he give them the satisfaction they expected as their convenient tool? How will this duel end? Find out next time!
Thank you for reading this chapter! Again, I apologize if this felt rushed but I really do plan on fleshing out the characters more before having one action scene. Next chapter, I'll try my best. And please leave a review. Your opinions will help me make this story better.