Volume 6 Chapter 10 Starting Study Abroad
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”I’m floored. These jets really do fly way up above the clouds, don’t they?” Syu said, her eyes wide as she pressed against the glass. “It’s on a totally different level than a Flying Dragon. If she were up this high, Grandma Akari’s legs would’ve turned to jelly.”
”Are you feeling alright, Princess?” Saran asked. “I’ve never been much for heights myself.”
”Honestly, Saran. You’ve been in this world for five years now. Haven’t you gotten used to it yet?” Syu teased.
”I have no excuse…” Saran muttered.
”Listen, Princess. Saran. We’re beginning our descent into Okinawa. Get in your seats and buckle up,” Sheena said.
Sheena directed her voice toward Syu, the Dwarf Engineer ¹ who was practically glued to the window, and Saran, who was huddled on the floor doing his absolute best to ignore the sky outside.
”Oh, right! Ms. Sheena, Saran – once we’re on the ground in Japan, you can’t call me ‘Princess’ anymore. This is an undercover op, remember? Let’s go with… just ‘Syu.’ No titles!”
”Understood. Once we regroup, I’ll make sure Mrs. Tomori and Halt follow suit,” Saran replied, his face looking a bit green.
Syu, Saran, and Sheena were being escorted to Okinawa by George on a US military transport, while Kashiwagi Tomori and Halt had taken a commercial flight. The plan was to meet at the Kashiwagi residence in Naha. After touching down at Kadena Air Base ², the trio was driven straight to the family home.
”Hello! It’s Syu! Grandma, Grandpa, we’re here!” Syu shouted.
The moment she stepped in front of the door, Syu let out a yell that made everyone nearby jump.
”Hey, take it down a notch! I know you’re excited, but we’re trying to keep a low profile here. Just get inside,” Tomori said, sticking her head out the door.
Inside the living room, Kashiwagi Yuuta’s parents were waiting.
”Well, well. You made it. Syu… san? Or should I say Syu-chan?” Yuuta’s father asked, looking up at her sturdy dwarven frame.
”You must be Grandpa! Just call me Syu, okay? No formalities needed!” Syu chirped.
”Hahaha, fair enough. I never thought I’d live to see Yuuta’s biological daughter with my own eyes,” Yuuta’s father said. His wife took Syu’s hand, her eyes welling up with tears.
”You really are our granddaughter. It’s a shame we couldn’t meet Karin, but I’m so happy you’re here, Syu. Ms. Sheena, thank you for everything,” the grandmother said.
”Don’t thank me, Ma’am. I (Watashi) didn’t really do anything. But for now, these three from the other world are in your hands. This is Saran, by the way. He’s technically Syu’s bodyguard and assistant,” Sheena explained.
”Nice to meet you, Saran-san. Ms. Claudel was here for quite a while, so we’ve grown a bit used to having Elves around,” the grandmother added.
”The pleasure is mine. Lady Claudel told me how wonderful you both were to her. I hope you’ll show me and Princ – I mean, Syu – the way as well,” Saran said.
”Wait, where’s Halt?” Sheena asked, looking around the room.
”Probably upstairs pouting. Is he still being that shy?” Tomori sighed. She headed upstairs and dragged a reluctant Halt back down by the arm. “Come on, Halt. Don’t be rude. Greet Syu and the others properly.”
”Cut it out, Auntie Tomori… I told you, I don’t need the ‘Master’ treatment anyway,” Halt muttered.
And so it begins, Halt thought. The house felt like it had suddenly doubled in volume. Living under the same roof as a Princess, Sister Sheena, and Saran… Halt didn’t feel the thrill of a new adventure. He just felt an overwhelming sense of impending chaos.
* * *
In Nevada, Zau and Kalua of the Spirit Clan ³ had split off from Syu’s group. Under the direction of the AWCC ⁴, they had arrived in New York City for their orientation.
”Zau-san, Kalua-san. I’m Kaiou, the Agent Manager for the AWCC. For the next year, you’ll be living here in Manhattan as international students from Central Asia. We’ve already set up your enrollment at a university. Since you aren’t fluent in English yet, you’ll be paired with an AWCC agent at all times. They’re your security, but they’re also there to help you navigate this world,” Kaiou explained.
[Kaiou-san, we appreciate the help. But we don’t really need handlers. We can’t read your letters yet, but we can usually tell what people are thinking just by looking at them,] Zau sent telepathically.
”Actually, Zau-san, I have to ask you to keep that on the down-low. If word gets out that you’re mind-readers, it’s going to cause a massive panic. And honestly, the agents are there to keep an eye on you as much as they are to help you. I need you to agree to the escort,” Kaiou said firmly.
[Zau, let it go. It’s not fair to expect them to trust total strangers from another dimension right off the bat. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Let’s play by their rules,] Kalua interjected.
[If you say so, Kalua. We’ll cooperate, Kaiou-san,] Zau replied.
”I’m glad to hear it,” Kaiou said, visibly relaxing. He called two young men into the room. “These are your guides, Kirch and Stantz. They’ll be working with you as a team, so coordinate with them on everything.”
”Good to meet you. I’m Kirch Swift. I specialize in medicine and psychology,” a lanky man in glasses said. The muscular guy next to him gave a nod. “Stantz Basin. Engineering is my thing.”
”They’re both military, but they’ve got PhDs. I picked them because they know the subjects you’re interested in. Try to treat them as friends. The four of you will be sharing an apartment in Soho,” Kaiou added.
[Thank you. We look forward to it,] the spirits replied.
That night, in a fancy Soho flat provided by the AWCC, the four held a small housewarming party. It turned out that Spirit Clan or human, everyone gets a little rowdy after a few drinks. By the time they called it a night, the four of them actually seemed to be getting along.
As they finally flopped into their own beds…
[Zau. You still up?] Kalua asked.
[Yeah. Still buzzing from all the excitement,] Zau replied. Even through the walls, their telepathy was crystal clear.
[What do you think of them?]
[Who? The guys? Or the agency?]
[Both. But for now… I didn’t feel any real bad vibes from the agents.]
[Me neither, Kalua. I think we can trust them for now.]
[Good. But don’t forget – we aren’t just here to study,] Kalua reminded him.
[I know. Elder Zea’s orders are absolute. But there’s no rush. We’ve got a chance to see a whole new world. Hopefully, while we’re learning their ways, we’ll find exactly what we’re looking for,] Zau finished.
—
Trivia:
- Saran has been in this world for five years but still gets airsick.
- The group in Okinawa is technically ‘incognito’.
- Zau and Kalua are using a cover story of being from Central Asia.
- The AWCC agents in NYC are highly educated military doctors/engineers.
- The Spirit Clan has a secret mission from Elder Zea beyond just studying
—
Character Insight:
Syu shows her adaptable and boisterous nature, quickly befriending her ‘grandparents,’ while Halt expresses dread over the chaotic household dynamic.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The use of Kadena Air Base highlights the logistical involvement of the military in transporting inter-dimensional visitors.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Syu – A Dwarf Engineer with a large, sturdy physique and boisterous personality.
• Saran – An elf; part of the joint team working on the Gate. A Royal Palace Guard Officer from the Zerlant Royal Family. She has very white skin, is small in stature, and is described as incredibly cute. Despite her appearance, she is a master of all martial arts and exceptionally strong. She is described as ‘stiff’ or serious.
• Sheena – A Lizardman from the Apocalypse Empire, specifically a junior researcher in the teleportation research team of the empire’s army. She is the 47th resident (hence ‘No. 47’) of the secret underground facility in Nevada, where she has been living for several years after accidentally being transported to this world through a failed gate experiment. Yuuta’s saffle too. Grey hair, long hair.
• Halt – A sixteen-year-old high school sophomore living in the suburbs of Washington D.C. He is the grandson of the President of the United States and is recognized as a severe otaku by his peers. He attends a prestigious high school for children of celebrities and elite families.
• George – An U.S. military officer and the son of Michael Anderson, a high-ranking official. He is also the brother of Gregory. Tomori’s husband. Halt’s father and a Major General in the military.
• Claudel – The elf captain of the royal guard assigned to Princess Asuka. At first, she had a strong dislike for Yuuta, who is human. Now, Yuuta’s saffle.
• Kalua – Member of the Spirit Clan; telepathic and socially observant.
• Zau – Spirit Clan member; calm and resolute.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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