Volume 4 Chapter 3 Special Transfer Student
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The day after the opening ceremony, the hard training at the Onigahara house finally caught up with us. Every member of our group had sore muscles. I was no exception.
I had worried about Risa and the others. The older students at the Onigahara Dojo had completely beaten them during their first real training session. I feared their spirits might break. But in reality? The experience only made them want to fight harder. “I’ll get them back someday!” they insisted. Talk about reliable.
Today, our normal classes started again. Along with regular classroom lessons, we had our first dungeon training sessions scheduled.
That was where they announced the assessment dungeons for each group. From the second semester onward, our dungeon training would take place in real, off-campus locations. Based on our first-semester grades, each group got a dungeon. It was hard enough to be useful, but not too hard to be impossible.
The dungeon assigned to my group was fairly famous.
”The Commercial District.”
It was a dungeon with an entrance hidden in a back alley off the station-front shopping street. It was quite large for the area, divided into three stages: shallow, middle, and deep. Only the shallow level was part of our evaluation.
It was one of the dungeons we had already guessed we would get. We immediately started a strategy meeting over lunch. Chifumi answered Risa’s questions.
”So? What’s it like?” Risa asked.
”It’s exactly what the name says. It’s a massive shopping area. They say the shallow level looks just like an arcade street~” Chifumi replied.
”So, it’s like the station-front arcade became a dungeon?” Risa noted.
”There are a lot of monsters, both in number and type~ It’s not so bad in the shallow level. But I’ve heard you can still end up fighting over ten at once~” Chifumi added.
”Ugh… you’re kidding me…” Risa groaned.
Risa made a face of pure disgust. Yurina looked just as worried. Both of them knew how much we had been struggling during our daily dungeon runs lately.
”My brother cleared that dungeon last year. I’ll ask him about it when I get home.” I said.
”That would be a huge help~” Chifumi replied.
”Hey, hold on a second.” Mitsuki interrupted.
Mitsuki casually jumped into the conversation. With a straw stuck into her juice box, she leaned over and draped herself over me from behind.
I could feel her softness against my back. She offered to help right into my ear. Chifumi had answered her like it was nothing. But Mitsuki wasn’t a member of our group yet. The final decision was on Friday. Until then, she was a “Free Girl.”
”Since when did you start acting like you’re part of the group?” I asked.
”Eh? What’s the harm in letting me join in a little?” Mitsuki pouted.
”No, I think you should show some restraint here.” I replied.
My attempt at a strict warning failed. The group’s reaction was the exact opposite.
”It’s fine, we’re just eating lunch together.” Risa laughed.
”It’s not like we don’t know each other.” Yurina agreed.
”I think it’s fine…” Asari murmured.
”That’s four to one. You lose~” Chifumi chirped.
”Yay!” Mitsuki cheered.
Mitsuki cheered from behind me.
I’m the group leader. I feel like my vote should count for at least five. None of this feels right.
Mitsuki rattled my chair as she squeezed into our circle. She comfortably took a seat between Chifumi and Asari. She pulled out a bean-paste bun and milk. Seriously? Are you a detective on a stakeout?
At this point, I had no choice. I gave up on trying to kick her out. Instead, I shifted to gathering information.
”Koki-san cleared the ‘Commercial District’ too, right?” I asked.
”He should have. Knowing how he was a year ago, I bet Yui struggled with it.” Mitsuki replied.
”Struggled” was news to me. But if my sister said so, it must be true.
”If that group struggled, how bad is it?” I pondered.
”I can’t even imagine…” Asari whispered.
Asari and the others looked nervous. They were still traumatized by the older students at the Dojo.
”There’s no need to psych yourselves out. Dungeon exploration is all about compatibility. Every group has its own strengths and weaknesses. It comes down to whether those match the dungeon’s specific traits.” I explained.
”So, in other words, this could be a very hard dungeon for us, right?” Yurina asked.
”That’s true~ I guess we just have to trust the teachers who chose this for us. They must have picked a dungeon they believe we can clear if we try hard~” Chifumi reasoned.
At the end of the day, you never know until you try.
”We don’t enter the dungeon until next week. This week is for preparation.” I decided.
”Don’t forget about your match with me, though.” Mitsuki reminded.
”Of course. That’s a one-on-one issue. Everyone else, focus on the prep.” I confirmed.
Yurina reacted to my words.
”Prep—specifically, what should we be doing?” Yurina asked.
”Checking your roles for group combat. And repeating training to get used to the movements.” I noted.
”Understood.” Yurina replied.
”Let’s spend as much time as possible on one-versus-many training.” I directed.
The group nodded in unison, and we started eating. I nudged Mitsuki while I unwrapped my lunch.
”Come to think of it, doesn’t Shisei have a Simulated Dungeon device too?” I asked.
”Hmm? Yeah, we do. I used that one for my first semester.” Mitsuki replied.
”What was it like?” I inquired.
”What was it like…” Mitsuki mused.
Mitsuki hummed and looked up, deep in thought. I hadn’t asked her for details about the dungeons she’d run during the training camp. I was actually curious.
”Don’t overthink it~ Ours was a labyrinth that looked like an abandoned schoolhouse. It was the kind of dungeon where body models would wander the halls and Hanako-san would pop out of nowhere. I wonder what yours was like~” Chifumi noted.
At Chifumi’s comment, Mitsuki finally spoke up.
”Well… it felt like being up in the sky.” Mitsuki said.
”Up in the sky?” I asked.
”Like walking on top of the clouds. Sometimes you’d cross a bridge of rainbows. Or you’d dive right into a big, puffy cloud. The monsters were all flying types.” Mitsuki described.
”Magic birds or winged humanoids? That sounds like a pretty fancy dungeon.” I remarked.
”The atmosphere was bright enough, yeah. But when you actually explored it, the monsters would suddenly appear from the clouds and surprise you. There were a lot of annoying ones, too. I got really irritated. Swarms of bees and flying fish were incredibly bothersome. The stronger ones included dolphins with wings.” Mitsuki explained.
It must have been a hard level set to match Manaka’s potential. Mitsuki turned the question back on me.
”What’s the simulator at this high school like? Is it just a giant pile of clunky machinery?” Mitsuki asked.
”It’s a block of hardware, sure, but it’s not that clunky. It was updated a few years ago. It’s a pretty new model.” I replied.
”Lucky. National high schools really have all the money, huh.” Mitsuki sighed.
Simulated Dungeon devices are restricted to national high schools, universities, and a few private schools. Each unit costs a massive amount. Demand is limited, and there’s effectively only one company that can build them. That sector is protected by national law.
National high schools get the new models first because of the limited subsidies. The older units are often sold to private schools as second-hand equipment. The one at Shisei was likely a generation older than the one here.
”Want to go take a look after we finish eating?” I asked.
”Let’s go!” Mitsuki agreed.
We finished lunch and headed to the building that housed the Simulated Dungeon generator. Several dungeon entrances were open along the walls around the device.
The unit used to make the first-year dungeons in the first semester would be reused from the second semester onward. It would create what is basically a “Tower Dungeon.”
Every group gets the same Tower Dungeon. Each group climbs it one level at a time. The dungeons are separate instances. Because of this, there is no risk of meeting other groups inside. It’s exactly like the end-game content in a mobile game. Rewards are given out periodically to those who make the most progress.
Even if you don’t win a prize, your score is still based on the floors cleared. This score is added to your performance evaluation. The higher you climb, the better.
I figured the people currently inside were likely second or third-year seniors.
But as it turned out, the group coming out of the black wall was someone I recognized.
A five-person group in white uniforms. The transfer students from the first year. The leader’s name was, I think, Kaoru Shoji. He was short and a bit chubby. He gave off the vibe of a rich kid from a powerful sorcerer family. Rumor had it his family held a lot of power in their home region.
”Is that all there is to it?” Kaoru Shoji scoffed.
The leader, Shoji-kun, looked completely relaxed. The four “Strong-Females” walking behind him didn’t look tired, either. It was a natural reaction. If you struggled on the first floor, you wouldn’t be worth the tuition.
What caught my attention was the magic pistol Shoji-kun was carrying. I usually borrow a handgun-type magic pistol from Risa when I dive. But because of my inherent sorcery, my main weapons are my tamed monsters. The magic pistol is just for self-defense.
On the other hand, Shoji-kun’s weapon looked more like a heavy, assault-rifle-style magic pistol. To be more exact, it had a near-future, sci-fi design. It didn’t look like any of the magic pistols in Risa’s collection. I was tempted to ask if his era-research was off. Was this it? Was he the “collab character” you see in gacha games?
Risa seemed to be thinking the same thing. Her gaze was fixed on his magic pistol. She didn’t try to go over and talk to him. That was a sign she was finally learning proper sorcerer manners.
Shoji-kun noticed Mitsuki standing next to me and approached. He probably didn’t recognize me. But Mitsuki was introduced as a transfer student just yesterday. She would have left an impression simply because of her height. It was natural for him to try and approach a “free” agent like Mitsuki. His group was short-handed.
Mitsuki subtly hid behind my shadow. Though she didn’t actually manage to hide, being larger than me. Shoji-kun seemed to realize that I was with her. He greeted us first.
”Hello. You’re also a first-year, right?” Kaoru Shoji asked.
”Tatemiya, Year 1, Class 3. You’re the ones who transferred in…” I replied.
”Shoji. I transferred into Class 5. Nice to meet you.” Kaoru Shoji introduced.
”Likewise.” I said.
We shook hands. The “Strong-Females” behind him and Chifumi were exchanging greetings. I decided to make some light conversation.
”Already heading into the Tower?” I asked.
”We were touring the facilities since yesterday. We had some spare time.” Kaoru Shoji replied.
”I see… so, how is it? Different from your old high school?” I asked.
”The student population is about the same. The school I was at before had a ridiculously large campus. It’s helpful that the facilities here are closer together. It saves us the long walk.” Kaoru Shoji explained.
We were making harmless small talk. Then the representative from his group called out to him.
”Kaoru-san, it’s about time.” The representative called.
”! That’s right. …I have some business to attend to, so I’ll be going. I hope we can all get along.” Kaoru Shoji apologized.
”Same here. See you around.” I dismissed.
Shoji-kun’s group walked away in a hurry. He looked prideful, but once we spoke, he was surprisingly normal. To be honest, it was a bit of a letdown.
”From a high school in another region, huh.” I noted.
”Apparently it’s from a northern region, far beyond the Imperial Capital. The temperature is completely different there. It seems they’re not used to the heat here~” Chifumi explained.
”It’s a mystery why they transferred here in the first place.” I mused.
”Maybe the teachers forced them to come?” Risa suggested.
The first year is usually the time to build your foundation as a sorcerer. Would you really throw that chance away for an exchange program? Was it a family matter to expand their influence into this region? Moving an entire group in the second semester of the first year is impossible unless there’s a big hidden reason.
”The gun he was carrying was interesting. Risa, do you know it?” I asked.
”Never seen it. I have the lists for all the major magic pistol makers. I don’t recall seeing a model like that.” Risa replied.
”So, a minor maker? Since he’s walking around with it openly, it’s not a secret, right?” I reasoned.
”True. Even if it were a custom option, I’d guess it’s either unofficial or a test model.” Risa added.
Mitsuki cut in.
”Maybe it’s a custom-made piece? Like my Kongou.” Mitsuki offered.
”Could be.” I agreed.
It was a simpler, more realistic outcome than him being a “collab character.” His weapon was likely just a custom piece tied to his specific inherent sorcery.
”We don’t have much time left~ Let’s head back to the classroom~” Chifumi urged.
I nodded at Chifumi’s reminder, and we turned to head back.
There was one more thing I was paying attention to. Class 5, where Shoji-kun transferred into, was also Komoda-kun’s class.
A mysterious transfer student joining the class of Komoda-kun was strange. Komoda-kun was already under suspicion of being a “protagonist.” This was a situation that made me want to look into things.
I needed to keep a close watch on them. If only for the sake of my own safety.
—
Summary:
The group navigates their post-training muscle aches and discusses their upcoming dungeon assessment at the commercial district. Mitsuki joins the group, and they visit the Simulated Dungeon facility to learn about the Tower Dungeon. They encounter a mysterious group of transfer students, including Kaoru, who possess advanced weaponry and seem to have transferred under suspicious circumstances.
—
Trivia:
The Commercial District dungeon has three levels: shallow, middle, and deep.
Simulated Dungeon devices are rare, costly, and regulated by national law.
National high schools receive new model devices, while private schools often get older models.
The Simulated Dungeon device is repurposed for Tower Dungeon creation in the second semester.
Kaoru Shoji belongs to a sorcerer lineage from the northern region.
The mysterious transfer students are being placed in the same class as Komoda, the suspected protagonist.
Notes:
• Onigahara – The Koki family, bearing the name of Mitsuki and Koki, runs a massive, rigorous dojo famed for Oni‑fication sorcery; their outward appearance reflects disciplined austerity, their identity is that of stern mentors, and they maintain close, hierarchical bonds with their students and apprentices.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Risa – Tall, sharp‑witted Plain‑folk and dutiful childhood friend of Minoru, she serves in his harem despite lacking innate sorcery. A disciplined Onibara practitioner of the Naruse family, she wields a rifle and magic pistols, resents her mother, and equips a weapon‑filled training room. First‑year student in Koki’s group, she studies sorcerer etiquette, collects pistol catalogs, and trains hard to keep pace with the squad.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• Chifumi – Scrawny, long‑haired frost‑water sorceress with a water‑based staff, she’s a first‑year Majo and Minoru’s childhood protector. Reaching Three‑Limit power, she’s well‑informed, joins Koki’s group, mediates and scouts, offering loyal, self‑sacrificing support while her bubbly charm masks keen observation.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Yurina – Black‑haired, refined Plain‑folk student and Kibe‑born swordswoman in Minoru’s dungeon squad; stoic piano‑playing childhood friend and protector close to Chifumi and Risa, balancing romance in his harem. After wielding precision blades and being devoured by the Phantom, she becomes a duplicate guide. Also in Koki’s worried group, knows Chifumi’s strength, heads home after school, and attends the transfer intro.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• Mitsuki – Tall, curvy transfer student from Shisei High with dark skin and a friendly smile, she wields a kanabo and practices Oni‑fication sorcery. Assertive, tsundere childhood friend of Minoru, close ally of Manaka, leads training at Onigahara Dojo, fights to avenge comrades, manages logistics, watches Minoru, and is a top assassin candidate. Bold, clings to Koki, explores dungeons, unaffiliated.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Asari – Tall, long‑haired, curvy first‑year of the Kasakura lineage, she’s a modest defensive‑barrier sorcerer and former Free Girl loyal to Minoru’s group. Close to Mari and Nagase, she speaks in sweet, idol‑like tones, wears a competitive swimsuit, diet‑conscious yet craves intimacy with Minoru and communal meals. Polite to higher‑ranked sorcerers, she’s a nervous trainee at Onigahara Dojo, a potential foe for Mitsuki, and a member of the protagonist’s group heading home after school—tragically devoured by the Phantom she once showed kindness to.
• Koki – Nearly two meters tall, muscular and handsome, he wears the Onibara style as a second‑year student and senior practitioner. Older brother of Mitsuki, he is a powerful sorcerer, mentor and evaluator of the younger generation, currently recovering from intense training. Observant and cautious, he constantly analyzes group dynamics and external threats.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• Yui – One of the Futami twins, Yuu’s sister, and Minoru’s childhood friend, she is a low-tension, observant private school student who survived a chuunibyou phase. Recognizable by short hair, a white lock, and pink/black attire, this blunt Onibara disciple uses knife techniques and curse arts in the Shisei group. She grants Clams permission to manifest and competes for Minoru, but was eaten by the Phantom.
• Shisei – An acquaintance involved in high-profile activities.
• Hanako-san – A hostile, translucent apparition manifesting as a young schoolgirl with a bob cut, white blouse, and red skirt. Often haunting toilets within the simulated dungeon, she terrorizes intruders with lethal fireballs, disorienting mental screams, and a dangerous Runaway State. Her spectral nature makes her a formidable entity for anyone who crosses her path.
• Hanako – Hanako, known as Hanako-san, is a translucent apparition within the simulated dungeon appearing as a young schoolgirl with a bob cut, wearing a white blouse and red skirt. She is a hostile entity that terrorizes intruders by launching lethal fireballs and disorienting mental-scream attacks.
• Manaka – An aristocratic‑beauty private‑school student, she leads the Initial Strong‑Females with a calm, clinical tactical voice. A resilient sorcerer whose power defines the high‑difficulty simulated dungeons, she once belonged to Mitsuki’s group at Shisei High. Childhood friend Minoru now serves as her observant, independent mediator.
• Kaoru – A male transfer student from District 13 High School leading a group of four girls. A short, slightly chubby transfer student from a powerful northern sorcerer lineage. He carries a unique, futuristic magic pistol.
• Tatemiya – The protagonist Minoru and Kotoha belong to this prestigious family, which plays a central role in the group’s social dynamics and relationships.
• Komoda – The family name of Michinori.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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