Beyond Abyss 92

Chapter 92 A Peaceful Scene Before School

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 ”Tsuchimiya-kun, I’ll go ahead!”

 ”Tsucchi, see you later~♪.”

 ”Tsuchimiya-senpai, excuse me for leaving first!”

 ”Ah, see you later.”

 When the alarm on my phone went off at 6:45 AM, the girls in their gym clothes stopped what they were doing and started to leave.

 The morning practice was held on the rooftop of the special room on the top floor with Maekawa-san and the others. I continued to practice a bit longer, but it seems the girls had a lot to do in the morning, and this was already cutting it close for them.

 Kanon and Nishina-san, who were in the rearguard, didn’t join the morning practice and instead helped prepare breakfast and supported the other girls.

 This time, I showed everyone the 4 basic forms of the Phoenix Temple Spear Technique (Hououin-ryu) and had them record it on their phones so they could look back at it later.

 Normally, this kind of technique is supposed to be kept secret, so if there were a master around, I might get in big trouble, but honestly, I don’t care. Right now, the most important thing is for everyone to get a little stronger.

 After that, we just practiced the 3 forms of the Black Tortoise (Genbu), White Tiger (Byakko), and Azure Dragon (Seiryu) slowly with everyone holding wooden sticks until it was time to go. Well, it’s the first time, so it’s to be expected. First, they need to memorize the forms and get to the point where they can practice them alone.

 After everyone hurried off, Higurashi stayed behind, spinning a stick.

 ”Aren’t you going to leave?”

 ”Ah, I just want you to practice sparring with me a little longer.”

 Higurashi held a stick under her arm and grinned.

 So, it’s a sparring match. It’s not really a martial arts fight, but basically, it’s practice.

 ”Alright. I wanted to practice in a real fight format too.”

 We bowed to each other, keeping a distance of 3 meters (≈ 9.8 feet). Back when we lived together in the dungeon, we spent time training, so I was used to this.

 Today, while I was teaching everyone, I realized again how talented Higurashi is. She demonstrated 4 forms just once, and even though she was a bit unsure, she copied them perfectly. She mentioned she couldn’t do the Phoenix (Houou) form yet, so she stopped practicing it. However, she kept getting better, and by the end, she was only getting hit once every 4 or 5 tries. I thought I had improved, but with how quickly she’s advancing, I can’t feel too confident about our skill gap. It might even be getting smaller.

 Higurashi wore a cheerful smile and moved slowly in a counterclockwise direction. Since I was focusing on teaching her the defensive Black Tortoise (Genbu) form, it was normal for her to watch my moves first.

 At first, I thought she was sticking to the basics like a beginner, but she would suddenly break out of it and attack in creative ways, so I always had to stay alert. She was good at planting ideas in my mind and then surprising me. Thanks to training with Higurashi, I learned a lot quickly and improved my skills.

 Honestly, it was really fun. This girl has a bit of an otaku side, and we surprisingly got along well. We even bickered over silly things, but as someone who usually likes being alone, I didn’t mind spending time with this beautiful girl (it’s hard to admit that!). I think the confidence I gained during this time has helped me in my life now.

 Anyway, Higurashi showed signs of attacking, so I quickly struck first to throw her off balance. Higurashi twisted her body to dodge and countered with a one-handed thrust at my stepping foot.

 Since the Black Tortoise (Genbu) style often targets hands and feet for counters, I expected it. I quickly stepped back to avoid it.

 Just from this exchange, I could tell her movements had become sharper. It seems like she’s been practicing properly.

 ”By the way, Tsuchimiya-senpai…”

 Higurashi started chatting casually while launching attacks at my shins, shoulders, and legs, mixing them up.

 ”What’s up?”

 I replied casually while dodging her attacks. This was Higurashi’s strategy to distract me with conversation and slow me down. Even though she seemed focused on talking, her reactions didn’t drop at all, and I was the only one at a disadvantage. But I didn’t ignore her; I decided to play along. I felt like this could be some kind of training. It was a bit annoying, though.

 ”So, what happened to that leather bag mask you wore in the abandoned floor?”

 She brought up a pointless topic to chip away at my focus during the fight.

 ”Tsuchimiya mask, huh? It was like this ever since Sagara slashed it, but I started fixing it last night. I actually planned to wear it for today’s special zone inspection, but I totally ran out of time.”

 Higurashi deflects the probing jab. While focusing on countering if they step in, Higurashi keeps her distance with light feints, so I chase after them while throwing out jabs.

 ”Huh? You’re going out with Amahara-senpai, right? Why would you think of dressing like a convenience store robber?!”

 Higurashi lets out an annoyed sound and swings her weapon to the side, making it seem like she’s acting on emotion. But I think it’s a trick. She looks angry, but her mind seems calm. If I face her attack head-on, I’ll lose for sure since I’m only level one. So, I crouch down and dodge, lifting my stick up from below to counter.

 ”Come on, it’s like those dark figures wearing fox masks you see in manga. It’s like a secret service protecting Amahara-senpai, isn’t that kind of cool?”

 ”It’s just creepy! Amahara-senpai would be confused! Seriously, there’s no room for carelessness! Do I have to specify the outfit too? At least try to look normal!”

 Higurashi pretends to be angry and attacks fiercely from both sides. If I lose my focus and approach, it will play into Higurashi’s strategy. I can predict when to move forward, what attacks will come, and how to counter them. Higurashi can do this too. Since we are using the same fighting style, we understand each other’s moves well, making it a strategic battle, like a game of chess.

 In this situation, I have an advantage because I have more practical experience. Higurashi will eventually change tactics and try something different.

 ”I’m putting in quite a bit of effort, you know. The sewing needle for fabric was so stiff that it felt like it would bend, but as I got used to it, it started to go through more easily──.”

 ”Your effort is completely in the wrong direction!”

 As Higurashi shouted, she swung the stick down from above. I stepped back a bit to dodge, and it made a loud “thud!” as it hit the ground.

 Wow, she really looks like she’s angry.

 The tip of the stick bounced off the ground and smoothly came forward. Higurashi switched her grip and stepped in low.

 This is the White Tiger (Byakko) style’s “Tiger’s Rising Claw!” She’s really going for it!

 Higurashi jumped up from her low stance, and the tip of the stick was aimed to slice from my groin to the top of my head──wait, she’s not going for it!?

 Usually, this technique needs a big forward step, but her step was shorter than I thought. By the time I noticed something was wrong, I had already jumped back as hard as I could.

 The tip and the end of the stick grazed my body multiple times in an instant.

 Higurashi, twisting her body as she jumped, looked like a spinning top with a straight core, moving at high speed.

 The moment my feet touched the ground, I rolled away to escape. Higurashi landed and, noticing that I had successfully gotten out of range, stopped perfectly and took a stance.

 ”Hey, hey! What was that killing move just now?!”

 If I had been even a moment slower in escaping, I would have been completely wrecked. The initial movement looked like a technique I knew, so I almost got tricked.

 ”Hehe. I told you I used to do figure skating, right? That was a double axel.”

 Higurashi showed off with a smug face, but then quickly frowned in disappointment.

 ”I really thought that would land perfectly, but you’re still good at dodging surprise attacks.”

 ”I just had a bad feeling about it. But it really feels like a special move. If you shouted something like ‘Hurricane Mixer!’ while using it, I think it would look really cool.”

 ”That’s actually the kind of move I would use to get hit by the technique.”

 I got excited by the move that tickled my inner chuunibyou, but the match wasn’t over yet. I focused and took my stance, but Higurashi relaxed her stance instead.

 ”I got to show off a new technique, so I’m satisfied. Time’s running out, so let’s call it a day. Tsuchimiya-senpai, you’ve gotten stronger, right?”

 ”My Warrior title has ranked up, and I’ve been through quite a few tough battles.”

 I didn’t really notice it before, but I could tell Higurashi was stronger than before, and her movements were clearer to me now.

 Anyway, this practice match is over. I got to see something great. That’s a technique I can’t imitate.

 Well, if I used Blast… it would probably spin a lot, but I might get dizzy and not be able to move. Yeah, I think I’ll pass on that.

 ”Continuing from earlier, what’s going on with the Tsuchimiya mask? Where did you leave it last night?”

 ”Huh? If you’re interested, I can make one for you too. Actually, I already have a Hano mask.”

 ”Stop it!! Don’t do anything unnecessary!! Are you planning to make a leather bag squad or something!?”

 Whoa… I got rejected really strongly. That kind of hurts a bit.

 ”Yesterday, I was fixing things until you guys came, and I left it in the workroom until morning.”

 ”Was there anything unusual?”

 ”Unusual? No, nothing in particular. Look.”

 I took out the Tsuchimiya mask I just retrieved from ‘Storage’ and showed it. There were some bloodstains on the table, probably from the mask, and I felt like the direction the mask was facing had changed, but it didn’t seem like a big deal.

 ”Hmm.”

 Higurashi poked the Tsuchimiya mask with the tip of a stick.

 ”Actually, there was a report that the Tsuchimiya mask was spotted on campus last night. Tsuchimiya-senpai, make sure to keep an eye on that mask.”

 ”Yeah…”

 After saying that, Higurashi went back to her room to take a shower.

 Is the Tsuchimiya mask really on campus? It seems easy to make one. Maybe someone wore it to hide their face. If it becomes popular, wearing it might just look fashionable. So, it could actually be a good thing.

 Anyway, I switched my focus and continued practicing until the time was up.

* * *

 After finishing practice, I took a shower and had breakfast with everyone, which Nishina-san and Kanon prepared. Then, I changed into the uniform that Hano-san had ironed for me in the bedroom.

 When I returned to the living room, 7 girls were bustling around, chatting loudly, making it very lively.

 ”Asuka-chan and Himecchi, what do you mean no makeup!?”

 Hano-san, who had her gal makeup perfectly done, shouted at Higurashi and Himeno while munching on toast with a fried egg and salad. It seemed like it took Hano-san a long time to get ready, as she came into the living room just when everyone was finishing breakfast.

 ”I never had that habit, and I only started skincare after I became a high school student.”

 Higurashi replied while washing dishes in the kitchen.

 ”I also get all sweaty from morning practice, so I only do hair care and skincare in the morning.”

 Himeno said, brushing Kanon’s long hair while she sat across from Hano-san. Kanon was happily chatting with Nishina-san, who was sitting next to her.

 ”That’s not what I mean! I get that, but isn’t it unfair that you look that good without any makeup!? I feel like it’s super unfair!”

 As I looked at the lively table, Satou-san (the scout) quietly approached me.

 ”Hey. Your tie is crooked, Tsuchimiya-kun.”

 Satou-san said that and fixed my tie for me.

 ”Uh, yeah. Thanks.”

 I felt my heart race from the nice scent coming from Satou-san after her shower.

 Satou-san looked up and tilted her head slightly, as if she was thinking about something while peering into my face.

 ”?”

 As I wondered what was going on, Satou-san suddenly leaned in and kissed me. I was surprised by the soft feeling of her lips, and then Satou-san made a face that seemed to say “I messed up,” blushing and quickly looking away, leaving without saying anything.

 What was that cute face just now?

 My heart raced.

 ”Ugh! Ughhh! Ughhh!!”

 Hano-san stood up with a clatter, covering her mouth full of breakfast with one hand while pointing at me and shouting something in protest.

 Satou-san, acting like nothing happened, was chatting with Maekawa-san, who was smiling and looking in a completely different direction.

 ──You better take responsibility.

 I started to feel uneasy as I remembered what happened last night. I wondered how serious she was about it.

 I wanted to praise myself for trying so hard, but I just reflexively answered “yes”…

 In that moment, there was no choice but to say “yes” or be squeezed until I died, but now I can’t just say “that doesn’t count.”

 Since Satou-san saw me turn down Nishina-san, she must know that my first choice is Himeno, but what is Satou-san thinking?

 I’m not Evold, so I still don’t really understand that kind of feeling.

 I’m scared because I don’t understand. Actually, this morning, Himeno came all the way to my room to wake me up. It seems she managed to get through the dimple key entrance by herself, and I was woken up by her voice while I was sound asleep.

 After greeting Himeno with sleepy eyes as she peeked into my room, I noticed Satou-san and Nishina-san hugging me while completely naked, and my face went pale.

 While I panicked and stuttered, Himeno laughed softly and showed a calm, bright smile.

 Even though it was Himeno who gave permission, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was some kind of trap. Still, Himeno seemed to be in a good mood the whole time.

 However, when it was found out that I had s*x with Satou-san and the time I was wrongly suspected with Shitone-senpai (mysterious glasses senpai), she was definitely angry.

 I don’t get why she’s in a good mood this time. I’m not Evold, so I can’t understand it. I know there’s a deadline and hidden risks. I can’t guess how Satou-san feels or what she’ll do. It feels like I’m walking on a dangerous path without seeing anything.

 Did I really make the s*x expert Satou-san fall for me, a complete beginner?

 I might be jumping to conclusions! When I think about it, that seems likely. I feel like that’s what’s happening. I’m really excited about my first-time popularity, but I need to stay calm and think clearly. I should also try to forget about it for now.

* * *

 Yesterday, there were 4 of us walking to school together, but today, there are 8 of us.

 A few minutes after leaving the girls’ dorm, we are walking behind the Student Council building.

 My left side is in a pretty large schoolyard, and on my right, there’s a net set up between silver poles to stop balls flying in from the sports teams. Beyond that, the dojo and the Student Council building are lined up.

 As I turn around and head towards the entrance of the Student Council building facing the courtyard, a girl from the council is waiting in front of the door.

 This girl is definitely Sugimoto Rikka-san, the secretary. She’s an energetic girl with a ponytail.

 ”Good morning, everyone!”

 ”Good morning, Sugimoto-senpai!”

 When Sugimoto-san cheerfully greets us, Higurashi responds, and we all return the greeting.

 ”According to the temporary transfer treaty, I’ve brought Tsuchimiya-senpai. After handing him over, you can take care of him.”

 What the heck, calling me an international criminal or something!

 ”Ahaha, I definitely accept him! After this, my president and the whole Student Council will welcome him! Oh, but be careful, there’s a fierce dog running around!”

 Sugimoto-san straightens up with a laugh and salutes sharply. She’s a fun girl. The fierce dog must be Togamine.

 ”Well then, let’s go, Tsuchimiya-kun.”

 ”Ah, okay.”

 Sugimoto-san takes my hand and pulls me along.

 Huh? I feel a killing intent coming from Himeno next to me!?

 Is this bad!? I really don’t understand the rules!

 Even if I’m told I can do whatever I want, if I don’t know where the hidden traps are, I can’t really move at all. I don’t want to do anything unnecessary and make Himeno angry from the start.

 I said goodbye to everyone here and followed Sugimoto-san into the Student Council building.

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.