Volume 3 Chapter 14 Phantom Sea Snake
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Awake?”
Opening my eyes, I found myself lying on a futon in my assigned room.
Everyone was peering down at my face.
Chifumi was the closest, and it was her voice that had stirred me.
She was holding my left hand, while Asari gripped my right.
I pushed myself up, slowly.
Supported by the two of them, I scanned the room and spotted Hinoki materialized near the wall.
The two-meter-long Hinoki was stretched out across the tatami, acting as a pillow for the armed quartet of Risa, Yurina, Yui, and Yuu, who were all lying down with their eyes closed.
”Thank goodness… You’re finally awake.” Chifumi said, her voice trembling.
”Minoru-san!” Asari added, her eyes wide.
”Are you in pain? Are you okay?” Chifumi asked.
Chifumi and Asari’s eyes were brimming with tears. Asari pressed a handkerchief to my eyes.
It seemed I had been crying without even realizing it.
”I am relieved you’ve safely awakened.” Manaka said with her usual composure.
Manaka’s response was her usual calm, though her eyes looked moist.
Mitsuki and Sawa were the same. I had caused them all so much worry.
”Hinoki-chan told us, you know. That Minoru was under a mental attack.” Chifumi explained.
”A mental attack…” I muttered.
”They said it injected poison into your fingertips, which then seeped in.” Chifumi finished.
My right fingertips. Was it from when something pricked me at the shore yesterday?
The dream. That was definitely an attack by a Phantom. It was a nasty piece of work—it didn’t even register as an attack while it was happening. Looking back, everything felt unnatural, but when you’re inside a dream, it’s difficult to notice the contradictions. It was only because everyone came to save me that I made it out.
The time… evening. The sun was about to set.
Is this the third day? I suppose it’s safe to assume the time in the dream was linked to reality.
As I pondered this, Risa and the others who had been lying down began to stir.
With all four of them sitting up, a now-freed Hinoki skittered toward me.
’Morning to ya.’ Hinoki greeted me.
”Morning.” I replied.
’How’s the mood feel?’ Hinoki asked.
”Worst ever. But…” I said.
’But…?’ Hinoki prodded.
”…I’m glad everyone is safe. Really… I’m just glad it was all a dream.” I concluded.
When I was inside that dream, I truly believed that the five of them were dead.
The realization that they were actually alive made the strength drain from my limbs.
’Seriously, I’m just glad I made it before you got trapped in the dream for good.’ Hinoki remarked.
”What exactly was the situation?” I asked.
”Well, this morning, you didn’t come out, no matter how long we waited. We thought you were just tired, but then Hinoki-chan showed up.” Asari said.
”Hinoki did?” I repeated.
”So, we went to your room, and you were tossing and turning, right? You wouldn’t wake up no matter what we did. We realized this wasn’t normal.” Asari explained.
”So, you all handled it?” I asked.
”Yup.” Asari nodded.
I looked around at their faces.
I really had been saved.
”Ha. Honestly, Minoru, you’re so careless.” Risa sighed.
”Welcome back, Minoru-sama.” Yurina smiled gently.
Risa approached and looked down at me with her usual attitude. Yurina is always so gentle.
”How did you get into the dream?” I asked.
”Hinoki taught us how.” Risa replied.
’I’m connected to Brother, see? They used me as a conduit to enter the dream. Getting into someone else’s dream is dangerous because the boundary between self and other gets blurry, but… this time, we had the doll that Mizuchi created. It worked perfectly as a shell.’ Hinoki1 elaborated.
So, when Hinoki first emerged from the sea and took in Yui and the others, it was so they could use them as an interface for everyone to act within my dream.
Asari’s “I love you” remark in the dream, Chifumi’s cryptic behavior—it was all part of the Mizuchi puppet show.
They were playing with me. I felt a sudden, belated flash of irritation.
’It wanted to push you into despair, I bet. Pretty twisted hobby, huh.’ Hinoki mused.
”Anyway, I was saved by Hinoki and all of you. Thank you, truly.” I said.
’Don’t mention it.’ Hinoki replied.
Unlike Hinoki, Risa’s tsundere reaction was endearing.
”Glad you know. Now be grateful.” Risa huffed.
”I am Minoru-sama’s Tsuyo-Mesu (Strong-Female), after all. It is only natural.” Yurina insisted.
”Hey, it’s not fair for only Yurina to be honest! You should follow suit!” Risa complained.
”No, Risa and I are different.” Yurina said calmly.
”You’ve started using such sly tactics to get attention too, haven’t you…” Risa grumbled.
Laughter broke out among the group, and a sense of relief spread through the room.
”Thank you too, Yui, Yuu.” I said.
”It wasn’t a big deal.” Yui shrugged.
”And I got to see a nostalgic character☆” Yuu beamed.
Mai. I had completely forgotten about her.
To think that seeing the album at the Takino house recently would have such an effect. But thanks to that, because both Yui and Mai existed, I was able to realize I was in a dream. In that sense, I was lucky.
”Nostalgic character, you say?” I asked.
”Yeah☆ Guess who it was?” Yuu giggled.
”Yuu, zip it!” Yui warned.
Yui physically clamped a hand over Yuu’s mouth before she could spill the beans to Manaka.
Yuu couldn’t breathe and desperately tapped Yui’s arm. Manaka seemed to sense something from the display.
”Well, that’s fine. Now that this is resolved…” Manaka stated.
Just as Manaka was about to summarize the situation, an explosion echoed in the distance.
”W-what was that?” I panicked.
Risa looked toward the sound.
In the direction of the Private Beach.
At the same time, an abnormality resonated within me.
Tempura was under attack and calling for help.
”Damn it, it’s not over!” I shouted.
”Huh? What do you mean?” Risa asked.
”The main body of the Mizuchi is still out there. It’s clashing with Tempura on the shoreline right now. We have to hurry!” I said.
”Got it!” Risa nodded.
Risa and Yurina took off.
I scrambled to stand, but felt dizzy from the sudden movement.
”Hey—don’t push yourself!” Asari cried out.
”But I have to go.” I insisted.
”Please, rely on us too!” Asari pleaded.
”Sorry. Count on you.” I conceded.
With Chifumi and Asari’s help, I hurried to the coast.
When we reached the beach, the ocean was raging violently.
It wasn’t the weather; it was the side effect of the battle between the Phantoms.
What caught my eye was a sea-snake-like Phantom. About ten meters in length, perhaps. Not the kaiju-size from the dream, but still large enough to be a giant python. While freakishly large for a sea snake, it was still within the realm of the plausible.
Tempura, barely the size of a crayfish, was swinging its claws at the snake, firing off wave after wave of shock-impacts.
Normally, it looked like a hopeless battle, but for Tempura, body size was irrelevant. As long as the shockwaves connected, it could hold its own against a giant. Tempura kept firing high-output shockwaves without regard for the future, just hoping to hold the line until we arrived, and the sea snake seemed unable to find a finishing blow.
”You bastards…!” The sea snake hissed.
The sea snake, noticing our approach, let out a strange voice.
It sounded exactly like the one from the dream. So, this thing really was the culprit.
’Seems like that’s as big as you can get in reality!’ Hinoki taunted.
”And you, this is the limit of what you can do in reality!!” The sea snake spat.
The sea snake wrapped itself in seawater, transforming into the shape of the Mizuchi, with a vortex of water rising around it.
It turned into a sand-sweeping tornado and headed straight for us as we stood on the beach.
”Crystal Wall!” Asari cast.
Asari’s defensive sorcery blocked the tornado.
At the same time, Risa fired a Magic Bullet that hit the Mizuchi’s head—specifically, its eye. The Mizuchi recoiled, blood streaming from the wound.
”Damn, damn it…!!” The Mizuchi shrieked.
’Give it up. You planned this because you knew you couldn’t win in a fair fight, right? Now that your scheme is broken, you have no chance of winning.’ Hinoki declared.
”…But, even so!!” The Mizuchi roared.
The Mizuchi’s form flickered.
It split into three sea snakes.
’Dividing your power won’t help someone who can’t win in a direct confrontation.’ Hinoki scoffed.
”WE SHALL SEE!!!” The snakes chorused.
The snakes began to act independently. As everyone focused on their movements, a small sea snake erupted from the sand at my feet. It was aiming for my vitals.
Was that Phantom lurking here from the start, intending to land one final strike? But—
’I see you.’ Hinoki growled.
”Guh!!” I groaned.
The moment the snake emerged, Hinoki caught it in their massive jaws and snapped its body in two.
’Brother.’ Hinoki called out.
”Yeah.” I answered.
I summoned Tempura to my hand.
Supplying Mana to the Tempura clinging to my arm. Maximum output.
”See ya.” I whispered.
”…Regret…” The snake hissed.
I unleashed a wide-range Shock Sorcery meant to pulverize all the split snakes.
The shockwave carved into the beach and parted the sea; the Phantom, the source of this entire incident, was finally erased.
”Phew…” I breathed.
”It’s over, then.” Asari noted.
”Yeah. Finally, it’s over.” I agreed.
Sunset.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the nameless but powerful Phantom ceased to exist.
Lost in thought, I felt Tempura—clinging to my right hand—signaling something.
’The clam is safe, it says.’ Hinoki interpreted.
”You did a great job. Thank you, Tempura.” I praised.
’……(Claws waving)’ Tempura gestured.
Moving away from me, Hinoki headed toward the spot where the sea snake had vanished.
’Just as I thought.’ Hinoki said.
”What is it?” I asked.
’That sea snake? As a Phantom, it was just a young pup. A sea snake shouldn’t have had any poison. But it had power that didn’t match its origins at all.’ Hinoki explained.
”Hmm.” I pondered.
’This is the reason.’ Hinoki stated.
Hinoki dropped a blue stone they had been holding in their jaws.
This…
”Doesn’t it look like the stone dropped in the Simulated Dungeon?” I asked.
’Sharp. You’re right. A purer version of it. …No, to be accurate… it’s a fragment of the power that was torn from me.’ Hinoki revealed.
”Hinoki’s power?” I questioned.
’Yeah. I thought I had been sealed away entirely in that Otherworld, but… it looks like my power was shattered when I was sealed.’ Hinoki said.
”…” I stayed silent.
’Someone is using the power of mine that was scattered. It pisses me off!’ Hinoki vented.
Hinoki was furious.
”Is there another mastermind?” I asked.
’Can’t say for sure yet. But a fragment of my power isn’t something a mere youngster could get their hands on so casually… is it?’ Hinoki wondered.
”Probably not…” I replied.
I didn’t know enough about the inner workings of the Magic Item market, so I couldn’t say for sure right now…
”In the first place, why were they targeting us?” I asked.
’That’s the mystery. According to you guys, you’ve been coming here every year, right? You weren’t attacked then, but this year you were.’ Hinoki noted.
”I think they definitely could have killed me more easily if they attacked last year.” I said.
’Should’ve made them talk before we exorcised them…’ Hinoki grumbled.
Water under the bridge. Time to move on.
”So? What do we do with that stone? Does Hinoki absorb it back?” I asked.
’I wish I could… but that’s impossible now.’ Hinoki sighed.
A wave of disappointment flowed from them.
’It’s subtly mutated. If I absorbed it now, it would react with the power left inside me and cause all sorts of problems. I think it’s better to use this for something else.’ Hinoki suggested.
”What do you suggest?” I asked.
’Hmm… I’ll think about it later. I’m exhausted today.’ Hinoki admitted.
”Yeah. Let’s head back to the Villa.” I said.
As we turned to leave, I felt another signal from my right arm.
’…Bring the clam back for now, it says.’ Hinoki relayed.
”Right. Just in case, let’s keep it at the Villa for the next day or two.” I agreed.
’Yup, yup.’ Hinoki chirped.
Carrying the cooler box containing the unharmed clam from the shadow of the rocks, we headed back.
On the way home, my stomach let out a loud growl.
I had forgotten, but I hadn’t eaten anything since morning. I hadn’t even had a drink.
Once I acknowledged that fact, the strength drained out of my body.
”Minoru-san!?” Asari cried.
”Hey, hold yourself together!” Risa shouted.
Supported by a flustered Asari and the others, I made it back to the Villa.
Coincidentally, the menu for the day was tempura.
Between the crispy fried tempura and the karaage, I finally regained my strength after consuming a massive amount of calories.
I was worried about whether I’d be able to sleep at night since I’d been asleep until the evening, but the moment I climbed into my futon, my consciousness drifted away without issue.
For the record, I didn’t have any dreams that night.
—
Summary:
Minoru wakes up after being rescued from a Phantom’s mental attack, discovering that Hinoki and his squad saved him by entering his dream. Shortly after, the Mizuchi Phantom attacks the beach again, leading to a final confrontation where Minoru and his allies defeat it. After the battle, they discover a mysterious blue stone linked to Hinoki’s power, suggesting a larger threat.
—
Trivia:
The dream world time is linked to reality.
Entering another person’s dream is dangerous due to the blurring of the boundary between self and other.
The sea snake Phantom was a “young pup” that possessed power disproportionate to its origins.
Hinoki’s power was shattered and scattered when they were originally sealed in the Otherworld.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• Chifumi – Minoru’s 15-year-old childhood friend, protector, and Majo companion is a scrawny, long-haired frost/water sorceress. Bubbly, supportive, and sharp-witted, she acts as his emotional support, scout, and communicator, managing group dynamics and defense with ice walls. Completely loyal to the point of self-sacrifice, her airy, friendly charm masks an observant nature caught in battle confusion.
• Asari – A tall, long-haired, and curvy first-year of the Kasakura lineage, this modest defensive sorcerer specializes in barriers like Silicic Armor. A loyal companion in Minoru’s group, close to Mari and Nagase, she is a supportive, self-sacrificing former Free Girl who is diet-conscious yet enjoys communal meals. She showed kindness to the new Phantom before tragically becoming one of the victims it ate.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Hinoki – A non-binary, two-meter-long centipede Phantom materialized from the sea who can split into smaller versions. Acting as Minoru’s competent, tactical advisor and subjugated familiar, they manipulate dungeons, provide ancient venom expertise, and handle labor. This powerful entity can contest the Mizuchi, connects the physical and dream worlds, communicates with anomalies, and acts as a squad pillow.
• Yurina – A refined, black-haired Plain-folk student and Kibe-born swordswoman in Minoru’s squad, she is a loyal, piano-talented childhood friend to the protagonist. Stoic yet prone to anxiety, she acts as his calm, polite “Strong-Female” protector. Close to Chifumi and Risa, she wields high-precision blades until being eaten by the Phantom, later emerging from it as a duplicate entity to guide him.
• Risa – A sharp-witted, tsundere Plain-folk and childhood friend of Minoru. On the island trip, this disciplined Onibara practitioner actively assists her squad with camp and beach activities, independent of the guild. In combat, she uses a rifle to fire magic bullets. After becoming one of the victims eaten by the Phantom, her likeness manifests within the dream as a weapon-wielding figure.
• 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.
• Yui – One of the Futami twins, Yuu’s sister, and Minoru’s childhood friend, she is a low-tension, observant, and protective girl who survived a middle school chuunibyou phase as “Mai.” Recognizable by her short hair, white lock, and pink/black attire, this blunt Onibara disciple uses knife techniques and curse arts in the Shisei group. Carrying an aura of dark mystery, she was eaten by the Phantom.
• Yuu – Energetic and bubbly, this Futami twin is Mai’s older sister, Yui’s younger sister, and a squad member known for her striped, high-leg swimsuit, love for meat, and nostalgic references. Supportive yet slightly aggressive, she often follows her sister’s lead in combat and personal interactions. After enthusiastically joining beach activities, she becomes one of the victims eaten by the Phantom.
• 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.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Minoru – A black-haired, pragmatic mob protagonist reincarnated into a world of reversed beauty standards. As a tactical leader and dungeon master with shock and creature-subjugation magic, he commands a female squad and Phantoms using powerful artifacts. He balances possessive romantic and political dynamics with childhood friends while trapped in a dream state, struggling with lost memories of a sister named Mai.
• 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.
• Manaka – An elegant strategist of aristocratic, god-like beauty, she is a calm, rational former Tatemiya student and leader of the Initial Strong-Females. As a powerful, resilient sorcerer skilled enough to potentially best the protagonist, she acts as her squad’s clinical tactical voice. Though childhood friends with Minoru, their strained past yields to her role as an observant, independent mediator.
• Mitsuki – Koki’s sister, a tall, curvy Shisei first-year, and Onibara disciple, she is Minoru’s assertive, tsundere childhood friend. An ally fighting alongside Manaka to avenge fallen comrades, she leads physical fights—even throwing stone pillars—while managing logistics. She closely watches and cares for Minoru, though prone to outbursts, and navigates complex ties between the Tatemiya and Onigashima clans.
• Sawa – A childhood friend of Minoru and an original Shisei group member, she is an IT-savvy, bespectacled gamer known for her pragmatic, self-reliant nature. Once heavy, she now has a voluptuous, curvy build. Despite her reserved, laid-back personality and disciple status in the Onibara style, she remains a supportive ally who participates in group chores and enjoys fishing away from the water.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• Mizuchi – A mythological water spirit and Phantom that serves as the antagonist, capable of creating puppets and splitting its form. A powerful water-based Phantom that appears as a dragon-like creature, capable of speech and significant physical destruction.
• 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.
• Mai – Younger sister of Yui and Yuu, possessing a deceptive, snake-like gaze. She displays a shift from cutesy behavior to predatory indifference and is associated with unusual arthropod-related occurrences. A girl who accompanied the protagonist from the morning, only for her existence to be questioned as a potential manifestation of the protagonist’s inner psyche or a Phantom’s trap. A young girl who remembers specific lore from the museum and is determined to assist in the fight.
• Takino – Chifumi uses this family name as an alternative identity to facilitate requests when the Tatemiya name cannot be used, allowing her to manage external relationships discreetly.
• Tempura – A small, crayfish-sized, shrimp-like Phantom captured ten years ago who serves as Minoru’s loyal subordinate and powerful offensive companion. As the core source of his shock sorcery, she fires destructive shockwaves in combat and assists with labor. Despite her role as a lethal asset, she has a sharp, blunt, and comedic personality, later serving as a mentor to the newcomer.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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