Volume 3 Chapter 15 Training Camp Part II
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Day 4 of Training Camp.
Ideally, I had planned to rent bicycles and ride around the island with everyone yesterday, but things happened, and it didn’t come to pass. Because of that, everyone except me is scheduled to cycle around the island today.
After breakfast, I parted ways with the group and headed to the beach alone.
The reason for this necessitates looking back at last night’s dinner.
The landlady, who had been diligently working away at cleaning the villa, inspecting facilities, and tending to the garden trees, heard that we had exorcised a Phantom during dinner and went to check on the shoreline herself.
When she returned, she called for me, and I was grilled about the state of the beach. It is an undeniable fact that the geography of the beach was altered by my [Shock Sorcery]. I left it as is yesterday, thinking it couldn’t be helped, but for the landlady—the owner—it was a nightmare.
I was given the order to restore it as close to its original state as possible.
Everyone offered to help, but I felt bad about wasting two days of their time on my account. I told them it would be fine since I’d have Hinoki help me, and sent them on their way.
”Alright, time to fix this… but…” I said.
’How we doin’ this?’ Hinoki asked.
”For now, let’s pile up the sand so the shoreline is straight. We’ll carry sand from elsewhere to fill in the eroded parts. If I can just get the appearance back to normal, she should forgive us.” I replied.
’Gotcha. Leave it to me~’ Hinoki chirped.
Hinoki grew to a size of over two meters and began to split. One became two, two became four, increasing in a classic geometric progression.
The sight of the water’s edge packed solid with large Centipedes had an incredible impact.
’Here we go.’ Hinoki said.
Hinoki plunged those countless legs into the sand, skillfully digging it up like a shovel and tossing it elsewhere, repeating the process over and over. You could call it a one-man bucket brigade of sand.
The section of the beach that had been carved out and reshaped by my [Shock Sorcery] yesterday was being restored in the blink of an eye.
”Whoa…” I muttered.
I was moved by Hinoki’s utility. As I slogged away carrying large rocks that were difficult for Hinoki to move, the rough restoration was finished.
It didn’t even take an hour.
’Well, that should do it.’ Hinoki said.
”That’s plenty. You saved me.” I said.
’Nah, wasn’t nothin’.’ Hinoki replied.
Hinoki merged back into one.
”Hinoki, I didn’t know you could split like that.” I said.
’Sure can. Though, every time I split, my power gets a little weaker. But digging sand? That’s easy peasy.’ Hinoki explained.
Apparently, they used this clone ability when asking Chifumi and the others for help yesterday, too.
They split into countless tiny Centipedes, only a few centimeters long, and formed Centipede-letters—not quite human-letters—to communicate.
Since becoming my servant, they’ve become capable of materializing as well. Despite not being able to talk directly, they are a competent Phantom that can communicate appropriately.
After smoothing out the sand… the beach restoration was complete.
Next, the rocky area.
This part wasn’t shaved down by my [Shock Sorcery], but by Tempura.
Crushed rocks were scattered about in total disorder.
I smashed the intrusive rocks into small pieces and tossed them into the sea. Eventually, they’ll be eroded by the waves and become part of the beach. Tempura cooperated in the rock-crushing, and every time those scissors clicked, a rock was pulverized.
Once the rocks were cleared, a Black wall appeared.
It rippled, clinging to the rock face—it was that dungeon Tempura told me about the other day.
Because one of the rocks that formed the narrow crevice had been destroyed, it was now in plain view.
”What should we do about this?” I asked.
’A dungeon, huh?’ Hinoki replied.
”I wonder if this was where that Phantom lived?” I wondered.
’Probably. Since it got found out, maybe it tried to eliminate you guys.’ Hinoki theorized.
”Thinking about it that way, did we do something bad?” I asked.
We were actually the ones shaking people down, after all.
’That Phantom would’ve been exorcised sooner or later anyway. We just made it happen a bit faster.’ Hinoki said.
”Fair point. …Can you check inside the dungeon?” I asked.
’Leave it to me~’ Hinoki said.
One of the clones of Hinoki slipped to the other side of the wall.
A few minutes later, Hinoki’s clone returned, bringing a small box and a black sphere.
’It’s totally empty inside. This dungeon’s already dead. It’ll vanish in a few days even if we don’t do anything.’ Hinoki reported.
”I see. And? That is?” I asked.
’This sphere here is the dungeon core. You just need to have the core you’re holding absorb it. I brought this box because it had stuff in it that looked like it could be converted to money. That snake had quite the taste for collecting treasure.’ Hinoki explained.
Inside the box were old-fashioned gold coins and oval gold coins (koban).
This is amazing.
”So it was collecting treasure that sank into the sea?” I asked.
’Most likely.’ Hinoki replied.
”Let’s make good use of it…” I said.
When I had the dungeon core absorb it, the dungeon vanished.
Returning to the beach.
It’s just before noon. The quota for the day is complete.
Just as I was thinking I’d head back to the villa to take a break, Hinoki made a suggestion.
’Hey, Boss, if you’ve got time, want to try using our power?’ Hinoki asked.
”Use your power?” I asked.
’I’m talking about that stone we got yesterday. It’s hard for me to use it myself, so I thought, why not use it on one of your Phantom servants?’ Hinoki suggested.
”Hmm… So, if I have Tempura absorb it, Tempura will power up?” I asked.
’In a nutshell, that’s exactly it.’ Hinoki replied.
I pictured the Phantoms I’ve already subdued and expect to be active in the future.
Tempura, Gassa, Kaname, Rei. That’s about it.
I could tell the materialized Tempura was excited.
Indeed, a power-up is tempting, but each of their abilities is already “complete,” so it’s hard to imagine the benefits of powering up. Strengthening Tempura’s [Shock Sorcery] feels like overkill. If the enemy’s average HP is 100, and they can currently use a skill that deals 1000 damage… it feels meaningless if I strengthen the skill to 2000 damage, as it’ll just be a one-shot-exorcism either way.
If Phantoms with 1500 HP start popping up everywhere, it would be worth considering. Still, that doesn’t seem likely. If I could strengthen them in a way that shortens the interval until a sorcery activates, that might be a one-in-a-million chance.
”What if I used it myself? Would I power up too?” I asked.
’I wouldn’t recommend that.’ Hinoki advised.
”Why?” I asked.
’It means you’d be influenced by my power. It’s better to avoid blurring the line between master and servant.’ Hinoki explained.
”Is that how it works?” I wondered.
If so, who should I give it to…
’Or, if you have a Semi-anomaly absorb it, I think it would grow rapidly. It’s also a tactic to use it to gain new combat power.’ Hinoki suggested.
”Hmm.” I mused.
Hinoki is likely thinking of those ones in the fish tank at home.
And it just so happens the perfect candidate is right here.
The clam that’s still in the cooler box. How about this one?
”What do you think about using it on this?” I asked.
’A clam, huh~. What do you want to do with this kid, Boss?’ Hinoki asked.
”The sea snake was strengthened into a water dragon (mizuchi). Couldn’t this Clam evolve into a mirage (shin)?” I wondered.
’Same dragon lineage. Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.’ Hinoki agreed.
I immediately placed the Clam on top of Hinoki’s head and brought the stone close to it.
The stone contacting the shell melted and disappeared into the Clam.
The Clam’s form flickered with a sparkle, and it began to change right before our eyes.
’Whoa?’ Hinoki exclaimed.
”Uh…” I gasped.
The shell grew rapidly and popped open.
It was a situation reminiscent of the famous Western painting of Venus. The difference was that there was a toddler inside the shell.
A toddler dressed in gorgeous Japanese clothing appeared.
If the shell had been bamboo, I would have mistaken her for Princess Kaguya.
I carefully placed the shell down on the beach.
The toddler walked out of the shell, wide-eyed, looking around, and shifted her gaze from me to Hinoki. Finally, she fixed her gaze on Tempura, reached out, and picked her up with ease.
The toddler stared intently at the shrimp in her palm. What is this?
’Looks like she’s saying, “Thanks for helping me yesterday.”‘ Hinoki translated.
”I see.” I said.
Tempura had fought alone, after all.
The toddler released Tempura onto the sand and walked up to me.
She looked up at me. This is…?
’She says she’ll become your servant, Boss. Tempura-han invited her.’ Hinoki interpreted.
”Ho ho.” I chuckled.
A Phantom that can take human form.
Looks like she’ll be useful as a subordinate.
”I’m counting on you.” I said.
”…(nod)” The toddler replied.
I shook the hand she offered.
It was cold. A sensation that strongly reminded me she isn’t human.
By becoming a subordinate, I could understand the toddler’s information.
I had suspected it, but the evolution? The path forward isn’t a mirage (shin), but a “Clam Wife” (Clams-nyoubou), it seems.
She’s a newborn as a Phantom. A Clam-toddler… considering the characteristics of a Clam Wife, I can smell some dangerous fetishes in the air.
The girl and the shell vanished.
It seems the shell and the girl are a single Phantom entity. Tempura followed after her, slipping into my shadow.
”I’ll leave the newcomer training to Tempura.” I stated.
’Tempura-han… she’s being worked to the bone, how pitiful.’ Hinoki noted.
”Disrespectful. My place isn’t a black company. It’s extremely white.” I countered.
’Well, I guess so…’ Hinoki conceded.
I shouldered the empty cooler box and headed back to the villa.
In the empty villa, after eating Cup ramen in a room cooled by the air conditioner, it was time for a nap.
Good night…
In the evening, I was woken up by a loud thumping on my room door.
”Hey! Wake up!!” Mitsuki yelled.
Mitsuki burst through the door.
”What? What’s going on? So noisy…” I complained.
”Minoru, you caught a weird Phantom, didn’t you!” Mitsuki accused.
”…A weird Phantom?” I asked.
I have a bad feeling about this.
”Just come!” Mitsuki ordered.
I was forcibly taken to the Canteen, where the gazes of everyone who had returned were focused on me.
”Welcome back, everyone…” I said.
”We’re back~” The others replied.
Only Chifumi replied.
The rest were looking at me with cold eyes.
”Minoru, what is that?” Manaka asked.
Manaka pointed into the kitchen.
Looking closely, there was a girl standing in a large pot on the stove. Wait, hey!!??
I rushed into the kitchen and turned off the heat.
Inside the pot was the clam I had just subdued.
It seems she had tried to make broth herself.
It’s not the classic type where, well, the waste becomes the broth, but a modern, “environmentally friendly” version where the broth is made by taking a bath. She was standing barefoot in water that came up to her knees. I managed to avoid the worst-case scenario.
Because Tempura was riding on top of the toddler’s head, everyone seemed to have judged that she wasn’t an enemy. Looking closely, I saw a giant shell in the corner of the kitchen.
”Why would you do something like this?” I asked.
”…(shiver)” The toddler replied.
The toddler I had taken out of the pot looked up at me and seemed to be pleading for something. …I don’t get it.
Hinoki, come on!
’She wanted to thank you guys for helping her out, too.’ Hinoki explained.
”Uh… is that so… yeah.” I replied.
I’m happy for the sentiment, but I wish she had consulted me before doing it.
”Minoru? Explain!” Mitsuki demanded.
”…The Clam I brought from home was Phantomed by yesterday’s Phantom influence. It’s a Clam Wife. I made it my shikigami. That’s all.” I explained.
”Huh? Can something like that really happen just like that?” Mitsuki asked.
”It can. That’s why this child is here…” I defended.
”You definitely! Did something!” Mitsuki shouted.
I was choked out by Mitsuki.
It’s sad that no one tried to stop her. Just as I thought that, the person in question? The toddler started hitting Mitsuki’s legs. She seemed to be trying to help me. However, the force was extremely weak. She really was at a toddler level.
”Eh…?” Mitsuki muttered.
Even Mitsuki seemed hesitant to raise a hand against a Phantom that looked like a toddler and was explained as not being an enemy. She let me go.
The toddler stood in front of me with her arms spread wide, as if to protect me.
”I’m sorry. We don’t intend to harm your master. We understand that you aren’t an enemy. We just wanted to have a serious talk with your master, just for a little bit. Is that okay?” Manaka asked.
Manaka crouched down and made eye contact with the toddler to explain.
”……(nod)” The toddler replied.
After thinking for a moment, the toddler was easily persuaded.
”Then, Minoru? Come over here.” Manaka said.
Manaka signaled me to follow. The members who clearly had something to say were waiting behind Manaka.
I really don’t want to go…
Three people remained in the kitchen: Asari, Yuu, and the landlady.
”You… are you really that clam?” the landlady asked.
”…(nod)” The toddler replied.
”Amazing☆Moving☆Cute☆” Asari squealed.
”…(blank stare)” The toddler stared.
”…Well, for now, why don’t you help make the Miso soup.” the landlady said.
While listening to that conversation, I was dragged off to a hellish space.
Until dinner time, I was made to sit seiza-style and was lectured and blamed by the childhood friends and group members standing around me.
When the food was ready, I was released and guided to a different seat. My Miso soup was different from everyone else’s.
It seems it was Miso soup using Clam broth.
I tried it timidly, and it was seriously delicious. It was at a level that moved me.
I felt they were a bit put off by my intensity, but that’s fine. I just had to think of it as saving me the trouble of explaining everything.
After dinner, I stopped the toddler with all my might when she tried to take a bath with me. She seemed to want to wash my back, but I accepted the thought and refused the act. The “criminal” stench was far too high.
When I left the bath, the toddler had set up her shell in the corner of my room and fallen asleep inside.
I complained to Tempura, who was also waiting, that she was materializing too casually, but Tempura looked troubled, too.
Training a newcomer seems tough. I’m not trying to harass middle management as a boss.
I’ll just have to do my best to get her to learn basic common sense as soon as possible.
On the final day, after getting up early and eating breakfast, we all cleaned the villa.
Of the trash we produced, we burned everything that was flammable. Leaving a place as clean, or cleaner, than when we arrived is the way a human being should act.
After cleaning, we loaded up our luggage and left the island on the morning ferry.
It was the usual car ferry.
However, unlike when we arrived, everyone wasn’t sticking to their childhood friends or group members, but interacting as they pleased. I had been worried about how it would turn out at first, but I’m glad it ended peacefully.
”Minoru.” Mitsuki and Yui called.
Mitsuki and Yui came up to me as I was catching the breeze on the deck.
That’s an unusual combination.
”What’s up?” I asked.
”I don’t have any particular business, but I just felt like talking.” Mitsuki said.
”I see.” I replied.
The three of us stood in a row and chatted.
The topic was, of course, the Clam toddler. And the happenings at our respective schools.
After talking about various things, 30 minutes went by in a flash. …That said, Mitsuki’s style is amazing. It’s hard to talk while trying not to look over there, as it makes me feel all worked up.
Once we got off the ship, all that was left was to go home by bus.
The landlady drove us to the front of everyone’s houses.
Actually, I got off first, so I don’t know what happened after that.
The 5-day trip was fun.
New allies, intriguing enemies.
Truly, it was packed with special summer events.
There’s still plenty of summer vacation left.
I have to make effective use of the time until the second semester.
I went home, finished the laundry, and went to sleep.
In the corner of the room, in the water tank, the shrimp is educating the Clam.
—
Summary:
Minoru restores a beach damaged by his power, discovering a dead dungeon containing ancient treasure. He then evolves a clam into a toddler-like Phantom subordinate, leading to a comedic misunderstanding in the villa kitchen. After surviving a lecture from his group, Minoru concludes the training camp trip and returns home, pondering the remainder of his summer vacation.
—
Trivia:
Hinoki’s ability to split allows them to form complex shapes like letters.
The dungeon discovered on the beach was dead and would have disappeared naturally.
Tempura, Gassa, Kaname, and Rei are among Minoru’s currently subdued Phantoms.
The Clam Wife evolution path implies a specific, potentially strange, supernatural categorization.
The toddler-form Phantom initially tries to thank Minoru for help by cooking in a pot, leading to the misunderstanding.
Notes:
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• 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.
• Centipede – A former high-level Apparition currently reduced to a powerless, disembodied state. It speaks with a manipulative, merchant-like tone.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gassa – An entity or pet residing within the annex area.
• 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.
• Clam – A newborn Phantom who evolved from a common clam after absorbing a stone. She appears as a toddler, displays limited communication skills, and is currently being educated by Tempura.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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