Volume 5 Chapter 1 Final Exams Are Over
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Week-long exams finally over.
Last day. Classes ended at noon. Afternoon free. Tomorrow a school holiday.
We grouped up to decide where to eat. I had enough pocket money to spare. We grabbed a booth at a family restaurant and shared our test thoughts.
”Math and science were a disaster… I think I can make up for it with the humanities,” Risa muttered, tired but hopeful.
”But~ things went way better than the first semester, didn’t they~?” Chifumi said, cheerful.
”Yeah. At least I could understand the questions,” Risa added.
Her face wasn’t as dark as her words. She’d be fine.
Yurina looked dead serious. She sat frozen, clutching her water glass, not touching the fries.
Mitsuki waved a hand in front of her face. “Earth to Yurina, you okay?”
”…Ah, sorry. Just lost in thought,” Yurina murmured, quiet and tired.
”There’s no use worrying about what’s done. Just wait for the graded tests and review your mistakes,” Mitsuki said firmly.
”I suppose so…” Yurina sighed.
”Reviewing wrong answers makes a big difference on the next exam. …Come on, let’s just have fun today, okay?” Mitsuki smiled.
”You’re right. Okay.” Yurina nodded, grabbed a fry, and ate slowly.
”How did you do… Chifumi-san?” Yurina asked.
”I filled every blank~. Should be fine~,” Chifumi said, confident.
”I couldn’t get the last question…” Asari admitted, frustrated.
”Oh, that one was actually~” Chifumi leaned in to explain.
The honor students started grading from memory. I could join, but had something important to say.
”Listen up. Dungeon training evaluations came out. We cleared the shallow layers of the ‘Commercial District’ (a state-managed dungeon under the city). We met all requirements. Our grade is Excellent, same as first semester.”
”””””Ohhh!””””” the five girls gasped.
They clapped quietly, then stopped to not disturb other customers.
”The ‘Commercial District’ gives a Passing grade for reaching floor 20, Excellent for beating the boss. We’ve done way better than anyone expected. We crushed the low expectations from April when Chifumi and I enrolled. Let’s keep this momentum.”
”Leave it to me~,” Chifumi said, confident.
That was our vanguard. She’d been amazing.
”So? What now? Want to do a quick hunt?” I asked.
The dungeon entrance was close. We had clearance to enter anytime.
But state-managed dungeons outside class cost entry fees. A short trip wouldn’t make profit. A deep sweep would let us sell drops for net profit. I was sure we could do it, but…
”I didn’t bring my combat gear today…” Risa said.
”Right, makes sense,” Mitsuki agreed.
”Let’s call it a day. Meet at Risa’s later,” I said.
After lunch, we split up. I went home to change into work clothes.
I opened the cottage door. Pape (a butler-like Mannequin Aberration) greeted me in full butler attire. He took my bag, bowing deeply. I was getting used to his perfect servant behavior.
Pape was very useful. He handled chores I used to do—maintaining Water tanks, cleaning rooms—and did them well. He often finished before I asked.
His only flaw was his blank, featureless face, which was creepy. Even Minoru’s younger sisters were wary at first. But they warmed up to him. He was great at old games like cat’s cradle, backyard sword fights, and hacky-sack, and played with Clam outside. Despite his mischievous side, he got along with the senior Aberrations.
After Pape saw me off, I biked to Chifumi’s house. We went to Risa’s together.
We warmed up in the dojo, then went to the underground dungeon. We made copies of the tough Aberrations from the “Commercial District”—Sewer Crocodile, Stubborn Old Man—and trained against them.
We didn’t just learn one best strategy. We practiced many ways to handle them under different conditions.
Now, Yurina could exorcise a crocodile alone. Her Severing Sorcery (a magic that cuts things) was very sharp. The other day, she cut a crocodile’s body into rings. Since her magic only does “cutting,” its power was terrifying as she improved. Even her katana felt like it had an aura of prestige.
Asari focused on combinations with our Vanguard. In the boss fight, Mitsuki used Asari’s Crystal Wall as a stepping stone to jump through the air. Asari now worked on making her magic useful as a foothold, not just a shield.
Everyone was leveling up smoothly. I couldn’t fall behind.
After we left the dungeon and returned to the dojo, Risa asked a question.
”The Aberrations in the ‘Commercial District’ are real, not like the fake ones here, right?” Risa asked, curious.
”Exactly,” I nodded.
”Then wouldn’t taming them make you much stronger, Minoru?” Risa pressed.
”Yeah, it would,” I admitted.
”Ah, don’t tell me you already tamed some?” Risa squinted.
”No, not yet. I’m waiting for the right moment,” I replied.
”The right moment?” Risa tilted her head.
”There are things to consider, like the taming conditions and how I’d use them. I put the idea on hold,” I explained.
”Hmm…” Risa hummed.
She accepted it.
But I left out a lot. Risa was right—taming more Aberrations would help. But taming everything wouldn’t automatically make me stronger. It’s not a simple yes or no.
It’s not about a hard limit on how many I can control. There is a limit, but I’d probably never hit it. The real problem is what happens after taming.
Taming means putting them to work. Aberrations like Tempura are worth taming because they have specific unique skills. But the normal Aberrations in the “Commercial District” don’t have useful talents. They’re just worse versions of what I already have.
Plainly, Hinoki is so versatile that no matter what we face, the answer is always: “We might as well use Hinoki.” For combat, drawing enemy attention, splitting into a meat wall, or heavy trample attacks—Hinoki handles everything. They even talk with me when I’m bored. With an option that good, there’s no reason to tame anything else unless it’s specialized like Pape.
Also, while I don’t need to worry about the max number of stored Aberrations, there’s a limit on how many I can use Abilities from at the same time. Even weak Aberrations might have some use. It would increase my options, but can I manage that many as their master? That depends on my own commands.
Honestly, I’m not good at tactics. I don’t have the confidence to juggle them all. If I tame them and they just sit there doing nothing, what’s the point?
’I appreciate the praise, Boss, but I still think it’s best to keep a few extra bodies on hand, just in case, don’t you think?’ Hinoki suggested in my mind, their voice warm and practical.
”True enough…” I mumbled.
If something happens where Hinoki can’t be used, having backups makes sense…
But I had zero desire to bring a whole gang of Yankees under my command. I didn’t have a good impression of them. So I found a middle ground.
”Going forward, I’ll only tame rare variants,” I announced.
”By rare variants~ do you mean like the Nutria~?” Chifumi asked.
”Exactly. I have no use for a common rat, but a Nutria would be good. Plus, there’s joy in collecting them,” I replied.
”If that’s how you want to do it, Minoru, I don’t have objections~,” Chifumi agreed.
The others nodded. No pushback.
”For taming, I’ll need to negotiate or deliver the finishing blow myself. It adds a step to our runs, so I’ll need your help,” I added.
”Okaaaay~,” they said.
With our new rule set, we were about to wrap up when Risa spoke.
”Hey, why don’t you stay for dinner? My Mama said she’s cooking for everyone here,” Risa offered.
It was already evening. Tonight’s sleepover was Chifumi’s turn, but I looked at her.
”I think that sounds lovely~. Since she went to the trouble, let’s accept~,” Chifumi said.
I had no reason to object. So we all had dinner together. We took turns in the shower, then the feast began.
Risa’s mother and her older sister, Momono-san, joined us. The meal was all home-cooked. A mountain of Japanese fried chicken, a big platter of stir-fried liver and chives, and other big dishes covered the table.
The conversation was about Risa’s school life.
”Risa hasn’t been feeling left out at school, has she…?” Risa’s mother asked, looking at us.
Seeing her worried face, I answered.
”She’s doing fine. She’s blended in with her classmates,” I said.
”Really?” her mother pressed.
”Definitely. She’s getting along with everyone,” I said.
”Is that so? Oh, what a relief,” her mother sighed, relaxing.
She could tell I wasn’t lying. A look of relief crossed her face. Between Ryota’s group and her friends in the shooting club, Risa’s social circle was wide.
”We raised Risa to live quietly as Plain-folk, like us… so I’m sure she’s done things that defy sorcerer common sense. I’m sorry if she caused trouble,” her mother said, humble.
”No, please don’t worry. She’s handling everything well now,” I replied.
We had corrected her direction early in the first semester. Any blind spots were fixed when they came up, so no disasters yet.
”You should have just asked Anri to teach you… Did you have a reason not to approach her?” Momono-san asked, sharp.
It made sense to ask an older sister. Risa looked uncomfortable.
”Because… asking her feels like admitting defeat,” Risa grumbled.
”There’s no winning or losing between sisters. You two get along fine,” Momono-san said.
”It would be fine if it was just Anri-neesan. But Mom would stick her nose in. If I made a mistake and Elder Sister had trouble because of me, I’d feel terrible,” Risa explained.
”Well… I suppose you have a point,” Momono-san said, stopping.
She started to say something else, but glanced at us and held back.
”I understand your feelings, Risa, but we can’t leave things open forever. In fact, something came in the mail recently,” her mother said, reaching into her sleeve.
She pulled out a plain envelope.
”That’s…!” Risa gasped.
Risa’s face twisted with guilt.
”Is something wrong~?” Chifumi asked, curious.
”It’s nothing,” Risa said, trying to change the subject.
Risa tried to end the talk, but her mother started first.
”It’s a letter to Risa from Anri’s mother. She wants to arrange a meeting with Risa in person,” her mother said calmly.
”Huh,” I grunted.
I thought Risa’s biological mother ignored her… Had things changed?
Under my silent stare, Risa finally started talking.
”It started in the middle of the second semester. She probably found out I’m doing okay at the National High School and wants to drop by to throw some jabs at me,” Risa muttered, bitter.
”Risa!” her mother scolded.
”…Sorry. I went too far,” Risa mumbled, bowing her head.
Risa was scolded and apologized.
”Since it’s a good chance, why don’t you go see her during Winter break?” her mother suggested.
”Ugh, no way… A phone call should be enough,” Risa groaned.
”I truly believe meeting in person is the only way you two will understand each other,” her mother said gently.
”Urrrgh……” Risa whimpered, defeated.
Momono-san saw how reluctant Risa was and turned to me.
”As the leader of her group, can’t you order Risa to go meet her mother?” Momono-san proposed.
”That’s a bit much… I’m not sure it’s my place to meddle in her private family matters,” I said, forcing a laugh.
That was a lie. I had the right to meddle. That’s the privilege of being the leader.
But Risa looked genuinely miserable. Her resistance was different from how she’d react if I ordered her to wear lewd lingerie. Forcing it felt wrong.
Even seeing my hesitation, Momono-san didn’t stop.
”Risa’s mother is living at the family Annex in the 5th District. Next to it, there’s a ski resort and hotel our family works with. Why don’t you all take a group trip? It could be a nice vacation,” Momono-san said, persuasive.
”I mean, that does sound fun, but…” I trailed off, eating more chicken to stall.
Direct stares make me uncomfortable. I hid by eating chicken.
”Anri sent a plea too~. She just wants Risa to come, even once. Please, I’m begging you~~” Momono-san whined, pressing her hands together.
She didn’t let up. She bowed her head at me. She was trying to use my conscience against me. Even so…
Just as I was looking for an excuse to refuse, Risa spoke.
”Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll go meet her during Winter break,” Risa said, flat and resigned.
”Are you sure?” Momono-san blinked, surprised.
”Because if I don’t, Momono-neesan, you’ll burn that favor you promised me. I don’t have a choice,” Risa grumbled, crossing her arms.
”Really?! Oh, thank you so much~~! Here, Risa, you can have all of this too!” Momono-san squealed, excited.
”!!” Risa gasped, eyes wide.
Momono-san pulled out a paper box from under the table. I recognized it. It was from a slightly expensive sweets shop on the shopping street. She pulled out a lot of cream puffs.
So she had planned to bait Risa with her favorite treats. Momono-san had thought of everything. There were enough cream puffs for everyone, so we all enjoyed them as dessert.
By the time dinner was over, the sun was gone. The world was pitch-black.
Traveling home on dark roads was risky. Her mother offered to have the Naruse family car drive us home. But Risa suggested we all sleep over. Tomorrow was a school holiday anyway. Her mother agreed, and the whole group stayed at the Naruse estate.
We lined up guest futons across Risa’s bedroom floor, sleeping side by side.
I secretly hoped something scandalous might happen. But Momono-san stayed in the room late into the night. Nothing happened. We all fell asleep in a perfectly wholesome, disciplined way.
—
Summary:
Minoru and his classmates celebrate the conclusion of their final exams and reflect on their successful dungeon training performance. While enjoying a large home-cooked dinner at the Naruse estate, the group learns about an upcoming encounter between Risa and her biological mother. Momono-san leverages a winter trip proposal to resolve the family tension, leaving Minoru to navigate a group vacation over the winter break.
—
Trivia:
The group achieved an Excellent grade for their dungeon training curriculum by clearing the shallow layers and defeating the boss of the Commercial District.
Standard state-managed dungeons require out-of-pocket entry fees when explored outside of the school curriculum.
Minoru restricts his future taming targets strictly to rare variants to ensure maximum utility and avoid command clutter.
Risa’s family estate includes an underground training dungeon capable of simulating real Aberrations like Sewer Crocodiles.
Momono-san utilized high-end cream puffs from the local shopping street as tactical leverage to gain Risa’s compliance.
Notes:
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Risa – A tall, well-endowed Naruse merchant student raised as Plain-folk, whose father is a guild executive. A disciplined Onibara practitioner and Shooting club member, she uses a grenade rifle and magic pistols against Variants. Minoru’s protective, submissive childhood friend and servant, she cooks and plans group vacations alongside Chifumi and Manaka, while remaining wary of Komoda.
• 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.
• Chifumi – Minoru’s long-haired childhood friend and romantic partner is a scrawny, first-year honor student, vanguard, and Lead Majo who wields water/ice magic and a spear. Masking her sharp intellect with a bubbly, playful persona, she coordinates group events and loves dressing as a witch. She constantly teases Minoru with innuendos, hiding their intense mana-replenishing bond from her mother.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Yurina – A stoic, black-haired Plain-folk student and Kendo vanguard wielding a katana with powerful Severing Sorcery. Wearing an apron, cat ears, collar, and tail, she devotedly plays a cat obeying Lord Minoru, whom she reveres with intense romantic misunderstandings. Polite yet serious, this dungeon explorer is Chifumi’s childhood protector, dislikes the Komoda group, and struggles with exam anxiety.
• 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.
• Mitsuki – A tall, dark-skinned, athletic Oni girl and blunt transfer student who is a wealthy Sumo club member, Witch, and top assassin candidate. Shrouded in black, she initially fights the protagonist with a Kanabo and recovery sorcery before surrendering. As Minoru’s clingy childhood friend and rival, she left Manaka’s group for his, direct and relieved to join his winter trip. She uses aerial footholds.
• Asari – A serious, tall, long-haired, and curvy (E-cup) Kasakura first-year and honor student, she is a dungeon explorer who trains at the Dojo. She is close to Mari and Nagase, and is Minoru’s devoted partner, who previously pampered her secretly over summer vacation. A defensive vanguard using Crystal Wall sorcery for aerial footholds, she embraces Halloween and willingly joins the breeding ritual.
• Mannequin – A newly subdued Aberration that can shift between a doll-like figure and a life-sized mannequin, capable of using defensive abilities.
• Pape – An exceptionally convenient Mannequin Aberration with a completely blank, featureless face who serves as a dedicated butler. It is capable of shape-shifting and wielding magic dictated by its current attire. Deeply devoted to assisting others, it displays immaculate skill in managing everyday household chores, mastering traditional games, and tailoring its abilities to its master’s needs.
• Minoru – A lean, black-haired student sorcerer and dungeon-exploring leader with adult memories secretly controls Aberrations via space magic and an iron whip. Pragmatically cynical yet firmly authoritative, this closet introvert handles a drama-filled harem of aggressive schoolmates (including Mai, Risa, and Mitsuki) while acting as their tactical “Master,” mana tank, and hidden Demon Lord.
• Clam – A newborn Phantom and Aberration evolved from a common clam after absorbing a stone. Taking the form of a large mollusk, it communicates with water tank entities, but can also assume the human form of a toddler with limited communication. Educated by Tempura, she is attached to Asari and prone to getting drunk on carbonated drinks.
• 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.
• Tempura – A crayfish-sized, shrimp-like Aberration residing in a water tank, this sharp-tongued, comedic Phantom was captured a decade ago. As Minoru’s loyal subordinate and offensive partner, they channel destructive shockwaves in combat. Now an instructor who attends household meetings, they fight as a team, train Clams, mentor newcomers, and assist in caring for other creatures.
• Hinoki – Bound to Minoru, this conversational they/them Oni-fied centipede Aberration bridges him to supernatural entities. Speaking from his shadow in a regional dialect, they are a powerful, apologetic advisor, navigator, and combat mount. This 30cm entity has a metallic shell and sharp eyes, transforming into massive reptilian forms to draw aggro using dungeon sorcery, venom, and chains.
• Momono-san – A petite, chubby high school senior with gentle, drooping eyes, Risa’s older sister, Momono-san, is a refined yet mischievous tutor and supportive companion. She cleverly orchestrates family interactions and uses Risa’s favorite pastries as leverage. A friendly girl, she is also a friend of Aikawa and displays a welcoming curiosity rather than hostility toward Risa’s partner.
• Momono – A petite, chubby high school senior with gentle, drooping eyes, Risa’s older sister, Momono-san, is a refined yet mischievous tutor and supportive companion. She cleverly orchestrates family interactions and uses Risa’s favorite pastries as leverage. A friendly girl, she is also a friend of Aikawa and displays a welcoming curiosity rather than hostility toward Risa’s partner.
• Ryota – A loyal, outgoing middle-schooler, this male student shares a close masculine friendship and plans separate activities with classmate Minoru. A group leader with ‘Great Bear’ stamina, this well-connected sorcerer heads a ‘Strong-Female’ squad and acts as spokesperson for the Tsuyo-Osu circle. He knows Mitsuki, uses the Nagase house as a hideout, and trains at a small shrine dungeon.
• Anri – The fourth Naruse sister and a Strong-Female who lives in the annex with her biological mother.
• Naruse – The Naruse family, an old-money sorcerer lineage and wealthy merchant guild tied to Risa and her relatives, maintains a prestigious yet understated presence. They reside in a modest private estate featuring an integrated family dungeon and a dojo smaller than the Onigahara family’s.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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