Volume 8 Chapter 5 The Outstanding Classmate
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I submitted my participation application for the exchange event, and it was successfully accepted.
Four groups signed up for the exchange event with Second High School. Meanwhile, twice that number—eight groups—chose to participate in the exchange with First High School.
Aside from me and Ryota, two other groups—Komoda and Shoji—also opted for Second High. All four of us are from the same class. Which means most of the top-performing groups from other classes chose First High.
The reason for this imbalance lies with Tarumii-sensei. The teacher in charge of the second-year exchange event was struggling to gather candidates, so she mobilized groups from her own class to meet the minimum quota.
Ryota and I were planning to choose Second High from the start, so this worked out perfectly for us. But the remaining two groups were problematic. Komoda’s group got counter-attacked, and Shoji’s group has an exchange student. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was really okay to register them somewhat forcibly.
Well, since all four groups were officially registered, it seems the group situations don’t affect whether they can participate in the exchange event.
The bigger problem is the Exchange Battle.
Sure, my application was accepted—but apparently, there’s going to be an adjustment because they received too many applications for the Exchange Battle. And it’s not due to District 13 High School’s circumstances—it’s because of Shisei High School on the other side.
For an Exchange Battle to happen, we naturally need the same number of groups on both sides. Normally, four groups are selected from each school, but Shisei High only has three groups interested—one short. Apparently, Shisei originally had four groups registered, but one backed out at the last minute.
As a result, our school also needs to reduce by one group.
The key factor in deciding which group gets cut is whether they did any prior groundwork. Officially, the opposing groups are determined by a vote at the first meeting where all participating group leaders gather. But in reality, that’s not how it works. It’s an unwritten rule that participating groups coordinate with their intended opponents ahead of time during registration.
Just like what me and Manaka arranged, the remaining three groups should have done the same.
But a Shisei High group canceled. Logically, the District 13 High group that had been coordinating with them should withdraw. Yet, none of the groups canceled.
That means the group that lost their opponent is trying to pick a fight with someone else instead.
After school, we gathered at our usual café—all six of us—to discuss countermeasures.
”This is gettin’ troublesome, innit~” Chifumi said, her tone carrying that familiar casual lilt.
”Never thought the musical chairs would start before the event even began,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood.
Once everyone’s drinks were on the table, we got down to business. At my joking remark, Mitsuki leaned forward with a serious face, as if trying to keep me in check.
”Minoru, I don’t think you’d do this, but—” she started.
”I have no intention of backing out now. I’m not stepping down,” I cut her off.
”Figured. I wasn’t really doubting you, y’know?” She said it with a casual shrug, but I could tell she was putting on an air of having believed in me all along. Her lightning-fast turnaround was almost refreshing—I wasn’t about to let that slide.
”Anyway. What did you find out?” I asked, turning my gaze to Chifumi.
”First, what we heard from Manaka-chan and the others~ About the group that dropped out of the Exchange Battle~” Chifumi began.
”What happened that made them cancel so suddenly?” Risa asked.
”The leader got replaced, apparently~” Chifumi replied.
The group leader was replaced? Is that even possible?
”That’s unusual,” Asari commented, her tone thoughtful. “Dropping out right after declaring participation means the replacement happened very recently. And the new leader must have a completely different policy.”
At Asari’s comment, Risa and Yurina raised questions.
”How are group leaders decided at Shisei High?” Risa asked.
”For Kuga-san’s group, I can’t imagine anyone other than Kuga-san being the leader. Is charisma that important?” Yurina added, looking toward Mitsuki.
”Hmm, good question,” Mitsuki answered, leaning back in her chair. “For us, Minoru and I had a clear ‘original strong females’ dynamic from the start. There was this unspoken understanding that Manaka would be leader—given her family background and also her ability as a sorcerer. At least, I never even considered any other option. Sawa’s group probably felt the same.”
”I see. But what about a mixed group without that kind of preexisting dynamic, where family status and sorcerer strength don’t align?” Risa pressed.
”Mm… depends on the group,” Mitsuki mused. “They’d probably discuss it internally and decide. From what I’ve seen, it’s mostly determined by family status, though.”
Yurina nodded, watching Mitsuki speak as if recalling past experiences. “Mitsuki-san was only in first-year’s first semester. It makes sense that family status would be the initial deciding factor.”
”But what if no results came out in the first semester, or if someone else turned out to be more suitable as leader?” Risa countered. “Wouldn’t there be a replacement then?”
”So if they didn’t get results in first year, it’s entirely possible the leader gets replaced at the start of second year,” Yurina concluded.
At Risa’s words—spoken with apparent understanding—something caught my attention.
”I can understand a leader changing early in second year. If you want to replace them due to poor first-year results, spring break gives you time to arrange things. But isn’t the timing a bit off this time? You’re saying they switched from a leader who wanted to participate in the Exchange Battle to one who didn’t, right?” I asked.
”Exactly. If a replacement was already planned, they wouldn’t have applied for the Exchange Battle in the first place,” Risa agreed.
When I glanced at Chifumi, she’d apparently looked into this too and began explaining. “Manaka-chan and the others didn’t know the full details either~ But apparently, even from the outside, it looked like a pretty forceful takeover.”
”Forceful?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
”A girl with plenty of ability but not the type to stand out challenged the leader to a duel and took the position by force~” Chifumi said.
”Took it… and the other members just went along with that? Wouldn’t they just freeze her out and form a separate group with the remaining five?” I questioned.
”Doesn’t seem to have fallen apart so far. Apparently it’s one of those muscle-brained groups where ‘strength is everything’~. Manaka-chan and the others said they’re constantly being challenged by them too~” Chifumi replied.
Challenging Manaka? That’s quite the bold move.
”A ‘might makes right’ group, huh. Well, I guess there’s room for a group of carnivorous girls like that. I’m guessing the cause is a difference in philosophy about how to grow stronger. The former leader wanted to participate in the Exchange Battle and borrow the power of the Tsuyo-Osu to get stronger, while the current leader wants to do it on their own without participating. They disagree, but since the policy of following the strongest remains unchanged, the others just obediently go along, right?” I reasoned.
”From what we know, that’s about the gist of it~” Chifumi confirmed.
So that’s the situation on Shisei High’s side. Now for our side.
”The group at our school that was supposed to face them—that was Utsui’s group, right?” I asked.
”That’s right~” Chifumi nodded.
Utsui Gen’ichirō—the leader of the only second-year group with three Majos. I’ve had zero interaction with him since enrollment. He had no reason to approach me either, so we’ve both just ignored each other. Well, that’s how it is with kids from other classes.
”Like Minoru said, they’d apparently coordinated beforehand~” Chifumi continued.
”Utsui knows his opponent dropped out, right?” I pressed.
”Yeah. I talked with their Lead Majo, Metsugi-san, today. She was fully aware of the situation~” she replied.
”And they still won’t withdraw?” I asked, incredulous.
”They seem fine with fighting someone else~”
”Do they not realize other groups have also done prior coordination…” I muttered.
Utsui’s academic record is hardly something to boast about, but his ability as a sorcerer is top-notch. If he’s planning to make a living exploring dungeons after graduation, I’m sure he’d become an excellent explorer. You’d think someone like him would have a strategist-type original strong female assigned to him though.
”That’s how it is~ but Metsugi-san’s way of thinking is apparently more aligned with Utsui-kun’s. There are some reasonable members too, but their rank within the group is low, so they don’t have much say. …Honestly, I got the feeling the family probably wanted that girl to be the leader instead~” Chifumi added.
”Oh, come on…” I sighed.
So they don’t have a Lead Majo who reins in the leader—they have one who throws fuel on the fire instead. Having three Majos in first year is impressive. Even if it doesn’t match the family’s original plan, they’re probably prioritizing momentum over hitting the brakes right now.
Still, stealing another group’s exchange partner is going too far. This could escalate into a conflict between families.
”About the opponent selection~ Metsugi-san and the others were moving independently too. They actually approached Manaka-chan’s group to challenge them. And since our group and Manaka-chan’s group are officially supposed to have no prior arrangement, it’s getting complicated~” Chifumi explained.
”Me and Manaka have it set up as a ‘we got pissed at each other’s moves and picked a fight’ relationship,” I said.
”That’s convenient, isn’t it~” Chifumi mused.
”But honestly, who in their right mind would choose Manaka as an opponent? Megumi and Miku are in that group, you know. Besides… Utsui is from the Kuga branch family,” I pointed out.
”That’s exactly why Manaka-chan could only turn them down gently~” Chifumi replied.
The biggest reason I never approached Utsui was that he’s from the Kuga branch family. And one of the most combat-oriented clans at that. Leave sleeping dogs lie—but in this situation, I can’t afford to say that.
”Chifumi, you asked their Lead Majo to withdraw, right?” I confirmed.
”Of course. But they refused~” she said with a hint of annoyance.
”Oh, man…” I could tell Mitsuki was getting frustrated.
”Cutting in like that—they’re looking down on Minoru, aren’t they? They’re picking a fight, right? Chifumi, you didn’t back down from someone who disrespected you like that, did you?” Mitsuki demanded.
”Like I would~” Chifumi shot back.
Chifumi was clearly annoyed too, radiating a similar aura to Mitsuki’s. Even though the spoon she was stirring her tea with had stopped moving, the tea kept swirling on its own.
”We agreed to have another discussion including the leader~. If they won’t back down, I think we’ll have to settle it with a match~” Chifumi declared.
”A match?” I asked.
”A group battle at the Guidance Facility~. Winner gets to participate in the Exchange Battle~” she explained.
”What are the rules?” I pressed.
”Nothing’s decided yet~. Looks like it’ll be up to the leaders to sort out~. Ideally, the Tsuyo-Osu can sort it out through negotiation—that’d be best~. Let’s go talk to them together tomorrow~” Chifumi suggested.
”Got it.”
Looks like I have no choice but to approach Utsui. Fine. Like Mitsuki said, if they’re going to disrespect us, we need to settle this.
Then Risa chimed in with a calm jab from the side. “Everyone’s acting like this is such a big deal, but why doesn’t Kuga-san just name Minoru as her opponent? The two groups can agree on their exchange partner, right? Just tell them ‘you’re not invited’ and be done with it?”
Yurina nodded vigorously in agreement. These two are also pissed at Utsui’s attitude and are suggesting we use Manaka to humiliate him.
”Hmm… that’s true. But—” I started.
”Ah, is it a ‘magical pride’ thing? Like, you should take the fights that come to you?” Risa interrupted.
”That’s part of it,” I admitted.
Like Risa said, the fact that Chifumi and Mitsuki are angry is largely about pride. There’s another reason too—I don’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble. By “trouble” here, I mean Utsui’s group becoming hostile toward Manaka’s group. I don’t care about trouble between me and him.
”If Utsui, having been rejected, starts targeting Manaka’s companions, that’d be a pain. It’d cause trouble for the Head of the Kuga family. Better for us Magins to settle this between ourselves. Hopefully that’ll earn me some goodwill with the Head of the House,” I explained.
”Hmm. Got it.” Risa seemed convinced by my explanation. She’s reasonable.
”Utsui, huh. I can’t see myself getting along with that guy,” Mitsuki remarked.
”He’s clearly a bad match for Minoru,” she added.
Mitsuki’s observation accurately captured how I felt. To put it simply, Utsui is an extrovert. Not the party-boy type—more like the rugby club type. Big body, big voice. The kind of guy who’d get assigned to sales after graduation.
He’d take on orders with unreasonable conditions and deadlines, make the engineering team suffer without hesitation, force them to deliver, then claim all the credit and climb the corporate ladder. That’s the type. No doubt about it. (Okay, maybe I’m biased.)
”Either way, I can’t back down this time. If it comes down to strength, so be it,” I declared.
”Minoru-sama, do your best!” Yurina cheered.
No, that’s not what’s happening here.
”This isn’t going to be a one-on-one between me and Utsui. That’s a last resort. What’s more likely to be agreed upon is a match between group members,” I corrected.
”Eh? …Really?” Yurina looked surprised.
”Really.”
If it happens, it’ll be between the Majos. We’ll iron out the conditions tomorrow.
”I’ll be the one fighting—either me or Mitsuki-chan~. Don’t worry, I don’t intend to lose to their Majos~” Chifumi said confidently.
”Counting on you,” I replied.
We quickly shared what we knew about the other group’s Majos, and the meeting on countermeasures for the Exchange Battle participation ended. It was getting late, so we called it a night.
Walking home with Chifumi, we strategized for tomorrow’s negotiation. First, I needed to confirm the Majos’ actual strength.
”Realistically, what are our chances?” I asked.
”I told you~ I won’t lose. Even if they play dirty, I’ll crush their schemes too~” Chifumi said with a grin.
”Reassuring,” I replied.
”Hehe~”
I could see traces of her “dark Chifumi” mode coming out.
”It’d be troublesome if Utsui’s actions were backed by the Head of the Kuga family’s intentions, but…” I trailed off.
”That’s not the case. The Head of the House wouldn’t leave Manaka-chan to someone like that,” Chifumi said firmly.
”I think so too. But if that’s true, doesn’t that mean Utsui is acting against the Head’s wishes?” I wondered.
”Maybe~” Chifumi shrugged.
We’ll have to hear their side first. We flirted at the entrance of the Takino residence, got my Chifumi fix, then headed back home.
First, tomorrow’s negotiation.
—
Summary:
The group learns that a Shisei High group unexpectedly canceled their Exchange Battle participation due to a forceful leadership takeover, disrupting prior coordination. Meanwhile, Utsui’s group refuses to withdraw despite losing their intended opponent, instead attempting to steal Minoru and Manaka’s prearranged match. The tension escalates toward a potential group battle at the Guidance Facility, with negotiations set for tomorrow to determine the rules and participants.
—
Trivia:
Tarumii-sensei had to draft her own class’s groups to meet the exchange event’s minimum quota, causing the imbalance in participation choices.
The Exchange Battle normally requires four groups from each school, but Shisei High dropped to three, forcing District 13 High to also reduce by one group.
The unwritten rule of prior coordination means groups pre-arrange their opponents during registration, but Utsui’s group is ignoring this by attempting to steal another group’s matchup.
Utsui is from the Kuga branch family, specifically known as one of the most combat-oriented clans, which adds political weight to the conflict.
The Shisei High group that had a leadership takeover is described as a “muscle-brained” group where “strength is everything,” and its new leader is a girl who won a duel despite not being the standout type.
Manaka’s group has three Majos including Megumi and Miku, making her a formidable and politically protected opponent for anyone to challenge.
The Guidance Facility is mentioned as the venue for the potential group battle, with rules still undecided and subject to leader negotiations.
Minoru’s prejudice against Utsui includes a vivid analogy comparing him to a sales-type who exploits engineering teams for personal gain.
The “original strong females” dynamic refers to established power structures within groups, often tied to family background and sorcerer ability.
Chifumi’s “dark Chifumi” mode—a more aggressive and ruthless side—emerges when she feels personally disrespected, signaling she’s prepared to fight dirty if necessary.
Notes:
• 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.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Komoda – An eccentric, polite male sorcerer and leader of the influential Komoda house, he is Minoru’s second-year classmate who speaks with casual familiarity. He commands a Sword-Hammer Cave squad, manages travel and intel, coordinates with Ryota’s group, and seeks an alliance with Minoru. Outperforming Shoji’s team, he cleared the surface layer by purifying a giant scaled earthworm boss.
• Ryota – Minoru’s loyal, outgoing best friend since middle school is a male science-track classmate, sorcerer, and Majin. A fat supremacist with a slightly anxious yet pragmatic demeanor, he assertively leads a ‘Strong-Female’ squad, gaining two Majo by his first year’s end. He enjoys skiing, trains at a shrine dungeon, uses the Nagase hideout, and shares casual banter with Minoru.
• Shoji – A serious, silver werewolf beastman and top 5th District sorcerer, he is also a male classmate in Minoru’s second-year class who greets others with informal energy. Wielding magic pistols, shock spells, and a spear, he led Ryota, Komoda, and Strong-Females through a dungeon. He manages complex ties with Kotoha and aims to rescue his relative Risa from a Shadow entity by tracking scents to feed her Hinoki.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• 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.
• 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.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• Shisei – An acquaintance involved in high-profile activities.
• 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.
• Manaka – Manaka Kuga is an elegant, sharp-featured Shisei High student, authoritative circle leader, and strategist for the top-tier Kuga family’s Founding Strong-Females. Minoru’s refined yet direct childhood friend, she uses a short staff for spatial/air-shaping sorcery. Known for her aristocratic bearing and “-chan” honorific, she manages security, led a year-long deception, and orchestrated an exchange battle request.
• Chifumi – Eldest daughter of the Takino residence, this 160cm, J-cup kimono-clad sorcerer is Minoru’s childhood friend, Lead Majo, and trusted partner. Sporting a long brown side-tail, her bright, casual personality bridges his group with Manaka’s companions. Wielding a staff with flowing ice/water magic, she manages household admin and rearguard combat while secretly protecting him from the truth.
• Mitsuki – Eldest daughter of the Onigahara estate, this 188 cm science-track classmate has short brown hair, a lean athletic build, an I-cup, and a mischievous grin. A determined vanguard and healer in Minoru’s group, she uses a golden mace and Oni-Transformation Sorcery. She bickers friendlily with Minoru, coordinates with Manaka’s companions, and uses recovery magic for service play and training.
• Minoru – The protagonist and narrator is a black-haired Demon reincarnated from Japan, standing 183cm with sharp eyes. Pragmatic yet internally hurt, this eldest Tatemiya son wrongly believed his childhood friends abandoned him. Serving as ‘master’ to a mixed female group, he uses inherent spatial manipulation sorcery to command a handgun and subjugated monsters like Pape in mid-guard combat.
• Risa – A curious humanities student (167cm, light brown semi-long hair, H-cup, black eyes) and the youngest Naruse sister. Playfully assertive and protective of Minoru’s group, this mid-guard sorcerer has no inherent magic but wields magic pistols and Hinoki’s power. When Asunaro takes control, her eyes turn red, enabling fire and lightning sorcery. She is also known to bake cookies for Tatemiya.
• Asari – A tall (175cm), braided black-haired Kasakura honor student with an E-cup, this analytical, quiet, and pragmatic science-track strategist serves as Minoru’s devoted partner and Risa’s future host. Close to Mari and Nagase, she uses a hand-armor gauntlet and Silicic Armor to manifest crystal barriers, switching between Vanguard and Mid-guard. Polite yet lecturing, she is currently recovering from mana exhaustion.
• Yurina – A stoic, analytical 165cm Plain-folk vanguard with a black ponytail and G-cup. A humanities student and eldest daughter of seven, she uses a katana and Severing Sorcery in Minoru’s party. She protects Chifumi, fights alongside Mitsuki, and addresses Minoru-sama with polite deference. Efficient and loyal, she trusts his judgment despite feeling unsettled by his escalating violence.
• Yuri – A cheerful, energetic, and curvy Higashi High first-year student dating Shibuya. While calculating, she is fiercely loyal, even winning a third-place Best Couple Award with him. She was an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina in middle school. Known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism, she is defined by her intense relationships, vibrant spirit, and distinct presence.
• Kuga – Worn on Manaka and Marin’s garments to symbolize kinship, the Kuga family name carries heavy social weight and authority. This distant lineage, marking the farthest point from the narrator’s home, has a strained relationship with the Tatemiya family due to Minoru being abandoned by Manaka. A family member working as hotel staff also reports Anri’s visit to the sealed dungeon.
• Sawa – Voluptuous, broad-framed yet recently slimmed-down, this confident, bespectacled Nieda student and game otaku is an IT-savvy Shisei member and core strategist in Manaka and Mitsuki’s circles. An upper-middle tier green-manipulation sorcerer who uses a hoe, sickle, and scissors, she controls security. She is a competitive Onibara disciple who bluntly complains to her childhood friend Minoru.
• Majo – A member of Minoru’s group whose presence is noted to be vital for success.
• Megumi – A 162cm former District 13 student at Shisei High, she is a flexible-body Sorcery user wielding a naginata. Belonging to Manaka’s, Minoru’s, and Tatemiya’s groups, this plump woman has thick thighs, a generous belly, and a C-cup. Submissive, eager to please, and speaking with a pleading manner, she maintains a highly proactive and desperate physical intimacy with Minoru.
• Miku – Former District 13 student in Minoru’s and Manaka’s groups at Shisei High. Standing at 147cm with an A-cup, she has a chubby, long-legged build and a supermodel face, dressing to hide her figure. As one of Tatemiya’s “strong-females” and a courier with Megumi, she uses Heaven-kick Sorcery and leg armor. She is energetic, highly reactive, and prone to angry, Chihuahua-like displays.
• Takino – Associated with the Takino residence and Manaka’s father’s social circle, this family name is an alias for Chifumi’s pushy, hospitable mother. A member of Komoda’s group, she uses it to manage external relations when the Tatemiya name can’t be used—coordinating with Muto and facilitating requests while overbearingly insisting the protagonist eat dinner at her home.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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