Volume 9 Chapter 2 End of First Term Celebration Party
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The parent-teacher conferences had wrapped up, and today marked the closing ceremony for the first term.
Everyone in the group went home once, changed clothes, and then regrouped at the shopping street. We met at our usual spot—the coffee shop favored by the Naruse estate.
”First one here~”
”A bit early, huh. Well, better early than late.”
Chifumi and I claimed the table in the back, sipping cold water while waiting for the other four to arrive. I’d already told the Master we’d order once everyone was here.
”So hot~”
”Summer already… thank goodness for A/C.”
The cool coffee shop was the best.
”Still though~, Komoda-san taking the top spot again this term is amazing~”
”For real, that guy’s a monster.”
This was technically my second run at life. I was pretty decent at the science subjects. Perfect score in dungeon training. And yet Komoda still beat me. That meant he was smarter than me, plain and simple.
Sure, I had a weak spot when it came to humanities subjects, but even accounting for that, the math didn’t work out unless he’d also aced dungeon training this term.
Komoda had tackled Tamamo Castle’s Outer Bailey. That was a D-class dungeon. The crazy part was that this dungeon was on the second layer—meaning you couldn’t even qualify to enter without clearing the surface level first. The surface-level dungeons were North Tower, West Tower, and Sakura Parade Ground. Clear any one of those, and the Outer Bailey became accessible.
Ryota had cleared West Tower last year. Among the three, Sakura Parade Ground had the fewest floors—just eight in total. Apparently, he’d managed to clear it on a Free Dive sometime last year.
As a result, Komoda had joined a Castle Siege group—a collective assigned to the Outer Bailey. At this point, even the school had no choice but to acknowledge his excellence.
Not that I was about to sell myself short. The Kinpira Palace campaign—what they called the Mikoshi—was also a dungeon reserved for high-performing groups. Still, Castle Siege was undeniably the flagship event. And clearing the surface layer through a Free Dive? That should’ve been next to impossible in terms of time. How he pulled it off was a genuine mystery.
”Oh yeah, you had that match with Komoda-san, didn’t you~?”
”Yeah.”
”How’d it go~?”
”No joke, that guy’s strong.”
Before the exam period started, I’d had a match with Komoda at the Guidance Facility. When Majin fought each other, it was standard practice to forbid group members from spectating.
It could easily escalate into inter-group conflict. Even if the Majin themselves had no quarrel, the surrounding members often started fighting among themselves. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I hadn’t disclosed the details even to my core circle—and neither had Komoda.
I heard Komoda was getting some harsh disciplinary treatment from the Strong-Females leader, Muto-san, for keeping the result to himself. Turning that into gossip material… well, some people really would sell anything for a story.
”You could at least tell us who won~”
”No contest. It ended before a decision—that’s how Majin matches go.”
”Hmm~…”
That was the truth. You cut the match before either side ended up in a fatal situation—that was the etiquette. Chifumi knew that, so she didn’t press further.
The door chimed, and our waiting companions arrived. All four together.
”Ahhh, cool~! I’m alive again~!”
As usual, Mitsuki took the seat beside me. Across the table were Risa, Yurina, and Asari. Asari handled the orders.
Seriously, Mitsuki, you’ve got too much thermal mass. Sitting next to you, I can literally feel your body heat. At least you don’t smell, and your deodorant has that fresh scent thing going for you. That’s impressive, at least.
Everyone ordered drinks, which arrived quickly. We toasted and started discussing summer plans.
”Mitsuki, how’d the Onigashima reservation go?”
”Hehehe…”
”Ha! That smile means—!”
”Yes! We got the villa!”
Mitsuki flashed a peace sign and grinned.
”Nice! So, when can we use it?”
”First weekend of August! Two nights and three days! Manaka’s group can come too! My brothers’ crew will be using it for major R&R while we’re there. We’ll have it all to ourselves, no worries.”
”Awesome!”
Right before Obon, and perfect timing for beach activities too.
”Pretty generous of Koki-san to let us use it while he’s still clearing Onigashima.”
”Weeeell, I’d like to say it’s thanks to my persuasive skills… but honestly, my brother’s got his own expectations for Minoru. He might call in a favor down the line.”
”Even without that kind of debt arrangement, I’d do Koki-san a solid if he asked.”
”Maybe that’s exactly what my brother’s thinking?”
Chifumi chimed in, backing Mitsuki’s point.
”You’ve known each other since you were kids, after all~. People who watch, watch. This is a good thing~.”
”Kinda embarrassing, but… yeah, I’m happy.”
That made the summer trip officially real.
”One thing, though. My brothers are using our bus, so we’ll need to arrange separate transportation.”
”If we can’t use Onigahara’s microbus, that leaves public transit? Not happening. We’ve got too much luggage. We need something similar—a bus.”
I looked around the table. Everyone shook their heads. The only one who might have an in was Risa. If the merchant guild could float us something, that’d be a lifesaver…
”Tatemiya doesn’t have a bus. What about you, Risa? The Naruse family have one?”
”I’d have to ask Papa.”
”Yeah, fair enough.”
”Oh, one more thing. We need a driver too. My mom’s got other commitments and can’t come.”
”If your aunt can’t come, that means securing a driver is another hurdle. Might be too much to dump on Risa.”
One problem solved, another emerged. Now what?
”What about asking Manaka-chan? The Kuga family definitely has buses~.”
”Worth a shot. As for a driver… my mom’s got her large vehicle license, but getting her to actually come on the trip is a whole other issue.”
”Let’s ask Manaka-chan about that too~.”
Once the conversation settled, we left the coffee shop and headed to a karaoke place. Not our usual haunt this time—I’d booked a spot with a room large enough for a big group. My group, Manaka’s group, and any extra people who showed up would fit fine.
Manaka’s party was already waiting out front.
We filed into the room. The party room was impressively spacious. While we were sorting out seats, Yui and Yuu had already queued up songs and started singing—before we’d even toasted. Sawa and Asari were at the far end ordering food and drinks.
”♪~”
Listening to the two of them perform, I sat down near Manaka and Chifumi.
I brought up the Onigashima transportation issue with Manaka right away.
”I see. Understood. Kuga will provide the bus.”
”Really? Thanks.”
”Bus and driver—both on us.”
”Driver too?”
”Yes. I’ll ask Shizuku. If she accompanies me for three days, she should have no problem with the schedule.”
Shizuku, Manaka’s driver. She had a large vehicle license too, huh? Impressive.
Before Yui and Yuu had even finished their song, our business was already settled. Risa and Yurina took the mics next, and just as they started, the door opened. New arrivals streamed in.
”Brought ’em!”
”Hello~!”
”Sorry we’re late.”
First in was Mitsuki. She’d been waiting outside by the lobby for the stragglers. Following her came Ishimoto, Masuki-san, and the Hikasa sisters in that order.
The Hikasa sisters immediately struck up conversation with Manaka.
”Manaka-chan, long time no see~”
”Sorry for the intrusion.”
”Both of you, it’s been a while.”
Manaka had been in the junior high swimming club, so they were already acquainted. One of the reasons I’d never really engaged with Hikasa (elder) was because I’d been wary of Manaka’s gaze.
Last to arrive was Komoda. He ducked through the door, his large frame trying to make itself small, and when he spotted me, his expression shifted to one of pure relief. I stood up and moved to the spot near the entrance where he was hovering. The Hikasa sisters took my vacated seats.
”Sempai~”
”Don’t make those pitiful noises.”
”I mean, c’mon—how was I supposed to know it’d be like this?!”
Komoda’s eyes darted around the room, thoroughly frazzled.
”What the hell is this situation? And wait, Sempai—nobody told me there’d be this many people!”
”Didn’t say.”
”What’s with that ‘obviously’ face?! That’s cruel! I’ve been set up!”
”I told you everyone wanted to see you, didn’t I?”
”Well, yeah, you said that. But I figured you meant, like, Onigahara-sempai and Kuga-sempai and Takino-sempai—maybe. Not… uh… one, two, wait—eleven people waiting for me?!”
I’d called him yesterday and he’d been all for the karaoke party when I mentioned the Hikasa sisters would be there.
”Okay, I admit that part. But ambushing me like this is still too much.”
Komoda looked exasperated. Can’t be helped.
I lowered my voice so the ladies wouldn’t overhear.
”Look, this is basically a showcase for my squad. Don’t say stuff like that.”
”A showcase…?”
”You bragged about Hikasa (elder) to me, so let me show off a little too. …Well? Take a look. Pretty impressive, aren’t they?”
”……Yeah.”
”Don’t stare with those pervy eyes. I’ll crush you.”
”Unfair!”
With a sigh, Komoda made a point of scanning the room, observing each person with practiced subtlety.
He’d known Sawa, Yui, and Yuu since junior high. The look on his face when he saw how lean Sawa had become was priceless.
”The girl with the braids, the ponytail next to her, and the brown-haired one—those three are new to you. All of them are my group members.”
”Everyone here’s crazy strong…”
”Right? Every single one is a match for Hikasa (elder). So bow down and admit defeat.”
”…………No, I’m not admitting anything. To me, Hikasa (elder)’s combat ability is infinite. Stack up a hundred points, and it doesn’t matter—you can’t reach infinity.”
Smooth talker. Did high school entrance exam prep teach him that? He’s growing up.
”Yeah, fair point. Sorry. Got carried away.”
”No, it’s fine. I’m the one who was being a sore loser.”
Resetting the mood, I introduced Komoda to everyone properly. Most people already knew him to varying degrees—Asari, Risa, and Yurina were the only exceptions. Komoda just exchanged quick greetings with those three. Right after that, Hikasa (elder) dragged him into a duet, and once that was over, his tension seemed to dissolve and his nervous fidgeting stopped.
As a senior, I’d tried to make sure he didn’t feel bad. The only thing I couldn’t accept was that he sang better than me. You’re supposed to be the bad singer character—what gives? When did you get an ikemen voice just for singing? Scoring in the 90s while I’m stuck in the 60s makes me look pathetic.
Hikasa (elder) was listening to Komoda’s solo with this dreamy expression. Wait… did he actually use that voice to win her over? I shot a questioning look at Hikasa (younger), sitting beside me. She nodded. Her follow-up cut deep.
”Sempai, compared to Hiiro, your voice is pretty small for your build. And you’re tone-deaf.”
”Komoda’s just loud… give me a break on the tone-deaf thing…”
”Ah—sorry. I actually like Sempai’s voice.”
A flustered, clearly tacked-on consolation from my kouhai. That stings.
Anyway, today was also a chance to catch up with Ishimoto and Masuki-san, whom I hadn’t seen in a while. Sitting between them like a king, I tossed out topics and they followed along effortlessly. I asked Ishimoto about his track records, and Masuki-san about her first-term grades—I’d already done my research and knew both had done well. I made sure to praise them without sounding forced.
After that, the conversation got lively over the newspaper articles from the Exchange Event published the other day. Good vibe overall. We made plans to go bowling together next time.
Halfway through, I got up to use the restroom, and Manaka immediately followed me out.
The thought crossed my mind—just the two of us holing up in the multi-purpose restroom for some voyeuristic fun—but there was no way we had enough time, and commandeering the multi-purpose room felt like a jerk move. Decided against it and headed back to the room.
After four hours, we called it at this place.
The still-energetic Hikasa (elder) dragged Manaka’s group off to another spot, while me and Komoda—the male pair—parted ways with everyone for some separate action.
We grabbed dinner at a family restaurant, just the two of us, and got rowdy over all the stuff we couldn’t talk about with the girls around.
By the time I got home, the sun had already set.
Starting tomorrow—summer break.
—
Summary:
The end-of-term celebration shifts from coffee shop to karaoke party where Komoda’s surprise arrival and impressive singing disrupts Minoru’s expectations. Transportation and villa logistics for the summer trip get resolved through Manaka’s assistance, while Komoda’s match results with Minoru remain deliberately undisclosed. The chapter closes on summer break’s start, with plans for bowling and the Onigashima trip in motion.
—
Trivia:
1. Komoda cleared Tamamo Castle’s Outer Bailey by joining a Castle Siege group after clearing a surface-level dungeon on a Free Dive.
2. Minoru and Komoda’s match ended without a clear winner—standard Majin etiquette prevents fatal outcomes.
3. Komoda is keeping the match result secret and is being punished by Muto-san for it.
4. The Onigashima villa is available first weekend of August for two nights and three days.
5. Manaka’s driver Shizuku will handle both bus and driving for the trip.
6. Minoru’s group consists of Chifumi, Mitsuki, Risa, Yurina, and Asari.
7. Manaka, Ishimoto, Masuki-san, and the Hikasa sisters all join the karaoke party.
8. Komoda is a surprisingly good singer despite his large, unassuming appearance.
9. The chapter establishes Minoru’s awareness of his humanities weakness and Komoda’s academic superiority.
10. Hikasa (elder) was pursued by Komoda using his singing voice as a romantic tactic.
Notes:
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Naruse – Naruse is the paternal surname of sisters Anri, Risa, and Momono, separate from their mother’s magical Shoji line. Led by their influential hotel/dungeon manager mother, this wealthy old-money sorcerer family and merchant guild provides institutional support to local establishments. They reside in an understated, modest private estate featuring an integrated dungeon and a small dojo.
• 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.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong-Females – A social designation within the world’s hierarchy.
• Muto – A staff-wielding student and lead member of Komoda’s group, which is allied with Chifumi for discussion. She gathers and exchanges information, maintains a close relationship with Chifumi, and assists her group during karaoke by ordering snacks and drinks.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Koki – Nearly two meters tall, muscular, and handsome, this second-year sorcerer is the eldest son of the Onigahara estate and Golden Oni-Transformation user. President of the Sumo and Shooting clubs and a cautious analyst, he provides vital dungeon data. He dotes on siblings Minoru and Mitsuki, obtained a subset in last year’s Exchange Battle, and is an acquaintance of the protagonist.
• 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.
• Onigahara – Onigahara-san is a stern, disciplined mentor from an influential sorcerer family and Mitsuki’s aunt. Dedicated to her lineage’s legacy, she manages logistics and drives the family microbus for dungeon training. She maintains hierarchical bonds with dojo students and remains involved in the group’s situation after a pickup, potentially having received word from Manaka’s father.
• Tatemiya – Tatemiya is the family name of Minoru, a pragmatic protagonist in a world with reversed beauty standards. He leads a strong-female harem with analytical detachment, treating interactions as transactions. Strained by Manaka abandoning Minoru, the family has tense ties with the Kugas. Associated with a symbolic residential gate, the name connects to Manaka’s father’s social circle.
• Papa – The head of the Naruse family and merchant guild who orchestrates support for his daughters. Known as an influential father, he is frequently used as a convenient cover story for the acquisition of rare items.
• 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.
• Yui – Yuu’s older twin sister, this blunt Shisei student from an upper-middle sorcerer line has short hair with a white lock and a downer Jirai-kei, pink/black gothic-lolita look. Minoru’s childhood friend and a protective, mocking member of Manaka’s circle, she defends Yuu and shares guilt in their deception. Composed but critical, she wields a knife and venom-sorcery before being eaten by the Phantom.
• Yuu – Minoru’s childhood friend and Yui’s twin, this Futami twin is a Mid-guard in Manaka’s group. Dressed in a striped swimsuit or Jirai-kei/gothic-lolita fashion, she underwent a character shift from soft and timid to bubbly with sharp commentary. A needle-using Shape-Proxy Sorcery user who teases Minoru, she motivated the Founding Strong-Females’ plan before being eaten by the Phantom.
• Shizuku – Job: Kuga family servant/attendant; Relationship: Branch family member; chauffeur; Note: Childhood acquaintance of narrator.
• Ishimoto – A friendly, proactive female student at 13th District 2nd High School and former junior high classmate of Minoru. She maintains a positive, sometimes self-conscious rapport with others, once organizing a group outing, politely acknowledging Minoru, and thanking him for his help. She also presents the protagonist and Ryota with chocolates.
• Hikasa – Younger Hikasa sister. Quiet, observant, and often appears to be in her own world. Attends New 2 High School with her sister and Koumoto. Shows signs of being protective of her sister.
• Masuki – A serious, glasses-wearing female student at 13th District 2nd High School who is acquainted with Aikawa-senpai. Analytical and deeply interested in mechanical systems and sorcery engineering, she is highly capable but tends to become slightly socially awkward whenever her niche technical interests are revealed.
• 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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