The whole classroom fell into pin-drop silence as we were shocked and perplexed about the situation. Seriously, what just happened?

“Academy rule number 4, no fighting in the class. Academy rule number 5, no bullying others. And academy rule number 12, no use of magic power unless instructed to do so.”

Came a voice from behind, and the one stepping inside the classroom was a student. A tall but slender and stern guy with his eyes behind his spectacles...glowing? Fumu. Was he using his unique skill perhaps?

[Does the young master wish to use the active skill ‘Reckoning’?]

Yea, please do.

[As you wish. Implementing the active skill ‘Reckoning’...]

With my field of vision turning green again, Great Sage continued-

[REPORT: Success. User is utilizing the unique skill ‘Magic Rescission’. The user can cancel any sort of magic spells once before hitting a cool-down of one hour. It does not matter even if the opponent is stronger. Can even cancel unique skills if the user has a higher mana level than the opponent.]

‘Magic Rescission’? Fumu. I see. So the reason for the disappearance is because of his unique skill. But wait, does that mean I have a higher mana level than that guy? Because nothing happened to my Great Sage. Well, I do have the passive skill ‘Mana Amplification’, so it was to be expected. At least I think so.

“It’s the class captain!”

“Damn! Sh*t’s boutta go down!”

Wails of joy and astonishment wagged among the crowd of students. So he’s the class captain? I see. He does look like it, to be frank. His stern expression gave off the feeling of a very strict personality and the spectacles he wore made him look like a nerd. Lol. (To all the nerds out there, please don’t hate me for this. Think of it as a joke, because it is. Onegai itashi masu!)

“Don't f**king come in between you nosy a**hole!”

As he yelled, this Venvo guy dashed at the class captain with his fist clenched and ready to knock his soul out. I thought of stopping him, but it would be unnecessary because what happened next proved it.

Venvo delivered multiple punches but the captain dodged every single one of them, yes, every single one. Not that he was giving it his all trying to evade because his face told everything. He wasn’t even trying!

In between one of those continuous punches, he made his move. He grabbed Venvo’s arm, pulled him behind and karate chopped the back of his neck. The force was so much and so accurate that he fainted in an instant!

“That’s the captain for you!”

“Cool as always!”

“That hooligan got wrecked!”

Again, cries of praises and reverences emanated among the crowd. Damn, why am I having flashbacks of Kaisei High? The atmosphere feels similar. Anyways. The captain, however, ignored all the cheers and continued- 

“Academy rule number 3, no explicit words...No one cares anyway.”

-pushing his spectacles back. He then turned his gaze at two other students among the crowd and-

“Lain, Myles. Take this idiot to the nurse.”

-commanded and they swiftly came and caught Venvo as the captain released him from his grip, taking him out of the classroom. Gotta admit, that was actually kinda cool. By that time, Aya approached me quite hurriedly.

“Hisashi! A-are you okay?”

I was not that okay. But I even can't make her unnecessarily worry more than she already is.

“I’m all right. Don't worry, Aya. How about you?”

“I’m also okay…”

I nodded. The situation finally seems to be under control all thanks to the class captain. His timing was actually perfect. Had he been a minute late and I don’t know what would've happened. So I’ve to pay my gratitude.

I walked up and-

“Uhm, cap. Thank you for saving us. Things were getting out of hand, but now it’s all right.”

-thanked him with an appealing smile. It was all I could think of for the moment. But-

“Shut your trap. Did you think I did it for your sake? I maintain the order in this class, so why should I waste my time on you measly other-worlders?”

-things went not how I had expected, threatening me with the coldest glare. Though here comes again this ‘other-worlder’ nonsense. Other-worlder this, other-worlder that, I’m frankly sick of it. But I can’t even lash out. I’m already heated up from the commotion with that Venvo guy, so I have to cool myself. And there’s also no need to give a crap to such trivial matters. Discriminating us? Let them be. I don't fricking care anymore.

“Let's go. Aya.”

“Oh, o-okay…”

We both walked out as many gazes followed along with wagging tongues. My face was still raging with anger, so I think Aya might’ve been a little scared. Because as she replied, her face looked as if it conveyed a tad bit of fright. Damn, I kinda feel bad now because I didn't mean to scare her. She hasn’t even done anything. (Neither did I, I guess. Or did I? That Venvo guy started everything, right?)

As we were walking down the hallway, I slipped my hand under hers, grabbing it and she flinched. Her hand was shivering, and it couldn’t be due to the cold because it ain’t winter. Was she shivering due to fright? Most likely. Damn it. So she actually was panicking. I have to comfort her or else I can’t forgive myself. Because am I trying to protect or petrify her?

“Don’t worry, Aya. You remember right, what I said? I’ll never let anything happen to you.”

I said in a soothing voice, interlocking fingers. And thankfully, Her shivering slowly disappeared as a faint smile came up. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll tell again. I will protect her no matter what. Even if that means my life will be on the line.

“Mmm!”

She replied cheerfully and tightened the grip on my hands. The cute as ever face of hers, as always, made me rosy red. Her blossoming smile was like an array of vivid colours of the rainbow, manifesting her vivacious side. And it was everything I needed. Like therapy to relieve ourselves from stress, it brought an involuntary smile on me too.

Her cheerful face now showed signs of redness. She was slowly turning red. Was it due to embarassment? Most likely, because even I started blushing after realizing the reason - we were holding hands like a hardcore couple! Interlocking fingers and buttering each other, others would surely think of us as lovers!

But even on her reddening face there was a smile. And she didn’t want to let go even when I tried a little. She wanted to continue holding hands, huh. Well, no other choice. Because nonetheless I felt good. I don’t know why but it feels relaxing holding her soft palm, and there was an involuntary smile on my reddened face, again.

Haah. Thinking of us as lovers? Let them be.

[ANSWER: The young master and the girl held hands with do seem like lovers. Possibility of actually becoming a couple is very high to extreme.]

S-st-stop it Great Sage!

Damn. Didn’t know Great Sage could be like this sometimes. I think it does hear my own thoughts even when I’m not talking to it. (And yes, I’m purposely trying to dodge its comment).

Moreover, she’s not ‘the girl’, she’s Aya!

[ANSWER: As you wish. Apologies.]

Haah, yare yare. At least Great Sage understood my point. So props for that. Anyways the hallway was deserted, and so were the classrooms. Have the students already departed? That was quick, not gonna lie. Because it wasn’t long until classes were over. Well, I guess that commotion took long enough.

It was not so long after which we heard a wail from behind-

“Excuse me! Please wait a moment!”

As we halted and turned back, a student was rushing towards us. And I could kinda recognise the guy. It was that very person, the one getting bullied by Venvo and some others. He reached us and asked-

“Are you alright? You should head to the infirmary!”

“Aah, no we're all right. Thank you for worrying.”

Aya also nodded, as if trying to imply she was also all right. Which she was, I think (Well, it had to be or what else would she imply? Lol). The student heaved out a sigh, continuing-

“That’s good to know. Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Just like you, I’m an other-worlder.”

Aah, so he is also just like us! No wonder he was getting bullied, the situation’s bigger than I thought. And I think I can kind of understand Julian and Valentina’s words ‘one of those same cases’ or something. There were more other-worlders like us, huh. Anyways, we should introduce ourselves.

“Aah, I see! I’m Hisashi Kurogane. Nice to meet you!”

I looked at Aya and she stutteringly but properly introduced herself-

“Huh? O-oh! It’s re-really nice to meet you too! I’m Aya Ts-Tsukuyomi!”

“What a serendipity. I’m Katsuro Matsuoka. Again, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He presented us with a bright smile. Guess what, he is also Japanese! Because look at his name. Wow, what a coincidence! I wasn’t the only one astounded but Aya too, as her eyes clearly manifested the glittering stars of the night sky. Of course figuratively, lol. And she had to be. Because who wouldn’t be when meeting a fellow countryman in a different world? Let alone fellow Earthlings.

“You’re Japanese! Nice.”

Actually, I already could’ve perceived him to be Japanese. His brownish hair had two cowlicks falling under  its own weight. But the rare thing about him was his eye colour. Golden-yellow. Damn it looked cool.

“Sure I am!”

But then another quite shrilling voice wailed-

“Nii-san! Nii-sannn! Wait for me!”

-and rushing towards us was a beautiful young girl. She reached and sprang on Katsuro-san’s back which made him flinch. And then wrapped her arms around him as if she’d found the only stalwart thing on an imperious staggering world.

“Hihihi caught you~! Now you can not leave me behind!”

“Reiko-chan~! How many times have I told you not to scare me like that?”

‘Nii-san’ huh. So they’re siblings?    (Nii-san=brother)

[ANSWER: Sibling: The term used on children who have the same parent. That is, they are brothers or sisters or both.]

Wow, thank you for your needless statement, Great Sage.

[ANSWER: My pleasure, young master.]

It’s not a compliment!

Damn. I’ve found a serious talking-wikipedia in my head. And also the one that answers unsolicitedly. Because c’mon. Did I ask for the meaning of ‘sibling’? Or is it that I’m an idiot who doesn’t know such simple things?

“Here, meet my little sister Reiko. She’s a bit childish though.”

Yea, I can see that. In fact, very clearly. The way she sprang on his back and her talking style proved it. But it also means he wasn’t alone in this world, like us. 

“I’m Hisashi Kurogane. Nice to meet you!”

“I’m Aya...Tsukuyomi. It is nice...to meet you.”

Fumu. Aya is slowly improving, and I am liking it! At this rate, she’ll soon be able to talk fluently and become independent. Meanwhile, Reiko-san, his little sister, leaped back to the ground.

“It’s Rei~ko Matsuoka!”

Katsuro-san tapped on her head. Continuing-

“No, Reiko. Introduce properly.”

She winced, her expression signifying annoyance. But nonetheless did what he asked, though grumpily-

“I am Reiko Matsuoka. Age 14, born on September 30 and zodiac libra. Hoping for a good relationship in the future.”

Well, wasn’t that a little more than required? Because why did she say her age and zodiac sign? Let alone her birthday, as we did not ask any of those. And damn, talk about her formality…Whatever. They were an amusing bunch of siblings though, lol. And this is what I call siblingship, unlike Aya’s brother. 

Sure, there may be fights between brothers and sisters sometimes, in fact, it’s quite natural. But that doesn’t mean you could literally torture them to death (duh!) and if any one of you guys do, then you have some serious problems. Please don’t, not only your siblings but anyone. 

We were having our nice little time, us other-worlders’ chill time on this bizarre world—until that guy, that same delinquent jerk came to ruin our day, again-

“You...It’s you! The f**kers. The whole lot of other-worlder a**holes!”

Venvo stood at the end of the hallway. We could also notice two other guys alongside him having the same, disgusted faces. 

I stepped forward, covering Aya behind. Let me make one thing clear, I will not tolerate any more of his bullcrap. If required, I will use the sword marked for summoning because there’ll be no other way. He won’t learn without some serious beating.
And yes, I purposely didn’t use the sword back then. Because I’ll only use it for the most extreme situations, in situations where death is ineluctable. That fight with Venvo was no more than for some petty reasons (apart from him using killer methods).

Katsuro-san was shivering, I could tell, but was trying his best not to reveal it. On the other hand, Reiko-san was...She just stood still with her eyes depicting ‘no clue about the situation’. Fumu. Was she clueless? 

Venvo then fizzled out a sound of annoyance, continuing-

“I’m Leaving you a**holes for today. But you will f**king pay for it tomorrow.”

“Sod off.”

I said as they continued on their way. Good thing he decided not to mess anymore, because I’m anyway sick of it. He should be leaving without causing any more ruckus—or so I thought. 

About to walk past us, Venvo tried to shoulder-bump me. But the funny thing—it was him who lost his footing. Lol. Because I stood sturdily, he wasn’t even able to nudge me, continuing on his way after a ‘tch’ sound. Yare yare, sucks for him.

But it was not only me. When the other two guys followed after him, they shoulder-bumped Katsuro-san and Aya pretty hard. Thankfully, both of them somehow managed to save themselves from falling. Fumu. They still haven’t learned yet, huh. Or are they trying to measure my rage? Because if they are, then congrats. The results will be immediate.

I grabbed both of their collars and-

“Are you begging me to kill you? Or are you interested to see what hell looks like? Perhaps, want to experience hell right here and right now?”

-threatened them. Their disgusted faces turned into scaredy kittens’ upon seeing my face. And when I let go of their collars, they chickened out, vacating from our sights. Haah. Thankfully. I was oh-so-ready to stomp a mudhole in them for if they had attacked. 

Katsuro-san seems to have stopped shaking also. I guess he has calmed down, because-

“Really thanks...Aniki.” (aniki=elder brother)

“Aah, you can just call me by my name. Not that I mind it.”

“Since you don’t mind, I can call you like that. Thank you aniki!”

Damn, lol...A-anyways I said I don’t mind, so it’s okay. In fact I might kind of like it because it gives me the ‘big brother’ feeling (even though I don’t have any siblings lol). 

Now, on the other hand, Reiko-san-

“What happened just now?”

-was still clueless. I don’t know if she was just pretending or was actually oblivious. Both Aya and I had troubled expressions, but not Katsuro-san. Instead-

“It’s nothing, Reiko.”

-he said with serene and patted her head as she enjoyed it thoroughly. Fumu. My likeness of this fine guy is having an unending growth. He did absolutely the right thing not telling her, and y’all do know why (also, it does seem she actually was oblivious).

What a heartwarming sight it is, siblings caring for each other. So refreshing to watch. But this very moment, this lovely moment broke off when a sudden loud explosion erupted followed by wails of students. It shook the windows and doors of the hallway, even the ground! Confusion hit all of us as we flinched with shock.

Arisaka_Hiroshi

Heyyy guyss! The Author Hiroshi here. I just wanted to thank you so much for reading my novel! Likes and comments would be very much appreciated, and do share it to your friends! Who knows, they might learn something valuable ;)

And about the recent reviews - I'm terribly sorry for the inconveniences I caused. As you know, I'm just an amateur writer, and I still have tons and tons of things to know, and tons and tons of areas requiring improvement. Though it has been some time, regrettably I'm not good yet.

Still I, with my whole heart, hope that I'll be able to fulfill your expectations in the near future. So please do keep reading my novel because what's coming up next will surely put you on the edge of your seats! Hehehe ;)

Happy reading! <3