For the two months afterwards, that daily training continued. In Martial Arts, everyone pa.s.sed the long distance running and practice swings, and finally managed to get to training basic forms. Yeah~, that was seriously rough. Though I can get through all of the practice swings now, there were a bunch of times I thought I’d give up in the middle of it. If the training load’s increased any more than this though, I might feel like giving up again.

In Taming, we’ve been having sparring matches between our monsters. My thoughts aren’t getting through to Ruu and Lime quite well yet, but it’s starting to take shape. Ruu’s so strong that it’s dangerous, so I’m fighting with Lime. As of current, it’s undefeated. It gets most of my thoughts, and Lime’s getting smarter as far as Lime goes. It’s even begun thinking for itself as it fights.

As for Foreign Studies, I’m learning about detailed information and the histories of each country. Apparently, the History cla.s.s studies the history of the Kingdom in detail. Guess it’s like the difference between “World History” and “j.a.panese History”.

In Magic, we’ve been divided into Offense, Recovery and Support to endeavor in our studies. The proportion appears to be Offense = Recovery >>> Support, because the people who are studying Support magic are considerably fewer. I was able to make friends with those within my group, but I was once again shown the unfortunate circ.u.mstances of Support magic. Next time, I’ll have to ask the teacher about a few things huh. As I had read before, the cla.s.sification of Support magic is messy and ambiguous. So, it’s become something like after deciding what system of magic you want to learn, you have the teacher teach you. The number of students is small, but the drawback is that the number of teachers is small too.

In Survival, it seems that a hands-on training exercise will be held soon. No matter how much you study, there’s no meaning if you can’t use it in real life, so we’ll be doing a survival exercise in an inland forest a little further away from the school. While I hear that they’ll come save you if it gets too dangerous, it’s best for that not to happen. Gotta make sure to review. Looks like monsters will also appear, so gotta maintain my sword.

“A training camp on a real field, huh. So we’re doing it in a place where monsters come out after all, eh.” [Tsuchio]
“I guess so. But they say they’ll lead us just in case, so I don’t think any big problems will happen…” [Lucas]
“They’ll definitely make us fight monster, dude. c.r.a.p, Ruu’s strong, but it’ll be tough in a forest.” [Tsuchio]
“She can’t fly, huh. What about Lime-chan, isn’t it getting pretty strong?” [Lucas]
“That un’s still inexperienced. It’s got combat experience, but it’s only ever fought in the woods near the town y’know. When’s it gonna be announced, where we’re going for training? ” [Tsuchio]
“…I think it’ll be soon, but…us students need time to prepare too.” [Lucas]

As we practice swinging our swords, Lucas and I chat about the hands-on training. After swinging our swords for two months, the forms been ingrained into our bodies. Well, we’ll still have to practice more to learn how to hit harder and faster. Though I don’t have the skill, I to want to be able to fight to some extent.

“S’not good enough to just swing your sword! Ya gotta think as ya practice!”

so the teacher says. I look at the teacher’s form, and ponder ‘Is it like this?’ before imitating, but…

“Sighh, I want to train my martial arts too, but I gotta study magic. Besides that, I’ve gotta research different monsters, and do so many other things too…” [Tsuchio]
“I think that’s better than being bored, though. Oh right, could you teach me more math later? I don’t get some of it.” [Lucas]
“All right, let’s shoot for after lunch.” [Tsuchio]
“Mkay!” [Lucas]

After finishing the Martial Arts cla.s.s and lunch, I head towards the bestiary. Ruu probably hasn’t come back yet, so maybe I’ll practice a little bit of martial arts with Lime.

The day after I asked for Ruu to bring back human-like monsters, Ruu’s started to bring back weird-looking merman-like monsters. It’s the kind that has a fish face with arms and legs growing out of them. Y’know, like a Sahagin. If I had to say though, it looks more like a Goblin than it does a human, I guess.
After feeding Lime those for about 2 weeks, small changes have occurred. Lime’s body has again grown a little larger, and its hands and legs have gotten longer. Its shape has gotten closer to a human.Its color has also become more blue, and its become able to use magic. It can only create b.a.l.l.s of water now, but I can get excited about the future. I increased the solvent’s concentration further, so the ability to produce something like it should only be a matter of time. It’s eating more metal, and is becoming able to turn the surfaces of its body hard. It’s also learned how to sharpen its nails, which have strengthened its claw attacks. Eventually though, I’d want it to be able to harden its complete body.

It looks like Ruu’s been working hard without my knowledge, as her frame’s grown slightly larger.She’s been strong from the get-go so her growth has been slower, but she is steadily building up experience and mana. As usual she can only fight close quarters, but if she trains her strengthening magic, I’m sure she’ll grow stronger.However, for now it doesn’t look like she’ll be turning human. Here’s about where we’d want to go BAM! and get experience in one go through y’know…

“Yo, ho, hah!”
“…!” purupuru!

Lime dodges my wooden sword and comes at me with both hands. I parry the its blows with my sword, and from time to time launch a counterattack. I’ve been thinking “When I’m in a one on one battle, how should I move?”. You don’t get better without training, and you can’t use just practice swings by themselves in a real fight. Those forms too, I can’t easily do them with my arms.
Up until recently I’ve just been taking Lime’s attacks, but with its growth, I’ve started to throw out my own strikes. Lime’s also learning, and it’s getting pretty into a pretty good shape with close quarters combat. Man, that means I can’t sit on my a.s.s anymore.

“Soiya!”
“…” purun!

I pretend to make an upward slash but sweep Lime’s legs instead, and brandish my wooden sword where they’ve tripped. I somehow managed to win huh. I’ve never done martial arts, but I can replicate it to some degree. Only works with those weaker than me though.

“Lime’s grown stronger too huh. Like this, beating me’s only a matter of time.”
“…” nod nod
“It’s sad that you agree with that…”

Well, can’t be helped if it’s true. I draw water with a ladle from the bucket I left nearby, and down it in one gulp. Hydration’s important.

“…” purupuru
“Lime you wanna drink too?”
“…” nod

In the blink of an eye, the water I pour on it disappears. Not enough with only that huh; it’s jumped directly into the bucket to drink.

“…” purupuru
“You wanna eat metal right, I’ll bring some over”

As though its stomach empties as it exercises, Lime is wanting for metal to eat. I wonder if the fact that water by itself isn’t satisfying enough is because its appet.i.te has increased. Was it because it ate the Goblin or Merman? It’s gestures have become much more human-like too, so we’re getting closer. Really want them to evolve quickly.
I bring out several failed swords from Ruu and Lime’s room. The supply’s gotten low, so gotta go get more. I’ve been asking for more and more each time, so whether or not I’ll be able to keep getting so much is a worry.

“Here, I brought it over”
“…” slap slap

Lime goes back to its original position, but it’s slapping the ground as if it’s saying it’s not enough….Have I been spoiling it a bit too much?

“Ruu’s gonna come home soon y’know? What’re you gonna do if you can’t finish her souvenir.”
“…” furufuru

It’s shaking its head as if to say “Not gonna happen”. This is just like that, huh, when kids say they’ll make sure to eat all their dinner as they eat snacks right before. Even if you try to scold them, they eat dinner properly so you can’t even get mad. It’s kinda like that….Sighh, oh well.

“Fine, I’ll bring more. But, if you leave anything I definitely won’t give you snacks anymore.”
“…” Puru

Jeez, what am I gonna do with you. Even though I’m still young, I feel like I’ve come to understand the pains of being a parent…

Afterwards, Ruu brought back a giant squid, which Lime ate in one bite.

A few days later, as everyone gathered in the cla.s.sroom for a morning meeting, our homeroom teacher gave us the schedule for our hands-on training exercise.

“The practical training exercise will be held in three days time! Finish your preparations tomorrow and the day after! We’re setting after right after breakfast, so don’t stuff yerselves!”

The sudden announcement of three days’ time causes a stir in the cla.s.sroom. Yeah, that’s a pretty rushed announcement. Couldn’t you have told us sooner?

“Also, group up for the activity by the end of today! Four people one party, alright!”

At those words, the stir takes a turn louder.Well, there are lots of things to think about when making a group.On top of that within the day; Hope there isn’t anyone left out….Me? No problem. After all,

“Tsuchio-kun, let’s partner up~”
“Tsuchio-dono, we are partnering-dearimasu!”

I have two friends who will call out to me like so. Especially for Lucas, the fellas behind me were right about to call out to him but have frozen. Man, this kid sure is popular with the boys. He should probably have a little bit more self-awareness about his looks.

“Sure, but what should we do about the last person? Anyone have an idea?”
“Mmm, everyone’s already pretty much teamed up. I wonder if anyone is still not in a group yet?”
“My friends too, they’ve already solidified their own groups-dearimasu, so I don’t think there are any people not partied up-dearimasu.”
“Yeah, true. Alright well, please ask around to see if there’s anyone without a group. I’ll also ask people I know.”

After saying that, we part ways momentarily. Technically, I have acquaintances that I take cla.s.ses with but… Apparently, it seems they’ve all teamed up with each other as a support magic group. My leads collapsed all at once…
In less than a minute, I’m back to where I started. Of course, the other two haven’t come back yet. Even though those around me are gathered up and having a blast, I’m the only one all alone. How sad.

“Excuse meee….. Is it possible you’re not paired up yet?”
“Nna?”

As I was staring off into s.p.a.ce, someone calls out to me. When I looked to the direction of the voice, a small kid was looking up at me. He’s got short reddish hair, with an aura that screams “I love exercise!”. And then there are the round, black ears hanging on top his head….Bear ears?

“Well, umm”
“Ah, ahh. We’ve only got three people right now.”
“Really!? Umm, if possible please let me in your group!”

His bear ears are twitching. I would wonder about bear ears on a man, but they’re sure cute on a little boy….I’m not a shotacon, y’know?

“I can’t say anything without asking the others, but…Oh, they’re back.”
“Tsuchio-kun, how did it go on your end? On my end, n.o.body was left.”
“Same here-dearimasuyo~… Oh, is that Mr. Beast Tsuchio-dono’s acquaintance-dearimasuka?”
“Nah, while I was waiting for you two, he came asking to enter our party. You guys seemed to have no luck either, so why don’t we let him in?”
“Please!”

The bear-eared boy bows deeply. In my case, I’m fine with him though. Though, it’d become three guys (?).

“I don’t really mind, I don’t know anyone else after all.”
“That’s true-dearimasuna, he did come out of his way after all so I’d feel bad-dearimasuyo.”
“That so? There you have it, would you join our party?”
“Of, of course! Thank you!”

He lowers his head again. Even though you have to thank us so deeply.

“Lift your head, or the blood’s gonna rise up there. Rather than that, tell us your name.”
“Oh, that’s right!”

He lifts his head up energetically. How should I say it, his every action is so large.

“My name is Falchion! Please feel free to call me Fal! Umm, and you all are…”
“I’m Lucas.Nice to meet’cha, Fal-kun.”
“I am Tris-dearimasu. Pleasure, that it is-dearimasu!”
“I’m Tsuchio, and pleasure, Fal.”
“Yes, a pleasure to meet you all!”

With this, our group has become 4 people. Looks like I’ll finally have a male friend.

“Fal’s a beast, huh.”
“Yes, I’m from the Black Bear Clan.”

We finished pairing into a parties, but those around us were still having difficulties settling into parties. On the other hand, as though the teacher is sitting in a chair and watching with a bemused look, as though they intend to make all of the groups here and now. However, we ended up talking about ourselves until the groups were decided.

“Black Bear Clan huh~. Did you grow up in the Kingdom?”
“That’s right. I’d heard that my ancestors had originally served in the Empire, but after losing in a power struggle with the Grey Bear Tribe, came to the Kingdom.”

By “grey bear” you mean “grizzly bear” right, of course you’d lose.

“Are the Grey Bear Clan strong-dearimasuka?”
“They’re strong, but the Black Bear Clan is also just as strong! The reason they lost is because the Grey Bear Clan used underhanded tactics! The Black Bear Clan’s warriors are proud and courageous! If they had fought fair and square, it’s obvious the Black Bear Clan would have definitely won!”
“O, Okay.Okay we get it so calm down.”
“Huff huff….I, I’m sorry. I just got a little heated up.”

Guess that point’s non-negotiable for Fal. Well, not that I hate the way the Grey Bear Clan does things. It’s probably not chivalry, but just having something like that is heavy baggage.

“Umm, what kinds of things are you all studying?”
“I’d be Offensive Magic and Recovery Magic I guess. I can also do a little bit of Martial Arts.”
“I am Martial Arts all the way-dearimasuyo!”
“I use Tame to control monsters. I can also use a bit of Support Magic, but I don’t have that much mana.”
“So you’re a Tamer. What kind of monsters are under your control?”
“Tsuchio-dono is amazing-dearimasuyo~. After all, he’s tamed a dragon species-dearimasu!”
“Dragon species!? Eh, really!? ”

Fal leans over to ask me. Dammit Triss, using such misleading words…

“Though you say Dragon species, it’s the lowest rank dragon and I didn’t tame her with my abilities. It was a coincidence, a fluke, a miracle.”
“Well, if you were to take her normally, you wouldn’t get that kind of affection right. It’s like she’s already head over heels for you.”
“Is that the case… Even by chance, to be able to tame a Dragon species is amazing. Could you please show me later?”
“Sure, but will you be alright? Even if bad, it’s still a dragon y’know.”
“Not a problem! Someday, I want to be able to defeat a dragon alone, just like my father!”

Fal raises his fist. How pa.s.sionate, as one’d expect of a boy. You gotta surpa.s.s your father.

“…Umm, Tsuchio-san? I’ve been wondering from a while ago but…”
“Nn, yeah?”
“Errr…Why do you keep patting my head?”
“No particular reason. If I had to say, it’s because I want to pet you.”

Are you saying I should be able to resist petting my heart’s desired animal ears when they’re in front of me? Nope, can’t do it. Ruu’s silky smooth scales or Lime’s chilled skin are nice, but still fluffy things are sooo niiiiiice.

“That’s totally selfishness! Please stop, I’m not a kid!”
“To me, Fal, you’re still a kid.”
“Saying such things… How old are you Tsuchio-san? ”
“16, I think”
“Eh!? 3 years older than me!?”

No no, that shouldn’t be surprising right. I’m tall after all.

“I had thought you were older, but at most 1-2 years more… You have a baby face, huh.”
“I know right. I was surprised when I first heard it too~. You look younger.”
“Are you trying to say I have a babyface?”

In j.a.pan, I’d have been mistaken to be a college student though…Guess it’s true that j.a.panese people look young to foreigners.

“…Wha-, that’s not a reason to be able to pet me?!”
“Oh come on, it’s fine isn’t it. Not like you’re losing anything.”

When I try pinching the bear ears, I get a soft plush feeling. It’s softer than I thought.

“Don’ touch my ears please-!”
“Ahh…”

Fal runs away towards Lucas’ side. My precious bear earsss…

“Please don’t make such a sad sound…. I’ll let you touch them if I feel like it.”
“Promise ok. If you don’t let me touch’em, I’m gonna chase you all the way to your room.”
“That’s impossible, you don’t know where I live right.”

You’re only able to say that now. Next time, I’ll ask the dorm mother. If I do that it’s a surefire win.

“Awwright, looks like all parties have been decided! Now then, write the names of all people in your party on this paper!”

Finally decided huh, let’s hurry up to write our names and go to cla.s.s.