Fanfiction by: Final_Order
Delusional Multiversal Travels
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Chapter 5
- - -
Few days later,
Since then, it's been what? A few days or so. The rinse-and-repeat regimen continued.
And I, granted the privilege of skipping training anytime I want because none of them could make me stay, was naturally idling away.
Well, it wasn't like I was idling without doing anything, per se. I'd been trying to get information in my own way.
"And? How did that go?"
My partner in crime leaning against the wall in front of me asked with a raised eyebrow, if anything, with an amused expression on her face.
Was she making fun of me? Well, it doesn't matter anyways, I guess..
"Terrible. It went terribly."
But of course it went terribly, what did I expect?
I admitted that nonchalantly with a shrug of my shoulders, my gaze, directed upwards, as I then let out a soft groan.
It was morning now, and supposed to be training, according to the menu—rather, a routine that was set up for us—Heroes.
Naturally, that's what it's supposed to be.
Meanwhile, someone at the other corner of the training field was getting his ass handed to him.
And we had tucked ourselves away in a secluded corner of the field, partially obscured by a few crates and training dummies.
CLANG!
CLANK!
THACK!
From the training grounds, all sorts of steel, metal, or wood clashing resounded.
Our classmates, at least, were taking the training seriously. Well, some of them were.
"As expected of Miyamoto~"
"How cool."
"That's why he's the hero."
Ahh, they're still at it. Good grief. I couldn't help but let out an exhale, one that I didn't bother to hide.
"My~ You seem jealous of him~"
"Put the fries in the bag, Akane."
"Ahaha, I'm just joking. You have me already don't you."
"According to a certain someone. Cooperative relationship… was it not?"
"Eh…. I didn't mean it like that, y'know."
Regardless, I hadn't expected it. Be that as it may, I was prevented from entering the innermost part of the castle.
I'd explored what I could—residential zones, taverns, back alleys—and pieced together scraps of info from whoever was willing to talk.
Admittedly, the intel wasn't exactly reliable. Tavern gossip and half-drunken mutterings rarely are.
Still, that is not to say that their information was entirely useless.
After all, those people had coded information that the Empire had summoned heroes (us) already.
That alone speaks volumes.
"So, do you think you'll be able to bypass the barrier?"
Akane asked, arms folded. She was wearing training gear; a shirt and short pants, with her hair tied into a ponytail.
Apparently, our personal gear is being worked on. We were given the kingdom's top tailors and the option to submit our own designs.
Ah… but they also had their recommendations, and we could go with theirs, but I personally drew mine for them to tailor.
'I won't lie to myself. She looks good in that.'
I had used «Shadow Step» to arrive unnoticed, so others, at the very least, wouldn't catch on, as apparently, for someone as I am, I stand out a lot.
Current strongest of the Failed Heroes.
Was what they called me. Not my classmates. I also stand out to them for other various reasons.
However, because of the title they'd branded me with, I've gotten more curious.
But then… I have been soundly defeated.
"I don't know. Except for where the knights and maids showed us, literally every part of the castle is forbidden to us."
"Especially the basement. That side has more security."
I shrugged, playing with the shadows on the wall, half-submerged into it, forming ripples around my figure, like when you throw something into still water.
While I did that, Akane nodded. It's exactly like she had told me.
"Since we have about a month since they start sending us into the dungeons, that should be enough for information gathering from your end, no?"
"Hm. I doubt it. There are ridiculously strong people even inside the castle. It won't be that easy."
"Strong… even for you?"
Her eyes practically widened as she turned to me, then bit her nails softly as her eyes glowed.
Naturally, I caught it.
Well, at least the current me can't beat those beasts, especially the ones below ground…
"Haah… then I guess I will continue to count on you, Retsu."
She said that with her smile as though my words didn't bother her. She's doing well to hide it.
"Hah."
I let out a laugh, looking to the sides, then before looking back at her.
"My cue to leave."
Some people were already approaching this place. And thus slowly I began to submerge myself into the shadows.
But before I did, she extended her hand to me, throwing her hands around my neck, pulling me closer.
Our lips met, and I couldn't help but slightly be taken aback.
But it only lasted for a few seconds before she pulled away.
"Consider that payment for yesterday's ridiculous request."
Her voice dripped playfulness as she stepped back, licking her lips before dashing away toward the training zone.
Now left alone. I finished submerging into the [Ocean of Shadows], vanishing from the spot.
Good grief.
I can't let her continue taking the lead now, shall I? I suppose I should also go on the attack too next time.
But for now—
"The sun looks good today, doesn't it? Nakatani-kun~"
The sun hung high overhead. Birds chirped lazily in the distance.
The trees stood tall and proud, forming a green wall around the thirty-meter-wide clearing in the middle of the forest.
This was our little arena.
Training ground. Execution ground. Whichever way you wanted to see it.
I looked at him, seeing him flinch as he panted, clenching tightly to the sword he held.
His grip was shaky, but he didn't take his eyes off me. He's growing, then that's good.
Even if I was confident in my own development, it wouldn't be a bad thing to have a potential man by my side.
Contingencies are practical.
"Having acclimated to bear chases in just a few days," I said, stretching my arms overhead, "I guess we can take it to the next level."
"By… haah… next level… you mean beating me up…? Haah…"
"Oh please, it's more than just that."
I shook my head slowly, languidly, letting the silence hang for a second before pausing.
Then I opened my eyes. And smiled.
He flinched again.
No matter the slight fear he had of me now, he could outmaneuver a bear within just a few days.
That meant something.
Even if his skill was weak, he had mana coursing through his body because of said skill. And with [Absorption], he was able to stun the bear.
"As you know, I wouldn't interfere with your daily life, however, that doesn't mean I like the treatment you're being given."
"I know… that's why you're training me… you have your reasons… right?"
This guy… he's actually smart.
Well, I don't particularly hate that.
"Right."
Currently, he'd grown slightly. He was always cowering, covering his eyes whenever he was getting beaten.
Now, he keeps his eyes on the path of their attack and blocks his vital spots from being harmed.
As for how he knew, after a five-foot bear has aimed for certain spots tens of times, he'd learned.
"But I don't have any overpowered sword techniques to teach you. Perhaps, Kaido can. But what I can teach you… is how to take a beating."
I said as I rolled up my sleeves, showing some scars which had healed, but were still there.
"These scars were from when I was still relatively young, but for you, a certain classmate would simply use a spell and you'll be healed, with those scars… gone."
"I'm doing you both a favor, no?"
I asked as I raised my head; however, he took a step back in fear, gulping as he looked down at the weapons he held.
Real swords.
Not the wooden ones he was getting beaten with. Actual swords, and I pointed the sword I held at him.
But after a moment, he gritted his teeth, then refocused his gaze, now locking his onto mine.
"... Please… Continue…. I only… have a weak skill… anything to improve… to get stronger… I will do it."
My face beamed. My smile beamed.
"Very good, Yuto. Fuck skills when you can get things done with your hands."
I wasn't fully serious when I said that; heck, I knew that such words coming from my mouth were pure hypocrisy.
But what do I do when skills and magic are useless against your opponents?
You use what doesn't lie.
My bare hands.
"As you grow, regardless of whether your skill is trash or not, you'll come to realize that as long as you strive for it, you can do it."
Nakatani got into a shaky stance, dashing at me, swinging his sword overhead, only for me to block it by countering his sword.
"Too basic."
"That's a basic way of swinging a sword. Kendo is good and all, but you'll be out there fighting to kill."
Nakatani this time gritted his teeth as he dashed at me again.
Is he going for the same overhead swing?
No, I doubt it. Is he going for a fake? There's a high chance he would.
As I thought, I saw his sword descend from an overhead stance.
'Let's humor him.'
I thought as I raised my sword to block it, but my sword missed.
As I thought, he withdrew his sword for a horizontal slash.
"Oh, not bad, but…."
CLANG!
My sword still blocked it.
"W–wha?"
"You're ten years too early to match my skills. And the funny thing is that I didn't even learn how to use a sword."
As I said that, I went for a wide swing, pushing the sword, and by extension, Nakatani, in a wide arc.
It sent him flying towards the end of the clearing; however, before he could catch a break, I appeared behind him.
"I'm behind!"
I said it cheerfully, giddy even, before driving my fist square into his spine.
CRACK.
"Gah–!"
He lurched forward, airborne again, body twisting like a ragdoll.
This time, I didn't chase.
I just stood there, watching his face skid through the dirt, arms slack, his sword slipping from his fingers.
He was already bruised with several cuts, but meh, it would heal with Minase's help, so I wasn't really worried.
Still,
"Let's end it here for today. You've done well, Yuto."