"—Ngh…"
What in tarnation…? It's not time to get up yet, Mash… Don't tell me you broke another door?
"—san!"
Huh? What's got you so worked up, Mash? Calling me "-san" of all things… Is this a dream? Gotta be a dream, right? I do tend to nod off now and then…
"Gramps!"
"GWAH!?" Regro jolted awake.
"Thank goodness… you're finally coming to," a soft voice said.
"…Where am I?"
In an unfamiliar room, an elderly man with a long, flowing beard and a blue robe stirred, roused by a young girl. Groaning as he sat up, he blinked rapidly, taking in the strange surroundings with a mix of confusion and wonder.
"What… what is this place?"
"Are you alright?" the girl asked, her voice gentle.
"Yeah… yeah, I'm fine, missy. But where in the world… Wait, is that a halo!?"
"A halo? Oh, you mean this?" She gestured to the glowing ring above her head.
"N-No way… Am I in the afterlife!? Did I die without noticing!? I've been pretty darn careful about my health! What's gonna happen to my grandson!?" Regro's voice cracked with panic.
"Please, calm down… Here, feel this." She gently took his hand. "You can feel my warmth, right?"
"…You're right. So what's going on? Why am I here?"
"When I entered this room today, you were already here, fast asleep," she explained.
"Hmm… Spatial teleportation magic, maybe? But who'd have any reason to cast that on me…?" Regro muttered, stroking his beard. He stood and peered out the window, his eyes widening at the sight of towering buildings and a sky dotted with haloed figures—a world far removed from his familiar magic realm. His knees wobbled, overwhelmed by confusion.
"What… what is happening!?"
"Pardon me, sir, but allow me to introduce myself to clarify things. I'm Rin Nanagami, Chief Administrative Officer of the Federal Student Council, the central governing body of Kivotos, this academy city."
"Kivotos? Federal Student Council? Never heard of it—doesn't sound like anything tied to the Magic Bureau… Wait, Chief Administrative Officer!? You're some big-shot government official, missy!? At your age? That's gotta be rough…"
"Well… it's a lot, yes," Rin admitted with a wry smile.
"Ah, my apologies. Manners and all. I'm Regro Burnedead—just a humble old man."
"Burnedead?" Rin's eyes lit up with recognition. A name sparked in her mind, and with a flicker of hope, she ventured, "Sir… do you know a young man named Mash Burnedead?"
"Mash? That's my grandson! What about him?"
"I knew it!" Rin exclaimed. "You're Mash-sensei's grandfather!"
"Mash… sensei!? Wait, what!? Sensei!? Mash!?"
Both Regro and Rin froze, stunned. Rin was floored that Mash's grandfather had appeared in Kivotos, while Regro reeled from the bombshell that his grandson was a teacher.
"W-Where's Mash now!?" Regro stammered.
CRASH!
"Gah!? I know that sound!" Regro yelped.
"…You know that sound?" Rin asked, bewildered.
"Good morning, Rin-san. I was told to deliver these documents… Oh, Gramps?" Mash stood in the doorway, unfazed by the splintered remains of the door.
"MAAASH!?" Regro's voice echoed with disbelief.
(…Another door, ruined…) Rin sighed inwardly.
Regro Burnedead had landed in Kivotos. Mash, separated from his family, was reunited with his grandfather at last.
"So… this is a whole different world from ours, and Mash is a teacher here, is that right?" Regro asked, trying to wrap his head around it.
"Yes," Rin replied. "The Federal Student Council President has a habit of doing… unconventional things, but I never imagined she'd appoint Mash-sensei without informing his guardian. On behalf of the Council, I deeply apologize for this oversight."
"No, no, lift your head, Rin-san. I'm sure you had your reasons. The President must've had her own logic, too. If Mash is doing alright and you're looking after him, I've got no complaints."
"Sorry for vanishing like that, Gramps," Mash said, scratching his head. "It's been about a month here."
"A month!? Wait, you've been here a month? Back home, it's only been a few minutes! You just said you were going to train in the forest, so I was brewing coffee, waiting for you!"
"Huh?" Mash blinked.
"It seems," Rin interjected, "there's a significant time discrepancy between Kivotos and your home world."
"For real?" Mash said, unfazed.
The trio racked their brains but couldn't pinpoint the cause. For now, Rin began explaining Mash's role in Kivotos to Regro.
"To think my Mash is a teacher in a city this grand," Regro mused. "Rin-san, he hasn't caused any trouble, has he?"
"No major issues. In fact, he's been diligent—"
"No, no, I mean… things," Regro interrupted, leaning in. "You know, objects?"
"…Oh." Rin's face darkened with realization.
"You might've noticed, but Mash's got some serious strength. He hasn't… broken anything important, has he?"
"…The doors to the Student Council headquarters and the Schale clubroom have been destroyed multiple times," Rin admitted.
"I'm so sorry for my grandson!" Regro bowed deeply, nearly touching the floor.
"Sorry… I keep forgetting. Caused a lot of trouble," Mash added, bowing too.
"It's fine. They've been repaired, and Mash-sensei's dexterity has helped many students," Rin reassured them.
Regro's profuse apologies and Mash's sheepish bow stemmed from Regro's guilt as a guardian. To him, his grandson's actions were his responsibility.
"But," Rin continued, "since Mash-sensei arrived a month ago, Kivotos has seen significant changes, especially in the D.U. district."
"Changes?" Regro asked.
"For one, public safety has improved since Mash-sensei became Schale's advisor. Delinquent students from the Federal Correction Bureau, who never showed remorse, have started reflecting on their actions and excelling academically. Corrupt businesses and scam artists have been neutralized, vowing never to return. He's ensured the safety of students we couldn't reach. Honestly, he's lightened my workload immensely. I can't thank him enough."
"Wait, wait, WAIT!?" Regro's jaw dropped. "Mash, what in the world have you been doing here!?"
"I went wild," Mash said flatly.
"Wild, huh? Wild?" Regro echoed, exasperated.
"Truly, the Student Council can't thank Mash-sensei enough," Rin said earnestly.
Regro studied Rin's expression and understood. Mash hadn't just helped one person—he'd saved countless children in this world.
"Well done, Mash," Regro said softly, his voice thick with pride. "You've done good."
"Yeah… seems like it," Mash replied, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "I'm glad we're together again, Gramps. There's so much I want to tell you, people I want you to meet."
"Aye, I'm here at your first workplace. Let's take our time and see it all," Regro said warmly.
"I'll return to my duties," Rin said. "Sensei, take the day to catch up with your grandfather."
"Hey, Rin-san," Regro called out.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for looking after my grandson. Please, keep watching over him."
"Of course," Rin said with a gentle smile before leaving.
Mash, beaming faintly, began talking about his friends in Kivotos and the weapons they used. Regro listened, sometimes chuckling fondly, sometimes gasping in shock, as time passed in a way that felt anything but dull.
As noon approached, with Regro in Kivotos, Mash decided to introduce him to the Abydos students, where his first mission had taken place. The two set off.
"Hey, Mash," Regro said.
"Yeah, Gramps?"
"You're lost, aren't you?"
"Nah, I'm good."
"You're definitely lost! We've been circling the same spot forever!"
"That's weird… Oh, the map's upside down."
"MAAASH! Getting stranded in a place this huge is NOT okay!"
"It's fine. I brought plenty of cream puffs."
"Cream puffs won't save us! My old stomach can't handle that!" Regro wailed.
Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Hey, Sensei!"
"Shiroko-chan!" Mash turned.
Regro blinked at the girl with wolf ears pedaling toward them on a bike, her ears twitching with excitement. "Wolf ears… This place is more fantastical than the magic world," he muttered, likening her to a husky thrilled to see its owner.
"Hey, Sensei. Been a while," Shiroko said, her face lighting up.
"Yo, you doing okay?"
"Yup. But I missed you."
"Sorry I couldn't visit. Here's a cream puff as an apology."
"Thanks… Who's that?" Shiroko nodded toward Regro.
"My gramps, Regro Burnedead."
"Your grandfather… So he's the one who raised the ultimate humanoid weapon," Shiroko said, dead serious.
"What's that now?" Regro blinked.
"Nothing," Shiroko replied quickly.
In Shiroko's mind—and, frankly, in the minds of many Student Council members—Mash was a human weapon, and Regro, the man who raised him, was a legend.
"Heading to Abydos, right? I'll guide you," Shiroko offered.
"That'd be a big help—ow, ow!" Regro winced, rubbing his back.
"You okay?" Shiroko asked.
"Walked too much, I reckon…"
"Then I'll carry you."
"No, no, I'm fine—crack! OW!"
"Don't push yourself," Shiroko scolded.
"But having a delicate girl carry me—"
WHOOSH!
"!?"
"It's fine. Kivotos folk are strong."
"I… I got lifted like a sack of potatoes. This is humiliating…" Regro mumbled.
"Shiroko-chan, go slow. Gramps isn't tough like me," Mash warned.
ZOOM!
"GYAAAAH!?" Regro's head flopped wildly as Shiroko sped off.
"…She's gone. Gotta catch up," Mash sighed, sprinting after them.
By the time they arrived, Regro was white-eyed and half-conscious, slung over Shiroko's shoulder.
"…"
"Sorry," Shiroko said sheepishly.
"No… no worries," Regro wheezed, coughing. "I'm… fine?"
"You don't look fine," Mash deadpanned.
Carrying Regro, Mash followed Shiroko into the Abydos school building.
"I'm back," Shiroko announced, opening the Countermeasures Committee room.
"Welcome back, Shiroko-senpai…?" The Abydos girls turned, their faces lighting up at the sight of Mash.
"Mash-sensei!" Nonomi cheered.
"Yo, Mash-sensei! Long time no see! You good?" Serika called.
"Gucci," Mash replied with a thumbs-up.
"And this elderly gentleman is…?" Hoshino tilted her head.
"My gramps," Mash said.
"Mash-sensei's grandfather!?" Ayane gasped.
"Regro Burnedead… cough, cough," Regro managed, still recovering.
"He looks half-dead!" Serika exclaimed.
"I-I'll grab some water!" Ayane darted off, returning with a bottle.
Regro gulped it down, the dry Abydos air no longer threatening to finish him off. Guided by Nonomi, he sank into a chair. "Phew, that was close. Nearly ascended there."
"What happened to him!?" Serika demanded.
"Well, you see…" Mash began.
"Shiroko-senpai, what did you do!?" Ayane scolded.
"I'm reflecting," Shiroko mumbled, ears drooping.
"Haha, don't sweat it, Shiroko-san. You were just going by this world's rules," Regro said kindly.
"…Thanks," Shiroko muttered.
"So, you're all Mash's students, right?" Regro asked.
"Yup! I'm Nonomi Izayoi, second-year. From the left, that's Serika Kuromi, first-year; Ayane Okusora, first-year; Shiroko Sunaookami, second-year; and Hoshino Takanotsume, third-year!" Nonomi beamed.
"We all owe Mash-sensei big time," Hoshino added with a grin.
Regro nodded, sensing the girls' sincerity. "Good kids," he thought. "What do you do with Mash?"
"Well, we've been working to pay off the school's debt," Nonomi started.
"Debt? Students? School debt?" Regro's eyes widened.
"We also fended off armed groups that attacked us. Sensei took care of most of them," Hoshino said casually.
"Armed groups!?" Regro choked.
"He saved me when I got kidnapped," Ayane added.
"Well, that's… good, I suppose," Regro stammered.
"And we robbed a bank together," Serika said.
"Bank robbery!? Bank robbery!?" Regro sputtered.
"We buried some shady debt collectors in the desert," Hoshino continued.
"Buried!? In the desert!?" Regro's voice hit a new pitch.
"And we beat up some shady adults scamming people," Nonomi chirped.
"Beat up!? Mash, what in the world have you been doing here!?" Regro turned to his grandson, flabbergasted.
"Lots of wild stuff," Mash said plainly.
"I CAN SEE THAT!" Regro shouted.
"Um, I'll explain everything!" Ayane interjected, taking pity on the overwhelmed old man.
Ayane recounted Abydos's dire situation, Mash's heroic efforts, and even the bank robbery in detail. Regro's initial shock gave way to a somber expression as the gravity of their struggles sank in.
"I see… You girls have been through a lot," Regro said quietly. "That must've been tough."
"It was," Ayane admitted. "We couldn't see a way forward."
"But then Sensei showed up and changed everything," Shiroko said.
"He saved my uncle, cut our debt in half, and exposed the creditors' scams. It's all 'Hooray!' now!" Hoshino grinned.
"I worked hard. You guys did too, right?" Mash said.
"You all teamed up to take down some real villains," Regro said, his voice softening. He took Hoshino's small hand in his weathered one, squeezing gently. "These tiny hands… you fought so hard."
Hoshino froze, her eyes glistening.
"Mash, you did good saving these girls. I'm proud of you," Regro said, his voice warm.
"…Thanks," Mash replied, his usual stoicism softening.
"You girls fought against impossible odds, never giving up," Regro continued, addressing the group. "You're incredible. Hold your heads high—you've earned it."
The girls, touched by his words, felt a weight lift. Years of struggle, bottled up, spilled over as tears welled in their eyes. Hoshino, still holding Regro's hand, sank to her knees.
"Gramps… I tried so hard," she whispered, voice trembling.
"I know, Hoshino-chan. You did amazing. Good girl," Regro said, patting her head as if she were his own granddaughter.
Hoshino, overwhelmed, let tears fall—tears she'd never shown before.
"Sniff…"
"Gramps, you're making her cry," Mash observed.
"Don't make it sound bad!" Regro protested.
"Pet me too. I worked hard," Mash said, leaning in.
"Whoa, whoa, too close!" Regro laughed, pushing him back.
"Me too," Shiroko said quietly.
"Wait, hold on, I've only got two knees—don't fight over me!" Regro pleaded as the girls crowded in.
"Can I get a pat too?" Nonomi asked cheerfully.
"M-Me too…" Ayane added shyly.
"Um, please…?" Serika mumbled.
"What's this? You all want pats? Why not ask Mash instead? He's closer to your age—"
""""We want Gramps! """" they chorused, cutting him off.
"Jumping in like that!?" Regro laughed. "Alright, alright… It's like I've got a whole gaggle of grandkids now."
With a fatherly smile, Regro patted each girl's head. In Kivotos, where hardworking kids rarely received praise or comfort, Regro Burnedead's warmth filled a void. These children needed an adult like him.
Regro Burnedead and His Son's Friends, to be continued.