~General POV~
"Well, I'm beat. I surrender," the strongest man in the knights' order said, admitting defeat with a tone that suggested he had expected this outcome from the start.
"Honestly, how did it come to this?" Nanami, despite winning, looked as dejected as if he had lost. The incident traced back to the start of their training...
~Short Flashback~
The day after arriving in this new world, they were brought to the palace's training grounds for instruction.
Nanami had been told they would receive identification cards today, so he'd bowed and asked the students to attend, even those reluctant to fight. Every student was present.
After a lively greeting from the Knight Commander, Meld Loggins, the vivacious knight declared, "We're about to become comrades-in-arms, so let's drop the formalities!"
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't unilaterally declare them your comrades," Nanami immediately cut in, "It's true that we're grateful for your willingness to teach them combat skills and treat them informally. However, some of them don't wish to fight, and more importantly, I have no intention of sending them to the battlefield."
"Nanami Kento, was it? Training means preparing for battle," Meld countered.
"Yes. I believe they need the bare minimum of knowledge, skills, and strength to survive in this world. But that doesn't mean I'll let you turn them into soldiers. As I recall, you were told that my permission, or my death, would be required first?"
The atmosphere grew tense, though both men spoke calmly, which only made the exchange more unnerving.
"Aren't you the one underestimating the battlefield?" Meld challenged, "No matter how strong you are, you can't handle everything alone."
"I can manage against most opponents," Nanami replied confidently.
In truth, he had once annihilated a horde of Grade 3 to low-Grade 2 transfigured humans in his world, despite being battered and barely conscious. Factoring in the power boost from arriving in this world, he had leveraged that to set his demands.
"Hm. If you're that confident, show me what you've got," Meld said, gripping his sword and preparing to draw.
"No, thank you. I was merely stating my position," Nanami declined.
He only wanted to clarify the facts, to prevent Meld from assuming the students were soldiers. But...
"Hah!!"
Meld swung his sword with agility belying his large frame, only for Nanami to casually strike the flat of the blade with his fist, shattering it. And so, the exchange circled back to Meld's opening words: "Well, I'm beat. I surrender."
~Flashback End~
"Listen up, you lot," Meld said, addressing those suited for close combat, "At the very least, aim to be as strong as me."
Even with his sword broken, his words carried weight because it was clear they couldn't match Nanami's feat.
'I see. So that's how it is,' Nanami thought, making a mental note to apologize to Meld later.
~~~
Once things settled, Nanami, Aiko, and the students were each given silver plates, measuring about twelve by seven centimeters. At first glance, they resembled smartphone screens, but nothing was displayed, just an engraved magic circle.
"Everyone's got one now, right?" Meld asked, "These are called Status Plates. As the name suggests, they numerically quantify your objective capabilities and serve as the most trusted form of identification. Lose it, and you're in trouble, so don't."
"How do we use them? And what's the principle behind them?" Nanami asked.
"Uh… sorry, Kento, I don't know the principle. They are artifacts that are produced through a mysterious artifact that is believed to have existed since the age of gods," Meld admitted.
"Artifacts?" This time, it was Kouki who asked, prompting an explanation from Meld.
Artifacts are magical tools with powerful effects that cannot be replicated in modern times, said to have been created during the Age of gods when deities and their kin still walked the earth.
The Status Plate is one such artifact, mass-produced through a replication artifact, making it the only artifact widely distributed among the populace. While artifacts are typically national treasures, Status Plates served as identification and thus were commonplace.
'This sounds like something straight out of a game...'
Thinking this, Nanami pricked his fingertip with the provided pin and smeared his blood onto the magic circle as instructed. The circle glowed faintly for a moment before displaying his status.
'This is...'
Something about his status gave him pause, but before he could dwell on it, Meld continued his explanation:
"First, you'll see Level. This parameter increases alongside your stats, with 100 being the human limit. In other words, your level represents how close you are to reaching your full potential. Reaching Level 100 means you've fully realized your human potential.... and trust me, that's rare."
'In short, leveling up doesn't automatically raise stats, it reflects growth.' Nanami noted.
"Stats naturally improve through training, but they can also be boosted via magic or magical tools. Those with high mana tend to have higher overall stats. The exact reason isn't known, but it is theorized that mana subconsciously enhances physical capabilities."
'It's less that they don't know and more that it's designed to be incomprehensible,' Nanami thought.
The more he heard, the more it felt like a game system. But since he had no proof, he kept listening silently.
"Next is Job. Think of it as your natural aptitude. It's tied to the Skills listed at the bottom. What ever is listed on your Job will make you display unparalleled aptitude in that field."
'Job… what an unpleasant concept,' Nanami thought. 'If it is Ehit who assigns these Jobs, then he is even more despicable than I had initially thought.'
Yet, Nanami couldn't help but sigh at how easily he accepted the idea.
Meld concluded, "The stats are self-explanatory. The average for Level 1 is around 10. You lot, though, are probably several to dozens of times higher. Damn, I'm jealous! Oh, and report your Status Plate details to me. We'll need them to tailor your training."
'This is going to be troublesome,' Nanami thought, knowing he couldn't hide his stats.
Kouki was already showing his Status Plate to Meld.
"Hooh! As expected of the Hero! Level 1 with triple-digit stats already… and Skills? Most have two or three, but you're on another level!" Meld exclaimed.
"Haha, well…" Kouki laughed modestly.
All of Kouki's stats were at 100, and he had numerous skills. Even Meld, who was at Level 63 with an average stat of 300, was impressed. The difference was staggering, even to an amateur.
'If that's the case, then mine… Hm?'
While pondering the oddity of his own Status Plate, Nanami noticed Hajime looking pale.
"Nagumo-kun, are you alright? If you're feeling ill, tell me," Nanami said.
"N-No, it's just…" Hajime stammered.
'His stats are lower than expected, I assume...'
After a moment's thought, Nanami urged Hajime to show his plate to Meld. Hajime's eyes widened in panic.
"It's fine," Nanami whispered reassuringly.
Trusting Nanami, Hajime went forward.
However, as expected, his low stats made Meld's eyes widen. He rubbed them, awkwardly saying, "Well, uh… Um, Synergist… it's like a blacksmith, I guess. Handy for crafting and all…"
Meld's explanation was lacking, and though Nanami wished he'd been more tactful, facts were facts, so there was nothing he could do about it.
Watching this, some of the male students who had their eyes on Hajime pounced.
"Yo, Nagumo, don't tell me you're a non-combat type? How's a blacksmith gonna fight? Meld-san, is Synergist rare or something?" Hiyama asked with a smirk.
"…Not really. One in ten blacksmiths has it. All the kingdom's top craftsmen have this Job," Meld replied.
"Ooooh, Nagumo~ You're screwed, man~" Hiyama mocked.
"Who knows? We'll see how it goes," Hajime responded, trying to stay composed.
Enjoying himself, Hiyama pressed further, "Come on, show us your stats. Your Job is lame, but your stats must be high, right?"
Despite knowing the outcome from Meld's reaction, Hiyama feigned curiosity, deliberately egging him on.
Hajime reluctantly handed over his Status Plate.
"Pfft– HAHAHA! What's this?! You're basically a civilian!" Hiyama burst out laughing.
The others followed suit, passing Hajime's Status Plate around and laughing in turn.
Hajime's stats were all at 10, with only Language Comprehension and Transmute as his skills. While everyone else's stats were overwhelmingly high, he alone was average.
These students were already anxious in this new world and had latched onto him as a source of amusement, but no one enjoys being the punchline. Hajime maintained his composure, but his expression was strained.
"How the hell are you supposed to fight with that?" Hiyama taunted.
The moment those words left Hiyama's mouth... or perhaps Nanami had been waiting for those exact words...
"None of you have the right to mock him," he interjected, "As per his Job, he's a non-combatant, and more importantly, he isn't permitted to fight without my approval."
"But, Sensei," Hiyama sneered, "Since we're talking survival skills, Isn't it good for everyone to know that Nagumo is the weakest among us?"
"No. If anything, he's the one who has obtained a skill for surviving alone. Nagumo-kun," Nanami said, turning to Hajime.
"Y-Yes?"
"Could you make me a weapon?"
The request was sudden. Hajime hesitated, saying, "That's kind of out of nowhere…"
"You likely had knowledge imprinted in your mind when you arrived here, and seeing your Status Plate clarified it," Nanami said, "The materials are here."
He held out the broken blade from Meld's sword, "This and the ground here should suffice."
"…"
"If it's too much, that's fine, but–"
"No, it's not that," Hajime said, "You're right, Nanami-sensei. I understand how to do it… I'm just thinking about what kind of sword to make."
'Impressive,' Nanami thought, noting how quickly Hajime grasped the task, and how calmly he considered it despite the pressure.
"Then make it a cleaver," Nanami said, choosing a weapon he was familiar with.
Hajime focused, placing his hands on the ground and the broken blade, and began:
"Transmute."
A glowing light enveloped the materials as they broke down and reformed. It was a strangely beautiful sight.
"It's... done," Hajime said.
Having used up all his meager mana, he presented the newly crafted cleaver. Its shape was solid, but to Meld or any seasoned knight, they could tell with a glance that it was dull.
"It's blunt," Nanami said bluntly.
"Ugh," Hajime winced, hurt by the frank critique, prompting another round of laughter from the boys...
"But... Hmph." Nanami took the cleaver and, with a single light swing, sliced through a nearby tree.
The students, Meld and the knights, and even Hajime were stunned.
"This is more than enough for me," Nanami said, "Do you understand now, Hiyama-kun?"
"W-What's there to understand?" Hiyama stammered.
"Crafting skills will be far more vital for survival in this world than combat. If Nagumo-kun builds his skills, even if he improves slowly, he'll eventually make proper weapons and sustain himself by selling them. Combat Jobs, however, must first become strong. At the very least, stronger than Meld-san in both skill and strength."
The explanation made it clear to Hiyama and the others that they faced a steep challenge.
Hajime only needed to improve his knowledge and crafting skills.
But the others? They had to hone and master both combat skills and knowledge to survive, which was a far more daunting task.
"In practice, it's even harder, since you'll need to split your focus," Nanami continued, "Of course, Nagumo-kun must also hone his crafting skills to avoid wasting his talent, and he'll need some combat training as well. But as things stand, you're all on equal footing. So drop the arrogance."
"…Tch, fine," Hiyama gritted his teeth, but still complied.
"Now then, Meld-san, let me show you mine," Nanami said, handing over his Status Plate.
Hiyama and his group perked up, hoping Nanami's stats were lower than theirs, only to freeze at Meld's reaction.
Meld's eyes widened at what he saw, "This is…! Mana and Magic Resistance, both are zero…"
Hiyama and the others burst out laughing at stats even lower than Hajime's. But Meld's next words froze them.
"But Strength, Vitality, Defense, and Agility… are all above the Hero's! They're over 3000 except for Agility!"
"WHAAAT?!" The entire room gasped in unison.
--- --- ---
Kento Nanami
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Level: 1
Job: Sorcerer (Jujutsu)
Strength: 3700
Vitality: 3700
Defense: 3700
Agility: 730
Mana: 0
Magic Resistance: 0
Skills:
- Tactical Insight
- Physical Resistance
- Fire Resistance
- Water Resistance
- Soul Perception (Weak)
- Sense Presence
- Sense Mana
- Language Comprehension
--- --- ---
"Though Agility is lower than the other three, it's still over 700. And this is at Level 1… That's absurd," Meld remarked.
'As expected… but still...' Since seeing his Status Plate, Nanami had been concerned about two things.
The first was his Level 1 status. As a Grade 1 sorcerer with exceptional skill, he was far beyond what Level 1 implied.
'Most likely, everyone from another world is automatically set to Level 1, regardless of ability. Even someone like Yaegashi-san, who is dedicated to martial arts, is Level 1.'
"But how does it make sense that your Job is Sorcerer when your mana is zero?" Meld wondered aloud.
And that was Nanami's second concern: his mana and magic resistance were both zero.
'My cursed energy and technique haven't disappeared. In fact, my cursed energy has increased.'
The tree he had sliced earlier was proof. He had used his cursed technique.
From this, Nanami formed a hypothesis:
'It's likely that the mana I should have gained was absorbed into my cursed energy. Something akin to a Heavenly Restriction, perhaps? I also sensed some similarity between this world's mana and cursed energy.'
Heavenly Restriction: A method of gaining power by accepting a risk or limitation. Its manifestations differ for each individual. For some, they are born with severe physical disabilities in exchange for immense cursed energy; for others, the absence of cursed energy or techniques results in superhuman physical capabilities.
'The fact that my cursed energy and technique don't show on the status plate could be because this is a different world, or because they're not native to it, or perhaps because I was born differently.'
Regardless, Nanami found his enhanced strength advantageous.
'But in the end, I'm still a sorcerer, no matter where I am...' This realization left a bitter taste in his mouth. After all, Nanami still believed jujutsu sorcerers were sh*t.
'As for the fire and water resistances, or the weak Soul Perception… I don't fully understand them, but they likely stem from my combat experience.'
Whether he should be glad or not that his encounters with three Special Grade cursed spirits were reflected here was unclear, especially since those same curses had been the reason for his death.
"Well, with stats like these, even with zero Magic Resistance, most magic spells won't work on you," Meld continued, "Or rather, with Agility that high, you'd dodge most magic anyway, and you could strike before they're cast. But seriously, why are you a Sorcerer?"
It was a valid question, but Nanami's capabilities were undeniably the most overpowered, leaving Hiyama and the others speechless at the overwhelming difference in power.
As an aside, Hajime, who had been despairing over the vast gap, was given an unexpected pep talk by Aiko.
"Don't worry, Nagumo-kun! I'm not in a combat class either. And my stats are awfully average to boot... So you're not alone!" she said, showing him her Status Plate.
--- --- ---
Hatayama Aiko
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Level: 1
Job: Farmer
Strength: 5
Vitality: 10
Defense: 10
Agility: 5
Mana: 100
Magic Resistance: 10
Skills:
- Soil Management
- Soil Restoration
- Large-scale Cultivation
- Enhanced Fertilization
- Selective Breeding
- Plant Appraisal
- Fertilizer Production
- Mixed Breeding
- Auto Harvesting
- Fermentation Proficiency
- Wide-area Temperature Control
- Farming Barrier
- Fertile Rain
- Language Comprehension
--- --- ---
Her mana alone rivaled Kouki's, and her skill count surpassed his. More importantly, Aiko's abilities excelled in food production, which was critical for wartime logistics.
Though Aiko had meant to encourage Hajime, her attempt backfired, plunging him into further despair.
But Nanami stepped in, offering support, "Let's just focus on improving our strengths and find our roles."
Still, Hajime resolved to work hard, if only to repay Nanami, who had genuinely defended him despite his clumsiness.
...
Meanwhile, Hiyama, feeling humiliated, seethed with growing hatred. The fact that he couldn't do anything because he was no match for the man who humiliated him fueled his anger further.
His existing jealousy, which stemmed from the fact that Hajime was the object of affection for the girl he liked, only intensified his resentment.
Unbeknownst to anyone, this would later trigger a certain incident...
~~~
That night, the sixth visitor came to Nanami's room.
"Kento, you there?" Meld called.
"…Meld-san. Come in," Nanami replied.
"Sorry to barge in… hm?" Meld noticed a female student in the room as he entered.
"Thank you, Nanami-sensei. I'm glad we talked," she said.
"Of course. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts," Nanami responded.
With that, the student (Shizuku) bowed to Nanami, gave a slight nod to Meld, and left.
"If you were busy, I could've come back at a later time," Meld pointed out.
"It's fine. We just finished. …She was the fifth one today," Nanami noted.
"Counseling session, huh?"
"Something like that."
Shizuku and the others had come to Nanami to voice their resolve and fears.
"They're all anxious, not just about being away from home in an unfamiliar world, but about their lives being at risk. I thought I could at least ease their anxieties. But..."
"But?" Meld gestured for him to continue.
"…Meld-san, I'll permit training against weak monsters outside the castle walls for now. Only for those I approve, though."
"I thought you'd hold off longer," Meld remarked.
Nanami nodded, as if he'd expected this, "When you challenged me earlier, it was to gauge my strength and also show them the reality they're facing, isn't it?"
The class's growth rate would likely be faster than this world's inhabitants, with Hajime being the exception. But to make them understand that their opponents would be at least as strong as Meld (or stronger) was a wake-up call.
Instead of verbally cautioning them against getting cocky, Meld demonstrated it through action, after all, actions spoke louder than words.
"Well, your strength was beyond my expectations," Meld admitted with a wry smile, "Still... Honestly, I'm conflicted. Even if it's our god's will, dragging them into our world's war feels wrong."
"I'm hardly one to talk, but you're not cut out for teaching," Nanami said.
"No argument there," Meld chuckled bitterly, "But you're a natural teacher, Kento. Better than me, at least."
"I wonder about that," Nanami replied, "One of today's visitors, Yaegashi-san, was more worried about Amanogawa-kun's state of mind than herself. He's currently the strongest, aside from me, and likely to grow the most. But that's only in skill."
"Yeah. He's also my biggest concern, especially because he's strong. He'll surpass me soon… in stats, at least," Meld agreed.
Kouki hadn't sought counsel. He genuinely believed he was fine, that he could handle everything himself.
"He's the most childish of them all in a way," Nanami said, "He hasn't reconciled ideals with reality, and doesn't grasp what he's getting himself into. Yaegashi-san was anxious about that."
It was fair to say Kouki was intoxicated by the "Hero" title.
Both Meld and Nanami agreed that without Nanami's intervention, Kouki would've plunged headfirst into war, faced its brutal reality, and been powerless when another student inevitably became a casualty.
"Sooner or later, in this world, they'll be drawn into some form of conflict," Nanami continued, "Yaegashi-san said she doesn't want to be unable to protect those she cares about because she can't fight. Most of the others feel similarly. But she's definitely pushing herself too hard. I'm not sure if she realizes it, but her heart is fragile. I worry it might break her eventually."
"Which is why you've turned this place into a makeshift counseling office, huh?" Meld noted.
"There's one more... Another student came. One more dangerous, though in a different way."
"?"
...
~Short Flashback~
"I want to protect the person I love... and my dear friends."
Those were Kaori's first words when she arrived, not as a consultation but a sudden declaration. Nanami noticed she prioritized the person she loves over her dear friends.
After calming down, her flushed face still determined, she clarified, "I want the strength to always protect them, to ensure no one dies, starting with myself."
Her healing abilities explained the sentiment, but Nanami pressed further, "Even if it means killing someone? In this world, choosing to fight means you might have to take a life. Are you prepared for that?"
"I can't say for sure since I haven't done it yet. But... it's better than losing the person I love."
'Nagumo-kun, you've got quite the admirer.' Nanami thought.
Seeing Kaori's resolve, and her slightly unhinged determination, Nanami decided to permit her combat training...
~Flashback End~
...
"You're sighing again, Kento," Meld pointed out.
"…Sorry. I was just thinking how much I'd like Hatayama-sensei's help with this."
"She's heading out tomorrow to address food shortages in various regions," Meld said.
"Her escorts are reliable, right?"
"Of course. The demons likely don't know about her yet, but if they did, they'd target her before the Hero. The guards are skilled and prepared to die for her. Plus, it's a rural area far from the warzone. No need to worry."
Nanami felt a slight relief at that.
"Since it's not a combat-related mission, it doesn't violate my conditions. She wanted to stay, but the other students convinced her, and I did say everyone should play to their strengths... So it seems she agreed."
"Sounds tough," Meld said.
Despite having just met, the two spoke like old friends.
"I should get going," Meld said, "Kento, next time, let's talk over drinks."
After Meld left, the room fell silent. Nanami locked the door and channeled cursed energy into his tie and the cleaver Hajime had made.
"This tie has been imbued with cursed energy for over five years… it's practically a cursed tool now. The cleaver isn't there yet, but with my increased cursed energy, it'll take about six months to become one."
Finishing one of his daily rituals to remind himself that he was a sorcerer, Nanami prepared for bed when another knock came.
"Nanami-sensei, do you have a moment?"
"Of course, come in," he replied.
Bracing himself for another late-night talk, Nanami opened the door, feeling the weight of being relied upon.
"What's wrong, Nagumo-kun?" he asked.
"Please… teach me how to fight."
———— ——— ——— ———
Note:-
By the way, Nanami has no intention of letting the class participate in the war, but at the same time, he doesn't believe it's possible to avoid it entirely. He doesn't think he can end the war by himself either.
That's why, unlike Aiko, he anticipates that there will be casualties, and he doesn't believe for a moment that everyone will be able to return home together...