Chapter 16 – Nanase Iori 2 – Part 1

I was able to persist for three days after the summoning.

The fourth day was no good.

I have destroyed my physical condition and went down with the sickness.

The living conditions are too different from Japan.

All of the confusion the sudden summoning to this world brought.

And more than anything, the things left on the other side are too many.

I wonder if Okaasan is anxious? What about Airi?

Even I studied with so much effort, this is too much.

While everyone is working hard at practice, I sob all night alone in my bed.

Covering my eyes with a cloth to stop my tears is the only escape route my heart can think of.

But then, there was a lot of same despair as mine in the dark, every night, I could hear sobbing and whining voices.

The situation changed after a week.

Everyone started to accept the reality.

After falling into panic, calling out names, they found out that the situation is hopeless and reached the decision.

They have finally come to a movie-like world. Mine classmates began to enjoy this world thoroughly.

I also did my best to put on a brave face and participated with everyone.

I have been able to obtain some rough information,

・We were summoned as Hero Candidates in order to oppose the terrifying Maou who threatens this country.

・Apparently, they are training the 31 of us (It seems that Kamijou-kun was not included from the beginning) in order to form the Maou Castle subjugation party.

・In other words, if we don’t defeat the Maou, we won’t be able to return.

・It seems they plan to select the hero through a competition (details unknown).

・We are treated by the country as guests, everyone was given a private room, aside from leaving the town we are free, a VIP treatment that applies even the living expenses.

・Every one of us possesses a rare special ability called the『Skill』which are able to create mysterious phenomenon such as magic.

That’s about it.

I should be happy that I’m not treated as a slave, huh.

◇◇◇

It has been a month since I came to this world.

「Well then, let’s start『Iori』-dono’s training now!!」

A very vast site in the Royal Castle.

One day in the early morning.

I was having fun training my skill.

「Then, begin!」

With the instructor’s signal, men covered in robes raises their staves at once.

I raise my voice.

「Absolute defense!!」

Buuun, a half-spherical barrier appears in front of me.

Various magic attacks rushed at me simultaneously.

However, the invisible barrier which I deployed a little while ago blocks all the attacks not leaving a single scratch on me.

A scorching hellfire, crushing water pressure, crashing light, everything was repelled right before me.

A scene I already witnessed countless times.

I was scared at the beginning, but after witnessing it so many times, I am no longer shaken up.

I think that getting used to it is scarier.

This skill is just as the name suggests, it’s a magic barrier that defends me against attacks.

Everyone praised me how a class president would protect them all, but this shield looks like a husk which shuts around me.

It’s able to disable nearly every magic and is praised as a top support skill that can disable even the strongest skills.

I’m currently practicing in order increase the quality of my concentration.

「Umu, good performance! The shield’s strength increases day by day and the duration has increased too!」
「Thank you very much」

After I bow down to the instructor, the classmates standing on the side start clapping.

「You are amazing after all, Class president!」
「Even though I can’t fully invoke my skill yet……」

The usual praises.

I sigh in relief that my position has not changed from the one I had in Japan.

「Nanase, do you have time after this?」

Tougou who has a sweat on his forehead talks to me with the usual tone.

Apparently, his training ended too.

「I do, but what is it about?」
「Let’s go to the town with everyone!」

By everyone he probably means his three lackeys.

I feel like I have been going to the town with them a lot recently.

And it was always Tougou who is inviting me.

（…… Should I make a more distance between us?）

I think for a while and answer.

「Sorry, I will have to pass today. I want to train my skill for a little longer」

Most people would withdraw after hearing my serious way of speaking.

In fact, I really intended to practice my skill all day long.

To be frank, practicing is a pain, but I want to be a step or two ahead than everyone else.

「I, I see. That’s a pity……」

As expected, Tougou-kun has backed away.

I almost became slightly sorry after looking at his disappointed face, but I did not miss the small click he made with his tongue.

「Well, we are going. Good luck with traning」
「Yes, thank you. Have fun, Tougou-kun」

When I thank him with a smile, Tougou-kun and his worthless followers leave.

After seeing his departure, I turn towards the instructor.

「Now then, let’s continue the training!!」

In the end, I trained so hard until my body couldn’t move anymore.