inly able to do so.

“Therefore, if this is really the case, I just made my guess according to those facts. I don't know what your assumptions are, but I can be certain that my strategy was seen through.”

One can say that was definitely Yuuji's way of assuming that our strategy was seen through right from the beginning. Because of that, the plan Yuuji thought of was simple.

“Oh great..after all that planning, you still left everything to me. That's certainly a lazy strategy.”

“Shut up. This is a battle with a girl on the line, right? You better do this properly.”

If Takashiro-sempai wasn't here, I'll be the one destroying the target (computer). This little ploy doesn't exist now.

“Since you thought of everything till you, you never assumed that I would gather lots of fighting strength, did you?”

“Not at all. There's not much space to allocate so many people, and it'll be difficult not to attract attention if you move so many people to such a seemingly meaningless place.”

“Oh..?”

“And more importantly, you have a score to settle with Akihisa over Himeji. Isn't it right that as a man, you want a head-on duel?”

Once Yuuji said this, Takashiro-sempai looked really delighted as he answered.

“That certainly is the case. You really know a man's romance, Sakamoto-kun.”

“..Thanks.”

Yuuji looks rather depressed, probably because he was teased by everyone for being romantic to Kirishima-san just now.

“Now then, I can't waste that much time along with you guys. I'll leave it to you, Akihisa.”

“Okay.”

“I certainly will not do anything classless.”

As Takashiro-sempai had said, it certainly will be hard to imagine him calling for reinforcements after this conversation, though it's not a bad thing to be careful now.

I stare at Takashiro-sempai, getting ready in front of the principal's desk, and call out my summoned beast.

“—Summon.”

The summoned beast I'm very familiar with appears from the patterned array, and there's practically no difference from the first time it was summoned other than the clothing material. The weapon I've been using all this time has been the wooden sword, to a point where I find it weird to use anything else.

“Then, I too will sum—”

“Now, Akihisa!”

“Got it!”

I let my summoned beast run towards the principal's desk while Takashiro-sempai's about to call out his summoned beast. My aim isn't to beat this guy, so I have no reason to wait for him to call out his summoned beast. I'll destroy the desk along with the computer using this strength several times that of a human's, and if there's nothing, I'll just destroy the entire room!

Using the forward momentum, my summoned beast swings the wooden sword down—and at that moment.

“It's not always an advantage to be able to touch physical objects.”

My summoned beast was knocked into the bookshelf on the desk.

“Wha—!?”

I couldn't believe my eyes. Thi-This upperclassman, did he..

“Did you just throw the summoned beast aside?”

“No no no. Only Nishimura-sensei is able to do such a thing. I merely added a little force and changed its direction.”

Takashiro-sempai answered as he eased himself from a stance.

That movement just now was—

“Tch. You have fighting experience huh..looks like you're more than what your appearance seems.”

“I didn't know why so many people hated me back then, and in middle school, I occasionally attended a dojo.”

Takashiro-sempai merely answered Yuuji's words with a smile.

“..But it's merely to an amateurish level. I probably would not be able to pull this off if Yoshii Akihisa-kun had not been careless.”

And then, he continued on, smiling at me this time.

I'll definitely be lying if I said that I was wary of him, but it's really unexpected to see him actually fight a summoned beast with his physical body..!

“But even so, after saying such words, you never waited for me to call out my summoned beast in the slightest..you really will do anything to win, though I had more or less expected it.”

He actually could counter this action, and it's really too much that he was able to read out actions like this. Guess I got no choice but to fight him head on!

“You understand, Akihisa?”

In response to Yuuji's voice, I nod silently.

Humanities, 3-A, Takashiro Masaharu, 375 points (Geography)

Vs

Humanities, 2-F, Yoshii Akihisa, 302 points (Japanese History)

I see that the indicated subject beside the score is humanities. To be honest, I'm really grateful for this.

“I heard that though you are of F class, your scores are beyond that level. Besides your best subjects, your scores are typically around 150 or so, right?”

“I can't consider myself a man if I let myself rot further after the insults you made.”

I really have lots of issues against this upperclassman. It started when he interfered by giving advice during our battle against C class, and then he shamed my friend, interrupted our battle against A class, and most importantly—he tried to reach for Himeji-san. With so many reasons now, I have lots of motivation to fight him..and this time, I have Yuuji helping me.

“This really is bad, is it not? This is the one case I really wanted to avoid, seeing you get such a high score through your own ability, Yoshii-kun.”

Takashiro-sempai grimaced.

What he said wasn't unreasonable. This battle is advantageous for us in that we can win in 2 ways—either to destroy the computer, our main aim, or to beat this upperclassman in front of us.

“In this situation, I might be able to beat you and win this summoning war for the 2nd years, Takashiro-sempai.”

If it were any other subject, I could only aim to destroy the target, make use of the good position to drag it into the attack, and destroy it. I now have another way to attack however, and looking at the current situation, I made the best possible move.

“I see. Deary me, I really am in a pinch.”

“I'll make that relaxed look on your face disappear.”

Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is now facing off against mine.

I thought his summoned beast would be something like a knight from a story, but it unexpectedly turns out to be a samurai.

“This is going to be..a proper battle!”

“Though you did launch a surprise attack just now..”

I first let the summoned beast charge towards Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast, and not the desk to observe the situation. I pretend to swing the wooden sword down, but I'm really aiming at giving a sweeping kick. I'll see how he handles this attack, and then I'll see how good he is!

“Hm, that level of control is as the rumors say. The motions are really fluid.”

He parried my wooden sword with his own sword, and lifted his leg slightly to dodge my sweeping kick. If that wasn't enough, he tried to aim for my leg that had missed its attack.

“..!”

I tried to balance myself after missing my footing, and focused on trying to regain my balance. I guess I'm lucky that he didn't try to attack me, whether it was because he was relaxed, or because he was testing me.

“Wait..hold on a moment..that level of control is the same as Akihisa..!?”

Yuuji could only exclaim in shock upon seeing this battle.

Humph Takashiro-sempai chuckled as he scratched his head, saying,

“You really do not know anything, huh?”

“Wh-What do you mean?”

“Do I have to tell you how many menial tasks I was bluffed into doing before the 'Punishment Inspector' was introduced?”

““..””

No, erm..we're in the middle of an important battle here. If you're trying to act cool..

“Akihisa..there's no one else more suited to be your opponent.”

“Stop it! Don't put me on the same level as him!”

“Hm..I suppose I was insulted in some way there.”

I do have mixed feelings having such an opponent getting everything before I did.

“It looks like there are quite some misunderstandings between us. How about we talk a little to understand each other better?”

“Too bad, we don't have the time—!”

“Haha, you certainly look busy there.”

I don't know what he's aiming at delaying things like this, but there's no benefit for me. I won't gain anything from chit-chatting with him, and it's most important to decide this battle on the summoned beasts.

I continue to launch one attack after another, using the power from my high score and all the moves I practiced. However, Takashiro-sempai was always able to dodge using tiny movements and parry my attacks through attacks of similar power.

“You're rather good to be able to match Akihisa when he has those points. You're not normal after all.”

“It is a pleasure to be praised by you, Sakamoto Yuuji-kun.”

My battle with Takashiro-sempai continued while they're talking. It looks like he's only focused on defending, and isn't doing anything to attack.

“What are you waiting for, Takashiro-sempai?”

“Nothing specifically.”

We don't have much time in the first place, since the other 3rd years will know that we're here. Himeji-san can't possibly hold them off for too long.

But it'll be foolish if I too mess up here. Takashiro-sempai may be aiming for this, and I have to be careful no matter what; I have to attack actively using my advantage.

“Since you're going to focus on defending, I'm going to do something else”

I do have a time limit, but there are two ways to win. If I beat Takashiro-sempai, let's change to Plan B!

First, I aim at Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast like before, and swing my wooden sword down. Once I find that he's preparing to dodge, I'll let my summoned beast jump behind a certain desk. If he decides to defend against me, he won't be able to stop me.

I'll jump onto the computer on the desk Right after I thought of this.

I felt my arm being grabbed weakly. Ah..this is bad—!

My summoned beast got thrown out again, and Takashiro-sempai was standing leisurely by the side again. Ugh..! I forgot about that..!

“Leaving aside the fact that it is a battle between summoned beasts, I do not think it is despicable for me to personally interfere when you are trying to destroy property, no?”

As he said, it isn't despicable since I did attempt to do what he said. Also, there's no rule in the summoning war saying that 'humans can't do anything to summoned beasts personally'.

“This really is getting a little tough..”

Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is strong, and he can personally block me from destroying the computer. It's also against the rules for me to attack Takashiro-sempai directly, so that of course is a no-go.

The controller itself is experienced in combat, and Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast is so strong. He must be really used to handling one on one battles.

In that case, the best option for me to take in this situation—

“Yoshii Akihisa-kun, how about we have a wager?'

“—Eh? A wager?”

This upperclassman just said something strange in this situation while I'm disadvantaged. How am I supposed to be free enough to bet on something in this battle?

“Yes, a bet. Let us have a woman on the line in this battle, without anyone else interfering. Do you not feel, after making it all the way here, that it is noble to fight over her?”

Takashiro-sempai never specifically mention who she is, but it's definitely Himeji-san. He intends to use her as part of our bet.

“..I don't want to bet on this while ignoring her wishes.”

Even if I do agree to this, it's meaningless if Himeji-san herself does not. Doesn't Takashiro-sempai understand this at all?

After hearing my solemn reply, Takashiro-sempai merely shook his head and answered,

“No no, the winner will not necessarily win her; this is not the basis of this bet. That is something she would have to agree with in the first place.”

“Then, what's the bet?”

“Between you and me, Yoshii Akihisa-kun, the loser will be unable to approach her. This is all.”

I see. It's true that her opinion doesn't matter here. Takashiro-sempai and I are the only ones who need to accept this.

“It is against my principles to use one's affections for another as a bet..but this is for the sake of Miss Himeji Mizuki's future. It will be really great if you can accept it.”

For Himeji-san's 'future' this sounds really annoying to me, and I can't help but emphasize my tone.

“..What are you trying to say?”

If it's that me being near Himeji-san will bring her unhappiness, if that's what he's saying, I can't pretend to ignore it.

“Akihisa, don't listen to any taunts the enemy makes.”

Yuuji advised me, probably worried that Takashiro-sempai might have some intentions. He's simply worrying too much though. This upperclassman is the reason for Himeji-san's unhappiness.

“It's fine Yuuji. Let him say whatever he wants. He needs to know what reality is.”

And also, maybe I might be able to understand what Himeji-san has been troubled about recently.

Upon hearing me say this, “Thank goodness”, Takashiro-sempai nodded in satisfaction. His reactions really annoy me.

“Well then, since it will be crude to simply talk about this nicely, I shall get straight to the point.”

Ahemhe coughed pretentiously, and continued,

"Yoshii Akihisa-kun, your existence and future will hinder the future potentials Miss Himeji Mizuki might possess.”

My value of worth was completely ignored by him, and I become more forceful in my tone,

“..What do you mean by that?”

“Do you understand Miss Himeji Mizuki's personality?”

“I guess. A little better than you, that is, sempai.”

I smile leisurely, filled with hostility within.

“Then, do you know of her going overseas in an exchange program with our sister school?”

Takashiro-sempai said.

“..Eh..?”

For an instant, I could not understand what Takashiro-sempai meant when he said that, and I accidentally blurted out.

It seems Takashiro-sempai wants me to hear this again as he repeated his words another time.

“I am asking if you heard that Miss Himeji Mizuki is going overseas for an exchange program with another school?”

Exchange program..?

I couldn't hide my shock at these words.

But after hearing them, I started to think about lots of things.

Himeji-san has been looking weird whenever she was called to the principal's office.

Linne-kun isn't just some 'foreign student', but a 'foreign exchange student'.

Himeji-san and Takashiro-sempai did have some deep talk between them.

He started to explain everything.

“The treatment over there is just like A class, and living overseas is also an important experience as part of one's growth. You do think that this is also a good thing for her, no?”

I can't deny that at all. I don't know what Himeji-san herself thinks, but normally, she'll get a better studying environment if she goes overseas.

Because of this, I can understand what Takashiro-sempai meant when he talks about 'Himeji-san's potentials'.

But—

“Why're you saying that I'm stopping Himeji-san?”

I don't know what he meant when he said my existence will only hinder her. I don't understand this at all. It's true that I'll be sad if Himeji-san leaves, but I won't stop her. I didn't know about this at all, and even if I want to stop her, I can't.

While I'm feeling skeptical, my opponent lets out a sigh.

“I do not wish to mention this to you, but it will be great if you can understand..”

“Sorry, I'm not a smart guy in any way.”

Guess I've got no choice, Takashiro-sempai gave such an expression once he heard my reply, and started talking as if he's lecturing me.

“I heard that you've been fighting summoning wars so that Miss Himeji can get A class treatment.”

“..”

I didn't answer.

The opponent continues on selfishly as if his words were confirmed.

“This is a fact even I, as a 3rd year, can find out simply through some investigations. Miss Himeji Mizuki also does know your motives for participating in the summoning wars, right?”

I still didn't answer.

“Then, think about Miss Himeji Mizuki's position given her personality. You should be able to know the answer then, right?”

Himeji-san's position.

In terms of ability, she's at class A's level, and while us class F was fighting class A, she got news about going overseas to study—

“Even if there was a superior proposal, how would anyone think if he knows of someone fighting for his sake? As you know, Yoshii Akihisa-kun, Miss Himeji Mizuki is very kind, and certainly she would only have one thought.”

Don't let everything go to waste..there's no doubt Himeji-san will have such thoughts, even if she has to bury her own future.

In other words, my efforts to get class A's facilities for Himeji-san will be—

“That is why she cannot talk about going overseas to study. Your wishes to beat class A is the reason why she would abandon her own future and stay in this school, no? Your efforts and kind intentions were the cause of it.”

I suddenly recalled that when we were fighting against Kirishima-san and class A, Takashiro-sempai asked me something strange.

“Yoshii Akihisa-kun. When a person with ability, but is unfairly treated, tries to get back the position he deserves, will you step in to interfere?”

Now I finally understand the meaning behind that question.

I thought Takashiro-sempai was the one stopping her..but that's wrong. The one stopping her is—!

“It seems you have understood.”

Sempai showed a depressed look, seemingly trying to console me.

I didn't say anything as I continue to listen to him.

“And then, once you know this truth, she will be be troubled all the more and say some kind lies to rationalize your actions? At that moment, I hope that you will make the correct response.”

It seemed he was done with whatever he wanted to say as he continues to look at me without saying anything.

I see. It's because of that reason that he made just a bet..I understand.

Anyway, what I have to do now is—

“..Akihisa, go retreat to Shimada's group for now. We'll get our field into theirs and start an 'interference'.”

Yuuji's voice echoes in the room, probably trying to snap me out of my thoughts.

“Eh, what're you saying, Yuuji? How can we run away without doing anything?”

“Just give up. This upperclassman's a lot more prepared than you imagined. You can't possibly complete the objective in such a situation.”

Prepared? I don't understand what Yuuji's saying here. There aren't any ambush forces here, just a simple battle of points, and we do have a good chance of winning here. No, I would say that there's still a second option, so I have some advantage against this upperclassman in a one-on-one battle.

Takashiro-sempai asks, seemingly expressing my thoughts.

“Oh, Sakamoto Yuuji-kun, I do think it's disadvantageous to retreat in such a situation. Do you really think this is a good option?”

“Yeah, we're retreating. Though you're easy to bluff, it doesn't mean that you're bad at bluffing others, right?”

“..What do you mean by that?”

“Your expression sure changed there. Are you really bothered that we're running away?”

Both of them continued to talk.

“Yes, of course I would. Yoshii Akihisa-kun is strong in battle, and so is Miss Himeji Mizuki. It would be fine if you had understood what I was getting at just now, but I cannot allow you to escape.”

“Ha, such ridiculous words you say. What I think is that you just don't want Himeji and Akihisa to have a chat over this by settling this as quickly as possible.”

Yuuji gave a taunting look.

“I truly believe this is an incorrect decision—but even if I do say so, you would not listen to my words, I suppose.”

Takashiro-sempai said, and sighed.

“Then, I shall add on to the bet.”

He takes out a familiar looking letter from his uniform pocket.

..That's the thing Linne-kun tried to pass to me—

“A few days ago, I received this letter from Mr Linne Klein. I assumed he would write something related to this summoning war, information that was overly unnecessary to you..”

“This summoning war? What do you mean? What happened?”

“There is no need for you to know. I think you should have it though, Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”

His stare at me has some deep meaning behind it. I should have this? What does he mean?

“As it is written here, it is a diary of a certain female, translated into Japanese. It was originally written in a foreign language, and it seemed Mr Linne Klein wanted to hand it to you after he translated it.”

Suddenly, I remembered a foreign notebook I gave to Linne-kun before the start of our summoning war against class A. Was that a diary?

“I do apologize, but I did some form of investigation to check if he had written any unnecessary information. Of course, the truth was that I was being too paranoid.”

Takashiro-sempai calmly said.

He read the diary? Whose? What's written on it? Is it alright if others know about this?

“This diary contains undiluted love expressed to a certain boy, how she liked 'him', and what sort of hero 'he' is to her.”

This was a diary dropped in class F.

A diary belonging to a girl.

Written in a foreign language.

This is written..with a feeling of not wanting others to know about it.

“I do believe the name of the diary's owner is—Miss Shimada Minami.”

At that instant, I heard something snap within me.

“Stop it, Akihisa! That's Takashiro's taunt!”

Yuuji binds me back by locking me in a Nelson's hold, and I try my best to break free from it as I growled at that guy,

“HAND IT OVER TO ME, YOU SCUMBAG!”

“I do find it surprising to be called a scumbag. I did not read it to peek on her feelings.”

“What are you surprised about when you yapped about wanting to use it as a bet!”

“I am doing all of these for Miss Himeji Mizuki's future. I will gladly accept the task even if these acts are seen as twisted and diabolic. This is no different from what you have been doing till now, and you have no right to despise me now, do you?”

“SHUT UP! DON'T SAY SUCH ANNOYING NONSENSE!”

I couldn't move, but my summoned beast could.

I let my summoned beast, which has been on standby till now, attack Takashiro-sempai directly.

“You idiot! That large movement will only get beaten through!”

At the same time Yuuji lashed out, Takashiro-sempai's summoned beast stabs at mine from the side.

“..Tch! Don't—get in my way!”

I block that sword with my wooden sword, and then hit out at the interfering summoned beast.

The enemy dodges the attack by twisting its body slightly, and ducked down to send a sweeping kick to me.

“You're a nuisance!”

I stamp at the incoming sweeping kick to deal with the enemy's attack, and the enemy frantically kneels down to try and dodge my attack.

“You are able to perform like this even in such a situation..you certainly are not an enemy I can let my guard down against, Yoshii Akihisa-kun.”

“Shut up! I'll smash you to bits!”

“Huh, I guess it is to be expected that you are being so angry after all. You know that your efforts to help Miss Himeji Mizuki are only hindering her, and I pointed out the hypocrisy in your actions. You have no way to argue back even after being told off, and your embarrassment over your failure led to your anger.”

“Shut up shut up SHUT UP!”

If not for this guy, Himeji-san will definitely tell me everything.

If not for this guy, Minami's diary won't be seen!

If not for this guy—!

“Do you truly understand? I merely explained all the facts to you. No matter whether I am around, Miss Himeji Mizuki will still be in a dilemma between your actions and going overseas, and Miss Shimada Minami will never be able to hide her secret because you read it, right?”

The enemy didn't attack furiously, instead dodging at me all the time. I really want to make that bastard shut up, but there's still no development in the battle.

“That's enough—I heard enough of those disgusting words.”

But I have an ability that can overcome the current situation.

“Double!”

I call out the keyword.

This keyword allows me to call out another summoned beast.

Another magic array appears beside my feet, and there appears another familiar of mine.

I let the main beast attack the right arm of the enemy, and the sub beast attack the left arm, using the wooden sword to block the sides.

“So now it has arrived, this power that is said to be able to overpower Nishimura-sensei..!”

Takashiro-sempai's expression changed.

The enemy twists its body to dodge the wooden sword attacking the head, and barely managed to dodge the other attack using a sword. He's not used to fighting against many people after all, just as I expected! Him trying to stop me is suicidal!

I let my main summoned beast attack the enemy, and the instant he stops, I'll let the sub beast swing—

At that moment,

“!? Wh..y..!?”

My two summoned beast can't move.

“Chance for me, I guess.”

The enemy didn't allow this opportunity to get away as it broke free from the tussle and gets into attack position. Tch..! It's fine! I'm able to take it given my points!

Once I realize that my summoned beast's unable to move for some reason, I try my best to think of how to fight back.

On the other hand, the enemy turns the blade back and attacks the wooden sword from below, attacking the arms of the summoned beast that is unable to move. A reverse blade? Is he going easy on me?

“Are you..making fun of me..!?”

And then, I feel a sharp pain in my left arm. Naturally, I want to use my right hand to hold it.

“It will be the other side this time around.”

I feel an equal amount of pain on the right side this time.

“Ah..a..”

The sharp pain caused my arms to go numb and slump weakly.

“And then, over here.”

I can't resist as I can only watch the enemy send a kick at the abdomen.

An unspeakable amount of pain overcomes my entire body.

“—aaa!? Ugh..ahh..!”

>

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