Chapter 36 – The Path Lit by Starlight

The lessons in the Cradle are broadly divided into two categories.

Theory. And Practical Training.

Practical training here forks once more down two paths.

One, how to face a monster. The other, how to fight another Esper.

It would be idyllic if all those with abilities gave their all to their duty.

But a being with reason will inevitably possess desires as well.

Such individuals would forsake their duty and pursue their cravings.

“Alright. Everyone focus. Today’s practical training will begin with the premise of facing an enemy with martial arts-based powers. The differences between body-type powers, such as weapon-type or leg-strength-type, are clear, so be sure to remember them.”

The massive Gate manifestations and the subsequent surge in monsters.

There is also the clear problem of newly appearing enemies, but.

The radical elements that have risen concurrently are also a foe not to be ignored.

Thus, Cradle has decided to increase the amount of practical training against Espers.

“Today, assisting your lesson is Mr. Roglio, who possesses martial arts-based powers.”

Teacher Act, in charge of practical training, introduces the person standing beside him.

“Concentrate on Mr. Roglio’s words and learn what to do and how to do it when fighting a martial arts-based opponent. Are there any students with questions?”

As if they had been waiting, several students raise their hands from here and there.

Their common denominator is glancing at someone seated in the back.

“Now then, everyone.”

Mr. Roglio steps forward, stopping the students.

“It’s obvious what questions you’re going to ask me. Why discuss how to counter martial arts powers with me instead of Deus. That’s what you’re curious about, right?”

“…”

“It’s only natural. The difference in understanding abilities and the accumulated experience. Before becoming a teacher, I roamed countless battlefields, so I can offer every possible scenario.”

Mr. Roglio said, clearing his throat before adding immediately after.

“Of course, that’s only the ‘official’ reason. To be more honest… Deus student?”

“Yes, teacher.”

“Please stand up for a moment.”

At the sudden request, Deus scratches his cheek but obediently complies.

As soon as he stands, the students beside him flinch! and shudder.

What should I say to this? It’s as if a colossal mountain suddenly rose to its feet.

“Now then. This is the real answer I’m giving you all. I can adequately teach you how to face martial arts-based powers! But, if the opponent is that Deus student?”

“Wouldn’t you all only learn how you will be defeated?

Or how to surrender well? Something like that.

Will you do it with me? Or will you do it with Deus? Do as you wish!”

It didn’t take long for everyone to agree with Mr. Roglio’s words.

Everyone chose to spar with Mr. Roglio!

‘Hey! Aren’t you treating me like too much of a monster?!’

It’s unfair! The Cradle’s hero, who was, in fact, a monster, grumbled.

But Deus’ unfairness was only just beginning.

“Um, Mr. Roglio?”

“Yes! Deus student.”

“Why won’t you train with me…”

“Did I perhaps…do something to upset Student Deus?”

“Huh?” Deus countered, shaking his head, denying such a thing had occurred.

At that, Professor Roglio promptly retreated, exclaiming, “Precisely!”

Apparently, he had no desire to become the sort of teacher who gets roughed up by a student.

“In that case, my sparring practice with my classmates during practical training…”

“We’ll assign you full marks immediately. Wouldn’t you agree, Professor Act?”

“Mmm. Quite right. Student Deus, you are already at the top. You simply need to accumulate more Gate experience.”

Meaning, don’t go picking on the students who are practically still babies.

Deus, feeling even more unjustly treated, raised his voice.

“But I’m not some kind of monster!”

Though, strictly speaking, he was precisely that.

“It’s not like I can’t control my strength!”

Though the very idea of *controlling* it was itself a problem.

“I want to experience a normal freshman life!”

As if that was ever a possibility.

“Hahaha. Don’t fret, Student Deus. Professor Act?”

“It seems Student Deus could assist the upperclassmen during the practical training sessions!”

Assist the upperclassmen? What was *that* supposed to mean?

As he tilted his head in confusion, Professor Act continued.

“It’s simple. A way to highly value Student Deus’ abilities, while also maximizing the filling in of what little experience he lacks. We haven’t done this often, though…”

“It’s not unprecedented, is it? Senior Shabel did that, didn’t she?”

“Indeed. Anyhow! You’ll be interacting with the upperclassmen instead of your classmates. How does that sound?”

Seeing him hesitate, both professors immediately chimed in with explanations.

Honestly, having you spar with your classmates would be closer to bullying than assistance.

Those students still have so much to learn and experience.

Wouldn’t it be better for you to assist the seniors, who are already more prepared?

“I can’t say I completely fail to understand your reasoning, professors…”

Still. Still! If nothing else, this is an academy story!

Why else would everyone crave to be a hidden powerhouse? It’s for a slightly normal academy life!

Not to be treated as a universal fix-it machine everyone runs to when trouble arises!

“I’m a first-year student. Is this truly alright?”

“Ah, ah. Student Deus is our Cradle’s hero.”

“Precisely. A hero. Considering he defeated that demon, he’s hardly an average freshman, is he?”

“…I lack experience, and I might not be able to properly wield my ability, though?”

“Did you fail to defeat the demon because you lacked experience, or couldn’t wield your ability?”

It was impossible to reason with them. Both professors already saw him as something other than a student.

He should probably consider it fortunate they hadn’t mentioned early graduation.

‘Then again, if I suddenly graduated early in an academy story, that *would* be a problem.’

It was probably for the best. The upperclassmen, who were at least attempting to spread their wings, were better than freshly hatched chicks.

Especially if some of them were likely candidates for the main characters.

Let’s train with all our might. So that we don’t lose sight of each other.

And a few days later.

“FRESHMANNNN!!”

“Spare me! Spare me!!”

Deus’s punch, delivered during the 2nd year’s practical training class.

Students flew like bowling pins. It was all too predictable.

*

If you ask if it ended there, no. It was only the beginning.

“Um, teacher? What exactly is it you want me to do….”

“Didn’t you hear me properly? Focus! Here, this. This!!”

Golden retriever. No, Tiamat-sensei thrust a device at him.

He suspected as much, but it was a microphone. Typical world-mixing weirdness.

“Teacher! I’m ready!”

This was Yoram Academy’s broadcasting club. The place in charge of school-wide announcements.

And why was Deus here? Because of this very request.

“I have no idea what kind of kind words you want me to say.”

“Anything is fine! Just cheer on the students of Yoram! Or even sing?! A song sung by a hero! Wouldn’t that be great?! What do you think, everyone?!”

“Oh! I think it’s not bad!!”

Excuse me? Are you even listening to my opinion? And what song am I supposed to sing acapella?!

Deus strongly objected, causing the broadcasting club members to whimper in disappointment.

Apparently, a hero must move people’s hearts with song and such.

“Hurry! Deus student! Broadcast starting soon!”

Broadcast time was during lunch. They wanted him to say something that would encourage the students.

Even though Tiamat was the one doing this, it ultimately came from the top of Yoram. From Headmaster Phone himself.

Therefore, doing it would be beneficial for him in many ways.

Frankly speaking, it was still an academy and he wanted to gain a bit more recognition.

The problem was what to say at this moment, and how to say it well.

‘…Aish, damn it. I don’t know.’

“Ah. Students. Greetings. I am Deus, a 1st year student.”

His voice echoed throughout Yoram through the speakers.

Immediately, shouts of “FRESHMANNNN!!” or “Hero!!” could be heard from all directions.

“First, I would like to express my gratitude to Headmaster and to the teachers of Yoram, who are diligently teaching us the ropes, even though I am still a lacking freshman.”

—Clap clap clap!

Tiamat, standing right next to him, clapped wildly.

“Next. To the seniors of Yoram. And to my classmates. I want to say a few words of encouragement, even if it’s just a little. Honestly, I’m worried because I’m not good at talking. I still don’t know what to say, or how to say it well. But… yes. If there’s something I want to say to all of you who will move forward with me, it’s this…”

Deus adjusted the microphone. Then he looked back at the past.

A song he always sang at karaoke came to mind. Yes. Let’s use that.

“Whatever it may be, it won’t be easy. Yes. That’s how the world is. It’s not some fairy tale, all peaceful and sweet.”

But still.

“But still. In the end, everyone will fly. So, today, let’s all work hard together. Let’s move forward just a little bit more than yesterday.”

*

“….”

Nepherti, having finished her lunch and enjoying a leisurely cup of tea in the student council room, suddenly perked her ears at the familiar voice emanating from the magic speaker.

[We must tread our own path, one no one else can guide us on. Beyond that path… lies each of your dreams and hopes, which you must illuminate with romance to proceed.]

You said you weren’t good with words, junior. What is this then?

Nepherti couldn’t help but smile to herself.

[There will be times when it is incredibly difficult. And there will be times when no one acknowledges your hard work. But you have all done well enough until now. And you will continue to do so.]

So, go ahead and make the dreams you only dreamt of into reality.

Show the world the dream that shone within your eyes.

“…Goodness. I never imagined such a sensitive side could reside in that burly body. President.”

“I concur, Vice-President Kasar. Hehehe!”

The student council president, sipping her tea. The princess, wielding her sword of light once again.

And the pink-haired student, secretly pouring her heart and soul into her training.

Each gazed upon the sparkling starlight that reflected them.