Kays Translations

Chapter 7: Collapse! Operation Friends!

Summer vacation has arrived.

By the way, it has been exactly one week since the day I went on a business trip to the countryside with Nina-chan.

I was riding in my father's car, heading towards the foothills of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture.

"By the way, Itsuki. Regarding the new magic that appeared last week, it seems they are enhancing the performance of inhibitory magic to counter it. Thanks to you."

"Really? Then, Dad, please tell me about 'inhibitory magic' next time."

"Hmm? Haven't I told you about it yet? I see. As soon as the training camp is over, I'll teach you.”

In the backseat of the car, there was also a backpack containing three days' worth of clothes. It was something I went shopping with my mother for this day.

As for why we were heading towards Mount Fuji, there is a training ground there where exorcists conduct their training camps. It seems they will be having the exorcist camp there.

By the way, it seems Aya-chan left earlier, so today it's just my father and me.

From a while ago, I've been able to constantly see the huge Mount Fuji at the edge of my field of vision.

I still can't distinguish whether this Japan is exactly the same as the Japan from my past life, but when I see Mount Fuji existing without any changes, I can't help but think that this is indeed Japan. It's a strange thought.

"By the way... Are you sure it's fine for you to only take 'Resonance Magic' during the training camp?"

"Yeah. Because the other classes are with Renji-san and Dad, right? So I thought I could learn them directly from you later."

"U-Understood. If that's the case, then I won't say anything,"

My father responded shortly.

As I handed back the words to my father, who tightly gripped the steering wheel, those brief words came back.

By the way, even though it's called an exorcist training camp, not everyone receives the same training menu.

What I mean is, just like there are long-distance and short-distance races in track and field, exorcists also have different aptitudes. They receive training menus that are suitable for themselves.

And this time, the training content I chose was "How to use Resonance Magic."

According to my father, it's an unexpectedly unpopular class.

Well, I guess it can't be helped.

After all, this training camp has my father, who is an active "Fifth Rank," teaching close-quarters combat, and Renji-san, who has fought alongside my father as his partner, giving magic lectures. They are being held simultaneously.

I understand why those classes are popular among the aspiring exorcists.

If it weren't for the fact that I receive daily training from my father and Renji-san, I would have definitely chosen those classes.

In fact, thinking about it, I realize that I'm in quite a privileged position.

...Well, it's strange to dwell on that now.

"Hey, Itsuki. Just as a trial, would you consider taking your father's class...?"

"Huh? But Dad, you said yesterday that we wouldn't be doing any practice together during the training camp. You said it's because not everyone can keep up."

"Well, that's true, but..."

"Besides, I think it would be better to learn directly from you after the camp, rather than doing it with everyone else..."

"Mmm..."

When I straightforwardly expressed my thoughts to my father, he groaned slightly and fell silent.

Did he ask something weird?

No, but that's what my father said.

I have been working on building my physical strength since I was three years old, so I can handle rough training to some extent. However, it's not necessarily the case for other aspiring exorcists.

That means the training camp will have to be adjusted to accommodate those who can't do certain things.

In other words, to put it bluntly, they would have to lower the level of the class. Even if I join in... I won't gain much from it.

And this isn't just limited to my father.

The same goes for Renji-san's classes.

As for magic practice with Renji-san... It's true that I haven't been able to do it recently, but we usually do it on a weekly basis. The only thing I can't learn in my daily life is "Resonance."

What is there to learn without learning "Resonance"?

I, who am filled with an unprecedented level of enthusiasm for learning, combining my past and present lives, am heading to the training camp with that determination.

"I think it would be more exciting if Itsuki came along..."

"Nah, Dad is more popular, you know."

And, and, maybe I can make some friends during the training camp...!

I find myself thinking about that. However, it might be challenging to make friends in a class where my father is the instructor. That's why I want to be in an environment with as many unfamiliar people as possible.

By the way, I'm still continuing with the determination I made before entering school: "Aim for 10 friends."

I still have eight more to go until I reach my goal. It feels so far away.

After chatting with my father for a while longer, we arrived at the training camp location.

The parking lot for the camp had various cars parked, all of them luxurious. It felt like a gathering of millionaires going camping or something. Seeing this, I can't help but think that being an exorcist is a dreamy profession. If I ignore the excessively high mortality rate, that is.

With such thoughts in mind, I got out of the car and took the backpack from the back seat, following behind my father. Our destination was the dormitory where we would be staying during the camp.

"Welcome! Soichiro-san, Itsuki-kun."

As soon as we entered the dormitory, we were greeted by the facility manager and a man who introduced himself.

They bowed very politely and welcomed us into the dormitory.

"Allow me to show you to your room. This way, please."

According to my father, this dormitory has four-person rooms, and during the camp, we will be sharing rooms with others.

By the way, I happen to be the youngest participant in this training camp.

The main age range of those attending the camp is around 12 to 16 years old. It goes without saying that being able to perform "Silvate Thread Arts" is a prerequisite.

Since there are only upperclassmen around, I might be bullied or teased. I'm a little worried. But maybe I can make friends...

With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, we were led by the facility manager to a two-person room.

"...Huh? It's not a four-person room?"

"Yes. You will be sharing the same room as Soichiro-sama."

"Ah, with Dad..."

I see. I see?

Well, is it actually better that way?

When I glanced at my father's face, he seemed slightly surprised, so maybe the facility manager had taken that into consideration.

Well, I suppose that makes sense.

Even though it's called a training camp, there's a 6-year-old child who came along with their father. If everyone else attending the camp is 12 years old or older, it's only reasonable to have them stay in the same room as their father.

By the way, the dormitory uses the same building for both males and females, but they are divided into separate sections.

We were told not to enter the "female section." It felt like a real training camp, and my excitement grew as I listened to the explanation.

"Now, Soichiro-san, please come to the hall at 10 o'clock. That's when you'll meet the other students."

"Ah, I understand."

As my father quietly nodded while putting down our luggage,

"Itsuki-kun, when you're ready, please go to the second audiovisual room. The teacher is already waiting for you."

"Yes!"

I replied eagerly, ready to go to the second audiovisual room.

I placed my backpack near my father's belongings and checked the time. It was 9:30.

Even though I was told to be ready, I wasn't sure what I needed for resonance magic practice. So, I changed into my usual sportswear and then left the room with my father.

"Itsuki, can you make it on your own?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

I replied, and relying on the map posted near the staircase, I made my way to the second audiovisual room.

Well, sharing a room didn't work out, but maybe I can make friends through training. No, perhaps it's easier to make friends by undergoing the same training rather than sharing a room. In that case, I have high hopes for the resonance class.

While thinking about such things, I arrived at the second audiovisual room and opened the door. Inside, there was only one young woman who startled and trembled when I entered, turning towards me.

She seemed to be a short woman, and as I was contemplating this, she hurriedly approached me in a fluster.

"Ah! Oh, thank goodness! You came! You're Itsuki Kisaragi, right?!"

She tried to run towards me but stumbled over her own shoes and fell.

Does that kind of thing happen?

Nevertheless, the woman didn't give up and raised her head to speak.

"Nice to meet you. I-I'm Ruri Shirayuki! I'll be in charge of 'Resonance Magic' starting today. I have many weaknesses, but... pleas-please take care of me!"

"I'm Itsuki Kisaragi. Nice to meet you too."

As I responded to the sudden introduction, Miss Shirayuki smiled with what seemed like great effort.

"Well, then, let's get started with the practice of 'Resonance Magic' right away!"

"Wait a moment!"

"W-What's wrong? Do you have any questions or something you don't understand?"

"It's not that... but, I think there's no one else here except me."

Saying that, I glanced around the audiovisual room.

There were pristine white desks and chairs.

Inside the room filled with many of those desks, there were only Miss Shirayuki and me.

However, when Miss Shirayuki nodded and said, "Y-Yes, it's just Itsuki-kun," she continued.

"'Resonance Magic' is so unpopular that you're the only one who chose to take it during this camp. It's quite amusing, isn't it? Ahaha..."

As I listened to Miss Shirayuki's dry laughter, I once again looked around the empty room.

I see.

It seemed like my secret plan to make friends had been shattered quite early on.

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