Chapter 103: Aftermath of a Tragedy (3)

Outside of Sakura Garden Academy.

The survivors' group had a calm expression on their faces but their hearts were anything but calm. Zonal Lions are incredibly ferocious beasts which were considered almost-extinct in the Modern Era. It was generally thought that only a few research subjects were left.

However, listening to Mitsuhara changed their minds. After all, how can a species be extinct if there are enough of them to surround the entire island. There were countless stories written in books which told the stories of how beastly Zonal Lions were. 

"Don't worry. Mitsuhara-sensei is Silver. To defeat a single Zonal Lion, he alone is enough." Imada said, trying to console the traumatized second-year girl.

The girl's expression was the same. "What if more than one come?"

Even Imada couldn't bear to say - 'Nothing would happen'. He himself was very anxious and scared inside but had to keep a brave front. 'I could only sigh and lament about my situation.'

"Are you scared?"

He heard an annoying voice from behind. Turning back, he saw Koshikawa giving him a meaningful smile. He didn't know why but the third-year looked very annoying to him. If Imada had to give a reason, it would be that - 'He had a punchable face'.

"Well, of course. I am scared. Are you? I guess not, tough shit." Imada didn't hold back.

"That's normal. I'm not mocking you being scared. At least you are honest about it." Koshikawa still had a casual smile on his face, then turned to Asuka sitting at the corner. "Unlike some people who would keep on pretending till the end."

Asuka's ear perked up but she didn't clearly hear what the guy was saying. "Huh? Did you say something to me?"

"Oh no, I was just talking about how beautiful…"

Before he could finish, Asuka had an arrogant expression on her face.

"... how beautiful nature is around this place."

Asuka snorted. "Say that to the Zonal Lions."

Meanwhile, Koshikawa again turned to look at Imada. "See her? She is the prime example of a Noble who acts like a Noble just because she is a Noble and she doesn't even do that well. Seriously, most nobles are beyond my understanding."

"I am a Noble as well." Imada wasn't exactly proud of being a 'Noble' because to him, competence doesn't depend on one's social status but rather, the person himself.

"You are? Let me guess, you rarely lived in your parents' house."

"No."

"You were bullied."

"Not really."

"Are you telling me that you were raised as a full-fledged Noble son?"

"I don't understand your definition of a 'full-fledged Noble'. Do you think that your personality is set when you were born as a Noble? I don't think like that. I have met many Nobles who had an absolutely snobbish attitude with the typical arrogant Noble attitude. But retrospectively speaking, I have met an equally same number of people who are humble. It depends on how they are raised. Some parents are strict with behaviour and some aren't. My parents were overly strict and that's why growing up, I have been mistaken as a commoner on many occasions."

"I understand that very well. However, even the humblest of Nobles have arrogance."

"That's just human nature. I could say the same for a commoner. A commoner similarly becomes arrogant when he has better aptitudes. Sure, there's nepotism but I don't think there's  actual difference between a commoner and a Noble nowadays. A commoner can work his way up and become a Noble."

"Although that's not half as easy as you are saying, I appreciate your opinion." Koshikawa said, before closing his eyes.

"This guy… how can he take a nap at this time?" Imada was a bit shocked as to how casual Koshikawa could be.

"When are we going to leave?" The second-year girl asked with an anxious expression.

"Let me see how preparations are going." Imada got up and went outside the carriage.

Mitsuhara and Maki were holding the new generation engine. Just as he came outside, Mistuhara noticed him. 

"What's the matter, Imada? You need something?"

"Can I help?"

"You have to even if you don't want to." Mitsuhara slapped the rectangular-steel box which is also called the new generation engine.

Seeing Imada didn't quite understand what he said, Maki explained. "The new generation engine is fueled by G.C. and you along with the others have to help."

"How much G.C. will it take?" Imada was up for it.

"Thirty is the bare minimum to reach the coast."

"Thirty!?" Imada was prepared for it but even he was shocked. It has been known that an average student only has 4 G.C. which consisted of the majority of students from Sakura Garden Academy. Outstanding students like Imada and Asuka have more than 7 but that's it. It takes an entire five years to increase the G.C. by a significant amount and that is called the <<Second Awakening>>. 

However, before the <<Second Awakening>>, one has to reach Bronze. There is not a single student in the entire Academy who is bronze-ranked. This just goes to show how difficult it is to rank up.

"I'm sure that the six of you have more than thirty."

"Cumulatively, we do but what do we do when we…"

Mitsuhara scoffed. "You guys are actually having thoughts about fighting? Don't make me laugh. You can barely stand on two feet and I doubt you can even do this when you see a bloodthirsty ferocious beast in front of you. It's good to dream but you shouldn't overestimate yourselves."

Imada wanted to retort but couldn't find words to. He knew that Mitsuhara was doing this for their safety. "In that case, I'll try to help…"

*Howl!*

'F*ck!' - was the first thing that came into his mind after hearing the soul-scaring howl. He rushed towards the new generation engine. "How should I fuel it?"

Mitsuhara's expression didn't flinch when he heard the howl. He first turned to Maki who seemed to understand what he was trying to say, then turned to Imada. "Push the handle and pour your G.C. into it."

Imada did what he was told. He poured his entire day's worth of G.C. into the handle.

"Good, now go back to the carriage."

Meanwhile, Maki returned to Mitsuhara with the entire group.

It took less than thirty seconds for the new generation engine to be filled.

"How is this going to operate?" Koyami asked Mitsuhara who was sitting with them. 'What if the engine doesn't start?' 

"Oh, it's the remote." Mitsuhara took out a remote from his pocket.

"This…" Not only Koyami, even the other members of the group except for Imada and Koshikawa were shocked. 

"Nevermind the small details. Now, let's review the plan. We are going to the coast through the long route. You understand why I'm doing this?"

The others nodded. The short route was the most effective route because of how clean and short the route is. Similarly, the chances for Zonal Lions to be there was also high because of how plain the slope is. Zonal Lions are never considered to be a beast which lives in high altitudes. Therefore, the safest route for them was the long route which goes through a fairly high peak.