CH 22

Episode 022 Exposure Under the Name of Mock Battle

In the back of the cafeteria there is a door with a double-glazed window facing outwards.

When it was opened up, there was a wide flat ground like a training ground and a stage of about 30 square meters made by stacking square stones used for mock battles.

It's really amazing that this school even has a training ground dedicated to the dormitory. Moreover, it has a lighting facility.

"Then we will start the mock battle at this time. I will be in charge as the referee. Thank you."

When we moved to the training ground, a lottery was done immediately, and my opponent was decided to be Saotome Shinji, the director of the dungeon exploration department for three years. Saotome-senpai is a tan-skinned, strong and unremarkable man who looks like he would be working at a construction site in the summer.

I can never win this. It feels intentional ...

When the mock battle began, the match was played out in a manner which it was correct to call guidance. The seniors were fighting without weapons and armor, and the freshmen were fighting with weapons and armor, but they didn't fight back at all.

That should be the case, because almost noone has entered the dungeon and awakened their power, so the difference in ability is overwhelming.

I think we are fighting this battle to get an idea of the strength of the awakened people and to see if we were explorers.

However, only Katsuragi-san fought against Nishiwaki-san, the vice-student chairman, and because she was awakened, she was able to fight better than the other classmates, but still lost.

Her expression didn't change much, but she looked very disappointed in my eyes.

"Then finally, Satou Fuhito-sama and Shinji Saotome-sama, start!!"

While watching her climb down from the stage while hanging her head, Kasumi-san called our names. My mock battle must be the end of the training.

"Alright!!"

"Yes ..."

Saotome-senpai triumphantly goes up to the stage. I chose a weapon like a club.

"Satou!! Don't hold back, come without reservations!!"

"Y, yes!!"

To Saotome-senpai who laughs and shouts with a smile, I draw back and stutter a reply.

But is it okay since I won't even scratch him anyway?

"I will also go without hesitation!!"

"Eeeh!?"

"Then, both of you take your stance. Start!!"

I'm surprised that Senpai changed his smile to a ferocious one. However, despite my voice, Kasumi-san immediately signaled the start of the match.

"Here I go!!"

"Wai!?"

Instantly Saotome-senpai rushes at me. I was panicked because I hadn't prepared, but I noticed something strange.

Saotome-senpai is absurdly slow. He looks very slow, like the speed I slowed down to on my way to the entrance ceremony this morning.

I see!! I understand!!

I saw through Saotome-senpai's intentions.

This is the pattern where he goes easy saying 'I'm going seriously!!'. So I can study his skills!! No doubt about it!!

Thank you!! Then I will observe you exactly as you wish, Senpai!!

While hesitating to attack my Senpai, I will study how he handles me, how to punch, how to kick, how to feint, how to breathe, and so on.

Hmm, I see. I understand a little.

Change my breathing and how I handle the situation. At that moment, I felt it was extremely easy to fight.

"Great!!"

The realization was so vivid that I shouted out in surprise.

"Honestly, I didn't think you'd push me this far, Fuhito!!"

"Thank you?"

I'm being praised for some reason even though I've been adjusting.

I wonder what happened to Senpai?

"But you have just been dodging this whole time. Will you not attack?"

"Then, I'll take you up on your offer ..."

I swung my club down while interweaving feints against my provacative Senpai.

-Pakaan

"Ugu."

"Eeeh!?"

Senpai leaks a muffled voice.

The club was broken in half when I thought it made a very nice sound. Moreover, the handle part also shattered into pieces.

Huh? Did I win?

Oh yeah!!

He let me hit him on purpose!!

He's trying to give me credit!!

He's a good Senpai!!

"That's the game. The game is over!!"

When the club broke, Kasumi-san declared the end of the match.

"Ogogogogogogo ..."

"Oh, are you okay?"

"Ah? Oh, I'm okay. That was a wonderful blow!!"

I rushed over to Senpai who held his head and yelled, but when I called out, he immediately stood up with a daunting pose and laughed.

Was he just acting like he was still hurt?

Don't be so complicated.

"No, thank you very much for your guidance. I will do my best with the guidance of my Senpais."

I bow my head deeply.

Thanks to my Senpai, I feel that I have learned a little about martial arts. I'm just grateful. And thanks to my Senpai, I wasn't seen as weak. It was really helpful.

"Eeh? Aah?"

"Well then, excuse me!!"

I returned straight to the freshman group.

After all, explorers are sturdy!!

Senpais who can teach their juniors firmly are cool.

I will try to be such a Senpai.

"Haah ..."

However, I was a little depressed when I thought I couldn't be as strong as my Senpais.

What's more, everyone has learned that I have the aptitude to be an explorer and am already awakened.

I didn't mean to let them know either ...

It's also because of the student council president!!

I glared at her with a grudge, but she parried with a cool face.

Damn!! What a day!!

When the mock battle was over,

"Fuhito is amazing!!"

"Fuhito is strong!!"

The dormitory students of the same grade got involved with me, but when I said that they could become stronger as soon as they became an explorer, they got a delicate look on their faces.

Why?

Katsuragi-san, who is silent and always has the same facial expression, looked astonished when I looked at her from the side, but what happened?

I couldn't listen to them because I was awkward from the beginning, so I went back to the cafeteria and it became an event like a simple self-introduction game, and I changed seats and interacted with other seniors, and the welcome party was held.

For the seniors,

"It's a promising newcomer!!"

"A big-shot newcomer has arrived!!"

I was mobbed, but I didn't understand their meaning.