Chapter 5

Shiru: The lifesaving squad is now known as the Rescue Squad

I now have two editors/proofreaders; please give a warm welcome to Renexile and Fateburn! They have been helping and teaching the inexperienced Shiru a lot of things, my improvement is thanks to them . Also thanks to the other people who gave input with their suggestions .

Does this mean faster translations? Not necessarily, we have different time zones (12-14 hours apart) and we can only do as much as real life permits us to do .

Does this mean higher-quality translations? Yes! We will be using footnotes from now on too; they have been implemented in the previous chapters . The abomination known as Chapter 1 has also been cleansed . Readers can read on ahead but I do recommend giving Chapter 1 a look again .

I am reading along with everyone as I am translating, I hope you all enjoy this chapter .

Three weeks have passed since Kazuki-kun, Usato-kun, and I have been summoned to this world . As the result of all the training these past three weeks, Ive gotten quite used to fighting . However, I still dont have any actual experience fighting against monsters yet .

Morning training had just ended, and we were eating lunch under the shade .

Kazuki-kun, youve already become quite strong .

Hahaha, Im no match for senpai .

In the past 2 weeks, Kazuki has shown an abnormal amount of growth .

Naturally, I did too . Ive become strong enough to match the strongest knight in Lyngle Kingdom, Sigris, and the excellent magician, Welsey . I know the both of them were going easy on me, but I can still remember the surprise on their faces when I bested them .

Though… I still think that this is nowhere near enough .

The countrys ambition is insufficient . Just using a strong lightning attack is enough to earn a round of applause from the onlookers . Kazuki would turn red in embarrassment whenever their cheers erupted . That wasnt the case for me .

I wanted a much more unrestrained way of using magic .

As expected, Ill have to find a way by myself . . ?

Whats the matter, Suzune?

Oops, that wasnt good . I almost let my consideration for others slip . The blonde-haired girl with blue-eyes that called out to me was King Lloyds daughter, Seria Bluegust Lyngle .

As to why someone like her is here, it goes all the way back to when Usato-kun was kidnapped by Rose . King Lloyd concluded was that it would be very difficult to bring Usato back, so it couldnt be helped .

He was assigned to Rose while Kazuki and I were assigned to train under Sigris, the Commander of the Kingdoms Corps . Of course, we also got to train under the renowned magician, Welsey .

During that time, King Lloyd called for his daughter and introduced her to us as we were around the same age . This was how we met and became friends .

…

While eating lunch, Kazuki turned his gaze to the scenery outside the castle .

Fumu, showing such a weary appearance, are you worried about Usato-kun?

…Usato, I wonder what hes doing right now .

Really, youre so easy to understand .

The last time we saw Usato, he looked utterly exhausted .

Could it be that he still hasnt gotten accustomed to living in this world? Or perhaps the Rescue Squads training is really just that severe…

What kind of person is Usato-sama? Seria curiously asked .

Kazuki cut me off before I could reply and answered while puffing his chest with pride .

Hes a friend who got summoned along with us to this world . We only got to know each other recently, though .

Judging from that delighted expression, looks like the rumors that Kazuki-kun didnt have any male friends was true .

T-Thats wrong! Even I have one or two friends that are guys…

To Kazukis mutters of self-assurance, Seria chuckled .

Well, I actually know though . Considering what Ive seen of Kazuki-kun in school, Usato-kun is certainly an important friend to him despite having only known each other for a short while .

A friend, huh . And where is this gentleman?

I think hes at the Rescue Squads lodgings? If I recall…

R-Rescue Squad!?

. . ? Isnt that right, senpai?

Yup .

Now that I think about it, I had some doubts regarding Usatos appearance the last time we met .

In the world we were from, I played various sports . As part of my interest, I gathered as much knowledge as I could about human anatomy… specifically, the muscle structures that Ive become familiar with .

The last time I saw Usato, I noticed that his legs had developed a lot compared to our first meeting . In addition, the muscles on his upper body had been tempered . There was no way he could normally temper them so thoroughly in just one week .

While I thought it was amazing, I also had my concerns . Its bad for the body to go through rapid growth in such a short time, if I took that into consideration—

Im worried…

Senpai?

No, its nothing . Seria, you seemed astonished when we mentioned the Rescue Squad… did something happen before?

The shock she expressed before was quite unusual .

No, err . . Well, theres been some rumors spreading lately in the castle about the Rescue Squad…

What kind of rumors . . ?

Seria seemed to be know something about the Rescue Squad . Anything important and related to Usato-kun should have definitely reached us but… Perhaps something happened?

Seria briefly hesitated before lowering her voice into a mutter .

Just remember its only rumors… I happened to overhear the palace guards talking about it . Apparently, the Rescue Squad recently had a newcomer, and that hes been put through training that even their current members would give up on attempting .

…

…Somehow Im really concerned now . Since todays training is about to finish, should we go check if Usato-kun is okay?

Yes, lets go take a look .

Ah, Ill come along as well .

We informed the two priestesses about our departure and made our way to the gates . Kazuki clenched his fists in determination and we nodded silently to each other, while heading off to the Rescue Squads lodgings .

And so, we were on our way to see Usato . Itd be dangerous if the countrys princess left just like that, so Sigris volunteered to accompany us as Serias bodyguard .

The Rescue Squads lodgings were in the midst of a forest clearing . It felt disconnected from the rest of the kingdom and there were no other people in sight .

Usato was here the last time we visited the house, but now he was nowhere to be seen .

This is where Usato-sama lives?

It is but . . it looks like hes out .

Isnt it afternoon training right now?

Then lets go search for him . If we end up being a hindrance, we can just go back . Sigris-san, may I ask you to lead the way?

I understand . Please follow me .

As we only wanted to take a look at the situation, it wouldnt be a particularly long visit .

Following Sigris lead, we walked through the overgrown forest to the Rescue Squads training grounds . Seria admired the scenery around her with gleaming eyes . She rarely got venture out of the castle so all of this was very exciting for her .

Fua, its amazing Kazuki-sama!

I agree .

Seria-sama, please do not stray too far away from me…

Sigris is too overprotective!

Shes is the princess of this country, after all . I guess its understandable for Sigris to be overprotective of her .

To Sigris troubled expression, Kazuki offered his sympathies .

Im sorry, Sigris-san

No, dont mind me . I have some business with Rose as well . The training ground is just ahead, thats most likely where Usato-sama is .

Is that so!

I gazed towards the direction Sigris pointed at .

The last time we met was 2 weeks ago, I wondered how youve grown since that time . . With that in mind, we drew closer and saw another clearing .

A wide open space, 30 meters in diameter, it was a training ground among the trees that comfortably accommodated the Rescue Squad and their few members .

In place like this, Usato-kun was at the center doing push-ups— Kazuki, who was about to cheerfully call out to him, stopped in his tracks .

I did the same .

…

Whats the matter? Whats going on in front—

As Seria tried to take a peek from behind us, the both of us were at a loss for words .

The view before us, it was—

Nu, gugugu…!

Oi, you slowed down . Dont tell me a little insect like you is giving up just from slightly increasing the weight .

No one said I was giving in!

Ill beat you up if you keep talking, hey .

Usato-kun was doing push-ups with a desperate look on his face . It wouldnt be so strange if it was just that . The problem was that a large stone block was placed on his back as well .

It looked like it weighed about 50 kg? Something like that was placed on Usato-kuns back .

Adding on to that, the Rescue Squads Leader; Rose, was haughtily sitting on that stone block with her legs crossed .

…Tsk .

What was that just now?! I thought I heard the sound of someone clicking their tongue!!

I thought I just heard the gentle Usato-kun click his tongue . Is he really Usato-kun? Perhaps hes been possessed by an evil spirit?

I was just really surprised how exceedingly light Rose-san is, you know… so much that I unintentionally smacked my lips .

Hohoo, youve just said a really sweet thing, didnt ya? In that case, it wont be a problem if I increased the weight some more, right?!

Rose deftly descended onto the ground and threw another block of stone onto Usato-kuns back .

Even while making gigigi chewing noises, Usato continued dauntlessly doing push-ups and a twisted smile rose to his face as he stared daggers towards Rose .

This is a fairly good feeling, aint it? Hes come to my liking, ya . If its like this, soon I can throw him into that place… Nn? Who are you?

Ever since Kazuki arrived, hes been understandably lost in a daze at the sight before him . After all, the gentle Usato-kun we knew was giving viciously glaring at someone else while participating in some kind of insane exercise . I cant blame him for trying to escape from reality .

Yet the Leader of the Knights, Sigris, strode furiously towards Rose .

Yooo, Sigris . Taking the princess and the heroes out for a walk? Whats up?

You! What do you think youre doing?!

Ahh?

Im asking you what youre doing! This kind of training, all youre doing is destroying this young mans future!! Sigris raised his voice and grabbed Rose by her collar .

Sigris outburst of anger was understandable; Roses treatment towards Usato simply couldnt be called training . Rather it looked like punishment .

Sigris, still having seized Roses collar, raised her up . He was using only his grip strength but you could hear the leather of his gauntlet squeaking under the pressure .

Get your hands off me, Rose replied, expressionless . I dont dislike your chivalry but dont push that on me . I have my own way of doing things . Moreover, I plan to make this guy my right-hand man, you know? Itd be a problem for me if he couldnt handle something as easy as this .

Right-hand . . you say?

Thats right, Ive finally dug up and found someone like him . Its good that he hates to lose, never yields, and in addition, hes able to keep up with my training .

I couldnt help but take a step backwards when I looked at Rose . Inside of her eyes, I saw a strong, unbending will . If there was anything she wanted to accomplish, she would stop at nothing to do so .

Hesitating from that kind of willpower, Rose shook Sigris off .

You deviant! The King wished to return your squad to how it was before, but it looks like theres no way thats happening with you .

Kahaha! My right eye cant open, so either way its impossible .

Rose declared as she pointed at the right side of her face .

Stop spouting nonsense!

Is she refusing to return to the army because of that scar over her eye…?

Fuun . . Sigris grunted angrily and returned to us . With a concerned look, he approached Seria .

I need to cool down for a bit . Princess-sama, please dont leave Kazuki-samas side .

Y-yes .

Once I calm down, I will return immediately .

He realized himself that if he stayed here any longer, it would only develop into a fight with Rose . With that in mind, Sigris disappeared into the forest .

Well, looks like Sigris is gone . The heroes and the princess had business with this, right?

Im not a thing, you know . Oi, whats this about making me your right-hand? To celebrate this event, how about I give Rose a punch with my right arm as a present, yeah? Since you want a right-hand, please gladly accept it with your face!!

Before that, how about I give you a present instead? . . Well, thats what I want to say but Ill head back first .

Usato-kun was ready to throw a punch but Rose changed her mind after seeing us and started making her way towards the lodging house .

As Roses figure disappeared in the distance, we approached Usato-kun who had just put down his weights and was stretching .

Are you okay, Usato-kun?

Im okay but . . this person is?

Usato tilted his head towards Seria who arrived with Kazuki-kun .

My name is Seria Bluegust Lyngle . But you can just address me as Seria, Usato-sama .

S-sama… in addition its Lloyd-samas…?

Yes . Im his daughter .

Usato-kun panicked upon hearing it was the Kings daughter . He probably wasnt used to being addressed like this by a girl he just met; not to mention, the Princess of the Lyngle Kingdom herself .

Kazuki-kun was also startled when they first met .

Please relax, just address me normally .

Usato hesitated, but reluctantly nodded .

That reminds me, whats the training like for you both? Well, I can vaguely tell that you guys have grown stronger…

…

…Eh, why did it become silent?

I cant say it .

The fact that our training was nowhere as harsh as Usatos… No, rather, it was very easy?

In reality, the type of training we were doing was deliberately planned with the safety of our bodies in mind . Furthermore, our training was designed to efficiently but steadily increase our combat ability which is very different from Usatos training . His type of training was incredibly dangerous; it was meant for surpassing the limits of the human body . Its something only viable for a healing magician who could continuously heal himself .

According to the rumors, it wouldve been 3 weeks since the spread of a certain eccentric training . Hes probably been doing this non-stop this whole time .

It doesnt look like his physique has changed that much . Still, he had a tremendous amount of development before so this didnt make sense… I think I was already starting to see through something incredible .

Being curious and giving into my temptation, I grabbed the ends of his T-shirt .

Usato-kun, pardon my impoliteness .

Eh? Whats the matter Inukami-senpai… tee, oou!?

I rolled up Usatos shirt in one motion .

At this sight, Serias face grew red .

…I see now .

Hes been intentionally damaging his muscles with excessive exercise and then forcibly restoring them with healing magic . The results from these actions are muscle fibers high in density, a greater amount of endurance, and the ability to draw out more power than a normal person .

I was mistaken before . Usato-kun… You have amazing muscles!

Somehow, Inukami-senpai, arent you kind of too excited?

No no, to think youve done this much in this short amount of time… Im impressed .

No, how do I say it… it has really been bothering me for a while now .

What… What has happened to Suzune-sama . . ?

Sorry Seria, even I dont know . Occasionally, senpai becomes like this .

Maybe he was getting irritated, but Usato forcefully took my arms off from himself . Its a little regrettable but for now I should back down . I dont want him to start hating me .

Waa . Still, it seems like everyone is lively, Im glad .

Usato, you seem . . energetic .

Hahaha, recently thats been my only redeeming trait .

Usato, who had a slightly tired look, laughed light-heartedly .

…His training looks to be at least manageable but I wonder if hes adapted to life in this world yet .

Seeing that we didnt need to worry, we decided to walk elsewhere while keeping an eye out for Sigris .

Well, it looks like we were just needlessly worried . We should be returning soon .

Worried? Well its fine . Next time, Ill be the one visiting you guys, I want to take a look at the training in the castle too .

P-Please do…

As Usato gazed at the castle in the distance, Seria whispered in a low voice, What a person… as she shivered .

She probably didnt want to show him the castles training as he still thought the knights and Rescue Squads training were on similar levels . Its likely that the knights morale would plummet as well .

We finished our conversation and decided to look for Sigris but a figure emerged from the forest and walked towards us . It was a giant man carrying something resembling a lunch box in one hand .

That guy is…

Is it someone you know, Usato?

Oooi! The kind and great me has come to deliver your bentou to you!

I saw a vein forming on Usatos forehead from the mans cheerful greeting .

Although we only recently started to get to know each other, I understood Usato was a gentle person . Now that gentle person had an expression similar to an oni1 . For a moment, I thought I was in a bad dream .

However, reality was heartless .

Usato-kun stomped towards the tall man and started shouting abusive remarks at him .

You have the nerve to bring me my bentou?! You damn blockhead!! Why dont you use those that small brain of yours and think about what happened a week ago, ya bastard!!

Aan!! I dont understand what youre talking about! Why dont you use words so that an idiot like me can understand, you idiot!!

If I make my words any simpler, itd become baby talk . Ahh I see, Tong doesnt have a brain and your head is actually stuffed with cotton!

Why you—!

Tong-kuns head is packed full of cotton—

Making fun of me… Come here!!

Bring it on!!

I-Is that really Usato? …Eh, ah, huh? Right now, Usato is laughing, hes talking…

Hang in there Kazuki-sama! W-What should we do… Suzune-sama!

Hell can even change a persons heart… its cruel .

Is this really the time to be deep in thought?! Sigris is fine too, please hurry and bring Kazuki-sama back to the castle…!

As I lent a shoulder to Kazuki-kun who had somewhat vacant eyes, I glanced behind .

He was having a brawl with the frightening looking man, the gentle appearance just before seemed like an illusion . It was a sudden change but somehow this looked very natural as well .

I see, it looks like youve found the place where you belong…

In an unknown world, he was able to find a place where he belonged before anyone else . Seeing him like this, I couldnt help but be a little envious .

Translator and editor notes

1 . Oni Wikipedia