Book 10: Chapter 1: Part 2

Book 10: Chapter 1: Part 2

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Part 2

That day, many students, not only our classmates but also from other classes, came to catch a glimpse of Merl-san and asked her many questions.

I was afraid that they would find out that Merl-san was an alien somewhere along the way, but as one would expect from space technology. It seemed that Merl-san manipulated peoples perceptions so that she could fit in perfectly on the Earth, and she got through the ordeal without any problems.

As I watched her from a distance, I noticed Kaori at the entrance to the classroom.

Kaori also found me and beckoned to me in a somewhat reserved manner. What is the matter?

Kaori, its been a while.

Its been a while, hasnt it? The last time we met was when Yuuya-san showed Merl-san around the town, right?

Thats right Huh? Perhaps Kaori knows about Merl-san

Yes, I remember. Um, the space one, right?

Kaori had encountered Merl-san when she and I were together before, and to my surprise, Merl-sans cognitive manipulation didnt work on her.

When my father told me about the new student, I was surprised that the person was Merl-san, you know? I think it is difficult in many ways for Merl-san, an alien, to attend this school, but her documents were accepted as if it were a matter of course, and

Oh, haha well, about Merl-san, you see, it seems that space technology can manipulate perceptions in that area. So even though she has features that dont seem earthly, everyone just naturally accepts her.

That is kind of amazing, but also terrifying at the same time

I understand what Kaori is trying to say. I am genuinely impressed by space technology, but more than that, it is a very frightening thing to be able to change perceptions, etc., without realizing it.

I dont think Merl-san would abuse that technology, though

But why did she decide to transfer to this academy?

Umm thats what I dont really understand either

Eh?

It is true that Merl-san said she had something to do on Earth but was it to enroll in this academy?

Well, I dont think shes trying to do anything wrong, and if I get a chance, Ill ask her, okay?

Right haha. But even so, with Yuti-san, who is from another world, and Merl-san, who is an alien, coming to this school Its not at the level of internationalization anymore, isnt it?

Well, sort of. And, if its possible, about Merl-san

Its a secret, right? I know. I mean, under the circumstances, if I told anyone, they wouldnt believe me.

Since their perception has already been manipulated, they would not believe it even if we told them that Merl-san is an alien.

As I was exchanging information with Kaori like that, I did not notice that Merl-san looked at me for a moment.

After that, I tried to ask Merl-san why she came to this school, but the wave of people coming from other classes to take a glance at her, the transfer student, was so constant that I could not go to ask her.

Well, it seems that she is accepted by the students without any problem, which is a relief for me

After school, I was finally able to find Merl-san alone and called out to her.

Merl-san!

Oh Yu-Yuuya-san! W-whats wrong?

Oh, no, um I was just wondering why you came to this school

Even though the ruckus with the Dragonia aliens was over, I thought that there must be something to do on the planet Amel, but Merl-san is now on Earth.

So I thought she must have some purpose

In response to my question, Merl-san began to fidget, and her gaze wandered.

N-no, that ah! Well, since Ive come all the way to Earth, I was told to go study the culture of this planet! Yes!

I-I see.

Is it like studying abroad? It is true that the people of Planet Amel seem to have a long lifespan, so they may be able to have this kind of experience casually.

As I was thinking about this, Merl-san said something in a whisper.

So, I was thinking that if you would like, as part of this cultural research, maybe we could go to an amusement park together sometime

No, there is no limit to the number of events you can participate in. However, everyone must participate in at least one event. And no matter how athletic you are and how much you want to participate in all the events, you may not have the physical strength to do so. Thats why it would be best to give preference to those who are confident in the events they want to win.

I-I see What can I say? The school I used to go to before was a very normal school, so there were no particular strategies or detailed rules, but in such a large-scale event, the strategy that each class chooses is important

Then Ryo raised his hand this time.

I understand the general outline of the event, but has the second prize been announced yet?

No, we wont know until the day of the event. So you should be fully prepared to compete in any of the events.

From what Ive heard, theres a very good chance that the second prize for an unexpected event could be very lavish.

Now any more questions? If there are none, lets decide which events to compete in. Ive said many things, but honestly, I think its best to pick an event that you like, regardless of whether you win or lose. Theres no need to go out of your way to enter an event you dont like.

Hey, Kageno. I dont want us to lose.

No, Sensei We dont want to lose either, but its important to have fun too

Kageno-kun smiled bitterly at the teachers words.

Thanks to Kageno-kuns quick and efficient progress like this, the events in which the students would compete were smoothly decided.

Although my physical abilities have improved dramatically thanks to my level-up in the other world, I was never very good at sports, to begin with. They probably wouldnt believe me if I told them that with how my body is now.

Anyway, the only experience I had in the athletic festival at my previous school was in the steeplechase, so I hoped to do that again this time.

In addition, I was recommended by others to participate in a cavalry battle and a tug-of-war. [T/n: Kibasen, which literally translates to Cavalry Battle, is a type of piggyback riding sport that is played in Japan.]

Tug of war is fine because its an event that involves a lot of people, but Im not sure if I can handle the cavalry battle

I am a little worried, but since I was recommended, I will do my best.

Incidentally, Merl-san, who probably doesnt know much about Earth culture yet, seems to be participating in events where she has to cooperate with others, such as ball tossing and tug-of-war, for the time being.

In space, Merl-san was fighting with the help of an extraordinary machine, but I wonder about her muscular strength and physical ability.

And so the events were being decided, and finally, it came down to the last event.

Now, all that remained was the mixed-gender three-legged race

Yes, the last remaining event was the three-legged race, in which men and women were paired together.

Up until now, we have been able to choose to some extent based on foot speed and strength, but this one is a little more difficult If the height difference between the pairs is too great, it will be difficult to run At any rate, is there anyone who wants to participate at this point?

When Kageno-kun asked this, several people raised their hands.

But

Kanzaki-sans partner, huh?

Haha its kinda bad

Rin had also raised her hand, but there were no boys who could be Rins pair.

If we could find a pair for Rin, we would just fill in the number of participants

Hmm Rin-chan is so fast, isnt she?

As I said, Im not as good as Kaede. Its just that Im so tall If you want, I can decline and give it to someone else

Rin says so, but that would be a waste after she had gone to the trouble of raising her hand and expressing her intentions.

Since Kaede, a track team member, also said shes fast, Rin must be pretty fast too.

Um I-Ill run if its okay with you

Eh, Yuuya?

I raised my hand timidly, and Rin looked at me in surprise.

Then Kageno-kun nodded in satisfaction.

Yes, Yuuya-kun, the height difference between you and Kanzaki-san isnt that big, not to mention your physical abilities. May I ask you to do it for us?

Yeah. I dont have any experience with three-legged races, but Ill do my best.

No, Id be grateful if youd just run with me. Lets work together!

Rin smiled as she said this.

Thus, the events for the athletic festival were decided.