NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19
Chapter 19. A Slight Change
The next day after school.
Following Hattori-san’s instructions, I head to the training hall.
It seems I’m the first to arrive, as no one else is here yet.
After a short while, Nanase-senpai is the first to enter the training hall.
She glances at me briefly, then sharpens her gaze into a glare before looking away.
As I thought, she really doesn’t like me. Maybe she suspects I cheated somehow in this situation.
Before long, the other members arrive.
Finally, Hattori-san enters, oddly enough carrying a backpack, and the group is complete.
“I’ve gathered you all here today because we’ll be doing special training here for the two weeks leading up to the inter-school match!”
“What kind of training?”
Nanase-senpai asks.
It’s probably combat practice.
No matter how much we train our abilities, it doesn’t mean they’ll work in real combat.
But how much can we improve in just two weeks?
It all depends on the motivation of the five of us.
Since I have zero motivation, I’ll leave it to everyone else to do their best.
“The training will be mock battles between all of you and me. Feel free to use your abilities to the fullest!”
The five of us show surprised expressions at Hattori-san’s words, but those quickly shift to understanding.
It’s probably because we’ve seen her ability stats in the gym.
Well, truthfully, it’s less about being allowed to go all out and more about how we’re utterly outclassed…
“And guess what? Today, I’ve even brought intel on the other schools’ members!”
With a smug grin, she pulls a bundle of papers from her backpack.
So that’s why she had a backpack—she was carrying documents.
Everyone receives a copy of the materials.
“This looks bad, doesn’t it?”
“It’s harsher than usual.”
“Masuzu! They’re all strong opponents!”
“Yes, I’m surprised too.”
“…”
As everyone reads through the materials, they share their thoughts aloud.
Well, except for one person, who stays silent.
Honestly, I’m a bit surprised too.
The level this year is not only higher than usual but among the schools, one stands out—Unryu High School.
Their selected members include four students with ability stats over 10,000.
One of them is nearing the 20,000 mark.
In other words, this school has four members at Nanase-senpai’s level of strength.
Meanwhile, here at Saien High School, our top member is Nanase-san with over 10,000, followed by two at 9,000, two at 8,000, and one unfortunate person with a score of 0.
We’re overwhelmingly outmatched.
Especially that 0 individual, who’s completely useless and should be removed from the team immediately.
“Um, Hattori-san, about that—”
“Nope! Yana-kun, zip it!”
Apparently, I’m not even allowed to speak.
Hattori-san gives me a look that brooks no argument.
As my only form of resistance, I imagine Hattori-san striking a sexy pose.
Too bad. She’s cute, but her chest lacks the power to make it sexy.
“To defeat them, I believe we should prioritize teamwork over individual skill. So over the next two weeks, focus on strengthening your unity and at least manage to land a hit on me!”
““““Yes!””””
No, that’s ridiculous.
Hattori-san is likely a physical enhancement specialist.
Unlike manipulation or creation-type abilities, there’s no way amateurs can land an attack on a physical enhancement expert.
“And as for you, Yana-kun, you can do as you like.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yes. There’s nothing for me to teach you.”
Yes! Time to head home immediately—
I grin and start leaving the training hall.
But just as I reach the exit,
“I can’t accept this!”
I hear Nanase-san’s dissatisfied voice behind me.
“Why him?! Some people’ve worked hard for the inter-school match and are clearly more skilled. Why choose someone without abilities like him?!”
She’s completely right.
If possible, I’d rather not participate either.
“As I said in the gym, it’s because of his ability.”
“I can’t believe that! He didn’t even fight back when he was bullied. Isn’t that because he’s powerless?!”
“He has his principles.”
Nanase-san doesn’t seem to think she’s wrong and shows no sign of reconsidering.
The other four also appear unconvinced, likely sharing her opinion.
This conversation is going nowhere.
Hattori-san knows I’m not ability-less, while the others don’t.
With such different information, their views can’t align. Both sides are correct in their own way.
After watching this scene unfold, I finally leave the training hall.
◇
A week later, with one week left until the inter-school match.
“Oh, hi there.”
“…”
During lunch break, I head to the vending machine and, unfortunately, run into Nanase-senpai.
Standing beside her is her friend, whom I recognize as one of the selected members.
After digging through my memory, I recall her name, Okita Nene.
In the awkward atmosphere, I can’t bear it and turn back toward the classroom.
“Wait.”
A chilling voice stops me in my tracks.
When I turn around, I see Nanase-senpai standing imposingly, with the vision of a snow spirit hovering behind her.
Could she be a Stand user? Gulp.
I might die here.
“Y-yes.”
My trembling legs somehow carry me closer to her.
Okita-san looks the other way, whistling, as if trying to avoid Nanase-senpai’s wrath.
You useless person! Please help poor me!
If I die here, I’ll curse senpai’s chest to shrink!
“I don’t know why Hattori-san favors you. But let me tell you this—. If you go easy during the inter-school match, I’ll never forgive you.”
“B-but I’m powerless! I can’t do anything.”
“I’m not asking you to achieve anything. Just give it your all.”
Ugh, but I don’t plan on giving it my all…
And why is senpai so desperate?
“Do you have a reason to fight, senpai?”
Her brows furrow slightly.
Was that too intrusive?
Before I can take it back, she answers.
“My little sister is ill.”
“She’s sick?”
“Yes. It’s a sporadic illness. The treatment costs an enormous amount of money, and I need to earn it.”
I see.
Even if she doesn’t join a special forces unit, working in a combat team protecting the city or as a corporate bodyguard pays significantly more than a regular job.
And this inter-school match is a special event, with many influential company executives watching.
If she performs well, she might get offers.
For her, this isn’t just a game; it’s a life-or-death matter.
“Do you think less of me for doing it for money?”
“No, I find it much more convincing than pretending it’s all for protecting people.”
“I see.”
With that, senpai turns back the way she came, and Okita-san scrambles to follow her.
It seems Okita-san already knew about this, as she doesn’t look surprised.
The two must be close friends.
Ah, I shouldn’t have asked.
If I hadn’t, this would’ve just been a normal encounter…