Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer
Vol. 4 - Ch. 136 - Before the Spar

T/N - So it seemed like I somehow missed this chapter in the last update. This is the correct c135, though leaving this order for now so that there's no confusion for today's update. I apologise for the slip up.

"Why are you fooling around?"

Ashuka asked the first thing in a suspicious tone after being dragged outside of the class by Tenji in a hurry. Even so, his expression remains unchanged, making it harder to read his emotions.

Tenji wasn't perturbed by being unable to read his opponent's emotion and quietly placed his hands on both shoulders of Ashuka, creating an air where anything but 'yes' wasn't allowed.

"I'm a 'Swordsman' in this school. I hope you shack away any other details inside away for good."

"Understood."

"......You did?"

"I just need to pretend you're a 'Swordsman', I got it."

"......The way you quickly adapt to the situation is creepy."

"You're not the first one to say that."

The ease at which Ashuka accepted his request threw Tenji off-guard. Anyone would have been in fact. The 'why' doubt should have been the normal routine of such a situation, like Chaewon and Pyne's case. While Ashuka didn't even ask anything.

Call it a hunch, but Tenji seemingly understands what sort of character Ashuka was.

"Is that all?"

"Y-Yeah......just keep it a secret to yourself."

"Definitely. This is my creed."

Ashuka said and then brisked away to the classroom with accustomed pace.

Tenji looked at his retreating figure, as the evaluation of Ashuka inside him promoted from 'a slightly odd person' to 'an eccentric person.' But if there was anything he was sure of, it was that he was someone who would do what he proclaimed. They weren't the eyes of a liar.

"I guess no need to worry about it here."

Recalling the flat expression of Ashuka, Tenji smiled wryly as he, too, beeline for the classroom. His mind wandered to when he first came to Mallorca. Maybe he was also that unreserved? At the very least, he sure was trembling in excitement at the unfamiliar site and foreign students.

"But, Ashuka Damon...It sure was an unexpected appearance. It's really a wonder what sort of event led him to come here. But in the end, he is sure to reach the height of explorer no less inferior to Chisato-chan.)

"He has the talent comparable to Chisato," this was how captain Kujou evaluated Ashuka. And if past precedence were any proof, there was no way of disbelieving her claim as someone renowned for her discerning eyes. He had heard rumours that she was the one who scouted the members for chariot, which was why Chariot managed to creep its place among Japan's top guild, which was unthinkable from an up-and-coming guild.

Only a fool would dare to dismiss her evaluation.

Either way, he was certainly happy to see a student from a fellow country. Though, he also felt troubled on how to approach this new student.

Afterward, just as Tenji was teaching Ashuka about the life in Mallorca and the curriculum that had been taught so far who noted it down with silent nod, Georg and Demilia came back with two lecturers in tow.

The two lecturers Georg called in today were Burasta-sensei, whom you could always find in the infirmary on any of the three days, and Schultz-sensei, a veteran explorer specialised in offence and an expert in Mallorca's ecology.

"Hey, Ashuka. We brought them."

"......Thanks."

"We are heading to the training ground from here. Follow us."

"Alright."

Georg informed curtly, turned on his heel and left the classroom. Outside, he started speaking with the two teachers. Most likely, it should be about Ashuka's status.

Ashuka, on the other hand, abruptly glanced at Tenji, his gaze seemingly asking for something."

"What?"

"No, nothing."

Though he didn't say anything, got up from his seat and left the classroom to chase after Georg. Whispers buzzed through the classroom as Ashuka and Georg left.

"Are you going to watch it?"

"Hmm, I do want to..."

"But who knows...if it happens to another incompetent from japan."

"I don't think so. Anyway, let's go. Might as well check it out."

It seemed like everyone was curious about their new classmate's strength. No, not just them, even Tenji was curious about the battle of the talent called Ashuka. He joined in the waves of onlookers and headed for the training ground along with other classmates.

　†　†　†

Mallorca Escuela's training ground was in fact far smaller than one might think. To give an accurate picture, it was about half as big as a normal high school gymnasium, or around the size of a fencing training hall. Well, when even the initial premise of the whole escuela was limited, there was no helping out it.

It is one of the reasons why students often visit the dungeon or train in their garden than come here. Without sugarcoating the word, it was just an abandoned place.

Today, however, one could see the crowd of students from other classes and grades---who came here hearing the rumour of spar between fellow students---gathering alongside the wall. Their curious gaze assessing the three who were warming up for their battle.

Once they were done with warm-up, Georg opened his mouth.

"Ashuka, are you ready?"

"Proceed."

"Schultz-sensei, please be our referee."

With Georg calling out, Schultz-sensei stepped forward, putting himself between the two sides as he alternated his sharp gaze between the two to assess them, and confirmed their determination.

"I expect you to follow my verdict with no 'but' of 'if'. I will personally make a move if anyone fails in upholding the rule. Got it?"

" "Yes." "

"You're fighting fellow students and while it is allowed, do avoid pushing things too far. Anything from vocation, skill and physical abilities are allowed. Does everyone agree with this rule?"

"Yes."

"I don't mind."

"So it's going to be one-on-one?"

"I will be taking my—"

"I will take you both together."

Ashuka's curt voice echoed throughout the training ground.