Date A Live

People ask “If winter comes will spring be far behind?” but, judging by today"s date- 1st of December, this is still the beginning of winter and spring still looks far away.

As if to show that, maybe it’s due to the cloudy sky in the morning; it looks like it’s the coldest day of the season. Each time the branches of bared trees shake, Itsuka s.h.i.+dou was forced to cover the gap of his coat collar.

The sky was white because it was covered with clouds, and the breath he gives out was also white. When the temperature is low, the reason why he feels the atmosphere is so clear might be because of the water frozen by the cold-------or maybe, it might be because germs and harmful substances were weakened by the cold. Well of course, it’s plausible enough to think that it’s because his senses were dulled.

In order to warm up his numbing hands, s.h.i.+dou *Haaa* heated them up with his breath. His cold finger tips felt warm for an instant but------the water particles in his breath froze up and made it colder than just now.

“Haaa………….it suddenly feels like it got cold all of a sudden. I should have brought a m.u.f.fler or gloves”

While rubbing his hands together, s.h.i.+dou exhaled one more time. When he found out it was useless to exhale at his hands, the exhale this time was just a sigh.

Right now, s.h.i.+dou was wearing his usual uniform covered with only one thick coat. He underestimated the cold thinking that it’s still okay even if it entered December but, apparently his thoughts were naïve.

What’s more, maybe he is suffering from the temperature change from night to morning; it seems that his morning body condition was poor. Maybe it’s a good idea to head back and take my winter clothing?

“Hnn…………….”

But, s.h.i.+dou was currently mid-way in his path to school from his house. He would probably be late if he head back home now. Although, there’s still quite some distance left to school. What a half-a.s.sed position it was.

“Mu, are you cold, s.h.i.+dou”

s.h.i.+dou turned to Yatogami Tohka who said that while walking beside him. While the winter wind was blowing her night colored hair, her magical crystal eyes were looking up at s.h.i.+dou.

She was currently wearing a duffle coat over her uniform, and was wrapped around with a plaid m.u.f.fler. Incidentally, she was wearing mitten type gloves, and I think the shoe she was wearing was somewhat thick. Her outfit definitely works in the winter.

Now that he think about it, Tohka went out with the other spirits and Reine to buy winter clothing. She probably chose them during that time. The black coat and red m.u.f.fler suits Tohka a lot.

“Yeah……………I looked down on December too much I guess. I’ll commute to school with warmer clothes tomorrow”

After s.h.i.+dou said that, Tohka stared at s.h.i.+dou’s face while [Fumu………] placing her hands on her chin. She then pointed at the m.u.f.fler wrapped around her neck.

“Oh yeah s.h.i.+dou, you can use this! It’s so fluffy and warm!”

“Eh? Nonono, then you’ll end up cold instead”

“Mu……………I don’t really feel anything you know? I have these gloves after all!”

After saying that, she moved her cute mittens around to show him. s.h.i.+dou made a wry smile.

“No, I think gloves won’t keep your neck warm”

“Muu…………..”

After hearing s.h.i.+dou’s words, Tohka was in thought for a while before, *Pon* she hit her hands together as if she thought of something.

“Oh yeah! I thought of something good!”

Tohka said cheerfully while unraveling one round of her m.u.f.fler before handing over the hem of the m.u.f.fler to s.h.i.+dou while the other half was still wrapped around her neck.

“Here you go, wrap it around you. Both of us will be warm like this”

After saying that, Tohka made a satisfied smile.

“N-no, it’s okay………….”

However, s.h.i.+dou refused with a wry smile.

That’s only normal. It’s true that Tohka’s method might warm both people up but, just what kind of sights will their cla.s.smates give them, on the day they come to school with one m.u.f.fler wrapping around them, acting like couples seen in mangas……………..nope, he has an idea of what it will be like. He will probably be swarmed with envy, jealousy and killing intent.

But, Tohka did not back down. With the m.u.f.fler still inside s.h.i.+dou’s hands, she pushed him to wrap it around his neck.

“What are you saying. You’ll catch a cold you know?”

“No, well that might true but that’s not what I meant………….”

And, when s.h.i.+dou was making a troubled look, *Dadadada* violent footsteps echoed from behind.

“Kaka! How foolis.h.!.+ Both of you are still here huh!”

“Pa.s.sing through. You will not stop Yuzuru and Kaguya”

And while raising their voices, both shadows pa.s.sed by s.h.i.+dou and Tohka.

Yamai Kaguya and Yamai Yuzuru. Just like Tohka, they live in the Spirit mansion and are the twin spirits with identical faces. Both of them were wearing camel duffle coats above their uniform and fluffy earm.u.f.fs. Looks like, they are well equipped to protect themselves against the cold. Incidentally, Yuzuru was wearing normal gloves but Kaguya was wearing leather gloves with her fingers poking out.

“Kaguya! Yuzuru!”

“Fuu, time is precious. Sorry but we will be going ahead……….wait, what are you two doing?”

“Doubt. Playing a scene of walking a dog? Or is it that type of play even though it’s so early in the morning?”

The Yamai sisters who got in front of s.h.i.+dou and Tohka but, they told them that while their eyebrows were frowned.

s.h.i.+dou twitched his shoulders at that moment. Since s.h.i.+dou was holding the hem of Tohka’s m.u.f.fler, it looks as if s.h.i.+dou was holding a leash extending out from Tohka’s collar.

“Nu? What do you mean?”

“Oi oi, don’t say it that will cause misunderstandings. This is………..”

Even though s.h.i.+dou was trying to explain to them, Kaguya and Yuzuru turned their body around half-way through his sentence.

“I won’t say anything about someone’s taste but, I recommend you to not do such a thing in the public”

“Consent. Please think of Tohka who is made to follow your fetish”

“Like I said, it’s wro------

“Okay farewell! I can see the promised land!”

“Part. The Yamai’s are the child of the wind and the child of energy”

After leaving those words, the Yamai sisters ran on the path to school.

“Ah! Oi, you guys are still misunderstanding………….”

Knowing those 2, they won’t spread bad rumors about s.h.i.+dou but……………there’s no saying that they might leak the information without any ill intent. It’s probably a good idea to clear this misunderstanding as fast as possible. While following them with his eyes s.h.i.+dou talked to Tohka standing beside him.

“………hey Tohka. I thought of a way to warm up without borrowing your m.u.f.fler” “Nu? Is there such a way?”

“Yeah……..RUN!”

After saying that, s.h.i.+dou kicked the ground and Tohka followed him after a [Ooh!] shout.

They continued running for a few minutes while keeping up with the backs of the Yamai sisters which were gradually turning smaller-------they reached the school faster than expected.

“Haaa…………..Haaa…………….”

s.h.i.+dou was panting heavily while placing his hands on his knees when he reached the entrance. Beside him, Tohka was totally fine and talked to him.

“Are you okay s.h.i.+dou?”

“Y-yeah………..”

s.h.i.+dou nodded while wiping the sweat off his forehead. It’s only normal to have a stamina difference with Tohka since she’s a spirit but…………the fatigue is worse than usual. As expected, he probably got a cold from the morning cold.

“Kaka! Not bad you two”

“Congrats. But, we are the champion when it comes to speed”

The Yamai sisters reached the school first but, they welcomed s.h.i.+dou and Tohka with an unnecessarily cool pose. He thought of catching up in the first place but, it’s lucky that they waited for them at the entrance. s.h.i.+dou fixed his breathing and raised his body before opening his mouth.

“You two, I’ll tell you this since you are misunderstanding something, just now-----“

“Un? Tohka was going to lend her m.u.f.fler to you right?”

“Of course. We knew just by looking”

Both of them said it blandly. s.h.i.+dou opened his eyes wide.

“Wait, you noticed!”

“Kaka, of course. Did you think my magic eye won’t see through it?”

“Consent. Just now, Kaguya teased s.h.i.+dou because she got jealous”

“Wait…………! Don’t say random things! It’s not like I was jealous!”

“Escape. The smartest thing to do here is to retreat”

“Wai-wait there Yuzuru!”

After saying that with a cool face, Yuzuru ran off. Kaguya then chased after and they went into the school.

After seeing them leave, s.h.i.+dou let out a big sigh.

“Seriously, they are unnecessarily energetic as usual…………”

“s.h.i.+dou, let’s get inside the school too. Our finally warmed up bodies might get cold again”

“Yeah, you’re right”

After s.h.i.+dou agreed with Tohka’s words, he took of his shoes and opened his s...o...b..x.

And, he frowned his eyebrows in doubt.

“Hn……….?”

“My, what’s wrong s.h.i.+dou”

“No…………..I don’t see my indoor shoes inside the s...o...b..x”

Yes. s.h.i.+dou’s hand grabbed nothing when he tried to take his indoor shoes out like usual.

“What. Did someone wear it by mistake?”

“Uuun…………that might be it”

s.h.i.+dou gave a vague answer to respond to Tohka who opened her eyes wide.

Losing indoor shoes is a basic form of bullying but………….Tohka will feel insecure if he told her that.

Also, it’s true that s.h.i.+dou does not know of anyone that would bully him……….well, his reputation in school has been dropping recently so he can’t deny that act at all and that’s just saddening.

“No choice. I’ll have to put up with slippers then”

After saying that, s.h.i.+dou borrowed a pair of visitor slippers from the office and headed to the 2nd year 4th cla.s.s cla.s.sroom with Tohka.

They then opened the cla.s.s door and just when he reached to his seat------he stopped.

The reason was simple. It was already occupied.

It was a characteristic girl with shoulder-length hair, and had the arranged face that resembles a doll.

But, that’s not the weird part. It’s practically normal for girls to borrow other student’s seat to talk with their friends.

Things are different if the girl was under his seat with her knees on the ground and her cheeks on his chair, waiting for s.h.i.+dou. He could feel his cla.s.smates pretending not to see this.

“…………..what are you doing, Origami”

s.h.i.+dou asked with half his eyes opened.

Yes. She’s Tob.i.+.c.hi Origami. s.h.i.+dou’s cla.s.smate-----and a new spirit he successfully sealed last month.

Normally, the spirits will be gathered to the spirit mansion next to the Itsuka house to live but, Origami said she could not throw away the house filled with the memories of her parents so she was still living in her own house. Because of that, her commuting time is a little off from s.h.i.+dou’s.

After hearing s.h.i.+dou’s words, Origami crawled out from under his table.

“I warmed it up”

“My chair!?”

“Not only that”

After saying that, Origami searched her pocket and took one indoor shoe out.

---It was s.h.i.+dou’s indoor shoe, heated up by Origami’s body warmth.

“This too”

“………..You’re the culprit!”

After s.h.i.+dou shouted, Tohka continued on and raised her voice too.

“Origami! You can’t take s.h.i.+dou’s indoor shoes! s.h.i.+dou had to use slippers because of that!”

“…………..!”

As if she got flicked by Tohka’s words, Origami looked at s.h.i.+dou’s feet before bowing down.

“I am very sorry. I didn’t not think that far”

“N-no, please be careful from now on………….”

“This morning, my head was filled with the thought to act as a premium temperature regulator system that can warm s.h.i.+dou’s seat and indoor shoes at the same time”

“That’s a certain method from the Azuchi Momoyama period right!?”

After s.h.i.+dou shouted for a while, he sighed tiredly and switched on his indoor shoes.

He then placed his bag on the table and was about to take out his coat.

“Wait”

At that moment, Origami talked to s.h.i.+dou to stop him.

“Hn? What’s wrong?”

“s.h.i.+dou temperature regulator system –Ver.0”

After Origami said it in a flat tone, she thrust her hands into s.h.i.+dou’s coat which was half taken off, and hugged s.h.i.+dou’s body tightly. It’s as if, 2 people were wearing 1 coat.

“Wha………..!?”

“H-hey Origami! What are you doing to s.h.i.+dou!”

Tohka got fl.u.s.tered and tried pulling Origami away. But, Origami clung onto s.h.i.+dou with tremendous strength and would not let go.

But, after a few seconds, Origami lifted her face after burying her face in s.h.i.+dou’s chest when she noticed something.

“Your temperature is already high. s.h.i.+dou, do you have a fever?”

“Eh? Aah……….no, I ran quite a bit so my body temperature probably increased”

“I see. That’s good”

After Origami said that, she let go of s.h.i.+dou’s body. She then turned around and changed her direction.

“Origami! Where are you going?”

“Somewhere”

After a short answer, Origami left the cla.s.sroom.

While sending her off, Tohka *Pun* folded her arms.

“Seriously, I don’t have any time to lower my guard around her!”

“Haha…………how should I say this, Origami is Origami after all………”

s.h.i.+dou sat down while smiling powerlessly.

Actually, the current Origami was slightly different from the Origami that they spent time with before.

This existence is the new Origami joined by the quiet Origami after the past was changed and the old Origami.

But, judging by what he saw just now, the attributes of the old Origami were coming out stronger than the Origami after the past change.

“Mu?”

However. Tohka twisted her head after hearing s.h.i.+dou’s words.

“What are you saying? It’s true that her actions are intolerable but, it’s completely different from before you know”

“Really? I think it got more serious than before though……..”

“But, the old Origami will still cling onto s.h.i.+dou no matter how forceful I pull her. Also, the face she showed when she was about to leave……………”

“Eh?”

s.h.i.+dou opened his eyes wide in wonder.

“……………..”

Having left the cla.s.sroom, Origami briskly walked down the corridor and reached an empty area before, leaning against the wall and crouch down.

“…….Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”

She covered her face with both her hands and shook her throat.

The warmth felt by the palm of her hands. She did not look at a mirror but, she could easily imagine that her face was completely red.

“I, why did I do that”

Origami mumbled with her trembling voice and messed up her hair by scratching vigorously.

Origami definitely came to school normally. But, the moment she saw s.h.i.+dou’s shoe box, the Kinos.h.i.+ta Tob.i.+.c.hirou Hideyos.h.i.+ inside Origami’s heart, shouted “I have to warm my masters indoor shoes”. The moment she noticed, she was hugging s.h.i.+dou’s indoor shoes, and was placing her head on s.h.i.+dou’s chair as if she’s a criminal waiting for the guillotine. Now that she thinks back, what the heck just happened really?

But on the other hand, of course for the previous action too but; more importantly, was it not a mistake to fail in warming up s.h.i.+dou’s gym clothes by wearing it under her uniform? I am satisfied if s.h.i.+dou is warm. It’s definitely a win win situation. As expected, she had to register for the spot before anyone else could take it. The name will be registered with Origami Po-. It’s a witty naming formed by the Pot used to boil water and the Po that means the cheeks blus.h.i.+ng. Those thoughts exist at the same time.

This chaos occurs because the consciousness of the Origami of the old world and the Origami after the world was reconstructed mixed together in the first place.

And, both sides are definitely Origami but, whenever s.h.i.+dou is in front of her, the senses of the latter personality will take over.

This body belongs to the Origami after the world was reconstructed in the first place. It’s because a balance was set that the old Origami does not have the dominant position after the merge.

But, the the consciousness of the new Origami is around [Feelings to s.h.i.+dou 30%: standard 70%] and once it reaches [Feelings for s.h.i.+dou = 120%], the balance will end up getting destroyed.

“Will he think of me as a weird girl…………..”

Origami murmured with a sigh and *Kin kon kan kon*the cla.s.s bell rang as if to respond to her.

“Ah………….I have to go now”

She can’t stay like this. After Origami made a simple fix to her hair by combing it with her fingers, she placed her hands on her knees and stood up.

But, right when Origami turned the corridor corner *Bosuun* she b.u.mped into someone.

“Kyaa”

“Ah, sorry…….wait, it’s Origami?”

The person there was s.h.i.+dou who she separated with at the cla.s.sroom just now.

“So you were here. And that voice just now………”

“Nothing. More importantly, why is s.h.i.+dou here?”

After Origami asked, s.h.i.+dou scratched his cheeks while answering.

“No………………you’re acting a little weird so, I came to see why…………”

“………………..!”

Origami felt her heart jumped. s.h.i.+dou was concerned for Origami. Those thoughts alone made her heart warm.

But, her body moved faster than her feelings.

“I am so happy. Actually, I feel a little sick so I want you to examine me. More specifically, my breast and lower half”

While saying that, she grabbed hold of s.h.i.+dou’s hand. s.h.i.+dou [Hii!] gasped.

--Eh? Ehh? What am I doing!? Even though she was confused, Origami’s body continued moving without any hesitation.

“Doctor, please. Do it gently but boldly”

“Tohkaaa! Tohkaaaaaa! I knew it, nothing changeeeddd!”

s.h.i.+dou’s shout echoed throughout the school before cla.s.s started.

“……………………”

In a corner of the underground facility owned by and located inside Tenguu city; the Commander- Itsuka Kotori was sitting alone.

She’s a characteristic girl with her hair tied with 2 black ribbons, a crimson red jacket placed on top of her shoulders and a chupa chups inside her mouth. Her cute face fits her age range but, her expression right now, looked troubled like a war veteran.

Nonetheless, it can’t be helped. That’s because, doc.u.ments of the Spirit they successfully sealed last month- were at Kotori’s arm’s reach.

. That’s the inverse Spirit they are most cautious about, and stand beside the worst Spirit- Tokisaki Kurumi.

Her ident.i.ty is the former AST Tob.i.+.c.hi Origami. Other than the detailed data of , the doc.u.ments Kotori is looking at had the results she gained after listening to Origami in an investigation.

“……….Fumu”

While groaning a little, she dropped her sights at the data entry.

The information about the personality merge and the world reconstruction was really interesting but-------the part that attracted Kotori the most, was about the information on Origami traveled back to the Tenguu city of 5 years ago by Kurumi’s angel .

Yes. Origami traveled back 5 years to save her parents by confronting a certain existence.

---. The mysterious existence that gave Spirit powers to Kotori, Miku and Origami.

“We got a lead……………we still can’t call it that though”

Kotori murmured to herself.

Kotori has experience of coming in contact with before. However at that time, ’s body was covered with noise and since the voice sounded like it was being filtered with a sound changer; its true form could not be grasped at all. And that’s the same as what she heard from Miku.

However, Origami fought this and peeled off the noise barrier with her Angel’s power, and managed to the voice even though it was only for an instant and was able to see it’s appearance.

Pretext------ is a young girl.

She then said [I have a goal].

Kotori glared at the sketch drawn by Origami based on her memories and moved her lips.

“…………..who are you? What is your goal”

And, as if to match those words, the room door was knocked.

“Yes, who is it?”

“………..it’s me”

“Aah, come in”

The same time Kotori answered, the door opened, and a female wearing the uniform, entered the room. She has a simple hair style and thick eyebags.--- a.n.a.lyst and Kotori’s best friend, Murasame Reine.

“What’s wrong, Reine”

“…………hnn, I thought of contacting you thorough the terminal but, I heard you came today”

“Yeah”

Kotori made a small nod. It’s a weekday today, originally, Kotori should be attending school like s.h.i.+dou and the rest.

“I had something I wanted to investigate. Ah, of course, I took account of my attendance rate so it’s okay.----so, what do you need?”

“………..Ahh. I am a little worried about something”

“Worried?”

After Kotori tilted her head, Reine showed the terminal tablet in her hands to her.

Several numbers and graphs covered with several lines were shown in the screen.

“This is………..”

“………..this is the graph for everyone’s Reiha readings recently. Look at this one”

After saying that, Reine pointed to one line. ---only one line was rising to the extreme.

“What is this? Everyone’s mental state has been stable these past few days right? just who-----“

Just when she was about to finish, Kotori twitched her shoulders.

“No way, is it Origami?”

She was just recently sealed and is the existence that caused chaos as an inverse Spirit in the first place. It’s not weird for her to be an irregular.

However, Reine slowly swung her head.

“…….no”

“Then who? Tohka? Yos.h.i.+no? Don’t tell me you are going to say it’s me?”

“……….no, you’re wrong. This is-----“

Reine silently told her the name.

Math and modern j.a.panese cla.s.s ended and it’s at 3rd period.

The next cla.s.s for 2nd year cla.s.s 4 will be a joint gym cla.s.s with cla.s.s 3.

“Oiiii, Itsuka, let’s go already”

The person approaching over while saying that was a male student with short waxed spiky hair. s.h.i.+dou’s close buddy- Tonomachi Hiroto.

“Aah………its gym cla.s.s next right?”

s.h.i.+dou raised his face tiredly. After seeing him do that, Tonomachi made a dubious expression.

“Huh? What happened to you? You look sick? Is it a cold?”

“Hnn…………..I don’t know. I feel languid since morning”

“Muu, are you okay s.h.i.+dou?”

“I think you should just look if you are feeling sick”

Tohka from the right while Origami from the left, both of them looked at me worriedly. s.h.i.+dou *ahaha* laughed while swinging his hands.

“I am okay. It’s not that serious.---Tonomachi, what are we doing for gym today again?”

After s.h.i.+dou asked, Tonomachi [You forgot?] shrugged his shoulders.

“We are having our physical measurements today. What’s more, we will be doing it side by side with the females so; it’s a free buffet for buff guys to appeal! I have been lifting my b.u.t.t from the chair a little during cla.s.ses for this day to come!”

“The whole time during cla.s.s!?”

“No, it’s an average of 5 seconds per lesson”

“So short!”

Even though s.h.i.+dou retorted him, Tonomachi acted as if he didn’t hear me. He then turned towards Tohka and Origami and *Bin* made a thumbs up.

“With that said, ladies. You have until now to fall for me. Don’t miss my amazing figure”

“Are you really okay s.h.i.+dou. Do you need to go to the infirmary?”

“Don’t force yourself s.h.i.+dou. Wait in the infirmary”

“Oh I got ignored? Listening for just a little is fine you know. You are making Hiro-pon sulk”

Tonomachi *Buu*, pouted his lips and said in in dissatisfaction. s.h.i.+dou made a wry smile at the conversation and slowly stood up from his chair.

“It’s Physical measurements so it’s going to be alright. Also, it’s going to be annoying if I leave it for latter so I’ll join. I’ll be there in a second so you all go first”

“Ou. Don’t force yourself. You worry about others yet get careless about your own health afterall”

“Haha, I will be careful. I got told the something similar by Kotori too”

“Eh, seriously? I knew me and Kotori match, right my brother in law”

“Just go already”

After s.h.i.+dou swung his hand as if to drive dogs away, Tonomachi made a light laugh before leaving the cla.s.sroom.

“Okay………physical measurements huh”

While saying that, he moved his sights to Tohka and Origami.

“……………I’ll say this just in case, don’t get too serious. Even though your powers are sealed, your physical abilities are above normal humans”

“Mu, I know. I plan on holding back”

“I’ll settle it in a sensible range”

“Ou…………….rather, I should be more worried about Kaguya and Yuzuru than you two. Warn those two not to make a big difference in record when they compete”

After s.h.i.+dou said that, Tohka and Origami both nodded.

Having confirmed that, they left the cla.s.sroom with their gym clothes in hand and separated halfway to go to their respective changing room.

(Origami was following s.h.i.+dou’s direction for some reason but, she got pulled away by Tohka to the female changing room), and once they finished changing, they headed to the schoolyard.

The gym teacher-Suganuma in his jersey appeared immediately after the school bell rang signifying cla.s.s time and made the students line up.

“………….ah, this is bad”

At that moment, s.h.i.+dou slightly frowned his eyebrows.

After reaching this point, an intense dizziness attacked with no warning.

His whole body felt hot as if he was burning and his consciousness was slowly turning blank. Teacher Suganuma was explaining about the physical measurement and how to use the hand dynamometer but, most of it wasn’t entering s.h.i.+dou’s ears.

“Uu…………”

He scratched his cloudy eyes. He would never imagined that it would get this serious…………..was it a good idea to quietly listen to the girls warning and head to the infirmary?

And, when s.h.i.+dou was thinking that with his consciousness blocked by clouds, *Ton* his back was suddenly tapped.

“Hnn…………what………..?”

When he looked over, a student standing behind s.h.i.+dou pointed in front.

“Don’t “what” me. It’s your turn for the hand dynamometer Itsuka”

“Eh? Aah…………..”

He noticed it when I was urged. Apparently, the students in front of them already finished measuring their grip strength when s.h.i.+dou was blanked out.

s.h.i.+dou wobbled forward and grabbed the a.n.a.log hand dynamometer.

“Itsuka is up next huh. Here you go, start with right first. Grip it as hard as possible.

After saying that, teacher Suganuma with a clipboard for recording, showed a gripping gesture.

“43 kilo is the average for male high school students. And, Yos.h.i.+kawa has the highest record of 75 kilo. Can you cross it?”

After teacher Suganuma joked around, a big sized male student----the Judo club member Yos.h.i.+kawa made a wry smile.

“Stop it Sensei. There’s no way I’m losing to Itsuka………..rather, if my gripping strength loses to the King Lear [12a 1] I am going to have an ident.i.ty crisis”

“You got that right”

The male students around *Ahaha* laughed. This is a known fact so describing it is useless but, [King Lear] is one of the 4 tragedies in Shakespeare and why that name appearing here? He can’t help but to feel that it’s not being used with its original meaning.

Nonetheless, since his consciousness was clouded right now, s.h.i.+dou had no leisure to respond to that.

In his situation, it’s probably going to be hard to cross the average line, forget getting the highest score………he had to do it. He poured strength into his right hand and gripped the hand dynamometer.

And, next.

*Pan* the moment he heard a sound, something hard scratched s.h.i.+dou’s cheek.

“……………?”

“O-oi, Itsuka”

After s.h.i.+dou tilted his head, the surrounding students were focusing at s.h.i.+dou’s right hand.

“Yes…….?”

s.h.i.+dou followed everyone’s sights and looked towards the hand dynamometer in his right hand. When he did that, he found the hand dynamometer was broken. The spring was completely squished towards the crushed grip and the scale which was on top, had bounced off. Apparently, the object that scratched s.h.i.+dou’s cheek was that.

Suddenly, the students started making a commotion.

“Wha-what was that”

“Itsuka, how many kilos is your grip strength…………”

“Sho-show me”

Teacher Suganuma took the hand dynamometer from s.h.i.+dou’s hand and took a good look from various angles.

He then *Haa* sighed.

“Aah…………the metal spring part is probably fatigued. We have been using this for a long time so it probably got worn out. Are you okay Itsuka”

“Eh? Haa…….”

After s.h.i.+dou answered, the atmosphere of the students who were gulping, relaxed.

“Aaaah, what do you know, that gave me a shock”

“Well, that’s so obvious, the scale breaking is one thing, but tearing off the spring is crazy”

The students nodded in conviction.

“………………….”

While hearing those voices, s.h.i.+dou silently open and close his right hand alternately.

…………I see, it can be understood if the metal spring was fatigued. There’s no way s.h.i.+dou could break the hand dynamometer since he wasn’t particularly going through special muscle training, and he’s feeling sick right now too. When s.h.i.+dou grabbed the hand dynamometer, he practically did not use any strength In the first place.

And, when s.h.i.+dou was thinking alone, teacher Suganuma’s voice could be heard again.

“Hey, it’s handball throwing now. Throw the ball from here, according to order. The high school average is about 26 meter. People from the handball club and baseball club, don’t break this average okay?”

After teacher Suganuma said that, a few club members in the cla.s.s made a wry smile.

We then followed the teacher’s order; in random order, the students stood at the fixed spot and threw the ball.

“Tah!”

“Asai, 24 meter!”

“Toryaa!”

“Yos.h.i.+kawa, 30 meter!”

“DARASHAAAA!”

“Tonomachi, you stepped on the line”

Voices of students and measurements echoed respectively for 10 minutes. And it was s.h.i.+dou’s turn.

“Okay Itsuka! The Hand ball won’t break so throw it without worries”

“……….Okaay”

After s.h.i.+dou replied in a tired tone, he took a random ball from the cage and stood inside the chalk drawn circle.

He then confirmed the raised hand that signifies measurement is ready with his hazy view before slowly bringing his right hand to his back.

“Touu!”

Tohka shouted when she kicked the ground and landed forward at the sand box.

Then, a female student with the measuring tape- Ai approached her, and measured the distance from the stepping line to the footprint.

“Tohka-chan 2.9 meters!”

“Ooh! She got the first!”

“As expected”

As if to respond to Ai’s voice, her good friend Mai clapped her hands.

Judging by everyone’s reaction, she did a good job jumping to a sensible record. Tohka nodded in satisfaction.

After finis.h.i.+ng the grip measurements and handball throwing, the girls were now going through measurements for standing long jump. Tohka got out the sandbox and approached the Yamai Sisters who had finished their measurements.

“Kaka, not bad Tohka”

“Consent. That’s an amazing number”

“Ooh, Kaguya, Yuzuru. How is yours?”

When Tohka asked, Kaguya and Yuzuru *fufun* puffed up their chest and folded their arms.

“2.5 meters. Kuku, if the child of the hurricanes- I get serious, it will cause a commotion. We changed the format of the compet.i.tion for today”

“Agreed. We won’t compete in getting records, and tried competing by seeing how close we can get to the first set value. It was easy for the grip measurement but, the hand ball throw and long jump was quite thrilling.

“Ooh, I see!”

Tohka hit her hand while opening her eyes wide. It’s true that, they can compete without causing any suspicion if they do that.

When Tohka and the Yamai sisters were having that conversation, the student who was next after Tohka’s, finished her long jump.

“---Tob.i.+.c.hi-san, 2.91 meter!”

“Oooooooooooooooooooooo!?”

“Tohka-chan’s dominance lasted for an unbelievable 3 minute!?”

Tohka turned around after she heard the shocking voices from Ai Mai Mii.

Origami, walked over to her with an unconcerned look. Tohka *mu* made her mouth look like the へ word.

“……….Origami, are you doing this on purpose?”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s about the record. Why is it perfectly 1 centimeter above mine”

“Coincidence”

“…………..really? I think you got 0.1 kilo higher than me during the grip measurement too”

“Coincidence”

“You got 1 centimeter above mine for the handball throw too”

“Coincidence”

“Muu…………”

Since she flat out replied like that, she felt that it really might be just a coincidence but…………….things still doesn’t make sense for her. Tohka then continued her words while looking straight at Origami.

“Then for the next one, Origami you start first. I will then admit it’s just a coincidence”

“That I can’t do”

“I knew it was on purpose!

She could not hold it in and shouted. Origami no longer was looking at Tohka, and directed her sights towards the school yard------towards the direction where the male students are having their measurements taken.

Judging by what she saw, the boys are now going through the handball throw. Now that she thought about it, the boys were causing a ruckus during the gripping measurements. Maybe, a trouble occurred and it caused the measurements to take more time?

“Nu?”

At that moment, she noticed something. Apparently, it was s.h.i.+dou’s time to throw the handball.

However, Tohka frowned her eyebrows. s.h.i.+dou’s footwork when he got in place was the wobbliness of a sick person.

“Muu, is s.h.i.+dou going to be okay”

“I knew he wasn’t in good condition. I have to bring him to the infirmary. By giving him a princess carry”

“Wait, why is there a need to give him a princess carry!?”

And, the instant Tohka grabbed Origami’s hand.

---*Hyuuuugooooo* just when they thought they heard the sound of the wind getting sliced apart; a straight line was formed from s.h.i.+dou’s hand towards the sky.

“Huh………..?”

Someone’s astonished voice could be heard regardless where it came from.

But, it was only natural. It was not a parabola; while drawing a straight line as if it was drawn with a ruler, the hand ball sliced through the clouds and disappeared into the sky. Looking at that, rather than calling it a ball, it’s more proper to call it a ballistic missile or battle machine shot by a catapult. Maybe the surface of the ball was burned in the atmosphere friction; it left a smoke line like a vapor trail and melted into the air.

“…………………”

The schoolyard was wrapped in silence.

In that silence, Mii mumbled [………..Bye bye *Glitter*] but, no one retorted her.

In the end, s.h.i.+dou’s unordinary crazy throw was settled with “It’s because of a strong upward torrent”. Rather, it’s more appropriate to say that, everyone will not understand unless it is set as that.

Regardless, 10 minutes pa.s.sed after the commotion. The physical measurement continued and it’s a 50 meter sprint time measurement.

“Okay, next, the girls Yatogami-san, Tob.i.+.c.hi-san, Yamabuki-san. Males- Tonomachi-kun, Asai-kun, Itsuka-kun. Please get into position”

The student in charge gave out orders. Tohka *umu*, nodded and stood in front of the white line. Next off, Origami and Ai followed her; the male students then positioned behind them, and s.h.i.+dou wobbled over there.

“Mu………..s.h.i.+dou, you’re wobbling around. You don’t have to force yourself if you are feeling sick right?”

“Hn, aah………it’s okay”

…………Tohka shouldn’t be prying into the matter since the person of concern is saying that he is okay.

“-----Okay, we are going to start. The male average is 7.38 seconds, girls average is 9.02second. Everyone do your best”

After saying that, the student in charge signaled her hand up. They listened to her and placed their hands on the ground, taking a crouching start pose.

“Now……..ready, *Don*!”

The student in charge swung her hand down.

Tohka poured strength into her legs and kicked the ground to pounce forward. She then leave behind the boys and ran on the ground.

But, just when she thought she was running alone, one shadow appeared beside her.-----it was Origami.

“Kuh……..!”

She looked at Origami running parallel to her. From the expression she saw, she could see leisure hidden from it. Most likely, she is probably planning to win by pa.s.sing Tohka to the goal in a 0.1 second difference.

“I won’t let you…….!”

Tohka clenched her fist and raised her speed. However, Origami adjusted her speed to match hers and would not make any distance. Their speed kept increasing as if they were competing.

But-----she noticed something.

Because of Tohka’s compet.i.tive spirit towards Origami, she was running at a speed greatly surpa.s.sing the high school girl average.

“c.r.a.p…………….”

If she made a new record, she would gather odd attention to her. Meaning, she would be causing trouble to who provided them a place for them to live. What should she do----

But, when Tohka was thinking about that.

*Bishuuuu* a shadow pa.s.sed by Tohka with tremendous speed.

“Nu-----?”

---She realized it after a moment.

It was s.h.i.+dou’s shadow running at the ground like a rocket firework.

“!? I-Itsuka-kun……….time- 4.38 seconds……….”

“Iiii!?”

“Wait just a second, isn’t the word record 5.56 second!?”

“What’s more, Itsuka-kun lagged a bit after the start right!?”

“Ehh, then what is the real second!”

The students at the goal line started becoming noisy.

“Hnn……….what is with all of you, looking all surprised and………”

But, the person in cocern- s.h.i.+dou did not look concerned……..rather, he was wobbling his head around as if his consciousness was blank before, he powerlessly collapsed.

“! s.h.i.+dou!”

“s.h.i.+dou-----“

After Tohka and Origami raised their speed even further, they pa.s.sed the goal and ran to s.h.i.+dou.

……..Something is weird. Inside his hazy consciousness, s.h.i.+dou was in thought.

s.h.i.+dou was right now on a bed in the infirmary. His body was sluggish so, he was brought there to rest but, forget getting better, it was one-sidedly just getting worse.

His eyes were clouded, mind was blank, body wrapped in heat and unbelievable fatigue was attacking his body. It’s as if, he was showing symptoms of getting a nasty influenza.

But, the problem wasn’t that.

“…………what is going on with me”

After s.h.i.+dou murmured softly, he lifted his slightly trembling right hand and stared right at it.

---a few hours ago, he destroyed the hand dynamometer, and made a ball turn to a star with his right hand.

The whole cla.s.s and the gym teacher were shocked but, the person that felt the most shock was s.h.i.+dou. s.h.i.+dou really was not serious……rather, that result shouldn’t even come out even if he uses his full strength.

It’s as if-------

“………Spirit…………”

With an incomplete voice, he muttered.

Yes. He thought that the power was something similar to the ones the Spirits had.

It’s true that s.h.i.+dou have the abilities of the Spirits by sealing the Reiryoku of the Spirits who has opened their heart to him.

Also, even though it was for a limited time, he had manifested the Spirits power which is the Angel and fought.

But like today, it’s not like there’s an enemy and it’s not like anyone was facing any danger; by the situation, it’s the first time he displayed the power without him noticing.

“Just what is this……………”

And, at that moment, the curtain surrounding the bed was pulled open vigorously.

“s.h.i.+dou!”

He thought the school doctor who left, came back but-----he was wrong. The person there was his sister Kotori in her middle school student uniform.

“Hmm………Kotori? What are you doing here…………..”

“I got a call from the girls. They told me s.h.i.+dou got a fever and collapsed-----what’s more, he used a power that only a Spirit has. Is there a problem with your bo…….wait, I don’t need to ask I guess”

Kotori looked at s.h.i.+dou and made a serious face.

“Perhaps……….you got an idea why……..? My body has been acting weird for a few hours……….even I don’t get why………..”

“…………anyway, let’s inspect you in the facility. I prepared a car at the back of the school. Can you walk?”

“Aah………….I can handle that much”

After s.h.i.+dou said that, he slowly raised his body and wore the indoor shoes prepared at the side of the bed.

He then exits the room while borrowing Kotori’s hand.

“Uu, Kuh…….”

While wobbling around, he walked down the corridor. It’s turned to lunch time before he noticed. He could see students with their Bento everywhere. There were people curiously looking at Kotori in her middle-school uniform and s.h.i.+dou who was being supported by her but, he did not have the leisure to respond to this.

He wanted to head back to cla.s.s and retrieve his books and bag If possible but, it’s plain difficult to climb stairs now. It’s probably a better idea to ask the girls for it.

“---s.h.i.+dou! Kotori!”

When s.h.i.+dou was thinking that while moving forward, Tohka’s voice could be heard from the front.

After he slowly lifted his face, he found other than Tohka, Origami and the Yamai Sisters jogging towards him.

“………you girls. Why are you all here………..”

When s.h.i.+dou asked, the Yamai sisters posed.

“That’s so obvious. It’s lunch time so we were led towards the healing room to see your condition”

“Question. I have a question for you too s.h.i.+dou. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“Aah……….I think today………….I am going back early………….Kotori got a car ready so, I was heading outside………”

After s.h.i.+dou said that, 4 of them *I see* understood. And immediately, Origami came forward.

“Then, I’ll lend my shoulders until we reach there. I can lend my hips too if you want. Grab on, s.h.i.+dou”

“Mu…………”

Tohka wanted to say something when she heard Origami’s sentence but, she stopped. Most likely, she felt regretful because Origami said it first but, after seeing s.h.i.+dou in such pain, she probably judged that it was not the time to argue.

“Hnn…………Sorry. But, it’s going to be fast so it’s ok------Wah”

And, once s.h.i.+dou took a step forward he staggered and dropped his hands on the window at his left side.

And at that moment. Starting with the spot s.h.i.+dou’s hand touched, cracks appeared around his hand and *Pan* a gla.s.s fragment bounced out together with a dull sound.

“Heh…………?”

s.h.i.+dou let out an idiotic voice, and stared at the window which has a ventilation improvement in an instant. The students around him were looking at him with opened eye. Ai Mai Mii were coincidentally there and started shouting.

“Eh? That sound………..”

“Uwah, Err, the gla.s.s broke!”

“What? Is Itsuka-kun going around breaking the school window? Do you want to graduate or something?”

“N-no, even I…………….”

s.h.i.+dou left the window while feeling confused. And, he ended up placing his hands on the wall this time due to the remaining momentum.

When he did that, even though there was practically no strength put into it, the thick wall dented as if it was a sponge cake. Ai Mai and Mii got shocked when they saw that.

“Wah! Eh! What is that!?”

“Everything he touches gets damaged!?”

“That’s just like Giza giza heart!?”

“s.h.i.+-s.h.i.+dou! What’s happening with you from just now! Just what is----“

Tohka told him worriedly.

“Even I have no idea………..”

s.h.i.+dou narrowed his eyes at that moment. The fine building dust that puffed out when s.h.i.+dou destroyed the wall was stimulating his nose.

“----A-Achoooooo!”

He made a big sneeze.

And at that moment, a rampaging wind which was like a giant typhoon blew in the corridor. Window creaks, print outs was flying about, and the skirts of female students were greatly flipped up.

“Uwah!?”

“…………….”

“U-Ukyaaa!!”

“Agitated. What was that for”

“Eve-even I……Uguh………”

After s.h.i.+dou wobbled his head----he then collapsed at the corridor.

“---To think that would fall into hands”

In a room in the DEM industry j.a.pan branch, the managing director-Isaac Westcott made a small sighs.

He’s a man in his mid-thirties with characteristics blade sharp eyes and dark ash blond hair. He wore a darkness black suits that shows no gaps and was looking down at the doc.u.ments scattered about on the desk.

“I apologize”

The person who replied to him was a girl with Nordic blonde hair standing by beside him.

Ellen Mathers. The 2nd executive chief of DEM’s shadow and the Wizard who indulges in the name of being world’s strongest.

After Westcott made a big shrug with his shoulders, he swung his head.

“You don’t have to apologize. Even I did not predict the matter”

But, he sighed.

“-----a naturally created Inverse Spirit; It’s a disappointment that we lost such an important sample. Other than I have not seen such a perfect Inverse type”

After saying that, he turned his chair and looked out the window.

Westcott and Ellen, 3 months ago, captured the Spirit and succeeded in inversing her. During that time, they lost the j.a.pan branch building, nearby facilities, and many of their armed Wizards but-----those were trivial matters.

Repairs for the half-destroyed building and facilities have already been done thanks to the Realizer, and he can just make the s again. Excellent Wizards were a big loss but, judging by their dearest foundation, it’s a sacrifice that they couldn’t do anything about.

“Of course, Spirits don’t usually appear in their Inverse state. ---- Just what reason that stood in the abyss of despair? The Interest in that is endless. It’s so interesting that I want to have a lecture on it if possible”

While saying that, Westcott stood up from his chair.

“By the way---Ellen. I got a call from the facility in Neryl Island just now”

Neryl Island. Ellen twitched her shoulders when she heard that name.

That name signifies, the island DEM owns on the Pacific Ocean, as well as the laboratory created underground.

It was only normal for Ellen to respond to that name. That’s because, DEM’s most top secret----the Special Natural Disaster life-form she once captured was locked deep inside the facility.

“It looks like we finished processing [Material A]. ’s Inverse has given us a big progress. Estimated success rate is 75 %.----Those numbers don’t look so bad right?”

“Then”

Westcott distorted his lips when he heard Ellen’s words.

“Yes.----It’s about time we try making our perfect inverse type?”