Tasogareiro no Uta Tsukai

 Part 1

Large groups of small birds could be seen flying outside the window. With still about half an hour left until the start of homeroom, the other students were still doing their club’s morning activities. Right now, there were not many students in the cla.s.sroom.

“Oh, Kululu, what’s wrong? You came very early today.”

Mio was an exception, being one of the few people currently in the cla.s.sroom. She seemed to arrive earlier than anyone else in the cla.s.s, but still secretly studies diligently by herself every morning. Although she herself wanted to conceal that fact, this became something that everyone in the cla.s.s knew a long time ago.

“Although there was morning practice, I didn’t go. Think carefully, the recital contest is almost here. Also, my injury from yesterday must also heal quickly.”

“That’s true. Then, in the end, will Kululu choose a bird? It will be bad if you still don’t start practicing.”

“Oh, I was considering it all the way until I fell asleep yesterday, but I still haven’t decided.”

It would be bad if she didn’t decide soon. Kluele clearly knew this. However, like Mio pointed out before, the only thing she had thought about was birds. She totally hadn’t considered any other things.

……If a bird wouldn’t work, could she use the flower she had tried out yesterday?

While she was thinking with her arms crossed, another student walked into the cla.s.sroom.

It was a boy with grape-colored hair and a childish face. Although he wore a small-sized school uniform, the sleeves were still too long, causing it to wrinkle everywhere.

“Neight-kun, good morning!”

“Ah, Kluele-san, Mio-san, good morning!”

“’Morning. You arrived pretty early.”

“Ah, speaking of that……”

After quietly saying those words, Mio closed the textbook she had been reading.

“While I was walking to school, I think I heard the third-year or fourth-year students talking about Neight-kun.”

Because of those words, Neight’s expression became stiff.

“……Well, I did cause the laboratory to be filled with smoke.”

“Ah, not that, not that!”

Was it opposite from the reaction she had antic.i.p.ated? Mio rarely showed such a forced smile.

“Isn’t Neight-kun only thirteen years old? Attending high school at such an age is truly very strange.”

“Is that so?”

As if he had relaxed, Neight’s tone of voice rose.

“Yeah. Also, it was called Night Color Recitation, right? I think they also mentioned that.”

The teacher, Kate, definitely knew about it, so the other teachers should also know. During homeroom or some other time, they had probably mentioned it to their students.

Mio was still not done speaking, but the boy holding the black bag suddenly showed an expression even more child-like than yesterday’s. His eyelids seemed heavy, and his eyesight wavered as if it could not stay in focus.

……He looked like he was sleeping.

She silently gazed at him, but in the end their eyes happened to meet.

“Because I recently transferred schools, that…… I’m still nervous, so I can’t sleep well.”

Neight, who had narrowed his eyes, indeed looked like he lacked sleep. He embarra.s.sedly scratched his head.

“Don’t worry, Kate-sensei is a good person. Even if you come late, she won’t be angry. Next time, take your time coming to school.”

“Hey, don’t teach him about false things.”

Mio acted just like she used to do, smiling while she spoke irresponsible words. Kluele lightly poked her on the head, and continued to place the stuff in her bag on the table.

Throughout the campus, the bell rang, signaling the start of the first cla.s.s.

However, there was no sign of the teacher who should have been standing on the stage, and there also weren’t many students.

There were two days left until the recital contest. Because the combined test had already ended, except for homeroom, the other cla.s.ses consisted of students planning by themselves. They conducted Recitation exercises on campus, went out to purchase catalysts, or studied theory in the library. When the bell rang, more than half of the students had already rushed out of the cla.s.sroom.

Therefore, after the bell had rung, the only people still sitting motionless in the cla.s.sroom were herself and Mio.

“Mio, do you have any plans?”

The person being questioned was currently leaning on a table and staring at the ceiling.

“Yeah— I have already decided the thing I want to call out, so right now, I’m considering what to use as a catalyst.”

“Eh? Aren’t you using drawing paper?”

“I need to think it over again. If I can’t find a better catalyst, my Recitation is likely to fail.”

A high-level Recitation requires the use of a matching catalyst. Exactly what was she planning?

……However, considering Mio’s personality, even if I asked her right now, she surely wouldn’t tell me.

“Want to try randomly mixing a few catalysts?”

“Mm. But isn’t Kululu still unsure of what to Recite? Is it okay for you to accompany me?”

“Instead of continuously thinking about it, I’d rather do something else. Perhaps I’ll have a sudden inspiration. So don’t worry.”

What did Neight intend to do? If he had no other plans, she should invite him to come with them. Despite having such an idea, when Kluele immediately looked at his seat, she noticed that he had already left a long time ago.

“Did Neight-kun also leave already? It couldn’t be that you were planning to invite him……”

“It doesn’t matter, let’s go.”

Kluele walked towards one end of the hallway, and Mio hastily chased after her. While she walked down the stairs, she looked at Kluele.

“Eh, why is Kululu acting so cold?”

“I’m not. I think Neight probably left already.”

Last night, she had escorted Neight to the boys’ dormitories, and then returned afterwards. When they talked about the recital contest, once she mentioned that she didn’t know what to choose as a catalyst— Kluele suddenly remembered the words that he had whispered quietly. But if she were to say it out loud, Mio would definitely interrogate her about it. In order to stay away from the friend at her side, Kluele moved rapidly down the hallway.

The laboratory was located at the northernmost side of the first floor. In order to prevent the chemicals inside from being exposed to the sun and go bad, only this cla.s.sroom was located in such a place that it would not be exposed to sunlight even in the middle of summer. Inside there, the dizzying summer heat suddenly changed so that even the wind blowing past the hallway contained coldness.

It was a close distance from Laboratory One to Laboratory Three. Among these, only in the innermost Laboratory Three, was a light leaking out from the cla.s.sroom into the corridor.

Stealthily peeking inside, she saw a boy wearing a white school uniform.

—See, he’s here!

After expressing this with only her gaze, Mio suddenly turned around.

“Stop sulking. Hurry up and go in.”

After the door opened, the boy immediately turned to face them.

“Ah, Kluele-san, and Mio-san is here too.”

Kluele didn’t speak, but instead lightly waved her hand. Alone at the table meant for six people, Neight silently prepared experiment materials.

On the table were five triangular flasks, ten test tubes, and two measuring cylinders, in addition to a pipette, scales, Bunsen burner, and even a microscope. There were also a variety of other reagents, from solids to liquids, totaling about twenty different types on the table. ……You certainly are a person who tries hard.

Although the preparation was thorough, one could not help but feel speechless.

“Do you have an idea for a catalyst?”

Mio asked him while stroking the Bunsen burner.

Catalysts, used during all Recitations, can be cla.s.sified into two categories: natural materials, and manmade materials. Out of the former, the research about which catalysts were the best was approximately complete. However, because manmade catalysts were dependant on combining various materials, an almost innumerable amount could be made.

“Eh…… Not a clue.”

Neight shook his head bluntly while mixing reagents.

“Anyhow, I figured that I would just try randomly.”

However, this was also fairly convenient for the two girls. If he already had an idea of what to use and they hung around him like this, he would be unable to concentrate and it would cause complications. If he hadn’t decided what to use yet, then it didn’t matter even if the two of them were here.

“Can we work together with you? We are also discussing it, and we hope to find some good catalysts.”

“Of course you can, but…… other people have already come before you.”

Other people were here already? After showing a questioning expression, Neight focused his glance on the shadow of the desk.

[Hm…… little girls.]

Sitting alone on the chair was that arrogant lizard.

“Eh? Why is Arma here?”

Mio’s tone of voice did not indicate surprise, but rather, that she found the situation simply inconceivable.

[Today, if something like yesterday were to happen, I wouldn’t have the nerve to face this guy’s mother.]

“Just recently, when I looked inside my backpack, I found that he had somehow sneaked in unknowingly……”

Neight hung his shoulders as if he was tired. He had opened his backpack to take out a textbook, but instead discovered a large lizard inside —Kluele didn’t even want to think about this type of thing. She finally understood why Neight had hurriedly left and hid in the laboratory without saying a word to them.

“Are you knowledgeable about catalysts?”

The lizard roughly waved his tail from side to side to subst.i.tute for shaking his head.

[Not at all. If it was something about Recitations, then I would understand it somewhat, but a Recited creature does not meddle with stuff like catalysts.]

“That"s no good!”

Kluele sighed exaggeratedly, deliberately wanting to make him feel her disappointment.

……Then, for what reason are you here?

“Well then, where should we go to test it?”

Carrying laboratory flasks in her arms, Kluele looked all around.

Even though they had mixed together a few possible catalysts, if they didn’t put it to actual practice in a Recitation, it wouldn’t be possible to tell whether or not they truly could be used as catalysts. The problem was choosing a location for the practice. It must be a place without obstacles, and with a wide-enough s.p.a.ce—

“About the recital contest the day after tomorrow, has Neight decided what to call out?”

“Speaking of that.”

The boy carrying beakers in both of his hands turned around.

“Because Night Color Recitations can only call out black-colored things, it isn’t ideal for this kind of debut. Previously, I have called black snakes and crows, as well as bats……”

“…...What you said makes a lot of sense.”

All the animals that he had listed were ones that people didn’t really want to look at.

“Neight, let’s just choose there.”

Using her gaze to subst.i.tute for her hands which were occupied by flasks, she gestured at a gra.s.sy field in one corner of the campus. It was a s.p.a.ce where thin and tall trees grew. If it were a wide-open s.p.a.ce with a good view, then Neight’s Night Color Recitation would very possibly be noticed by other people. Thus, in order to avoid the attention of those around them, this was a perfect place.

The fact that there was a first-year student who used Night Color Recitations was already well known throughout the school. In addition to the unexpected accident had happened in the laboratory yesterday, they must practice while keeping a low profile.

“The remaining one that I still haven’t tried is the black horse.”

As if he had suddenly remembered this, he turned his head around and added.

……Oh. After thinking it over a little, Kluele nodded at him.

“That’s a good idea. Do you want to give it a try?”

Compared to a black snake or bat, a black horse would be much more popular at the recital contest. So that’s why he made all sorts of catalysts, so there would be no damage even if he failed. It was a worthy challenge.

“That’s true. This opportunity won’t come by often, so I’ll just try it.”

“I’m ready here.”

Holding the record-sheet with one hand, she waved a pen at him. Speaking about the kinds of catalysts, Kluele and Neight prepared five types while Mio mixed together seven types. Because Mio had the most, she would be the last to experiment. While she was waiting, they had her take care of that troublesome creature in a slightly distant location.

“Then, watch me try it out.”

Pulling open the lid of the flask, Neight sprinkled the liquid all around him. After confirming that the green lawn was stained with black, he silently closed his eyes.

Mixed in with the wind was the Night Color Recitation’s .

Listening to the Recitation’s Serafeno Musical Language— Oh, this time she understood. It truly was a black horse’s . It was nearly identical to the used by White Recitations to call out a white horse. In addition, it seemed like he was concentrating very hard.

When the catalyst was synchronized with the Recited creature, a black ChannelRecital Gate emerged before their eyes, as if being swallowed by light. After arriving at this stage, all that remained was the last breath.

Good luck! Kluele tightly clenched her fists, staring at the situation—

—At that moment……

Something came flying at the creature being called out.

“Neight!”

With no time to warn him to crouch, Kluele pushed him down while yelling out his name. A red object immediately flew over their heads.

“Are you okay?”

After confirming that Neight had nodded his head, Kluele turned her line of sight to the object. About five meters away was a student wearing a uniform. He was a tall man with short hair the yellow color of dirt. On the cuff and collar of his uniform were four scarlet lines— a student of the highest grade, who specialized in Red.

“What was that just now?”

“Don’t stare at me like that! My Recitation simply went out of control, and flew towards you guys.”

Kluele shifted her field of vision and moved her gaze. The surface of the tree that had been hit by the flying object was burned black.

“The Recitation you just conducted was a flame, right?”

“For a first year student, you’re really knowledgeable about this. Do you also specialize in Red?”

“Don’t change the topic!”

After hearing his seemingly teasing tone, Kluele hardened her voice.

The Recitation of a flame uses something other than fire as a catalyst, and is combined with the technique for calling out fire. A low grade catalyst like paint is generally used to call out fire, then that flame can be used as a catalyst to conduct a high rank Recitation. But for a skilled person, “throwing the flame at an opponent” like before is not difficult at all.

“Just now, you were aiming at Neight, weren’t you!”

“Don’t falsely accuse me. What proof do you have?”

Maintaining a position with his hands in the pockets of his uniform, the student snarled.

But to Kluele, for him to defend himself like this was something she had expected.

“When conducting the Recitation of a flame, you must make sure that everyone is a minimum of ten meters away from you. Have you forgotten this? Even in middle school, this is part of the basics! No matter how you put it, you are the one at fault!”

The student’s expression twisted. But even so, he still had a sneer on his face.

“If he is the legendary Night Color Reciter, shouldn’t he be able to dodge something as insignificant as that?”

……I see, so it’s like that.

"On my way to school, I think I heard third-year or fourth-year higher grade students talking about Neight-kun."

—It was like what Mio had said this morning. So the rumors about Neight also had this kind of meaning.

“Are you afraid of losing to him in the recital contest?”

“I only thought it was necessary to give him a show of our strength.”

She had thought that he would pretend to act oblivious, but she didn’t expect him to admit it straightforwardly.

Many famous Reciters will be invited to the recital contest. To this year’s fourth-year students who were about to graduate, this recital contest was their last opportunity. If they were able to give off a good impression, they could become the Reciter’s apprentice, or use that occasion as a powerful stepping stone. However, in this year’s recital contest, thirteen-year-old Neight will be there, in addition to using a mysterious Recitation Color. No matter what the outcome of his Recitation is, that his Night Color will attract the attention of visitors is an obvious fact.

—That student…… Is he afraid of such a boring thing?

“How shameful. Haven’t you ever thought of facing him head-on?”

“Hm? That’s why I’m facing him directly.”

Moving slowly and dramatically, he took both of his hands out of the pocket of his uniform.

“Night Color Recitation apprentice, let’s have a contest! The one who loses is not allowed to enter the recital contest. I a.s.sume that you will accept?”

“Wha……!”

Such an excessively unreasonable and dreadful statement caused Kluele to become momentarily speechless.

“Are you an idiot?! Neight is only thirteen, how could he do such a thing!”

Kluele stood up straight to protect the terrified boy who was currently getting up from the ground. As for Neight himself, he probably didn’t even understand the meaning behind his opponent’s words.

The word “contest” that is used between Reciters.

It implicitly indicated— a duel.

Although Reciters used their skills to fight each other one on one, that wasn’t the only action they were capable of. By using aggressive Recited creatures or flames, it was possible to attack an opponent directly. Needless to say, one could be seriously hurt, or some unexpected accident might happen.

“It’s too bad, you don’t have the right to decline!”

The opponent’s right hand flashed with red light. So the reason that he had hidden his hands in his pockets was so they wouldn’t notice he was holding a catalyst?

No, that’s not what was important— it couldn’t be, he was joking, right?

However, the crazy look in his eyes sent shivers up Kluele’s spine. This boy was serious. Without the slightest hesitation, he threw the flame in his right hand.

The chill that she felt had become reality. A flame the size of a child’s head flew at the boy who stood stock still and didn’t understand the current situation.

“Neight!”

Would she make it in time?

Just when she wanted to push Neight out of the path of the flame……

A splash of water came flying from the side and doused the flame.

“You shouldn’t do that!”

Other than the sound of the mixing of water and fire, came a familiar voice.

“’Contests’ between students must have the permission of the headmaster, and one of the students must hold Reciter qualifications. Without that, contests are not allowed. Furthermore, the problem is, it doesn’t look like they are willing to duel!”

The voice seemed to be coming from beside her ear. She turned around to look. Standing only several steps away from them was a man of medium height, wearing a coat the color of dry gra.s.s.

He was fairly young, probably less than thirty years old. Although from afar one could tell that he had shapely facial features, Kluele had never met him before. If he had appeared on the campus like that, it would mean he was a teacher, right?

“……Are you a teacher?”

The boy’s voice was filled with malice.

“No. However, I am still your senior.”

Seemingly paying no attention to the boy’s tone, the man wearing the plain coat replied indifferently.

“People who don’t understand the circ.u.mstances shouldn’t interfere.”

“Although I don’t understand the situation, no matter how I look at it, it seems like you are picking a fight.”

“Ah…… Even though you suddenly intrude like this, you still dare to preach at me…… You’re annoying!”

After shouting out those words, the hands of the boy being confronted emitted a red light.

It was really too sudden. Carrying out a one-sided attack without warning, it would not be allowed even in a duel. Unconcernedly, he—

Facing the approaching flame, the Reciter’s coat fluttered like a cloak.

“Even if I’m not a teacher, let me give you a suggestion.”

The flame stopped before it touched his hair. Not only did he not bother to avoid it, but he also blocked it with his bare hands.

“Flames are truly effective when used to impede someone’s actions. But in a "contest" between Reciters, it should not be used so lightly.”

The flame that hit his right hand still burned as fiercely as before. But instead of severely burning him, the Reciter seemed to have caught the flame, and lifted it up in his hand. He was not burned…… In other words, “he had diverted the heat of the flame somewhere else”?

“If your opponent is a Red Color Reciter, this attack could be reversed…… Like so!”

The flame shone radiantly. Was this the light of a Recitation? The appearing radiance filled all of the s.p.a.ce around them. Because it was too dazzling, Kluele couldn’t help but close her eyes.

Something created a sound that resounded in her eardrums, and continued to emit a heavy gasping noise. She felt like an enormous creature had appeared beside her……

“Ah…… ah……?”

Neight let out a wordless murmur.

In a place where he could reach out and touch, a lion with scarlet fur had been called out. Simply its height was almost as tall as Neight’s shoulder, and its body length was definitely over two meters. The tip of its tail was a blazing flame. The pair of wings on its back was also red colored. Amidst all of that, its amber eyes stood out exceptionally.

—A manticore.[1] Even for Kluele, it was her first time seeing such a creature.

“What! You… you’ve got to be kidding me… Didn’t you call out water just a while ago? Not only BlueRuguz, but you can also use RedKeinez!”

Was he angry or stunned? The male student’s shoulders shook. However, those were truly harsh but powerless words. Because, before he had finished his Recitation, the outcome of the battle had already been decided.

Even if the student wanted to start a Recitation now, the attack of the manticore would still be a step ahead of him. In that split second, the truth was, he had been checkmated.

“……So, do you still want to continue?”

Instead of sounding like a command, the man’s tone seemed to be more of a confirmation.

It was an overwhelming victory. Not only that, but by using the opponent’s color, the outcome had been decided and the difference in their true strength was understood. By using the flame hurled by the opponent as a catalyst, as well as not using a , to be able to call out such a heavyweight Recited creature like the manticore wasn’t an ordinary power. Right now, even counting teachers, there were only a few people at this school who could actually accomplish such a thing when required.

Although the student indignantly showed a dangerous glare, he silently turned around and left.

After seeing him depart—

With a soft command of “Return”, the man made the lion disappear amidst red light.

“I–I’m sorry! That…… Th–Thank you very much!”

“If you wish to express your thanks, you should also speak to the young lady who first a.s.sisted you.”

Neight frantically lowered his head. After seeing this, the Reciter winked at Kluele.

“Oh, you two are both resting. Did you finish? That was pretty fast!”

With the lizard settled down in her left hand, Mio walked towards them. Before she could open her mouth, Kluele shook the flask at her. Even though its contents had evaporated slightly due to the sun, the amount pretty much hadn’t decreased at all.

“Let me tell you, we haven’t even finished once!”

“Eh?”

“A senior student whose situation I didn’t really understand was causing us trouble, and he even requested a "Contest". Because of that, we wasted a lot of time.”

“……Since you two aren’t injured, that means…… you won?”

Mio gazed steadily at the two people. Faced with such an approach, Neight frantically shook his head.

“N-No, it was Kluele-san who protected me.”

[Hm. Should we be praising the little girl right now, or criticizing Neight? It truly does make one perplexed.]

Kluele ignored the lizard that was troubled by such a strange question, and replied.

“I didn’t do anything. A familiar person helped us.”

“Another person?”

Because the subject had been brought up suddenly, Mio was doubtful.

“It was a person wearing a yellow-green coat. He was amazing. Also, he seemed to have mastered both Red and Blue colors. Even though he didn’t tell us his name, I think he should be a very famous person.”

Neight’s excitement hadn’t cooled down, and the speed at which he talked was faster than usual.

After hearing that, Mio suddenly sat down on the gra.s.s.

“Yellow-green…… In other words, a coat the color of dried gra.s.s…… Proficient in more than one Recitation Color……”

“Mio, what’s wrong?”

Mio crossed her arms and looked up at the two.

“I just thought of a very famous person. However, I don’t think it would be possible for such a thing to happen. Also, no matter how I put it, it would be impossible for that person to be here.”

“Who are you talking about?”

After hearing the question, she only shook her head and replied unimportantly.

“Don’t worry about it. Come on, you guys should hurry up and continue! Let Arma and I have a look also.”

How nostalgic……

It was the moment when the sun was about to set in the west. Looking at the setting sun whose rays entered through the laboratory window, he calmly narrowed his eyes.

The odor of medicine lightly filled the air, and the familiar testing equipment was pretty much the same as before. This was the place where students wasted most of their time. Carrying a borrowed library book in one hand, creating catalysts one after the other, and then attempting to conduct Recitations. Even though he didn’t have any special feelings about campus life, this place still made him reminisce.

“Xins-kun.”

After hearing the sound of someone calling his name, he turned around to face the laboratory door.

“Really, I didn’t expect you to be in this sort of place. The headmaster is looking for you.”

A woman wearing gla.s.ses appeared by the doorway. Her lavender-colored hair flowed as she walked.

“Long time no see, Jessica-sensei…… Ah, you are now the director of education, aren’t you?”

He bowed lightly at the teacher he used to greatly respect.

“Oh my, stop that. If your fans knew that a Rainbow-Color Reciter acted like that, I would certainly be hated by them.”

Unable to figure out whether she was being sincere or making a joke, he showed a wry smile.

“I’m still me. Even though I’m like this, I hope I am still the same as when I was in Elfand School.”

That wasn’t a lie. Ever since that time, he hadn’t changed his daily habits whatsoever. His personality and use of words were still the same. Even his outward appearance, his face was extremely similar to how it looked before. For those who met him for the first time, there had been nearly n.o.body who could correctly guess his age.

“You were saying, the headmaster was looking for me?”

He returned to the topic. However, she looked dismayed and shook her head.

“……Ah, there was something like that. I’ve recently become so absent-minded, it’s terrible. Isn’t it almost time for me to retire?”

“Don’t say that. Instead, this is the time when you should be trying your best!”

Compared to when he had previously seen her, the teacher’s eye sockets had become sunken in, making him realize how time had pa.s.sed. He discreetly averted his gaze.

“It’s a very important matter. The headmaster said he would be waiting for you in the resources building in front of the fourth-year school building. It’s in the center of the underground first floor.”

“Alright. By the way, I’m a bit curious, has this laboratory been stained with soot?”

After moving his line of sight, this was the first thing that caught his attention, and he couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Not long ago, a child apparently wanted to call out a flame in here. That child had just transferred here and is only thirteen years old, so it was inevitable for him to fail.

A flame— Red Color Recitation? Although he could somewhat understand this kind of explanation, Xins still looked all around him. The whole room was covered in soot, but apart from this, the cla.s.sroom wasn’t abnormal. This made him think. If such a flame had been large enough to fill the whole room with smoke, then the room should definitely have been engulfed by the flame.

However, on the soot-covered objects, there were absolutely no burn marks. How come this room had been filled with smoke, but not burned?

—Had it really been a flame?

“What’s wrong?”

The teacher Jessica looked at him, surprised.

……Oh, right. There was no time to think about this kind of thing right now.

“No, I was just caught up in my memories. This is really nostalgic.”

It was a commonly-used excuse. Even though he felt humiliated to have said that, it was an appropriate saying at the moment.

“By the way— the day after tomorrow is the recital contest, isn’t it? Can I go take a look around?”

“I was just thinking of inviting you. Who would refuse you? Ah, but it would be best to inform the headmaster about it first.”

All of the students would be partic.i.p.ating in the recital contest. With that, he would be able to confirm with his own eyes the student who created the smoke.

Once again he focused his gaze on the ceiling. It puzzled him. It really could have been the result of a flame, but in his heart he felt uneasy.

“Well then, I should get going now. It’s not good to keep the headmaster waiting for so long.”

A man wearing a coat pa.s.sed the third-year school building and headed towards the fourth-year building.

“……Is he that guy from before?”

Having just glimpsed him, Vendrell hid behind the fountain beside the pa.s.sageway.

Wearing a coat that was the color of dry gra.s.s, it was definitely the Reciter who had interfered in the duel. That guy was strolling in a carefree manner in the campus.

But, where was that man headed?

Just when Vendrell was feeling suspicious, the man’s footsteps changed the direction he was going. As if he meant to enter the fourth-year building, he walked behind it.

……Wait a minute. Wasn’t that the direction of the resources building?

It was a building that was locked year-round and never opened. Calling it a resources building was simply to make it sound good, but in fact, it was merely a storage room. Even students in the fourth year of high school didn’t know whether or not they would have a chance to go inside even once. Furthermore, only students who had received their teacher’s trust and were going to take something out had the opportunity to enter.

He wrinkled his eyebrows while following behind the man. Because the two were separated by a distance, that Reciter shouldn’t notice him. In front of the rusted door, the man’s coat stopped swaying. After putting his hand on the doork.n.o.b and counting for a few seconds, the double doors opened outwards with a creaking noise. Then the man’s figure disappeared into the dim resources building.

……The door opened?

He hadn’t made any movements similar to using a key to open the door. In other words, there was already someone inside?

But then, why did that man need to enter the school’s resources building?

“Ahh. Like I thought, it’s impossible!”

Neight cried piteously, while plopping down on the gra.s.sy field and sighing.

“Calling out a horse is really hard. Not only that, but I’ve only seen a real horse one or two times……”

[That’s an excuse.]

Arma, who was standing on Mio’s shoulder, narrowed his eyes. Was it because she didn’t call him a lizard? That Recited creature seemed to enjoy being with Mio. Mio also didn’t understand. Perhaps it was because she was accustomed to Recited frogs and tortoises, that she was able to handle this type of creature. Speaking of which, even among students of the Recitation School, probably the only girl who didn’t care about a lizard standing on her shoulder was Mio.

[This so-called Recitation, it is only meaningful if you are able to call out something never seen before. If it is something you have already seen, that means you should be able to visualize it when you want to. The fact that you can’t even call out that sort of thing is really bothersome.]

Kluele cautiously used her fingertips to touch the preaching lizard. His skin felt rough, like she was rubbing a rock. Also, it was cold as if holding a piece of ice.

“Hey, are you actually a high-level creature?”

[How have you come to that conclusion?]

The lizard seemed to be unusually interested, and turned so that the tip of his nose pointed at her.

“Because you are able to talk, that means you are a fairly extraordinary creature, right?”

[I can be considered to be a creature of that category. But back to the topic……]

After the lizard leaped from Mio onto Neight’s shoulder, he proceeded to give a complicated answer:

[Even if the level of the Recitation is low, there are still creatures able to understand the human language. However, the opposite is also true— That is, even among the highest-level creatures, there are types that do not use languages. I only wish to remind you, it is best not to differentiate based just on this.]

This equaled to him implying that he wasn’t really an “extraordinary creature”. Did it seem like he said that? But if those words were used as an explanation, then didn’t it mean he was simply a lizard that was able to speak?

“……It’s already so late.”

Mio said while staring at her lengthening shadow.

Because it was blocked by the school building, the horizon couldn’t be seen. However, there was red light shining from a gap between the buildings. Although they didn’t know the exact time, it was about time for school to be over, and the number of students on campus was gradually decreasing.

“Mio, what do you plan to do today? Are you going to stay and spend the night at my place?”

Although she hesitated slightly, Mio still shook her head.

“No, I told my parents that I would return home today. Ah, but since we rarely have this opportunity, let’s go eat dinner together! Neight-kun should also come to the cafeteria with us!”

“Eh, but are pets allowed in there?”

After hearing Neight’s gentle tone, the lizard standing on his shoulder narrowed his eyes.

[Mm, Neight, to dare to call me a pet, you must have some nerve—]

“Ah. Sorry, Arma! I didn’t mean that, it’s because that’s what other people will think at the sight of you. Eh…… that’s…… I mean……”

Even though the lizard was facing his master Neight, it was Neight who bowed his head in apology at the lizard.

It felt like a back and forth relationship.

Looking at Mio who stood beside her, she also showed an embarra.s.sed expression and shrugged her shoulders.

After he entered the room, the stifling heat that seemed like it could melt even bone marrow, changed into a comfortable cold wind that caressed his neck. In here were a variety of medicinal products, ancient books, and bones of animals he didn’t know the names of. In order to preserve these resources, there was controlled air conditioning in the room so that the summer heat could not reach inside.

“—Is it forbidden sacred ground?”

As a student, it was impossible to set food in this type of resources building. In order to protect these precious resources, other than a few exceptions, no students were allowed to enter. Even teachers and administrative staff needed a permit. The one exception was the director of education, Jessica. Even she came in here at most once a month.

……I see. The corners of his mouth curving slightly, Xins sighed.

Rather than calling it gloomy, it would be better to say dim. Although it had seemed comfortable when he first came in, but after his sweat dried, the cold wind caused goose b.u.mps on his back. Was it the scent of medicine, or the rotting smell of animals? A hard-to-describe smell a.s.saulted his nostrils. It seemed like it wasn’t that n.o.body could come in here, but rather that n.o.body wanted to come to this sort of place. Rather than calling it a sacred ground, it would be more appropriate to call it a cursed place.

With every step, his shoes tapping against the floor made a dry and hard sound that seemed to resound throughout the entire resources building. The floor was covered with a thin layer of dust. Moving his gaze away from the rising dust, he set foot on the staircase leading to the bas.e.m.e.nt.

The first floor seemed like a storage place for miscellaneous items, but starting from the bas.e.m.e.nt, each floor was categorized by materials. From a cursory glance, the first bas.e.m.e.nt floor was storage for catalysts used in Recitations.

“So, why did you call for me?”

“Ah, I’m really happy you came. I was waiting for you.”

The short, elderly person standing in front of him showed a gentle expression. Because he was slightly hunchbacked, he wasn’t very tall. Therefore, rather than saying that he wore a brown robe, it seemed more like the robe had wrapped him up. His gentleness and lack of urgency made it hard for people to imagine that he supervised this large school of over one thousand five hundred students. However, even if he stepped back from the front lines, he would still be a Reciter that not many people knew of.

Tremia Academy’s headmaster— Zea Lordfill.

“Come this way, please follow me.”

The elderly man turned around while stroking his moustache.

Located in the corner of the floor, shelves of catalyst displays filled the room. After walking to the only wooden table in here, the headmaster turned around and said:

“This.”

Xins moved his gaze to the five gemstones lying on the table. Red, blue, green, yellow, white were the colors of the five gemstones. By simply looking at it, they seemed to be ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, and opal.

Even though they seemed like gemstones, they actually weren’t. Although they emitted a similar l.u.s.ter, they didn’t have the distinctive crystal structure of gems. In this world, are there oval-shaped rubies about the size of a chicken egg?

“This is……”

“You can pick it up and take a look. It’s fine if you hold it with your bare hands.”

Xins picked up the green gemstone. Just when he took hold of it, the object in his hands emitted an even more dazzling radiance. This light, it resembled something he had become used to seeing. It couldn’t be, the light from Recitations?

He hastily put the gemstone back down on the table. After shining for ten more seconds, it started to dim.

“Headmaster, this is……”

“It is an artificial catalyst manufactured by a research inst.i.tute I have connections with. The researchers call it an . Although the purification was a success, they said that they couldn’t deal with it so they forcibly left it to us.”

With a gaze that could kill, he stared at the egg-shaped object.

“What do you think?”

“……It’s very dangerous.”

The elderly man nodded his head.

Xins agreed with the research inst.i.tute’s conclusion that they weren’t able to handle it. Even though it had only been a split second, he had already sensed that this catalyst was at least dangerous on two different levels.

The first was that the catalyst was too effective. Those who are experts in Recitations could determine what level a catalyst is just by looking at the radiance of the Recitation light. From what Xins had seen, compared to the catalysts he was familiar with, this could be cla.s.sified as having quite an astonishing effect. If an inexperienced person was to use this catalyst to call out a flame, a small mistake could lead to a huge fire.

In addition, there was one other danger. It seemed that this kind of catalyst would “force a Recitation”.

Essentially, so-called catalysts should only display their effects after the Reciter is ready. If a catalyst was to open a ChannelRecital Gate on its own, then a Red Reciter wouldn’t be able to casually put on a Red dress.[2] However, these possessed that characteristic. After realizing that fact, the Reciter would have to immediately shut off her consciousness. If she was a few seconds too slow, then the Recitation could possibly go out of control.

……Really, what a bad person the headmaster is.

Without letting it show on his face, he smiled bitterly to himself. The elderly man was, in his own style, testing Xins to see whether or not he was a suitable candidate.

“The problem is how you plan to destroy it.”

The elder pretended to act dumb and looked away.

“Even if we wish to destroy it, because we don’t know what changes will happen to the energy inside the , one wrong move could cause a large explosion. Thus, we can’t do that. If we were to bury it, we would only be delaying the consequences, so that’s off the list. Therefore, we can only follow the usual routine and slowly break it down. However, facilities that are near the school won’t work. We have to give it to a large research organization to do that.”

“So that’s why you called me?”

Xins interrupted impatiently. As he expected, the old man nodded his head.

“Correct. Although the school’s workers are excellent, they are not sufficiently reliable. Among the people I am familiar with, the only one who can act immediately is you. Also, n.o.body should object if I entrust it to the Rainbow Color Reciter. I apologize for inconveniencing you, but would you like to help?”

“I don’t mind. I’ll take it to my friend’s research inst.i.tute to break it down.”

Honestly speaking, he didn’t really want to get involved in this matter. However, he couldn’t keep such a dangerous thing inside the school.

“Although it isn’t much of an exchange, but the day after tomorrow, could I stay and take a look around the recital contest?”

“Of course. I knew you would say that, so I’ve already prepared the guest room. You should just stay in the school for two or three days. There are many teachers in the school who wish to chat with you. If you have time, you should satisfy them.”

After agreeing, Xins gazed at the in front of him.

“Right, how should I deal with this? It’s okay if you leave it in my care now, but while I’m at this school, it’s probably safer keeping it here in this resources building.”

For someone to secretly enter his room while he was out at a meeting was already a common occurrence to him. Although most of the people were those who wanted to have a discussion with the Rainbow Color Reciter, the more extreme ones would even take his personal belongings.

“That’s true. Then, I’ll invite you in here again the day after the recital contest is over.”

“I understand.”

“Then let’s go out. Truthfully, I don’t like the gloomy atmosphere in here either.”

After letting out a breath, the elderly Reciter walked towards the stairs.

“Is it okay for the to be on the table like that?”

“It would be rather inconvenient for it to be put into a cupboard and mix with other materials. Before it’s handed over to you, I will take good care of the key and make sure that n.o.body is allowed to come in here. This type of uncomfortable place, there shouldn’t be anyone intentionally running in here during the recital contest.”

“Oh no…… I left my wallet inside my backpack, which is in the cla.s.sroom……”

Putting her hand in her skirt pocket, Mio grimaced. While entering the cafeteria, when she wanted to check the amount of money she had, this situation occurred.

“Mm, then I’ll pay for you.”

Kluele gave her a look that seemed to say “what are you saying now?” Although Mio wanted to accept her offer, she instantly remembered her personality. Afterwards, even if she wanted to return the money, Kluele would definitely use the excuse of “there’s no need, it wasn’t much money”. Not only by allowing her stay overnight, but if she also let Kluele lend out money, Mio would feel very apologetic in this kind of situation.

“It’s okay, I’ll go back and get it. You guys can go get us a spot first.”

After saying that, she ran away before Kluele could open her mouth.

The cafeteria was located between the second-year building and the first-year building. It wasn’t very far from the first-year building. She walked up a sloped road for a few minutes. Then, the first-year building could be seen in front of the setting sun. Although it must already be very late, because the sun set later during the summertime, the sky was still a reddish-brown color. It would still be a while before nightfall.

Entering the building, she confirmed with the clock hanging on the wall. Even if she did not need to run, she still couldn’t hang around for very long. She walked down the hallway at a leisurely pace.

“Ah… The recital contest is only the day after tomorrow.”

She lightly crossed her arms. Did this count as being nervous? But she felt like it didn’t really matter. Because it was her first time taking part in this kind of contest since entering Tremia Academy, even she herself didn’t understand her exact mood.

Only half paying attention, she walked past the other cla.s.ses. There wasn’t a single person in the cla.s.srooms, which meant everyone else was doing some last-minute special training at other locations.

Climbing up the stairs and arriving on the second floor, she pa.s.sed cla.s.srooms E, D, and C in order. In the dark hallway, the light of the sunset that leaked out from cla.s.srooms hazily lit up her surroundings.

……Huh? Someone’s inside?

She suddenly stopped. Only the door of her cla.s.sroom, 1-B, was open.

“You still haven’t left? Hey, I forgot something in here.”

In any case, it was surely a student from her cla.s.s. After announcing her arrival, she didn’t confirm the situation inside the cla.s.sroom and walked right in.

—At that moment, Mio stood motionless with her body fixed in position.

Because, the person inside wasn’t a student.

……Eh?

It wasn’t a student, or a teacher. The man who was leaning against the window and basking in the light of the setting sun turned his head around.

It was the Reciter who wore a dry gra.s.s colored coat.

Eh, eh, wait……stop! Wha, what is this? Why would that person be in this kind of place?

“Is it……Xi……”

Although she had only seen photos, it was definitely right. The dry gra.s.s colored coat should be that Reciter’s trademark. Along with his youthful appearance, he had become a person of legend, the only person to succeed in studying all the Recitation Colors —the person she admired.

Ah, but why…… why couldn’t she call out his name? I’m an idiot……

“Oh my, I’m sorry. It would be best for this unrelated person to leave.”

Did he think her silence meant she was afraid? He put his hand down and away from the window frame.

No, don’t leave!

“P, Pl–pl…… Please wait!”

Facing the Reciter who was about to walk past her, she forced the sound from her throat.

“Hm?”

“May, may I ask, are you Xins Airwincle-sama?”

Even though she couldn’t stop the trembling of her body, his name finally popped into her head. After hearing these words, his expression changed. Compared to before, it had become slightly gentler. Simply this action had nearly made her mind become blank. Pinching herself behind her back, she was just able to endure it.

“My, my name is Mio. Ah, eh…… I really respect Xins-sama…… Therefore…… I’ve always wished for an opportunity to talk to you!”

“That’s no problem, I won’t run away, so I would be grateful if you let go of me.”

Eh? Let go? She didn’t understand what he was saying. Mio followed his line of sight, and her gaze froze on his coat.

His right sleeve— Involuntarily, she had tightly grabbed onto it.

"I, I’m sorry!”

“No, it’s okay. That aside, there’s no need for you to be so nervous.”

The Rainbow Color Reciter concealed his sigh, and shyly waved his hand.

But, what should she do? There was so much she wanted to say and ask, she didn’t know where to start. Even more importantly, why would the Rainbow Color Reciter appear like this in a cla.s.sroom after school? But if she asked him like that, would it be imposing his privacy? Ah, no! Feeling even more curious, the words that were on her lips were just about to be spoken.

“……Actually, this school is where I graduated from.”

Did he sense her question? He had hurriedly spoken.

Eh? But, how could she say it?

If Tremia Academy was the Rainbow Color Reciter’s place of graduation, then it was a very important matter. It seemed that he wasn’t an ordinary student like her, but part of a small handful of elites who attended this overly popular school. However, at the school’s entrance ceremony, this kind of thing wasn’t really mentioned. Furthermore, speaking of which, there should at least be a bronze statue of him in the school.

“No, to be precise, the school I graduated from used to be in this location.”

His following words dispelled her question.

“The school I went to was Elfand Recitation School. That place didn’t really consist of elites. In other words, it was just an ordinary school. About three years after I graduated, the school closed down due to operational difficulties. However, other than Elfand, there were no other Recitation Schools nearby. Therefore, the students and teachers were called here by the headmaster, and they established Tremia Academy.”

After he finished speaking, he sat on the window frame. He sometimes saw his students acting in an identical manner, but the inconceivable thing was, he looked more suited to this action than other students. This wasn’t because he was a Rainbow Color Reciter, but what he truly felt.

“When I was a student, my cla.s.sroom was in approximately this location. Because it was very nostalgic, I couldn’t help but come here and take a look.”

“Here…… is it?”

However, just how many years ago was that? If the school building was obviously newly built, why would he specially choose this cla.s.sroom?

“Is it the position of the sunset?”

The wind blowing into the cla.s.sroom caused his golden-brown hair to ripple slightly.

“Although it has already been some time, even so, I still remember the position of the sunset…… because the scenery back then was the same as it is now.”

Back then? When did this happen? When he had become a Rainbow Color Reciter? No, that’s wrong, that was after he had graduated from school. In other words, to this person, there was a memory more important than when he had become a Rainbow Reciter?

“What kind of Reciter do you want to become?”

Mio’s speculations were repelled by his sudden question.

“I, I want to be the same as Xins-sama……”

Rainbow Color Reciter. He had surely heard this type of response as many times as the number of stars in the sky. To him, it was a commonly-heard, poor and ordinary answer. Even so, he showed no hateful expression, but instead smiled at her.

“It’s good to set large goals. Don’t aim to be like me, but rather, to surpa.s.s me. However, I hope that you remember one thing…… The things you truly want cannot be obtained using Recitations.”

“Eh?”

The sudden change of topic made Mio’s eyes open wide. But, what did he mean by that?

“No, now isn’t the time to be talking about that kind of stuff.” After saying this in a low voice, the Rainbow Reciter interrupted his own words.

“Speaking of which, have you found the thing that you said you forgot in here?”

Suddenly, she felt a pain in her chest. Oh no— it had completely flown out of her head.

Kluele and Neight were still waiting for her. Could this be considered a good opportunity, or bad luck? To have the opportunity to talk alone with the Rainbow Color Reciter, there might not be a second time.

“Did you make an appointment to meet someone?”

No— Although she wanted to say that, she really didn’t want to tell a lie. Because I don’t want to betray my good friends Kluele and Neight.

Silently, she forced herself to move her head, which felt as heavy as lead, up and down.

“I will be in this school until the day after the recital contest, so if you have something to say, you don’t have to say it now.”

“Re–Really!”

“I promise. You are Mio-san, right? See, I already remember your name.”

In a considerably hasty manner, the girl ran down the hallway without looking back.

Alone once again in the cla.s.sroom, Xins gazed at the palm of his hand.

The things you truly want cannot be obtained using Recitations—

……However, perhaps that child still doesn’t understand this.

He himself had only discovered it after he had become a Rainbow Color Reciter. Or he should say, he had no choice but to admit it.

Even so, there will be a day when she realizes this, a time when she will become aware of it by herself.

“Even speaking of my own situation, it is that lonely black witch who single-mindedly and stubbornly pursues a goal.”

He knew that n.o.body could hear him, and even if someone did hear him, n.o.body would understand. Nevertheless, Xins still spoke those words aloud. He hoped that someone would hear it, and hoped that someone would understand. At least, he hoped that someone would pa.s.s on this message to “her”.

……Did they leave?

After confirming that the headmaster and the Reciter who wore a coat had both left, Vendrell crawled out of the corner of the cabinet.

After he had seen the Reciter enter the resources building, he had also sneaked in. Although he had eavesdropped on their conversation from beside the staircase on the first floor, he did not expect the guy who wore the old-fashioned coat to actually be the Rainbow Color Reciter.

He had imagined that Reciter to be older. After all, Rainbow Color Reciter was simply a name. Because he had always thought like that, he didn’t even know what the famous Reciter looked like. However, it seemed that he did have the same level of strength as his reputation suggested.

When Vendrell had been giving the Night Color Recitation user a show of his strength, it was unfortunate that he had been stopped by the Rainbow Reciter. But to escape uninjured from a duel with that monster, it could be called the luck within misfortune.

“……They were saying something about an Egg.”

Although the headmaster had locked the door when he left, the unfortunate thing was, the lock could be opened from the inside.

Because he had been eavesdropping from the first floor, he had only clearly heard about half of what they were saying. However, he could guess that it was a conversation about catalysts. In addition, it was a considerably important matter. The headmaster hadn’t discussed it with other teachers, but rather had specially called the Rainbow Reciter here. Exactly how important was that cla.s.sified information?

—It would make anyone curious, wouldn’t it?

Although he could satisfy his curiosity just by looking at it with his own eyes, the process wouldn’t be that easy.

“Really, to put it in such a troublesome place!”

In order to protect the location of the catalyst, in the hundreds of cabinets, a numerous other catalysts were on display. As they say, “To hide a tree, put it in a forest.” He didn’t know how much time he would have to waste to find it.

Because the sun was setting, it was becoming hard to see in the darkness. The light entering from a window on the ceiling was becoming considerably weak. But even so, if he were to turn on the light, it would give away his location.

……Oh well. Tomorrow and the day after, I can patiently look for it.

“Mio, you’re so slow!”

Kluele yelled loudly at the girl running at full speed. It had been about twenty minutes since she had left to get her wallet. Normally, the round trip shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. Why did she take so long?

“Were you unable to find your wallet?

Mio was breathing heavily and seemed like she was unable to speak. After taking several deep breaths, she shook her head at the two of them.

“……Tha, that…… Amazing, it was really amazing!”

“—What was amazing?”

Kluele shrugged her shoulders at her friend whose cheeks had turned red in excitement.

“He was there… Xins-sama was in our cla.s.sroom!”

“Eh?”

She and the boy sitting next to her simultaneously let out a noise.

“Mio, I don’t understand what you mean.”

“And when you say he was in our cla.s.sroom—”

Before Neight had finished talking, Mio raised both her arms and yelled.

“Don’t. You. Understand? Didn’t Kluele just say it? She met a strong Reciter wearing a yellow-green coat. That person was actually Xins-sama!”

After saying that, the clattering sound of her chair echoed throughout the whole cafeteria.

The other students eating in the cafeteria all turned their heads to look at them. And not just the students, even the teachers and the cafeteria employees looked at them