Chapter 35: The perfect logic that if I mix with geniuses, I can become “normal” too

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Translator: Soafp

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The following morning.

Under a perfectly clear blue sky, I waited at the entrance of a park located along the route to school, when a silver-colored, streamlined sports car pulled up beside me.

The driver's side window rolled down, and the silver-haired returnee student beamed at me.

“Good day, Kazu-kun. I've missed you.”

Suzuka Kochou, the student council president.

When she said she’d come pick me up, I imagined a chauffeur-driven limousine or something like that—but to my surprise, she was driving it herself.

“Good morning. I didn't know you had a license.”

“Of course I do. So? What do you think of the car?”

“It matches your hair color, President. It looks cool.”

“Hmm. 90 points. If you’d said ‘You look beautiful, President,' you would've scored a perfect 100.”

She gave a gentle smile. Well, at least I didn't fail completely.

I got into the passenger seat, and she took off immediately. Picking up speed fast, the park disappeared from view in no time. Looks like she’s a bit of a speed freak, despite her appearance.

“By the way, President, what's this ‘Genius Conference' thing?”

I asked about the message she sent yesterday.

“Just like the name says, it's a conference that only recognized geniuses in the academy are allowed to attend. The topics vary, but this time it’s about the upcoming Teikousen in the fall.”

“Teikousen?” (The Imperial Battle)

“You're a first-year, so I doubt you’ve heard of it.”

We stopped at a red light. A businessman crossing the street stared at the car, first captivated by the machine, then widened his eyes upon seeing the beautiful girl in uniform behind the wheel.

While catching the attention of every passerby, the student council president continued the conversation.

“It's a competition against the private Kojin Academy. We clash in all kinds of fields—academics, sports, martial arts, entertainment, you name it—and determine the winner based on overall performance.”

“Kojin Academy… That's the school run by the Kojin Group, right?”

“Exactly. They’re the sworn rivals of the Teikai Group.”

The Kojin Group is a corporate giant that rivals the Teikai Group in size and power. Like Teikai, it traces its roots to the old financial conglomerates, and their rivalry supposedly goes back all the way to the Edo period.

“If it’s against Kojin, I bet Director Gozen—Takayashiki—is going ballistic over it.”

“Yes. Any student who suffers a disgraceful defeat might get punished. On the other hand, those who achieve outstanding results could receive an enormous prize under the guise of a scholarship.”

The light turned green, and the car started moving again.

“And I'm supposed to be part of the meeting about something that important? I don't think I belong there at all.”

“I believe you're more than qualified. This is your chance to show the geniuses your strategic brilliance—the same wit that shattered the badge system.”

We neared the school buildings.

Passing by the five athletic fields, I saw students sweating it out under the blazing sun. From the school buildings, I could hear musical instruments and vocal exercises from the drama club. It was hard to believe it was summer break with so much energy around.

“Everyone's fired up for the Teikousen.”

The president looked at them with warmth in her eyes.

I was reminded of her quietly picking up stones from the field every morning, unnoticed by anyone.

“Please, Kazu-kun. Lend the strength you used to save me—to them as well.”

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Teikai Academy had an enormous underground floor.

I had heard rumors, but it was my first time stepping inside.

We got into the elevator near the school entrance, and the president scanned her fingerprint. A display I'd never seen before appeared on the screen, and the elevator began descending silently.

“This is amazing. Feels like a secret base.”

“Right? Kind of exciting, isn't it?”

Just like she said, it reminded me of an old-school robot anime—a dream playground for any “boy at heart.”

“Only the geniuses recognized by the academy are allowed here.”

“Geniuses, huh…”

At that moment, an idea came to me.

My goal was to live a normal school life.

But having been brainwashed and trained as a suitor for the pig princess, I wasn't exactly good at normal things.

With Amane-chan and Ayukawa-sensei helping me learn what “normal” means, I figured I should also come up with another plan.

A way to blend in.

If I stayed on the fringes of the academy's collection of geniuses, maybe I wouldn't stand out as much. Like hiding a tree in a forest—not quite the same, but if I surrounded myself with extraordinary people, no one would notice me.

“Sounds great, this Genius Conference. I'd love to participate.”

“…That was sudden.”

We got off on the fifth basement floor. The space was wrapped in black, inorganic walls and floors. It was huge. Maybe four times—no, six times the size of a regular classroom.

Dim lighting cast a soft glow, and in the center of the room stood a round table.

Seven young men and women were already seated.

Seven sharp gazes pierced right through me.

“Oi, Kochou. Who the hell is this guy?”

A third-year-looking guy spoke in a displeased tone.

Among the seven, he looked the oldest. His long hair was tied up like a samurai topknot—not refined like a samurai, more like a ronin, a wild-looking swordsman.

A sheathed katana rested beside his chair. Just by the texture, I could tell it wasn't some replica or toy.

“That's Kyoji Kenmochi—the ‘Genius of the Sword,'”

Hmm. Yeah, he definitely gives off a dangerous aura. He's probably been through a fair number of real fights. Those karate meatheads and the rat guy wouldn't stand a chance. He feels ultra-high-school-level, no doubt.

If it’s kendo, I doubt there's anyone in high school who could beat him.

But if we're talking about kendo, not swordsmanship.

“You're a first-year, right? You look weak as hell. Who the hell are you?”

“You got the message last night, didn't you? He's Kazu Suzuki.”

Kenmochi stroked his scruffy chin while glaring at me.

“You're kidding, Kochou. You want that scrawny dude in our group?”

“His strength isn't in his fists, it's his brain. He's the one who crushed the badge system. You've heard, haven't you?”

“Tch. Should've kept his nose out of that. I was for that system.”

With that, Kenmochi grabbed his sword and stood up.

He started walking toward me, slow and deliberate.

Good footwork… but I can hear his steps. His weight shifts too heavily. With that kind of movement, even a quick foot sweep could trip him easily. If my old master saw him, she'd probably say, “30 points.” Total fail. She'd send him running a hundred laps around the mansion garden in total silence.

His spirit is strong, but his technique hasn't caught up.

And this is the “Genius of the Sword”?

………

……This might be a lot harder than I thought……

“Oi. Freshman.”

With the other geniuses watching, Kenmochi drew his blade.

“If you can land a hit on me, I'll let you join the Genius Conference as an apprentice. Come on. Get in stance.”

……Um……

“Don't worry. I'm not gonna kill ya.”

……The question is—

Can I avoid killing him?