Chapter 3: Welcome back.

Translated and Edited by: ynlucca.

Common Honorifics:
-san: A polite suffix, but not excessively formal.
-kun: A common suffix among friends and younger people.
-chan: A common suffix among people you’re close with, mostly used for feminine nicknames and girls, since it’s cutesy and childlike.
-senpai: A common suffix and noun used to address or refer to one’s older or more senior colleagues in a school, workplace, dojo, or sports club.

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“Nice to meet you. I’m Miriya Orikata. Please take care of me,” said Miriya, bowing politely in front of the classroom.

The second semester had begun, and that idiot who used magic to forge documents and change her identity had transferred to our class. Of course, my classmates were all excited about the ethereal beauty of the new transfer student.

Meanwhile, I sat at the edge of the classroom, leaning on my elbow, observing them with a sidelong glance.

For me, it had been two long years since I last set foot in this classroom. So please, forgive me for indulging in a little catharsis.

“Phew…”

Yes, for two years, I had been immersed in a life full of battles. I fought monsters until I was on the verge of death, defeated demons to save cities, and schemed to rescue kidnapped princesses from enemy kingdoms. I should’ve grown significantly both mentally and physically. And sure enough, my mental age was higher than my classmates’, and I had developed a muscular physique.

Well…

“Miriya-san! Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Miriya-chan, are you from overseas? You’re too beautiful!”

“Wait, Orikata? Wasn’t there someone with that surname in our class?”

…All of my trivial experiences were overshadowed by her mere arrival. C’mon, I’m right here! Remember you classmate, will ya?!

“That person is so popular…”

Indeed, one could say that Miriya had quite the following and was capable of stun-locking people to boot. Truthfully befitting the unholy amount of money I’d spent. Actually, even the homeroom teacher was captivated by her—Don’t let yourself be captivated, you damned teacher.

As I sent resentful glances throughout the classroom, a voice called out from the seat next to mine.

“Izuru-kun, do you know that girl?”

“Huh?”

The one who approached me, the loneliest loner, was Serina Hiraoka, my childhood friend. Our parents weren’t neighbors or anything, but for some reason, they always hit it off well. She was a cute girl who could get along with anyone, cheerful and lively. Plus, she cut her hair around shoulder length, giving off gentle, positive, and frankly fluffy vibes.

Coming from a ridiculously wealthy family, she could have been a duke’s daughter in another world. It’s quite something to have a millionaire as a friend, so I have to thank my parents for that. Anyway, such a girl was talking to me, an introvert. Hooray for the real world!

“You see, that girl has been staring at you and she has the same last name as you.”

“Oh…”

How should I explain this? As I furrowed my brow in contemplation, Hiraoka continued, saying, “Also… Where did you go during summer vacation? You ignored all my messages and calls. I’m quite pissed, you know?”

“Huh?”

Her smile was dazzling, but her voice was the sharpest ice stalactite as she looked at me. Ha ha… I’m screwed; I have too many things I can’t say. I mean, “I was an adventurer in another world! And for two years!” is too unbelievable, and will sound like an excuse.

Sure, I could tell her, but the more I’d talk, the more I’d be suspected of going full lunatic. If Hiraoka referred me to a psychiatrist or something, I’d cry. She’s the only one who talks to me at school, after all. My oasis, so to speak.

“Well, um… I went to my grandmother’s house in the middle of nowhere with no reception…”

As I stammered while meandering my eyes about, Hiraoka’s index finger, curled into a windup, approached my forehead.

“Ouch!!” She flicked my forehead quite a bit strong, enough to make it bounce off me.

“Don’t worry me like that. If you don’t wanna talk about it, then don’t. Just… don’t lie to me.”

“…Sorry.”

Now that I think about it, Hiraoka knows that I don’t have any relatives far away. For a moment, she looked really sad, but then quickly smiled and began gently stroking my forehead.

“I’m glad you’re safe, Izuru-kun.”

“…Yeah.”

At that moment, I felt like crying. After enduring all those grueling days, what awaited me at the end was a forced banishment back home by that damned witch of a goddess. There was no gratitude, and no blessing home at all—except the fact I could still use the magic and skills I’d earned with grit back there. Regardless, it was a mess.

I muttered an “I’m back” in my mind, but…

“Cough, cough!”

“Hiraoka?”

“S-Sorry, my body hasn’t been at its best lately…”

“Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah…”

She struggled to suppress her coughing, even while holding her ample chest back. In truth, she’d always been quite physically weak; a delicate young lady from a noble family. Although her health had improved significantly since entering high school…

Just as I was about to reach out my hand and pat her back—

“What are you doing, Master?”

“M-Miriya…?”

Looking down at me with disdainful eyes, Miriya emerged from the crowd. Just as I was about to explain to her I was trying to secretly use healing magic on Hiraoka’s condition…

“I-Izuru, what’s with the ‘Master’?!?”

“Well, um… Hiraoka-san? Please don’t give me that look…”

“Master, what were you about to do in a public place like this? Are you out of your mind?”

Using magic in public, huh? Who does she think she is to admonish me in that regard, huh?! Wait, wait, what’s up with this situation in the first place? I’m being approached by two beauties… It’s not like that, right? Right…?

I couldn’t stop the bullets from sweating.

“So, Izuru is that your hobby…?” My childhood friend asked me.

“It’s a misunderstanding!”

“A misunderstanding? You’re my master, Master, and I am your slave. That’s what it is.”

“—?!” Everyone else jumped, startled.

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?!”

The shocked gazes of the entire class were fixed on me. Oh, I’ve made eye contact with everyone in the class for the first time. Not that I wanted it, though!

Right, I’ve made the slave collar invisible for now. Usually, Miriya would say something like, “Are you trying to erase the proof of my slavery?” and make it jingle regardless of its visibility, but I couldn’t allow that here.

As I sighed and slumped down, I felt a piercing gaze on my back.

“—!”

My weak skill, “Crisis Detection,” was activated. By the way, this skill only works within a radius of two meters. It’s a skill that becomes useless by the time you realize it, so it’s not really helpful. Most of the skills I have are like this. You can probably understand the hardships I faced in the other world…

I immediately looked toward the person who was giving me a sharp gaze. A girl from the class was standing in the hallway outside, a crooked smile on her face. I quietly murmured her name.

“…Airi Nakabayashi…”

I’m the only one in the class who seems to have noticed the provoking expression. She moved her chin slightly and then disappeared into the depths of the hallway, suppressing her presence…Is she inviting me?

“Miriya-san… Is that right? What’s your relationship with Izuru?”

“That’s what I’ve been saying. I am Master’s slave.”

“N-No, not that! I mean, tell me the truth! I know you’re not related to Izuru, and…”

“Oh, I see. I am Master’s older sister on the family register. I always take care of my foolish little brother.”

“Oh, well, thank you for your kindness… W-Wait, sister!?”

Hmm? It feels like something complicated has happened while my attention was on Nakabayashi… Well, whatever. I activate one of the skills I obtained in that other world, “Telepathy.”

—Miriya, sorry to interrupt, but I have something urgent.

—! Telepathy, is it? It’s one of the “Useful Skill Sets” you’ve received from the goddess. It allows communication within a radius of 1 meter, though it’s still too short.

—Thanks for the explanation? Well, anyway, I need to move away from here for a little bit. Don’t follow me. That’s an order.

—…Roger.

—Thanks. Just be sure to cover it up with the teacher. You’re good at that stuff, right?

—Sigh. Just go already.

—Thanks.

Ignoring the displeased gaze from Miriya, I severed the telepathic connection. For a moment, her eyes glowed red as she glared, but I didn’t have time to worry about that. I immediately activated another skill.

“—Transparency.”

Transparency only lasts as long as I hold my breath. It’s a skill that seems useful but is actually quite limited. I can hold my breath while running, but it only lasts for a few seconds. Oh, and it doesn’t work on those who possess sensory skills.

“—Phew,” I inhaled deeply and my body gradually became translucent, fading away as if I were becoming less substantial.

Without alerting anyone to my presence, I quietly left the classroom. As I was leaving, Miriya muttered something, but her words didn’t reach me.

“…Indeed, you truly live up to your title as the ‘Worst Hero’ of the Kayabana Kingdom. Your skills in abducting princesses haven’t faded, have they?”

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“The rooftop, huh.”

Quietly making my way there, I arrived at the rooftop, which is unusually open and accessible as opposed to normal. Incidentally, this is also the place where I was killed by Nakabayashi.

There’s no mistaking it. She’s waiting for me beyond the dimly lit staircase. The atmosphere was left there as if to lure me in. Even the remnants of magical energy remain, and I couldn’t shake off a disgusting feeling for the life of me. However, without showing any fear, I opened the door to the rooftop.

As the strong wind blew in, I took heavy steps forward. Despite being dazzled by the sunlight pouring in, I looked ahead and…

“Welcome back, Izuru Orikata. I didn’t want to see you.”

“And I never intended to greet you back, murderer.”

This is a reunion with the one I swore revenge against. Now then, is it time to start the show?

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