Infinite Stratos - Volume 1, page 10
"Orimura, deploy your weapon. You should be able to do so at will, right?"
"Yeah."
"Answer 'yes'."
"Ye-Yes."
"Okay, let's begin."
Hearing her words, I turned to the side. After confirming that no one was in front of me, I, once again, used my left hand to grab my right wrist.
—It can cut through objects, has the shape of a sword. It's a sharp, solid object, and also a strong weapon—
(Come out...!)
My left hand held onto my right hand tightly, and at the moment my focus was at its peak, my palm let out a glow, which shaped itself into an object.
Once the glow vanished, my hand was holding onto the 'Yukihira Nigata'.
(Great, now I can summon it all the time!)
It's also a hard thing to imagine this, but this is to be expected, right? Who'll start thinking of a sword when going about with their daily lives?
"Too slow! Practice until you can summon it within 0.5 seconds."
Ack, there she goes again...not only did she not praise me, she even looked down on me. No matter what she says, This is all I could improve within just one week!
"Cecilia, deploy your weapons."
"Yes!"
She raised her hand to where her shoulder was, and then stretched her arm to the side. Unlike me, she didn't glow, but gave off a sudden burst of light. With just that, she was already holding onto the 'Starlight MkIII'.
Compared to me, she was a whole lot faster, and her gun was loaded. Cecilia just had to look in order to remove the safety. Within one second, she deployed her weapon, even getting ready to shoot.
"As expected of a representative candidate—however, you've got to change your pose. Who're you aiming at when you point your gun to the side? Try and point it at the front."
"Bu-But, but I need to maintain this for my image—"
"CHANGE IT! YOU HEAR ME?"
"—...yes."
Cecilia looked like she wanted to argue back, but she immediately shut up after Chifuyu-nee glared at her. Seems like we just trained one good soldier!
"Cecilia, deploy your close-range weapon."
"Wha? Ah, yes, yes!"
Cecilia seemed to be grumbling about something (that's definitely it), so she got shocked when she was called, and answered slowly.
The gun in her hand became light particles—this seems to be called 'keeping'—and then, she 'deployed' a new close-ranged weapon.
However, the glow in her hand couldn't shape itself as it floated around in the air.
"Huh..."
"Isn't it ready yet?"
"It, it'll be ready soon—ahh, damn it! 'Interceptor'!"
She half-reluctantly shouted out her weapon's name. After her focus gathered, the glow shaped into the weapon.
However, the preface of the textbook did mention this before. It mentioned that this is a 'beginner's method'. For a representative candidate like Cecilia to deploy the weapon through this method, it's really humiliating.
"...How long did you take? Do you want the enemy to wait for you in a real battle?"
"In, in a real battle, I wouldn't allow the enemy to enter my range! So, so there would be no problem!"
"Oh? But against Orimura, you seemed to have easily let a beginner get close to you."
"Th-That, that's because..."
Cecilia mumbled; Not knowing what to do, she was obviously unable to speak clearly. Just as I was looking at this indifferently, she glared at me.
At that moment, a signal came through a private frequency.
"It's all your fault!"
Why?
"Be-Because you came rushing at me..."
My IS only had a close-ranged weapon, of course it became like that.
"You, you better take responsibility!"
What do you want me to take responsibility for?
—On a side note, I didn't respond to her signals, she was just sending them to me. Maybe I should say that I have no idea how this private frequency is to be imagined. What's with the 'imagine with the rear right side of the head to communicate'? And what rear right side of the head are you talking about?
"Time's up, that's it for today's lesson. Orimura, clear up the field."
You mean that you want me to fill up that large hole? Where's the soil?
I glanced at Houki, only to see her quickly turning her head away. Seems like she doesn't want to help out.
As for Cecilia—she was long gone.
...I got it! You people want me to settle this by myself, right? Forget it, This is a man's job, as it is one which requires strength. Those guys who need girls to do labor work are just trash.
(Never mind, I had it coming...)
Seems like I've still got a long way to go before I can thoroughly learn how to pilot an IS.
◇
"Oh, so this is the place..."
At night, in front of the IS Academy Entrance, stood a girl with a Boston bag that didn't match her petite size at all.
Her hair that was flowing in the still warm April night was tied with two ponytails on both sides at the top of her head. Her hair that looked like it was going to touch her shoulder was a pretty brown color that matched the yellow hairband it was with.
"Lemme see, where's the reception counter?"
She pulled out a slip of paper from her shirt's pocket. That crumpled piece of paper really was proof of the girl's straightforward character and her lively nature.
"The 1st level General Service Counter in the Main Building...so I want to know, WHERE IS IT?"
No matter how much she grumbled, she won't get an answer from the paper. The girl stuffed the paper along with her frustration into her shirt pocket. Even though the crumpling sound could be heard, she didn't mind at all.
"I'll just have to find it, right? So be it!"
As she muttered this, her feet continued to move. 'Instead of thinking, why not take action?'— that is the sort of girl she is. To put it nicely, she followed the 'practical doctrine'; to put it bluntly, she 'doesn't thoroughly think things through'.
—Really...I was told that no one would come to pick me up, but isn't this too ruthless of them? Those government people, really...aren't they worried about dumping a 15-year-old girl in a foreign country?
At first glance, the girl looks like a Japanese, but taking a closer look, she doesn't really look like one. Those sharp and beautiful eyes of hers belong to a Chinese.
Even so, to this girl, Japan is not only her second homeland, it's also a place that she's very familiar with and has fond memories of. As History puts it aptly 'History is a human's story'.
(Is anyone around? A student or a teacher? Anyone who can lead me?)
As she continued to walk in this unfamiliar school, she was still looking around for people. However, it was already past 8pm, and the lights in the campus were already out. At this hour, the students were already in their dorms.
(Ah—that's enough! So troublesome! I might as well fly through the sky and look...)
Despite her 'this is a good idea' feeling, upon remembering the school rule book, which was as thick as 3 'city telephone directories', she immediately dismissed it.
"It would be bad if you activate your IS at school before being formally transfered! In the worst case, it would become a diplomatic issue. Please spare us that agony!" Once she remembered the high-ranking officials pleas and useless expressions, the girl started to feel better.
(Haha, that's right, I'm an important person as well! Better have some self-discipline.)
To be honest, seeing adults many times her age kneeling down and begging her stirs a good feeling.
For her, who has always hated 'adults who flaunt on their seniority', today's society could be described as `comfortable´.
"Men's muscle power is just a kid's act, a lady's IS is the real justice'. She was happy about this as well, because she had always been a girl who hated 'kids whom are full of themselves just because they're males'.
—However, that guy's different.
She remembered a certain boy. To her, he was the biggest reason for her return to Japan.
—I wonder if he's doing alright now?
Hm, maybe he's still rather energetic. She never saw him being gloomy. He's that kind of a person.
"Besides...that's..."
Suddenly, a sound was heard. She turned to its point of origin, and saw some girls coming back from an IS training facility. She could immediately identify it because all IS related facilities in every country look similar.
—Great, I'll just ask them!
The girl strolled towards the entrance of the arena to ask them.
"Anyway, I'm not thinking like that!"
The unexpected shout shocked the girl as she stopped.
It's a guy's voice—similar to one she's familiar with. No, most likely it is that person's voice.
This unexpected reunion caused the girl's heart to race.
—Will he recognize me? He should be able to, right? It has been only a year.
She told herself this while being distracted by the thought 'what if he doesn't recognize me?'.
—It's alright, it's alright! Besides, if he doesn't recognize me, it means that I've gotten prettier!"
Getting into an ultra-optimistic thinking mode, she once again moved forward.
"Ic—"
Ah, the volume's too much! Doesn't this mean that I'm mindful about this? So embarrassing!
"Ichika, when are you going to grasp that feeling? You've been stuck at it since last week!"
"That's because your explanation is too unique. What's that 'huh' feeling?"
"...It's a 'huh' feeling."
"Didn't I tell you I don't know what that is—Hey, wait for me, Houki!"
The boy chased after the girl as she walked very fast.
—Who's that girl? Why do they seem so familiar with each other? Why are they calling each other by their names?
The racing heartbeat vanished as if it had never taken place, and it is replaced with an icy feeling, as if an avalanche had struck, stirring her with frustration.
After that, she quickly found the General Service Counter. The main building was actually behind the arena, and since it was lit over there, she immediately found the place.
"Mm, then, the procedures are complete. Welcome to IS Academy, Huang Lingyin-san."
The receptionist's friendly words seemed distant to her, as none of it was engraved into her brain. The girl—Lingyin didn't look happy at all. She pouted and asked,
"Which class is Orimura Ichika in?"
"Oh, that famous kid? He's in class 1. Huang-san's in class 2, so you're in neighboring classes. Oh yeah, that kid's the representative of class 1. As expected of Orimura-sensei's younger brother!"
It's women's nature to gossip. Lingyin coldly stared at the receptionist, who noticed this as the girl continued to ask,
"Is the class representative of class 2 decided?"
"Yes!"
"What's her name?"
"What? Erm...why are you asking this?"
Perhaps because she noticed that Lingyin's attitude was a bit weird, the receptionist looked troubled as she asked.
"I would like to ask her if she could relinquish the position of class representative to me—"
Veins could be seen popping out of her smiling face.
◇
"Orimura-kun, congratulations on becoming the class representative!"
"Congratulations~!"
*PA!* *PA!* *PA!* *PA!* The pops land on me from all directions, and the colored ribbons that land on me weigh a lot more on my heart than the actual weight itself.
On a side note, it's now free time during dinner, and this is a campus restaurant. Everyone in class 1 is gathered here, and each one is holding their own drink. The atmosphere's rather animated.
"..."
I don't want to celebrate! I don't want to celebrate at all! What's with this party?
I glanced at the wall. There's an 'Orimura Ichika Class Representative Assignment Party' banner. Oh, so it's a assignment party...sigh.
"Ya—the class representative tournament will be a lot more exciting!"
"That's right, that's right!"
"We're really lucky to be in the same class as him."
"That's right, that's right!"
From those girls conversation, they should be from class 2, right? Or is it just me? Speaking of which, isn't it too strange? There's definitely more than 30 people here. Why is it that there are more people than there are in our class whenever we gather everyone in class?
"You're really popular, Ichika."
"...You really think so?"
"Humph."
Houki gave a cold response before drinking. Why is she in a bad mood again?
"Look over here, look over here. I'm from the News Paper Club. I'm here to do a scoop on the hotly discussed freshman — Orimura Ichika-kun's special interview!"
Everyone gave an excited 'oh'. What 'oh'?
"Ah, I'm Mayuzumi Kaoruko, nice to meet you. I'm the vice-president of the News Paper Club. Here! This is my card."
I received the card and looked at the name. Sure has a lot of strokes in the kanji, she herself must feel that it's bothersome to write her own name.
"Then, then, Orimura-kun! Please state your thoughts on becoming the class representative. Here!"
She held the recorder in front of me, her eyes shining like the ones of a naive kid.
"Erm..."
What should I say? I have no intention of going along, but I can't betray everyone's expectations. Sigh, I'm just a weak Japanese anyway.
"Huh, anyway, I'll do my best."
"Huh—give us something awesome~~ like, like 'don't get too close to me, you'll get hurt' or something like that!"
What the heck! That's a popular line from the last generation, right?
"I don't really talk a lot."
"Wow, an outdated proclamation!"
What? Are you mocking the Japanese actor that we're so proud of?[1C 1]
"How about you make up a few sentences?"
This isn't good at all! Do news broadcasts air all arbitrary and biased news? That's scary!
"Oh yeah, how about having Cecilia say a few words?"
"I don't really like to make this sort of interview, but since you asked me, it can't be helped."
Though she's grumbling, she doesn't look like she's refusing...and she's already waiting over there! I don't know if I'm thinking too much, but her hair's a lot more glamorous than usual. Maybe she's ready to take a photo or something?
"Ahem. Then, first, we'll have the ex-class representative make a statement, so—"
"Ahh, if it's going to be long, forget about it. Just take a photo."
"You, hear me out to the very end!"
"No problem, I'll just make up some content. Oh, let's just assume that you like Orimura-kun."
"Wha, wha, what...?"
Cecilia immediately blushed. Seems like she's definitely angry. Hm, better find some cover from the fire.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"What, really?"
"That, that's right! What's stupid about it?"
What, that's weird? Why is Cecilia angry at me? Don't glare at me. That's scary.
"Ba-Basically, you—"
"Okay okay, anyway, both of you, please stand together! I'm going to take a photo now."
"What?"
Cecilia sounded rather surprised. However, it seemed like she was rather delighted as well.
"Because you have your own personal IS! Let me take a photo. Ah, it would be good to hold hands too!"
"Is, is that so...that's right."
For some reason, Cecilia, who's starting to fidget, continues to peek at me. I'm getting the 'now's the chance, but I can't let people feel that I'm very casual' vibe from her.
"Excuse me, but you'll give me a copy of the photo, right?"
"Of course."
"Then let me go change clothes first—"
"No way, that'll take too much time. Okay, hurry up and stand together."
Mayuzumi–sempai pulled Cecilia's hand and mine before making us hold hands together directly. What a hard-styled sempai.
"..."
"What is it?"
"Not-Nothing, nothing at all."
As she was staring at me, I thought that she felt that something was wrong. Seems like I'm mistaken. Really, I really can't understand her.
"..."
"...What now, Houki?"
"Nothing."
This side's staring at me as well...I'll omit that, please read on.
"Then I'm going to take it. What's 35 times 51 divided by 24~~?"
"Huh? Let me think...2?"
"Wrong—it's 74.375!"
What the heck.
*Pacha!* She pressed down on the shutter of the digital camera...hold on, hey!
"Why is everyone squeezing together here!?"
Everyone in class moved at an utterly terrifying speed as they immediately gathered around Cecilia and me the moment the photo was taken. Ah, even Houki's moving in! What is this group of idiots trying to do?
"You, you people!"
"Don't mind, don't mind."
"Cecilia can't just have a headstart, right—"
"Wouldn't it be great to have a class memory?"
"That's right—"
Everyone was unanimously saying persuasive-like things to Cecilia. Why is that?
"Erm, uu..."
My classmates started to stare cheekily at Cecilia, who was unable to say anything...why's that so?
Anyway, this 'Orimura Ichika Class Representative Assignment Party' lasted until past 10pm.
Damn it, I underestimated the girls' energy. Before I realized it, it was already late at night, and my strength had already vanished for no apparent reason as I collapsed onto the bed.
"Today sure was fun, right? Good for you."
Houki said such irritating words with a mocking tone. What's she planning to do? Start a quarrel with me?
"Who says that I'm happy? Would being tired make me happy? If you were in my position, would you be happy?"
"Uu...ah, that's right, maybe I would be happy!"
She definitely doesn't feel that way, but this person here would never take her words back once she says it, and would always end up suffering. She's that sort of person. Seems like I'll have to end this conversation quickly, or else even I'll feel weird if she's going to continue on with something weirder.
