Infinite Stratos - Volume 1, page 3
Suddenly blushing and saying such things. Yamada-sensei, are you alright? IS pilots really have no resistance to males. Speaking of which, all the stares directed at me are very uncomfortable. If these stares could generate a physical force, I would have become a pincushion.
"How-However, if it's Orimura-sensei's younger brother, then..."
"Ah—ack ack! Yamada-sensei, continue with the lesson."
"Ye-Yes!"
Chifuyu-nee coughed twice, causing Yamada-sensei to return from her fantasy.
Yamada-sensei frantically moved back to the stage— and failed.
"Uu—it hurts..."
(...Is she alright? This teacher...)
Only then did I realize just how many catastrophes I would be in for.
--
"Ahh, can I have a moment?"
"Huh?"
During the break after the second period, again I was confronted with a feeling of uneasiness. Suddenly being asked to talk caused my response to come out somewhat weird.
The girl who asked was naturally blond. She's stared at me, and her blue eyes which are held exclusively by people of white descent revealed a sense of unhappiness.
Her hair was slightly curled up, giving off a sense of nobility. Her radiating demeanour was that which women normally give off in today's society.
In current day society, due to the IS, women are given higher status. It's not just a privilege, even the archetype of 'women = great' came into being. At the same time, men were relegated to being slaves, manual labor. Right now in the city, it's not rare to see men being abused by women they never met on the streets.
Anyway, in the minds of the women nowadays, men are basically considered servants. To be honest, that's not necessarily a bad role.
On a side note, since this IS Academy has the duty to accept a large number of students, it's not rare to see foreign students enrolled here. Even among the victors , only half the girls in the class are Japanese.
"Are you listening? Hello?"
"Ah-, ah, yes, I'm listening... was there something you wanted?"
Upon hearing my reply, the girl in front of me deliberately increased her volume.
"Wait a second! What are you saying? Just with me talking to you should be enough to make you feel greatly honored. Shouldn't you have a better attitude towards me?"
"..."
To be honest, this is the kind of person that I'm the worst at dealing with.
Being able to use an IS means that the person will become part of their country's military. Thus, IS pilots are held in high regard, and currently, only females are IS pilots.
But the difference between that and flaunting power is that if the power is begotten through violence, it's just a tool for violence.
"I'm sorry. But I have no idea who you are."
It's true. Even though I did pay attention to the self-introductions and all sorts of rhetoric, I couldn't recall what was said before, to my defense Chifuyu-nee being my homeroom teacher was a rather shocking experience.
However, my reply didn't seem to go over too well with the girl in front of me (it would be great if she would tell me her name). She narrowed her eyes to slits and said in a tone conveying complete contempt with regards to men.
"You don't recognize who i am? You don't know who Cecilia Alcott is? You've never heard of me? The representative candidate student for England and the top scorer of the school's entrance exam?"
Ah, so her name's Cecilia. Oh—
"Well, may I ask a question?"
"Humph, it's the job of a noble to answer the requests made by people of the lower class, so you may ask."
"What's a representative candidate student?"
KA—THUNK! Several girls eavesdropping on our conversation collapsed onto the floor.
"A, a, a..."
"Ahh?"
"Are, are you serious?"
She really looked angry now. If this were a manga, she would most likely have a crossed-vein popping out of her forehead.
"Ah. Because I really don't know."
If I don't know something, I have to honestly admit to it. It would be to my own demise if I do otherwise and want to try to maintain a good standing.
"..."
After being angry for a bit, Cecilia actually calmed down. She pressed her thumb against her temples, conveying a headache, grumbling...
"I can't believe this, this is really quite unbelievable. Though this is a land to the far east, this is not some under developed country. This is common knowledge, common knowledge. Don't tell me you don't have a television..."
How rude, I do have a television, it's just that I don't normally watch it.
"What's a representative candidate?"
"The pilot of a country's IS is decided from the pool of representative candidates, which means the elites...you, should be able to understand what the words mean."
"Now that you mentioned it, that does ring a bell."
Seems like it's true that it's easier to forget simple things.
"That's right, we're elites."
Oh, she revived. As expected of a representative candidate.
She pointed her finger at me, the tip nearly touching the tip of my nose.
"It's a miracle for you get into the same class with the chosen ones... you should feel blessed. Do you realize the situation that you're currently in now?"
"Is that so? How fortunate for me."
"...Are you trying to make a fool out of me?"
Wasn't it you who told me how lucky I was?
"In the first place, you knew nothing about IS', and yet you were able to make it into this school. When I first heard that you were the only male in the world who could pilot an IS. It had me expecting a lot more of you."
"Making assumptions about me, will only leave me in an uncomfortable situation."
"Humph. Because I'm an elite, I'll even be nice to people like you."
Oh, what a friendly attitude. This is the first time I've experienced something like this during my 15 years of life.
"If you don't fully understand anything regarding IS. Hm... if you cry and beg me, I may be inclined to teach you. After all, I'm an elite amongst elites, the 'only' one who defeated an instructor during the entrance exam."
It feels like she purposely emphasized on the word 'only' —eh, hm?
"That's the entrance exam you're talking about, right? Are you talking about initiating the IS?"
"What else?"
"That? Well, I managed to beat an instructor as well."
"Huh...?"
That's what happened. Though rather than defeated, I evaded the instructor that had suddenly come charging towards me. She accidentally crashed into the wall and was unable to move. That's all.
Maybe my words caused quite a shock to her, since Cecilia widened her eyes in disbelief.
"But, but I heard that I was the only one?"
"Maybe it's because I'm not a girl?"
*Pacha*. Ah, that's not a good sound. It sounded like walking on cracked ice.
"In-, in other words, I'm not the only one?"
"Well, I don't know."
"You! You said that you beat an instructor, right?"
"Mm, well. Something like that."
"Something like that? What do you mean by that?"
"Erm, calm down, okay?"
"How-? How can I calm down after hearing that—?!"
DING—DONG—DANG—DONG.
The bell for third period interrupts our conversation. It felt like a saving grace to me now.
"...! I'll be back! Don't run away! All right?"
Not good, such a reply would likely make her angry. I had to promise her.
"For the remaining time, we'll mainly be describing all sorts of equipment that can be used in actual combat, and their characteristics."
Chifuyu-nee replaced Yamada-sensei, who taught the first and second period lessons, as she stood at the front. Seemed like this was important, as even Yamada-sensei took out a notebook.
"Ah, but before that, we have to decide on the class representative who'll take part in the inter-class tournament."
Suddenly thinking about it, Chifuyu-nee seemed to have mentioned it before. Hm? Inter-class tournament? Representative?
"The class representative is as its name indicates. The class representative will not only compete in the tournament, but will also attend student council meetings and committee meetings as well. Well, you can consider it like a class leader. On a side note, the inter-class battles are meant to gauge each enrolled class' ability. Though there isn't much difference right now, competition will encourage further improvement."
The class started to become abuzz. Not knowing what's going on, I didn't even know the significance of what was going on. Hm, anyway, what I can deduce is that we're deciding on our class rep now. Seems like it'll be extremely bothersome, and the person who'll be doing it will have quite a rough time.
"Sensei, I recommend Orimura-kun!"
—Hm? There's someone else who's called Orimura in this class? What a coincidence.
"I feel that it's a good idea too!"
Hm. So do I. Anyone will do, as long as it's not me.
"Then the candidate will be Orimura Ichika... is there anyone else? You can either nominate yourself or another person, both are fine."
Hoho, wait there's only one Orimura Ichika in this class... —ACK, there's no way this could happen!
"M-Me?"
I immediately stood up, and what struck me were the piercing stares. Even without looking back, I knew that they conveyed irresponsible expectations of 'if it's him, he can do it'.
"Sit down, Orimura, you're a troublesome sight. Then, isn't there anyone else? If so, Orimura will be elected without a vote."
"W-Wait a second! I don't want this—!"
"I said that no matter whether you nominated yourself or someone 'else' nominated you, the one nominated doesn't have the right to refuse. The one nominated should be prepared already."
"Ev-Even if I'm not willing—"
Just as I was trying to protest, I got cut off by a highly enthusiastic voice.
"Hold on a minute! I can't accept this outcome!"
*PAM!* Cecilia slammed her hands against the table as she got up, her figure became a lot more intimidating. Oh, so that's how you exert yourself. I really have to get on her good side.
"This kind of election outcome is totally unacceptable! Anyway, having a man as our class representative is totally disgraceful! Do you expect me, Cecilia Alcott to endure this embarrassment for a whole year?"
That's right, talk, keep talking... hm?
"In terms of ability, it's obvious that I should be the class representative. It'll be troubling if some rare far-east monkey is to be chosen because he is a rare breed! I came to this island country to polish up my IS skills, and I have no interest in joining a circus!"
That's weird, how come I'm no longer human? Why? Speaking of which, Britain is an island itself, right? That means that Britain and Japan aren't much different.
"Isn't that right!? Only the most talented can be the class representative, and I'm the most suitable one!"
She could not hold back her excitement—speaking of which, as Cecilia's getting more into it, her choices of words were getting more and more crude, more anger-driven. Though I didn't want to be the class rep, even a simpleton would get somewhat upset from being told off to such an extent.
"In the first place, living in such a country with an underdeveloped level of culture is excruciatingly painful for me—"
Wala.
"Even if Britain's a powerful country, you're far too arrogant on your part, right? How many years has it been now that you've won the world's worst cuisine award?"
—Ah.
"Wha...!?"
In the end, I said it. Just like that, it slipped out of my mouth.
I gingerly turned my head to face her. Right now, Cecilia could only be described as furious, the thoroughly red face indicating her rage.
Wah... I messed up...
"You, you, you! Are you insulting my country?"
Ah—. Really, now there was no way I could stop this. Right now, we're past the point of no return.
"It's a duel!"
*PAM!* Cecilia slams her hands on the table. In the next instant, she would have thrown her gauntlets, had she been wearing any. In other words, this is a battle of pride?
"Oh, great, bring it on. It's better than a debate anyway."
"You talk big. Since you deliberately asked for defeat, I'll accept you as a servant —no, a slave!"
"Don't look down on me. This is a serious showdown, don't try and do it halfheartedly."
"Is that so? Perfect timing, this will be the perfect opportunity for me, Britain's candidate, Cecilia Alcott to display her ability."
In the end it became a duel, a boy shouldn't be fighting seriously with a girl, right? What should I do?
"How much of a handicap do you want?"
"Oh my, asking for a favor so soon?"
"No, I'm asking how much of a handicap I should give you."
At that moment, the class erupted with laughter.
"O-Orimura-kun, are you serious?"
"Isn't a man being stronger than woman a story of the past?"
"Orimura-kun. Maybe you can pilot an IS, but that's just overdoing it."
Just as everyone's laughing —damn it, that seemed to be the case.
Of course, men are overwhelmingly weaker. They're powerless. It's true that only a few can pilot an IS, but all females are potential IS pilots. In contrast, men logically can't pilot an IS at all. If a war happens because of a difference in views between men and women, the male faction probably wouldn't even last 3 days. If there's a champion, we'd likely be suppressed within 3 hours. This is because as a super weapon, an IS far exceeds fighter planes, tanks and battleships of the past.
"...Then I won't give you a handicap."
"Yes, that should be the case. More accurately, it bothers me that I don't have to give you a handicap. Hum hum, saying that men are stronger than women, Japanese males really have quite a sense of humour."
The excitement had just now died down. Though, Cecilia's expression is one of contempt.
"Hey, Orimura-kun, it's not too late, you know? You can still get Cecilia-san to give you a handicap?"
The girl sitting diagonally behind me sincerely advised. However, the complicated expression of hers—the laughter and smirk that she was visibly holding back made me even angrier.
"A man would never go back on his word. I have no need of a handicap."
"Hai —a representative candidate is being looked down on. Or is it that you don't know what an IS battle looks like?"
"..."
To be honest, I had never seen a real IS battle before. At most, I secretly watched videos of Chifuyu-nee while she was doing her military service (because Chifuyu-nee didn't want to see me get involved with IS).
"Then, we have a common understanding. The battle will take place next Monday in the 3rd arena. Orimura and Alcott, make sure you are well prepared. Now, let's get back to the lesson."
Chifuyu-nee clapped her hands to end the conversation. I harbored an uneasy feeling as I sat down, speechless.
(I can master the basics in a week. It shouldn't be too hard. Also, I did manage to activate it during the entrance exams. Never mind, I'll think of something once I get there.)
However, after I get past that battle, I'll be taking the position of class representative. Though it's a headache, I can't back down now. And I won't get a second chance.
(Alright, time to pay attention to class.)
I immediately opened the textbook on the table.
◇
"Ugh..."
After school, I moaned while tiredly sprawling on to the table.
"No, I didn't understand anything at all... why must it be so complicated...?"
Anyway, I became a soldier specialized in terminology, and had to investigate all sorts of vocabulary. However, it seemed like there wasn't any IS specific terminology, which in other words means that I haven't done anything constructive today.
Even though it's after school, the situation hasn't changed a single bit. As usual, the other students from different years and classes aren't approaching me, and are instead muttering things amongst themselves.
(Ku... spare me the agony...)
It was the same during afternoon break, and it could be said that I'm in a living hell. I went to the cafeteria, and all the girls were following behind me, and it's not like they're my honor guards. And when I went to the canteen, the situation was like Moses splitting the sea, and I ended up in a blank slate situation. Am I some mystical animal who only just arrived at Japan for the first time? Speaking of which, there seemed to be one species of Mexican Salamander that's commonly talked about (An amphibian axolotl). I couldn't even tell what kind of creature it was with just the name alone.
"Ah, Orimura-kun, you're still in the classroom? That's good."
"Is there something you needed?"
Being addressed, I lifted up my head. It's my vice homeroom teacher, Yamada-sensei, standing in front of me holding a book.
She's a teacher no matter how it looks, and as expected, my first impression of her is that she's short, even though she's basically at the height of an ordinary girl.
"Well, your dorm's ready."
Yamada-sensei said as she handed over a paper with the dorm number on it and a key.
That's right, the IS Academy is a boarding school, and the school requires all students to live on the campus. Most likely, this is to protect these IS pilots who have unlimited potential. Truly, these individuals are integral to the future defense of countries. Ever since this school started, there have been a few countries who have tried to tempt them, and this isn't uncommon at all.—Speaking of which, every country has been trying to lure over elite pilots.
"Wasn't my room still undecided on? I heard that it might take a week."
"That's the case, but special circumstances require special solutions; seems like you were forced to change rooms... Orimura-kun, have you heard anything from the government?"
