The Returners Promotion Battle (1) Translator: Notalk

Rewrite: Monkixote

But nothing happened. The barbarian felt no resistance as the glaive completed its sweeping downwards arc. The only thing he had struck was air.

Gruuh? The barbarian stared quizzically at Pram. He hadnt cut so much as a single hair on his head. A glint of silver was now jutting out from the wooden wall behind Pram. Something sharp with the silhouette of a crescent curve. The barbarian snapped his neck down to look at the glaive in his hands. Except, it wasnt a glaive anymorethe blade was cut clean off. He was left with a wooden rod.

Pram raised his rapier. Shall we go again?

The barbarian flung the wooden handle aside and closed the distance with a swing of his fist. In an instant, his knuckles were close enough to obscure Prams entire head from view. Pram wove to the side, letting the punch rocket past him like a battering ram, and seamlessly vaulted into the air with a backflip. With all the grace of a seasoned acrobat, he landed behind the bewildered giant, and followed up with a swing of his rapier.[1]

The giant spun around and raised an arm to block the blow with his gauntlet, but Prams rapier drew a perfect arc around his guard, and thrust into the pit of his stomach. The now hapless giant tried to retreat, but Pram was faster. The rapier plunged into the barbarians solar plexus. Tough as his body may have been, it was a decisive blow to a vulnerable weak point. The giants body quavered, his legs gave out from under him, and he collapsed into a crumpled heap.

Desir nodded silently, as if confirming something hed already known. Looks like its over.

Nonsense, screeched Ujukun. That door is made of Kichlean steel. Theres only one person here who can open it, and Im pretty sure hes in no condition to do so. Kichlean steel was famed for its unyielding tensile strength. It was also proportionately heavy. A door of this size would likely require the strained efforts of half a dozen men to even budge. Which means youre stuck here until my guards arrive, cackled Ujukun.

Oh, I dont know about that.The Blanchume rapier streaked through the air, making short work of the doors hinges. The door flattened with a thunderous crash. Apparently, even Kichlean steel was no match for Blanchume. As the pair made their exit, Desir turned to the dazed Ujukun. Looks like its definitely over now, doesnt it?

Theyd only been running for a few minutes but Desir was already out of breath.

Alright, I think weve lost them. I really need to exercise some more. I cant believe Im this weak Desir muttered between stilted breaths. Though, his lack of breath did little to damper is cheerful voice. Good thing we got the sword back, right?

While nodding, Pram moved his hand to the rapier at his waist without even realizing it. The pale rapier glittered like starlight, or even moonlight. He pulled out the sword, and couldnt feel the slightest weight. A truly incredible feeling.

So youve decided to use the rapier? Desir said, recalling how Pram had fought with the rapier a few minutes before.

Hed held the rapier, and subdued the barbarian giant with overwhelming skill. The fact that Pram had took up the rapier again was especially meaningful to Desir.

The situation was too urgent so I had no choice, but Pram was still hesitating. He eventually let out a sigh. Why would my father hide something like this in that old, worn-down Kemubin?

That was the cause of this entire ridiculous incident. If hed made it obvious from the start that it was in fact a Kemubin, Pram would never have had any reason to resent his father.

Your father made a wise choice, Pram.

Pram raised his head at Desirs words.

A Blanchume sword is an incredible thing. Imagine if word got out that you owned it. Over a hundred people just like Ujukun would have come to hound you, explained Desir.

But there was still a chance I would never have found out, said Pram.

He left it behind because he thought youd figure it out eventually, said Desir assuredly. Prams father always believed that Pram would realize, as long as he kept carrying the rapier around.

How can you be so sure? asked Pram.

Desir grabbed the rapier, and pointed at the grip. Pram looked at it. On the Kemubin that had the shape of an old, worn sword, there were written some unreadable words. The reason they were unreadable was because they were incomplete. When the Blanchume was revealed and the rapier showed its true form, the words on the grip took shape. It looked like there was a hidden mechanism on the grip as well as the blade.

Pram read the words slowly.

Do not lose your way, my little bird.

The Alpha Classs private restaurant was on a high floor, the view overlooking Hebrion Academy. A cold breeze blew in from the open window. A colorless night view lay outside. The stars shone solemnly in the deep dark.

Romantica shuddered in the cold.

Heres your order, madam, said the waiter.

The lights glittered yellow and the waiters moved between the tables like birds flying in and out of their nests. The menu was seafooda salt-grilled fish and a crab gratin were laid in front of Romantica, and she thanked the waiter with a smile.

The Alpha Class meals are so much better, right? said Doneta Hadun, seated across from her.

She hadnt known that hed arrived. She guessed hed come while she was looking out the window. There was nothing strange about the fact that he was there. In fact, what was strange was the fact thatshewas here. Without the man sitting across from her, she could never have even set foot in this place.

At long last. Ive wanted to see you all this time, said Doneta warmly.

I see, responded Romantica curtly. Romantica waited for Donetas food to come out. A moment later, Donetas food was laid in front of him, and they both raised their forks. The grilled fish tasted good, and the gratin was slightly greasy, but its flavor was exquisite. The two of them didnt say anything for a while, savoring the food.

So, what did you want to talk about? asked Doneta.

There was no reason to hesitate. Romantica placed a wooden dagger on the table. It was decorated with all sorts of ornaments. Romantica explained herself, I came to return this.

Doneta pushed up his glasses and looked at the Kemubin as if it were his first time seeing it. Romantica pushed the Kemubin toward him. Doneta showed no reaction for a moment. No rage, no annoyance. He merely collected his breath, and pondered why he had gotten rejected. Only a third-rate noble would show his emotions on his face. I thought there was no reason for you to refuse-

You thought. Romantica looked at Doneta with her wind-touched green eyes.

Donetas heart started racing as he looked back at her gaze. If youre perhaps uncomfortable with dating me, you dont have to worry about that.

I did hesitate for that reason at the beginning. But its not because of that, said Romantica.

You mean theres another reason? asked Doneta.

Romantica nodded. I joined a nameless party in the Beta Class.

Beta Class Doneta looked at her with disbelief. He mumbled to himself, as though he couldnt even understand what he had just heard. Beta Class, you say

Yes. A commoners party. The people you regard as trash, said Romantica.

Doneta slammed his fork on the table. Everything had grown cold. The air blowing in from the window, the soup on the table, the atmosphere between them. I dont understand. Did you get blackmailed?

Maybe Romantica shook her head. No, this was my decision.

Then you werent thinking rationally, said Doneta. He opened the Kemubin. A golden necklace slid out into Donetas palm like a snake.

I dont have any regrets, said Romantica. She stared at Doneta with renewed vigor.

Dont be hasty. Theres still time, smiled Doneta.

Romantica took a deep breath. Im not taking back my decision. Donetas lips were upturned, but he wasnt smiling. Romantica did the same. I honestly think I made the right choice. I didnt want to join that party at first, but I changed my mind as time went on. This party is fun. The leader trains us diligently. My skills are improving quickly thanks to him. With each word, Romantica became more sure that she made the correct choice.

If its improving your skills, our party can do that as well, refuted Doneta.

Of course, thats only one of the reasons. Doneta, do you remember how you told me the Beta Class were all worthless commoners, nothing but trash? asked Romantica.

Doneta paused. I dont see why youre bringing that up.

The reason, explained Romantica. She breathed in deeply filled up her lungs. Glittering red snake eyes stared back at her. She breathed out, and said the words that sealed her fate. is that Im a commoner.

Doneta slammed his fork down into the table. A sharp clang slammed into Donetas eardrums. All of the concern and affection washed off of his face. A slight look of scorn could be seen on his face. Romantica could no longer find the slightest affection in his eyes.

Hm. He let out a slight cough. In a split second, he regained his poker face after realizing his mistake, but it was too late. His feelings toward commoners was close to physical repulsion, and he couldnt contain it immediately. Just as somebody wouldnt need a reason to hate cockroaches, he didnt need a reason to hate commoners. A look of panic showed on his facehe looked desperate. Thats a lie.

Your reason for thinking that? asked Romantica.

If you were truly a commoner, you would have kept your mouth shut and joined my party. That would be the only way a commoner like you could have entered the Alpha Class, explained Doneta.

Thats right, Romantica admitted it. But when they found out I was a commoner, at least they didnt look at me like you. Doneta was rightif she joined the Blue Moon Party, she would have an easy time entering the Alpha Class. In contrast, Desir instead invited her to his party even though he knew she was a commoner. There was no discrimination. She didnt have to lie, or fear that she would be outed for being a commoner.

I see. Doneta opened his mouth. Of course. Youre all the same trash, after all. His bitter tone was reflected in his demeanor.

Trash youve got that right, said Romantica. Her voice carried the same bitterness as Donetas, as she answered him, her voice filled with remorse. Nobles will always hate commoners. They hate and despise them as if theyre biological enemies. I know very well why you nobles cant stand commoners.

Its the same reason Hebrion Academy is an aristocracy instead of a meritocracythe same reason why Alpha and Beta arent divided based on rank, but status. The reason is that you nobles are afraid of the birth of a new Republic.

Watch your mouth. Doneta whispered back immediately. His eyes shifted side to side and he looked around to make sure nobody was paying attention.

Romantica ignored him and laid the final nail in the coffin. Times have changed. The Shadow Worlds have toppled the balance. Anyone strong enough can acquire magic crystals. Youre all living in a castle of sand and its crumbling.

Her voice now reinvigorated, Romantica said, You live in constant fear, not knowing when everything will collapse.

Translator Notes:

[1] Omae wa mou shindeiru.