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Upon arriving at the cla.s.sroom, a familiar figure was already seated in the adjacent desk. Though it seemed she had arrived just in time yesterday, perhaps she hadnt prepared adequately, or maybe it was simply because she was reflecting on what happened yesterday. Recalling it now, back in the academy days, Aina was the type to arrive early and review ahead of time As Soma pondered this, it seemed Aina had noticed him as well.

As he got close enough to hear her, she greeted him first.

Good morning. You seem to come right on time. (Aina)

Good morning. Well, its probably just out of habit. I know if I leave home around this time, Ill make it in time. (Soma)

Good morning. Indeed, at first we used to come early too, but somehow its become this time now. (Felicia)

Yeah. Itll probably take me a while longer to get to that point. Im not even sure Ill get there. Oh, by the way, Soma, are you free during lunch break today? (Aina)

Hmm? Well, I am free, yes (Soma)

Great. Could I have a bit of your time? I have something to discuss. (Aina)

Understood. (Soma)

Soma nodded and wondered what she wanted to talk about, but logically, it would probably be related to yesterday. She did say she had something to talk about yesterday too. Still, he didnt think it was something youd typically discuss at school but he would find out during lunch break. Thinking about that, he headed to his seat and sat down. Felicia, who was sitting in the front row, turned towards him with a slightly puzzled expression.

Hmm, is something the matter? (Soma)

No Aina-sans att.i.tude, or rather her reaction, seems different from yesterday. (Felicia)

Is that so? Well, maybe shes had time to calm down after a day. (Soma)

Giving a casual response, Felicia tilted her head, but seeing no reb.u.t.tal from Aina, she seemed somewhat unsatisfied yet reluctantly accepted it. Well, since he couldnt talk about what happened yesterday, he would just have to convince her to accept it. While thinking about that, the bell rang. The preliminary bell had already rung, so this was the main bell, and Camilla appeared immediately.

And thus began a scene of nothing out of the ordinary. After brief morning announcements, unlike yesterday, homeroom ended quickly, leaving behind a mixed atmosphere. It wasnt overly noisy. The only slight commotion was from the adjacent seat, which would fade away once first period started.

After that, it was like a repeat of yesterday. The cla.s.s content was different, and there wasnt too much noise from the neighboring cla.s.s, but that was the only difference. Soma had so many things to think about yesterday that he didnt think about it, butit was a nostalgic experience he hadnt felt in a long time.

Indeed, this is certainly peaceful. For some people, this may even seem boring. But perhaps that is what peace is all about.

Soma had so many things to think about yesterday that he didnt think about it, butit was a nostalgic experience he hadnt felt in a long time. He didnt miss that time, and he had no complaints or regrets about his life now. However, he was grateful. He felt as if he had long since forgotten what it was like to have peaceful days where he could truly relax without feeling tense.

Of course, it wasnt that this current life was completely uncomfortable or that he couldnt feel at peace, but there had never been a time when he could feel this way. Or perhaps it would never come again, but that was all Somas wish. That was why he was grateful that it reminded him of such a peaceful scene. This scene was surely one of Somas earliest memories.

Well then I dont like to unilaterally incur debts, after all. Ill do my best to repay my debts properly. (Soma)

What? Did you say something? (Aina)

Its nothing. So, where are we heading? (Soma)

Without any incidents, cla.s.s and break time pa.s.sed, and soon it was lunch break. Following the mornings instructions, Soma was brought along by Aina supposedly to have a talk. Her confident steps suggested there was a definite destination in mind. Despite having transferred just yesterday, it seemed things had been researched in advance.

Dont worry, Im not planning to take you somewhere strange. (Aina)

That sounds more like something I would say. (Soma)

Seemingly, there was no intention to tell him anything. Well, he wasnt particularly concerned about being taken to a strange place from the start, but he was wandering where was he really going?

After descending to the second floor, Aina continued down the hallway without going back to the first floor. Apart from cla.s.srooms for the first years, there were staff rooms as well, but it wasnt likely they were going there. As expected, Aina began walking in the opposite direction of the staff room. However, it didnt seem like she had any particular cla.s.sroom in mind. She opened a door at the end of the corridor, and stepping outside, they found a concrete hallway continuing on.

Hmm I see, so were heading to the special building? (Soma)

Thats right. (Aina)

The special building housed places like music rooms, art studios, and chemistry labs. It wasnt often visited except for cla.s.ses and club activities, yet Ainas steps showed no hesitation upon arrival. They continued up to the top floor, where Soma blinked in surprise upon seeing a familiar face. It was Sheila.

Youre already here. (Aina)

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Well, given the location of my cla.s.sroom, it makes sense Id arrive first. (Sheila)

Thats true. (Aina)

Hmm Were you called here by Aina as well? (Soma)

Sheela shook her head. Apparently, that wasnt the case.

I was called here separately by the same person who called you and Aina. (Sheila)

I see So Aina was just guiding us here. (Soma)

Exactly. I didnt have anything specific to discuss with you. It was a bit complicated, so I didnt explain earlier. (Aina)

Hmm So, the person who called us is in this room? (Soma)

His gaze fell upon a nameplate on the door indicating the rooms purpose. It read Directors Office. However, Soma tilted his head in confusion. Hed heard that no one had ever seen the director. Given how maintaining this world would take all their effort, it made sense that the director wouldnt have the time to appear publicly. In that context, it seemed improbable that Satya could summon them for a meeting.

As he pondered this, Aina knocked on the door. Without waiting for a response, she opened it and walked inside. Sheila followed, and after a brief hesitation, Soma joined them. The room that greeted them was one that Soma found quite fitting for the occasion. It was furnished with high-quality furniture and sofas, reminiscent of something he might have seen in a brochure or perhaps constructed from a place buried in his memories.

Regardless, what was certain was that this was Somas first time entering the directors office. Despite this, the person inside was someone he recognized.

Its our first time speaking like this, isnt it? Ideally, the director should be the one meeting you, but Im afraid the director is busy. Ill be speaking on their behalf. Do you need an introduction? (??)

No, I know who you are. (Soma)

Thats good to hear. Though I hold the t.i.tle of princ.i.p.al, you dont need to concern yourself with that right now. I invited you here, after all. (??)

The woman was Eleonora. If Satya was unable to act, it made sense that Eleonora would be next in line. This prompted Soma to recall something Eleonora had mentioned to him.

Hadnt she said something about being completely taken over? Maybe that wasnt the case, or perhaps there was another reason for her being here. Soma decided to set aside his questions for the moment. The current situation demanded more immediate attention.

So, what exactly is going on here? I havent been told anything. (Soma)

Well, to put it simply, this is a confirmation meeting. After reporting yesterdays events, I was asked to verify things directly. (Aina)

Eleonora is a senior member of the organization I used to belong to. (Sheila)

I still consider Sheila a member. (Eleonora)

As she said that, Eleonora gave a wry smile. Soma nodded in understanding while watching Eleonoras expression. The connection made sense, and it wasnt surprising. If this was the case, it was possible that other acquaintances were involved similarly. However, for now, there were other things to focus on.

So, what exactly do you want to verify? (Soma)

Well, I believe seeing it firsthand is the best approach. Sheila, you have it with you, dont you? (Eleonora)

Sheela nodded and produced a sword from seemingly nowhere and handed it to Soma. He understood immediately. They wanted to see his power. However, he was aware that demonstrating his strength here would likely destroy the expensive-looking furnis.h.i.+ngs around them. But since this wasnt the real world, there wasnt much need to worry about that. He took the sword from Sheila. Feeling the surge of power, he turned to Eleonora.

So, should I just destroy something around here? (Soma)

No, absolutely not! Everything here looks incredibly valuable! (Elenora)

I understand that, but its not like we can have a real fight here, can we? Swinging it around aimlessly would look ridiculous. (Soma)

Would you like to spar with me? (Sheila)

No, thats not necessary. I consider myself fairly skilled, so just observing you is enough. I see now that it was true. Thank you, and I apologize for doubting you. (Eleonora)

No, I dont really mind. (Soma)

Even I wouldnt have believed it without seeing it for myself. (Aina)

Indeed, its only natural. (Sheila)

Returning the sword to Sheela, Soma tilted his head in curiosity. He understood they wanted to verify his power, but he wondered why it was necessary.

You look puzzled Well, its because I told them that you might be the one weve been searching for. (Aina)

What do you mean? (Soma)

Youve heard about the Ones who resist havent you? They have several distinctive traits. As their power grows, their existence becomes more established, making them increasingly difficult to defeat. To put it simply, they become harder to kill. (Eleonora)

Even if their existence is becoming established? (Soma)

Their existence is becoming more established, but it hasnt fully solidified yet. However, thats precisely the problem. Because their existence is ambiguous, any attempt to defeat them with external force results in a backlash that reinforces their establishment. Thus, various procedures are usually necessary to defeat them. (Eleonora)

But you defeated them effortlessly. Thats why I suggested that you might be able to defeat the worst of the Ones who resist that Felicia could unleash. (Aina)

Its a possibility, but I wont let that happen. (Sheila)

So, since theres nothing we can do about it, theres nothing we can do about it! Are you obsessed with Felicia and planning to destroy the world?! (Aina)

Soma glanced at Eleonora, who merely smiled wryly. It seemed she was content to let the argument ran its course. Soma decided to ask something that had been on his mind.

Hmm I have a question. If I can defeat even the worst of them, wouldnt it be enough for me to continue defeating the Unyielding Ones? Didnt Sheila do the same? (Soma)

Unfortunately, its not that simple. Felicias body wont hold out that long. (Eleonora)

Wont hold out? I wasnt aware Felicia had any physical weakness. (Soma)

Indeed, she doesnt seem weak. However, our observations suggest that when the ones who resist manifest, they drain Felicias life force, (Eleonora)

Hmm. I suppose its logical that manifesting something that shouldnt exist would require a significant cost. (Soma)

Precisely. And because its such a fundamental drain, there are no visible changes or sensations to indicate its happening. By the time any changes become apparent, it will be too late. Moreover, when that time comes, countless Unyielding Ones will appear and spread simultaneously. Felicia is both the source of their manifestation and the lid containing them. Her limits are nearing, and the time left is short. (Eleonora)

In other words, the inevitable moment isnt far off. (Aina)

It hasnt been decided yet. (Sheila)

Both girls, who had stopped arguing, wore similar expressions but both of their expressions were the same. Soma watched them, then sighed deeply.

Indeed. However it may be presumptuous, but please be prepared. (Eleonora)

Soma hadnt agreed to anything yet, but he couldnt find it in himself to respond to Eleonoras bowed head. He sighed again.

As they left the directors office and returned to the cla.s.sroom, a heavy atmosphere hung over them. Felicia, who saw Soma and the others, tilted her head quizzically. It made sense. Soma had left with Aina saying there was something to discuss and now returned with Sheila. Felicias puzzled expression confirmed she was unaware of what had transpired. Aina had separated from them halfway, perhaps unable to face Felicia directly. But Soma couldnt avoid it, and he sighed a third time, wondering what to do next.

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