I spent the week gripped by a lingering sense of dread regarding the training Genya-san was going to hold over the weekend, while also alternating between relief and anxiety as our test results were returned. Fortunately, every member of our club managed to score above the average in every subject, ensuring that none of us would have our explorer activities restricted during the summer holidays due to poor academic performance.
...No restrictions.
"Morning."
"Yo, morning."
"The weekend's finally here, huh?"
"Yeah. It's here."
Upon arriving in the classroom, I exchanged light greetings with Yuji, who was already seated at his desk. Both mine and Yuji’s expressions were tinged with a certain sense of weary resignation.
"We're heading out right after school today, right?"
"Yeah. Just like last time, they’re sending someone to pick us up."
"Which means... Muroi-san is coming?"
"Probably."
It had been the same last time, and I was truly grateful for it. If I tried to get to Genya-san’s place on my own, I’d have to transfer between trains and buses, which would take a significant amount of time. Thanks to Muroi-san providing transportation, we had even been able to train after school on weekdays before.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
While Yuji and I were confirming the schedule, Hiiragi-san arrived and greeted us. However, her expression lacked the look of resignation that ours wore.
"Hiiragi-san, we’re planning to move out as soon as school ends. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes, that's fine. Although, if possible, I’d like to stop by my house once to drop off my things."
"Uh..."
I faltered at Hiiragi-san’s request and glanced toward Yuji. He replied in a light, casual tone, as if it were no trouble at all.
"It should be fine. The meeting time for the pickup is around 17:00, so I think you'll have enough time to head home first."
"That’s what he says."
"Thank you for letting me know. Then, after I go home and get my change of clothes and luggage ready, I’ll head over to your house, Hirose-kun."
With that, Hiiragi-san headed toward her seat. We had six periods today, so classes would end around 15:30... meaning we could leave school by 16:00. Since our luggage was already packed, an hour should be plenty of time to change clothes and travel.
I certainly didn't want to attempt a three-day, two-night survival training session in my school uniform.
During lunch break, I was eating in the club room and talking with Mika and the others as usual. My juniors began voicing their grievances with dissatisfied expressions.
"It's really a shame. We were so close to seeing someone from Goto-kun’s group fail a grade..."
"You're right. If one of them had failed, the teachers could have used their poor grades as a reason for disciplinary guidance..."
"If only the average scores had been a bit higher, they would have hit the failing grade line..."
"They survived by the skin of their teeth, only a single point above the mark..."
According to what I heard, someone from the Goto group had nearly failed a subject on the last test that was returned. Apparently, not only the person who almost failed but the entire Goto group had been pale-faced and trembling. The guy who almost missed the mark was likely being chewed out by the rest of his group afterward.
"When I heard them nearly scream as the tests were handed back, I wondered what was going on. I was secretly happy when I found out they were right on the borderline..."
"They let out a sigh of relief from the bottom of their hearts when they heard the threshold. It’s a pity, though."
They all looked genuinely disappointed that they had been just one step away from seeing their rivals fail. To have people celebrating your near-failure—I wondered just how much resentment those guys had managed to accrue. We had to make sure our own conduct didn't draw that kind of ire.
"Speaking of which, Onii-chan, is it today?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah."
After exhaling, Mika changed the subject to our plans to clear the stagnant atmosphere in the room.
"What kind of training do you do when you stay overnight?"
"Who knows? We haven't heard the details ourselves, so we don't know the exact schedule. But based on what I’ve overheard from Juzo-san, it’s probably vigilance training during a bivouac. Most likely."
"Vigilance training?"
Considering what Yuji was told when he reported on the camp we did last week—that we should have divided into three roles: raiding, guarding, and resting—I figured the training Genya-san would conduct would involve handling attacks while resting. However, knowing our previous sessions, it probably wouldn't be a normal exercise...
"Bivouac... Since they’ll be attacking us while we’re camping, it’s a drill to see how we handle intruders. Probably."
"In other words... you’re going to be attacked while you’re sleeping?"
"It sounds bad when you put it like that, but yeah, pretty much."
My face twitched at Mika’s question. Attacked while sleeping... Even Hiiragi-san, who had been listening with a nonchalant face until now, had her expression twitch slightly at Mika’s words. Scratching my head, I spoke to Mika.
"To dive into the deep floors of a dungeon, it’s inevitable that you'll have to stay overnight inside. We have to train on how to deal with monster attacks during breaks, or things will turn ugly fast. It's not like we can just go without sleep for days on end."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
The juniors, starting with Mika, looked solemn and convinced by my explanation. For Mika and Saori-chan especially, this was something they would eventually have to deal with if they continued as explorers. That said, Genya-san’s training would be overkill for them right now.
"So, we’ll be off to training until Sunday."
"Good luck."
"Yeah."
After talking about various other things, the warning bell rang to signal the end of lunch. We parted ways with Mika and the others and returned to our classroom.
Homeroom ended, and after school finally arrived. Our classmates scattered to their respective clubs or started their way home. Naturally, we did the same.
"Well then, I’m going home to drop off my things."
"Yeah. Don't forget the meeting time."
"17:00, right? I know. Once I’m ready, I’ll head to Hirose-kun’s house as quickly as possible."
"Please do. Even though the meeting is at 17:00, the pickup will probably arrive a little before then."
After confirming the meeting time at the school gate, we began moving toward our respective homes. Homeroom had run a bit long and it was already close to 16:00, so I had to hurry. I headed home at a light jog—which, for me, was about the speed of a bicycle.
"I'm home."
I arrived home in just over ten minutes. I rushed to my room, finished changing, and came down to the living room with my luggage. My mother was there, watching TV while drinking coffee.
"Oh? My, are you leaving already, Daiki?"
"Yeah. The meeting time is coming up. I’ll be back on Sunday."
"Be careful not to get hurt, okay?"
I wish she would say that to Genya-san instead of me.
"Yeah, sure. I’ll be careful. I'm off."
After saying goodbye to my mother, I hurried toward Yuji’s house with my luggage. It was already past 16:30, so I had to make haste. After jogging for about ten minutes, I reached the vicinity of Yuji’s house.
"Hm? That car is..."
I spotted a white van parked in front of Yuji’s house. I recognized it immediately. That was Muroi-san’s car. Checking my watch, it was 16:45.
"He's already here."
It was fifteen minutes before the appointment, but seeing as no one was in the vehicle, he must have arrived much earlier. Since Muroi-san was nowhere to be seen, he was likely inside paying his respects.
"I’d better hurry too."
I rang the intercom, and after receiving permission, I passed through the gate and headed toward the dojo. Inside, Juzo-san, Muroi-san, and Yuji—who was already fully prepared to leave—were chatting over tea.
"Sorry I'm late!"
"Hm? Oh, it’s the Kokonoe boy. Looks like you’re all prepared."
Juzo-san glanced at me as I entered the dojo and spoke up.
"It’s been a while, Kokonoe-kun."
"It's been a while, Muroi-san. Thank you for coming to pick us up today."
Muroi-san greeted me with a light nod, and I returned the gesture, offering my thanks.
"No, don't mention it."
Muroi-san replied with a gentle smile, telling me not to worry about it. I had thought this last time too, but even if it was on Genya-san’s orders, he was essentially being used as an errand boy to shuttle kids like us around. Yet, his demeanor showed absolutely no outward sign of dissatisfaction. It was the poised air of a seasoned adult.
"You're earlier than I expected."
"I just had to change and grab my gear. It didn't take much time."
After finishing my greetings, I sat in the empty spot next to Yuji. He had been silently listening to Juzo-san and Muroi-san’s conversation.
"What about Hiiragi-san?"
"Not yet. Based on the time, she’ll probably be here any minute."
Looking at the clock hanging on the dojo wall, it was past 16:50. Hiiragi-san should be arriving soon. Just as I was thinking that, a voice came from the dojo entrance.
"Sorry I'm late, it's Hiiragi."
"Speak of the devil."
"Indeed."
A moment later, Hiiragi-san stepped up into the dojo.
"Oh, it's been a while, Muroi-san."
"It's been a while, Hiiragi-san. I'm glad to see you're doing well."
After Muroi-san and Hiiragi-san exchanged brief greetings, Yuji and I stood up with our luggage.
"Muroi-san, since everyone's here, let's go."
"Ah, yes. You're right. Well then, Hirose-san, I'll take charge of your disciples."
"Umu. I’m counting on you, Muroi-kun. Give my regards to that fellow Genya."
"Yes, sir."
After saying his farewells to Juzo-san, Muroi-san led us out of the dojo. We loaded our luggage into the trunk and climbed into the van.
"We're in your care, Muroi-san."
I spoke to Muroi-san, who had been making a phone call while we were loading our gear.
"Right. Okay everyone, we're heading out, so please fasten your seatbelts."
"Yes!"
After confirming that everyone had buckled up, Muroi-san’s car pulled away.
We drove for about thirty minutes before arriving at the mountain owned by Genya-san—the same place where we had trained previously. Perhaps because a fair amount of time had passed, the mountain I had once run around until I was sick of it now felt somewhat nostalgic.
"Alright, we've arrived. Please unload your luggage and head toward the building. I gave them a call before we left, so they should be waiting for you."
"Oh, understood. Thank you for the ride."
After thanking Muroi-san as he began moving the car to the parking space, we headed toward the prefab building, following the path we already knew so well. When Yuji lightly knocked on the door, a man's voice answered from within.
"Excuse us."
"Oh, you've all arrived."
Inside the prefab hut, there were several people besides Genya-san. I didn't know their names, but they were the same ones who had helped us during our last session. It seemed they would be assisting with our training this time as well.
"Yes. It’s been a while, Genya-san. Thank you for agreeing to our sudden request."
"Thank you very much."
Yuji bowed and expressed his gratitude for the session, and Hiiragi-san and I followed suit.
"No, no, don't worry about it. We owe you a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay. As long as it isn't something utterly reckless, we’re happy to cooperate anytime."
"Ah, uh... thank you... very much?"
Between the previous training and the matter of the high-grade recovery potion we had provided for Ririka-san’s injury, it seemed we had become much greater benefactors to the Fujiki family than we realized. To the point where we, the ones who provided the help, felt almost apologetic.
"More importantly, have a cup of tea first. There are several things I need to explain to you before we begin."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
We sat in the available seats as prompted by Genya-san and accepted the tea. Then, Genya-san began explaining the scope of the training.
"Now then, shall we begin the explanation of the training content?"
"Please."
"The purpose of this training is to hone your sense of vigilance during a bivouac. Humans are fragile when they are attacked during times when they let their guard down, such as during meals or sleep. Through this session, I want you to acquire the strength to at least provide a minimum level of response, even when your focus and attention are scattered. Are we clear so far?"
"Yes."
We nodded in unison.
"Consequently, this training will consist of you all setting up a bivouac in the mountains while we launch irregular attacks against you."
"……"
Hearing Genya-san’s explanation, I thought, Just as I expected. It was exactly what I had imagined. However...
"However, there is one problem with this training."
"A problem?"
"Indeed. When performing this kind of training, it is usually necessary to have the subjects utterly exhausted from other drills beforehand. This is because the effect is diminished if you receive an attack while your stamina, focus, and attention are at their peak."
"I... I see..."
"Therefore, for this session, I will have to employ a little trick on you all."
With that, Genya-san instructed one of his staff to bring something out. At that moment, I was strangely unsettled by the fact that everyone in the room besides Genya-san was looking at us with profound pity.
……Hey? What exactly are you going to do to us?