by Torako
That’s a very complementary answer. If she goes that far to admit it, then I get the feeling I shouldn’t change it.
“At least… at least let me change what I’m saying!”
“Then use ‘Hehe… I am the devil king Yuuta. From here on, feel the power of the abyss!’”
“That’s just as bad for me. At least let me use silent mode!” It was impossible for me to get the upper hand in this conversation. She was just one step ahead of me. I guess the power of the abyss isn’t too far off from what I already have.
“The principle behind silent mode is manners. You were already using normal volume.”
“I don’t know why I can’t use silent mode, but let me prevent others from hearing that ringtone. Well, besides that, I haven’t gotten a text from you. Is everything alright?”
“Text disaster.” She said that short reply in somewhat of a lonely tone.
Actually, I felt that way somewhat. But I don’t want to become sadder.
“Registration confirmed. New address completed! Thank you Yuuta.”
“I’d say the new portion gives me an uncomfortable feeling. Well, um… that was fast. Alright, send me your info now.”
“Wait a second. I want to experiment. Let us see how far these infrared rays will go. It will be of use later.”
After suddenly saying that, Rikka immediately got up and went to the corner of the classroom.
“You too Yuuta. Move in the opposite direction.”
“Ah, alright.” I moved to where the cleaning utensils were kept, just as she instructed, and reluctantly stood. Rikka picked up her cell phone and pointed it diagonally towards me. I don’t really get why we have to be in these locations. Since she was standing in the doorway, it’s probably the biggest distance possible.
“Then next is my turn to send it.”
“Okay.”
Ah! It finally came. Up until now we were close together, but I didn’t know how far infrared rays could extend. I was perfectly able to see her information on my screen.
“It was successful, correct? Huh? Trouble Yuuta! The demon world is summoning me! I must go!”
After saying that, Rikka rushed out of the classroom at lightning speed.
“Hey, wait, WAIT!” By the time I could reach the doorway, I couldn’t see her figure.
I see now. I completely fell for a trap. A rather clever one. Put each of us in the best position for you to escape and head out. I overlooked it. She really didn’t want to study even after we were bound, huh? Well, that is that and this is this. My willingness to study just went up. She’s definitely going to be instructed how to study by me. The blood of a teacher papa flowed in me.
But she left without signs of returning for now. Seriously, where could she go?
“We just exchanged numbers, didn’t we? I’ll just give her a call and… let’s see if she’ll come back…”
Gotta give it a try. I slide open my phone and looked through the “ta”s in my address book. Let’s see, Takanashi… is nowhere to be found. Didn’t I register Rikka Takanashi in my contacts not too long ago?
“Why are you not in here?!” Unintentionally I retorted back to my cell phone. I’m certainly glad no one else was there or else I’d be super embarrassed. They’d think I’d talk back to my phone all the time.
Alright, let’s look in the “ta” section again. Not there. Maybe it was changed when we were trying to change the address. I looked throughout the phone as best as I could, but I couldn’t find it. If it’s not in there, I can’t call her.
Unfortunately, it was not registered in my book. Just a little while ago I put all the guys in the class in there. Maybe I could find something “Rikka-ish” in there.
In the “other” category, she was registered as †User of the Devilish Truth Stare, Rikka Takanashi †.
Definitely a chuunibyou. Well, now that I have her name, I can give her a call.
Three rings later and she picked up.
“It is I.”
You answered quickly.
“Hey, where are you? Get back here!”
“I will be in the demon world shortly…”
“Then, tomorrow you’ll have to do twice the amount of problems we were supposed to do today.”
“Ah, oh.”
I heard the classroom door open. Of course, it sounded because Rikka opened it. …The demon world is rather close.
Ah… I couldn’t help but give a big sigh at this. I’ll need all the patience I can get while teaching her to study. Ten days until the re-test. Our short after school study time has begun.
“Yuuta! It’s another me!”
This isn’t going to be easy…
Chapter 4: Shinka Nibutani
The next day we held our after school study time like we had done the day before. It was only our second day, but I was already planning to hold one every day until her re-test. If you ask, I’m feeling pretty confident she’ll be ready to take it then.
Since we had already covered the absolute basics the previous day, Rikka was able to recite various formulas and such from memory. Excuse me for saying this; if she wasn’t able to do that, then there was no way for her to do well in a test. So we quickly put her memory to good use. After all, we didn’t have the luxury of having many of these lessons prior to her test.
Last night, I was thinking about Rikka and made a set of questions for her to solve today in order for her to review the material. “Alright, let’s see if you can solve my problems today!”
“Leave it to me.” She quickly began solving problems. Quite a shift from how she was yesterday.
While I was thinking about how her motivation had changed, I saw that she wasn’t writing down any formulas. Come on now, you gotta solve these step-by-step.
“Um… you know you can use this formula here….”
“Oh! You’re a genius Yuuta.”
“Sorry, but I don’t think so.”
“Then you’re a sugar beet.[2]”
“Sorry, but again I don’t think so. Those are served in Hokkaido. Don’t mix them up with me.”
You know, when we’re talking like that, she seems just like a normal girl. Granted, she’s probably a bit weird and somewhat of a fool, but I’ve had fun talking with her over the past two days. Maybe it would’ve been nice to get to know her sooner.
Of course, as soon as I say that, she has to pull out some half-hearted made-up thing.
“Incidentally, Yuuta, you have yet to give me a detailed report on the Devilish Truth Stare.”
“Huh? Report? Explaining it?”
“That would be fine. One that details the contracting abilities of this Devilish Truth Stare should be sufficient. You are the only one who has seen that power. However, since using said power, my body has felt completely exhausted. I will still attempt to invoke one ability though. This ability will increase my knowledge points, giving that stat a higher level.”
Another long made-up story, huh? Yesterday, while we were going over the basics, she had to recite another one in order to get serious about studying. I don’t really mind it, but they’re a bit childish. Would it be too difficult to not say them before going to work ? I don’t think you’ve got to be like an organic lifeform.. Oh well, she’s kind of cute when she’s acting like that. The old me would think so as well. In fact, he’d be deeply moved.
“Alright, let’s try it!”
As I said that, I didn’t know that I was falling into her trap. As soon as Rikka said “Oh,” she began removing her eyepatch and revealing her eye.
“Permission acquired to activate ability. Initiate secondary mode: Intelligence Device On.”
As soon as she finished speaking her golden eye awakened. Ignoring that, she had to use another complicated phase, didn’t she? I remember hearing that word somewhere. Oh yeah, she used some English phrases yesterday. Guess that would be her English power. I want to hear her go on and on for a while.
“Initiated. Connected to server. Connection is
stable. The Devilish Truth Stare will respond to our questions. The chains that bound the numerical formulas have been released. There will no restrictions on the power we authorize here. Contractor’s name: ‘Yuuta.’ Rely on his resolution to die. Completed. –Devilish Truth Stare Squadron”
My breathing increased as this long spiel went on. This time Rikka was incredibly lively. I was having fun watching her recite this somewhat-magical incantation. It was the second time I had this much fun with her. Though, me die? I’m not sure about me dying… That part really spoiled my fun.
“So are you finished?”
“My numerical abilities have rapidly risen. The intelligence stat has exponentially expanded. However… my body has become weakened.”
“Huh?”
As Rikka finished saying her sentence, she fell limp onto the desk. Lazy bum! If you’re going to use that much energy, use it for studying! Damn it, I didn’t see this coming. I was having too much fun watching her communication with the chuuni world that I ignored this happening. Counting yesterday’s spiel, this makes twice she’s pulled a stunt.
“Oi! Let’s go!”
“Yuuta…you must finish what I started…”
“This is your studying!”
“Promise me you’ll continue when I pass on…” Rikka then passed away…Not really. Hmm, let’s just call this “self-restoration mode” and take a break.
Thinking about what she said, does she really want to kill me? I can’t think of anything I’ve done that would make her want to curse me.
“Hey… Oh well, we have had some hot weather lately, huh?”
During our break I was using a desk mat as a fan to cool myself off. Looking outside, I could see the baseball team eagerly practicing and yelling in that heat. While I was looking at them, I set my eye on one girl. Though she’s a bit small, she was eagerly giving out water and taking down notes for the team. Was she a manager for the team? Suddenly I was reminded of that rumor about the masked girl.
“Hey Rikka, did you hear about a masked girl?”
“Masked girl?”
Rikka raised her head from her desk and gave a puzzled look to me. Hmm? It wasn’t you?
“Well, this is just a rumor. You know, like that one about how this world is really the afterlife. Someone dressed like that talked back to a teacher at some time. Had you not heard about it?”
“This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing. So this world is the afterlife? How could that be?”
Of course her interest would move to a different topic. I don’t know how it got there, but going on about that muddled our conversation. But this means… it wasn’t Rikka…. Nonono, don’t think about it. We don’t have time to think about it.
“Alright, let’s get back to studying!”
“My body is still in recovery mode.”
“…….” My training papa blood ached. Time to use the last resort!
“You won’t get any gum…” Now would she be eager to work?
Upon hearing that one word, her limp body suddenly rose up. Looks like this artificial sweetener had an immediate effect for her motivation. She seems to like this kind of candy.
After that, she worked hard to solve problems one-by-one. For each one she got right, I would hand over another piece until my 30-odd pieces were all snatched away. Oh well, it’s a small price to pay for happiness.
We had gone until the final bell of the day, so it was getting pretty late. Our houses were in the opposite directions from the school. That means we couldn’t walk home together unfortunately. Knowing Rikka, she’d probably continue talking about things she made up, but I think I’d have fun walking home with her. Maybe it’ll happen one day.
Yesterday she simply said “Later” before leaving the classroom. But today was different.
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
“Oh, see you tomorrow!” Were we starting to get along? I had a really good feeling about this. Looks like I better stock up on some gum for tomorrow.
◆◆◆
As Rikka had already left before me, I was in no rush to head out. It was already past the final bell to leave, and I was the only one left in any classroom since the others were already locked.
……This dim building is really scary. There’s no “school”ish atmosphere when you can barely see around you. It’s like one of those ghost stories I saw when I was younger. Memories of those scary videos were in my head as I went downstairs to the shoe lockers, changed my shoes, and left the building.
Heading home by myself brought a surprisingly lonely feeling. Usually I head home with Isshiki, but it’s just been me for two days straight. This lonesome feeling reminded me of how I used to return home by myself during middle school. While these strange thoughts went around my head, I reached the school gate.
“Oh, Togashi-kun, why are you here so late? Did you join a club?”
That somewhat scattered voice belonged to my rougher-than-usual class rep, Nibutani, who was wearing a t-shirt and track pants. It looked like she might be waiting for someone as she played with her bangs and cell phone.
I said with a little bit of wavering, “Not really. I haven’t joined a club…” I shouldn’t say anything about spending study time with Rikka. Not that I have a guilty conscience; I just don’t want to have to hear a “Why are you doing that?” reply from her.
So... let’s change the subject! “What are you doing here Nibutani? Have your club activities ended?”
“Yeah, the dance club just parted.”
“Dance club, huh? It’s a bit of a surprise that you joined them. With how tall you are, I would have thought you’d be on the basketball team.”
“Everyone says that…. Well, I was on my school’s team during middle school. Hey, did you know how good our school’s dance club was?”
After saying that, Nibutani did a splendid revolution and ended in a cool pose. Oh, oh! It was such a pretty turn that I couldn’t help but clap. But our dance club is pretty good huh? Maybe I should ask her about it.
“How good would you say the club is? Do you go to competitions?”
“Ah, I thought you’d say something like that. You haven’t seen a dance tournament? I suppose saying it’s something like one of the figure skating tournaments would do.”
Oh, where judges award points based on execution. I get it.
“I see now. So you joined because our dance club has won so many tournaments.”
“You got it. That and our club activities are pretty fun too. Dancing is so much fun! Now, since I showed you my moves, you got to show me yours. Go on!”
“You want to see my bad skills?!”
There’s no way I could do anything like dancing while she’s got that sadistic smile. What kind of dance does she expect me to pull off? I’m not sure I could do anything besides the kitakita dance.[3]
“Then would spinning around once be a reasonable request?”
“Not happening!”
Upon hearing my denial, Nibutani began cackling. She’s certainly enjoying her free time. It’s so irritating.
“But it’s rare to see you leaving the school at this time. What’s going on?”
Damn it, we’ve come back to that. Please don’t let me regret what I’m about to say.
“I was studying in the library.”
“Oh, you’re a very studious person? That’s a bit surprising. Oh yeah, what did you get on that math test?”
Of cour… I completely forgot about our conversation yesterday… I told her I was worried about my grade on the test before we got them back…With a reluctant smile I forced a reply.
“Well, I got an 85 by luck.”
It’s only a little drop from what I actually got, but that lie was still enough to give me a guilty conscious.
I sullenly replied, “Look, it just kinda happened like that.” I couldn’t tell her the truth after all.
“Seriously? Thrice my score?”
Thrice… let’s see, that’d be around a 30.
Definitely failing… And what happened to my delusion she was a smart class rep?! Is this alright?!
I began to wonder if it’s alright for our class to have this failure as a rep. Well, one failing grade doesn’t mean she’s horrible at every subject. She is very popular too. I began to reassume my support of Nibutani as the class rep.
What should I say in this situation? Would something consoling be alright?
“…I’m sure everyone has a subject they’re bad at. Don’t let it get you down, okay?”
“What? Aren’t you going to help me study too?”
Huh? What was that? ‘Help me study too?’
“Well, you’re helping Takanashi-san study right? So won’t you help me too?”
Her whole face went into a huge smile.
“……” I was silent. Does this mean…she knew what was happening from the beginning? That’s right, Rikka passed by here earlier since she left before I did. But why would Nibutani attack like that against me? Is she a total sadist?
“Can I….? Well, I’ve already got my hands full with Rikka.”
“Oh? You’re on a first name basis with Takanashi-san?”
“!?”
Crap! Rikka’s brainwashing took hold and I called her by her first name. In just one word I made a huge mistake. How can I fix this?!
“What kind of relationship do you guys have?”
Wow, straight to the point… She saw a wounded animal and went for the kill. That sadistic smile is still staring back at me. I’ve got a hunch at what to do next. I won’t let her get one over on me. I feel like a rat looking into her snake-like eyes. That’s the kind of atmosphere that I can sense right now. With how much time has gone by, I have to go into full self-defense mode. All syste… let’s run away.
“We… well, that’s not a problem. Look, don’t you call your friends by their first names?”
“Aren’t we friends?”
This time she’s definitely eyeing me. Wait, are we friends…. We’ve talked a lot in the past couple of days, does that make us friends? If you talk once, you might be friends. If you talk everyday, you’re siblings.
“Well, we are friends but… calling you ‘Nibutani’ just feels so right. That’s just an impression I have. You give off that ‘Nibutani’ feeling to me.”