All of a sudden, Utsumi and I went all silent. I didn't think it was so horrible. The way she narrated it sent chills down my spine. I simply assumed that she didn't like the idea of re-establishing this cursed club after so many years. In reality, she was fully involved that night, desperate to survive. Trying her best to calm down, she said, "At least you can now understand as to why I was reluctant about all of this."

"We're deeply sorry for your loss. We truly are," Utsumi responded. "But my father isn't as strong-willed as you are, Miss Yuriko. Even to this day, he suffers from PTSD. As far as I have known and seen, he hasn't slept peacefully even once, knowing that Kazuki is still out there. I want to make it right. I will find him for you. You have my word. Until then, please allow us to do our job."

Bold statement, if I must say. He's basically just telling her to mind her own business. A punch wasn't enough, I suppose.

"I didn't narrate all of that just to deny you your request. Your father, after all, saved my life once. I can never repay that debt, but I'm willing to lend you a hand."

With a slight smile, he thanked her.

"So, how're you going to do that? Clues about Kazuki's whereabouts? His connections?" I asked.

She replied, "How about, 'I won't shut down this damn club'? That'll hugely help you. As an added bonus, I'll not report any of this to Henry."

"That'd be more than helpful. Thank you very much, ma'am," Utsumi said.

"You're welcome. And it's about time you got back to class, Yoshida Ryou. Your attendance is already like crap. You won't be able to pass any of your examinations at this rate."

"Ah yes. I'm sorry. I'll be attending today," I replied.

"And, I'm also scheduling your fight with Miura Rika for evening, after class. Don't cower and hide, like you have been doing for the past week. Rumours have already started circulating about you."

What the--?

She left the very moment. And, I'm supposed to face the strongest 1st-year student today. I have been wallowing in misery for so long, that I didn't even train once. What do I do? I cannot remain absent today. I... let me ask Utsumi. He'll know what to do.

"Oh, don't look at me." He instantly responded as I turned towards him. "It's your problem. Do what you did to me during training. Just don't kill her."

It may just be my instinct, but I'm almost sure that he is stronger than Miura. Nevertheless, he still got hurt pretty badly when he took my hits. I'm sure she won't survive like he did.

"We should get going. Class will start soon. Plus, you better prepare yourself for the inevitable."

8:00 a.m., 1st Period - Classroom

"I don't know the reason for your week-long absence, but make sure that it doesn't bother your academic performance." Mariko-sensei said.

"Right. Sorry about that."

Yosuke slapped my back, and asked me, "Why did you go out so early in the morning?"

"Ah, nothing. Just wanted to get some fresh air. Sorry to worry you."

"Yosuke told me that you weren't feeling too well this past week. Are you okay now? What happened to you?" Ayase asked.

"I was a little out of it for a while. Thank you for your concerns. I really feel a lot better now."

Irritated, Mariko-sensei banged her table, and said, "You can all talk during the lunch break. Until then, shut up, and let me teach."

She taught us about the ways to increase our body temperature while fighting on colder terrains. This was essential, since it looked like it'd snow anytime soon. It's already gotten really chilly out here. I learned that using your power can generate a small amount of heat. Therefore, using it on a larger scale can be used to warm yourself up. It seems that during war times, people would use this technique to survive longer. But what surprised me the most is that people with powers actually participated in wars, alongside normal human beings. If that were the case, then why aren't we living in harmony? Why hide from the outside world? Don't people ever ask such questions?

Lunch Break - Classroom

"As the representative, I should be imposing the cleaning duty onto you for the next 3 days, as compensation for your uninformed absence. But, I'm not a tyrant, and therefore, I'll make it just for today. You hear me?" Tsujihara said.

"Sorry. But I have a--"

"FIGHT! That's right. I have been searching you for quite a while. I heard that you ran away in fear." It was Miura Rika.

Oh, what perfect timing. Straight out of a manga. "I wasn't running. Only unwell. But, I'm ready for today evening."

"Meet me at the Open Field as soon as class ends. And, just to give you a head start, you can even use anything as a weapon. Don't hold back."

"I don't need tools for you. My fists are more than enough."

Everybody gasped. I didn't know why, until I heard recited those words in my mind. And, my god, did that come out wrong.

"Your confidence is incredible, I'll give you that. But no matter what you do, you cannot possibly win against me."

I don't know if I should be putting up this cocky act.

I replied, "We'll see about that."

Now that she has left, everyone's gazes are on me. Why are they acting like that? I get that she's strong, but I'm confident that I can at least put up a decent fight.

"Y-You talked to her like that so easily. You even claimed that you could beat her with your bare hands... DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH!?" Ayase shouted.

"Relax. I did a bit of training, so I'll be all right. Besides, how strong can she be?"

Tsujihara adjusted her glasses, as if ready to give a lecture, and said, "Even if all of us first-years fight her at once, she'll still beat us all. She's from a family of TYB soldiers. She's been training in CQC all her life. In fact, she's even stronger than most second-years. You don't stand a chance as of now, but... if you use, that..."

"That?"

Yosuke and Ayase asked in unison.

"It's a technique I learned from Utsumi. But it's kind of dangerous to use it against her. So I'll try my best to fight without it."

Open Field, 4:00 p.m.

Everyone's gathered here. Roughly around a hundred people, including the Principal, and Akane. What is this, some gladiator match?

"You can still call it quits now. I'll even lessen the punishment. Once the battle starts, you cannot do so, got it?" Miura said.

"Sure. I'm fine with that. May the best fighter win."

I don't know why I said that so confidently, I'm actually quite nervous. This is my first proper duel.

"Oh, what's this? Looks quite fun."

Who's that? Someone's standing near the Principal. Another red-haired girl? Wow, she looks hot. Her elegant figure, and those rose-red eyes. Darn, I need to focus.

But for some reason, my proud opponent's eyes suddenly widened.

"N-Nee-san!? W-What are you doing here? I-I thought you had some council work!"

Nee-san!? You mean this babe is her sister!? No wonder they have similar traits! Red-hair, good figures... the only notable difference is the lengths of their hair---Miura's is shorter. Is she here to support her sister? The fight hasn't even started yet. She's also wearing the same uniform, so she's a student. But the way she's smiling is... sinister. Her eyes don't look very friendly. I have played my fair share of visual novels, and she's got the same eyes as that of a sadistic character from a game that I once regretted playing. She turned out to be a yandere, and killed my character's little sister. As to why I'm thinking all of this just before a fight, I have no clue.

"Hello, my dear imouto. It just so happens that I have a bit of spare time. What's better than seeing your little baby sister fight with all her might?"

"All my might? What do you mean? This is like a walk in the park to me. I'll beat him up in no time."

Talk about me putting up a cocky front. She's way more confident than me.

"Oh, didn't you hear, baby-sister? You'll be stripped of your title if you lose." She replied.

"WHAT!?" Everyone, including Miura herself, shouted in unison. For some reason, Miss Yuriko's been smiling all along. Surely, she's the one behind this. After all, she arranged all of this today.

Miura waved her hair, and said, "T-That is absurd. Of course I'll win. It still doesn't change anything."

The onee-san also waved her long, deep red-coloured hair, and said, "Oh, cocky, are we? How about a new condition? If you cannot defeat him in under five minutes, then you'll lose. And, you will be a Muhaijin no more."

Who is this person? She's literally making all the decisions, and not even the Principal is objecting any of it. Plus, Miura seems to not be arguing about it at all. It's like she's being pushed over. I'm having a feeling that this onee-san herself is part of the student council, since Miura herself mentioned it a few minutes earlier. Is this person the President? That would be the only explanation. This ought to be interesting.