Chapter 9

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Today, I'm posting the fourth chapter!

"Sniff... s-sorry..."

After crying for a while, I finally calmed down and, while rubbing my eyes, apologized to Senpai Fujido. I mean, suddenly breaking down and crying was pretty embarrassing... but that's nothing new.

"R-really, you surprised me... but is there a reason? If you want to talk about it, I'm here to listen."

Senpai, looking worried, patted my back while speaking. His eyes, which looked at me, were soft and very warm.

"N-no... I'm fine...!"

"S-so, that's good..."

I didn't want to worry Senpai any further, so I forced a smile. Senpai, perhaps noticing my feelings, didn't ask any more questions.

"R-right! Let's go home! From here on, I and [Gobmi] will clear the way!"

"A-ah, okay, I'll leave it to you."

"Okay!"

I slapped my cheeks to get myself pumped up.

"Alright! Let's go, [Gobmi]!"

*(Nod Nod!)*

[Gobmi] must have been happy to hear Senpai's words. He was quite motivated to face the ghosts.

And then.

"Phew..."

We reached the door of the domain, and I wiped the sweat from my forehead. Up to this point, ghosts appeared from time to time, sometimes in groups, but thanks to our strategy of fighting them one-on-one, we managed to defeat them without much trouble.

Considering our future training plan, establishing a combat strategy against ghosts was a significant achievement.

"Mochizuki-kun"

Just as I was feeling satisfied, Senpai Fujido called out to me with a serious expression.

"E-eh, what's the matter...?"

Seeing Senpai's unusual demeanor, I asked hesitantly.

"Is this the second time you've entered this beginner's domain, including today's class observation? Is that correct?"

"H-hmm..."

Not understanding the purpose of the question, I gave a lackluster response. Did I do something wrong...?

"Your fighting style against the ghosts was clearly designed for one-on-one combat, even though this is the first time you've fought them."

"Ah..."

So that's what it is...

Indeed, during the observation, we were in groups of five... at least four people, so there was almost no chance to fight the ghosts one-on-one. Yet, I fought them one-on-one without any difficulty, and even seemed experienced.

"Let me ask you again. Why were you able to fight so perfectly alone?"

Senpai looked at me as if there was no room for argument.

I guess... I have to answer...

"Actually, my homeroom teacher told me to observe the beginner's domain alone..."

"Why is that?"

"Y-yes..."

I told him about what happened yesterday and today.

During the self-introduction in yesterday's class, I was mocked by my classmates and the teacher for [Gobmi]'s appearance and stats, and I couldn't bear it, so I left the classroom and went home. Then, during today's observation, the teacher, as punishment for disrupting the group, instructed me to observe the beginner's domain alone.

"...So, I was always fighting the ghosts one-on-one during the observation, and that's why..."

"I see... I understand, thank you."

Senpai nodded, but his crimson eyes seemed to be angry.

"...Hey, Mochizuki-kun"

"? Y-yes..."

"If you don't mind, would you like to explore the domains with me again? Of course, not just this beginner's domain, but also the 'Graham Tower' domain and others?"

"!"

Taken aback by Senpai's unexpected offer, I couldn't help but catch my breath. Of course, this was an incredibly helpful offer for us to become stronger in the future.

"Y-yes! Of course! ...But, I think I will focus on exploring this beginner's domain for a while... I mean, training. So, can I ask for your help when we explore other domains?"

I answered, feeling apologetic for Senpai's kind offer. After all, our main goal is in the "Paradise" domain.

"Hehe, of course, that's fine. I've almost completely explored all the domains in this academy, so I think it will be beneficial for you."

"! Y-yes! Thank you very much!"

I bowed deeply to Senpai. [Gobmi] followed my lead and bowed as well.

"Yeah, you guys are great. It's going to be fun from now on."

With that, Senpai smiled gently and waved as he left.

"Well... let's go."

*(Nod)*

We watched Senpai's back as he left, then entered the beginner's domain again, heading for that room.

And then.

"Alright... it's time. [Gobmi], are you ready?"

*(Nod Nod!)*

"Okay, let's go!"

I and [Gobmi] stepped through the door that connected to the "Paradise" domain.

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