Kazuto woke up earlier than usual, adjusting his messy hair and washing his face and brushing his teeth. Hanamori was still rubbing her eyes, but when Kazuto grabbed his bag and yawned, she tilted her head.
"Eh? Where are you going this early? School doesn't start for another hour."
Kazuto smirked, stretching like some kind of anime protagonist who thought he was cool (spoiler: he wasn't).
"To town. I have something to buy."
"Something to buy? That's unusual."
"Yeah but I have to. For now I'll be off! See ya!"
The town was already lively that morning. Merchants yelling prices, children chasing each other, and knights walking around in armor. Kazuto wandered through the cobblestone streets until he spotted a blacksmith's sign hanging from a rusty chain.
"This blacksmith looks cool. This shop must have good weapons with good qualities."
Inside, the shop, there were a lot of swords, spears, and shields, etc.. displayed on the walls. Kazuto's eyes locked onto one.
A long, shining, black one-handed sword. Its blade sharper than any sword around there.
Kazuto's eyes sparkled.
"Oh… oh my god. This is it."
The shop owner, an old man with arms like steel beams, raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm.. you got a good eye kid!"
Kazuto looked excited.
"I have a request."
"Can I… test it?"
The shop owner nodded and accepted.
"Go ahead, kid. Just don't damage it."
Kazuto held the sword and gave it a swing. He tried a few moves. His movements were far from pro-level, but for him it was good enough for him to fight with.
"Perfect…!"
But then—his eyes darted to another identical sword hanging on the wall. His lips curled into a grin.
"Wait… what if I…"
The shopkeeper crossed his arms.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about dual-wielding."
Kazuto replied to him.
"Yeah.. but dual-wielding is not suitable with a long sword..."
"So, maybe next time... but for now I will take this."
The blacksmith blinked.
"Oh ho ho.. What an interesting kid!!"
"Looks like you have experience."
Then Kazuto paid the price of the sword.
"All right.. here is your sword.." the blacksmith said.
Kazuto said, "Thanks."
Moments later, Kazuto walked out of the shop with a black sword strapped on his back. The sword was not too heavy but not too light, just heavy enough to be more balanced than normal. But his smile was brighter than before.
"I have to train sword too. So, I can attack or defend myself if anything happens!"
Hanamori spotted him the moment he stepped onto campus. Her eyes widened, pointing at the sword.
"Why do you… have a sword on your back?! Don't tell me..? Are you going to change into a swordman?"
Kazuto puffed out his chest.
"No..No.., Hanamori. I can't use magic, but if I still want to fight, I need weapons."
Hanamori's expression was surprised.
"Ohh.. I see…That makes sense! So then, are you going to fight? Hanamori asked.
"I guess so." Kazuto answered.
"Besides, anything could happen to me. So, I have to prepare. Kazuto added.
"That's a great idea!" Hanamori said.
Then they walked back to their class and saw a poster in front of their class that said—
"Attention, students! The dungeon clearing competition will be held soon! Those who wish to show their skills can be registered from your teachers after class!"
Hanamori looked for a while and turned to Kazuto.
"Dungeon clearing …huh..? Hey..Kazuto"
He was still looking at the poster. At that time she realized.
"Don't tell me you're thinking—"
Kazuto smirked for a second and said.
"Of course I'm joining!! This is literally my chance to clear my rumor!"
"Well that's a great idea! You should not waste this chance."
"Yeah.. I'll rewrite my story."
After classes, Kazuto and Hanamori walked straight to the teacher's office. The instructor glanced at Kazuto's F-rank badge, then at the black sword.
"You want to join Dungeon clearing…? Are you sure, kid?"
"It's not like you are F-rank. You can't even use magic."
Kazuto smiled and said confidently to the instructor.
"Yes! I'll join no matter what happens! That's why I have this sword!"
Instructor smiled as if he found something interesting.
"Ohh.. interesting.. A mage using a sword.."
"That's strange. I may have to report this to principal."
"But he will accept if there was a reason. So, don't worry about it."
Hanamori just stood beside him, looking at him with an awkward smile. Then she decided.
"If you joined then…I'll join too, Sensei."
Instructor is about to write their name but then Kazuto said something.
"Hey sensei.. I have something to ask."
Instructor looked surprised.
"Sure! Go on!"
Then Kazuto asked Instructor directly.
"Can I form a party with Hanamori? Because the poster didn't say to be solo."
Instructor looked a little surprised that Kazuto found out it.
"Well Kazuto, the poster didn't said to form a party either." instructor calmly replied.
Kazuto smirked. He knows a good reason for the instructor's reply.
"Then sensei, if we form a party, isn't it more effective for us to practice as a party? And also party is more effective than solo in defeating enemies. As I remember correctly most of all adventurers were parties. It's rare to find a solo adventurer like a diamond."
Instructor looked interested about Kazuto's reason. He clapped.
"Hmm.. Well done, Kazuto! I didn't think anyone would think like you. You have experience that doesn't fit with an F-rank."
"All right! You can form a party with Arisa."
The teacher wrote their names into the registration paper, shaking his head.
"Sigh.. Well good luck on your goal kids!"
"Kazuto has potential to rise his rank later."
"I found an interesting kid..."
Back at the apartment, Kazuto tapped his chin.
"Hanamori, I'm heading to the library for a bit. I have something to search for."
Hanamori crossed her arms, leaning on the doorframe.
"Don't stay out too late, okay?"
She gave him a gentle smile. Kazuto's face went red instantly.
"U-Uh… yeah! I won't be late! Maybe!"
Kazuto thought. Damn it, if she keeps doing this I'll start liking her... That's not good for my heart.
The academy library was massive, lined with towering shelves. Kazuto strolled through, eyes checking every title.
"Mana control for beginners? Pass. Fireball theory? Pass. …Oh, this one—'About the heroes.' He found it interesting."
He reached out for the book, but at the same moment, another hand reached too. Their fingers brushed.
Kazuto froze. The girl beside him, with light lavender hair tied into a braid, immediately pulled her hand back, her face turning pink.
"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to—"
Kazuto calmly replied.
"Nah, I don't mind it. You can take this book."
She fiddled with her braid nervously.
"U-Um… were you going to read this book too?"
Kazuto hesitated. Then, with a smile, he pushed the book toward her.
"You can take it. I'll find something else."
Her eyes widened.
"R-Really?"
"Of course. It's just a book. Besides… it looks like you wanted it more." Kazuto replied.
She hugged the book to her chest and gave a shy bow.
"Thank you… My name is Lyria."
"I'm Kazuto Hoshin! Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you Hoshin...Umm I'm in a hurry I must go now."
Lyria gave him a small smile before hurrying away, her braid swaying behind her. Kazuto scratched his head.
"Damn..She is so..Cute."
Then he glanced at the clock. His eyes widened.
"Oh crap! Hanamori is gonna kill me if I'm late!"
Kazuto bolted out of the library like his life depended on it.
Dear readers, if I don't make it back in time… I don't know what will happen next. So guys, wish me luck!