VOLUME 1-1

Chapter 10

Touya-kun, some light please1

Misasagi-senpais voice rang out.

When Homura suddenly regained consciousness, she found that she was no longer holding the hands of the other two and had fallen to her knees on a rough floor made of rock without realizing it.

Her surroundings were pitch-black. They appeared to be in a sealed room where not even a draft of wind could be felt.

She could still feel the sensation of Misasagi-senpais hand which had been placed on her back until just now, making her feel strangely unafraid.

Yes

Touya replied from somewhere close by, followed by the sound of very low muttering.

Misasagi-senpai held her breath and waited. Right, she had said something about light

Sorry, senpai.

Touya apologized in a feeble voice, and Misasagi-senpai immediately picked up where hed left off muttering.

Hi (Hydrogen) Ox (Oxygen) Sr (Sulfur)

Blue sparks scattered through the air, and a light appeared at senpais fingertip.

As the flickering of the light contracted, its intensity increased, until it became as bright as the screen of a cell phone.

Homura and the others were in a small room with a lower ceiling than that of the Transport Room.

It looked like a stone cellar with no windows. Wooden boxes and barrels were systemically piled up along the walls, while empty space was secured in the center of the room. Though there was a slight mouldy smell, it wasnt strong enough to make Homura scrunch her nose. The air was also quite dry.

After standing up, Homura questioned Misasagi-senpai while coughing.

Did we get transported? Have we arrived?

Yes. Were already on the Imaginary Earth, Nutella.

When she turned to look at senpai, Homura was startled. For an instant, she thought a complete stranger was standing there. Even when she immediately convinced herself that it was a trick of the light, her throbbing heart wouldnt settle down.

Touya-kun, can you stand?

Yeah, somehow

The gentle voice definitely belonged to senpai, but

Once her eyes got used to the dim lighting, Homura caught sight of Touya and walked over to him.

Touya-kun, are you all right?

Touya nodded with faked vigor as senpai looked after him.

Im just suffering from transport sickness. Ill be better after I rest a bit. Are you okay, Hinooka-san?

Yes, I seem to be fine already.

Watching Touya queasily squat on the ground, Homura helped take off the bag on his back and lent her shoulder to help him stand.

Sorry.

There we go Its fine!

Misasagi-senpai stood up first and led them towards the stone steps leading above.

Youre not shocked at all, huh? said senpai to Homura over her shoulder.

She carefully pushed open the rooms wooden door and began climbing the stairs.

The floor above was also wrapped in darkness but some faint light seeped in from the gaps along the rooms window panes, illuminating the dust in the air.

Misasagi-senpai extinguished the light at her fingertip and went to help support Touya together with Homura.

They sat Touya down on a wooden chair alongside a table within the room.

Please keep an eye on Touya-kun for a bit.

Ah, sure.

Misasagi-senpai swiftly went around the windows and adjoining rooms and confirmed the state of things outside through peepholes.

Fufu, did I manage to make you indebted to me, Touya-kun?

If youre going to bring that up, at least call it doing me a favor.

Senpai returned without incident.

Its all right. Its safe. Lets get some fresh air in here. Hinooka-san, please take care of the front door

Sure. I just need to release the latch, right?

Where had her previous anxiousness gone?

Homura went over to the front door in high spirits.

The door latch was just like the kind she imagined seeing in a historical drama, so Homura was able to immediately figure out how to open it.

The latch was completely covered in dust, even though Misasagi-senpai and Touyas last visit to Nutella should only have been three weeks ago.

*Cough, cough*

While coughing again, Homura pushed open the front door.

A refreshing wind blew in, carrying sunlight and the smell of trees.

After taking a few steps outside while squinting at the sudden brightness, Homura was then overwhelmed by the sight that spread out before her.

It was a stone castle standing on a mountain slope.

They were using a restored section of a collapsed and abandoned castle.

The room that Homura was in, which she had thought to be the first floors entranceway, was in fact a terrace that slightly jutted out from the mountain.

A slope to come and go from the castle jutted out from either side of the terrace, extending down to the base of the mountain and further on to a sea of trees that stretched far off to the horizon.

Before her eyes was an unbroken view of an open and spacious valley. A river meandering through the valley looked as if it were flowing gently downward from her perspective.

The horizon felt as if it was much, much higher and farther away than she estimated, even creating the illusion that she was standing pitched forward, on the verge of falling. The glitter of what she thought were clouds stretching off into the distance was in fact the ridgelines of many snowy mountains towering next to one another. The sight continued on as far as Homuras vision could see.

Homura gazed at this striking natural silver curtain while gripping the terraces handrail.

Hey, dont go out on your own

Touya also came out onto the terrace while shaking his head.

With her eyes wide open, Homura turned around in a daze.

This is amazing.

Yeah.

Grinning, Touya pointed at the sky.

It really is.

Looking up at the sky, Homura was left in mute amazement.

A giant white wall rose high up into the distant sky.

It was a pure white skyscraper that drew a very gentle arc across the sky from one side of the horizon to the other, boldly filling up the canvas of the blue sky.

It was the most magnificent sight that Homura had ever seen until now, including the things she had imagined in her mind.

Completely numbed emotionally, Homura sank to the ground as if dizzy.

Nutella also has several moons, but that Bagel is what stands out the most.

Bagel? Is it an aurora!? A moon!?

Theyre rings. Nutellas planetary rings. Its the same kind of celestial body as Saturns rings. Their diameter is three hundred million meters.

T-Thats quite substantial

Some people call it the [Round Table]. I prefer the name Bagel myself, though.

Huh? Touya-kun, your glasses?

Having taken off his glasses without Homura realizing it, Touya showed her his glasses which he had stored away in their case.

It seems that when I come here, my eyesight improves. I dont need glasses here. How about you?

Hee, my eyes were good from the start.

If you feel any changes in your body, tell us right away.

Misasagi-senpai had come out as well.

Wah.

Homura drew back in surprise once again.

Now that Homura could see her again under the sunlight, she realized that Misasagi-senpais appearance was no longer the same as the one in her memories.

Senpai?

Yes.

The colors of her eyes and skin were completely different. Her physique seemed to have also subtly changed.

What stood out the most was her silver hair with a faint bluish tinge.

Humans who come to Nutella secrete special hormones due to the effects of being reconstructed in transport and of the Bagels reflected light, causing their physical constitution to greatly change. Im the type whose outer appearance changes and am classified as an Elf.

E-Elf To think the beautiful senpai would be perfected even further

I was also shocked the first time I saw her.

The way Misasagi-senpai acted embarrassed as her two underclassmen stared at her was truly just like her. Her reaction stood out all the more when combined with her gestures and appearance.

Touya-kun is normal Completely human, huh? Homura remarked.

You too, by the looks of it!

Once were done organizing our baggage, well check Hinookas physical condition. That is one of the objectives of this mission.

I-I-Im fine. Nothing about me has changed at all!

We have to check, since there are even some people who grow a tail, you know?

A tail!? Homura panicked as she hurriedly pressed down her skirt.

Well also need a sample of blood from you.

Am I a guinea pig!?

After heating water that Touya drew from a nearby stream, they had a simple meal.

It consisted of vegetable soup and dried biscuits. All the ingredients had been taken from the food stocks stored in the cellar.

Touyas physical condition recovered before long as well.

The old castle had been used as the Exploration Clubs base camp for a long time, having been modified for functional habitation and use. The tools stored here consisted half of items taken from Earth and the other half of items handmade here by the Exploration Club. Bedrooms were apparently prepared further inside as well, but they didnt use them much.

They had taken out a handmade table and set it up on the terrace.

While enjoying the savory soup that smelled of fruits and the picturesque view spread out before her, Homura asked a question.

Were those crackling sparks I saw in the cellar [magic]?

Yes, Misasagi-senpai confirmed with a nod.

Sorry.

Touya apologized while hanging his head, but Misasagi-senpai shook her head at his words.

Each time Misasagi-senpais hair glittered in the sunlight, Homura couldnt help feeling her heart thump in shock, still not yet accustomed to her appearance.

You can also cast magic, Touya-kun? Amazing.

Like I said before, I failed to cast it. Its the most basic of basics. If you cant cast in an emergency, things can end pretty badly.

How nice. I also want to learn how to do it! Please!

Of course, Misasagi-senpai assured her.

But there are things you have to learn before that, okay? Touya made sure to add.

So stingy. What was that chant again Hydra Oxy Surfer?

Homura held up her finger high with expectation in her eyes.

But nothing happened. It was the same even when she tried it again.

No good, huh? Well, I already guessed that, though.

The chant isnt required. Whats needed is your imagination. The chant is merely to aid that.

I see, imagination, huh Like this a turtles wave

As Homura started shadow training by putting strength into her palms and shooting them forward, Touya gave a look of disbelief, but Misasagi-senpai watched over her kindly.

Id be overjoyed if Hinooka-san manages to become a Mage.

Yes, Ill do my best! Ill definitely become one! Ill become the greatest Mage in the Exploration Clubs history!

Really now.

Touya sighed.

Thank goodness that senpai is a Magic Warrior. You can learn both fighting techniques and magic from her.

Hearing that, Homuras eyes lit up even more.

A Magic Warrior!? An Elf Magic Warrior! I see. Ah, I wish I was also an Elf type~. Light-Weight Warriors are so stingy.

Whats with this attitude from a completely normal human?

There are also people whose bodies gradually change as they spend a long period of time here. I also looked closer to my Earth form here before.

Hoh, is that so? Then theres still hope Ah, thats right.

Suddenly realizing something, Homura took out a bundle wrapped in paper napkins from her breast pocket.

That is?

Its the pie that senpai made! Its the last leftovers. There was no way I was going to leave the last one to Mori-chan back home~

Umm.

As Misasagi-senpai tried to say something, Touya made her stop with a look.

?

Homura made puzzled expression just as she stuffed her cheeks.

I gurh

Homura made an expression as if she were chewing sand.

Uuu kuh ugh

Teary-eyed, Homura shot a look of protest at Touya.

It doesnt taste good, right? But you brought it without permission. Dont waste food.

The anxious-looking senpai held out some water to her/

Food brought from Earth loses its nutritional value to an extreme degree here, except for certain flavorings. Its not as bad as poison, but if you eat too much, your stomach will

Ugh, but it was the pie that senpai worked so hard to make

While glaring at Touya reproachfully, Homura slowly ate up the pie.

Homura was still quite interested in their base camp at the old castle, but they immediately began preparing to depart for their mission after eating.

Well have time en route. You can ask the questions you want as we walk.

But doesnt talking while moving use up a lot of concentration and tire you out? Touya humbly interjected.

Its fine. Our journey this time wont be taking a rough path. Its a route that the Exploration Club previously cultivated, said Misasagi.

Completely ignoring Touyas worried expression, Homura asked another question in a carefree manner.

So, where are we going?

Touyas head slumped in dejection. Misasagi-senpai also widened her eyes in disbelief.

Huh?

See? This is the kind of person she is.

In that case, Ill have to apply restraint as much as possible

Dont worry. For some reason, I feel really lively right now! I could walk dozens of kilometers!

With a thud, Homura draped her body over the backpack Touya was shouldering.

Ugh.

Touya-kun, my baggage is also included in here, right? Ill carry my portion myself.

What should we do, senpai?

Very well.

Misasagi-senpai allowed it so easily that it was anticlimactic.

Well have you carry it until we reach our first rest spot.

Ro~ger~. Come on, hand it over.

Touya reluctantly divided up the baggage.

It included things like sleeping bags, underclothes, tableware, foldable mats, a medical kit and canteens. There were also survival tools that Homura had no idea what their use was inside.

The baggage was so heavy that it would make her recoil if this was a shopping trip, but it felt strangely light to her.

Nonetheless, the various tools were compact for the most part, and the majority of space was taken up by bundles of preserved foods separated from the rest.

There are a lot of boxed lunches for just one nights stay Are these reserves?

Yes, theyre reserves. Well be leaving the surplus behind.

Were leaving food behind?

Our current destination is the 2nd relay camp. Relay camps are one of the bases that the Exploration Club has set up. When we have surplus, we leave as much equipment behind as possible and stock up.

I see. Then does that case youre carrying also contain preserved foods, senpai?

Homura looked at the sturdy case that was fastened to Misasagi-senpais knapsack.

This is

Just as she was about to reply, Misasagi-senpai suddenly smiled mischievously.

A state secret, I suppose you could say?

Eh~, no way~?

Its something important. Ill show it to you once we reach the relay camp.

You promise?

The Exploration Club members finally finished repacking the baggage.

The final items that Touya and Misasagi-senpai equipped were weapons.

Misasagi-senpai equipped an arrow quiver and a collapsible composite bow, which was even smaller than the ones used in archery, on her back.

On the other hand, Touya attached two separate long and short swords to his waist.

Oooh A game Its just like a game

While circling around the two of them to look them over, Homura spoke out in admiration.

Like I thought, a dragon or something is going to come out, right?

When Homura leaned over and tried to lift up one of the swords heavy scabbard without permission, Touya smacked her head.

Yeah right! At most, a wild boar might come out right?

After he said that, Touyas expression suddenly became uncertain, and he looked over at Misasagi-senpai.

Thats right. And, considering the season right now, a bear might appear as well.

Touya stiffened as he placed a hand on the hilt of one of his swords.

Umm.

Homura held out her hand greedily.

Id also like to equip a cool weapon, you know

You planning to carry even more than you already have? Youll definitely wear yourself out, you know?

Very well.

Eh, wait, senpai?

Once again, Misasagi-senpai readily consented.

She went back once more to the armory and then returned soon after.

In that case, take thisa folding knife. Properly speaking, its a tool for outdoor use, but it was made to be sturdy, so it can also be used as a weapon.

Misasagi-senpai handed over a knife, which had its blade folded back into its hilt, over to Homura.

It couldnt be compared to Touyas swords, but Homura still felt sufficient feedback from wielding it. It might be even heavier than the biggest knife in the Hinooka familys kitchen.

Putting in unexpected power into it, Homura timidly unfolded the blade.

Th This can fight off a bear?

Impossible. Hinooka-san, if you encounter a dangerous wild animal, please abandon all your baggage and run away.

Uh, thats so uncool

Id also run away at full speed if I encountered a bear, you know, Touya added in. Fighting a lump of muscle like that is no joke.

Misasagi-senpai nodded with a serious face.

Of course, the first priority is to try not to meet such creatures. But the wild animals on Nutella dont know humans. If theyre experienced with us, they should run away instinctively, but there are also cases where they approach out of interest. Its still only been ten years since humans have arrived on Nutella. We still havent completely clarified what kinds of dangerous creatures live here.

Homura looked back at Misasagi-senpai quite meekly.

Senpai So you can talk in long sentences like that And without stammering either

Homuras head was vigorously smacked from the side.

You! This concerns your life, you know! Listen at least a little seriously!

Sorry.

Chapter 10 END

TRANSLATORS NOTES

(1) Just in case it isnt obvious enough in the translation, Misasagis speech changes slightly here compared to normal, which occasionally happens throughout the story. Her normal halting way of speaking (emphasized by the commas that appear everywhere in her sentences) disappears and she seems to speak much more smoothly in comparison.