Chapter 96

The next day, Mihail and Claude met at the training ground. Hikaru, Ivan, and Ruka were also present as observers, but there were only five people in total.

"Hmm... The Zehard family is indeed a prestigious family in Kirihar, but they aren't particularly known for their swordsmanship."

Mihail scratched his neck. Even in front of Claude, it was hard to see this young man as "strong."

"...Indeed, as the instructor said. But I have become stronger, thanks to Hikaru's guidance."

"Hmm?"

Claude's unnecessary comment made Mihail look at Hikaru with interest.

"We don't need any preliminaries. Let's get started. There are no specific rules, so do as you please. If anything life-threatening happens, I or Ivan might intervene."

"Oh, Ivan, huh? Ivan, if you're going to stop me in a pinch, you should also be willing to risk your life, right?"

"Y-Yes!"

Ivan, who seemed to be in awe of Mihail, answered in a stiff posture. He looked like he might even salute.

(Well, Mihail is right. Half-hearted strength won't stop a fight. I have this, though.)

Hikaru played with a small stone in his hand. If anything happened, he could throw it. If he could make them drop their weapons, the worst danger could be avoided.

(Still, it's dangerous every time... Is there no safer way to have a mock battle?)

As Hikaru was thinking this, Mihail and Claude faced each other about ten meters apart. Mihail held a greatsword, and Claude a one-handed sword. Of course, both were training mock swords.

"Hmm... A one-handed sword, huh?"

"Please, let's begin."

Mihail, who didn't seem to fully trust Claude, watched as Claude politely bowed and took up his stance. Ruka, standing next to Hikaru, clenched her hands tightly.

"Both sides ready. Then, let's begin—"

"Whoa? What are you doing here, Mihail?"

Just as it was about to start, someone approached.

The spear instructor, Kirnenko Ludansha, with two other instructors following behind.

"What do you mean... Can't you see? It's a mock battle."

Mihail seemed irritated that his battle was interrupted.

"Is it a mock battle? But I can't allow it. Stop immediately."

"...What? What are you saying? Students and instructors can freely engage in mock battles."

"But Claude Zehard Kirihar is a student in my class."

"Huh... Is that so?"

Claude nodded solemnly.

"Since he hasn't been attending my lectures recently, I thought he was doing something else. A one-handed sword? That's a useless weapon. He should return to my spear lectures."

"No, Instructor. I have already stopped attending—"

"Stopped, you say?"

Kirnenko's eyes narrowed sharply.

"Stop insulting me!!"

"!?"

Claude flinched at the sudden outburst.

"Have you forgotten the kindness I showed in accepting a dirty Kirihar person like you? You can't just casually say you're stopping my lectures!"

"...I intended to formally submit a withdrawal request later."

"Then leave the academy immediately."

"Huh...?"

"If you leave now, I won't say anything more. But if you want to stay in the academy after stopping my lectures—"

Kirnenko's two instructors stood beside him. They seemed to be spear and bow instructors, likely from the same Ludansha family.

"Do you think you can get away with disgracing me?"

"—Damn."

Claude gritted his teeth. Kirnenko then turned his gaze to Ruka, who was watching nervously.

"Princess Ruka"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please come over here. Being near Kirihar and Jalarazak people will give you a bad reputation."

"I... I—"

Suddenly, Kirnenko appeared, leaving Claude and Ruka unsure of what to do.

"...Hehehehe"

However, Hikaru laughed.

"Hahaha! What a funny guy, you are."

"—Are you a student named Hikaru?"

"Yesterday, I heard you talking with Mihail. I was wondering how you'd react—what's this? Just here to cause trouble? Haha, that's funny. Pfft."

"Your attitude is unacceptable! I need to correct your rotten nature first!"

"Ah, that might be a good idea."

After laughing, Hikaru turned to Mihail.

"Mihail, students and instructors don't need special permission for a mock battle, right?"

"Yes... That's true, but if the responsible instructor forbids it, it's not allowed."

"Then let's do this. Mihail, Claude, and Ivan will each fight against the three Ludansha instructors. If we win, Claude will continue learning from Mihail as planned. If the Ludansha instructors win, we three will leave the academy."

"What!?"

"Hey, Hikaru. Don't include me without asking."

While Claude was shocked, Ivan, though complaining, had a smirk on his face.

"Students like you... How dare you speak so insolently."

Veins bulged on Kirnenko's forehead.

"I accept your terms! I'll drive out the pests from the academy!!"

Thus, Mihail and Claude's mock battle turned into a mock battle against the Ludansha instructors.

"So, you have a plan, right, Hikaru?"

Before the mock battle started, Ivan asked.

"Right, Hikaru! Why did you make such a decision without consulting us!?"

Hikaru calmed the agitated Claude with both hands.

"Relax, Claude. I always intended to win against Mihail. What would you do if you lost to someone weaker than Mihail?"

"B-But, there's no guarantee in a fight..."

"Ah, I see."

Ivan nodded in agreement.

Hikaru realized that Ivan, despite being a battle enthusiast, had a sharp mind.

"What do you mean, Ivan! Hikaru just acted recklessly, right?"

"No. You see, Claude, when you challenge our boss to a fight, it's a one-shot deal. If you lose, it's over."

"! That...?"

"Hikaru is putting you in that position. Right, Hikaru? Isn't that what you're doing?"

"Sure. Of course, there's more to it than that. It's also beneficial to gain experience fighting against different weapons besides greatswords."

"..."

Claude looked at Ivan, then at Hikaru.

"...Is everything for my sake?"

"No, you idiot. Don't take it all on yourself. We're a student union. A 'union.' We're supposed to help each other."

"Thank you, Ivan."

Ivan extended his fist, and Claude tapped it with his own. It was becoming a heartwarming moment.

(My main goal is to legally take down that Kirnenko... But I shouldn't say that.)

The order for the elimination match was set: Claude would go first, followed by Ivan, and then Hikaru.

"Hmm? So you're the first victim. I thought you'd use your comrades to tire us out and then come in last."

"..."

The first opponent from the other side was Kirnenko.

Hikaru thought, "Right off the bat, huh?"

(Claude is calm.)

He remained composed despite the provocation. A good sign.

On the other hand, Ruka, who was acting as the referee next to Mihail, seemed nervous.

"Kirnenko, thank you for everything."

"You're already acting like you've won... You're an incredibly unpleasant man."

Their gazes sparked.

"Alright, face each other. Are you ready? Then—"

Mihail's voice rang out, signaling the start.

Mihail: "...I wish I could fight too."

---

"Another World Fishing Life" had risen to 9th place in the daily rankings.

Maybe some of the people who read "Detection~" also checked it out. Thank you. I want to proceed with both stories in parallel.