Episode 15, Defeat Shinji

TAKUMI TSURUGI

I entered the room and collapsed onto the edge of my bed, my mind swirling with frustration and self-doubt. The sting of the cut on my neck and the harsh words from earlier were heavy on my mind. I stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, trying to make sense of everything.

The door burst open, and Kiyomasa rushed in, his face etched with concern. “Takumi, why did you leave like that?"

I didn’t respond, too wrapped up in my own thoughts to answer. Kiyomasa approached and sat beside me. He gently touched the wound on my neck, his expression serious as he began to clean it with the materials he had brought.

As he worked, the door opened again, and Shinji walked in, his presence immediately making the atmosphere tense. Kiyomasa stood up, facing Shinji with a mix of anger and resolve.

“Why did you cut Takumi with your dagger?” Kiyomasa demanded. “Was that really necessary?”

Before Shinji could respond, I raised a hand to stop Kiyomasa. “Don’t. There’s no point in engaging with him.”

Kiyomasa looked at me, his concern evident, but I shook my head. “Shinji preys on the weak. I’ll show him soon enough that I’m not as weak as he thinks.”

With that, I lay back on the bed, pulling the covers over myself. Exhaustion overcame me, and despite the turmoil in my mind, I fell asleep quickly.

The room grew quiet, the tension from earlier fading into a restless sleep, and as I drifted off, I didn't think I belonged here, this wasn't real and if by any chance I still wake up to this, I'd find my way back home. That was a vow I made to myself.

The next day came and I made my way to Rykeru Goro's office. Since I still found myself here after waking up, I knew he'd have an explanation or a way I could go back. I knocked on the door and, after a brief pause, it opened to reveal the Rykeru Goro's stern face.

“Come in,” he said, motioning me inside.

I entered and stood before his desk, gathering my thoughts. “Rykeru Goro, I need to understand why I ended up here. My family will be worried sick. How did I even get chosen to be here?”

Rykeru Goro leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I'm guessing you are Takumi Tsurugi."

"That's me, and I met a weird man named Kenji who brought me here and I.."

“The school chose you," he interrupted me. "It identifies individuals with potential or those who need to be tested and trained. It’s not uncommon for people to end up here under such circumstances."

I shook my head, my frustration mounting. “But my family—”

“You can’t change what’s already happened,” Rykeru Goro cut in, his tone firm. “If you’re so concerned about them, there’s a way to get back.”

I looked at him, hope flickering. “How?”

“If you defeat Shinji in combat, I’ll consider helping you find a way back,” he said, his gaze steady.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***