Chapter-11 · EP-176

Episode 176: Hikaru Kujo – Mei's Tears

Murasakimura-san taught me the method of mana conduction, but in the end, I couldn't use it. I am searching for a way to break through my current situation, but this method also seems to have failed.

"It looks like we're done here. Let's go, Kyoya."

Sendo-san told Murasakimura-san that it was time to leave.

"In the end, it was just a waste of time…"

At Sendo-san's words, Mei, who had been silent all this while, suddenly changed her expression.

"A waste? You! What kind of way is that to talk?"

Mei glared at Sendo-san, her brow furrowed in anger.

Seeing Mei like that, Sendo-san looked exasperated.

"I'm simply saying that teaching this technique to Hikaru-san, who doesn't possess a magic skill, was a waste of time."

At those words, something snapped in Mei.

She suddenly grabbed Sendo-san by the collar and shouted at him.

"Don't be ridiculous! You're mocking Hikaru-sama for being weak, aren't you? Do you have any idea how she feels? She's struggling to find any way to become even a little stronger, yet you say things like that…!"

"Stop it, Mei!"

Ignoring my attempt to stop her, Mei continued to glare at Sendo-san, still holding his collar.

Looking exasperated, Sendo-san answered.

"I don't know what you're misunderstanding, but at the very least, I am not mocking Hikaru-san."

"Then why did you say it like that!"

"Listen. My skill is 'Presence Detection' – a support skill, not a combat one. So I aim to be a party's command tower rather than just becoming stronger. I try to observe my companions' movements, grasp the overall battle situation, and give instructions. Hikaru-san also has a support skill, 'Analysis,' doesn't she? If so, instead of fighting on the front lines yourself, wouldn't it be better to act as the party's command tower? If you did that, you would probably become a better leader than me."

Hearing Sendo-san's words, Mei slowly let go.

Then, to Mei, who stood frozen, unable to retort, Sendo-san continued.

"I've heard about Class A too. That the class, which was split into two opposing factions right after enrollment, is now united around Hikaru-san, isn't it? Unlike the third-year class, where the commoner faction is strong, or the second-year class, where the noble faction is strong, this year's Class A is probably particularly hard to unify, being half commoner faction and half noble faction. Yet, despite that, Hikaru-san has even brought in the opposing faction. Her charisma and intelligence are undeniable. Not only Kyoya, but I too consider Hikaru-san a formidable rival."

I never expected Sendo-san to think so highly of me.

I feel frustrated that I haven't lived up to those expectations.

And Mei, unable to retort any further, fell silent.

"Hikaru-san, Kisaragi-san, please don't think ill of Mamoru's sharp tongue."

Murasakimura-san added in support of Sendo-san.

"Hikaru-san. A little while ago, Captain Takayama said something to me. He said that we're learning swordsmanship in the Second Swordsmanship Club, but swordsmanship is ultimately a technique for fighting people, and it might not always be useful when fighting monsters in the dungeon."

Suddenly, Murasakimura-san started talking about something else.

Wondering what he meant, I listened silently.

"So Takayama-san said that it's a waste to seriously train in swordsmanship. That swordsmanship should be kept as a hobby, not something to pursue for strength. But I don't think so."

I had heard that Murasakimura-san had also been told his efforts were wasted, and I saw myself in him.

"In fact, when I fought goblins on the third floor the other day, the body movements I learned in the swordsmanship club came in handy. It wasn't useful on the first or second floors, but against humanoid monsters, it applied well. And I thought: whether your efforts go to waste or not depends on the person."

Thanks to correcting my posture through training in the Second Swordsmanship Club, I had become able to defeat slimes in one hit.

So I, too, don't think swordsmanship is just a hobby.

"So, Hikaru-san, whether your efforts go to waste or become useful depends on you."

Murasakimura-san was right.

Whether this mana conduction training was a waste or not also depends on me from now on.

With those words, Murasakimura-san and the others left.

Mei and I were left alone in the dungeon.

"Mei…"

I looked at Mei to thank her for speaking up for me, but she was looking down, crying.

Mei was also frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn't become stronger. My best friend felt that frustration for me.

Feeling affectionate towards Mei, I pulled her head close to me.

"Hikaru-sama… I… I…"

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Mei. I will definitely become stronger. I promise…"

Even if it was just bravado, I didn't want to worry my best friend any longer.

"Thank you for crying for me, Mei…"

I thought I would stay like this until Mei calmed down.

Just then, I saw a man walking toward us.

He called out to us.

"Sorry, sorry! Susa-san's talk ran long! Huh? Did Murasakimura and the others already leave? Is it over already?"

Appearing with such bad timing was Shirou Ichinose-san.