Before the battle begins

【Shun】

"Right. They say Natsume is attacking?"

"Tanikawa and Kuratani, huh?"

"We're among the few reincarnated individuals with combat capability here. If the barrier is breached, we'll join the fight."

"Would rather stay hidden, though."

"Both of them were adventurers, right?"

"Yeah. This idiot kept saying it's a given that a cheat reincarnation becomes an adventurer. Nonsense."

"Exactly. And ever since they were new adventurers, they've stood out. Rapidly climbed the ranks. Gained attention. Eventually, they'll leave my name behind in this world!"

"Ah..."

"See? How foolish is that?"

"Are they childhood friends?"

"Yeah. Both in their previous lives and this one. You could call it a rotten connection."

"What's that? Aren't you and Asaka close?"

"Shut up."

"Wait, are you two dating?"

"Yes!"

"Kind of happened that way."

Don't get flustered.

Shut up.

Ah, well, I guess I’ll leave you to it.

What’s with that lukewarm stare?

You’re the one being ridiculous.

That harsh, isn’t it?

I think it’s a fair assessment.

I love your tsundere attitude, Asaka.

Are you serious?

Um, I’m getting in the way. I’ll go back now.

[Philimes]

What’s wrong? You look troubled.

Highlins. No, nothing at all.

You don’t look like “nothing” at all. What happened? What’s going on?

I’ve been rejected by all the students.

What do you mean?

Hmm. I see.

I’m sorry. I’ve burdened you with my complaints.

No. You’ve carried this alone for so long, unable to speak to anyone. It’s important to let it out once in a while.

To hear you say that… it does help a little.

But a student roster? I’ve never heard of such a skill. Never seen one either.

That’s likely. Not only Shun’s celestial blessing, but the skills held by reincarnated individuals tend to be unique—uncommon in ordinary circumstances. The skills of those we protect here are generally high-tier, or ones with no other known holders.

Innate skill, skill points, knowledge from a previous life, and mental resilience. Indeed, with all these elements, one could become among the most powerful individuals in the world if trained from a young age.

"Yes. In fact, every reincarnated individual we failed to protect possessed considerable power."

"In that case, the concern would be the phrase about skills being stripped, resulting in death."

"We don’t know exactly what that signifies. But something definite is happening."

"Is it impossible to determine what that something is?"

"Yes. Only reincarnated individuals with numerous skills are mentioned in that record. Therefore, those targeted are specifically reincarnated individuals of a certain strength level—like Shun or Katia."

"Okā-san protected reincarnated individuals to prevent that, creating an environment where skills cannot develop easily."

"That is correct. Though, the elves' own interests are likely involved as well."

"The elves' interests. You say she opposes the administrator. But is victory possible?"

"I do not know. Regardless, the fact remains that reincarnated individuals are currently protected by the elves. Whether we can win or not is irrelevant. We must protect them."

"Even in this battle. If the barrier holds, that will be sufficient."

"In my assessment, the barrier will likely break."

"Why?"

"Yugo is listed as dead in the student roster. He will die in this battle."

"So that's how it is. If the barrier doesn't break and the battle doesn't occur, then death won't happen at all. But isn't it possible for a being with a Dominance Skill to override the prophecy in the student roster?"

"Yes. That is precisely why I will personally guide Yugo to his end."

"Don't overthink it. You take responsibility too seriously, Okka."

"That's not true. I'm just an incompetent teacher who can't bear any responsibility."

"That's exactly what overthinking looks like. Relax. Let go of the tension. I can at least lend an ear when you need to talk."

"Thank you."

[Potimas]

"Chieftain. The item you requested has been prepared."

"Thank you."

"But is it truly necessary?"

"Yes."

"Then the barrier will break?"

"That's right. No magic from the outside army can breach the barrier. But my long years of experience tell me it will break."

"Huh."

"Is it not incomprehensible to base judgment on something as vague as instinct?"

"Ah, no, that's not—"

"No need to excuse yourself. I find myself ridiculous, relying on such uncertain things."

"Then why?"

"The longer one lives, the more apparent it becomes. The world does not always follow theory. And beyond reason, there are things visible."

"Huh."

"It evokes an unpleasant sensation. I believed every possible measure should be taken."

"Yet deploying them feels like overkill."

"I am a cautious one. I exercise meticulous care, even when crushing insects."

[???]

"Busy, are we?"

"Can't be helped."

"You're idle. Perform a joke for me."

"Is that a reasonable request?"

"Can't manage it?"

"Can't just be expected to do it on the spot."

"Tch. Useless."

Then, are you capable yourself?

Ha! Why should I amuse some lowborn scum?

Can't do it, then.

Not that I can't. There's no point in doing it.

Yes, yes. So, which one will you do, Natsume?

Do as you please. I have no interest in someone so insignificant.

Hmph. I don't care either way.

Treat it as a minor experience gain.

Well, depending on the situation.