Chapter 72: Flame

Return to the entrance and gather up the "zombie" corpse.

Light a fire using borrowed gasoline and matches.

To my surprise, today's task at Ichihon Gei University's community ends with shocking ease.

...And at the same moment, the real mission—the infiltration operation—begins.

For now, I have nothing to do until dinner time, so I idly stroll around the campus grounds.

While casually feeling like a spy, I watched the people passing by.

I saw a group of children, perhaps elementary school age, playing with kites, and I idly made my way to an empty bench.

"…………………Hmm."

To be honest...

I was completely at a loss.

I'd played the part of a reliable older sister in front of Ayaha-chan,

but of course, I couldn't just ignore the wicked deeds being carried out by the boss here.

But I couldn't just go around ruining the happiness of the people living here.

Regardless, I had to carry out the plan to use "Subjugation" on the boss around here.

And after that, I needed to have a talk with them once.

"Hey! 'Guriguri Glasses'!"

The one who appeared waving was Sakaeda-san.

"What is it?"

"Oda forgot to hand out dinner ration tickets. Look, here it is."

"Oh, sorry about that."

On the ticket was the printed text "A Set Meal."

It was likely a reused version of what the university had used before.

"Plus, another one—Oda's treat."

On the second ticket was "Coffee."

"Apparently, if you show this ticket at the café next to the cafeteria, you can get fresh coffee anytime! Isn't that amazing?"

Indeed.

This essentially means there's someone dedicated to providing indulgences and specialty items.

What was once commonplace in the previous world now seemed like a small thing.

"So, let's go then."

For a moment, I considered declining his offer.

I hadn't yet thoroughly explored the university grounds.

But then,

"Ah, but first, I got a map of this place—let's go on a little exploration!"

said Sagata, so I nodded in agreement.

Walking together would also serve as camouflage, after all.

Perfect timing—just like a lucky break coming at the right moment.

I really am a lucky girl, aren't I?

Ah, wait—right now I'm a guy, so I guess I'm a lucky boy.

▼

"Look at this! It's awesome! I have no idea what this thing even is!"

Sagata, acting like a kid, excitedly pats the monument displayed within the university grounds.

As expected from an arts university, there were all sorts of peculiar installations scattered throughout the campus. Some were so impressive that I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Hmm, wow!”

I had nearly given up on attending college, since my family didn’t have much money, but seeing things like this makes me wish I’d made the most of campus life.

“Whoa! That’s a huge painting! Hey, is that a robot or what?”

Right before us was a large painting drawn directly onto a wall, using it as a canvas.

"Hey, is that Getter Robo?"

"Huh? You know it?"

"Yeah, well, kind of."

"Wait—so you're some kind of otaku, huh?"

Sakata laughed heartily.

Is knowing about Getter Robo really that nerdy?

Hmm. It's a bit of a gray area.

What's the real difference between otaku and regular people, anyway?

With his arms crossed, lost deep in thought,

"Ah... no, I actually understand otaku culture pretty well, you know? Back in the day, I really liked stuff like 'Negima!' and all that."

Sugata gave a wry smile, as if he thought I'd been offended.

"Hey, don't give me that scary look."

Could it be that, when I'm silent, I look scary? Like some male version of myself?

"No need to worry. I'm not angry. That's just my natural face."

I had just replied when, suddenly—

An odd event occurred.

——Shuboo!

From beyond the wall adorned with the Getter Robo symbol above our heads, a single pale blue beam shot up into the sky.

"...Huh?"

I instinctively squinted, staring in disbelief.

It seemed a bit too early to be fireworks.

The firelight rising into the sky lingered for a moment, then circled through the air before slowly descending back to the ground.

A fire movement unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

"Something wrong?"

"Uh...?"

When I pointed,

"What?"

Sagata tilted his head.

"See something?"

"Huh? You don't see it?"

"Ah...? I'm pretty sure my eyesight's good... Ah, is it that crow over there?"

That's ridiculous.

It couldn't possibly be invisible. It's spinning so wildly through the sky.

A chilling, unpleasant feeling came over me.

Awkward...

I did something incredibly terrible.

Hmm? I don't see anything strange, really.

"Oh, I see. Then that's fine."

I tried to pull back the hand I had pointed, but it seemed too late.

I can see a swirling flame slowly descending toward us.

The pale blue flame has come to a halt just a few meters in front of us, hovering motionless in midair.

I speak quickly.

"No, sorry. I thought it was some rare migratory bird, but it's just a crow."

"Huh, is that so."

Sakata shrugged, looking disappointed.

He shows no sign of noticing the flame right in front of his eyes.

As for me, I deliberately tried not to let my gaze stray toward it,

"Anyway, Sakaeda-san..."

I was searching for something harmless to talk about.

"To be honest, I'm a huge fan—like, really into it."

"Huh, really? Well, I guess that fits your look."

"There was a time when I was completely obsessed with robot anime. I even watched every single episode of 'Gundam.'"

"Oh, uh..."

Then, the flame surged toward me, right before my eyes.

I froze, realizing that from within the blazing fire in midair, two glaring eyes were fixed on me.

There was no doubt.

This was something brought forth by magic—or perhaps the power of a skill.

"By the way, my favorite mobile suit is Gyan."

"Huh... huh... huh..."

It's impressive. The Gyan fires missiles from its shield. If Zio had successfully mass-produced the Gyan, they would have won the One Year War. No doubt about it.

I desperately blurt out words, drenched in sweat on my palms and back.

Sakada slightly looked away.

"Ah... Anyway, let's just go get coffee already!"

And he made a clever suggestion.

You're welcome

I smile and depart from the spot.

The flame circled around me for a while, then... whoosh, vanished into the sky beyond.

...Did I manage to pull that off convincingly?

I don't know. I'd like to think so, but I can't be sure.