Chapter 174: The strongest of those left behind

The heroes were at Fishnatica, the tournament between the schools was over and Halekuwait had disappeared from the surrounding area. Five days had passed since Kotori, Kawachi, Saeki, and Ichijo had left the school. A dark cloud seemed to be hanging over those who were left behind.

Iida and Sato were currently dueling each other. The two of them were rather competent and were showing off a good assortment of skills however this had not been enough for them to compete in the matches.

Haaa.

Hiragi sighed, he was angry with both Kotori and Kawachi who said that they would be going to the empire but that hadnt stopped them from leaving. All of the other heroes had of course been against it as well but Kotoris reply had been rather harsh.

Im not asking for permission.

Everyone was disappointed that they had left the school but it was just because the felt as though they were being left behind.

Akane, what do we do?

Akane was referring to Hiragi but only his childhood friend Shiori Kato was allowed to call him that.

What?

We wont be able to come adventurers like this.

Shiori answered in a small voice.

Whats going to happen to us?

At that time Emi spoke up.

Hiragi, we should just forget about Kotori and Kawachi, they betrayed us.

You need to stop saying things like that, besides we betrayed Hidaka did we not?

Hiragi glared at Emi but she continued to argue.

Even after that the two of them betrayed us so I think the best course of action is to just forget about them. Besides Kotoris attitude wasnt the best to begin with.

..

Hiragi didnt quite agree with it and thought that now that Kotori was gone he might be the only one who could bring this group together. Besides Emi couldnt forgive Kotori nor could her friend Mitaria, although it wasnt until they were brought to this world that they all became friends. Until then Kotori was mainly by herself.

Emi, Im sure that Kotori had her reasons.

In contrast to Emi Mitarai seemed to still be a little worried about Kotori.

Were not going to find out the answer so we should just forget about it. Besides what benefit is there to us understanding what she did? We should just forget about Kotori and practice our magic.

Emi tried to convince her friend that even if they tried to understand it would not make Kotori or Kawachi come back.

Hiragi stood.

Come on Shiori, we should practice our magic. Besides we wont figure anything out just talking about it.

They all went towards the field to practice until there was only one person left sitting there. Sonoda was just reading a book and not talking to anyone. It was surprising to see him not in the library but he still wasnt much of a conversationalist, if you asked him something he would answer quickly and just continue to read.

Kida approached him.

Hey, Sonoda? Do you want to have a practice match with me?

What?

A practice match? I dont have anyone to pair off with anymore and its better to train in pairs right? I mean practicing alone is good but its better to train as though its an actual fight right?

.

Kida realized that up until now he had been relying on Saeki, but now he was earnestly trying to get stronger so that way he could catch up to his friend in Greyberg. Sonoda seemed to be wondering how he should answer as his gaze switched back and forth between Kida and his book. With his book still open Sonoda finally replied.

We can but.Youll lose.

What?..

Youll lose.

Sonoda didnt seem to have any malicious intent behind these words.

Wait, youre really saying that I would lose?

For a moment Kida thought that he had made a mistake as he was confident that he was one of the strongest people out of the heroes who had remained there.

Do you see anyone else talking to me?

Kida was irritated by what Sonoda said.

So lets go then. You wont really know unless we give it a shot will you?

Sure, but.I pretty much already know the outcome.

Kida just ignored him.

By the way, what is your job? Yours is the only one that I dont know.

If you can beat me Ill tell you.

Sonoda didnt mean any offense by what he was saying, rather he didnt have any interest in anyone else.

Sonoda and Kida were now facing each other in the middle of the field. Everyone else had moved to the side and was pretending to practice as they watched. No one had actually seen Sonoda use magic before although up until this point no one had actually had any interest in him either.

But where was Sonodas confidence coming from? Kida pulled out his sword, as a senior knight he was able to make full use of both his sword and midrange magic.

Okay, you can start whenever.

Sonoda closed his book but there was no sign that he was going to put it down even though he was about to fight.

What happens if the book gets messed up? Were about to have a fight here.

Its fine, this will be over in the first move.

Kidas eyebrows wrinkled together in frustration.

I see, I didnt know you were such an idiot.

Not as much as you Kida, didnt Saeki say something about you hurrying up and realizing this as well?

Youll notice someday.

That was the last thing that Saeki had said to him.

Kida cast magic immediately.

{Frost Goyle}

[T/n:Yes Im changing the little symbols that I use for the skills and magic. I had the others pinned on discord but its much easier for me to use these when typing.]

Kidas longsword was coated in ice. An advanced Knights speciality was ice magic but even still it required a lot of training to make use of it. However Kida was able to do so from the beginning, many would call this his benefit as a hero.

Ill show you which one of us is stupid!

Kida charged forward at full speed.

..

Sonodas expression didnt change as he just slowly raised his hand.

Strategic magic circle {Bound spring}.

Wha!?

Kida suddenly collapsed to his knees for no reason.

Guooowaaaaa!

The ground around Kida seemed to be slowly compressing until like a trampoline it sprang back up sending Kida up into the sky.

Uuuuuooooaaaaaaaa!

Kida, this is my win.

Sonoda opened his book again and started to read, he no longer paid any attention to Kida.

Uoowaaaaaaa!

Kida was bounced up and down in the same spot for a time until the sword fell from his hand and Sonodas victory was confirmed.

If you dont surrender I wont get rid of the magic.

Sonoda said as he just continued to read.

Okay! I surrender!

Kida gave up quickly, this is where he was different from Saeki as the latter probably would not have given up. However Kida has no pride in that regard nor does he have a habit of thinking too deeply into anything. After that the ground slowly grew less bouncy until Kida was just lying on the ground.

Kida didnt say anything but he had to admit that hed lost. In fact everyone was looking at Sonoda and they too were lost for words, when did this guy who never left the library learn so much magic? Haruhika and Jessica were the first to rush over to Sonoda holding hands.

Dont you dare get too close to me, Normies. I will blow you up.

What?

Haruhiko paused as if he didnt hear what was said.

Nothing

Sonoda pretended as though he didnt say anything.

Sonoda, what is your job?

Haruhiko asked excitedly.

Me?

Sonoda gave a sideways glance towards Kida before he replied with a smile.

My job is [battle strategist].

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep