A Lonely S-Rank Explorer, Returning to His Student Days to Redo His Youth—It Seems the Strongest Loner Is Being Genuinely Loved by the Most Beautiful Girls in the School - Chapter 26: Rival

After getting off the elevator, Yuito and the others split into men and women and headed to the changing room.

It’s hard to move in casual clothes, and they get dirty with sweat.

Yuito, who had finished changing a little earlier, stood in a pure white room as large as a classroom.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No problem. I had a bit of trouble changing.”

With a sound like air escaping from a balloon, the pure white automatic door slid open to the side.

What came in from there were Kirika and Hakari.

(…Isn’t that a bit too revealing?)

The two of them came in wearing tight-fitting shorts like bloomers and shirts that looked like sports bras, exposing their stomachs.

There should have been other options for the training gear available for rent from the gym, but this choice is strangely revealing.

To be honest, it’s hard to know where to look.

Yuito averted his gaze quietly, but Kirika jumped into his line of sight as if chasing after him.

She was grinning happily.

“Yuito-kun, you’re wearing something quite nice too.”

“It’s because of President Machio’s taste; there aren’t many options for men…”

What Yuito is wearing is a tight-fitting shirt and pants with strong elasticity.

It was provided by President Machio’s hobby of “things that make the muscles stand out more!!”.

In reality, he can see the delicate muscles standing out from Yuito’s toned body.

In the modern era where humans possess magical power, muscles are not an absolute indicator of strength.

However, if they fight against monsters, the necessary muscles will naturally grow.

“Hey, hey, can I touch it?”

Kirika’s upturned eyes gazed at Yuito.

Without thinking, he nodded, and Kirika gently touched Yuito’s stomach.

The slender fingers are ticklish.

“Wow… it’s so hard.”

“Yuito-san, can I touch it too?”

“Y-yeah, it’s fine, but…”

“Then, excuse me… it’s amazing. It’s really hard…”

The two of them together start to stroke Yuito’s stomach.

The two girls bent over, focusing on his abdomen.

It feels awkward like they’re doing something lewd.

He feels like their breaths are getting heavy.

――Wh-what should I do…?

As Yuito was sweating nervously, he suddenly heard a cough from somewhere.

Kirika and Hakari immediately pull away.

Their faces turned red, and they looked awkwardly around.

(I’m saved… That was the operator, right…)

Yuito looked around the room. It was a pure white room.

A white wall is embedded with lens-like objects that pop out. The floor is covered with hexagonal tiles.

On the ceiling of the room, a camera and a speaker were visible. They must be watching Yuito and the others from there.

(I shouldn’t keep the operator waiting too long, so I guess I’ll get started right away.) 

When Yuito looked at Kirika and the others, they also stared back at him.

“Right away, but the reason I came here is to ask if I could film your battle, Hakari-san.”

“My battle… is it?”

“Yeah. To be honest, I’m not very familiar with ‘long-range magic battles’ like those with magic guns, so I thought I could ask someone who fights similarly for advice.”

“Oh, so you want to see my battle to seek advice. Thank you.”

Hakari bowed deeply.

Yuito shook his head and said, “Don’t worry about it,” then turned his gaze to Kirika.

“I want you to give Hakari-san advice as someone whose skills are close to her.”

“Understood! I’ll be tough on her so she can get stronger!”

“Thank you.”

“…But I’ll just deny that ‘my skills are close to Hakari-chan’s.'”

“…Huh, what do you mean by that?”

Kirika smiled provocatively.

“I’m the top in both practical skills and academics, so I’m the class representative, you know?”

“I do acknowledge Kirika’s efforts. However, You haven’t neglected your training either. The results of the entrance exam are not absolute.”

The two glared at each other, sparks flying.

However, Kirika briefly shifted her gaze to Yuito and smiled for just a moment.

(…It seems like Kirika-san has figured it out. I want her to play the role of Hakari’s rival.)

The reason why Yuito called Kirika is not just because “Yuito himself is not well-versed in magic.”

For people to grow, it’s more efficient to have rivals with whom they can mutually hone their skills.

That’s what Yuito learned from his master.

In fact, there is a senpai apprentice with whom Yuito trained together, though it’s a bit of a stretch to call them a rival.

He was also hoping that Kirika would serve as a catalyst for motivation as Hakarika’s rival.

Kirika read Yuito’s intentions and provoked Hakari to draw out her motivation.

Hakari is looking at Kirika with a motivated expression.

(Kirika-san skillfully provoked her, but since it’s a good opportunity, she might as well add some fuel herself. I don’t know if it will be effective, though.)

Yuito called out to the two and said, “Is it okay if I say something?”

Kirika and Hakari’s gazes turned to Yuito.

“How about we make it a game? The one who performs better will get a prize from me.” 

“Sounds good. What will you give, Yuito-kun?”

“I haven’t prepared anything special, but…”

Yuito muttered, “Oh, right,” and dropped a bombshell.

“The winner can give me one command.”

“Can we really give you a command?!”

“Anything?”

The two girls eagerly latched onto Yuito’s bombshell.

With eyes gleaming like carnivorous beasts, they approached Yuito.

“Y-yeah. But if you ask for something unreasonable…”

Yuito smiled wryly at their unexpected enthusiasm.

Hearing Yuito’s response, the two glared at each other.

“…Kirika-san, shouldn’t we decide on the reward first in a gentlemanly manner?”

“Sure. How about the winner gets to hug Yuito-kun tightly and get their head patted while being praised?”

“Sounds good. No complaints.”

“…Huh, is that really okay?”

Yuito thought the prize for the game would be something like a drink.

But for some reason, the decided prize was “a tight hug and head patting.”

――Does that really motivate them…?

Ignoring Yuito’s puzzled expression, Kirika and Hakari began preparing for battle. Hakari prepared a magic gun, a simple-looking weapon used by police officers.

Kirika prepared a sword and shield, holding a large white shield like a fantasy holy knight.

“Well, it seems like you two are ready?”

“I’m ready.”

“I’m good to go.”

“Then, let’s start the training.”

As Yuito called out, the scenery around the three began to change.

The pure white room was filled with color, like paint dissolving.

The ground turned green with weeds, brown trees grew around, and the ceiling was covered with deep green leaves.

In no time, the three found themselves in a forest.

“Grrrrr…!!”

Deep in the forest. Two red lights flickered in the dim thicket.

The growl and the creature that emerged was a wolf-like monster covered in gray fur.

The monster bares its fangs and lunges at Hakari.

Cling!!

An ice bullet shot from the magic gun that Hakari pointed at pierced through the wolf’s body.

The blown-away wolf leaves behind a scattering of white effects as it disappears.

Hakari narrowed her eyes sharply and stared deep into the forest.

“Come on, come at me for my victory!”

In response to Hakari’s shout, numerous red lights lit up deep within the forest.