You’re Right, They’ll Expel Me if I Run into the Store with a Weapon!!

“Let’s go to the rooftop now. From this building, you can get a good view of the Combat College grounds.”

“Yes, please. …Principal Old Man.”

“Ah, yeah… Let’s take the elevator.”

There was dirt that couldn’t be completely washed away.

Hiroki couldn’t forgive everything and called the principal ‘Old Man’ as revenge.

“This building houses the reception for visitors, a rest area for lecturers, a resource room, storage room, library, etc., while the students’ classrooms and dormitories are elsewhere.”

The principal began a detailed explanation of the building.

The elevator was made of glass, offering a view outside, and sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling.

“This is a fifty-story building and one of the taller ones in the Combat College.”

Ding-dong went to the elevator as it stopped.

“Here we are.”

The first thing visible from the door was the blue sky.

The wind blowing sideways almost made them lose their balance.

(This is…)

Hiroki was speechless at the sight before him.

“Amazing, isn’t it? This is the Combat College.”

The sun illuminated a world of its own, more akin to a city than a College.

There were large parks and forests.

Near what seemed to be a shopping mall, a monorail could be seen moving along its rails.

Hiroki realized the vastness of the grounds, unable to see where they ended.

“Let me explain again. Inside the Combat College grounds are grocery stores, eateries, recreational facilities, and even a home center.”

Proudly, the principal explained the Combat College to the speechless Hiroki.

“It’s not completely self-sufficient but equipped enough to function as a city.”

That was exactly the case.

“The government values those with combat abilities. But in return, those with combat abilities face restrictions when leaving the Combat College.”

A comfortable life in exchange for the safety of the citizens.

“Combat ability holders are different from ordinary people. A mistake could lead to irreparable accidents or incidents.”

He spoke seriously about the importance and responsibility of those with combat abilities.

“This place serves as a training ground to control combat abilities and ensure a safe life.”

That’s why it’s called a “College.”

The pamphlet also mentioned it.

About the future paths provided by the Combat College.

Graduates could join government-run businesses or organizations and get permission to live outside the Combat College grounds. Alternatively, they could undergo treatment to lose combat abilities and return to ordinary life.

These were the main paths for those with combat abilities.

Hiroki looked at the principal and shared his thoughts.

“It seems like a fun place to live.”

(They have everything! Awesome!)

He had missed the explanation about the cost of a comfortable life.

“That’s good. As long as you’re happy, it’s fine.”

(Happy, huh… If it’s you, slipping past our watch and returning outside would be easy. I hope you truly enjoy your life here.)

The principal, knowing Hiroki’s abilities, understood everything.

Even if he underwent treatment, Hiroki could conceal his powers and return to the outside world.

The principal had a high regard for Hiroki.

“Now, go and learn more from Shiori-chan.”

“…Huh?”

“Shiori-chan, I’m leaving the rest to you.”

“Yes.”

Hiroki was lost as the conversation moved on.

(What? I have to be with this crazy girl!?)

“So… Hiroki-san? Is that alright? I’ll call you that for now.”

“…Alright.”

After a pause, Hiroki agreed.

“I said earlier in the room that she will be your guide, so ask Shiori-chan if you have any questions.”

(I didn’t hear that!)

Hiroki, who had ignored the principal’s explanation in the room, had unknowingly agreed to have Shiori as his guide.

“Let’s walk around the grounds, and I’ll explain things, alright?”

“Alright.”

(Remembering the promise I made the principal swear about the lottery, this girl should be the same.)

He recalled the promise made in the room and judged it safe to accompany her, believing she wouldn’t try to steal the lottery.

“We’re currently in District 1,” Shiori explained while walking, her cheeks flushed with a mysterious redness. Hiroki asked questions that came to mind.

“The Combat College has up to District 80. Each district has its unique atmosphere and facilities.”

“…Hmm, where are the College buildings and dormitories located?”

“The College buildings, or rather the high College area, are in District 30. From District 35 to 40, there are densely packed dormitories and apartments and houses separately.”

“Houses are there too?”

“Yes, besides students, people live on the Combat College grounds.”

The population of the Combat College comprised 70% combat ability holders and 30% others.

Most had combat abilities, but there were non-combatants living there too.

Teachers were dispatched from outside, along with their families and staff of various facilities and shops.

“Recently, there’s been talk of setting up a farm. We’re considering having people with farming knowledge live here.”

“If that happens, it’ll truly be a self-sufficient city.”

“It seems so. By the way, this idea was proposed by a ranked student.”

“A ranked student?”

“Yeah… Ranked students are the top ten students with high overall abilities. They get certain privileges, and the second-ranked used their authority to propose this idea.”

Hearing about the ranked students, Hiroki had a thought.

“How much authority do these ranked students have?”

“I’ve never really thought about it. But I heard that the top-ranked student persuaded the government to do something.”

(Whoa! Like a special card used by celebrities! I want it!)

Hiroki was mostly driven by “desire,” particularly since checking his lottery numbers. He found the treatment of ranked students appealing.

“How do I become a top ten student?”

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

Shiori fell silent, causing Hiroki to become curious. She was under pressure.

(He’s asking about becoming ranked. Didn’t the principal tell me not to let him become interested in ranking?)

The principal had asked Shiori to keep Hiroki from gaining interest in the ranking system. She was sweating at the thought of breaking this promise.

Still, she had to answer, fearing what Hiroki might do. Apologizing internally to the principal, she told Hiroki what she knew.

“Combat ability overall evaluation and contribution to missions… and personality.”

Shiori added something extra to her explanation.

“What’s this overall evaluation of combat ability?”

“Combat ability can be measured. The higher the evaluation, the greater and more accurate the combat ability.”

“…I see.”

(He stopped asking about ranking?…)

Shiori was relieved internally. She felt she couldn’t have handled it if he had kept asking. She was glad his interest in ranking seemed to have faded.

But in reality, it was different.

(There’s a measurement? Damn, I’d be outed in a second!)

Hiroki was panicking. Aware that he lacked combat abilities, being measured was like a death sentence to him.

(What do I do? Skip the measurement day and pretend? But then I can’t aim for ranking…)

As Hiroki continued to ponder, Shiori looked at his face, her mind throbbing.

(What’s with that face? He seems to be thinking hard, but is he considering ranking?)

She worried he might still be thinking about ranking.

(I have to stop him…)

Shiori resolved to urge Hiroki to give up on ranking.

“Are you thinking of ranking?”

She asked Hiroki, sweating and nervous. She was thinking hard about how to dissuade him, but her expectations were shattered.

“No, I’m not considering ranking.”

“Eh?”

“I wanted the authority, but there’s no way I could become a ranked student with my combat abilities.”

(No, no, no! You can! With multiple abilities, your combat strength must be incredible!)

Shiori internally denied Hiroki’s words completely.

She didn’t suspect he had multiple abilities and knew his combat strength rating would be high.

(But this means…)

Relieved that Hiroki wasn’t aiming for ranking, she was grateful that she could keep the principal’s promise. She changed the subject and started a new conversation.

“Then let’s go check out your room now.”

“Alright. Let’s go see it.”

Though conversing normally, Hiroki was thinking…

(Ranking is less important than living here!)

He was determined to dodge the measurement and prioritize a stable life here.

(If I get caught, is it goodbye? I won’t let that happen! I’ll live off the government’s money here!)

That was Hiroki’s resolve.

Upon arriving at the monorail station, Shiori handed Hiroki something.

“Hiroki, take this.”

He was given a student ID card and a notebook. Then, Shiori opened her notebook to show Hiroki the inside.

“Keep your student ID inside the notebook. It serves as proof that you are a student of the Combat College, so take good care of it.”

Following her instructions, Hiroki placed his student ID inside his notebook.

“Also, this student ID has a chip embedded in it. With it, we can use any public transportation on the premises.”

Hiroki was internally amazed by Shiori’s words.

(This is like heaven!)

He felt joy at the unprecedented treatment he was experiencing.

“We’ll take the monorail from here to District 30, where your room is located.”

Shiori, relaying the information the principal had given her, headed towards the gate.

“Then, let’s go.”

Led by Shiori, Hiroki touched his notebook to the gate to enter the station.

◆

While swaying inside the monorail car, Shiori and Hiroki sat in their seats.

“By the way, is it okay to call you Shiori?”

“That’s fine.”

Hiroki, unsure how to address her, proposed using her first name, to which Shiori nodded in agreement.

“What year are you in, Shiori?”

“I’m in the same year as you, first year of College.”

“I see.”

Knowing they were in the same year, Hiroki made a suggestion.

“Then, how about we drop the formalities? Since we’re the same age, calling each other by our first names is fine.”

“…Then, I’ll call you Hiroki.”

Shiori accepted Hiroki’s proposal and called his name with a tense expression.

Having learned they were the same age, Hiroki had a question in mind.

“Hey, we’re in the same year, right?

“That’s right.”

“I noticed something when I saw your student ID earlier. It looked a bit different from mine, didn’t it?”

“…Ah, I forgot to mention that.”

Realizing she had forgotten an important detail, Shiori spoke politely.

“First, let me introduce myself. I’m Shiori Himeji, a first-year student in the high college section who ranked tenth in the combat college. The different design is because mine is a ranked student’s ID.”

While showing her student ID, she introduced herself and explained the ID.

And then…

(She’s a ranked student!?)

Though not showing it on his face, Hiroki was screaming inside.

He knew tens of thousands of students were in the Combat College, which meant…

(Is this girl among the top ten out of tens of thousands?)

He was struck anew by the realization of who he was dealing with, and fear resurfaced.

(Her combat ability rating is high! That means she’s super strong, right!? I heard they can enhance their bodies!)

Hiroki understood that if this girl seriously punched someone in the face, it would be like a smashed pomegranate.

(No wayyyy!?)

Realizing he was sitting next to a ‘pomegranate-producing machine,’ Hiroki felt his sanity starting to crumble. Fear was evident in his eyes as he remembered being chased at College.

(It’s okay, right!? Everything was settled in the principal’s office! She shouldn’t be targeting me anymore!)

He tried to reassure himself, but the unease lingered. He did his best to calm his nerves.

Then, the monorail came to a stop at the station.

“We get off here. Your apartment is about a ten-minute walk from here.”

“Alright.”

“?”

Shiori was puzzled by Hiroki’s trembling voice as he replied.

“This apartment here.”

A thirty-story apartment building with a façade combining orange and white tiles. A luxury apartment complete with a courtyard on the first floor and a communal space on the rooftop. In front of this building, Hiroki was…

(Yessssssss!!)

He was ecstatic inside, enough to forget the fear he had felt earlier.

(I get to live here!? This is amazing!!)

He was so excited that he almost felt like doing a naked hip-shaking dance, his spirit soaring to new heights.

“The principal said to live here without any worries.”

“Ah, can you thank the principal for me?”

“I will.”

Hiroki wanted to express his gratitude to the principal once more.

“Let’s go in then. The receptionist recognizes us, so the automatic locking doors will open as we pass.”

Following Shiori, Hiroki also entered through the automatic doors.

Inside was a spacious floor bathed in sunlight, with comfortable-looking sofas, decorative paintings, and plants.

“We’ll take the elevator to the twentieth floor. That’s where your room is.”

Hiroki’s room was on the top floor. He boarded the elevator, expecting a great view.

They quickly reached the twentieth floor, and Shiori stopped a short distance away.

“This is it. The door lock will open with this key and the chip in your student ID.”

The door had both a keyhole and an electronic lock. Shiori handed Hiroki a silver key and explained how to open it. Hiroki then opened the door and entered.

“Your belongings have already arrived. I can help you unpack if you like.”

Shiori had casually followed him into the room, causing some discomfort for Hiroki.

(Let this ‘pomegranate-producing machine’ into my room?)

In Hiroki’s mind, Shiori was now labeled a “pomegranate-producing machine.” Fearing to refuse her, he allowed her to enter the room.

They walked down a hallway with beautiful flooring. The apartment was a 3LDK with a balcony, and the light pouring through the windows reflected off the white walls, enhancing the spaciousness.

(I’m never leaving this place…)

Hiroki looked enlightened, having already decided to root himself here.

“…”

(The principal meant it…)

This room was provided by the principal’s efforts and designed to keep Hiroki at the Combat College as long as possible. Shiori was once again reminded of the principal’s determination.

“It is here. Then, please help me.”

(I don’t want her to touch anything. She might get pomegranate juice on it.)

Despite his ridiculous inner thoughts, Hiroki asked Shiori for help.

“I’ll do my best.”

(Touching Hiroki’s personal belongings… Ew…)

Shiori’s thoughts were also quite absurd.

“Put all these summer clothes in the closet. The spring, autumn, and winter clothes can stay in their boxes and be shoved into the closet.”

“Understood.”

Organizing over twenty boxes was made much quicker with an extra pair of hands, a fact not lost on Hiroki.

“Hm? What’s this package?”

Hiroki found a package he didn’t recognize: a white cardboard box and a silver briefcase. Noticing his puzzled look, Shiori spoke up.

“Those are supplies prepared by the principal.”

“The principal?”

“Yes, as I mentioned earlier, they contain items necessary for a student at the Combat College.”

Hearing this, Hiroki opened the white cardboard box first.

“Uniforms, textbooks, and shoes.”

The box contained a black uniform, study materials, white shirts, and shoes.

“Hm? The texture feels different…”

“It’s a special edition. Everyone wears the same.”

Shiori answered his query. Without further questioning the special edition, Hiroki moved on to the briefcase. Inside were…

“…What’s this?”

“A Beretta M92, a highly reliable pistol used by the U.S. military.”

“…And this?”

“A bulletproof vest customized for the Combat College. It’s made from the same material as the uniform.”

“…And this?”

“A combat knife. It’s rarely used, so it’s not very necessary.”

“…This?”

“A medical kit. It contains everything from anesthetics to needles.”

“…”

“And that’s a compact radio for communication.”

Hiroki was speechless, confused by the items he saw for the first time.

“Why do I have these?”

(Am I supposed to star in a movie or something?)

Despite his flat tone, Hiroki questioned Shiori.

“Uh… weren’t these necessary for Hiroki?”

(Maybe they weren’t necessary for Hiroki, who has multiple abilities…)

“No, I’ll… keep them for now.”

(I feel like I’m forgetting something…)

“Okay, understood.”

It doesn’t hurt to have them.

Hiroki had yet to grasp what the Combat College was about fully. He had forgotten what Saiki had taught him. The only thing on his mind was living off the government’s money.

The Combat College is a special organization created separately from the police and self-defense forces, taking on tasks from the government, businesses, and more, utilizing its combat abilities.

Hiroki had completely forgotten this.

◆

As the sun began to set.

“We’ve finished tidying up.”

“Ah, thanks a lot.”

While feeling a bit more open-hearted, Hiroki expressed his gratitude to Shiori, who had helped out of kindness.

“It’s okay. I’m your guide, after all. Feel free to rely on me in the future.”

(Hehehe)

Shiori, not entirely driven by good intentions, assured Hiroki she would continue to help whenever he needed.

“College starts tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. It’s about a thirty-minute trip from here.”

“I see. Then I’m counting on you starting tomorrow.”

“Yes, me too.”

In the room illuminated by the sunset, the two exchanged greetings anew.

“I’ll be heading back then. I’ll walk you out of the apartment.”

“No, just to the corridor is fine.”

Shiori replied and began walking towards the entrance.

And when they reached the corridor…

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

Shiori started walking towards the elevator.

But she soon stopped and took out her key and student ID in front of the neighboring room.

She inserted the key into the lock, turned it, and touched her student ID to the electronic reader. A beep sounded, and the lock on the door was released.

“Good night, then.”

With those words, she disappeared into the room next door.

(Pomegranate-producing machineeeeee!!)

Hiroki let out the most unspeakable scream of the day into the darkening night sky.

◆

After eating dinner and getting out of the bath, Hiroki lay on the spacious double bed in his bedroom.

(I’m so tired today…)

Exhausted from the day’s events, Hiroki finally had time to relax.

(Tomorrow is my first day at College. I need to be careful not to mess up.)

He contemplated his future actions while idly running his fingers over the white sheets.

(Let’s just sleep for today. I’ll think about tomorrow and the future after I wake up.)

Deciding that, he dimmed the lights and rested his head on the pillow.