"With this, at last, we graduated from Eksas High School. And proudly announced, our high school becomes the best high school with highest score in the Bana'an Kingdom. Without further ado, get the party started!"
"OUGH!" they responded noisily.
At last, Illuvia finish the party's opening speech. This schoolgirl, no! this woman more appropriate--because we have officially graduated, have a full name Illuvia Nerras. She was the school president on Eksas High School and one of the most popular girls on the school.[1] Illuvia ranked 2nd on the theory class and 1st on the practical class. With addition her long shiny black hair that until her hip and her green eyes, all of boys and girls fall for her. Not mentioning a fact she was a noble. Although if I must say her physical aspect is lack, but her face was compensated for her undeveloped body.
The people say she was a flawless figure, but I didn't think so. I, the one that almost three years become Eksas High School's Vice President, know very well that she was not perfect. She was full of negligence. Correction. We knew very well she was not perfect. All of the Student Committee's core, me as a vice, Arde as treasurer, and Maila as secretary, knows very well the fault of the president has.
Eksas has three student committee every year. One committee for one generation. And of course, every year, the student committee have a patriotic spirit to become the best on the academic or non-academic, defeat the upperclassmen or the under.
Illuvia finally reach our table, table for the final-year student committee's core. She sat on my right. The dress she wore tonight really expose her body advantage.
She wears a purple long dress with side slit from her waist till the bottom, that was the main charm. On the other hand, the exposure on her chest is really little. Yah, reall-
"Gin, you just thinking something rude or pervert right?"
"Ung..."
I could only silent for a reply. Like always, how could she read my mind?
"Hahaha, is it obvious? Lugalgin must be doing that."
Arde joined in. His short blonde hair and blue eyes give a positive and bright impression, like a noble. But, don't know, like me, Arde was chosen to wear a dark-gray simple suit with a bow tie. Because of that, we stood out at the party, where others dressed extravagantly.
"Hahaha, just dating you guys, Lugalgin, Illuvia. So Lugalgin will stop his rude," add Maila.
"Ah—"
"No, thanks." I cut Illuvia before she could answer.
With my answer, I could see she dejected and hang her head.
It was countless how many I reject Illuvia, subtly or directly. There are many reasons why I do not accept her, but the main reason is that she was noble and I'm just a commoner. I just want to live normally without responsibility and burden as a noble lover.
On the other side, Maila wears an eastern-style long dress with frills on the skirt part. Different from Illuvia that use a dark dress, Maila wear a bright blue dress, the same as her long hair color till her waist. Same like Illuvia and Arde, she was a noble.
Just me, Lugalgin Alhold, from the other core management, not a noble. It was a long story how this three noble accept me, but it's not important for now.
"Time sure flies fast, it was three years since we enter this high school," I try to bring a new topic.
"And today, two years and eight months, we officially become the student committee for generation 49," add Arde. [2]
"It was a strange thing. How come an incompetent like me could enter Eksas, become a core management and then graduated."
"As many I said, you're not an incompetent!" Illuvia argue. "You're even more competent than everyone that I know."
Illuvia glares sharply at me angrily.
Yeah, she always shows me that look when I called myself an incompetent. what can I do? I am really incompetent, the one without power to bend.
"What Illuvia say is right, for us, you're the most competent person we meet in this school," add Maila to Illuvia's words.
"Even," add Arde join in. "Not only us, everyone in generation 49 have admitted that you're was the most competent person for any problem arise. Yah, as long as not connected with bending."
"The last part is not needed!" Illuvia and Maila immediately refused Arde's statement.
"Yeah, yeah, have a mercy."
"Hahaha"
I just small laugh at their dialog. Ah, high school times that many people say the most beautiful period in life is over. Finally we released to the real world. Arde and Maila has been accepted into a famous university in the Bana'an capital, Karia City. Illuvia itself get a scholarship and word offer from many university and company. But, until now, I haven't heard her decision.
On the other side, I'm not accepted to any university. All the scholarship and internship application I send was no one accepted.
"Don't worry, Lugalgin, there must be a university and company that aware of your greatness."
"It's right what Illuva said, Gin. Don't give up."
"Yeah, don't give up."
Suddenly Illuvia, Maila and Arde give me words of courage.
Is what in my mind really obvious in their mind? Even though I was sure I haven't changed my expression. But if they, most likely knows. We have been together for almost three years, even I didn't change my expression, don't know how they always know what in my mind.
There are many reasons and opinions that I could say to refute their optimism. But, I didn't bother to argue and prolong this discussion, so I will agree with their opinion.
"Yeah, you're right. I just mustn't give up."
Different from school life where bending didn't widely use, in the outside world, everything needs bending. In other words, my future isn't too bright.
For this time, the most realistic choice for me was continuing his business as an antique seller. In this world, the item considered as antique was the item that didn't need bending for its operation. I know about this business because my father and mom trying to make my life easier. I also often find and buy an antique item with my personal fund, which makes me have many collections.
One thing led to another, now I could make an antique item by myself. Well, not completely by myself. I request help from my connection and acquaintance to supply the spare parts and its parts. Then, I will assemble it, make sure the item will work normally. in other words, I was one of the few people that capable to create an antique item in this world. But of course, just a few people know my name.
My client is the collector with a thick wallet. And sometimes, my client is noble. Even one of my loyal customers is a kingdom princess, princess from the queen, not consort. The first antique item she wants was a lantern that lit by liquid.
That liquid is called oil. I read it in the history book, before the rotary machine based on bending developed, there's many vehicle use the oil.
Well, it's not important. And of course, no one knows my relationship with the kingdom's princess except me.
"Yeah, let's just enjoy tonight party."
Tried to distract my thinking.
***
"Gin, where are you going tonight?" Illuvia asks.
She was a noble, of course, she was picked up by a shiny luxury car. Not like me that just use an electric motorcycle. Because I can't use the rotary system, I must create a vehicle for myself. For the design, I replicate from the past that called a naked bike. [3]
"I intended to drive around the city. At least, until my bike loses half of its power."
Different from the rotary system that could move as long as the user has the stamina, my bike considered as not efficient because it could run out of power and must be charged. Moreover, the method to charge its power was limited too.
"Gin, I'm sorry I couldn't help you to get a job. Even though, you have been helping me in three years. I can't melt my father's heart."
Suddenly Illuvia bow his body a little.
"Eh, no, no. No problem. Don't think too hard about it."
I hurriedly move forward and straighten up Illuvia's body. I couldn't make a noble bow and apologize to a commoner like me. Yeah, I know my family, The Alhold, have a status equal with a noble. But, it does not apply for me, because I am incompetent. Yeah, once again, I just a commoner.
"Instead I wouldn't happy if your father accepts me because of pity."
"But..."
"Enough," tried to end this discussion. "Just go home already, your escort was here."
"Ung. okay. I go home first Gin"
"Yeah."
I lean on my bike while waiting for Illuvia's car to disappear from my sight. And the car finally disappears from my sight.
I wore my leather jacket above the suit, leather gloves, and full-face helm. By riding a bike, I leave this high school, headed to the edge of Haria City.
***
I ride on the road swiftly without hitch. Maybe because it's late I could speed up without obstruction. I have been riding my bike in one round, my bike's power also only half left. Time to end this trip.
I directed my bike to the right, entering the highway. The highway in this city on the surface, but as a flyover on the top of the normal road. To cut the time and save power, via flyover is the best choice for me. The choice that I regretted afterward.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr![4]
Suddenly, another big explosion appears. The explosion appeared on the road that I will take, forced me to stop. Without thinking, I swiftly turn my bike.
Whatever the story behind that explosion, I didn't want to involve. I don't want to become a witness. I don't want to have a connection to that incident. Just assume it didn't happen and just go. But, it seems, my hope is not granted.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Another explosion appears again in front of me, destroyed the road. Force me to stop my bike again.
Damn, the road destroyed. There's no chance for me to go away from this place. If I could bend, then I could make my bike floating and pass the crevice in front of me. Unfortunately, I can't! I didn't have bending power! In other words, I am doomed.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Explosion by explosion appears. I directed my bike to the street lamp. Even this street lamp could illumine me like a shout "there's a person here!"[5] but beneath the street lamp installed a concrete pole that connected the flyover and the surface. Even though there's a danger being noticed, but that was the safest point in this destruction.
"Hah, hah, hah."
I heard something that not supposed in the middle of the road. Women gasping sound. And there it is. In the middle of the road, there's stand a woman. She has burning-red hair. Not only her hair, but her attire is also full of red color as if her body burning. With the addition, her attire that looks like it was floating, make it her look floating.
I corrected it. She wears red-colored tight clothes that cover up her body except for her face. Of course, those clothes shows her body curve perfectly.
Although it's sexy, tight clothes were commonly used by the military or police, called Igni Suit. Igni was a suit designed to increase the bending power of its user. Meanwhile, Igni's material was created from special synthetic fabric that could endure high temperatures and bullets. The bullet in this case was a dull bullet that used on the gun or assault rifle, not a sharp sniper bullet.
Above the Igni suit, she wears a short sleeve jacket and cream-colored short pants. In her hands and legs, sticking a long cloth like a shawl. The shawl floating not affected by gravity. The shawl must be mixed with some material so it could be bended by its user. [6]
But what more stand out was some long and big things that floating around the woman's body. Around her shoulder and head, I could see a floating tank barrel. No! Not 'a' floating barrel! There's five tank barrel without its body, floating around her.
Dar! dar! dar! dar! dar![4]
The five tank head shot at one location. My eyes follow its shot direction. In the distance, I look at some explosion in the sky. In a short time, on the explosion site in the sky, appears some fast-moving thing.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Some explosion appears in front of me where that red-haired woman is. She has moved from there to dodge the explosion.
Instead saw, I heard a whizzing sound and some light reflection from there. I don't know what, but that thing targeting that red-haired woman in front of me. Maybe, if I concentrated, I could see what thing it is. Maybe.
But, before that, what with this battle? This place as if become a warzone. Explosion and destruction were anywhere. The red-haired woman keeps dodging the attack and countered shot at the sky.
But, there was something weird about this woman. No, not weird, maybe it's more like familiar. Her red-hair makes me feel to know her. But she keeps moving on the night darkness, so it's difficult to see her face. Almost all of the explosion happens behind her so there's no enough light to see her face.
If I could concentrate and remember for a moment, I will surely know who is this woman identity. But, I didn't have an intention to involved. So, I didn't increase my contrate and find it on my memories.
I still silence sit on my bike, looked calm at what happens in the front. How could I be this calm? Just say my life is not easy.
But, still, I never encountered by battle as big as this. The most serious battle that I encountered is just gang or mafia wars. Let me say it, gang or mafia wars not this bad. The explosion is not big as this. And the destruction it produces not big as this. I dare to bet, the highroad there must have destroyed like this.
From the physical destruction, I dared to guarantee that this battle is more dangerous than a gang battle. But, from the casualty, not.
For this moment, I just have one wish. I wish the red-haired woman didn't come near me. If shed didn't come near me, I could testify I didn't know the suspect because the night was too dark for me to see. Well, this was the best choice. But unfortunately, my wish didn't granted.
That woman precisely moves to the front of me, lighted by the lamplight.
"Eh?"
That woman startled look at me.
It seems she just realized my presence. Is she too focused on the battle in front of him until she didn't pay attention around here? If that's true, then I could say she was too careless.
But, what makes him more surprised is, finally, I could see this woman face. And I really recognize her face. Red eyes with a sharp gaze. Thin lips with glisten by the light. Snow-white skin.
"Princess Emir?"
She was Princess Emir, this kingdom princess, and my loyal customer.
TL Note
[1] Seitokaichō-sama!
[2] Substract 1, and it's become 48... If you know what I mean :P
[3] Or just called by a 'standard' bike, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_motorcycles
[4] 'Blar', 'Duar' , 'Dar' - One of the common sound effect of an explosion in Bahasa Indonesia
[5] maybe the author wants to say, it makes him obvious to the one that does the explosion.
[6] why I can't help thinking about Elsie's raiment? (on the anime 'The World God Only Knows')
"With this, at last, we graduated from Eksas High School. And proudly announced, our high school becomes the best high school with highest score in the Bana'an Kingdom. Without further ado, get the party started!"
"OUGH!" they responded noisily.
At last, Illuvia finish the party's opening speech. This schoolgirl, no! this woman more appropriate--because we have officially graduated, have a full name Illuvia Nerras. She was the school president on Eksas High School and one of the most popular girls on the school.[1] Illuvia ranked 2nd on the theory class and 1st on the practical class. With addition her long shiny black hair that until her hip and her green eyes, all of boys and girls fall for her. Not mentioning a fact she was a noble. Although if I must say her physical aspect is lack, but her face was compensated for her undeveloped body.
The people say she was a flawless figure, but I didn't think so. I, the one that almost three years become Eksas High School's Vice President, know very well that she was not perfect. She was full of negligence. Correction. We knew very well she was not perfect. All of the Student Committee's core, me as a vice, Arde as treasurer, and Maila as secretary, knows very well the fault of the president has.
Eksas has three student committee every year. One committee for one generation. And of course, every year, the student committee have a patriotic spirit to become the best on the academic or non-academic, defeat the upperclassmen or the under.
Illuvia finally reach our table, table for the final-year student committee's core. She sat on my right. The dress she wore tonight really expose her body advantage.
She wears a purple long dress with side slit from her waist till the bottom, that was the main charm. On the other hand, the exposure on her chest is really little. Yah, reall-
"Gin, you just thinking something rude or pervert right?"
"Ung..."
I could only silent for a reply. Like always, how could she read my mind?
"Hahaha, is it obvious? Lugalgin must be doing that."
Arde joined in. His short blonde hair and blue eyes give a positive and bright impression, like a noble. But, don't know, like me, Arde was chosen to wear a dark-gray simple suit with a bow tie. Because of that, we stood out at the party, where others dressed extravagantly.
"Hahaha, just dating you guys, Lugalgin, Illuvia. So Lugalgin will stop his rude," add Maila.
"Ah—"
"No, thanks." I cut Illuvia before she could answer.
With my answer, I could see she dejected and hang her head.
It was countless how many I reject Illuvia, subtly or directly. There are many reasons why I do not accept her, but the main reason is that she was noble and I'm just a commoner. I just want to live normally without responsibility and burden as a noble lover.
On the other side, Maila wears an eastern-style long dress with frills on the skirt part. Different from Illuvia that use a dark dress, Maila wear a bright blue dress, the same as her long hair color till her waist. Same like Illuvia and Arde, she was a noble.
Just me, Lugalgin Alhold, from the other core management, not a noble. It was a long story how this three noble accept me, but it's not important for now.
"Time sure flies fast, it was three years since we enter this high school," I try to bring a new topic.
"And today, two years and eight months, we officially become the student committee for generation 49," add Arde. [2]
"It was a strange thing. How come an incompetent like me could enter Eksas, become a core management and then graduated."
"As many I said, you're not an incompetent!" Illuvia argue. "You're even more competent than everyone that I know."
Illuvia glares sharply at me angrily.
Yeah, she always shows me that look when I called myself an incompetent. what can I do? I am really incompetent, the one without power to bend.
"What Illuvia say is right, for us, you're the most competent person we meet in this school," add Maila to Illuvia's words.
"Even," add Arde join in. "Not only us, everyone in generation 49 have admitted that you're was the most competent person for any problem arise. Yah, as long as not connected with bending."
"The last part is not needed!" Illuvia and Maila immediately refused Arde's statement.
"Yeah, yeah, have a mercy."
"Hahaha"
I just small laugh at their dialog. Ah, high school times that many people say the most beautiful period in life is over. Finally we released to the real world. Arde and Maila has been accepted into a famous university in the Bana'an capital, Karia City. Illuvia itself get a scholarship and word offer from many university and company. But, until now, I haven't heard her decision.
On the other side, I'm not accepted to any university. All the scholarship and internship application I send was no one accepted.
"Don't worry, Lugalgin, there must be a university and company that aware of your greatness."
"It's right what Illuva said, Gin. Don't give up."
"Yeah, don't give up."
Suddenly Illuvia, Maila and Arde give me words of courage.
Is what in my mind really obvious in their mind? Even though I was sure I haven't changed my expression. But if they, most likely knows. We have been together for almost three years, even I didn't change my expression, don't know how they always know what in my mind.
There are many reasons and opinions that I could say to refute their optimism. But, I didn't bother to argue and prolong this discussion, so I will agree with their opinion.
"Yeah, you're right. I just mustn't give up."
Different from school life where bending didn't widely use, in the outside world, everything needs bending. In other words, my future isn't too bright.
For this time, the most realistic choice for me was continuing his business as an antique seller. In this world, the item considered as antique was the item that didn't need bending for its operation. I know about this business because my father and mom trying to make my life easier. I also often find and buy an antique item with my personal fund, which makes me have many collections.
One thing led to another, now I could make an antique item by myself. Well, not completely by myself. I request help from my connection and acquaintance to supply the spare parts and its parts. Then, I will assemble it, make sure the item will work normally. in other words, I was one of the few people that capable to create an antique item in this world. But of course, just a few people know my name.
My client is the collector with a thick wallet. And sometimes, my client is noble. Even one of my loyal customers is a kingdom princess, princess from the queen, not consort. The first antique item she wants was a lantern that lit by liquid.
That liquid is called oil. I read it in the history book, before the rotary machine based on bending developed, there's many vehicle use the oil.
Well, it's not important. And of course, no one knows my relationship with the kingdom's princess except me.
"Yeah, let's just enjoy tonight party."
Tried to distract my thinking.
***
"Gin, where are you going tonight?" Illuvia asks.
She was a noble, of course, she was picked up by a shiny luxury car. Not like me that just use an electric motorcycle. Because I can't use the rotary system, I must create a vehicle for myself. For the design, I replicate from the past that called a naked bike. [3]
"I intended to drive around the city. At least, until my bike loses half of its power."
Different from the rotary system that could move as long as the user has the stamina, my bike considered as not efficient because it could run out of power and must be charged. Moreover, the method to charge its power was limited too.
"Gin, I'm sorry I couldn't help you to get a job. Even though, you have been helping me in three years. I can't melt my father's heart."
Suddenly Illuvia bow his body a little.
"Eh, no, no. No problem. Don't think too hard about it."
I hurriedly move forward and straighten up Illuvia's body. I couldn't make a noble bow and apologize to a commoner like me. Yeah, I know my family, The Alhold, have a status equal with a noble. But, it does not apply for me, because I am incompetent. Yeah, once again, I just a commoner.
"Instead I wouldn't happy if your father accepts me because of pity."
"But..."
"Enough," tried to end this discussion. "Just go home already, your escort was here."
"Ung. okay. I go home first Gin"
"Yeah."
I lean on my bike while waiting for Illuvia's car to disappear from my sight. And the car finally disappears from my sight.
I wore my leather jacket above the suit, leather gloves, and full-face helm. By riding a bike, I leave this high school, headed to the edge of Haria City.
***
I ride on the road swiftly without hitch. Maybe because it's late I could speed up without obstruction. I have been riding my bike in one round, my bike's power also only half left. Time to end this trip.
I directed my bike to the right, entering the highway. The highway in this city on the surface, but as a flyover on the top of the normal road. To cut the time and save power, via flyover is the best choice for me. The choice that I regretted afterward.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr![4]
Suddenly, another big explosion appears. The explosion appeared on the road that I will take, forced me to stop. Without thinking, I swiftly turn my bike.
Whatever the story behind that explosion, I didn't want to involve. I don't want to become a witness. I don't want to have a connection to that incident. Just assume it didn't happen and just go. But, it seems, my hope is not granted.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Another explosion appears again in front of me, destroyed the road. Force me to stop my bike again.
Damn, the road destroyed. There's no chance for me to go away from this place. If I could bend, then I could make my bike floating and pass the crevice in front of me. Unfortunately, I can't! I didn't have bending power! In other words, I am doomed.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Explosion by explosion appears. I directed my bike to the street lamp. Even this street lamp could illumine me like a shout "there's a person here!"[5] but beneath the street lamp installed a concrete pole that connected the flyover and the surface. Even though there's a danger being noticed, but that was the safest point in this destruction.
"Hah, hah, hah."
I heard something that not supposed in the middle of the road. Women gasping sound. And there it is. In the middle of the road, there's stand a woman. She has burning-red hair. Not only her hair, but her attire is also full of red color as if her body burning. With the addition, her attire that looks like it was floating, make it her look floating.
I corrected it. She wears red-colored tight clothes that cover up her body except for her face. Of course, those clothes shows her body curve perfectly.
Although it's sexy, tight clothes were commonly used by the military or police, called Igni Suit. Igni was a suit designed to increase the bending power of its user. Meanwhile, Igni's material was created from special synthetic fabric that could endure high temperatures and bullets. The bullet in this case was a dull bullet that used on the gun or assault rifle, not a sharp sniper bullet.
Above the Igni suit, she wears a short sleeve jacket and cream-colored short pants. In her hands and legs, sticking a long cloth like a shawl. The shawl floating not affected by gravity. The shawl must be mixed with some material so it could be bended by its user. [6]
But what more stand out was some long and big things that floating around the woman's body. Around her shoulder and head, I could see a floating tank barrel. No! Not 'a' floating barrel! There's five tank barrel without its body, floating around her.
Dar! dar! dar! dar! dar![4]
The five tank head shot at one location. My eyes follow its shot direction. In the distance, I look at some explosion in the sky. In a short time, on the explosion site in the sky, appears some fast-moving thing.
Blarr! Blarr! Blarr!
Some explosion appears in front of me where that red-haired woman is. She has moved from there to dodge the explosion.
Instead saw, I heard a whizzing sound and some light reflection from there. I don't know what, but that thing targeting that red-haired woman in front of me. Maybe, if I concentrated, I could see what thing it is. Maybe.
But, before that, what with this battle? This place as if become a warzone. Explosion and destruction were anywhere. The red-haired woman keeps dodging the attack and countered shot at the sky.
But, there was something weird about this woman. No, not weird, maybe it's more like familiar. Her red-hair makes me feel to know her. But she keeps moving on the night darkness, so it's difficult to see her face. Almost all of the explosion happens behind her so there's no enough light to see her face.
If I could concentrate and remember for a moment, I will surely know who is this woman identity. But, I didn't have an intention to involved. So, I didn't increase my contrate and find it on my memories.
I still silence sit on my bike, looked calm at what happens in the front. How could I be this calm? Just say my life is not easy.
But, still, I never encountered by battle as big as this. The most serious battle that I encountered is just gang or mafia wars. Let me say it, gang or mafia wars not this bad. The explosion is not big as this. And the destruction it produces not big as this. I dare to bet, the highroad there must have destroyed like this.
From the physical destruction, I dared to guarantee that this battle is more dangerous than a gang battle. But, from the casualty, not.
For this moment, I just have one wish. I wish the red-haired woman didn't come near me. If shed didn't come near me, I could testify I didn't know the suspect because the night was too dark for me to see. Well, this was the best choice. But unfortunately, my wish didn't granted.
That woman precisely moves to the front of me, lighted by the lamplight.
"Eh?"
That woman startled look at me.
It seems she just realized my presence. Is she too focused on the battle in front of him until she didn't pay attention around here? If that's true, then I could say she was too careless.
But, what makes him more surprised is, finally, I could see this woman face. And I really recognize her face. Red eyes with a sharp gaze. Thin lips with glisten by the light. Snow-white skin.
"Princess Emir?"
She was Princess Emir, this kingdom princess, and my loyal customer.
TL Note
[1] Seitokaichō-sama!
[2] Substract 1, and it's become 48... If you know what I mean :P
[3] Or just called by a 'standard' bike, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_motorcycles
[4] 'Blar', 'Duar' , 'Dar' - One of the common sound effect of an explosion in Bahasa Indonesia
[5] maybe the author wants to say, it makes him obvious to the one that does the explosion.
[6] why I can't help thinking about Elsie's raiment? (on the anime 'The World God Only Knows')
