Tremors in the Dark
A week had passed since I started taking swordsmanship lessons from Chris. Her fear.
“Hup—!!”
“Don’t just focus on the sword—! Attacks come from all directions—!”
Whoosh! Clang—!!
Chris’s sword lessons were as brutal as the ones I’d endured in the fourth loop, even though I’d been through them once before. Her teaching method was pure sparring. We swung our blades, clashed them head-on, and learned through the grind. Naturally, it was exhausting physically. Not just practicing stances and corrections—this was simulated real combat, forcing our bodies to move while taking hits and swinging back.
And I was doing morning training before coming here for afternoon lessons. In a way, it was even tougher than the fourth loop.
But.
“Hah, hah… Ughhh… I’m dying…”
“Heh, you catch on quick again? It’s seriously amazing watching you.”
The results matched the effort. Chris had started out annoyed at having to teach me. But now, seeing how fast I adapted to her lessons, she was the one getting immersed.
“Here, water.”
“Ah… Thanks…”
And our relationship had grown closer too. It had been awkward at first, but clashing swords and syncing our moves melted that away, building a subtle intimacy. Even without much talk, it came naturally.
“By the way, Emil.”
“Yeah?”
“Just had to ask since I got the chance… Why are you so obsessed with swordsmanship?”
“……Huh?”
She was asking personal questions now, treating me like someone close.
…But that one was a bit tough to answer.
I can’t exactly say it’s to conquer you.
I pretended to think, staring into space, trying to come up with something believable.
“……To get good grades?”
Of course, I didn’t have that kind of quick wit. Would’ve been nice to have a perk for it. Still.
“Pfft.”
“……Funny?”
“Grades? Yeah, that sounds just like you…”
Luckily, my top-of-the-class nerd image made her buy it without suspicion. Maybe the Sweet Voice perk helped.
“You’re probably the only one who’d push this hard just for grades, Emil.”
She giggled at my half-baked excuse. It was the first time I’d seen her this bright in this loop.
Smooth sailing.
Things were progressing as planned with her. But something was still missing. The decisive blow.
Right now, we were friends at best. She didn’t feel anything more for me.
Thought the perks would carry me, but no dice.
The Charm’s Tear Spot effect, so potent with Marie, barely worked on Chris. I’d half-expected it. She wasn’t the type to fall for looks or vibes alone.
So I needed that one big moment. And if memory served, it was coming soon.
“Speaking of, the first-year group practical’s coming up, right?”
“……Yeah? Oh, right.”
Chris’s face tensed at my question. That group practical was my decisive blow.
She fell deep into thought, her expression hardening. I’d conquered her once before, so I knew exactly what she was thinking.
She’s scared.
This practical was in a dungeon. Students split into groups to experience the early stages of a large beginner dungeon.
……
“Check your weapons, everyone. If yours is in bad shape or you’re too scared, speak up now—I’ll pull you out, no hesitation.”
The professor who always handled practicals bellowed to the crowd again.
Here we go…
The students milled about in identical gear, long swords at their hips—not training dummies, but real sharpened blades. They chatted with friends, some worried, others buzzing with excitement.
Amid them all, I secretly watched one student.
Chris Bellmore.
She stood silently, staring ahead, not talking to anyone. But even from afar, I spotted it. Her hand gripping the sword hilt was trembling.
Wonder if I can find her inside…
I eyed her intently, pondering that, when—
“Hey!”
“Gah!”
“Haha! You scare too easy.”
Sierra popped up. Lately, she kept ambushing me out of nowhere. Or maybe she timed it for when I was distracted?
“Scaredy-cat~ Thinking about the dungeon got you spooked?”
She flashed her usual teasing grin and poked fun, so I shot her a mild glare, as always.
“What~? I was just trying to loosen you up.”
“Wasn’t tense to begin with.”
“Then why the super serious face?”
“……Huh?”
“You looked all heavy and intense earlier.”
I hadn’t thought I looked that way. Guess it came off serious from the side.
As I recalled my expression—
“Alright! Practical starts now! Don’t lose your issued bracelets! Enter in order!”
The professor’s voice boomed around us.
“Oh, it’s starting.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve got an early number, so I gotta head up front.”
“……Huh? Oh, uh, go for it.”
“……”
Sierra said she had to go but stood there blankly when I told her to. I gave her a questioning look.
“Emil, if it gets dangerous, come to me.”
“……What?”
“Hehe, friends, right?”
“No, what’s that supposed to…”
She giggled and blended into the entering students. As she walked away, she called back.
“But you’re a weakling, Emil~!”
“……”
Was that concern? Unfair.
Morning training proved I had better stamina than her. What was with that smug look? Like, I’ll protect you!
After my hellish sessions with Chris lately, it was the ultimate provocation.
Especially since she meant it sincerely. That stung most.
As that itch of petty anger prickled—
“Ah, Chris…!”
I remembered my real goal and checked the dungeon entrance. Too late—she was already inside.
“Damn…”
I’d at least wanted her entry time. Guess I’m running it out.
This conquest was a real workout.
……
Tat-tat-tat—!!
Swish—!
“Kuryeeek!!”
The larva monster split in two from my swift long sword swing. Its shrill scream.
Splurt!
“Kureek…”
I stabbed the head, silencing it quick.
“Alright…”
I scooped the magic stone—proof of the kill—then scanned around, catching my breath.
This large beginner dungeon was a cave-type with the easiest monsters, perfect for first-years’ debut practical. Spacious for a cave, especially here near the center. About half a sports field in size. I spotted other students battling afar.
No Chris here.
She’d avoid crowds. Hated showing weakness.
“Kyaaah—!”
A girl’s scream echoed from somewhere. Chris flashed in my mind; I whipped around.
An unknown girl was under monster attack. A slime—looks harmless, but tricky without hitting the core.
Tat-tat-tat—!!
It caught my eye, so I charged in.
Swoosh! Slash—!
My horizontal swing cleaved body and core alike.
Easy Mode makes it a breeze.
In past Hard Mode loops, cores didn’t slice so clean, monsters weren’t this sluggish. Now? Opposite. Other students struggled like always, so maybe it was me that changed.
“You okay?”
“H-Huh? Y-Yeah…”
I offered a hand to the slime-goo-covered girl. She looked up, blushed, and took it shyly.
Squeeze…
Feeling her cling, I pulled her up firmly.
“Thanks…”
“If you can’t handle it, use the bracelet. Don’t forget.”
“Okay…”
“I’m off.”
“W-Wait…!”
I ignored her call from behind and dashed on. My part was done. Too busy hunting Chris.
……
In the dark, narrow cave passage, away from the center, Chris pressed on.
Step, step…
No monsters yet. No fights started.
But.
Tremble, tremble…
Her hand on the hilt shook endlessly. Her eyes, fixed ahead, quivered violently, cold sweat beading on her cheeks.
Then.
Clang—!!
Some student’s sword clash? Metal on hard something echoed through the cave.
And.
“Kyaa—!!”
Chris collapsed at the sound, body shaking.
“Hah, hah…”
Ragged breaths, racing pulse. She’d seen battlefields aplenty, but now she felt like that ten-year-old kid again.
Memories buried deep resurfaced. Blazing heat, screams. Her familiar room, now a slaughterhouse. Blood stench.
Nothing like that here in the cave.
But.
“Hic… Nn, hic…”
Chris faced them. Trembling, collapsed, she hugged her knees like that little girl, tears spilling in terror.
“Mommy…”
Alone in the quiet cave, hearing war’s clamor, Chris whispered softly.