97 Chapter 97 – Ibuki’s observations are unexpectedly correct

While enjoying the sea breeze on the cruise, the first-year students of the Advanced Nurturing High School were full of youthful vigor, determined to make the most of the summer vacation!

It wasn't just about the special exams; a rare summer break surely called for some entertainment and relaxation. However, once off the cruise and back in the school dormitories, the idea of stepping out was far from appealing.

Summer, by its very definition, involves heat and struggle. Whether it's the incessant chirping of cicadas that could drive you to madness or the all-encompassing sauna-like heat that guarantees sweat-drenched shirts within a minute of being outdoors, the only desirable place is indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned room, avoiding the outdoors at all costs.

Yet, there are times when one must venture outside.

It's the third day of August, and just three days after returning from the luxurious cruise trip, Yukio finds himself in need of stepping out due to depleted stocks of cold beverages and food supplies in his fridge.

These past two days, Shiina has been visiting occasionally, even buying a pure white apron to adorably cook for him, hence the rapid consumption of food supplies.

Opening his dorm room door, Yukio is greeted by a wave of hot air from the corridor, akin to opening a steamer, prompting him to quickly shut the door behind him.

Pulling out his phone, he decides to call Ishizaki, thinking it's just a small errand of shopping, and Ishizaki, always eager to help, would likely be willing. But... the call doesn't go through.

Then, he calls Albert, and this time the call connects, but after a moment of silence, it's Ryuuen's voice that answers: "Hello? Yukio, what's up?"

Hearing keyboard clicks in the background, Yukio can guess they're at the computer cafe in the Shopping Center, fully immersed. Not wanting to interrupt their gaming for a mere errand, he casually asks, "Is Ishizaki with you guys?"

"He's out with the basketball club as a reserve," Ryuuen reminds him, pointing out that summer is a crucial time for sports clubs to be active.

"No worries then." Yukio hangs up, recalling that the Advanced Nurturing High School strictly limits students' outings, with exceptions only for special exams and club competitions.

Many club competitions are held outside the school because it would be impractical and challenging to manage if held within the school's premises, not to mention the potential for unforeseen incidents. It's easier to let the clubs participate in external competitions.

This leads to the mention of how lively the summer is in Japan, with sports clubs from all schools actively participating in various competitions, truly embodying the spirit of the season.

The most well-known event is the Koshien baseball tournament during the summer months of August.

Ishizaki, as a freshman in this year's basketball club, is decent but only a substitute. It's said that among the first-year students, Sudo from Class D is the best at basketball, securing a spot in the starting lineup as a first-year.

However, going out for competitions seems quite troublesome. Outings require inspection by the school authorities, and speaking during the competition is not allowed. Even using the bathroom or eating must be supervised by the school to prevent the leakage of school information.

The most outrageous part is that when going out for competitions, the event organizers would specially accommodate Advanced Nurturing High School, providing exclusive restrooms. Ishizaki, when mentioning this three days ago, was marveling at the school's generosity.

With both his go-to people busy, Yukio decides to head out himself to the Shopping Center supermarket to restock on food and drinks.

Stepping out of the cool dormitory building, one can't help but question their choices, as the road ahead looks clear but is distorted by the heat haze under the blazing sun, with the incessant chirping of cicadas driving one mad.

Fortunately, Advanced Nurturing High School emphasizes vegetation, providing plenty of cool shade along the way. Thanks to his good physical condition, Yukio arrives at the Shopping Center without breaking much sweat.

It's undeniable that such a complex is comfortable, with all-around air conditioning dispelling the heat and instantly making one feel at ease.

"Yukio?"

As he was enjoying the cool air, a small exclamation came from ahead. Following the sound, Yukio sees Ibuki, a key figure in the uninhabited island special exam, looking awkward as if she didn't want to be seen.

Looking further, he notices she's in line for a shop named "Fate Divination."

Yukio remembers that in his class chat, the girls mentioned something about a famous diviner invited by the school.

To support the students' mental and spiritual well-being, the school has introduced many entertainment facilities, even allocating a shop space for a diviner for the month of August, offering services until the end of the month.

Moreover, the school also invited other personalities, opening several new facilities. For students spending their summer vacation, this is indeed a great thing.

Due to its novelty, it seems to be quite popular and anticipated among the younger female students, with many in the chat saying they wanted to try it. Unexpectedly, Yukio finds Ibuki here.

Yukio casually walked up to Ibuki, his eyes filled with amusement as he observed her awkward demeanor: "Do you believe in this kind of divination, Ibuki?"

"Huh?" Hearing Yukio's question, Ibuki's awkwardness faded, replaced by a serious expression: "Belief makes it real; disbelief renders it void."

"If you don't believe, no matter how the divination turns out, you'll just think it's all smoke and mirrors, at most seeing it as some psychological trick. But if you do believe, it can fill you with enthusiasm for what's to come."

Yukio looked at Ibuki with appreciation. He hadn't realized before that this warrior's daughter had such distinctive interpretations.

Whether it was her cautious attitude towards Ichinose and Kushida, believing that no one is perfect and the brighter the surface, the more dangerous the interior, or her belief in the power of faith, Yukio found her perspectives commendable.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Feeling Yukio's admiring gaze, Ibuki quickly turned her head away, avoiding further eye contact.

Her ears peeking out from under her short hair were heating up, and her mind was filled with thoughts like, "What's with that serious gaze, it's so annoying, can't he stop staring at me, why... does this feel so embarrassing, just from being watched?"

"I just think you have a good point," Yukio briefly explained, meaning no harm.

"Hmph," Ibuki responded with pride: "Basically, if you come here for a divination with a skeptical mind, you're just wasting time and money, unlikely to gain anything."

"If you come with an open mind, thinking 'let's just see,' if the diviner gets it wrong, you can just laugh it off and leave. If they get it right, it'll make you happy."

"So, which type are you, Yukio?"

"Me?" Yukio didn't beat around the bush and shared his own view: "I'm pretty much like most people, like when students pray to gods before an exam."

"If I do well, I credit myself for being diligent and well-prepared; I deserved the good grades for working so hard."

"If I do poorly, I blame the gods, thinking all the prayers were useless, and that the idea of divine beings is entirely untrustworthy."

Ibuki was stunned by such a utilitarian view, having never encountered such a mindset before. So, if things go well, it's all thanks to Yukio's own efforts, but if they go poorly, it's the gods' fault? This was a new perspective for Ibuki.

As they talked, they somehow ended up at the front of the line. The staff curiously asked, "Are you two together? Due to the high volume of customers, our shop can only accommodate groups of two."

***

Enjoyed the chapters? Read 20 chapters ahead on Patreon!

PATREON.COM/METARLN

700 power stones = 1 extra chapter