They become a family

Several days had passed since that night, and exactly one week had passed since their training began.

The two of them had been training every day, but today was a bit different.

While it was desirable to continue training every day, they also had to consider physical strain.

According to the arrangement of Starfall, today was a weekly rest day.

However, even on their day off, they still had their Ring-Type Luminescent Armaments attached.

Today, they didn't have to go to the village from morning. They had received extra supplies for their day off the previous day.

Therefore, their actions after having breakfast made by Starfall were significantly different from usual.

Specifically, they were immersed in studying from morning.

"...Surprising, isn't it?"

"What do you mean?"

Starfall responded to Hachiman's mutter with a question.

"I thought students in Asterisk would only focus on training and practice and wouldn't study much."

"Oh, is that what you mean?"

Hachiman looked away from his reference book and asked Starfall, who was beside him, with a question that had arisen.

Starfall replied, seemingly satisfied with the question.

"In Asterisk, there are six academies. They compete for supremacy based on the points earned by the participants in the three-year-long Phoenix Festa, or more precisely, the main tournament of the Phoenix Festa. Naturally, the higher the rank, the higher the points earned. And every three years, rankings are determined based on the points of the six academies. That's how it works."

"I see. But I don't think the Phoenix Festa and studying have much to do with each other... Does that mean points are also awarded for regular exams?"

"Exactly. Points are distributed to each school based on the scores of regular exams. However, since the points are fewer than those in the Phoenix Festa, not many schools place much emphasis on them. It's practically a monopoly by Arlequint Academy."

Arlequint Academy had students divided into Practical and Research classes, and the technology of its Research class in Stellar Engineering was among the top in the world. The school followed a strict merit-based system, where the Research class had overwhelming influence, and the hierarchical system of other schools was not particularly emphasized.

"You're mistaken there."

"...Huh? Is it here?"

"Yes. There are official rules for it--"

Following Starfall's correction, Hachiman made adjustments.

"...I heard you were bad at math, but you seem to understand quite quickly."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, at this rate, you'll be able to reach the average score soon."

"...It's probably because Starfall is good at teaching. Even I can understand it normally."

"Hehe, you should be grateful to me♪"

"Yeah, yeah, thanks."

Hachiman lightly stroked Starfall's head, who was beaming with pride.

After that, they continued studying for a while.

Starfall pointed out and taught Hachiman where he made mistakes or didn't understand, and Hachiman's studies progressed.

The study session, which started in the morning, continued even after lunch, and before they knew it, it was already evening.

"Well then, I'll go prepare dinner. Keep studying until I'm ready."

Saying that, Starfall stood up and headed to the kitchen.

"Starfall..."

"What is it?"

Hachiman spoke to Starfall's back.

When Starfall turned her face to look at him, Hachiman spoke.

"I have something to talk about... Can you spare me some time?"

"Understood... Is before going to bed fine?"

"...Yeah."

They spoke in a casual tone.

But both of them understood.

What was about to begin was a turning point... and an important conversation for both of them.

Afterward, their actions were the same as usual.

They had dinner together, washed the dishes together, and took a bath together.

And...

"Here, have some tea."

"Thanks."

Hachiman received a teacup from Starfall. He took a sip after bringing it to his lips.

"...Delicious. It's good tea."

"Is that so?... Hmm, it's not as good as Akatsuki, though."

"Akatsuki? You mean the Vanguard of the Dragonic Star, the second-ranked Wyvern Sequence, right?"

"That's right. The tea he brews is excellent. It would be good to try it if you have the chance."

"I see... I'll count on you when the time comes."

It began calmly.

"Now then, I heard you have something to discuss. What is it?"

"It's about that matter."

"I see. Then let me hear your answer."

Hachiman looked at Starfall.

"Before that, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead and ask."

Hesitating for a moment, Hachiman couldn't avoid asking.

"I... I want to know how much value I have."

"Value, you say?"

"Yeah, my current strength... and how much my strength at that time is worth, and how much value it creates."

Starfall pondered for a moment.

"Your current strength is decent. You probably already know, but your current Stellar Power is less than a tenth of what it was at that time. Nevertheless, you possess much more Stellar Power than an ordinary Stellar Generation. Your abilities are still immature, and you have gaps in swordsmanship... So, in terms of the ranking in the Wyvern, it would be around 20th to 30th. And..."

Starfall paused her words momentarily.

"...If we're talking about you at that time, there's no doubt you would be in the top-ranked class. There aren't many who can match me like you did in Asterisk. Besides me, probably only the 'Time-Witch' and the 'Poison-Witch.'"

The names of the two witches were mentioned. Hachiman remembered one of them.

"If I recall correctly, the Poison-Witch was the winner of the previous Phoenix Festa. Her name was..."

"...Ophelia Landlufen. She possesses inexhaustible Stellar Power and the ability to manipulate miasma. However, she can't control it and constantly releases toxins into her surroundings. Among the participants in Asterisk, there are only a few who can match me, and other than me, there would probably be only the 'Time-Witch' and the 'Poison-Witch.'"

"You mean she can't control it?"

"In a way, you're similar. Powers that are too strong are difficult to control. Well, in the case of the Poison-Witch, unlike you, she probably can't control it."

It was a worrisome remark.

"She can't control it? In my case, if I train, I should be able to control it. So she should be able to as well."

"That is different from ordinary Stellar Generations. Would you like me to explain in detail?"

Hachiman shook his head at that question.

"...No, let's leave it. It feels wrong to hear about a person's problem from someone else."

"I see... We got off track, but if the scouting teams found out about you from that time, they would undoubtedly want you, no matter what conditions you set. You have that much value... Are you satisfied with that?"

"Yeah..."

Hachiman took a deep breath.

Deep, deep breaths. He made those breaths, and then he made a decision regarding the crossroad of his life.

"Starfall, I want to become your family... but"

"But, what is it?"

"...There are conditions, or rather, a request I have."

"Oh? Tell me more about it."

Hachiman pondered. It would be fine if he disappeared. After all, there was no one who would mourn his absence.

However, he was worried about his sister whom he left behind. Despite their complicated relationship, she was still his beloved sister.

That's why he wanted to give her one last gift as her older brother.

Hachiman expressed his wishes. Broadly speaking, they included the following points:

First, in exchange for taking in Hachiman, the Hikigaya family would receive financial support.

Second, Komachi Hikigaya would be excluded from being recommended to Asterisk.

Third, Hachiman requested that Komachi Hikigaya's enrollment in Karyuusai Seventh High School be denied even if she wishes to attend.

These were the three conditions.

Starfall sighed in exasperation and spoke to Hachiman.

"You're kind, aren't you? It's not for your own sake but for the sake of your family. I thought you hated your family."

"...To say that I don't have those feelings would be a lie. But I also think that those people are, in a way, victims."

"Oh?"

Hachiman thought. Perhaps there was a fundamental cause behind the current state of the world.

"The current world is dictated by the conglomerates. Profit takes top priority, and everything else is ignored. Most companies are black companies, and people in the world are working with low wages and few days off. Even my parents were like that."

Starfall nodded.

"That's why I think it's somewhat justified for your parents to take such actions. If they think it's for their children's sake, sending them to Asterisk isn't necessarily wrong. That's what I believe."

Indeed, it wasn't necessarily wrong. If one achieved good results in Asterisk, their future would be secure. That's why the majority of Stellar Generations aspired to go to Asterisk.

"But that's not just a matter of logic... Hachiman, are you satisfied with that?"

"In this world, I've heard that many children are abandoned just because they are Stellar Generations. Compared to those children, I'm in a better position. Don't you think so?"

"...You're not wrong. There are indeed many who have been abandoned or have lost their place in Asterisk."

"I have feelings of resentment. I also have feelings of frustration... but they are my family. They showed me affection at times and raised me... That's why I'm asking."

Hachiman deeply bowed his head. Starfall pondered for a moment before responding.

"...May I ask you a few questions before accepting the conditions?"

"Sure."

Starfall raised her index finger on her right hand.

"While the exact amount can be decided later, can I introduce your parents to a company under the Karyuusai umbrella?"

"Introduce them?"

"Yes. It's not what's commonly known as connections. I can introduce them to companies that offer good working conditions and salaries. How about that?"

"...Is that okay?"

"It doesn't matter. I said I would accept any condition. It would put your mind at ease, wouldn't it?"

Hachiman contemplated.

"...I understand. As long as my parents are fine with it, that's enough."

"Very well, I will make the arrangements. Now, onto the next point."

Starfall raised her middle finger on her right hand.

"Is your sister, Komachi Hikigaya, truly that talented?"

"No, her current abilities are not that remarkable. I know that best... but I believe she has the potential to grow. I have a feeling she will improve."

"Do you have any basis for that belief?"

"...It's just a hunch. But somehow, I can't shake the feeling that I won't be proven wrong."

"I see. Very well. However, my influence is limited to Karyuusai. I can't do much regarding the other five schools. If I move too much, it may attract unnecessary attention. As a result, it may not be in your best interest if Komachi Hikigaya becomes the center of attention."

"I understand. I got it."

"And finally..."

Starfall raised her ring finger on her right hand.

"Are you sure? I don't think you need to go that far."

"...It's fine. She dislikes fighting, so she won't come to Asterisk. But just in case... she'll be better off without me."

He had caused his sister hardships because of himself. It wasn't a lie that she would be happier without him. If he were to live a normal life, it would be better for him to stay away from her in the future. That's what Hachiman firmly believed.

Starfall let out a sigh.

"Phew, I will accept the third condition as well. Now, I'll make the necessary preparations, so wait a moment."

With that said, Starfall left the room.

In the room filled with the sound of the old clock's ticking, Hachiman was left alone and muttered.

"...This is fine."

In front of Hachiman, a document was placed. Although it contained a lengthy text, the main content was as agreed upon in the conditions.

At the end of the document, there were two places to write names. One for Hachiman's name and the other for his parents' names.

The signatures of his parents would be obtained by a representative after Hachiman signed. Essentially, the moment Hachiman signed, the document would take effect.

In other words, when this signature was completed, Hachiman's name would disappear from this world.

And officially, it would be recorded that he became a member of the Fan family, under the name of Starfall.

Hachiman took the pen and brought his arm closer to the place where he would sign. His movement was steady and unwavering.

He felt a calmness within his own heart, strangely devoid of turmoil. His motion halted slightly above the document.

He closed his eyes and remembered.

His one and only little sister.

---Big brother is so unfair.

On that day, his crying little sister...

"O-niichan~"

His little sister ran towards him with a beaming smile.

"I will make sure whether you are worthy of the recommendation, onii-chan!!"

His sister attacked him while crying.

"O-ni...i...chan..."

The sight of his sister, whom he had hurt himself.

He loved her. He hated her. Both feelings conflicted within him.

The two emotions were in balance, and it remained unclear which way the scale would tip.

What he knew was that if he stayed by his sister's side any longer, he would only hurt her. That much was certain.

So...

"...Be happy, Komachi."

Hachiman signed his name on the document.

Then, he handed the document to Starfall.

"I have received it. I will definitely fulfill the contract on the name of Ban Yorinaga."

"...Yeah, I'm counting on you."

Starfall extended her right hand towards Hachiman.

"Well, uh, how should I put it... I'm relying on you from now on, Hachiman."

Blushing slightly, Starfall spoke. Hachiman returned the gesture by firmly grasping her hand.

"Yeah, I'm counting on you too, Imouto."

Starfall's expression became puzzled at Hachiman's response.

However, gradually, she seemed to realize the reality of the situation and showed a radiant smile to Hachiman.

"...I see, I'll become your little sister. This me. Well, it's not a bad thing... Should I call you Oniisama?"

"Well, call me whatever you like. Whether it's Hachiman or Oniisama, call me as you please."

"Hehe, then I'll have to think of a good way to address you."

The two laughed together.

Their interaction showed a close bond, yet there was still an air of awkwardness.

No one knew what path the two of them would take from now on.

However, the die had been cast.

The fact that Ban Yorinaga had gained a family would inevitably cause chaos if revealed.

There was no doubt that Asterisk would be shaken by the news.

Fan Starfall desired Hikigaya Hachiman and sought him out.

Hikigaya Hachiman responded by abandoning the Hikigaya surname.

And thus, Hikigaya Hachiman became Fan Hachiman.

The two became a family.