Chapter 10 – A Treasure of Silence
Souma and Kei.
A serious boy and a cold man began their conversation.
Looking back on Kei’s actions, Souma insisted,
“You’re actually kind.”
Souma had never once given up on him.
In Souma’s unwavering gaze, Kei saw the image of his former mentor, Taizo Kurose.
Tears slipped from Kei’s eyes as he expressed his gratitude.
“From now on… we’re comrades!”
Souma smiled gently.
“From now on, and before too.”
After that, Souma went to find Touka and Shikanosuke.
The two of them were happily playing a game.
“Idiot! He’s wide open! Don’t use a normal attack—use a side smash!”
“Side smash? What’s that?”
At that moment, Souma stepped into the room.
“Um…!”
The two turned around.
“Oh! Souma, you finally came! Shikanosuke doesn’t get what a side smash is, so teach him!”
“Souma! What’s a side smash!?”
“…Sorry. The game can wait.”
“Huh? Not in the mood for Smash Bros? Wanna switch to Fortnite?”
“No, that’s not it. About what just happened…”
Souma told them about his conversation with Kei.
“I thought he was just a jerk… but that’s what happened, huh… Poor guy…”
“I don’t totally get it… but yeah. Poor guy. That much I understand.”
The two of them felt sympathy for Kei.
“He truly regrets it. I think he’ll be okay now. Could we remove his restraints…?”
They both agreed.
“If Souma says so, then it’s fine. Let’s untie him.”
“Yeah! I’ll get the rope off!”
The three went to Kei.
“Kei.”
“Souma!”
“I brought Touka and Shikanosuke. They’ve given permission. I’ll remove the restraints.”
Souma untied him.
“Souma… thank you. Truly.”
Touka noticed the difference.
(He feels different… Not like before.
He actually said ‘thank you’… He’s really changed.
Souma… you managed to change him.)
Shikanosuke placed a hand on Kei’s shoulder.
“Kei! You feel different! Like—boom! Like BAM!”
“What… does that mean?”
“Sorry, Kei. He’s just bad at explaining.”
“Yeah, BAM!”
“And this is important, right? Here.”
Touka returned Kei’s sword.
“Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Kei’s voice trembled.
“Everyone…”
He knelt deeply.
“I’m sorry for how I acted…
Because of Souma, I remembered what truly matters.
Will you accept me… as a comrade?”
Touka sighed.
“Full forgiveness will take time.
But… one step at a time.”
Shikanosuke grinned.
“I accepted you from the start! Let’s keep it that way!”
“Thank you… truly.”
At that moment, someone arrived at the school.
“Delivery!”
It was a courier affiliated with the organization.
“Package for Himuro Kei. From Taizo Kurose.”
“From Kurose…?”
Kei opened the box.
Inside were a letter and two newly forged weapons—a spear and a sword.
“These are…?”
“They’re called ‘Gougu’—weapons that carry spiritual energy.”
Even those who could not fully wield spiritual power could still use them to some extent.
Kei read the letter aloud.
“Kei. It’s been a while. I hope you’re well.
I wanted to come myself, but I was stopped.
Still, I believe in you.
I don’t want you to die.
So I’m sending these. Choose wisely. Use them well.”
The back of the letter explained the two weapons.
One sword, “Seidan,” maintained balance—its edge dulling when emotions ran wild.
The spear, “Misen,” carried the meaning of “not yet pierced.”
It held no flashy ability—but in a crucial instant, its power would surge.
Souma stared at the spear.
“…I don’t know why… but I feel drawn to it.
May I use it?”
The others nodded.
“I need a new blade. I’ll take Seidan.”
For the first time, all of them stood armed.
The quiet that followed felt precious.
In a world without monsters, silence would be normal.
But for them, silence was a treasure.
“Kei… could you tell me more about Kurose someday?”
“Of course. He’s a kind man. I’d like you to meet him.”
“Does he give snacks?”
“He might.”
They laughed.
Then—
A thunderous roar shook the air.
“GROOOOAR!”
The ground trembled.
“Let’s check outside!”
They rushed out.
A massive creature stood before them—towering like a mountain.
Souma’s legs trembled.
(So overwhelming… But… I decided to fight.)
He gripped the spear.
“…It hasn’t reached yet.
But this time—I’ll make it reach.”
Touka smiled.
“You’ve grown.”
Shikanosuke laughed.
“Now that’s cool!”
Kei drew his blade.
“Nothing will get past us.”
And thus, the next battle began.
