Yakagi Suimei Alternate
Ch 01

It happened so suddenly that there was no chance to prepare, and the price for being unprepared was the pain he felt on the back. Suimei could only let out his sorrow with painful complaints.

He's completely unconscious. Although he had a premonition that something would happen before, no one predicted how sudden it would be. And without any warning, he couldn't even make a proper landing. Worse, the floor is hard. It feels like a stone pavement or tile. Suimei had fallen squarely on his bottom, and his tailbone screamed in pain.

Suimei wondered briefly what had just happened. But there was no need to think about it too seriously; it had only happened a moment ago. While walking home from school with his two friends, a magickal teleportation circle suddenly appeared by the side of the road and forcefully sucked them up. Then, after being teleported, he was violently deposited on the floor. It was one of the sudden teleportation facilities he could do without him.

- This is definitely a big mistake...

Living in the concrete jungle of the modem world, Suimei has walked the secret path of magicka. Even though he had only done it for twelve simple years, he had reached a certain level of skill and was proud of it. Yet even she, a smart modern magician, has been caught up in the magicka of others so easily.

He had sensed it - even seeing it right in front of his own eyes - but was unable to respond in time. He just stood there blank in the one second it took a spell to entrap him. What could he call such a failure other than a huge mistake? He was embarrassed and disappointed.

And it just makes things worse. The humiliation and pain grew inside him, manifesting as tears in the corners of his eyes. Suimei then looked to both sides of himself to look for the friends he had just invited

with her.

*wow....

Beside Suimei, who was sweeping his butt, was his friend Shana Roiji, who seemed to be dealing with the same pain that Suimei was experiencing. Reiji had brown hair dyed with each helal neatly laid out in place, as well as a sweet face and a slender figure that could make a woman weak at the knees. Seeing him, Suimei called out to him.

"Hey, Reiji, are you okay?"

"Yes... Somehow. What about you, Suimei?"

"Bantatku's sick. A bunch. I think it broke in two..

"Hahaha, you too-Wait, Suimei, are you the only one

the others here?"

Reiji laughed cheerfully at Suimei's silly joke, but only for a moment. He then immediately realized the absence of the third person who had walked with them, their friend Anou Mizuki, and raised a panicked voice.

Looking around for a moment, it seemed like he was missing. He had been with them a while ago, but there was nowhere to be found. The cylindrical chamber is enclosed by stone walls and is atmosphericly illuminated by ancient candles. All they could see was a door that looked solid across from them, and a pattern drawn on the stone floor under their feet - a teleportation circle.

"Y-Yeah... Mizuki's not here, is she?"

Somewhat baffling himself, Suimei could only mutter in response to his increasingly agitated friend. Reiji's expression darkened as questions continued to peak in his mind.

"What's going on...? And where is this...?"

"Yes, I don't know where this is either. But it looks like someone wants us here, no matter how weird and rude. That much, I kind of understand.

".......Could it be because of this?"

Following Reiji's dubious gaze, Suimei looked at the floor where the huge magicka circle was and incised it once again. Inside a large circle, another circle about a quarter of its size is drawn at the edges. The geometric shapes drawn in it do not correspond to the traditional four elements, nor do they correspond to the five elements of Chinese philosophy of wu xing. Words were written around the circle in a language that Suimei had never seen before. He could tell that the circle was similar to what was used with spirit communication and summoning magicka, but that should be his secret.

After all, Reiji was a completely normal boy. Suimei and Reiji had known each other since high school, but Sulmei had never introduced him to the mysteries of magicka that existed in their world, let alone revealed the fact that he himself was actually a magician. He was unaware of such things, which meant everything he could guess about the circle beneath him came from the manga and anime subculture - the fictional world.

"Maybe, right?"

"Thank you..?"

Reiji looked dumbfounded in response to Suimel's naked confession of such a possibility. Indeed, the situation seems to warrant that level of distrust. Even Suimei's expression was tinged with a certain disbelief.

"Hey, Suimei, isn't this situation ... How do I say ...? Isn't that very familiar?

"Yes. Mizuki's light novel lent me the other day definitely went like this."

"Think so. This feels like an arrangement where you are suddenly summoned to another world and asked to defeat the Demon King. Or something like that."

"No, don't do it. I'm not even considering

the joke is now."

Suimei grimaced like his stomach hurt. Reiji's expression was filled with

emotions were complex, but he managed to laugh a bit dry.

"Haha... But you know, even though I know it's impossible, I

don't know... I kind of feel like that's what's going on."

"Reiji, are you serious now?"

"M."

"Hey, don't just nod and 'mm me...

Exasperated by Reiji's simple nods and deductions. Suimei averted his gaze for a moment and began to use magicka to analyze their surroundings without letting Reiji capture him. When the circumstances stood, he was not entirely willing to accept such an extraordinary direct scenario as a book, but if it really existed in another world, it was not, something about the place had to be different enough for him to tell.

Although it was impromptu, Suimei prepared his spell and began to process the information he had gathered for him. The gravity here is normal, and there is no big difference in the composition of the air. It is not important enough to think that they have just been moved to a different place. Yet...

Where is thick here... Is it because of this room?

Mana, otherwise known as aetheric, was a source of mystical power that existed naturally in the atmosphere, and it was extremely dense here. Such density is comparable to that found just above the ley lines on earth or within temples and sacred circles.

However, that alone was not enough to convince Suimei that this was a different world, not to mention that it was an absurd idea. It was more likely that one would choose a place with dense mana so that they could activate this magicka circle.

But more importantly, Reiji should have no technique to observe and no way to sense the disorder in which. If he felt that something was strange, it might be something else.

"What makes you say that, Reiji?"

"Just one way or another, I feel like I've become really strong."

*What ...? Aaah, is that true? Did your brain blow the fuse, dear Reiji-san?

"Look, it's not like I told you I'm receiving radio waves or something. Just look."

With those words, Reiji reached out from the circle and lightly hit the floor. There was a loud sound that was disproportionate to the force of the soft punch, and the stone floor shattered into pieces so violently that it sent the debris flying.

"That's kind of an idiot..."

Seeing that happening right before his eyes, Suimei could only stare in surprise. Reiji may be an all-knowing, handsome guy, and a perfect sport, but this is not true. That's not possible. The amount of power required to make a stone become like that... Doing that should require a good impact with serious weight and strength behind it. It should not be possible by just poking. This made no sense even for a strong and perfect man like Reiji. Yet despite all this, he acted as if it was all very natural.

"seen? I'm doing.

"See?" My ass! Do not advance the plot in an unpleasant direction..."

It certainly seems unpleasant. If this was really a forced summoning to another world....

Indeed, Suimel was now convinced they were entering an unknown dimension. Someone with skills that exceeded his had brought them here. The art of physically strengthening the body in addition to summoning it was not a simple ritual, but.... Flipping that thing in his mind, Suimel suddenly realized something else. As a magician, it was only natural that he took to analyzing the mana and any kind of magicka involved. But even so, all things considered.he is the one who becomes very ordinary about all things.

*So, what about you, Suimei?"

... No, it doesn't seem like anything different to me."

He knew Reiji had actually asked if he had also experienced some sort of reinforcement, but suimei had answered honestly. When he tried to clench his fists and gather mana, there were no signs of change.

That meant Reiji was the one who was summoned as a hero to defeat the Demon King. There is no point in calling Suimei here. But when he lowered his shoulders, the magicka circles under their feet suddenly started to glow. Relji's expression suddenly shifted to a restless expression.

"This is...

"Currently, it's activated! Are we being moved again, or maybe...?

"So is called ?!

Reiji understood the implications quickly. In fact, he hit a nail on the head and placed himself on the appropriate guard. A magicka circle smaller than the one on the ground then suddenly appeared in the air.

"It's coming!"

"Gee!"

A voice came from the circle, and Reiji quickly took action as a shadow appeared. He seemed to have realized what was coming out, but displayed a level of agility that far surpassed his previous ability in responding to it. Is this the result of physical strength? Whatever it is, Reiji manages to catch Anou Mizuki, the girl who fell from above without warning.

"Yuki!"

"Gee... Reiji-kun, what...?"

"Good for you, Mizuki, thanks to Reiji, your ass is safe.

Thus, the three friends reunite in this unknown place.

"You're kidding. Seriously...?

"Yup, it looks like it."

After capturing Mizuki, Reiji explained their current predicament to her and what she concluded so far. Mizuki seems to be thrown for the first round, but is mostly happy that she is not alone. Driven by the presence of her two best friends, she slowly begins to come to terms with her current situation. His willingness to accept it instead of denying it showed the two boys that he had the guts.

"Hmm okay."

"You accepted that very quickly, huh?"

"Well, you two are pretty calm about it. If I was the only one who was destroyed, can you imagine how embarrassing it would be? And besides, since we're already here.what else to do? We have to accept it one way or another."

Mizuki seems to have a freshness in taking it all in, and explains herself to the boys while tinkering at the seasonally inappropriate red muffler around her neck. He had long and soft black hair, coals black eyes. She had a certain view of herself that gave the impression she was a beautiful and fragile young woman. Yet even though she looked rather meek, she seemed to have a strong heart inside of her. The boys only know him in his normal, everyday circumstances, so it seems like there is still a lot they have to learn about Mizuki. Reiji smiled at him.

"Mizuki, you're pretty tough, aren't you?"

"Huh? Wh-What am I?"

After that smile was directed at her, Mizuki finally gave up. Her face flushed. This kind of exchange was typical for them, including Reiji who was unaware of the effect he had on girls.

And just like that, the strange and potentially frightening situation they encountered was in a completely inappropriate atmosphere. However, deciding that it was counterproductive, Suimei decided to change course and put things back on track.

"So, Mizuki, I want to ask you something."

"What's up?"

"Well, about the situation we're in right now... If it doesn't look alike

with the novels you read, then after this...

"Mm, yeah. Someone important from this world will appear. Or maybe....

Whatisit? The first part of the answer is what does he expect from reading one of his books, but what is this about other possibilities? He made it sound like there was another direction that could be taken, so Reiji pushed it to be clearer without pause.

"Is there anything else?"

"In one of the books I read, heroes are called elsewhere... And if we follow the storyline like that, it means we are in the palace of the Demon King right now.

"You mean start right at *******?"

"Yes, the last dungeon."

"Ughs.. Honestly, right?"

Suimei groaned desperately. In most novels like this, after being summoned, the hero must face several trials, rounds, and rounds before defeating the Demon King at the end of the story. But what Mizuki suggests means they will start from there, right at****** - last boss.

That thought did not stir Suimei's heart. That meant they would be in serious danger, and this was not where he wanted to spend his last breath. Reiji, on the other hand, started questioning Mizuki in a calm tone.

"If my memories are useful, it's the kind of story where they defeat the Demon King immediately, then return to live in a new world as heroes, right?"

"Yes. Then they challenge the next powerful enemy, or end up getting involved in a war between nations...

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was something similar to what Reiji-kun thought.

"Oh my God..."

Mizuki's assessment made Suimei very sad. Her dissatisfaction left her lips as a hurtful. This sounds more and more like it would be very painful. If what Mizuki said was true, then it was inevitable that she would be dragged into it. And since Suimei had other plans, this would eventually become a huge mound for him.

"There is a possibility. I guess we'll see, huh?"

And as Mizuki said that, Suimei could hear something using his ear that was enhanced with magicka - coming from outside the room. Removing his presence, remaining vigilant, and killing excessive noise, Suimei called out to the others.

"You guys."

"Huh?"

"Yes I know."

"Oh? Is that also the result of your reinforcement?"

"I think so, but if so, how can you

hear that, Suimei?"

"My gear was, uh, always good... Actually, this is not the time to

that's."

Suimei brushed off the question with a light joke. She and Reiji are on the same page now, but Mizuki has yet to understand the situation.

"H-Huh?"

"Mizuki, someone is approaching right now. Pretty much anybody, actually."

Reiji recognized the different sounds of the many approaching footsteps It seemed that the strengthening effect not only made him physically stronger. And as soon as he gave Mizuki that flaw, Reiji positioned himself in front of her with the intention to protect her while she focused on the part that was located outside the door. Mizuki retreated in dismay, and Suimei also kept himself beside Reiji.

"Well, what will come up...?"

"May this be someone more important than the bad guys

"Are you kidding, Reiji? Hopefully it's our classmate with a sign that says Surprise!'"

Reiji did not respond to Suimei's overly optimistic humor. Is it because the footsteps are getting closer? Or was it because he was expecting something else? Perhaps Reiji honestly believed the best scenario would happen if someone important walked through that door. Suimei had no way of knowing what he was really thinking, but now that the footsteps were on the other side of the door, it only took a few seconds before they saw who it really was.

Suimel glanced at his side. He could see Reiji lowering his position, ready to act at any time, and Mizuki stepping back so that he would not stand in his way. As for Suimei, instead of stiffening due to the prospect of danger, his heart was pounding due to an unknown sensation. He was in his element now, and it was a natural curiosity as a magician at work.

Suppressing his excitement, he secretly checked the items he had with him. He had been brought here completely unprepared, so he had nothing but what he usually brought to that person.

I have my bag, which in it is a mercury bottle chain accessory, a card, my suit, a dispute glove, and a little Yakagi secret medicine... Frankly, I'm a little unsure about whipping it all out, but...

If something happened, he would have no choice. Because Reiji and Mizuki are used to peaceful everyday life in Japan. Suimei was the only one who had battle experience between the three of them. He got his fair share of the strife in the underworld. He naturally wanted to keep that secret and his strength from his friends, but if it cost them their lives, he would not hesitate to reveal himself. Even in the worst case, although he would feel guilty about it, there was an option to manipulate their memories.

The three of them each stiffened as footsteps came to a complete stop. A moment after that seemed to last forever. But finally, the door finally opened with the sound of something heavy being dragged to the ground. Reiji immediately prepared

himself.

"Curtain!"

"Mea firma aegis."

[My podat shield]

With that, Suimel put his defensive magicka on standby. It was not impossible that anyone would suddenly attack upon seeing them. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What appeared in the doorway was a group of armored men who did not look friendly. From what Suimei could see, they looked like humans. They don't seem to be monsters, demons or other evil creatures, at least that's a relief.

The armored group then stood along the wall.forming an orderly line while facing the three friends vigilantly. What's gonna happen? Suimoi continued to prepare his magicka, but the walls of the armored man opened. A young woman with blue hair was wearing a pink dress, and a second girl with silver hair wearing a white robe of polished pearl color then appeared.

"Huh...?"

"Hmm?"

The two girls tilted their heads to the side simultaneously, looking as if something truly unexpected was happening right in front of them. Then the girl with blue hair leaned over and started to slowly whisper to the others.

"White Flame-dono, shouldn't there be a hero summoned?"

"No, it's like you said.

"But there are three people here...

"S-There is... About that, this is just a conjecture on my part, but let's assume one of the three is, in fact, a hero. I would imagine that the other two were just caught up in the hero summoning."

"But how is it possible? I've never seen a record

about something like that happening. I haven't even

heard it."

"Me too, Your Majesty. Even so, here were three people standing in front

us, so...

"It's a bit high, you mean.

They talk privately to each other, but suimei can hear them thanks to his increased hearing. He wished Reiji could hear them as well, but was not sure he could understand what they were saying. After all, what they were talking about was not Japanese, or any other language from Earth. It was a strange rhythmic language. And even though he didn't know what it was, Suimei could still decipher it.

Figuratively speaking, it was like words were being rearranged in his head into a language he knew well or something that could affect it. Because it was so intuitive to him, it was difficult to explain in words. The reason for that was likely due to the kind of spells given to them when they were summoned. It was only Suimei's theory, but he didn't have much to go on. The reason why is not so important at this time. More importantly, it was comfortable.

And then, judging that there was no longer any need to be on guard after hearing the words "hero" and "calling" from their conversation, Suimei quietly canceled his magicka. Reiji also looked relaxed as he walked out of his position. Suimei then turned to Mizuki.

"Hey, Mizuki, it seems like this is also a bit of a surprise for them. Is this kind of development normal?"

"alright. There are stories where friends of summoned heroes are also caught up in things, but..."

Mizuki suddenly seemed troubled, as if it was hard to explain further. Suimei was left hanging. What is he afraid to say?

"Mizuki, are you worried about something?"

"Um, in a scenario like this, one of the hero's friends - in our case, it would be one of us - usually forming a pact with an evil god and becoming an antagonist."

"What the fuck, seriously? Now the evil god will appear without

a reason? Why?"

"I'm not so sure myself..

Mizuki was trembling in fear. Frankly, Suimel wanted to do the same. No, he just wanted to escape. He simply could not understand why something as extreme as an evil god had suddenly appeared.

He might be able to understand if it was just an avatar or another manifestation of his strength, but actually summoning an evil god would cause death in the thousands. Even if the summoned heroes somehow managed to scrape by luck, they would have a dangerous incarnation of evil watching over them forever after that. And people rarely get that much luck twice. Without some kind of intervention, it seems that the hero will eventually meet his end. And that was not what Suimei wanted. Thinking about it made his spine goosebumps. While immersed in his own thoughts, Reiji continued questioning Mizuki.

"The "antagonist? Why did one of you guys end up fighting with me?"

"In this scenario, me or Suimei-kun would come to oppose your way of thinking, Reiji-kun, and end up making a pact with an evil god as a way to fight against you.

"What...?"

Reiji looked pale after hearing Mizuki's explanation. He's dumbfounded. Seeing his answer, Mizuki desperately tried to retreat.

"But, but I would never do that, Reiji-kun! I don't hate you! I'm Il-lo..."

He must be too embarrassed to say it directly to

her face. His voice slowly disappeared until it was completely

inaudible. Reiji then awkwardly turned towards Suimel.

"B-Then... Is this you, Suimei?"

"Heh, to be honest, I always secretly thought you were a true devotee of eating who should just die.

Dark passion could be seen filling Suimei's eyes as he spoke, and Reiji was left at a loss for words.

"I'm kidding...."

"S-suimei..."

"I'm really joking. If I hate you, why would I have to go out of my way to look after your company for the past six years? Just think.

"That's right. Th-Thank God...

Hearing that Suimei and Mizuki were by his side, Reiji now heaved a sigh of relief. And while the three of them had that exchange, the blue-haired girl called out to them with the dignity of a graceful princess.

"Um. excuse me. I'm sorry for the interruption, but can you talk to us?

"Oh sure."

Reiji politely agreed, and the young lady with blue hair and protruding forehead bowed gracefully before introducing herself.

"I really have to apologize for calling you out so suddenly. I am the second son of His Majesty King Almadious Root Astel, king of the Kingdom of Astel. My name is Titania Root Astel, and here with me is the man who is trying to bring you here on this occasion..."

As if to show she had someone else to introduce, the girl with the big forehead, Princess Titania, lightly turned to the side. The cloaked girl he was talking about took one step forward.

"I'm Mage Pongudian, Felmenia Stingray. It's nice to meet you.

This was the young lady called the princess "White Fire in their previous conversation. She had beautiful silver hair that reached her waist with neat braids hanging on both her ears. His slightly slanted eyes seemed to convey a sense of pride. He made a lasting and intense impression, but he also had some rather interesting, likable features. As someone who calls themselves a court witch, mana smoothly flows through his body. The same goes for the princess, but this woman seems to be much more adept at controlling it,

Wait, this woman called us here? Son of...

Before him right now was the person responsible for their current predicament. Feeling that there was nothing pleasant in getting acquainted with him, Suimei grumbled to himself. As soon as the girls finished their introduction, Reiji stepped forward and politely returned the gesture.

*Thank you for the polite welcome. My name is Shana Reiji. If it is more common here to put the last surname, then feel free to call me Reiji Shana. The two of them with me are my best friends. To my right is Mizuki Anou, and to my left is Suimei Yakagi.

When exactly did he learn to be so formal? Princess Titania and Mage Court Felmenia responded with great admiration for Reiji. They were somewhat dignified, but they seemed to be pleased with Reiji's behavior. When she has the chance, Mizuki steps forward next.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mizuki Anou..."

When he finished, Suimei took a step forward as well.

50%

"I.... Suimei Yakagi's."

He makes everything short and sweet. He doesn't really have anything else to say, and he can say this is a situation where he should avoid saying anything unwise. Titania then turned her gaze to the three of them, and closed her eyes as if lost in thought. Then...

"Reiji-sama, Mizuki-sama, and Suimei-sama, right? The reason why we called you in such circumstances... You know, there's something we should ask one of you three.

"What's that?"

"We need you to destroy Demon King Nakshatra,

the current leader of the demons threatens the peace of this world." As Princess Titania said those words, the three friends stared at each other attentively. At that moment Suimei was the only one who put his hand on his forehead and stared

the ceiling as he wanted.