Chapter 5: A Burden That Feels Like Cheating

After that, Kamito, Yuki, and her bodyguard ate together on the rooftop of the Academy. From there, Yuki finally asked what Kamito wanted to talk about earlier.

“Alright, Kamito-kun. What did you want to discuss?” Masahiro asked.

“Masahiro-san… if someone suddenly gains great power… without training, without effort… does that count as cheating?”

Masahiro turned to him.
The question was heavier than she expected.

“That’s a tough question for lunch break.”

“But I want to hear your reason first. Why are you thinking about that?” Yuki replied, surprised.

“I feel… like I took a shortcut. As if the world gave me something I don’t deserve.”
“Everyone trains for years. But I… I just woke up one day, and the power was already there.”

Masahiro didn’t answer right away.
She looked at the sky for a moment, searching for the right words.

“Kamito… someone who cheats would never question whether they are cheating or not.”

Kamito lifted his head.

“Only those who are afraid of hurting others… think about things like that.”

Kamito exhaled, but the guilt didn’t leave him.

“…But I don’t deserve it, Masahiro-san.”
“This power isn’t from my hard work. I don’t even know where it came from.”

Masahiro picked up a piece of tempura, but didn’t eat it.
She pointed her chopsticks at Kamito.

“Listen carefully.”

“Power that appears suddenly is not cheating. It is a test.”
“Others may gain power through training. You gained it through burden.”
“And burden… is often heavier than any training.”

“…If one day I lose control of this power, what should I do?”

“Eat first. No one can fight on an empty stomach.”

Kamito blinked, almost annoyed, but Masahiro continued before he could complain.

“And if you truly lose control… let someone take your hand and pull you back.”
“There is no rule that says you must carry everything alone.”

Kamito finally picked up his chopsticks and slowly began eating.

“…So you think I’m not cheating?”

Masahiro looked at him with a soft smile.

“No. You’re just someone who received power earlier than the time intended.”
“How you use that power… that’s what decides whether you’re a cheater or a hero.”

Kamito swallowed his first bite.
For some reason, the food felt warmer than usual.

After that, Kamito felt relieved and continued eating enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Masahiro’s bodyguard—Natsume Airi—kept staring at him sharply, not relaxing even while eating.

“Um… I can’t eat if you keep staring at me like that.” Kamito muttered to Airi.

“Why? Is it a problem for you? It’s my job to protect Lady Masahiro from men like you.” Airi replied coldly.

“What a cruel woman…” Kamito complained inwardly.

“Furthermore, I don’t like you. You are unworthy of standing beside Lady Masahiro.” Airi added, her tone cutting.

“Kamito, she really hates you. Are you just going to stay quiet?” Ark asked teasingly.

“If you want to prove you’re worthy of being beside Lady Masahiro… then fight me seriously.”
Airi’s voice hardened—a direct challenge.

Masahiro sighed deeply.

“You should accept her challenge, Kamito-kun. Prove that you’re not someone to be underestimated!”

“She’s right, Kamito. Accept the challenge. I also want to see how far your training has gone.” Ark added.

With no way out, Kamito finally accepted.

Airi, while chewing on her candy stick, bit into it and crushed it in her teeth.
She then pulled a pistol from her clothes.

The duel between Kamito vs. Natsume Airi was about to begin.