The Rank-less Party

For the past few weeks, Kamiro had been training on using some dual dagger-like weapons, similar to those he had manifested during Di Reids' 'Simulation.' The academy was well-versed in preparing students to become great Adventurers, and he'd been making improvements on his combat abilities. But the same couldn't be said about his magic.

"...Divinus or holy magic is a special affinity. Usually used for healing, it's a lot more potent than elemental variations of healing magic..."

He was in a lecture for beginner student Adventurers and was somewhat attentive, considering how much it resembled those from his world's high school.

He still remembered how rough Mondays were back then... The school week's start was never fun, and he had his convenience store job to look forward to after school. At least the school wasn't strict about students working part-time or forced them to join useless clubs.

"Kamiro, if you're feeling unwell, please head to the infirmary," said the history teacher.

Kamiro had his head down on his desk, and the teacher's monotonous lecture only made things worse. The coldness against his cheek was the only thing keeping him awake.

"Yes, sir," he mumbled.

"Don't go ditching class again, man," said the student behind him, while a few others chuckled.

For the most part, Kamiro got along well with most students in his class. In fact, from an outsider's point of view, he might've even been considered acquittances with some of them. But Kamiro wasn't one for such superficial relationships. If he were to move, they probably wouldn't even question it. At most, maybe a comment like, "Guess he transferred schools," then, they'd go back to attending after-school clubs, competing in sports, and living a youth romantic comedy straight out of an anime.

But at the end of the day, Kamiro was the one that would keep everyone at arm's length. He'd long learned that it was dangerous to get too attached to people.

And he felt the same even in this fantasy world's Adventurer academy.

The beginner Adventurer instructor continued, "...and then there are the special hybrid affinities, made up of a combination of two base elemental affinities. For Glacies, it is a combination of wind and water. But even if you are one of few to have more than one elemental magic affinity, it still takes a great deal of hard work and talent to combine them into a special hybrid affinity."

I guess under her clumsiness, Ayu has some talent. Even with all the rumors, these people are fools not wanting a Glacies user in their party.

"All right, that is all for today's lecture. Remember everyone, there are only two weeks left until the Party Ranking Exam, so if you haven't formed or joined a party yet, be sure to do so as soon as possible." The students rushed out of the classroom without paying too much attention. It seemed that even in another world, some things never changed.

Only two more weeks... if it's not one thing, it's another.

Before taking on quests, all student Adventurers had to join a party and get an official party ranking. The ranking of the party determined what quests they could accept.

At this point, almost everyone is in a party, and with me being a new student and unranked, of course, I haven't been able to join one.

Kamiro made his way out of the lecture hall and caught a glimpse of Earla talking to some students.

"Anyone looking for a party, we have one more spot open. All are welcome!"

"H-Hello. I might be interested in joining..." Earla said.

"Oh. Um, actually, the last spot just filled up." The group of students walked away. "How can she be from the Solstess family and be so useless?"

"I know, ha-ha, she's strong but deadweight in a party."

"Yeah... she's rather odd too."

Seems like Earla is not having any luck. "Just ignore them," Kamiro said, walking towards her.

"Still... what they say is true. Because of the trouble I have communicating at times, I'm useless in a party. I-I don't deserve to inherit my family name." A saddened expression filled Earla's face while she walked away.

"Earla, wait..." Unable to do anything for her, all Kamiro could do was sigh. I'm sure Ayu's not doing any better either.

Not long after, while walking down the hall, he saw Ayu. She was going by some students who glanced at her as she passed by them. Although they whispered, their words were still clear.

"That's her, from the Persocia family..."

"The ruined noble... they say her mother ran away with another man."

Ayu didn't hesitate to scare them off with a piercing glare, but she continued walking with her head down.

Ayu... Kamiro watched her eyes moisten and almost called out after her but hesitated. I don't understand why they don't just bring it up. He sighed. Guess I'll have to be the one to suggest it.

***

Ayu and Earla stood in front of Kamiro with the setting sun lingering in the back. The three of them had gathered at the academy's rooftop. It was quiet, with not too many students hanging about. Kamiro stared at them; the sun's dying glow highlighted their features, reminding him of how beautiful the two girls were. If not for their... unique personalities, there would've probably been a line of guys and girls waiting to date them.

This atmosphere is perfect for a confession, but they sure don't look like they'll be doing that anytime soon.

Both girls stared with suspicion in their eyes. Kamiro had told them to meet up so they could chat but didn't elaborate on what.

"I'm just gonna go ahead and say it. Let's form a party."

Ayu and Earla's eyes widened.

"You're telling me the thought hasn't even crossed your minds?" he said.

"N-No, it's not that. ...The first thing I thought of was being in a party with you two," Earla said.

"Then... why never bring it up?" Kamiro said.

"I-I just couldn't do that to the two of you. We are all on friendly terms now... there's no way I would want to burden you by having me in a party."

"Earla..." Ayu grabbed her hands. "I'd be thrilled to be in a party with you, and there's no way that you'd be a burden. Besides, you can talk to us almost normally now, so there wouldn't be any problems."

"T-Thank you."

"Ayu's right. You don't have to feel that way around us. We're... your friends."

It was a word Kamiro didn't take lightly, but that was how he had begun to feel about the two girls. Even about Ayu... Kind of.

Earla nodded.

"With that being said, you shouldn't be one to talk." Kamiro glared at Ayu. "Considering you never brought up anything, either."

"Well... I was going to bring it up. I just couldn't find the right time is all..." Ayu crossed her arms while avoiding eye contact.

"Oh. Right. No, but of course," Kamiro said, "Just admit it, your pride wouldn't allow you to bring it up before me."

"Huh!? Well, it only took you weeks to bring it up, so don't act like you didn't want to lose either."

"..." Kamiro scratched the back of his head, unsure of what to say. "Fine... sorry."

For a moment, Ayu seemed surprised. "Hmph. Well... I guess I was a little stubborn too..." She spoke softly while shifting her weight from side to side. "But... I also didn't want to trouble you two."

This was the nature of the relationship that had been developing for the past few weeks. Even Kamiro, who was hesitant about forming friendships, could feel that whatever was growing between the three was genuine.

These two sure carry a lot of baggage with their family name. "Is it the rumors?"

Ayu nodded.

Earla and Kamiro looked at each other while Ayu gazed downward.

"I'd gladly be in a party with you, even if bad rumors followed me for the rest of my life," Earla said.

Kamiro smiled after hearing her kind words toward Ayu, and he did his best to follow up with some of his own.

"Ayu, the truth is, I don't know much about nobles and family names or any of that stuff, but I do know that you're my..." He cleared his throat. "What I'm trying to say is that the least I could care about are some bad rumors."

"I know what you're trying to say." Ayu smiled. "Thanks. Both of you."

The three looked at each other and nodded.

"Then... it's decided." Earla said.

The sky had darkened, but it glistened with the lights of the stars. The three of them admired the view with hope in their eyes.

"Let's show everyone what we're made off," Kamiro said.

"If that was your attempt on trying to sound cool, it failed."

Kamiro pouted.

Earla chuckled. "What should we call the party?"

"How about... The Rank-less Party," Kamiro said.

After a moment of silence, the three burst into laughter.

"We really suck, don't we?" Ayu said.

Kamiro watched Ayu and Earla's joyous smiles while laughing and felt he might've finally found a place to belong. But he tried his best to hold the feeling back. That same feeling reminded him so much of the past.

Ever since he was a child, Kamiro felt like he didn't belong, but he always chalked it up on his upbringing. His loving grandfather raised him in his dojo, and seeing as he struggled to fit in, he spent most of his time training in various disciplines. Instead of playing tag with other kids, Kamiro was learning judo. Instead of hide-and-seek, he was practicing his swordsmanship. But the rare few friends he'd managed to make meant the world to him.

Looking at the stars with Earla and Ayu reminded him of those endless summer days spent with his two childhood friends. He'd sneak out from the dojo at dusk to go bug hunting with Kazu and Suki. The three would watch the fireflies glowing and dancing and glittering in the sky like the stars. Kazu and Suki were also the ones that introduced him to his first and second love. Anime and video games.

Loneliness was painful, but what hurt the most was when his few precious friends disappeared. For various circumstances, the day arrived when Kazu and Suki moved away. Still, Kamiro didn't give up, he'd struggle, and eventually, he'd find a rare connection once more. But there was only so much a child's heart could take, and it seemed fate was against him. As time passed, the struggling boy that never felt like he belonged would lose his precious friends time and time again.

"Is it me?" he would ask himself. Those he got close to always disappeared from his life, and instead of enduring constant heartbreak, he had decided then to accept his fate.

***

"So, apart from your speed... you're still kind of weak, huh?"

Mini spear-like icicles zoomed past Kamiro while he avoided Ayu's unruly ice magic attacks. The two faced off against each other in one of the training grounds of the academy. It sort of resembled a small sports gym from Kamiro's world.

"Well, what kind of mage knows Glacies, but can't use the two base elements separately," Kamiro said. It's usually supposed to be the opposite... What kind of effortless talent do you have?

Ayu's face flushed. "Invocabo Glacies: Ice Javelin!"

Kamiro struggled to close the gap between Ayu and himself, narrowly dodging another wild barrage of ice spears.

"You'll never reach me with those twin-blades of yours, not that those flimsy things would actually do anything to me," Ayu said.

"Hey, you can bad mouth me all you want, but don't you dare talk bad about Blaedis." Of course, she's right, considering these hand-me-downs from the guild are made of the cheapest materials around. Even so, I've grown fond of them during these last few weeks of training.

With each of Ayu's repeated provocations, Kamiro's speed seemed to have risen.

"Hey, slow down a bit, no need to get so serious when we're just training..." Ayu said as Kamiro weaved his way through her icicle onslaught and crept ever closer.

"Great job, you two." Earla cheered from the sidelines of the training ground. "B-But, don't overexert yourselves."

"I know what you're doing, Ayu. You keep challenging me to these one-on-one's just to show off your magic, knowing I can't use mine yet."

"Oh? But... I would never," she said.

Kamiro's breathing was labored. "Too bad there's nothing to show off. You can't even control your attacks well."

"Hmph. Whatever, you'll get hit soon enough, and it sounds like you're starting to get a bit tired there. You sure you don't want a break?"

Kamiro did his best to dodge Ayu's barrage of ice while trying to get closer to land a hit. "You're one to talk. Your attacks are slowing down too. Seems like all that magic use is exhausting you."

"Um, guys? Maybe you should stop now... This has been going on for almost an hour," Earla said.

Ever since the party's formation, the three had been working hard to prepare for the Party Ranking Exam, and although Ayu and Kamiro still continued to butt head at times, there was little doubt their friendship continued to grow.

"Here. Have some water, you two," Earla said.

Both Kamiro and Ayu replied with a quiet, "Thanks." Too out of breath to speak up.

***

The party showed improvement as the days went by. With less than a week left, it wouldn't have been nearly enough training to pass the exam, but Di Reids had been helping them. By training within his 'Simulation,' where time moved much slower, it allowed them to get weeks' worth of training in just a few days.

The three trained within 'Simulation' while Di Reids tried to give Kamiro some advice.

"Think back on when you fought those monsters during the combat portion of the pre-assessment, for that split second that they happened to slow down, it was no coincidence."

"So... y-you're saying Kamiro used his Liber magic?" Earla said.

"I noticed it but was not completely sure then. But having observed you guys in my 'Simulation,' I can already tell what type of Liber magic he's developing. You feel it too, right, Kamiro?"

Kamiro nodded and replied, "Status Effects."

"At that time, you didn't even realize you used magic, and not using a chant threw me off as well."

"Is that possible? To activate magic abilities without a chant?" Ayu said.

"It's rare, even among experienced users, but not impossible. Though I doubt Kamiro will be able to use it like that again anytime soon... Anyway, let me go ahead end 'Simulation' here. You all have done enough training for today."

Di Reids ended his simulation spell, and Kamiro awakened on a bed in Di Reid's office. Still lying on his back, he felt a soothing warmth from both sides and a pleasant weight on his chest. Ayu clung to his left arm while Earla, lying to his right, rested her head on his chest.

Kamiro blushed and glanced at Di Reids.

Placing his index finger to his nose, Di Reids whispered, "They're just waking up."

I know he said we have to share a bed for the three of us to go into his 'Simulation' together, but still...

Ayu began to awaken. "Mmm... H-huh!?"

"Good morning, Ayu." Kamiro strained a smile while a bead of sweat built up on the side of his forehead.

Ayu rushed to get up. In one fluid motion she released her tightly wrapped arm from his, turned her back, and hid her flushed demeanor.

I'm surprised. I was kind of half expecting to get slapped.

When Earla awakened, her face turned red, and she jolted up as well. "Ahem. E-Excuse my rudeness, Kamiro."

He chuckled, trying to hide his own embarrassment.

"Well, now that you are all done playing house... I'll lend a hand again tomorrow. If it wasn't for my limit on using 'Simulation,' I wouldn't mind being inside all your minds more often. There are all kinds of interesting things to observe between the three of you..." Di Reids laughed.

Kamiro looked to what faces his friends made and was surprised to see both Earla and Ayu slightly blushing while looking away.

"Well, thanks again, we'll see you tomorrow." Kamiro hurried to leave, trying to avoid any more awkwardness.

***

A few days passed, and Kamiro continued to improve with training, along with Earla and Ayu. With the Party Ranking Exam now upon them, the three were in their final training session within Di Reids' 'Simulation.'

"Invocabo Liber: Paralysis," Kamiro chanted.

Having finally learned how to use some of his Liber magic, Kamiro practiced using it within the party, given its limitations.

I need something conductive for my Liber magic to work during combat, making my twin daggers perfect for this. But, I also have to make contact with the opponent for the status effect to apply, and it doesn't help that having to chant gives away my intentions... I gotta be quick.

Kamiro faced off against Ayu and Earla in a simulated arena. He rushed forward, his aim being to land a hit on Ayu.

"You must get through me first if you want to get any closer to Ayu." Earla stood in his way.

With her established role, she served as the party's first line of combat, boasting strong defense and offense.

"I know there's no way I'll be able to get through you with sheer strength, but that's why this spell is not meant to hit Ayu. It's meant for you!"

Earla had no time to react. With a minimal amount of contact from his blades, the status effect was applied.

That should keep her down, but not for long.

Kamiro flew by Earla, who staggered to the ground.

"Y-You got me..."

Kamiro neared Ayu without breaking his stride, she launched her attack. With her role now established as the party's mage, she excelled in mid-range combat.

"Invocabo Glacies: Ice Javelin." A flurry of icicles bombarded Kamiro, forcing him to slow down and dodge.

"Sorry, Ayu, but that won't work this time. Invocabo Liber: Accelerate." It... almost feels like I'm weightless.

With a status buff that increased his speed, Kamiro made ground towards Ayu while shards of ice barely grazed his cheek.

"What!? That's cheating!" Ayu said.

"How is it cheating? It's literally my magic."

Kamiro's established role was close-quarters combat. He needed to apply status effects to his opponents and do as much damage as possible.

With the paralysis worn off, Earla chased after Kamiro. "I-I'm not done yet!"

Already? Looks like a couple minutes is the limit on paralysis for now.

Kamiro didn't stop, and his distance from Ayu diminished.

"Okay, that's close enough. Invocabo Glacies: Frozen Plane."

Suddenly, the bombardment of icicles seized. The ground grew cold, and in a split second, it became solid ice.

"You really didn't think this through, did you?..." Kamiro said while sliding, unable to stop. He saw Ayu's triumphant smile fade away, probably at the realization of what was occurring.

"W-Waaah!" Earla was hurling at full speed right behind him, and they both slewed towards Ayu.

"Whoops..."

That was the last thing Kamiro heard come out of Ayu's mouth right before the big collision.

It didn't take long for him to regain awareness. The slight mist from the ice settled, but Kamiro's vision was being blocked by something. The dull pain from bodies crashing into each other crept up, but his mind was focused on another sensation, one much more delightful.

What is this soft, squishy thing? Kamiro clenched down on his palm.

Earla let out a sharp yelp, and as Ayu got re-oriented, so did she.

"What are you doing, stupid Kamiro!?"

Wait...

The situation came into clarity. Kamiro found himself gripping one of Earla's breasts while Ayu's butt laid on top of his face. The girls squirmed, and before he could do anything, Ayu had left an imprint of her hand on his cheek.

Oh. This cliche. ...Took long enough.