New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

Fated Encounter

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A memory returned to me without warning.

Lior became an educator in order to raise opponents who could fight him on equal terms, but why had I in my previous life become an educator?

On the surface the reason was that age had made the work arduous and that I intended to yield it to the younger generation, but the true trigger had been a single girl. I believed it was when we had smashed an illegal human-trafficking organization.

I infiltrated the interior of the facility and destroyed the organization, but the place had held a great number of children whose identities were unknown. They were investigated according to the organizations that took charge of them, some were returned to their parents, and some were sent to orphanages, yet there was one girl who absolutely would not leave my side. I had rescued that child at the very verge of being used for human experimentation, and perhaps because I had appeared to her as a hero in that instant, she became unnaturally attached to me. With no parents to call her own, and stubbornly refusing to part from me, I resolved to take her in.

Even so, I could not keep her at my side at all times, so I entrusted her to a woman I could trust. To my surprise, the girl proved to be rather well behaved. It seemed that being taken in by me had been enough to satisfy her. Although my work kept me busy and we could scarcely meet properly, she was always glad.

Then, on one day, the girl asked me to teach her my work. She wished to assist me. She told me as if in a dream that she wanted to be like the hero who had saved her. In truth, my work was not so fair a thing. It consisted of killing people. I revealed the sordid parts to her, yet her resolve remained unchanged. Seeing that girl, and being at an age where I could settle, I thought perhaps I should put down roots and become an educator. She had the occasional habit of calling me “Otou-san”, and she became my first disciple.

I had embarked upon becoming an educator for such a minor reason, yet as I watched that disciple grow, I found myself enjoying it more and more. Before I knew it, I had become absorbed, and it seems that feeling had not altered even after reincarnation. That was roughly why I became an educator.

And again, a situation that felt like the seed of such a beginning was drawing near.

 

—

 

One year after the meeting with Fia and grass dumplings.

I had turned six years old.

Having completed the morning training, I was once again exploring the Adlode Continent today.

Recently I had stopped searching for people from the sky and had spent most days walking through the forest and exploring; the main training consisted of driving off the monsters that attacked and seeking the mountain’s yields as an adventurer.

“Ah… I found a matsutake.” (Sirius)

It was not the matsutake from my previous life, but a mushroom resembling it. It had an official name, but to me it had become familiar enough that I called it by the name I knew, matsutake. It was fairly rare and delicious, so I resolved to add it to tonight’s supper.

As I gathered it with a pleased expression, partly because I was already thinking of dinner, a feeling of hunger came upon me. Looking to the sun, it was nearly noon. I chose a suitable rock to sit upon, took out my bento, put my hands together, and bowed in thanks. The three of us took turns preparing bentos at random, so I wondered which of their meals this would be today.

“Today is Erina, is it?” (Sirius)

The bento was packed with vividly colored side dishes and my favorite meat-and-vegetable sandwich heaped in abundance. Perhaps because I had been growing rapidly of late, my appetite had increased considerably. Last year even half of this amount would have filled me, yet at present I could consume this with ease.

“Mm, very good. Ah, I ought to notify them.” (Sirius)

I concentrated my mana slightly and sent it toward Erina, who was likely at a distance.

‘Ah—ah– … this is Canis Major. Currently at lunch and no abnormalities. The food is delicious today as well. Over.’ (transmission)

That had not been a soliloquy.

This had been the newly developed magic “Call”. It had been a magic that directed mana like radio waves toward a particular person and conveyed words to them. Recipients said that it had come to them as a strange sensation that resonated directly in their minds. It had been precisely like a mobile telephone and extremely convenient, but because only I had been able to use it, the communication had been one-way from me.

Yet though one might have called it radio waves, after all it had been mana, so there had existed a sufficient possibility that some other person with a similar wavelength might have intercepted it and leakage could have occurred. Therefore, I had used a codename for myself and refrained from saying the other party’s name.

There had also been said to be a wind magic that could have borne a voice upon the breeze and carried it far, but “Call” had still been in the trial stage. Even so, since the arrival of my voice had given Erina a measure of reassurance, I had used it. Someday I had to experiment in crowded places and determine its maximum range.

After finishing my one-way report, I resumed lunch.

Hmm… how does she make this exquisite flavor?

I had tried to emulate it several times, but had yet to reproduce it. She clearly knew my tastes thoroughly.

When I had finished about eighty percent of my bento, I sensed a presence from deep within the wood and activated “Search”. My mind’s radar detected an object approaching at high speed. I put aside my meal and stowed the bento, and at the same moment it appeared. A strangely unbalanced boar, with limbs as fine as a horse’s, a torso abnormally plump, and two thick, splendid horns; if my memory served, it was called Beonie Fango. It set its horns upon me, and as if I were its quarry, it launched a furious charge.

“Monotonous, is it… oh?” (Sirius)

Its speed was tremendous, yet evading a bold frontal attack was simple. I slashed with my sword as we passed, but the strike found only a shallow purchase and left a mere thin scratch on the surface. Its hide was so hard that cutting it required enhanced force.

Whilst I considered it, the monster that had wheeled about surged at me once more, and I evaded. My earlier dodge had been lateral. This time I leapt upward. I would land not upon the ground but atop the beast’s back, and finish it before it could rear and thrash.

“How about this one!” (Sirius)

I approached near the head and thrust the mithril knife that Fia had given me between its eyes. As was fitting of mithril, the blade sank with almost no resistance. The beast trembled a single instant and its massive bulk collapsed to the earth.

“This creature’s legs are strangely splendid, but are they tasty? Well, I shall take the loin this time.” (Sirius)

This monster possessed a hide that repelled blades and centered on devastating charges such that mid-level adventurers would band together to fight it, yet a sharp weapon at a weak point brought about such a result. If it had been Raioru, I surmised he would have cleaved it cleanly in twain from the front.

After bleeding out what seemed to be the loin and stowing it in my pack, I again felt a presence from the forest. Almost reflexively I invoked “Search” and detected the same kind of response. That monster was not moving toward me but toward another direction. Toward its destination I felt two responses. Thinking it could not be, I ran after the monster and used a more detailed “Search” to examine the reactions. There was no mistake; these reactions were humanoid.

I avoided branches and, when advantageous, used them for propulsion, flying through the forest at great speed. I did not slacken my pace and, at last, brought the responses into my sight. Beside the tree shattered by the beast’s impact, two children lay collapsed. The Beonie Fngo was pawing the earth and on the verge of springing forward to seize them.

There was but one course of action.

“Dropkiiiiick!” (Sirius)

With the momentum of my dive, I drove both feet into the side of the beast with a force to shame a professional wrestler. I had added “Boost” to the strike, and the creature flew off horizontally, uprooting several trees as it tumbled away. That alone would not be sufficient to fell it, so I added a follow-up.

“‘Magnum’.” (Sirius)

I shot a round into the head of the rolling monster and duly delivered the coup de grâce. Its head ruptured, and to the eye one might construe that the explosion had been caused by the blow of the kick… or so I thought. Yet, come to think of it, had this gun magic not increased in power? It felt stronger than the original.

I would consider that later; the scent of blood would draw other monster so I should complete the necessary tasks.

The two children who had collapsed were beastkin, a male and a female. They seemed about my age, with wolflike ears, very fluffy tails, and silver hair. The girl appeared the elder, and their faces resembled one another, so they were perhaps siblings.

Yet their condition was terrible. They wore only rags that covered what was necessary, their bodies had become gaunt to the point of emaciation, and they bore numerous wounds and bruises. Above all else, what caught my attention were the crude metal collars wound around their necks. They were large and loose and hardly seemed like an adornment for children.

The boy lay unconscious, but the girl kept her eyes open and stared in a daze. When our gazes met, she returned to herself, shielded her brother with her hand, and glared at me.

“—o… u—… a—!” (Girl)

Perhaps her throat had been injured; her voice was hoarse and difficult to hear.

I had seen those reduced to such a state even in my previous life. Slaves dwelling in lawless areas without protection and without any nation’s blessing. Stripped of rights and used like consumable goods, the slaves’ eyes were dead. Yet this girl was different. Though battered and barely able to move, there was a resolute will in her eyes.

“My brother… I will… protect.” (Girl)

That was the voice caught by my enhanced hearing.

When I took a step closer, she attempted to move away an equal distance, yet her body would not obey. Another step. Her body trembled, utterly frightened of me, she nonetheless did not let go of her brother nor avert her eyes. One more step, and the girl lay before me. Even at this proximity she made no move to strike; whether from fear or incapacity I could not tell. Nevertheless… her eyes were not dead.

I bent a little to meet her gaze, placed my hand upon her head, and spoke slowly.

“It is all right. I am not your enemy.” (Sirius)

I spoke the same words I had used for the girl who had been the catalyst in the past. This girl now regarded everything as an enemy; I first had to make her understand that I would do her no harm and give her reassurance.

“You have been protecting your brother, have you not? You did well. I will save you, so rest at ease.” (Sirius)

I stroked that tangled silver hair as though cherishing it. In the past I had patted the other girl roughly, but this time I strove to emulate the gentle manner in which Erina had handled me. It seemed to take effect. As her vigilance eased, a single tear ran free, and her consciousness left her.

Well now, I could not say who these children truly were, yet matters had become curious.

Children chased by monster was a common occurrence in this world. If I had left them be, no one would have blamed me. Indeed, not abandoning them might have been less troublesome. I was only six, and Erina and the others were there; looking to the future, I had little capacity to raise two more.

But I had said I would help them, and though they had canine ears, it would be odd to pick them up like pets.

What would Erina say?

While I hesitated, perhaps drawn by the scent of blood, the presence around us increased. Time was short and there was nothing to be done.

“For now… on hold!” (Sirius)

I bound the two with “String”, shouldered them, and flew away from the scene.

 

—

 

“…And so, I have come to borrow the wisdom of Jii-san. Do something about this.” (Sirius)

The scene changed to Lior’s house.

When I arrived bearing the two, Lior tilted his head at me, but said nothing in particular and prepared beds. I laid the two in the beds he had prepared, explained the situation, and we arrived at the present moment. While I was there, I consulted the elder as one might consult someone of years.

“What is that cavalier air? It troubles me to hear it from you, and besides, you were the one who found them.” (Lior)

Indeed. Well, I had already decided what to do.

“You should have made up your mind before telling me, should you not? What is it that you still hesitate over?” (Lior)

“It is Erina, you see…” (Sirius)

“Haha! A warrior capable of bringing me down is frightened by but a single retainer, is that it?” (Lior)

“Be quiet. Erina is frightening, I tell you.” (Sirius)

It is a fear that only one’s intimates could comprehend. A retired old man would not understand the past grievances.

From the flow of the conversation one might already guess that taking these two back to my home had been decided. At worst I might have a quarrel with Erina, but abandoning them had not been an option I could choose.

“I do not mind taking them as a burden, but why bring them here to me? Why not take them straight home?” (Lior)

“I truly wished to borrow your counsel. First, tell me this. Are these two slaves?” (Sirius)

They were covered in rags and wore strange collars about their necks. I thought with high probability that they were slaves, but I wanted to hear Raioru’s opinion, he who had traveled the world.

“They are certainly slaves. That collar is evidence above all else.” (Lior)

“I thought as much. Does this collar do anything beyond being ornamental? I sense a little mana from it.” (Sirius)

“That is a tool called a ‘Slave Collar’, and when equipped it places the wearer’s life into the hands of its contractor. If the contractor wills it, it inflicts agonizing pain upon the body. If the wearer flees, it continues to emit mana that informs the contractor of the wearer’s position. Moreover, the mana it consumes is drawn from the wearer’s own mana. If the wearer has little mana, it will be exhausted and they shall eventually perish.” (Lior)

“In that case it must be removed without delay.” (Sirius)

“The difficulty is that it cannot be removed without the key held by the contractor. What is worse, if one attempts to physically destroy the collar, it will take the wearer down with it. That is troublesome.” (Lior)

Looking carefully, I could see a keyhole in a part of the collar. It was not complex circuitry of metal, merely a common hole for a key, yet mana overflowed from it.

Is it still informing the contractor of their location even now?

“From what I have heard, there is a complex magic circle drawn within the keyhole, and that serves as the collar’s mediator. It takes considerable effort, so such collars are rather expensive.” (Lior)

“Be they expensive or not, I do not want a thing like this. Is there no means to remove it even if it is broken?” (Sirius)

“Hmm. Shall I, by chance, attempt to cleave it with my blade?” (Lior)

“I trust Lior’s skill, but let that be a last resort. There is something I want to try first.” (Sirius)

“Oh? What trouble will you cause this time?” (Lior)

Setting aside the eager Jii-san behind us, we began with the boy. I held my hand over the collar and activated the new magic “Scan”.

This magic passed mana through the target and drew its internal structure within the mind as an exploratory enchantment. In my previous life it would be called an X-ray technique. If “Search” was a wide-area probe, then “Scan” narrowed that to the microscopic and raised the accuracy.

Its drawback was that it required the subject to be within arm’s reach to render a precise image. I had experimented upon beasts and tools with it, and it was harmless, and with Dee’s consent and cooperation I had confirmed its safety for use upon humans.

I ascertained the internal structure of the collar and, concentrating upon the magic circle I saw, altered the Scan’s focus. The altered “Scan” did not visualize the object’s physical structure but rather sought its internal makeup by means of mana alone. I did not comprehend the precise meaning of the effects depicted upon the magic circle, but I could see the sources of mana. If Lior’s words were correct, the collar’s capabilities should be of four kinds.

They were to inflict agonizing pain, to absorb mana, to dissipate mana, and to take the wearer down with it.

As I had predicted, when I viewed it by means of mana four cores shone. Two of them were active, and those were likely the absorption and dissipation. If I could do something about the remaining two, it might succeed.

From my left hand I extended two slender “Strings” and inserted them through the keyhole into the magic circle. What the Strings grasped was mana, and they wound themselves about the two problem cores and enwrapped them completely. I confirmed that both were encircled without gaps, and in my right hand I grasped the mithril knife and laid it against the collar.

“Forgive me should I fail.” (Sirius)

I both converged the “Strings” to constrict and crush the cores and at the same time slashed the collar with the knife. The collar thudded to the floor with a dull sound and rolled at our feet. Lior, tense, placed a hand upon the boy’s face.

“…Check his breathing. He is indeed alive.” (Lior)

“Phew… thank goodness.” (Sirius)

It had been a method half of a gamble, yet it seemed to have succeeded.

“You remain extraordinary. The fellow who broke a collar previously bled from every pore and died.” (Lior)

“Do not attempt to cut at it with a sword knowing well that would be the result!” (Sirius)

“I thought that if I aimed at the magic circle and slashed… perhaps. Hahaha!” (Lior)

Lior laughed aloud without an ounce of shame. I understood the theory, but his attitude irritated me, and in front of the injured I wished him to be quiet.

Next, I broke the girl’s collar and examined it. Without an object from which to draw mana, it had become nothing but a piece of junk that emitted no power. If I could learn the magic circle in detail perhaps it would prove of use. Perhaps I would take it home with me.

“Now then, having removed the collars, what shall we do for these two?” (Sirius)

“The collar is proof of enslavement. Unless the master judges the pair freed and there exists no reason they cannot be released, treat them as ordinary citizens.” (Lior)

“What becomes of slaves in general? If they are criminals I can understand, but these two seem far too young to be criminals.” (Sirius)

“In principle, criminals are degraded to slavery, but these two were certainly kidnapped. They are a rare people around here.” (Lior)

“Rare… do you know them?” (Sirius)

“Silver hair and wolf tails… they are likely of the Silver Wolf tribe.” (Lior)

Silver Wolf tribe.

One among many beastkin races who possess silver-colored wolf ears and tails. Their total population is small; they dwell deep in the woods and are a peculiar people, generally possessing high combat ability. Many among them are quick to temper, yet they value family and ties between kin, and so they are a caring people.

–Excerpted from the omniscient Alberto’s Travel Journals.

“Whether it be rare or common is irrelevant. Leaving those two aside, the problem is mine.” (Sirius)

What should I say to Erina? Should I pester her with, “I want to keep them! I want to keep slaves!” No, such nonsense is impossible.

“If worst comes to worst, I will take them in.” (Lior)

“I appreciate the sentiment, but this is my responsibility.” (Sirius)

I myself had decided to take them in. It was time to steel myself.

I invoked “Call” aimed at Erina and formulated the words I must speak.

‘Um… this is Polaris. Due to certain circumstances, I have taken in two children, and I shall return now. Prepare beds in the guest room, over.’ (transmission)

Having conveyed what I must, I exhaled heavily. A one-way conversation is unnerving when one cannot see the other’s reaction. I must improve it somehow.

“Well then, I shall hasten home. Jii-san, give me some large sacks.” (Sirius)

“I have them, but what will you put inside?” (Raioru)

“The two there. They will prevent thrashing and slightly buffer wind pressure as well.” (Sirius)

“I see. Here, take them.” (Lior)

“Thanks. In return, I shall give you this.” (Sirius)

I stuffed the remainder of my bento into Jii-san’s mouth. It was an extremely rude act, yet good food was justice. In fact, Jii-san, despite being forced, smiled broadly.

“You are fortunate to have a retainer who cooks well. Still, the meals you make are also savory. Make them for me again sometime.” (Lior)

I had stayed here several times, so from time to time I cooked for him and ate together.

“I am not Jii-san’s retainer, but if I am so inclined I shall do it.” (Sirius)

I tucked the two into the sacks at my sides, feeling for a moment like a kidnapper, and hurried home.

 

—

 

— Noel —

My name is Noel.

I am one of the delicate attendants who serve my master Sirius-sama. Sirius-sama is yet a six-year-old child, and so I would say we must support him and yet Sirius-sama is such a remarkable person that he requires no support.

At barely three years of age he could use magic, and even now he continues to develop new spells. He is strong enough to match and defeat Dee, an adventurer of old. Furthermore, he possesses knowledge beyond our reach and uses it day by day to make us prosperous. He has the capacity of a truly admirable lord.

Moreover, he cooks superbly and his food is delicious. He produces an array of unfamiliar dishes, and every time he presents one of them he makes us happy. His mayonnaise and custard pudding, in particular, were revolutionary. When I tasted them the first time I was so stunned at the existence of such marvelous food that I remained dumbfounded for a while; even now the memory fills me with happiness… oops, I digress.

Yet Sirius-sama’s attribute is colorless. In the world this is the despised attribute called “incompetent”. I do not know who first coined it, but that person was surely mistaken. That noble is by no means incompetent. Rather, it makes us seem incompetent by comparison.

Despite being such a perfect person, he now scratched his head with the most awkward expression. I had never seen Sirius-sama so flustered; contrary to his usual dignified mien he now appeared very adorable.

We were in the guest room, and upon the bed lay two beastkin.

How had we come to such a situation?

It was around midafternoon.

After finishing lunch, Erina had requested that I clean the guest room. I finished quickly and, looking for Erina to report to her, Sirius-sama returned home.

I thought he had come back early today and went to the entrance, whereupon he stood bearing two large sacks. At that moment I half expected the sacks to contain new ingredients. With a little excitement I asked what was within, but he dodged the question. We proceeded to the guest room, and when Erina and Dee arrived, Sirius-sama steeled himself and took the sacks’ contents out.

“This is it…” (Sirius)

Dee and I froze.

Why were there such ragged children? And two of them.

Only Erina remained unshaken, and having checked the children’s condition she gave us orders.

“Dee, fetch the healing medicine and hot water. Noel, bring clothing for the two.” (Erina)

“Y-yes!” (Dee)

“Yes.” (Noel)

“Sirius-sama, I will hear the reasons later, but for now lay them upon the bed.” (Erina)

“Understood.” (Sirius)

Each of us went about our tasks, performed simple medical treatment, and arrived at the present moment.

Sirius-sama still wore an awkward expression as he began to explain. To put it simply, while he had been walking through the woods he had found the two under attack by monster, had defeated the beasts, and had rescued them. At first one might suspect he had taken them by force, but Sirius-sama was not that sort of person. He treated beastkin like me without discrimination, and he was large in spirit enough to have become friends with an elf and with Gouken-san.

Yet still, these children’s forms seemed familiar.

“Apparently, it seems these two were slaves.” (Sirius)

It was only natural I should recognize that. I myself had been a slave. I had been rescued before the worst happened, yet these children may have suffered worse than I ever did. But what was odd was that as slaves they lacked collars, was it not?

“I broke the collars, but their injuries were so severe I thought to bring them for treatment.” (Sirius)

“‘You broke them!?’” (All)

What do you mean by that!? If one destroys that collar the wearer dies. I had seen it many times.

We were so shocked he told us how he had done it. Yes, I understood we could not possibly do that.

“Very well. I understand. Let them sleep until they wake.” (Erina)

“Please. I will prepare soft food suited to their weak condition.” (Sirius)

“Noel, keep watch over them. When they awaken, as a beastkin you will be less likely to alarm them.” (Erina)

“Yes, of course.” (Noel)

“Sirius-sama, I will assist as well.” (Dee)

“No, Dee, stay here with Noel. You will be our contact should anything arise.” (Erina)

“Understood.” (Dee)

When Sirius-sama and Erina left the room, silence fell suddenly. Dee was not much of one for words, and I myself was not in the mood for idle conversation. I set a chair beside the bed and sat where I could see both of them. Dee, perhaps out of reserve, sat a little apart.

We gazed upon their faces in silence for some time.

Their condition was truly terrible. The marks of lashes, bruises from being tightly bound, and many fresh wounds. I had endured such things before, and the mere recollection made my body tremble.

Because their value would decrease, their dignity as women had not been entirely taken from them, yet that was still a terrible time.

If Aria-sama had not saved me then, what would have become of me?

I was frightened.

Even now that I am very happy, why am I trembling so?

“Noel.” (Dee)

Dee tapped my shoulder. When I turned, her face was of its usual impassiveness, but I could tell she was concerned. She knew of my past, and I took her to mean that I should not overthink things.

“It is all right.” (Noel)

“…Yes.” (Dee)

That is to say, I am different now. My scars and bruises have gone. I am surrounded by everyone, and I may be happy. I should think of these children now. When they wake, what shall I say?

“It is all right now; be at peace.” — is that too banal?

“Pull yourself together, trash!” That phrase Sirius-sama once said—yet it does not feel quite right.

“You are fortunate…” — perhaps they will not understand if I say it suddenly.

Nevertheless, I truly believe these children are fortunate. Though they suffered the misfortune of enslavement, they were saved by Sirius-sama. he will surely see that they can live and laugh as I do now. But truly, they are like family, Aria-sama and Sirius-sama have both saved enslaved beastkin before.

While Dee made tea, we watched over them. Before we knew it it was time to prepare dinner, but the two gave no sign of change. They breathed, so perhaps they were all right. Yet I thought perhaps they might awaken soon.

As I debated whether to report to Sirius-sama, a knock sounded upon the door.

“Hey, it’s me. Open up, would you?” (Sirius)

Sirius arrived at a most opportune moment. When Dee opened the door, a savory aroma filled the room. It was not surprising, for Sirius clasped a pot in his hands and the smell issued from it.

Ah, my mouth watered.

“…Would you like to taste it?” (Sirius)

“Isn’t this for the two?” (Noel)

“I made a little extra. But it is for the infirm, so the flavor is mild.” (Sirius)

“Then, I shall take you up on your kind offer.” (Noel)

Sirius-sama had been transparent. The thin brown soup lacking chunks poured into a cup. Yes, the flavor was mild indeed. Yet its rich, not overpowering aroma pleased the nose, and above all it was a gentle taste. It seeped slowly into the stomach and soothed the heart, such was the sensation.

“Sirius-sama, pray show me the recipe.” (Dee)

Dee’s blood as a cook stirred within her. Indeed, this would be perfect for the weakened. I resolved to learn it later.

“…Ah… ugh.” (Girl)

“Ah!?” (Noel)

As we extolled the soup, the girl awakened. Perhaps she had been drawn by the smell.

In any case, the first moment mattered, so we must speak gently. It is natural that if a child wakes to find strangers they will be frightened. Do not rush. Be composed and say the words I had practiced. Simple, simple.

“Um… are you all right? You were lucky, scum!” (Noel)

Huh? Something must have slipped into my wording.

 

—

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