Chapter 52 – ５２ – Naru is the One Being Approached

Debut Match Arc

“If you connect your academy-designated Device here, we can use the Devices handled by this shop to check everything from appearance, physical abilities, and functions to Skills—essentially, what your Masked Form will look like when you undergo a Masquerade.”

“That sounds quite convenient.”

“By the way, the same can be done at the school buildings or the dorms. However, since you can receive assistance here from people who handle Devices daily, it is quite obvious which option is better, yes?”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

The private room we had entered contained a large machine as well as the Barrier devices that had become a common sight recently.

Beyond that, holograms and large monitors were provided; the facilities here might even be more comprehensive than the rooms we go to when using Devices in class.

“Suzu.”

“Don’t worry, the security and discretion here are fine. The staff at this shop support their customers with fairness and impartiality.”

“No, I’m not worried about that, since it’s in the academy’s shopping mall. The problem is my Masked Form.”

“Ah, right…”

“Please do not be concerned. In the process of adjustment, we occasionally see Masked Forms that are in states unfit for public viewing, so no matter what your Masked Form is, it is not an issue. Furthermore, since we have already seen your Masked Form at the Unveiling Ceremony, I can assure you there is no problem.”

“There you have it, Naru.”

“Alright then. Is it okay?”

The door closed, creating a sealed room.

Well, if they say there’s no problem, I might as well see how much my Masked Form changes depending on the Device.

With that, I handed my Device to the clerk and let them prepare.

“Still, for things to go this smoothly, this must have been the main objective for today, right, Suzu?”

“Ahaha, you caught me?”

“Naturally. I can tell this is for my sake, and I’m curious too, so I don’t mind. But even if I buy one after my debut match, high-end Devices are generally ridiculously expensive… will the money I’ve been given be enough?”

While the preparations were being made, we engaged in small talk… but upon hearing my comment, Suzu and the others looked as if they had been struck by lightning.

Huh? Did I say something strange?

Since we came to a Device shop, I assumed I was planning to buy a Device with my own money.

I thought we came today because it wouldn’t be crowded before the debut matches and the selection would be extensive.

“Naru, Naru. What is your Magic Capacity?”

“My Magic Capacity is… I think it’s a bit over 3600…”

“Mr. Naru, who was your opponent for the debut match?”

“As it stands, it’s Morikuni Tomoe.”

“Naru, who did you fight the other day? And for that matter, what was that person’s Magic Capacity rank?”

“I fought Fuchibeni Yoshio, and his Magic Capacity… should have been third this year.”

For some reason, I was currently being interrogated by Suzu and the others.

“You’ve heard that an exceptional Duelist is a cornerstone of national defense, and that they are sometimes hired by corporations, right?”

“Yeah, well, I guess so.”

“Do you think the tools used by someone in such an important position are the same as those used by ordinary people?”

“Ah, you mean ‘professional grade’? Well, I suppose they’d be different from a civilian’s.”

“Naru. Comparing your Magic Capacity to those professionals, which one is higher?”

“Mine is… higher.”

Her tone was strangely soft, almost as if she were guiding me toward a realization.

And after being pushed this far, even I couldn’t help but catch on.

“Don’t tell me… I have to use professional-grade gear?”

“It’s not so much that you have to, but rather that you’re at a level where corporations will practically beg you to use theirs, Naru.”

“You’re at a level where they’ll force their way into your schedule just to reach out to you, Mr. Naru.”

“Any Device company that has not grasped Naru’s situation at this point would see their stock price plummet just from that mistake alone, Naru.”

“Ah, yes. Sorry.”

I feel like I had underestimated the position of having an A-Rank Magic Capacity and being the Top-Ranked Magic Capacity.

I see, I’m at a level where companies would actively approach me wanting me to use their Devices… For the first time, I feel like I’m truly realizing how absurd my situation is.

“Which means, what we’re doing now is like a preliminary screening?”

“Exactly. From what I know, Devices tend to have distinct characteristics depending on the company that makes them. Those characteristics aren’t something that can be changed suddenly, even with a custom order, and forcing a change can cause malfunctions. So, I thought we’d check the characteristics here first and filter them through the sieve of whether or not Naru likes them.”

“Ichi also predicts that if we don’t filter them, we might be overwhelmed by the number of companies stepping forward,” Marie added.

“It is just that Naru does not know it, but things are already moving behind the scenes. Moreover, since Naru does not have any deep ties with any particular company, it is even more so.”

“Ah, I see…”

Furthermore, the number of companies reaching out might be more than I can count on both hands.

No, isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?

I’m just a New Student with no track record, only the fact that I have the Top-Ranked Magic Capacity this year.

And yet, I have a feeling that Suzu and the others are right.

Oh, right.

“Suzu, Ichi, Marie, thanks. I definitely couldn’t have handled this situation on my own.”

I thanked Suzu and the others for what they were doing for me.

“No, it is nothing of the sort,” Ichi replied.

“Marie decided to support Naru, so this is what you call ‘no problem’!”

“Naru… just having Naru say that to me… Yes, I’ll do my best. So that Naru can concentrate on his Duels, I’ll mow down any nobodies who bring unnecessary problems his way…”

“Suzu. Legally, calmly, and keeping the future in mind, so that people don’t hate you. Got it?”

“Of course, Naru. Don’t worry, I won’t leave any evidence.”

As a result of my words, Suzu seemed to be radiating an aura of impending rampage. Is this really okay?

No, it should be fine.

I believe it’s fine. Yes.

“Customer. Data synchronization and compatibility are complete.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

It seemed the preparations were finished.

And so, we proceeded to see how my Masked Form would change when using Devices manufactured by various companies.