Chapter 97: Next Destination.
Ichiro and Amanda hid in the Equipment Facility for near 1 hour until a loud voice was heard.
''HIDERS, COME OUT!''
''I guess we won,'' Amanda said with a slight smile.
Ichiro smirked, ''Lucas is going to be so pissed.'' He can already imagine the face Lucas is going to make.
Amanda smiled and kissed his cheek, ''Thanks for the unforgettable experience.''
Ichiro rolled his eyes, ''Thank you as well, I guess, no more virgin Ichiro.'' He smiled and stood up.
Amanda snorted but also stood up with a smile.
Both left the Facility through the window.
The Meeting Hall was crowded already.
Ichiro's and Amanda's figures caught everyone's attention; only 5 teams survived the hide and seek.
Ichiro looked around and finally saw Lucas' annoyed face.
He waved his hand towards Lucas with an annoying smirk on his face.
Lucas gritted his teeth hatefully.
''THOSE WHO SURVIVED THE FIRST MISSION, YOU GET 10 POINTS, THOSE WHO DIDN'T ZERO.'' The Principal shouted.
The Principal started talking about other mundane things. Soon, the second mission started; the second mission was about to know your partner better; Ichiro and Amanda got max points in it as well, but Amanda's attempt to make Ichiro horny made it slightly tricky, but he survived it.
The third and last mission was another one where Ichiro and Amanda got max points, and they ended up winning today's event.
The third mission was a simple treasure hunt; it wasn't that difficult for them; with their outstanding teamwork, they got easily more points than anyone else.
After those missions, the school day ended.
Ichiro bid farewell's with Amanda. And after that, he returned to his home, where his parents were waiting.
''Ichiro.'' Azumi said.
Eiji also sat straighter.
Ichiro nodded and sat down in the chair.
Azumi bit his lips and asked, ''Are you sure you want to go to Winterlight…?''
Ichiro sighed and nodded, ''I am.''
Azumi nodded sadly; Eiji sighed and nodded.
''We have signed it already; we won't stop you. You were always going to leave Gensa; it was only a matter of time.'' Azumi said with slight teary eyes and offered the paper.
Ichiro grabbed the paper and took it; his parents' signature was on it.
''Thanks…'' Ichiro felt emotional; he never planned to leave Gensa for High School.
They talked a few moments longer; after that, Ichiro returned to his room, put the paper on his cabinet, and sat down on his bed.
''Winterlight…'' Ichiro murmured.
He spent the day in his room, thinking about his future; they also told Ayako about his school choice, which resulted in a lot of crying.
But they managed to survive that ordeal.
There was only 1 month left of Middle School, which went quickly. Ichiro spent most of his time with classmates, then after school returned to training with Quella, which started showing results very quickly. He didn't have anything to do with Underworld after Arkenthym met him, they didn't even contact him. So his missions are over, but his next assignment is far more dangerous.
He also told Slych his decision; he didn't get mad, instead excited. His goal once he reaches High School is to enter the Battle of Countries and fight against Ichiro once again!
A few days before the final day of Middle School, Ichiro turned 16.
Only 2 years left till the Age of Growth begins.
And now, finally, the last day of Middle School came.
Ichiro was standing in front of mirror. This time he wasn't using school uniform, instead tuxedo, which made his looks amplified by 10 times.
He looked at his face, and it looked familiar yet different. His slight childish look has disappeared, with only the mature face of a teenager left.
''Ichiro, it is time to go!'' He heard Azumi's shout from downstairs.
Ichiro looked at the mirror and nodded; he left his room and left with his family towards the school.
The school was already packed by people, students with their families walking side by side.
Ichiro and his family left the car. Ayako was also wearing a cute-looking dress, she is going to enter her second year in Middle School.
Ichiro's figure, as always, attracted a lot of attention. Some students even kneeled like they were worshipping a god.
Everywhere they walked, people parted ways and let him walk unhindered.
They entered the hall, which was packed with people already.
Ichiro sat down with his family in the last row, and started waiting for the ceremony to start.
Soon the ceremony started. The Principal was the first one to make his speech and, after that, other teachers.
Some students got emotional. Ichiro as well; most of the students here will stay either in Irio or Gensa. He will leave to another side of the Continent.
The ceremony lasted for 2 hours.
After the ceremony, it was time for grades to be given.
The Third-years will have to get the grades from the stage.
Ichiro waited, until his name was finally called.
''Kurogami Ichiro.'' The Principal said and started clapping.
*CHEER'
*CLAP*
The hall erupted in cheers and claps.
The students and their parents alike.
Ichiro stood up; his muscular figure couldn't be hidden under his tuxedo.
He walked towards the stage under the intense gazes of others.
Ichiro's Teacher offered him a paper and handshake.
Ichiro took the paper and shook his hand.
Camera's flashed in the Hall and another round of applause echoed in the Hall.
Ichiro left the stage shortly afterward and sat next to his parents.
Soon the rest of his classmates received their grades and the ceremony ended.
Ichiro's parents went to talk with other parents, Ayako went to her friends, and Ichiro met with Lucas.
They sat down on the bench outside of the Hall.
Ichiro opened his mouth first, ''Where are you going to?''
Lucas turned his gaze towards him, ''Irio's Public High School.''
Ichiro was surprised, ''You are staying here? Why?''
Lucas scratched the back of his head, ''I think it is better choice for me in long run, I told you once that I had crush right? She will enter third-year in High School, and I will do my best in 1 year to catch her heart. After High School, I will enter College somewhere else.''
Ichiro chuckled silently, ''So romantic~''
''Shut up,'' Lucas growled angrily.
''Where are you going?'' Lucas asked curiously.
Ichrio's face was painted with a sad smile, ''Winterlight.''
Lucas was shocked, ''That is very far away.''
Ichiro nodded and leaned on the bench, ''It is.''
''I thought that usually the schools in the top 4 countries are packed, and thousands of students who graduated from Middle School is trying to get into those schools every year.''
Ichiro nodded, ''Those schools are the ones with the highest chance of improving your Strength and the easiest way to be part of Championship school, which will make your future smooth sailing.''
''How did you manage to enter then?'' Lucas asked.
Ichiro turned his head towards him, ''I reached Martial Captain, they were more than happy to accept me.''
''Martial Captain?!'' Lucas was again shocked.
Ichiro nodded, and took a card from his pocket.
[Kurogami Ichiro]
[Martial Rank: Martial Captain]
[Talent Level: Monarch]
[Age: 16]
[Country: Gensa]
[City: Irio]
''Monarch Talent level?!''
Ichiro shrugged, ''Yeah… I did the Talent test few days ago.''
Lucas smiled and shook his head, ''I will be waiting to see your results in High School tournament.''
''Heh…'' Ichiro chuckled and stood up.
''Where are you going?''
''I have one more person to say goodbye to.'' Ichiro said and shook hands with Lucas, ''Take care.''
''Take care…'' Lucas said sadly and watched as Ichiro's back was getting further away.
Ichiro exited the school through the gates; he took one last look towards the Irio's Public Middle School.
''Goodbye…'' Ichiro murmured and left the school.
He walked through the streets and reached Screaming Boy Forest.
He reached his usual training spot and sat down on the ground.
*Crack*
Ichiro heard a sound of a twig getting snapped in half; he turned his head and saw Quella walking towards him.
''Dear Disciple, coming to say goodbye?'' Quella said with a smile.
Ichiro nodded and stood up, ''Yes.''
Quella nodded, ''Take care… You will be in contact with Underworld a lot once you get there.''
Ichiro nodded and put his hand forward for a handshake, ''Thanks for teaching me.''
Quella smiled and grabbed the hand, ''Don't die.''
Ichiro nodded and left the training area, his face clouded by his emotions.
He returned to his home and saw that his parents hadn't returned yet.
He went towards his room, and took a black-colored bag from the closet and put it on the bed. Ichiro started throwing his clothes on the bag and everything he needed in Winterlight; he even took his console.
Once he packed everything, he sat down on the bed and looked at the posters on the wall.
Ichiro's journey in Gensa ended.
Tomorrow…
His destination is Winterlight.
__________
First Volume - Middle School - END!