ZAP – Chapter 137-138: Animal Club – Part 1 and 2

Chapters merged by Reigokai

――Congratulations. You have overcome the Trial of the Gods.

The voice of the angel announcement echoed across the first floor of the Zenith Tower.

The Divine Beast, Byakko, was still lying down.

“Eugene, Sumire-chan, thanks for drawing the Divine Beast’s attention.”

The one speaking was Claude, the key player this time, after a loud landing.

“Your special move was amazing, Claude!” (Sumire)

Sumire was hopping around, singing his praises.

“Taking it out in one hit is pretty impressive.” (Eugene)

I commented.

“It was thanks to all the classmates’ attacks up until that point. It was a combined effort.”

Claude said humbly, without boasting.

He’s the type who can say things like that casually. As expected of him.

It was then…

Byakko, who had been lying down just moments ago, suddenly got up.

My classmates stirred.

“Wawa?!”

Sumire quickly raised her staff in a fluster, while Claude and I lowered our stances, ready to move.

――Impressive job, Fledgling Heroes.

A voice echoed in our minds.

It was a voice I had never heard before.

However, it was a strangely intelligent voice that felt inexplicably reassuring.

Could this voice belong to…

“I can hear the Divine Beast-san’s voice in my head!” (Sumire)

Just as Sumire said, it seemed to be the voice of the Divine Beast, Byakko.

I thought it was a fierce Divine Beast when we were fighting, but hearing its voice, it might actually be a gentle creature.

――Young Spearman, continue honing your skills.

Byakko disappeared after saying that, wrapped in a faint seven-colored light.

“It looked scary, but its voice was kind.” (Sumire)

Sumire murmured.

“There was…a sense of ease in its tone. Was my attack not actually effective?” (Claude)

“Yeah, it probably held back.” (Eugene)

I agreed with Claude’s assessment.

Well, the Divine Beast acknowledged our strength and departed.

We had successfully completed the Trial of the Gods.

And thus, the Legendary Hero Department’s class came to an end.

◇Sumire’s POV◇

Here I am, standing in front of a room in the boys’ dormitory of Lykeion Magic Academy.

Today is the one day out of every seven that school is off.

Normally, Leona-chan, whom I often hang out with, would be with me, but she had something to do today.

She said she was going out with Claude-kun, so I didn’t want to intrude.

Sara-chan was busy with student council duties, and Teresia-san also had plans.

I could go shopping alone, but it’s a rare day off.

So, I decided to come to Eugy-kun’s room.

But I can’t enter Eugy-kun’s room at the moment. 

The reason is…

(…I can hear voices from inside…) (Sumire)

More than one, on top of that.

One is Eugy-kun’s voice, and the other is a woman’s voice.

Sara-chan said she’d be busy today, so it shouldn’t be her.

Could it be…he brought another girl in?!

Mumumu… Eugy-kun is pretty popular after all.

But he can’t bring other girls aside from his girlfriends into his room!

“Eugy-kun, I’m coming in.” (Sumire)

I opened the door without knocking. 

It wasn’t locked.

The door made a clattering sound as I looked inside.

“S-Sumire…?” 

“Oh my, it’s Sumire.”

Inside were Eugy-kun and his childhood friend, Airi-chan.

◇◇

“Eugy-kun, are you headed to the animal club now?” (Sumire)

“Yeah, and Airi insisted on coming along.” (Eugene)

“Why shouldn’t I come along?!” (Airi)

“I’m just checking the barriers to keep the monsters in place. It won’t be that interesting.” (Eugene)

“Hey, Eugy-kun, can I come too?” (Sumire)

“Sumire too? Well, I don’t mind.” (Eugene)

“Why is your reaction totally different compared to mine?!” (Airi)

“Sumire’s technically a member of the animal club after all.” (Eugene)

“Huh? Really, Sumire?” (Airi)

“Huh? Is that right, Eugy-kun?” (Sumire)

“…You forgot?” (Eugene)

“N-No! Of course, I remember!” (Sumire)

Eugy-kun gave me a baffled look.

It is true that I mentioned wanting to join the club with him when we explored the Zenith Tower for the first time.

But since I never heard back, I assumed it didn’t go through…

“Sorry, Eugy-kun. I haven’t been active in the animal club at all…” (Sumire)

“No, your mana control was scaring the monsters, so you couldn’t participate yet.” (Eugene)

“Oh, I see…” (Sumire)

So I didn’t have anything to do anyway.

Back when I first started at the academy, my magic was always out of control after all.

Even now, I still mess up a little.

“Hey, Sumire, how about we follow Eugy around today and observe?” (Airi)

“If Eugy-kun’s okay with it… How about it?” (Sumire)

“Fine. Just don’t complain if you get bored.” (Eugene)

That’s how Airi-chan and I ended up following Eugy-kun.

◇2nd Sealed Prison◇

“This is the 2nd Sealed Prison managed by the animal club, commonly called the Floor 0. It’s a place where weaker monsters escaping from the Zenith Tower are teleported here to prevent them from entering the Dungeon City.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun was mainly explaining this to Airi-chan.

I have heard about this and have visited it before.

By the way, the first time I came, the monsters inside cowered in fear, pressing against the cages because of my mana.

(But now my mana control has improved!) (Sumire)

“Eugy-kun, how about going inside?!” (Sumire)

“No, I finished the inspection. Let’s move to the next one.” (Eugene)

“”Huh?””

Eugy-kun’s words surprised not only me but Airi-chan too.

We just arrived though?

“Eugy, you haven’t checked anything yet.” (Airi)

“I used mana detection I learned recently to check for any barrier issues. We’re moving on since there were no problems.” (Eugene)

“Wait, you can inspect the Sealed Prison without going in?” (Sumire)

“Yeah, pretty convenient, right?” (Eugene)

“…”

Airi and I exchanged glances.

The 2nd Sealed Prison is huge.

It’s built to surround the Zenith Tower after all.

If I had to compare it to something in my previous life, it would be that it’s over ten times the size of the Tokyo Dome.

And he inspected the barrier covering that massive structure instantly?

I don’t know much about barrier magic.

But from Airi-chan’s expression, I could tell what Eugy-kun was saying was extraordinary.

I know he wouldn’t do a sloppy job.

Eugy-kun is always very serious when doing this kind of work after all.

So Airi-chan and I followed him.

“Hey, Sumire, how many places does the animal club manage for housing monsters?” (Airi)

“Let’s see… Airi-chan…” (Sumire)

I explained what Eugy-kun had told me before.

-The 1st Sealed Prison is called the Ranch. No monsters here, just animals like horses and cows, managed by the animal, livestock, and agriculture clubs.

-The 2nd Sealed Prison is called the Floor 0, and it is where weaker monsters escaping from the Zenith Tower are kept.

-The 3rd Sealed Prison, called the Insect Cage, is where insect-type monsters are housed. That’s where we’re headed next.

-The 4th Sealed Prison, called the Hospital, is where injured monsters from battles are taken. The Health Committee handles their treatment.

-The 5th Sealed Prison, called the Graveyard, houses undead and ghost-type monsters, plus an actual monster graveyard.

“Hoh, there are so many places.” (Airi)

“There are also the 6th and 7th Sealed Prisons…” (Sumire)

Just as I was about to explain further…

“Huh? Eugene-chan and Sumire-chan? What brings you here?”

We were approached by someone.

A tall, lanky figure with a slight hunch and wearing a coat resembling a lab coat.

“Hello, Carlo-senpai.” (Sumire)

“Carlo-senpai. Today is the monthly inspection day.” (Eugene)

“Oh, right. But I check the 3rd Sealed Prison daily, so it’s fine.” (Carlo)

Carlo-senpai, from the animal club, is a monster tamer specializing in insect-type monsters.

I’d seen a few of his monsters before…and they were terrifying.

“If Carlo-senpai says it’s fine, then let’s move to the Fourth—” (Eugene)

“Oh, about that. The club president wants to talk to you, Eugene-chan. I heard from the message bug.” (Carlo) 

“The president Media wants to talk to me? About what?” (Eugene)

“I didn’t hear the details. I’ll handle the rest of the inspection, so you can go see the president.” (Carlo)

“Alright. Sumire, Airi, is it okay if the club tour ends here? I need to go meet someone.” (Eugene)

I answered Eugy-kun’s words without hesitation.

“I want to meet the club president!” (Sumire)

“I do too. If it’s someone Eugy owes a lot to, I’d like to meet them.” (Airi)

It seems Airi-chan shared the same thought.

Especially since I’m a member of the animal club.

In the past, I’d asked Eugy-kun several times to introduce me to other animal club members, but every time, he’d brush me off with, “They’re not at school today. Maybe next time.”

“…Well, I guess it’s fine.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun seemed to hesitate for a moment but didn’t object.

“Alright, Carlo-senpai. We’re off.” (Eugene)

“Okay. Say hi to the club president for me~.” (Carlo)

After greeting Carlo-senpai, we left the 3rd Sealed Prison.

The 3rd Sealed Prison is located in a forest-like area surrounded by trees. From there, Eugy-kun headed deeper into a denser, overgrown forest-like space.

Huh? Isn’t this the direction…

“Hey, Eugy-kun, shouldn’t we head back to the school building to meet the club president?” (Sumire)

“The club president doesn’t attend school. We’re heading to their home.” (Eugene)

“A student who doesn’t go to school?” (Airi)

Airi-chan voiced the same doubt I had.

“They have a serious illness and are currently in recovery.” (Eugene)

“…Are we really okay to meet them?” (Airi)

“…Eugy-kun, if it’s a bother, I’ll head back.” (Sumire)

Both Airi-chan and I frowned.

We finally understood why it wasn’t easy to meet the club president.

“It’s not contagious, so don’t worry. Just make sure you’re respectful. The president can be scary when angered. Alright, let’s go.” (Eugene)

With that, Eugy-kun walked up to a door and began unsealing it.

Huh? This place is…

“Hey, Eugy, what is this big building?” (Airi)

“The 6th Sealed Prison. It’s also called Calamity. Alright, let’s head inside.” (Eugene)

Yes.

This was the 6th Sealed Prison.

It’s also known as Calamity.

It houses immensely powerful creatures, including dragon species in Calamity Designation.

Naturally, it’s extremely dangerous.

This place contains monsters far stronger than those found on the lower floors of the Zenith Tower.

“Wait a second! Weren’t we supposed to meet the animal club president?!” (Airi)

“The club president lives here.” (Eugene)

“”What!?”” 

Airi and I cried out in unison, stunned.

Aren’t they supposed to have a serious illness?

I stepped into the 6th Sealed Prison while still confused.

■Comment Response: 

> Kissing for 10 seconds during the Trial of the Gods. Doesn’t the Divine Beast get mad? Lol

-Byakko-kun patiently waited for 10 seconds. A Divine Beast that reads the room.

■Author’s Comment: 

Many readers mentioned that Sumire has become too strong.

In terms of the firepower in her magic, Sumire ranks first or second on the South Continent. However, her control is poor, so she’s not as strong as she might seem.

In actual combat, she’d lose easily to Airi or Sara.

Sumire’s mana might be surprising for first-timers, but to reach the level of a previous heroine, she will need a few years of training.

• ZAP – Chapter 138: Animal Club – Part 2

◇Sumire’s POV◇

As soon as we entered the 6th Sealed Prison, a dense jungle came into view, obscuring our sight.

“Sumire, Airi. This way.”

Eugy-kun walked into the dense foliage without hesitation.

There was a faint path, but the overgrown vegetation quickly made Eugy-kun’s figure hard to see.

“Airi-chan, let’s go.” (Sumire)

“Yes, let’s, Sumire.” (Airi)

Airi-chan and I stuck close to each other as we followed Eugy-kun.

…Grrrrr…

We could hear the growl of something enormous in the distance.

…Thud… Thud… Heavy footsteps echoed from somewhere.

We were walking along a barely passable animal trail.

Eugy-kun moved forward lightly, while Airi-chan and I cautiously glanced around as we followed.

“Hey, Eugy.” (Airi)

“What’s up, Airi?” (Eugene)

Airi-chan asked while walking beside him…

“What kind of creatures are kept inside this building?” (Airi)

Right, Airi-chan wouldn’t know.

“Dragons. The 6th Sealed Prison is a dragon’s nest.” (Eugene)

“D-Dragons!?” (Airi)

Airi-chan’s eyes widened at Eugy-kun’s words.

I already knew about it beforehand, but stepping inside made me think…

(Isn’t this scarier than the Zenith Tower?!) (Sumire)

I’ve climbed 100 floors as an explorer and have fought dragons a few times.

But the tension upon entering the 6th Sealed Prison surpassed any floor in the Zenith Tower.

“Eugy-kun, how many dragons are here in the 6th Sealed Prison?” (Sumire)

I asked. 

“About 27, I think. There are two pairs, so if they’ve had offspring, there might be more.” (Eugene)

“”Twenty seven!?””

Airi-chan and I exclaimed in unison before hastily covering our mouths.

Fortunately, no dragons responded to our outburst.

“Can so many dragons be gathered in one place artificially…? Dragons are highly territorial creatures.” (Airi)

I overheard Airi-chan muttering to herself.

Looks like this place is bizarre even to a native from this world.

We followed Eugy-kun for a while longer.

“From here, it’s easier to walk.” (Eugene)

“”…Eh?””

Just as Eugy-kun said, we emerged into an open area.

A lush green meadow and a large pond stretched before us.

It appeared to be a watering hole for the dragons of varying size -no, all of them massive- and varying types relaxing there.

“No… way… How are earth dragons, water dragons, and wyverns living peacefully together without fighting?!” (Airi)

Airi-chan froze in place.

“That’s not normal?” (Sumire)

“Absolutely not! I thought this would be a nest for one species of dragon. Different species living together like this in such a confined space is unheard of…” (Airi)

At that moment…

*Whooosh!!*

With a gust of wind and a loud *Thud!!!*, a massive shadow landed right next to us, shaking the ground.

It was a dragon with pitch-black scales and golden wings.

I learned about it in the academy’s Monster Studies class.

Let’s see… This dragon is a first-class Calamity, and its name is…

“…Lightning Dragon.” (Sumire)

“Sumire! Get back!” (Airi)

“O-Okay!” (Sumire) 

I hurriedly raised my staff and slowly retreated at Airi-chan’s urging.

Airi-chan drew her sword and activated her sword magic.

Lightning dragons are known for their ferocity and are said to attack intruders mercilessly.

The dragon’s eyes scanned us like prey before slowly lowering its massive head and…

“Long time no see! How’ve you been, Pikaryu?” (Eugene)

“…Grrrrr♪”

Eugy-kun was stroking the lightning dragon’s face.

“”…What?””

Airi-chan and I stood dumbfounded.

The supposedly ferocious Lightning Dragon purred like a kitten under Eugy-kun’s touch.

“Uh, Eugy-kun?” (Sumire)

“Hey, Eugy…” (Airi)

“What’s up? Don’t worry, the dragons here are all tame. They won’t attack.” (Eugene)

“You could’ve said that earlier!” (Sumire)

“Didn’t I mention it?” (Eugene)

Airi-chan and I lowered our weapons with a sigh.

All that tension was wasted.

When we approached the dragon that seemed to adore Eugy-kun…

Grrrrrr…

It growled menacingly at us.

“Huh? Why is it making scary noises?” (Sumire)

“Hey, Eugy, this dragon sees us as enemies.” (Airi)

We stepped back, putting some distance between ourselves and the Lightning Dragon.

“Ooi, Pikaryu, these two are my friends. They’re not enemies.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun gently patted the dragon’s face.

…Grr.

The dragon remained calm under Eugy-kun’s touch.

One thing had been bothering me for a while.

“Hey, Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

“What is it, Sumire?” (Eugene)

“This dragon’s name…?” (Sumire)

“Pikaryu?” (Eugene)

It has an awfully cute name despite its appearance.

Or more like, it is the name of a pokem*n…

“Who gave it this name? It wasn’t you, right? The club president?” (Sumire)

Could it be that the club president-san is an otherworlder like me?! That expectation swelled in me and…

“The name Pikaryu? It was Principal Uther.” (Eugene)

“Principal Uther, huh.” (Sumire)

Not the club president-san, then.

Still, why such a name?

I doubt the Principal knows about pokem*n.

“That’s an awfully cute name. Is there a story behind it?” (Airi)

“Well, the Principal said it’s because it’s an electric type dragon, so he combined Pikachu and Dragonite. Don’t know what he meant though.” (Eugene) <TLN: Ryu is dragon in Japanese>

“Pikachu…and Dragonite? I’ve never heard of such monsters.” (Airi)

“Right? I asked him what kind of monsters they were, but he just gave a cryptic smile and didn’t explain.” (Eugene)

“Could they be rare creatures?” (Airi)

“Well, the Principal knows more than anyone, so who knows?” (Eugene)

“……”

I was listening to the conversation of Eugy-kun and Airi-chan while dumbstruck.

(He definitely knows Pokem*n!) (Sumire)

The Principal couldn’t possibly be an otherworlder… Could he?

How does he even know about Earth’s games?!

(Maybe it is the punchline of him having summoned a Pokem*n strategy guide from Earth or something.) (Sumire)

Principal Uther’s insatiable curiosity is well-known. He spends most of his time researching mysterious artifacts and observing undiscovered otherworldly creatures.

As for me, an Ifrit, I was one of his research subjects as well.

I’ve gotten used to it though.

“Hey! Let’s move on already, Eugy! That dragon keeps glaring at us.” (Airi)

“Hmm, that’s odd. Pikaryu’s usually so gentle…” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun tilted his head.

But I had a hunch as I looked at that Lightning Dragon-chan.

“Hey, Eugy-kun. Could it be that the Lightning Dragon is female??” (Sumire)

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m impressed you could tell.” (Eugene)

I knew it…

“I figured it out, Airi-chan. That Lightning Dragon-chan is jealous of me and Airi-chan.” (Sumire)

“Eh?! Is that true?” (Airi)

“…Is that so?” (Eugene)

Airi-chan and Eugy-kun looked surprised.

I looked into the Lightning Dragon’s eyes again.

It glared at me with unusually moist eyes.

It gave me the same vibe as when Sara-chan or Eri-san occasionally directed their gazes at me.

“Alright, let’s head to our destination.” (Sumire)

“You’re right, let’s move on, Eugy.” (Airi)

Airi-chan and I kept some distance from the Lightning Dragon-chan as we moved forward.

“See you next time.” (Eugene)

As Eugy-kun bid farewell to the Lightning Dragon, it let out a lonely “kururu…” cry.

“Ha… Even dragons fall for him. Eugy really is a troublesome guy.” (Airi)

Airi-chan said with a wry smile.

But I couldn’t laugh along with her.

“Airi-chan, you can’t let your guard down. Lightning Dragons are part of the Ancient Dragon species, so if they improve their magic skills, they can take human form. And they can even have children with humans.” (Sumire)

“Huh? You are lying, right, Sumire?” (Airi)

“It’s true.. There are even a few dragon-people -dragonewts- who have dragons as parents in the Lykeion Magic Academy.” (Sumire)

I was surprised too when I first entered the academy.

This academy really has people from all kinds of species, not only elves and dwarves.

“B-But even Eugy wouldn’t make a move if a dragon woman approached him…” (Airi)

“……” 

“Eh?! Why are you staying silent?!” (Airi)

Knowing that Eugy-kun already had a physical relationship with the Demon Lord Eri-san was no reassurance.

But this wasn’t something I could tell Airi-chan.

“Hey, Sumire, Airi. Stop chatting and let’s go.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun grabbed our arms and pulled us along as we continued to chatter.

I bet Eugy-kun was thinking about Eri-san too.

◇◇

“We finally made it…” (Eugene)

“What is this place? It’s way more spacious inside than it looked from the outside.” (Airi)

It took over an hour of walking to reach our destination.

As Airi-chan said, the space seemed magically expanded, making the interior larger than it appeared from the outside.

This must have been designed by the Academy Principal.

“Alright, let’s go. That’s the house where the club president lives.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun pointed to a charming brick house.

Surrounding it were flowerbeds with adorable flowers blooming.

It looked like an ordinary house, not something you’d associate with a dragon’s nest.

Only on the surface.

“……”

“……”

Airi-chan and I slowed our steps as we approached the house.

Eugy-kun alone kept walking with a carefree stride.

Airi-chan was holding my hand before I realized it, and I was gripping hers tightly in return.

Sweat wouldn’t stop pouring from both our hands.

The mana and aura emanating from the cute house were overwhelming.

It is like a chick versus a lion compared to the earlier Lightning Dragon-chan.

Who lives in this house?

With the pressure coming from it, I wouldn’t be surprised if a Divine Beast or a Demon Lord suddenly appeared.

“Sumire, Airi?” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun turned to look at us.

But neither of us spoke.

“You don’t need to be that scared. The mana here is calm today, so the club president is probably sleeping.” (Eugene)

(Calm? This?!) (Sumire)

Airi-chan and I exchanged glances.

Meanwhile, Eugy-kun moved ahead, and we hurried to follow him.

We reached the front door.

“President, it’s Eugene.” (Eugene)

Eugy-kun knocked on the door.

The oppressive atmosphere coming from the small house immediately dissipated.

“Oh… Eugene-kun? Thanks for coming all this way. Please come in.”

A woman’s voice called out from inside the house.

“Excuse me.” (Eugene)

“We’re coming in!” (Sumire)

“Pardon the intrusion.” (Airi)

Airi-chan and I followed Eugy-kun and slowly stepped into the house.

We passed through the entrance and into what looked like the living room, where a beautiful woman with long hair, dressed in a white dress, lay on a bed.

Could this person be…?

“Heya there, Eugene-kun. Who are these lovely young ladies?”

Her delicate appearance didn’t match her slightly masculine tone.

“N-Nice to meet you! I’m Sashiogi Sumire!” (Sumire)

“Nice to meet you, I’m Airi Grandflare.” (Airi)

Airi-chan and I introduced ourselves.

“Oh, I know your names. Oops, I should introduce myself. I’m Media Parker. I’m weak and can’t get out of bed, so I apologize for staying like this. I’m the president of the animal club.” (Media)

So this person really is the president.

Was that pressure from earlier coming from her?

But her current gentle tone didn’t feel scary at all. Her appearance was that of a frail beauty.

“It’s an honor to meet you. The great explorer Media Parker-san.” (Airi)

Airi-chan’s demeanor shifted dramatically.

That’s when I realized…

I have heard the president’s name before.

Eugy-kun had mentioned it, but I didn’t know her full name.

Hearing her surname, I understood.

I also understood why Airi-chan’s attitude changed.

On the South Continent, the most respected individuals are the Record Holders of the Zenith Tower.

On the 1st floor of the Zenith Tower, the name carved on the 10th of the Record Holder Monument…was the same as the animal club president, Media Parker.

■Comment Response: 

>Sumire-chan is still in the “raw material” phase, huh.

-Her magic is strong, but she still feels like an amateur in using it.

>I thought the animal club’s sealed prison was like a dungeon with multiple levels, but from this description, it seems they’re independent locations.

-Yes, each one is separate. Originally, they were facilities used by Principal Uther for research, but they’ve since come under the animal club’s jurisdiction. The internal areas expand yearly (thanks to the Principal’s magic).

■Author’s Comment: 

>The club president already appeared in the first volume of the book, but she is finally appearing in the web version. Should I reread volume one before the next update…?

-Yes, I wanted to introduce more animal club members, but I’m already busy showcasing classmates. School stories have so many characters, making them challenging. The president was someone I wanted to include in the main story, so she is finally here.

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