The Man Called Demon Lord in Another World Has Returned! - chapter 22

Chapter 22: Male Jealousy

The day Murata became a hero in the 100-meter dash.

After the post-class homeroom ended, I, a go-home club member without cleaning duty this week, looked towards Murata, also free from cleaning duty, intending to head home together as usual. However, I saw Akiyama leading him out of the classroom. Their bags were still on their desks, so they weren’t leaving for good.

There shouldn’t be any connection between Murata, a self-proclaimed otaku, and Akiyama, the athlete. Akiyama was glaring at Murata earlier too. Could it be that the former U-15 player is upset about Murata becoming the class hero in PE and is picking on him? It’s fine if losing makes him more competitive, but male jealousy is ugly. I don’t know if female jealousy is beautiful, as I lack experience.

The former U-15 player probably grew up in a privileged environment, pampered by those around him. Entering high school and losing to Murata, who appears sluggish, in sports – his source of pride – must have rubbed him the wrong way.

I’ll follow Akiyama and Murata for now.

I left the classroom carrying my empty school bag.

Following the typical route for these situations, I thought they might be heading to the back of the gym, but they climbed the stairs leading to the school roof, stopping at the landing with the roof access door. Akiyama seemed to be talking to Murata there. I was at the bottom of the stairs. Though there was some distance, I could hear clearly.

“…Just because you’re a bit fast, don’t get cocky. Listen, don’t try to stand out in front of me. Don’t forget that!”

Hmm. So the kid’s trying to act tough.

After saying this, Akiyama shoved Murata and went down the stairs. Dangerous guy – if Murata had fallen down the stairs, he could’ve been seriously injured.

Interesting. Akiyama, I’ll teach you. You’re just a mob character.

He seems to have already joined the soccer club, so he’s probably heading to practice. Maybe Murata and I should go watch some soccer.

Though I bear considerable responsibility for this incident, Murata really is prone to trouble.

As Murata came down the stairs, I pretended to bump into him by chance.

“Oh, there you are. Murata, let’s go home together.”

“Kiritani-kun, can you wait for me at the shoe lockers? I need to get my bag.”

“Got it.”

I changed from indoor shoes to outdoor shoes and waited at the entrance. Soon, Murata arrived with his school bag.

While waiting for Murata to change his shoes, I suggested, “Why don’t we take a detour by the field on our way home today?”

I noticed Murata’s reluctant expression, but since he seemed easy to persuade, I decided to drag him along forcefully.

“Just for a bit.”

“Alright.”

He gives in so easily. Maybe that’s what makes Murata a good guy.

Though Murata looked down at first, he seemed to cheer up a bit.

“Kiritani-kun, you really can use buffs, huh? Isn’t that too unreal? There’s actually a magician in modern times. I’m keeping it a secret since no one would believe me if I told them, and it might trouble you, but if you don’t mind, could you tell me what other magic you can do? I’ll definitely keep it secret.”

I’m not particularly keeping it secret, but it seems the true otaku Murata has already forgotten about Akiyama’s unpleasant words.

“I think I can do most magic you can imagine, Murata. For example…”

As I said this, I produced a small flame at my fingertip.

His wide-eyed tanuki face was amusing.

“A-amazing.”

“That’s what I mean.”

Even I didn’t know what I meant by that, but Murata seemed to understand. As we chatted about nothing in particular, we arrived at our destination – the field. The soccer club was about to start practice. Club activities probably start at 4 PM, so Akiyama was doing some shooting practice with a ball before the official practice.

Akiyama seemed to have noticed us standing at the edge of the field and was glaring in our direction for a while.

Murata, no longer concerned about the field, was enthusiastically sharing his otaku knowledge related to magic with me.

Thinking of getting a bit closer to Akiyama, I moved towards the goal post. Akiyama casually set up a ball, dribbled lightly, then kicked with all his might. It wasn’t a shot towards the goal, but aimed at Murata. Of course, it could potentially hit me standing next to Murata too.

What an obvious guy. Murata, naturally, hadn’t noticed the incoming ball.

To me, Akiyama’s kick was a weak shot. The trajectory was too low for the cool overhead kick I had in mind, so I did a volley shot with my left foot, tilting my body slightly. I had to hold back considerably, or else the soccer ball would have burst like a paper balloon if I kicked it full force.

Though my left foot isn’t my dominant one, the ball I kicked back spun rapidly, deforming into an oval shape, and curved nicely to shake the net on the far side of the goal post.

Akiyama, did you understand a bit that it’s laughable to get cocky with your level of skill?

The senior soccer club members who saw my shot seemed to be making a fuss. Apparently, they wanted to scout me for the soccer club. Since I have no interest in soccer, I ignored them and left the school.

Murata noticed that I had taken the shot, but he didn’t seem particularly surprised. Most people can learn to shoot with practice, but magic isn’t like that. He was still excited about the small flame I had produced at my fingertip, no bigger than a lighter’s.

If possible, I’d like to teach Murata magic, but I don’t know how to make someone who can’t use magic able to use it, so there’s no way for me to teach him.