They are summoned into the white space in party units.
Sozou, Chiiru, Shion, Shōko, Fukuhō, Roa, Terina, Sensei Luminous, Junmei, and Genchu reunited in a space furnished only with desks, chairs, and blackboards.
“Because the defeat of Behemoth has been confirmed, this event will now be terminated.”
“Yes!”
Shōko bounced around, displaying her joy, which caused her chest to shake violently in conjunction.
“I trusted that if it was you and Sozou-kun, everything would be fine… but I’m really glad.”
Shion pressed a hand to her chest, letting out a sigh of relief.
“I was seriously worried! But everyone did an amazing job…”
Junmei’s eyes were brimming with tears.
“We are so relieved you are safe.”
Roa also looked relieved.
The three of them hadn’t been able to participate in the battle against Behemoth, so they likely didn’t know how things stood and had been anxious about us.
“Mm. The protagonist of an isekai story doesn’t lose. Which means, Sozou-kun doesn’t lose.”
“There’s a difference between fiction and reality.”
I offered a retort to the joke from my childhood friend Chiiru.
It was true that we had been thrown into a situation that felt like fiction, but this was reality.
“Even so, everyone truly did remarkably well. Seeing students from different teams join forces to face such a difficult challenge… I was moved, Professor!”
Mr. Luminas had felt distressed about the students having to fight, but seeing the results of this particular incident seemed to have shifted his perspective slightly.
“Event Result”
『Throughout this event, we have evaluated all participants.
Rewards will be distributed based on each individual’s evaluation score.
The criteria for evaluation are as follows:
“Direct Subjugation” — Evaluation for those who contributed directly to the subjugation of monsters.
“Subjugation Support” — Evaluation for those who contributed indirectly to the subjugation of monsters.
“Special Evaluation” — Evaluation for those who contributed to clearing the event, in addition to the above categories.』
The “Special Evaluation” presumably included actions that aided in the subjugation but did not fall under support, such as formulating strategies or providing command and control.
Or perhaps there were unique evaluation criteria specific to the mysterious blackboard itself.
“If I recall correctly, the rewards for this round were ‘Right to Return,’ ‘Ability Awakening,’ ‘Survival Bonus,’ and ‘Points’.”
Several of us, including myself, nodded in agreement to Shinhō’s words.
“Bronze rating.”
Reward——Survival Bonus “30”, Points Awarded
Recipients——Yukimi Shion, Genchu Kyu, Hidaka Sho』
With this, Yukimi, Genchu, and Hidaka’s lives have been extended by thirty days.
As usual, it seems they’re keeping the points system under wraps.
“So I get some too.”
“I-I do as well… even though I just carried everyone.”
Yukimi’s role as a decoy and Genchu’s transformation into the Black Dragon to transport the group had likely been evaluated.
There was nothing improper about it.
As for Hidaka, who lent them the airplane, his final strike was arguably the deciding factor, so he might have received higher recognition, but perhaps the fact that he merely provided equipment and didn’t actively participate influenced the assessment.
“Besides, our names are being made public too.”
“Hm. A judgment call that there’s no need to hide our names anymore?”
In the beginning, I had assumed that those who acquired the ‘Right of Return’ might be envied, and thus confirmed that the recipients’ names would remain undisclosed…….
Indeed, as Chiyu says, at this point, it’s too late to worry about such things.
Given that we are now in a cooperative relationship with all our classmates, it likely won’t be a major issue.
Or perhaps the Mystery Blackboards simply want to know the impact of publicizing who gained what.
“Silver Evaluation.
Reward: Survival Bonus ‘50’, Point Grant
Recipients: Shourishi, Inukai Rei, Hayate Mai, Matoba Yume, Tenpa Rin, Fuizinon Hitsuji, Inimori Sho, Moohara Yuuko.”
“I didn’t do anything, though? Oh, was it the mofu-mofus who got the recognition?”
As she said, Shourishi had likely been evaluated based on her phantoms’ performance.
Inukai was the girl I’d faced in the opposing event who hadn’t used her ability.
According to Shiina, she was commanding monsters.
If Shourishi is a Tamer with a Summoner side to her, then Inukai would be a Tamer with a Trainer side.
On an island populated by beasts and monsters, that’s a useful ability.
Hayate was the track team girl who boosted her leg strength, and Matoba was the kendo club girl who enhanced her archery.
Tenpa not only carried me around but also used [Space Teleport] to dodge Behemoth’s attacks.
Fuizinon was the girl who picked the “Won’t Die” ability. She seems to have gained regenerative powers, and apparently she charged at the monsters fearlessly, contributing to clearing the event.
What I actually witnessed: Inshin, who restrained Behemoth’s hind legs, and Momo, who handled information transmission via her cloning ability—this is their assessment.
“Gold-tier rating.”
Rewards: Right of Return “1”, Ability Awakening, Survival Bonus “100”, Point Allocation
Recipients: Shihou Fuminori, Ishiwa Chiyu, Seho Suzuka, Nagahata Reia, Tsurugi Ichi Saki, Tanhi Luminus, Museki Serina” “Hm. Fair.”
“If we could be of help… that’s good enough…”
“S-So, it’s okay for Sensei to stay here too… right?”
“Mmm… I guess my ‘Subjugation Support’ rating was pretty high?”
From our party, no less than four members received Gold ratings: Chiyu, Fuminori, Sensei Luminus, and Serina.
In addition to extending their lifespan by a hundred days, they were even granted the privilege of Ability Awakening.
“What is an Ability Awakening… exactly?”
Genchu asked in a fidgety manner, but the four looked as if the concept wasn’t quite registering with them.
“It seems it hasn’t been applied yet.”
Upon hearing Chiyu’s words, the other three let out reactions that suggested they were beginning to understand.
I see, so the changes take effect once you wake up from the dream.
“Also, didn’t Ryouka’s record have a lot of Gold ratings too?”
Runme said with genuine admiration.
“True.”
As for combat performance, Fukaho, Professor Luminous, and Kenki—who had severed Behemoth’s horn—had received high evaluations.
Seirena’s barrier techniques made a huge contribution to defense, interfering with and restraining enemies, and protecting allies, so a Gold rating was well-deserved.
Since Sengi had continuously provided healing and buffs, it was only natural that she would receive such a high evaluation for being pivotal to the strategy.
What surprised me, however, were Seihou and the other girl.
Even so, I could still understand Seihou’s rating.
Under her command, the Treants and Arvank had been drawn off, ensuring they didn’t interfere during the fight against Behemoth.
Simply holding back that many monsters was a remarkable achievement in itself.
I could imagine she must have received a Special Evaluation and earned a significant number of evaluation points.
But who was Nagahata?
At the very least, they hadn’t been among those who named their abilities in the first dream.
Did she answer in her head, the way Shiine did?
“Mr. Nagahata was a friend of Suzuka’s. He didn’t have an Ability.”
Perhaps seeing my confusion on my face, Shiine explained with a gentle smile.
“No Ability? T-That’s… incredible.”
So, would he acquire an Ability as the reward this time around?
But if he was currently without one…
“Then, what did he actually do?”
Serina asked, her face twisted in skepticism.
Since his evaluation was on par with those who had contributed significantly to subjugating the Behemoth, it was natural for curiosity to get the better of him.
“Lord Ryouka had been preparing for moments like this well in advance.”
Loa was the one who answered.
First, by having Shiine ride on Mashiro and serve as bait, the monsters would chase her without looking left or right.
That was because Shiine possessed the ‘Right of Return,’ and the current monsters were programmed to attack its holder.
Taking advantage of that setting, Chuo decided to concentrate the battle results on a specific individual.
For instance, Ikaba’s arrow would pierce Avanck’s foot to immobilize him, and Nagahata would deliver the final blow.
Another tactic involved luring monsters into pits prepared in advance; once they fell in, Nagahata would finish them off.
There were others as well, such as rockfall traps or areas staked with wooden posts—Sehou apparently had these ready from her daily preparations.
However, the thing that proved most useful was said to be Inuki’s ability.
She commanded the monsters under her control to cease resistance, allowing Nagahata to defeat them continuously and rack up a high kill count.
So that makes sense. With the exception of the Kenba tree, the female members of Sehou’s party had been assigned to ‘Culling Support’ this time around.
Was it because Nagahata single-handedly handled all the monster culling that they managed to secure a Gold rating?
“Even so, that’s an impressive response for such a critical event.”
I was honestly surprised.
“Suzuka’s group includes members who don’t have abilities, so there used to be talk about whether or not they’d get a chance to acquire one through the event rewards.”
Since we all possessed abilities, we had never had the occasion to make such assumptions.
For Sehou and her companions, the ground was fertile for preparing for a reward like this one.
“Still, thinking about how hard Nagahata-san worked, it is surprising.”
Shinhou blinked, marveled at the staggering amount of work Nagahata must have put in.
“I also marvel at Ryouka-sama’s charisma, which was enough to convince everyone. Of course, it pales in comparison to your master’s, but…”
As Roa had said, concentrating the combat results on a single individual meant that no one else would receive any capabilities.
Convincing them to accept that reality and thereby securing their cooperation seemed like quite a difficult task.
“Rather than that, there’s no name for Soun-kun. Was that a mistake?”
In response to Chiyu’s words, characters emerged onto the blackboard.
“Platinum rating.”
Reward — Right of Return «2», Awakening, Survival Bonus «365», Point Grant
Subject — Koizumi Sōnosuke.」
“Huh?! That’s awesome!”
Shouko’s eyes went wide.
He was receiving two Return Rights at once, and it seemed his lifespan would extend by a year as well. “Mm. Just as I expected from Soun-kun.”
Chiyu crossed her arms and nodded grandly.
“Likely, because he was evaluated in all three categories, they judged that a Gold Evaluation would not suffice.”
Roa looked equally proud.
“Indeed, Sōsuke-san directed the strategy while providing support, yet he also dealt severe blows to the Baby Moss himself. His performance was peerless.”
Shinhou agreed deeply.
“Yes. Teacher Luminous’s heart skipped a beat many times, but I truly think Kudo-kun is wonderful.” Even Professor Luminous chimed in.
“Yeah.
He was cool, wasn’t he?”
Yurina’s cheeks were flushed.
How things have changed.
“Yeah… yeah…”
Genchu nodded along, his tacit approval clear.
“I wanted to see Sou-suke in action too.”
Shion said this, offering a reserved smile.
“Exactly! It’s like when you skipped the school trip, and it felt really lonely!”
Ume pouted, expressing her sense of alienation.
Since both of them understood the division of roles, this remark was likely made only because we had finished safely.
The others seemed to understand as well, a few of them exchanging wry smiles.
“That said, what a spread. Getting nine Return Rights all at once? With Professor Lumina’s formation bonus, we get an extra ‘Return Right’ added, so that makes seven for just our party.”
Clearing a quest with Professor Lumina in your party grants you one additional Return Right.
“Oh, right! That’s a great deal!”
“It’s not just that. There should have been a benefit where the ‘Survival Bonus’ increase is doubled.”
At Shinpo’s words, I nodded, acknowledging, “Ah, you’re right.”
So, does that mean my lifespan has been extended by two years? Quite an impressive outcome.
Points earned from monster subjugation are also doubled, though I wonder if this affects the event rewards as well.
Slayering Behemoth looks like it’ll earn quite a lot of points, so I’m glad they’re doubling up.
I have a slight hunch that one day we’ll finally learn the exact point values and their worth.
It might be revealed upon our return, for all we know.
“Hey, could it be that we…”
Shion tilted her head.
“That’s right. With this round’s rewards, we’ve collected enough ‘Return Rights’ for everyone, and we’ll actually have three to spare.”
Fukami stated it with a calm voice that carried a faint undercurrent of excitement.
“So… we can all go home!?”
Shou widened her eyes.
That’s exactly what it means.
The party originally held six ‘Return Rights’. Add the two I just acquired, plus one each from Fukami, Chiyu, Luminas-sensei, and Yerina, and then one more thanks to the bonus for taking on a deputy teacher position.
Against our ten-person party, we now have thirteen ‘Return Rights’.
As far as our specific party is concerned, we are fully prepared for everyone to return.
That’s a huge relief.
“Hm. I hear So-kun is going to add three more people to his harem.”
“Didn’t I tell you? That’s not true.”
I could do nothing but return a wry smile.
“Setting aside Sousuke’s harem, you’re not planning on going home just yet, are you?”
Terina remained utterly unexcited, her demeanor calm and flat.
“There were separate conditions set for taking back memories and abilities. Regarding abilities, it would be fine if Sensei couldn’t take them back…”
As our group grew, that information had been shared among us.
“I want to take my ability back too!”
Ume declared loudly.
Indeed, her ability was a power that truly shone in daily life.
“When are we going to be told how to bring it back?”
“Then let us ask. Could you please tell us the method for taking back memories and abilities?”
Loa turned toward the blackboard and asked.
“I’m unable to answer at this stage.”
It was the same answer as last time.
Will it be revealed in a future event reward?
No matter what, I can’t return to Japan just yet.
『Will the users “Kudono Sozusuke,” “Isan Chiyu,” “Yotsue Shinpō,” “Tanpi Ryumei Mimi Mamoru,” and “Mukai Yurina” exercise their “Return Privilege”?
Please note that there are no bonuses for choosing not to exercise it.』 It was a question that had become something of a ritual.
We looked at one another, then declared that we would not exercise our right.
『Confirmed: Retention of “Return Privilege” exercise.
User “Kudono Sozusuke,” you now hold three (3) “Return Privileges.”』 『Ending event.』
My vision faded to white, and our consciousness was returned to the desert island.
I wanted to take the memories and abilities back with me.
But separate from that, a certain emotion was beginning to grow within me.
With that, Part Three comes to an end!
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