Classmate wa Isekai de Yuusha ni Natta kedo, Ore dake Gendai Nihon ni Okizari ni Narimashita - Chapter 53

Chapter 53 – The Test of Courage Begins (9)

Returning to the original course and regaining my composure, I once again “appraise” the sword I’m holding.

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Target: Spiritual Sword "Nameless"

Condition: Good

Note: A famous sword once sealed as a cursed blade.

Over many years, the lingering emotions and the soul of the samurai dwelling within were purified, and as a result, it evolved into a spiritual sword capable of cutting invisible things.

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Still, who would have thought that the rusted, battered cursed sword would become such a beautiful blade?

Was the grudge of the possessed samurai that intense, or was it some side effect of their passing on?

Thinking about that, I picked up the sword and felt its weight and blade, once again admiring the craftsmanship.

“! That means…”

“It’s the reward for letting them rest in peace. Apparently, it’s no longer a cursed sword, so it shouldn’t cause harm around like before.”

“…What do you plan to do with it, Iori-kun?”

“If possible, I’d like to keep it, but is that not allowed…?”

For now, there is an “Item Box” to store it, so it probably won’t cause any big trouble.

Even if someone tries to attack me to get it, I can just fight them off like before and pretend nothing happened.

Besides, a sword like this isn’t something you get easily, and more than anything, it’s so cool that I want to keep it close and admire it.

The problem is whether Kuon and the others with supernatural abilities would agree to my selfish wish...

“I understand. You can keep it as it is, Iori-kun.”

“Huh, really?”

Her reply was surprisingly straightforward, and I couldn’t help but feel a little taken aback.

“The original owner entrusted that sword to you. If you want to keep it, I have no right to interfere.”

“So I can really keep it?”

“Yes. Although, to avoid various troubles, it will officially be under my temporary management, so please understand.”

I simply responded with “Alright” and prepared to summon the “Item Box.”

At that moment, Kuon’s phone rang.

She apologized lightly, took out her phone, and started talking.

It might take some time, so I thought I should store the sword in the “Item Box” for now.

As I activated the skill to summon the box—

(Hmm?)

Almost at the same time as the “Item Box” appeared, I felt a slight fatigue and drowsiness.

At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but by the time I put the sword away and tried to close the box, I felt even more dizzy and had a headache.

I opened my “Status” screen, suspecting something.

Looking at the numbers, I understood what was causing my suffering.

‘Recognition Inhibition’, massive use of ‘Water Magic’ to create animals and convert them into drones, ‘Body Enhancement’ skill lending to Kuon, ‘Dispel’ when sharing senses with the samurai, ‘Magic Counter’, and finally the ‘Item Box’.

Using all these skills consumed a huge amount of MP.

And when MP gets close to empty, you know what happens.

“Iori-kun, there’s news from the main family that those three have been safely captured—”

“...Sorry. I’m about to collapse.”

“Iori-kun!?”

Thinking I had been foolish, I casually let go of consciousness.

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“You must have been really tired. Rest here for now. And if anything happens, call me.”

“Okay.”

Seeing the school nurse leave the spare bedroom, I lay on the bed, listening to the sounds of students preparing for the campfire outside, gazing absentmindedly at the ceiling.

(I woke up pretty quickly this time.)

After collapsing, I had been taken by the teacher and guides called by Kuon to the school nurse at the lodging facility.

After a while, I regained consciousness, was examined, and was diagnosed with fatigue and heatstroke.

Now, I lie here alone on the futon.

But this time, I woke up sooner.

When I got sick from the ushi-oni (cow demon), I think I slept for over half a day.

(Did leveling up increase my resistance, or did I just get used to this body with levels and stats?)

As I pondered, I heard a knock on the door.

Maybe the nurse forgot something.

I answered “Come in” lazily, trying to hide under the futon.

Then—

“Excuse me. Iori-kun, how are you feeling?”

Kuon entered the room holding a cold sports drink, probably bought from the vending machine just now.

“Kuon? Aren’t you going to the campfire?”

“After the way you collapsed, I can’t just go cheerfully. Besides, it’s my fault you collapsed.”

“No, no, it was completely my mistake.”

“Anyway! Don’t worry about me and just rest properly! I got permission from the teacher!”

“O-Okay…”

Kuon handed me the sports drink and urged me to lie down again.

Reluctantly, I obeyed her pressure.

“…I want to ask you something.”

“Ask?”

“Why did you decide to let them rest in peace?”

She then performed a technique said to restore fatigue and asked me seriously.

“There are three reasons. First, this time only Rentaro saw it, but if we had just sealed the cursed sword and left the skeletons, it could have caused a big commotion.”

“What’s the second reason?”

“The solution to many problems was as simple as bringing that cursed sword to the skeletons.”

“…And the last reason?”

“…I didn’t want to regret it later. There was a way to resolve it peacefully, so I didn’t want to go home and suffer from guilt. Basically, it was all my selfishness.”

Upon hearing the last reason, Kuon looked briefly stunned but then chuckled as if she understood something.

“Iori-kun, you are a kind-hearted person who can’t leave those in trouble alone.”

“...Isn’t that just an egoist who sticks their nose in everything?”

“That’s not true. At least, to me, you are—”

Her words were cut off by cheers from students outside.

Looking out the window, it seemed the grand campfire, the highlight of this camping trip, had been lit.

My attention naturally shifted to it.

“Is something wrong?”

“Nothing special. It just looks like a sending fire. Though it’s still early for Obon.”

“Sending fire? May I ask why you think so?”

“Honestly, there’s no big reason. It’s just because of those samurai, I thought that.”

Maybe sensing something from my words, she too looked out the window.

“Do you think they managed to rest in peace?”

“I hope so…”

Talking about such trivial things, time passed peacefully, contrasting with the lively noise outside.

Thus, the final night of the camping trip passed quietly.

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The next day, on the bus ride home, Rentaro lamented that Kuon couldn’t see the campfire with him. But that’s another story.

◇◇◇

“Hey, did you hear? Kyo-ri Kuon supposedly calmed the unidentified cursed sword!”

“To achieve such a feat only six months after being appointed manager of that land as a prospective head of the family…”

“But I heard the one who actually calmed it was that collaborator?”

“In any case, if they have such a powerful person in their hands, then the next head will be—”

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In the Kuon family main residence’s corridor—this mansion, considered the spiritual headquarters of the supernatural in Japan, was filled with elders gathering for the upcoming [Ceremony] two months later, praising Kyo-ri Kuon, one of the candidates for the next head.

“Everyone, it’s fine to praise Kyo-ri-sama, but please consider the time and place.”

“L-Lady Ibara, Genji-sama…! My apologies for being rude…”

The elders’ expressions changed when a young man and woman appeared.

Seeing Genji, they scattered like spiders.

“Damn, they’re all selfish cowards.”

“…Please calm down, Genji-sama.”

“Can I calm down!? Those old men have forgotten that I’m the top candidate for the next head and keep saying Kyo-ri, Kyo-ri...!”

Simply put, the situation was very unpleasant for Genji.

He had tried to pawn off the troublesome land management onto the proxy and make them die a glorious death, but Kyo-ri had achieved tremendous success, including unexpectedly calming an undiscovered cursed sword.

“Don’t worry, Genji-sama. Measures have already been taken. Please attend the ceremony without worry…”

“Ah, yes… You’re right, Ibara…”

Ibara gently loosened Genji’s tightly clenched fist, smiled kindly, and let him smell incense as usual.

Supporting his unsteady steps, she led him to his private room.

“It’s almost time… My wish will soon be granted…”

“Yes, that’s right. So please rest now.”

Ibara laid Genji on her lap and whispered softly, barely audible to anyone:

“Our wish... will be fulfilled soon, just a little longer…”

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Translator's Notes

1. Title and Context

肝だめし (Kimo-dameshi) literally means "test of courage" or "spirit test," a classic Japanese tradition often done at summer camps or school events.

This chapter continues from previous parts of the test of courage storyline, focusing on the aftermath of the spiritual events surrounding the cursed sword and skeleton spirits.

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2. Key Terms and Concepts

霊刀『無銘』 (Reitō “Mumei”)

Reitō means “spiritual sword” or “soul sword.”

Mumei literally means “nameless.” The sword was once a 妖刀 (yōtō), a “demon/cursed sword,” but is now purified.

The sword has evolved to cut invisible spiritual phenomena after purification.

妖刀 (Yōtō)

Traditionally, a sword with a curse or demonic possession. Here it was sealed and then purified.

成仏 (Jōbutsu)

Means “to become Buddha” or "to rest in peace" (i.e., spirits passing on peacefully).

The souls of the samurai once haunting the sword have been purified and released.

アイテムボックス (Item Box)

A magical storage space or inventory system within the story’s mechanics where items can be safely stored.

スキル (Skill) and MP

Refers to the character’s supernatural abilities and their magic power points, consumed when using these skills.

認識阻害 (Ninshiki Sogai)

“Recognition Inhibition” — likely a skill or effect that suppresses awareness/perception.

感覚共有 (Kankaku Kyōyū)

“Sensory Link” — sharing senses between characters or entities.

ディスペル (Dispel) and マジックカウンター (Magic Counter)

Standard RPG-style magic terms: Dispelling magic effects and countering magic attacks.

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3. Plot & Character Notes

Iori (the protagonist) inspects the purified sword and reflects on the transformation from cursed to holy/spiritual weapon.

He is allowed by Kuon (久遠) and her group to keep the sword but under her nominal supervision to avoid trouble.

After exerting a lot of magic, Iori collapses due to MP exhaustion but recovers quickly thanks to care from the school nurse and Kuon.

Kuon questions his motivation for wanting to peacefully resolve the lingering spirits.

Iori admits the reasons include preventing bigger problems, choosing an easy solution, and personal ego (not wanting regret).

The chapter closes with a peaceful night after the campfire event and a political subplot involving Kuon’s family and rival factions preparing for a ritual.

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4. Cultural & Narrative Points

The purification of cursed objects is a common trope in Japanese supernatural fiction, blending Shinto/Buddhist themes.

The test of courage event, campfires, and overnight stays at a summer camp or school trip is a familiar setting for young adult Japanese stories.

Kuon's family’s political intrigue introduces tension beyond the supernatural school events, hinting at larger stakes.

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If you want, I can help produce the full polished English translation of this ch

apter with typesetting cues and notes, or help with any specific section.

Would you like me to proceed with that?