It had been exactly one week since the masked man’s sudden appearance, and since Yuuto, Aya, and Kouki had returned to the fold. Life at the Shinrei Academy was slowly stitching itself back together, the sharp edges of fear and uncertainty softening into the familiar rhythm of classes, training, and laughter shared between friends.

  The cafeteria hummed with life as students streamed in for lunch, the air thick with the scent of grilled meat, steamed rice, and sweet red bean desserts. I spotted my oldest friends, Haruto, Mina, and Aiko, huddled around their usual table near the large window overlooking the academy’s cherry blossom courtyard. Their faces lit up when they saw me approaching.

  “Hey, how’s it going, guys?” I called out, sliding into the empty seat beside Haruto. The wooden chair creaked under my weight, a sound I’d grown to associate with these quiet moments of normalcy.

  Haruto pushed a half-empty tray of karaage chicken toward me, his dark brown eyes crinkling with concern. “Aren’t you going to eat, Ren? You look like you’ve been running on fumes all morning.”

  “Oh, I already ate with Ayaka and Tatsuya earlier,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “We grabbed breakfast at the campus café before first period.”

  Haruto raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “So you’ve replaced your real friends with your fancy teammate friends now, huh? I see how it is.”

  “No way!” I laughed, waving my hands in protest. “While we were eating, we were actually talking about what happened last week. We wanted to make sure everyone was okay.”

  Aiko leaned forward, her gentle amber eyes filled with worry as always. She tucked a strand of light pink hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she’d had since we were kids. “I was so worried about you three. When we heard you’d run into trouble in Kamakura, I thought… I thought the worst. Thank goodness Instructor Minazuki was with you. Though I heard he’s still in the hospital, they say he’ll be out in another week or so.”

  Mina nodded, chewing carefully on a piece of tempura before speaking. Even with food in her mouth, she maintained her usual poise. “But Instructor Akamine isn’t half bad, you know? She’s strict, sure, but she cares about her students just as much as Minazuki-sensei does. She even stayed after class yesterday to help me practice my barrier techniques.”

  “Finish eating first before you talk with your mouth full,” Haruto chided gently, though there was no bite to his words. He’d always been the responsible one in our group, like an overprotective older brother we never asked for but were grateful to have.

  “We’re fine, really,” I reassured them. “Ayaka and Tatsuya are incredibly strong, and I’m still ranked top ten in combat skills here. We handled ourselves well.” I paused, my gaze drifting toward the corner of the cafeteria where Kira sat alone, staring at her tray without moving. “Though if anyone needs worrying about, it’s Kira. She saw Miyu die right in front of her… I know it’s been a week, but I don’t think she’s really recovered yet.”

  Haruto’s expression grew serious. “Yeah… we’ve tried talking to her, but she just shuts down. It’s hard to watch.”

  “Hey,” he said after a moment, his voice quieter this time. “What was it like? Seeing a jūma up close like that. I know you told me the other day, but… I just can’t wrap my head around it.”

  I felt a familiar tightness in my chest, the same feeling that washed over me every time I replayed those moments in Kamakura. The smell of burnt earth, the sound of tearing flesh, the cold weight of dread that had settled in my bones. “I already told you,” I said, forcing a smile. “I don’t want to talk about it again.”

  Mina reached across the table, placing a warm hand on my arm. “You should stop pushing him, Haruto. You’ll only make him relive the horror all over again.”

  “It’s okay,” I said, though my smile felt thin and fragile. “It doesn’t really affect me anymore.” But even as the words left my mouth, I knew they were a lie. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the masked man’s silver eyes gleaming in the darkness. Who are you? I wondered for what felt like the hundredth time. And what do you want with me?

  The morning after we’d returned to the dormitory, Tatsuya, Ayaka, and I were up before the sun. We’d moved in perfect sync, eating a quick breakfast of miso soup and rice balls, taking turns in the shower, pulling on our navy academy uniforms with their silver trim. The fabric felt crisp against my skin, a reminder that even after everything, life went on.

  We filed out of the dorm just as the first rays of sunlight painted the sky pink and gold. Waiting for us at the entrance was a sleek black sedan, polished so brightly it mirrored the cherry blossom trees lining the path. Leaning against the driver’s door was Shun, his dark hair tied back in a loose bun, wearing his usual casual attire of a gray jacket and black jeans.

  “Over here!” he called out, his voice carrying clearly in the quiet morning air. “Right on time, exactly eight o’clock. I always keep my promises, you know that.”

  “A good morning to you, Shun-san,” Ayaka said, bowing politely. I echoed her greeting, giving him a small wave, but Tatsuya simply nodded once, his expression as impassive as ever. He’d always been quiet, almost unnervingly so, but I’d learned that beneath his stoic exterior lay a fierce loyalty and strength that few could match.

  I slid into the front seat beside Shun, while Ayaka and Tatsuya settled in the back. The car pulled away from the dorm with barely a sound, gliding smoothly down the tree-lined streets toward the Shinrei Corps main building. I’d always known the dorm wasn’t far from headquarters, but sitting in the quiet comfort of the sedan, watching the city pass by in a blur of green and gray, I realized just how close we really were, only a ten-minute drive through the heart of the city.

  We entered the building through a side entrance reserved for high-ranking personnel, our footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors of the lobby. The walls were lined with portraits of past Shinrei-rank warriors, men and women whose names were legendary in our world, their faces etched with the weight of countless battles fought to protect humanity from jūma and yomurei alike.

  Shun led us to an elevator at the far end of the hall, one with no visible buttons, only a small glass screen that scanned his eye before the doors slid open with a soft ding. The ride up was silent save for the gentle hum of the machinery, and I found myself holding my breath as the numbers on the display climbed higher and higher, past the training floors, past the administrative offices, all the way to the top floor.

  When the doors opened, we were faced with a single massive wooden door, carved with intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes that seemed to move in the light. A single name was engraved in silver across the center: AKIHIRO SAITEN.

  Shun knocked once, then pushed the door open without waiting for a response. “I’ll leave you three to it,” he said, his voice suddenly formal. “Call me when you’re done, and I’ll drive you back to the academy.” With that, he disappeared down the hall, his footsteps fading quickly into silence.

  We stood in the doorway of what had to be the largest office I’d ever seen. The room was sparsely furnished, just a massive dark wood desk, a single bookshelf lined with ancient leather-bound tomes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the entire city. The morning sun streamed in, bathing everything in warm golden light.

  Behind the desk sat a man who seemed to fill the entire space with his presence. When he spoke, his voice was deep and clear, cutting through the silence like a blade.

  “Long time no see… Ren. Four years, was it?”

  The air in the room shifted the moment he spoke, every molecule suddenly responding to his will. I felt my heart hammering in my chest as I stepped forward, bowing deeply at the waist. “It’s been a long time indeed, Saiten-san.”

  “Well then, if you’ll excuse me…” Shun said quietly from behind us, slipping out and closing the door softly. We remained standing rigidly in front of the desk, there were no other chairs in the room, and somehow, that felt right. Akihiro Saiten didn’t strike me as the kind of man who believed in making his guests comfortable.

  “Do you know why I summoned you here?” he asked, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers beneath his chin. The movement was casual, but there was nothing relaxed about the way he watched us, his gaze sharp and assessing, taking in every detail.

  “Is it because you wanted to know what happened in Kamakura?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervousness coiling in my stomach.

  “Part of it,” he admitted, his gaze sweeping over Ayaka and Tatsuya before returning to me. “But the real reason I called the three of you here, especially you, Ren, is because I’m curious.”

  Curious. The word hung in the air like a storm cloud. We hadn’t spoken in four years, not since he’d found me living in the woods with my father, teaching me to control the strange power that burned within my veins, and now, the first thing he had to say was that he was curious. I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my back.

  “I wonder,” he continued, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of steel, “did you tell both of them?”

  Ayaka stood tall, her chin held high despite the way her hands were clenched at her sides. Tatsuya remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the surface of the desk, but I could feel their trust radiating off them like warmth from a fire. “If this is about my powers,” I said firmly, meeting Saiten-san’s gaze head-on, “then yes, I’ve already told them. I trust them with everything I have.”

  It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Haruto, Mina, and Aiko, I did, more than anything in the world. But I also knew that if they learned about my Crimson Shin’en, about the voice that spoke to me from within my own mind when I was pushed to my limit, they’d never stop worrying. They’d see me as something fragile, something to be protected. And after everything we’d been through together, I couldn’t bear to be the one holding them back. Especially not Aiko, who already carried so much worry on her gentle shoulders.

  “I see,” Saiten-san said, his gaze shifting to Ayaka. “Sumeragi-san, it has been a long time for you as well.”

  My eyes widened in surprise. They knew each other?

  “Yes, sir,” Ayaka said, bowing deeply once more. “Six years now, I believe. I am still grateful to you for saving me all those years ago.”

  I’d heard the stories about the Sumeragi clan, how they’d been one of the most powerful Shin’en families in the country, how a jūma had slaughtered them all when Ayaka was just eight years old, leaving her as the only survivor. Now it all made sense, it had been Saiten-san who’d found her hiding in the ruins of her family home, who’d taken her in and ensured she received the training she needed to master her Starlight Shin’en.

  Akihiro’s gaze shifted to Tatsuya, who finally stepped forward slightly. “My name is Tatsuya Rendo,” he said, his voice clear and steady despite his usual silence. “I am currently ranked third in combat skills at the academy, and my Shin’en is lightning.”

  Akihiro let out a low chuckle, shaking his head slightly. “You know, I’ll never get used to people speaking to me so formally. I’m just a man, not some kind of god.”

  “But you’re the strongest Shinrei-rank in the world,” Ayaka protested, her voice earnest and unwavering. “It would be disrespectful to speak to you with anything less than the utmost formality.”

  “Then how about this?” Akihiro said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips, one of the first I’d ever seen from him. “You can speak to me formally, but let’s keep things casual, like we’re friends who just happen to have a bit of a power gap between us.”

  Ayaka’s eyes went wide with shock. “There’s no way I could do that, sir!”

  “For me, the three of you are already special,” Akihiro said, his gaze returning to me. The smile faded from his face, replaced by a look of genuine warmth that caught me off guard. “Especially you, Ren.”

  I felt my face grow warm, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. “Why me? Is it because of my powers?”

  “We never really got to talk that much when you were younger,” he said, his voice growing softer, almost gentle. “Your father and I were more than just teammates, we were brothers in every way that mattered. And when he asked me to watch over you if anything ever happened to him… I made a promise. For me, you’re family. You’re my nephew.”

  “I-is that so…?”

  The words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. I’d always known my father and Saiten-san had been close, but I’d never imagined there were actual family ties between us. The silence stretched on for a moment, thick with unspoken questions and emotions I didn’t know how to process. Even Tatsuya’s expression flickered slightly, just for a second, before returning to its usual calm.

  Then Akihiro straightened in his chair, his expression growing serious once more. The warmth didn’t disappear entirely, but it was tempered by the focus of a warrior who knew the weight of responsibility he carried. “Then… tell me what happened in Kamakura. Every detail. Don’t leave anything out.”

  This wasn’t like the story I’d told Takumi, watered down and simplified to spare him the worst of it. Sitting in that massive office, under Saiten-san’s steady gaze, I felt like I was finally able to let go of everything I’d been holding inside. I spoke for nearly an hour, describing every moment from the second we’d arrived at the shrine to the instant the masked man had vanished into thin air. I told him about the jūma’s unnatural strength, about Yuuto’s selfless sacrifice to protect us, about the way my Crimson Shin’en had flared to life when I thought we were going to die, and about the voice that had spoken to me from within, calm and ancient and powerful.

  When I finished, Akihiro was quiet for a long time. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, and stared at his hands as if they held the answers to every question in the world. Then he nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Ren. For trusting me enough to tell me the truth. I know how hard that must have been, carrying all that alone.”

  “Saiten-san!” Ayaka spoke up suddenly, her voice sharp with determination. She took a step forward, her eyes shining with resolve. “Um… if this leads to the Corps taking action against whoever was behind what happened, can I join the fight? I need to know that no one else will have to suffer the way my family did. The way Miyu did. The way so many others have.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh a little at her formality, even as my heart swelled with admiration for her courage. Tatsuya nudged her gently with his elbow, his voice quiet but clear. “You’re being too formal again, Ayaka.”

  “Oh… sorry,” she mumbled, her cheeks turning pink as she ducked her head slightly.

  “It’s alright,” Akihiro said with a small smile. “You’ll get used to it eventually. As for your question, whether you fight or not is entirely up to you. I won’t make that decision for you, and neither will anyone else in the Corps. Even if you know the enemy will be strong, everyone has the right to choose their own path. That’s what being a warrior is really about, not just strength, but the wisdom to know when to stand and fight.”

  “Thank you very much, sir!” Ayaka bowed deeply, her gratitude obvious in every movement.

  “That’s all I have to say for now,” Akihiro said, leaning back in his chair once more. “Is there anything else any of you would like to ask me?”

  I raised my hand slightly, feeling suddenly small in the massive room. “Is there any way that I can learn to control my power better? The Crimson Shin’en… no one seems to know anything about it. I’ve read every book in the academy library, but there’s nothing, like it doesn’t even exist.”

  Akihiro’s expression grew thoughtful. “This is a difficult one, I won’t lie to you. Crimson Shin’en… in all my years as a warrior, in all the ancient texts I’ve studied, this really is the first time I’ve heard of such a power existing. You said that someone, or something, is living inside you, guiding you when you’re in danger?”

  I nodded slowly. “Yes. It’s only spoken to me once, but it felt… familiar. Like I’ve known it my whole life.”

  “Then if you have the chance, talk to it,” Akihiro said firmly. “Shin’en is as much a part of who we are as our own thoughts and feelings. Sometimes the best way to understand it is to listen to what it has to say. I wish I could tell you more, but this is uncharted territory even for me.”

  “Thank you very much, Saiten-san,” I said, bowing deeply.

  Before I could straighten up, Tatsuya stepped forward, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the floor. I’d never seen him do anything like it before, he was always so composed, so self-assured. “Excuse me, sir. If you have any information about the group that Hienami-san was working with, any clues about who their members are or what they’re planning, please tell me."

  The room fell silent, the air growing heavy with the weight of his words. Akihiro’s eyes softened slightly, and he leaned forward again, resting his chin in his hand as he studied Tatsuya carefully.

  “Good grief, I will never get used to people being so formal with me,” he said, though there was no annoyance in his voice. “But I understand how important this is to you, Tatsuya-kun. I’ll have Shun compile everything we know about their members and their activities."

  Tatsuya remained bowed for a moment longer before straightening up, his eyes glistening with something I’d never seen there before—hope. “Thank you very much, sir."

  Akihiro waved a hand dismissively. “Just be careful. These are dangerous people, and they won’t hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way. Don’t throw it away in haste.”

  “We understand, Saiten-san,” I said, speaking up for all of us. “We’ll be careful.”

  “Good. Now, you three should head back to the academy. Classes won’t wait for anyone, even special recruits like you,” he said, a small smile returning to his face. “And Ren—if you ever need to talk, or if something feels wrong with your power, don’t hesitate to call me. Family looks out for family.”

  We bowed deeply one last time before turning to leave, the weight of everything we’d discussed settling over us like a blanket. Shun was waiting for us in the hallway, and he led us back to the car without saying a word, sensing that we needed time to process what had happened.

  Back in the present, I was walking down the main hallway of the academy, my mind still replaying my conversation with Saiten-san. The hallway was usually busy at this time of day, but today a large crowd of students had gathered near the entrance to the training wing, blocking my path completely.

  “Souta-kun! Souta-sama! Arashi-san!” The voices of female students rang out, loud and enthusiastic. I frowned, wondering what was going on, and pushed my way through the crowd as best I could.

  “Make way, out of the way!” A male voice called out, sharp and slightly annoyed. As the students stepped aside to form a clear path down the center of the hallway, three figures emerged, walking with easy confidence.

  “This is really embarrassing…” A young woman with warm brown hair and gentle features muttered, her cheeks slightly pink as she tried to avoid making eye contact with the crowd. She moved with a natural grace, and even from a distance I could tell she had the kind of caring personality that drew people to her.

  “See? This is why I never wanted to be in the same group as Souta,” said the boy who’d called for space. He had white hair that fell over his eyes in a messy style, and he moved with a lazy slouch that made him look like he’d rather be anywhere else.

  “Then don’t follow me, it’s a simple solution,” replied a third student, his voice calm and steady. He had black hair cut neatly around his face, and his sharp features and confident demeanor made it easy to see why he was so popular with the other students.

  “Team Kurogane huh…?” I muttered under my breath, and a voice behind me made me jump.

  “If you’re going to say something then don’t scare me like that,” I said, turning to see Haruto grinning at me.

  “Sorry, sorry,” he laughed, holding up his hands in apology. “They are the strongest team in the academy, and they’re in the class where Instructor Mizuhara is teaching. Everyone talks about them.”

  I watched as the three walked past, my eyes fixed on the black-haired boy in the center. “Souta Arashi, the strongest student in the academy and a Ha-Rank. He really is always popular with the girls. Damn you handsome kid…” Haruto said with a good-natured scowl.

  “Reina Hoshizaki, the top two in the combat exam,” he continued, nodding toward the brown-haired girl. “She has a caring personality, I really wish she got to be in my team. Meanwhile I’m stuck with two idiots.” He rolled his eyes, though I could tell he was joking.

  “And the last one…?” I asked, looking at the white-haired boy who was now complaining about how the crowd was making him tired.

  “Masato Kiryu,” Haruto said, his expression growing more serious. “He may look dumb and lazy but he is a top scorer in exams and surpassed Sumeragi-san. Despite that he is also the top four in combat. They say his mind works faster than any computer—he can calculate battle strategies in seconds.”

  As Team Kurogane moved past and the crowd began to disperse, Haruto and I started walking in the opposite direction toward our next class. “Team Kurogane is terrifying. I bet they will be the next Shinrei-rank warriors in the future,” Haruto said, shaking his head in awe.

  “I want to be as strong as them,” I said without thinking, and Haruto raised an eyebrow at me.

  “You are already in top ten in combat you know? And you are teammates with the top three in combat and Sumeragi-san who is top two in exams. I’d say you’re lucky to have them as your teammates,” he pointed out, clapping me on the shoulder.

  “It’s only been two weeks since I’ve met them,” I said, thinking about Ayaka and Tatsuya. “What about you? Aiko and Mina must be having an easy time with you on their team.”

  “Yeah, I’m the only one that carries my team,” Haruto said with a dramatic sigh, though his smile gave him away. “Oh I’m going here, I’ll see you later.” He turned down a side hallway leading to the science labs, waving as he went.

  “See you,” I called back, waving in return before continuing on my way.

  Meanwhile, down the hall where Team Kurogane had gone, Masato stopped walking suddenly, his head tilted slightly as if he was listening to something only he could hear.

  “I feel chills about that guy who just walked past. Is he…?” Masato said quietly to himself, his usual lazy demeanor vanishing for a moment as his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

  “Is there something wrong, Kiryu?” Reina asked, noticing the change in him. She’d already adjusted her hair and smoothed out her uniform, trying to shake off the embarrassment of the crowd.

  “Nothing, just my curiosity beating me up,” Masato said, his lazy expression returning as he stretched his arms over his head.

  “It’s always your curiosity getting the better of you. Do you have any other reasons?” Reina said, giving him a skeptical look.

  “Not my fault, I was born this way. I was always a genius ever since I was born. I’m gifted you know?” Masato said, putting both hands behind his head as he started walking again.

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  “You maybe a genius but your attitude needs some fixing. What about I punch your head?” Reina lifted up her fist playfully, though there was a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

  “Fun fact, do you know that if you punch someone’s head it will make them even smarter?” Masato said, grinning as he dodged to the side.

  “We’re here,” Souta said, cutting off their banter as he stopped in front of a heavy metal door, it was the teachers office room. He pushed the door open and the three of them went inside, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the quiet office.

  They walked over to Instructor Mizuhara’s desk, where she was sorting through a stack of papers. She looked up as they approached, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Good morning, Team Kurogane. The reason I called you here today is I will give you a mission.”

  “Another mission?! Awesome!” Masato said excitedly, leaning forward with his hands on the edge of the desk.

  “Shut up, instructor is still talking,” Reina said, elbowing him in the ribs gently.

  Mizuhara laughed, pushing a strand of graying hair behind her ear. “Anyways, the mission is only in Shibuya. The yomurei there are only D+. But this time, I will not be present like last time. You will be leaving here exactly at twelve thirty pm. Make sure you ate lunch before going.” She picked up a single sheet of paper and summarized the details for them, explaining the area they’d be patrolling and what signs to look for.

  “But ma’am, is it really okay for us to skip classes?” Reina asked, her brow furrowed with concern. She’d always been diligent about her studies, even with her impressive combat skills.

  “Don’t worry, the academy gave you permission. All your teachers have been notified, and I’ll send the exact location to your devices later,” Mizuhara assured her, handing each of them a small yomurei detector—a compact device that would glow different colors depending on the presence and strength of the creatures.

  “Thank you very much,” the three of them said in unison, bowing deeply before turning to leave.

  They closed the door behind them and stood in the hallway for a moment, Masato bouncing on his heels with excitement. “Doesn’t that make things exciting? There will be no instructor to guide us—we get to handle everything on our own!”

  “Come on, don’t stand in the hall you’re blocking the way,” Reina said, already walking toward the elevator. Souta followed without a word, his hands in his pockets as he stared straight ahead.

  “Hey wait! I’m still gathering all my energy!” Masato called out, running to catch up with them.

  Back in my own hallway, I spotted Ayaka talking to a group of her friends near the windows overlooking the courtyard. I was about to walk over and join them, but then I saw how animated they were, laughing and gesturing as they talked, and decided to leave her be. She’d been spending so much time training with Tatsuya and me lately, it was good to see her with her other friends too.

  I turned to head toward my next class, but then I heard my name called out. “Ren!” I looked back to see Ayaka waving at me, and before I could respond she threw something small and black toward me. I reacted instinctively, raising my right hand to catch it before it hit the ground.

  “Is this…?” I said, looking down at the object in my palm. It was a flip phone, slightly worn around the edges but still in good condition. I recognized it immediately—it was the same phone my father had kept with him for years, though he’d never really used it much.

  “Make sure to take good care of it,” Ayaka said, giving me a small wave before turning back to her friends. I stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in my hand, before putting it in my pocket and continuing to my seat.

  But before I could sit down, I noticed Tatsuya standing by the window at the back of the room, his head bowed as he stared at his left hand. Faint sparks of lightning were dancing across his fingers, small enough that no one else would notice unless they were looking closely.

  I walked over to him quietly, not wanting to startle him. “Hey Tatsuya…”

  “Oh Ren…?” He looked up quickly, and the lightning sparks vanished instantly as he closed his hand into a fist.

  “Can you teach me how to use this? It’s my first time using one,” I said, pulling the flip phone out of my pocket and holding it out to him.

  “So Ayaka gave that to you? That’s her old one before she got a smartphone,” Tatsuya said, taking the phone and turning it over in his hands. He pressed a few buttons, and the screen lit up with a soft green glow. “I’ll teach you later—after our afternoon training session. It’s not hard once you get the hang of it.”

  “Oh okay,” I said, taking the phone back and sliding it into my pocket. I walked over to my desk and sat down, trying to figure out how to open it without looking like I had no idea what I was doing. It was pretty embarrassing to be this unfamiliar with something so common, especially in these modern days. I’d grown up living in the woods with my father, far from cities and technology, and even after a few months at the academy there were still so many things I didn’t understand.

  Just thinking about what other students might say if they found out made me want to sink into my chair and disappear. Oh hey that’s Ren Kazenagi, the one who Akihiro Saiten recruited. I didn’t know he couldn’t use a phone especially these days. The words played over and over in my head as I stared at the phone sitting on my desk, willing myself to figure it out before Tatsuya could teach me.

  It was noon, and Team Kurogane stood on a quiet street in Shibuya, the city around them bustling with life despite the fact that they were in an area with fewer people and more tall buildings. They’d taken the academy car, and Reina had just finished thanking the driver as he pulled away, leaving them alone on the sidewalk.

  “This place is not large, boring,” Masato said, stretching his arms over his head as he looked around. The area was just a narrow alley between two office buildings, with a few dumpsters and stacked crates lining the walls.

  “The yomurei detector turned green,” Souta said, pulling the small device out of his pocket and holding it up. The screen was glowing bright green, indicating that yomurei were nearby but not particularly strong. “Then this will be easy,” Masato said confidently, cracking his knuckles.

  “Kiryu, your cockiness will be your weakness some day,” Reina said, pulling out her fans from the holsters at her waist. The metal edges glinted in the sunlight, sharp enough to cut through metal, and threads of her Starlight Shin’en already began to weave around the blades.

  “I’m not cocky, I’m just excited. Geez Hoshizaki, you always have something to comment on every one of my moves,” Masato said, pulling his polearm from where it was strapped to his back. The weapon was made of a dark, almost black metal, and it hummed softly as he held it upright.

  “Stay sharp,” Souta said, his voice low and serious. He pulled out his twin daggers, and a faint blue glow began to emanate from their edges—his Azure Tempest Shin’en awakening in preparation for battle. He slipped the detector into his pocket and moved to the front of their small group, his dark eyes scanning every shadow and corner of the alley.

  Masato’s eyes suddenly shifted to a bright green, his Obsidian Mind Shin’en activating as he began to analyze the area. His gaze moved quickly from side to side, up to the rooftops and down to the ground, taking in every detail and calculating every possible angle where an attack could come from. His ability allowed him to foresee when and where enemies would strike, giving their team a crucial advantage in battle.

  “Right building, first door!” Masato called out suddenly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on a heavy metal door at the end of the alley.

  Souta didn’t hesitate. He pushed off the ground with incredible speed, leaping toward the door and kicking it open with his foot. The metal groaned and buckled under the force, and as it swung inward a yomurei lunged out, its claws extended and its mouth open in a silent scream.

  Souta’s twin daggers were already moving before the creature had fully emerged. He spun to the side, avoiding its claws by inches, and brought his blades down in a single fluid motion. The Azure Tempest Shin’en hummed along the edges of the daggers, slicing through the yomurei’s body as if it were paper. Sparks of blue light lit up the alley, and the creature collapsed into a cloud of black mist before it could hit the ground. Souta exhaled slowly, his expression calm and impassive as he advanced toward the next door along the building.

  “Left flank, Souta,” Reina called out, her voice steady and precise. She flicked her fans open wider, and the threads of Starlight Shin’en extended outward like invisible wires. Two more yomurei had appeared from the shadows on their left, but before they could move Reina’s threads struck, wrapping around the creatures and cutting them in half midair. Their disintegrating bodies left trails of black smoke in the air.

  Masato had planted his polearm firmly on the ground, his green eyes still scanning the area with analytical focus. He saw a subtle shift in the shadows on the fire escape above them, and even before the yomurei could launch itself downward he was moving. He pivoted on one foot, swinging his polearm upward in a wide arc as a barrier of black Shin’en formed around the weapon. The creature collided with the barrier, and Masato pushed forward with precise strength, driving his polearm through its body and watching as it dissolved into mist.

  Souta moved through the alley like a ghost, silent and deadly. Another yomurei dropped from a broken railing on the rooftop above, its claws aimed directly at his back. Without turning around, Souta extended one dagger behind him, letting his Azure Tempest Shin’en create a streak of compressed wind that cut through the air. The slash connected perfectly, and the creature evaporated before it could touch him.

  Reina pivoted on her heel, her fans moving in elegant patterns as she sent more threads toward two yomurei that were trying to circle around to Masato’s back. The threads wrapped around the creatures instantly, cutting them apart with clean efficiency. Every movement she made was deliberate, no energy wasted on unnecessary gestures.

  Masato’s mind worked faster than any machine, calculating trajectories and attack patterns before the yomurei could even make their moves. Another creature emerged from a side alley, its form twisting and shifting as it lunged at him. Masato planted his polearm firmly and formed a geometric barrier of black Shin’en in front of him. The yomurei crashed into the barrier, and Masato swung his weapon in a sharp horizontal arc, slicing through it with minimal effort.

  Souta’s expression never changed, even as he moved through the alley taking down one yomurei after another. When a creature attacked from above, he twisted in midair without a hint of panic, letting his shin’en guide his movements. The blades cut diagonally through the air, leaving the creature in fragments of black mist that scattered in the wind. The Azure Tempest Shin’en crackled softly, but there was no flash or showmanship—only cold, lethal precision.

  The team moved together in perfect silent coordination. Souta advanced ahead, clearing the path with swift, decisive strikes, while Reina controlled the space around them with her elegant threads, ensuring no enemies could flank their position. Masato anchored the group, his predictive abilities allowing him to anticipate every attack before it happened. Each dodge, block and strike was calculated to the smallest detail, brutally effective and efficient.

  A small group of yomurei tried to overwhelm them at once, sensing an opportunity in their youth. But Team Kurogane was ready—Souta’s daggers spun in controlled arcs, each movement targeting a different creature with terrifying accuracy. Reina’s fans whirled through the air, creating a web of shining threads that trapped and sliced enemies simultaneously. Masato adjusted his position slightly, his polearm moving to cover gaps in their defense before the yomurei could even exploit them. The alley echoed with the soft hum of Shin’en and the faint hisses of dissipating creatures, but there were no loud screams or cries of struggle.

  Finally, the last yomurei lunged from a shadowed doorway at the far end of the alley. Souta stood almost motionless for a split second, then both blades moved with surgical precision, slicing through its torso. Reina’s threads wrapped around the creature midair, ensuring it disintegrated completely before it could fall. Masato pivoted behind Souta, sweeping his polearm in a wide arc as a precaution, his barrier catching any remaining traces of dark energy before they could spread.

  The alley fell silent again. Broken pieces of wood and crates littered the ground, along with faint traces of blue and green Shin’en that glowed softly in the shade. Souta stood slightly ahead of the others, daggers held at his sides, his shoulders relaxed but his eyes still scanning every corner of the area. He didn’t smile or show any sign of relief—he simply stood there like a silent storm that had passed through.

  “Green light’s off,” Souta said quietly, his voice low and monotone. There was no excitement or pride in his words, as if the fight had been nothing more than a routine task.

  “Not bad… Kiryu, try not to get overconfident next time,” Reina said, closing her fans with a soft click and sliding them back into their holsters. She brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, her breathing steady despite the intensity of the fight.

  Masato smirked faintly, lowering his polearm and letting the green glow fade from his eyes. “We’re improving, but we still have much to learn. This mission tested us, and we passed… barely.” He stretched his arms over his head, his lazy demeanor returning as quickly as it had disappeared.

  Souta simply nodded once, his expression unreadable as he sheathed his daggers at his waist. His focus never wavered completely, as if he was already thinking about what might come next.

  The Shibuya alley was quiet again, a faint wind blowing through the debris and carrying the sounds of the busy city from just around the corner. Team Kurogane had proven themselves capable and lethal, but it was clear their journey to true mastery was only just beginning. Souta turned and started walking toward the main street, his steps steady and purposeful.

  “Still can’t believe our second mission is without an instructor,” Reina said, falling into step beside him. She glanced around at the empty alley, a small smile touching her lips.

  “The academy had their full trust in us,” Souta said, his gaze fixed ahead as they emerged from the narrow space onto a wider street filled with people going about their day. The battle they’d just fought felt like it had happened in another world entirely, hidden away from the ordinary lives of those around them.

  “Well we took care of it, why don’t we treat ourselves to some dessert before we head back to the academy? After all we’re in Shibuya,” Masato said, running to catch up and slinging an arm around Souta’s shoulders. “Arashi will be the one to pay—after all he gets more credit than us.”

  Reina crossed her arms, a playful look on her face. “That’s a good point. You always get all the attention, so it’s only fair you cover the cost.”

  While they were talking, Souta had already started walking toward a nearby café he’d spotted—a small place with colorful signs and outdoor seating. He paused and looked back at them, his expression softening just enough for them to notice. “Get going, while I’m in a good mood.”

  Reina and Masato exchanged surprised looks before breaking into smiles. “Geez you don’t have to be so tsundere,” Masato laughed, giving Souta’s shoulder a friendly squeeze before hurrying ahead to look at the menu posted outside the café.

  “The two of you, we’re a team. You should also let me in on these plans,” Reina said, and for the first time that day a real smile crossed his face—small and subtle, but genuine all the same.

  The three of them stood together outside the café, laughing and talking like any other group of friends. Even Souta, who rarely showed emotion, seemed relaxed and happy as he listened to Masato enthusiastically describing all the different desserts they should try.

  It was afternoon, and as soon as the final bell rang I gathered my things and immediately walked out of the academy. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths that led to the main gate. Just as I reached the street, a familiar voice called out behind me.

  “Ren!”

  I looked back to see Ayaka hurrying toward me, her school bag bouncing against her hip and her hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Tatsuya walked a few steps behind her, his usual stoic expression in place as he adjusted the strap of his own bag over his shoulder.

  “Where are you going?” Ayaka asked, coming to a stop beside me and catching her breath.

  “I’ll go back to our dorm,” Tatsuya said, nodding briefly in my direction before turning to head down the opposite street. He gave a small wave as he walked away, disappearing around the corner without another word—typical of his quiet nature.

  Ayaka stepped closer to me, her amber eyes studying my face with the same concerned look she always wore when something was on my mind. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “Yeah, I will buy something,” I said, shoving my hands in my pockets and starting to walk again. She fell into step beside me easily, matching my pace without pushing for more information right away.

  “What is it?” she asked after a moment, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  “It’s nothing special,” I said, keeping my eyes forward as we made our way through the busy streets. “I’ll just visit the grave of someone important to me tomorrow.”

  The words were barely out of my mouth before she responded, her voice firm and determined. “I’ll go too.”

  “Eh? There’s really no need for you to come,” I said, glancing at her with a slight frown. “It will be fast, I promise. Just a quick visit and that’s it.”

  She shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “There’s no telling that you’ll get in trouble again. Last time you went somewhere alone, you ended up facing a jūma in Kamakura.”

  I let out a quiet sigh, knowing she had a point—but still wanting to keep this moment to myself. “It has been a week, and Yuuto, Aya, and Kouki still haven’t made a move. The corps are still investigating their activities so they can’t show themselves immediately. Besides, I have a yomurei detector with me—you gave it to me remember? And there are Yomu Executioners all over the place patrolling the city. I’ll be perfectly safe.”

  Ayaka was quiet for a moment, looking around at the uniformed Executioners standing at intersections and walking in pairs along the sidewalks. Their dark coats and distinctive badges were easy to spot, a constant reminder that the city was being watched and protected.

  “Makes sense,” she finally said, though I could tell she was still hesitant. “Okay fine. But, be sure to contact me if anything happens. My number is saved in that flip phone I gave you—Tatsuya put his in there too. Be careful okay?”

  “Okay okay,” I said with a small smile, reaching into my pocket to pat the phone that rested against my leg. “You’re like a mother sometimes, you know that?”

  She stuck her tongue out at me playfully before her expression softened into something warmer. “Well then. I’ll see you back at the dorm later. Don’t stay out too late—the sun will be setting soon.”

  With that, she turned and headed toward the direction of our dormitory, waving once more before disappearing into the crowd. I watched her go, feeling a mix of annoyance and gratitude—she could be overbearing sometimes, but I knew her worrying came from a place of care. Not many people would go out of their way to look out for me like she did.

  I continued walking through the city streets, keeping my head down to avoid drawing too much attention. My academy uniform tended to stand out, and people often stared or whispered when they saw it. Everyone knew that students from the Tenka Academy were trained to fight yomurei and jūma, and while some looked at us with admiration, others kept their distance, as if we carried danger with us wherever we went.

  After about ten minutes of walking, I turned down a narrow side street lined with small shops and cafes. At the end of the block stood the place I was looking for—a cozy flower shop with a wooden sign that read MORNING BLOOMS. The windows were filled with colorful arrangements, and even from the street I could see unusual varieties that I’d never seen anywhere else.

  I pushed open the door, and the bell above it chimed softly to announce my arrival. The shop was warm and filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and shelves lined every wall with potted plants and bouquets wrapped in paper. Some of the flowers glowed with a faint light—products of Shin’en cultivation that made them grow larger than average or bloom in impossible colors. A worker with bright pink hair looked up from arranging a bouquet of white lilies and smiled at me.

  “Welcome! Let me know if you need help finding anything.”

  “Umm… where do you sell higanbana?” I asked, walking slowly through the aisles and looking at the various flowers on display.

  The worker pointed toward the back corner of the shop. “They’re right over there—we keep them separate from the others since they’re poisonous. Beautiful flowers though, aren’t they?”

  I made my way to the corner she’d indicated, and there they were—rows of vibrant red higanbana, their delicate petals fanning out like stars. I felt a tightness in my chest as I looked at them, memories flooding back to the last time I’d seen these flowers growing in someone’s garden.

  I remembered my mother’s voice, soft and gentle as she’d knelt beside me in our backyard years ago. “These are called higanbana, they are easy to plant you know? This plant symbolizes death, farewells, and the afterlife and since they simbolizes that, they are poisonous."

  That’s why I’d immediately thought of them when I’d decided what to bring to the grave. They felt like the perfect way to honor someone I’d had to say goodbye to too soon. I picked out a small bouquet, paying careful attention not to touch the stems with my bare hands, and took them to the counter to pay.

  “Thank you, come again!” the worker said as she handed me the wrapped flowers in a paper sleeve designed to keep people safe from contact with the plant.

  I left the store and stepped back out onto the street, looking up into the sky. The sun was setting now, painting everything in shades of orange and gold that reflected off the buildings around me.

  I tucked the flowers carefully into my bag, making sure they were secure before starting the walk back toward the academy. The streets were beginning to quiet down as people headed home for the evening, and the Yomu Executioners had switched on small lights attached to their coats as dusk settled over the city. I pulled out my yomurei detector to check it—just as I’d told Ayaka, it didn't glow, indicating no dangerous creatures were nearby.

  I stared up into the sky. Tomorrow is July 1st, yes, it is kaito's birthday.