LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 9: Chapter 9
<
When I heard Alya's words, I was completely dumbfounded. I unintentionally let out a loud "hah!?" in sheer disbelief and turned to look at her again, unable to process what she just said.
Alya, with an almost casual elegance, crossed her legs and gave me a look that could only be described as the very image of a spoiled princess. Her gaze was unwavering as she spoke again, her voice slightly teasing.
"I've already taken off my socks, and now I can't even walk to my locker. So, hurry up and help me, will you?"
As if on cue, I felt something stir within my mind, a familiar voice interrupting the chaos of my thoughts.
(My, isn't this girl a bit daring? Is this really the type of girl you like, Masachika?)
I grimaced, shaking my head in exasperation.
(Musashi, please don't get me started)
I said in my mind, feeling the heat of the situation rise even further.
(Tch! How boring. Well, is she one of the girls you'd want to turn into a Herrscher?)
Musashi continued, her voice dripping with curiosity, as if she was already anticipating my answer.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of conflict stirring within me. After all, the two of us will be working together in the future, so I had shared some things with her while training in the Stigmata Space. She knew nearly everything, and yet, sometimes, her playful banter was more than I could handle.
(Yes, but only if she wants to. That's a decision for the future. This world is far more dangerous than anyone could imagine, so preparing for any possibility is just common sense.)
(Hmm…)
Musashi's response was vague, but I could sense her amusement. I let out a soft sigh and brought myself back to reality. Alya was still sitting there, waiting for me with a look that suggested she wouldn't take no for an answer.
With no better options, I resigned myself to the situation and replied, "Alright, alright."
I walked over to her locker, my steps heavy with a mix of reluctance and inevitability. Before opening it, I turned back toward her and spoke, keeping my tone as neutral as possible.
"I'm opening it, alright?"
She gave me a small nod, as if I'd just asked for permission to touch some sacred treasure. I rolled my eyes internally and opened the locker, scanning its contents before spotting the pair of neatly folded socks.
Reaching in, I grabbed them and brought them over, holding them out toward her.
"Here."
She took one glance at the socks in my hand and then, with a mischievous smirk playing on her lips, asked,
"Can you put them on for me?"
"Huh!?"
I exclaimed again, unable to hide my shock. Her request was so absurd that it left me momentarily speechless. Before I could process it fully, I heard Musashi's voice echo in my mind once more.
(My, isn't she a bold one? And to think this girl knows your fetishes...)
(Shut it, Musashi!) I shot back quickly, heat rising to my face.
"What's wrong?" Alya's voice pulled me back to reality. She tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence, though the playful glint in her eyes told a different story.
"You tell me what's wrong. I'm the one who should be asking you that!" I retorted, still trying to wrap my head around her audacity.
She responded with a nonchalant shrug and a smirk. "This is my way of thanking you for getting my socks. It's a reward for you, right?"
"…True," I muttered, begrudgingly admitting she had a point, though it didn't make the situation any less ridiculous.
"Right? So come on, hurry up."
I hesitated, my thoughts a mess. My gaze flickered between her and the socks in my hand as I tried to figure out how I'd ended up in this absurd situation. Then, as if to add another layer of complexity, Alya muttered something quietly under her breath in Russian.
[Well, it is a reward for me too.]
(Well, Masachika, are you going to take the reward, or are you gonna refuse it like a wimp?)
(Why you, Musashi... If you were in my situation, what would you do then?)
(Of course I would take it. If I were a man, I would have taken the reward in front of me already.)
(Tch!)
Her words rang in my mind like a challenge, pushing me further into frustration. I could feel the tension building up inside me. The last thing I wanted was to back down in front of both Musashi and Alya.
Alya, meanwhile, seemed to notice my hesitation. She raised an eyebrow, her expression turning a little more curious as she looked up at me.
"What?"
I snapped out of my internal turmoil and quickly tried to cover up my frustration. "Ah, no. It's just that I was wondering what you just said."
She tilted her head with an air of playful superiority. "I was just saying that you're a wimp."
The words hit me harder than I expected. Musashi had already called me a wimp, and while I could swipe that off as her usual teasing, hearing it from Alya—right here, right now—triggered something inside me.
A surge of irritation flared up, hot and sharp. I had enough. There was no way I was going to stand here and let both of them call me that, especially not after everything.
I clenched my fists, a silent promise forming in my mind. No more. I wouldn't let anyone label me as weak, not without showing them otherwise.
Alya's smirk only deepened, as if she could sense the shift in the air. But this time, I didn't flinch. In fact, I was ready to teach her something.
"Alright."
"Eh?"
"You want me to put your socks on? Fine with me," I said, kneeling down and gently lifting her leg, which caused her to yelp in surprise.
"Kya! Wha-what are you doing?"
"I'm doing what you said. Putting your socks on," I responded calmly, trying to ignore the awkwardness building up.
"Yes, I did, but—"
"Don't move too much!"
I cut her off, trying to focus as I slowly began pulling the socks over her foot. Her sudden reaction almost made me lose my concentration, but I continued to work, determined not to back down now.
She let out a soft, unexpected sound.
"W-wait, I'm not ready yet."
"Hey, I told you not to move too much," I said, my voice firm but betraying a hint of frustration.
"E-even if you say that, but—"
I tried to stay focused, ignoring her protests as I carefully continued to pull the socks up past her ankle and up her leg. But suddenly, my grip faltered, and in an instant, the sock slipped from my fingers. Before I could regain control, my hand—completely unintentionally—made contact in a much more sensitive area.
She gasped loudly.
"Kya! Where are you touching?!" Her voice was a mix of shock and outrage, and I immediately pulled back, my face flushing with embarrassment.
In a swift reaction, she threw a kick, aiming straight at me. It came so suddenly that I almost didn't have time to react. But thanks to my heightened reflexes, sharpened by Extrasensory Perception, I barely managed to dodge it in time.
However, the sudden movement threw me off balance. I stumbled backward and ended up falling flat on my backside with an embarrassing thud.
"Hey! Watch it!" I snapped, rubbing my back and bringing my head up to look at her. But the moment my gaze shifted, I froze.
Due to the difference in height from my current position on the floor, I found myself unintentionally catching a glimpse of her panties. I was calm of course, but as a man, I couldn't help but have that image burn itself into my memory.
Alya's eyes widened in realization, her expression quickly turning to one of pure outrage. Before I could even react, she sent a sudden, sharp slap straight to my face.
"Gubugh!" I groaned, reeling from the unexpected hit.
[Don't just sit there and look at them!]
She scolded me in Russian, her voice trembling with both embarrassment and fury. Her cheeks were flushed, and I could tell she hadn't meant to yell that out in her native tongue, but that only made the situation more intense.
Before I could even think of defending myself or explaining, she stood up abruptly.
"Wait, Alya—!"
Too late. She started kicking me relentlessly, her face red with a mix of humiliation and anger.
[Forget it all!! Right this instant!!]
She yelled again in Russian, each word punctuated by another swift kick. I tried to shield myself, but her kicks were unyielding, and the language barrier—or lack thereof—only made things worse.
"I get it! Stop! Ow—Alya, seriously, stop!"
But she didn't stop until her embarrassment seemed to subside, leaving me groaning on the floor
[I can't believe you! Jerk! Screw you!]
Alya's words echoed in my mind as she stormed out of the classroom, completely ignoring the fact that I was lying on the floor, writhing from the relentless assault she'd just given me.
I was perfectly fine. Thanks to my Pain Resistance and the strength my body had gained, even a shot from a .50 BMG wouldn't have penetrated me easily. Still, the intensity of the situation left me stunned for a moment.
As Alya's furious footsteps faded down the hall, two of my female classmates entered the classroom. They froze in their tracks as they saw the aftermath of the scene, eyes wide in disbelief at the unusual sight.
"Huh? What was that all about? Princess Alya was screaming," one of them muttered, glancing toward the door where Alya had just stormed off.
"That was Russian, right? What's going on? Has the princess gone crazy?" the other one chimed in, still staring at the door, unsure of what had just happened.
The two girls exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued, but their attention quickly shifted when they finally noticed me lying on the ground.
They blinked in unison, their expressions shifting from confusion to surprise.
"Good morning, Kuze… What happened?" one of my classmates asked as she glanced at me with concern.
"Morning... Nothing happened," I responded, trying to sound casual despite the lingering soreness from Alya's assault.
"Hey, Kuze… What happened to your cheeks?" another classmate chimed in, her eyes narrowing as she noticed the faint red marks on my face—probably from Alya's slap earlier.
"Oh, there was a bug on my face, so I tried to slap it away," I said, offering a grin that I hoped was convincing.
"Uh-huh…" she replied, clearly not buying my story.
They exchanged skeptical glances, but neither pressed further. They simply sat down at their desks, but I could still feel their eyes on me.
I tried to brush it off and took my seat, trying to focus on the class ahead.
"...So it's blue, huh…" I muttered under my breath, half to myself.
The dull ache from the slap still lingered, and I couldn't help but think about how everything had escalated so quickly with Alya.
I sighed and go and sit on my sit, hoping to clear my mind and ignore the mounting tension from the earlier chaos.
[So, why didn't you move your head when Alya slapped you?] Musashi's voice echoed in my mind, sounding almost amused.
I paused for a moment, considering the question. It was a good point.
[You could have done that. With your current strength and reflexes, you could have dodged her slap very easily.]
"Yeah, I know," I muttered quietly. "But… it seems my mind was still lingering on… well, everything that happened. I didn't notice it until it was too late, and then, bam."
[Hmm.] Musashi was silent for a moment, likely processing my words.
I could almost imagine her rolling her eyes, though I couldn't help but agree with her. It was a simple move to dodge, but I was distracted—both by the situation with Alya and the unanticipated shock of what had just occurred.
"Ugh… what do I do now?" I grumbled, feeling the weight of the situation settle over me. I knew I had gone too far, but chasing after her with a reckless apology would probably just make things worse.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, pacing a bit as I tried to sort through my thoughts.
"I'll do that when she's calmed down and comes back, I guess," I muttered to myself, sighing deeply.
It wasn't ideal, but it was the only way I could think of to handle it without making the situation even more awkward than it already was.
"Masachika, I'll be strolling around the school, alright?" Musashi's voice echoed in my mind, and before I could respond, she materialized in front of me. Her full form was visible only to me, as usual, her presence undetectable to anyone else.
"Un, alright," I replied, giving her a nod. "But be careful, alright? I'm not sure if Chisato can see you with her eyes, so just… stay on guard."
Musashi smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry about me. I can handle myself. Bye~"
With a final wave, she vanished, leaving the school grounds to wander on her own.
I watched her disappear, feeling a slight unease. Despite her confidence, I couldn't shake the feeling that something might go wrong. I sighed, hoping she'd be alright.
======================
<
After school, the homeroom ended surprisingly early today. There were still five minutes left until the bell rang, but instead of the usual bustle of students packing up and heading out, everyone in Class B remained in their seats. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the soft whispers exchanged between classmates.
There was only one reason behind this unusual stillness—the homeroom teacher had left early, and the nervous energy that filled the room was unmistakable.
The cause of it all? Alisa.
She wasn't wearing her usual blank expression today. Her face was clouded with frustration, and her movements were quick, almost jerky, as she cleaned her desk. Her actions were sharp as she grabbed her notebook and shoved it into her bag, clearly in a foul mood. The usual calmness she exuded was completely gone, replaced by something much more volatile.
Just as the whispers intensified, the door to the classroom opened, and Kiana and Bronya then walked in. The moment she stepped into the room, she could instantly feel the shift in the atmosphere. The tension was palpable, and it didn't take her long to realize that something had gone wrong.
Her gaze immediately landed on Alisa, who was still visibly upset, her actions sharp and tense as she prepared to leave. Kiana raised an eyebrow, sensing the underlying tension.
"What happened?" Kiana asked, her voice carrying an air of curiosity as she approached one of the students. The others exchanged uneasy glances before pointing toward Alisa, who was still visibly upset.
"Hm? What about her?" Kiana asked, following their gaze.
"We don't know for sure, but we can infer that it's probably because of Kuze," one of the students said, their tone cautious. "He's the only one who could make Princess Alisa mad like that."
Kiana raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Hmm… well, whatever." She didn't seem all that concerned, her attention shifting away from the drama unfolding.
Without wasting much time, she turned and walked toward Mei, who was sitting at her desk.
"Nee, Mei-senpai, let's go home," Kiana said casually, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh, alright. Masachika-kun, I'll be going on ahead. See you tomorrow," Mei said, offering a small wave before turning to leave.
"Ah, see you tomorrow too, Mei-san," Masachika responded, his voice slightly distracted as he watched her and Kiana head for the door.
Mei and Kiana quickly left the classroom, eager to escape the tense atmosphere that filled the room. Masachika, on the other hand, felt the oppressive energy hanging in the air. It was becoming too much for him to handle, and he found himself wanting to leave with them.
As they walked out, Alya, who had been standing with her arms crossed, heard Mei address Masachika by his first name. A slight frown crept across her face, and the irritation that had been simmering beneath the surface seemed to deepen. The fact that Mei, a transfer student, was already calling Masachika by his first name only served to make her mood even worse. The tension in the room grew heavier, making everyone in the Room even more uncomfortable.
He could feel the weight of it pressing down on him as he glanced around the classroom. Just as he was about to make his move and escape the suffocating atmosphere, he noticed Takeshi heading toward him. Takeshi leaned in, his voice low and serious as he whispered something in Masachika's ear.
"Dude, hey," Takeshi whispered, leaning in closer to Masachika.
"What is it?" Masachika replied, already preparing to get out of the tension-filled classroom.
"Did you piss off Princess Alya this morning for her to be like that?" Takeshi asked, his tone full of curiosity.
Alya, who had been listening intently, instantly shot him a glare so fierce it made Takeshi flinch. His eyes widened, and he instinctively took a step back, unable to withstand the cold, intimidating stare she was giving him.
"Hiiik!" Takeshi squeaked, backing off further in a hurry, not wanting to aggravate the princess any further.
Alya gave him one last, withering glance before turning her attention back to the front of the classroom.
However, the words Takeshi had spoken lingered in Alya's mind, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of embarrassment flood her. Her face turned a deep shade of red as she replayed the events in her head.
'It's true that Kuze-kun is the one who is responsible for this… she thought, her heart racing. Him touching my leg, and then... t-t-touching my nether region out of nowhere... And what's worse, h-he even s-s-saw my p-p-panties on purpose. I'm the one who caused it all!'
The more she thought about it, the more mortified she became.
'Aaaah, I want to disappear!'
Her hands clenched tightly, her face still burning with embarrassment as she tried to calm her racing thoughts.
Alya raised her head and glanced over at Masachika, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.
'I'm not angry at him anymore. In fact, I'm the one who wants to apologize to him right now,'
she thought, but the thought of approaching him made her feel more embarrassed than ever.
'But how am I supposed to apologize? What kind of face should I even make?'
The idea of facing him, after everything that happened, sent waves of embarrassment crashing over her.
'But I can't! Just looking at his face makes me feel like I could die from the embarrassment!'
Unable to contain her frustration, she screamed in her mind, and, in a desperate attempt to hide her flushed face, she covered it with both of her hands. Her head dropped to the table, hiding completely behind her arms as she sank into the surface.
She then remembered Mei, the new transfer student, casually addressing him by his first name. The memory made her pause, her thoughts swirling with questions.
'But how are Kuze-kun and Raiden-san already on a first-name basis?'
The thought gnawed at her, an inexplicable jealousy beginning to take root in her heart. It was a bitter, unfamiliar sensation, one that soured her mood far more than she cared to admit.
Her chest tightened with each passing moment, the image of Mei and Masachika speaking so familiarly playing on repeat in her mind. She clenched her fists, her usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of her spiraling emotions.
'Why does it bother me so much?'
she wondered, though deep down, she already knew the answer.
The room was silent for a moment as the other students stared at her, worried and unsure of what was happening. The atmosphere grew tense once again, and it was clear that Alya's sudden collapse was far from normal.
Takeshi, who had been observing the scene, couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. He approached Masachika, his voice quiet but full of desperation.
"Masachika! Do something about Princess Alya! Please!" Takeshi whispered, practically pleading with him. "You're the only one who can make her go back to normal!"
"Alright, alright. You don't need to tell me about it," Masachika muttered, standing up and walking toward her desk.
"Alya," he called softly, but Alya, still hiding her face in her arms, didn't respond immediately. His expression softened as he continued.
"…Erm, I'm sorry. For this morning... about everything…"
His words hung in the air for a moment, and Alya, finally realizing how close he had gotten, shot up from her chair. Her voice, loud and panicked, echoed through the classroom.
"Wha?! Too close!!"
Masachika blinked, startled by her outburst, and quickly stepped back, his cheeks tinged with a light flush.
"Ah, sorry,"
he stammered, unsure of what else to say.
Alya, her heart pounding, suddenly became very aware of the situation.
'Not good… I have to be calm, as cool as possible.'
She mentally coached herself, trying to regain her composure.
She cleared her throat dramatically, her hands still trembling slightly as she tried to act nonchalant.
"Cough Well... I'm not angry or anything."
Despite her words, the intense blush on her face betrayed her attempts to act indifferent, and she could feel her heart racing again.
The room fell silent, with a tense atmosphere hanging in the air. The other students exchanged uneasy glances, their whispers barely audible.
"How scary… her tone sounds so cold."
"She's really angry, isn't she?"
Masachika couldn't help but sigh inwardly at their remarks, feeling a slight pang of frustration.
'Come oooon!'
he thought, mentally pleading with the situation to not spiral further out of control. He had to do something before this got any worse.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. He knew exactly what to do. After all, he had a secret weapon—something that, without fail, always managed to soften Alya's mood, no matter how cold or angry she was.
With a small smile, he slid his hand into his pocket and subtly opened an Inventory. From within, he pulled out a can of Oshiruko, Alya's favorite drink. It was a sweet, warm red bean paste drink she loved, and he knew just how much it could calm her down when nothing else would.
He held the can in both hands, kneeling before her with a flourish. The students around them were now staring, curious about what he was doing.
"Nay, Princess," he said in an exaggerated formal tone, trying to keep things lighthearted despite the tension. "I hope that this humble offering will suffice to earn your forgiveness for what happened today."
The classroom, once filled with whispers of uncertainty, now buzzed with disbelief. Everyone watched Masachika with puzzled expressions as he knelt in front of Alya, offering her the can of Oshiruko—the drink that had been notorious throughout the school for 14 straight years.
"Why Oshiruko? Princess is gonna be repulsed by it…" someone whispered.
"I can't believe it. Of all drinks, why that one?" another muttered.
Alya, however, just stared at the can in Masachika's hands. Her expression softened as her eyes flickered between the drink and Masachika's sincere gaze.
"I told you, I'm not angry anymore,"
she said, trying to keep the blush from spreading across her face. But the softness in her voice betrayed her attempt at nonchalance.
Masachika, undeterred, gave a lighthearted laugh.
"Haha, spare the jest, my Princess. I only ask that you take this as a small token of my sincere apologies for what happened earlier today."
His voice was light, teasing, yet laced with genuine remorse.
Alya, for the first time that day, felt a flutter of warmth in her chest. She'd been fuming earlier, but this… this gesture was unexpected. She hadn't thought that he would go so far to make things right.
'This is… the same one that I sometimes drink… so he knew about it…'
she thought, surprised that he understood her preferences so well.
She glanced down at the can again. It wasn't just any drink—it was Oshiruko. The one that was often labeled as "the drink no one would dare touch" by the students. A sweet red bean paste drink that was loved by a select few… and loathed by the majority. But to her, it was comfort in a can.
With a deep breath, she decided to let go of her pride for a moment.
"Okay, I'll accept it," she said, her voice quiet but resolute.
The moment the words left her lips, the room erupted in shocked gasps.
"FOR REAL?!" a student near the back of the room shouted, his eyes wide in disbelief.
The moment Alya heard the shocked whispers from her classmates, she snapped. Her gaze hardened, her usual icy demeanor returning in full force.
She shot a glare so fierce that it instantly silenced the entire room.
"A-a-a-ah, I'm sorryyy…" one of the students stammered, immediately backing down.
"W-we'll be taking our leaves,"
another murmured nervously, hastily grabbing their bags and rushing out of the room, eager to escape Alya's wrath.
Masachika, observing the scene with an amused yet understanding smile, stood up, satisfied that his apology had been accepted—at least in part. It seemed like the tension had dissipated, and he could finally leave.
"Now I too shall take my leave,"
he muttered to himself, turning toward his desk to grab his bag.
But just as he was about to move, he felt a gentle tug at his sleeve.
"WAIT!"
Masachika froze mid-step, surprised by the sudden outburst. He looked down at the hand that had caught him—Alya's delicate fingers wrapped around the fabric of his sleeve. Her gaze, though still a bit flustered, was softer than usual. There was something vulnerable in her eyes, a mixture of emotions that told him she wasn't quite finished speaking her mind.
He turned back toward her, his brow slightly furrowed as he met her gaze.
"I'm also sorry too," Alya began, her voice hesitant and tinged with uncertainty. "For slapping and kicking you... and all."
Masachika blinked, surprised by her sincerity. He opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by her awkward attempt to continue.
"Ahhh, that was..."
Alya trailed off, clearly struggling to find the right words. Her cheeks flushed slightly, her usual composure slipping as her embarrassment took over. She glanced away, trying to gather her thoughts.
But then, as if giving up on finding the right words in Japanese, she muttered in Russian, almost too quietly for him to catch.
[I'd like for you to remain my friend... just as you've been until now... so please don't…]
Masachika, whose sharp senses were heightened by his Extrasensory Perception, caught every word of her whispered plea. As soon as he heard it, his face shifted slightly, and a soft groan slipped from his lips.
"Ughh..."
The sound was almost imperceptible, but Alya's quick instincts picked up on it. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"?! What was that voice just now?" she asked, glancing around the room in confusion.
"Ah, don't worry about it," Masachika replied casually, brushing off her concern. But he could see that Alya was still waiting for an answer. "What did you say?"
Alya, looking a bit embarrassed now, steadied her breath before replying in a more assertive tone.
"I said that you must never tell anyone about what happened today!"
Her words were sharp, but there was a hint of nervousness behind them.
Masachika, with his usual calm demeanor, let out a soft giggle. He couldn't help but smile, a genuine, warm expression that reached his eyes.
"Even if you don't say that," he said with a teasing tone, "I was already planning to keep it to myself from the beginning."
Alya's heart skipped a beat when she saw his smile. It was so simple, yet it carried an undeniable charm. The way his expression softened, his eyes twinkling just a little—it made him look... so much more handsome in her eyes.
Her face flushed, but she quickly masked her reaction with her usual pride. She gave him a small, composed smile and crossed her arms.
"Hmph, you better,"
she said, trying to sound aloof, but her voice had a subtle quiver that betrayed her true feelings.
"Well then! See you tomorrow!"
Alya declared, her voice carrying a mix of determination and fluster as she quickly made her exit, leaving Masachika standing alone in the now quiet classroom.
Masachika watched her retreating figure for a moment, a small sigh escaping his lips. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, though there was a hint of amusement in his expression.
"Sigh... Seems like I've got myself a troublesome princess after all,"
he murmured to himself, the words both a playful observation and a gentle acknowledgment of their strange yet budding connection. Shaking his head with a faint chuckle, Masachika sent a mental message to Musashi, who was still roaming the school grounds. Her presence was limited to the main building, but she was always aware of his location.
(Musashi, I'm heading home. Let's go.)
he thought, his words flowing through the connection.
'Alright, I'll be at the school entrance,'
came her reply, her tone as calm and reassuring as ever.
With that, Masachika grabbed his bag and made his way out of the classroom. His footsteps echoed softly in the hallway, a contrast to the bustling students around him, as he headed toward the entrance to meet up with Musashi.
As Masachika walked through the streets, his attention was drawn to a familiar sight—the shrine gate he had passed by the previous night. It was the Amagami Shrine.
"Wait, isn't this place supposed to be in Kyoto?"
Musashi's voice echoed in his mind, her tone curious. She had accessed his memories, which included his knowledge of the shrine's location. Naturally, she was puzzled. Amagami Shrine was known to be situated in Kyoto, not Tokyo, where they currently were.
"I don't know," Masachika replied, shrugging slightly. "I only found out about it last night."
"I see..." Musashi's voice softened, her usual calmness still intact. "Masachika."
"What?" he asked, looking around the shrine, still processing her earlier comment.
"I sense someone there... hiding behind the bushes," Musashi said, her attention sharp as she pointed toward a set of bushes on the side of the stairs leading up to the shrine.
Masachika closed his eyes for a moment, activating his Extrasensory Perception. The instant he did, he detected a presence concealed within the bushes—familiar, just like the one he had sensed the previous night. However, his attention was immediately drawn to four additional figures a few meters away, both attempting to blend into their surroundings. Despite their efforts, their faint energy signatures gave them away.
Masachika's sharp gaze darted across the area, quickly locking onto the figures hidden in the shadows. His senses heightened, he pinpointed each one with precision. The first, standing at his 9 o'clock, was unmistakably Yuki Nonoka—the same girl he had encountered yesterday. The second, lurking in the shadows at his 7 o'clock, was her sister, Kurumi Nonoka, a student from Seirei Junior High School.
As he continued his mental scan, he quickly identified two other familiar presences—Takashi Hayase and Shiba Kyoichi. The pair was positioned at Masachika's 5 o'clock and 3 o'clock, respectively.
Just like the previous night, the presence hidden in the bushes betrayed no hostile intent. Instead, it carried a subtle air of wariness, a sense of hesitation without outright aggression. Kurumi's energy, while cautious, lacked any malice. In stark contrast, Yuki's aura was thick with hostility and suspicion, casting a sharp, defensive edge around her presence.
Masachika's frown deepened as the realization set in. He turned to Musashi, his eyes narrowing in concentration. His thoughts were a whirlwind, but he kept his composure.
Musashi, sensing his discomfort, glanced at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice gentle yet attentive.
"It seems four people have followed me," Masachika responded, his tone calm but with an underlying edge of annoyance. "One at my 9 o'clock, one at my 7 o'clock, another at my 5 o'clock, and the last one at my 3 o'clock."
"Four people?" Musashi repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.
She turned her head, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings, her heightened senses flaring to life as she took in every detail, every shift in the air. Each person lurking in the shadows seemed to grow more distinct in her mind's eye, and she focused on them with calculating precision.
"I see... it seems the four of them haven't made a move yet," Musashi observed, her voice calm as her sharp gaze swept across the area. She could sense their presence lingering at a distance, watching carefully but making no effort to close in or engage. "They're just observing, trying to stay out of sight. It's almost like they're testing whether you've noticed them."
Masachika let out a low sigh, his annoyance evident. "Yeah, I've noticed. And the fact that they're tailing me is irritating enough," he said, his tone edged with frustration.
He clenched his fists briefly, trying to suppress the growing irritation bubbling inside him. It wasn't just the act of being followed—it was the implication behind it. He could easily piece together what was likely happening.
"Yuki Nonoka probably reported me," Masachika muttered, his voice heavy with disdain. "She must have told the Hero Clan—or whoever else is keeping tabs on this city—that I'm someone they should watch. Someone dangerous. Probably right up there with the Demon King's daughter on their little watchlist."
Musashi raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she leaned slightly closer to him. "Makes sense. If you've been flagged as a potential threat, they'll want to assess you. They might even be debating whether to act now or wait until you slip up."
Masachika smirked bitterly, shaking his head. "The irony is that I haven't even done anything yet. But I guess being a Herrscher of Finality is enough to put me under constant surveillance, whether I like it or not."
Musashi gave him a sidelong glance and smiled faintly. "You're taking it better than I thought. I half-expected you to storm over and confront them."
"Tempting," Masachika admitted, his lips curling into a sly grin. "But I'd rather not give them the satisfaction of thinking they've rattled me. Let them watch. If they think they're dealing with some reckless brute, they'll be sorely disappointed."
Musashi chuckled softly. "Well, let's see how long they can keep up this little game before they slip up themselves."
Masachika took a deep breath, forcing himself to set aside his irritation. He turned his focus back to the path ahead, his eyes landing on the Amagami Shrine. The structure stood quietly, its serene presence contrasting sharply with the tension in the air from being followed.
Despite the circumstances, curiosity began to creep into his thoughts. He wondered if the shrine was managed by the same people he had heard about or if it was entirely different. Either way, it seemed like a good opportunity to shift his attention and explore the place further.
"Musashi," he said, his voice steady now, "shall we check out the shrine?"
Musashi tilted her head, a glimmer of interest in her expression as she glanced toward the shrine. "Hmm, why not? I wouldn't mind taking a look. Besides," she added with a playful smirk, "it's not like those four are going anywhere."
Masachika gave a small chuckle at her remark.
"Exactly. Let's leave them to their little game for now."
With that, he began ascending the stone steps leading to the shrine, his curiosity outweighing the annoyance from the unwelcome audience behind him.
The presence in the bushes remained firmly rooted, their vigilance unwavering as they kept a close eye on Masachika. The faint yet unmistakable aura of sinister energy surrounding him was enough to keep them on edge—a constant, silent reminder of the immense power he carried. It wasn't just about what he was capable of; the more pressing question was why he had come here and what his true intentions were.
The four individuals who had been tailing Masachika hesitated to follow him any further. They had received information that the Amagami Shrine was said to house a Guardian—an entity shrouded in mystery. With no clear understanding of what kind of Guardian it might be, they decided it would be wiser to wait for him outside the shrine's vicinity.
Approaching the shrine unprepared felt like a gamble they weren't ready to take. Instead, they remained on the outskirts, their eyes trained on the entrance, prepared to intercept him when he reemerged.
When Masachika reached the top of the stairs, the scene before him took him by surprise.
The shrine, though modest in size and lacking the grandeur of the one Musashi had in the Stigmata Space, still impressed him with its elegant architecture. In his eyes, it was a fine example of craftsmanship, radiating a charm that spoke of both tradition and timelessness.
Masachika scanned the quiet shrine grounds, noting that no one seemed to be present. From this, he deduced that those responsible for maintaining the shrine were likely still at school.
"This place is kind of nice, isn't it, Masachika?"
Musashi's voice echoed cheerfully, drawing his attention upward. She was already perched casually on the edge of the shrine's roof, her posture relaxed as if she owned the place.
(Musashi, get down here!)
He sent the thought sharply, avoiding speaking out loud. His caution stemmed from the presence he had sensed earlier— He was keenly aware of the watchful eyes on him and worried that whoever was observing might think he'd lost his mind, talking to thin air. While he preferred speaking aloud when Musashi was nearby and no one else was around, he always relied on Thought Communication when she was further away to avoid raising any suspicion.
Musashi let out a light laugh, swinging her legs playfully as she perched on the shrine roof.
"Alright, alright. Don't get so worked up."
With a graceful leap, she descended from her spot, landing silently beside him, her presence as weightless as ever. Despite her casual demeanor, Masachika could feel the faint ripple of energy from her movements—a subtle reminder of her inhuman grace.
"Jeez, don't do that," he said, crossing his arms with a sigh. "If that shrine was yours, I wouldn't mind. But it's not. You should show some respect to someone else's shrine. It's only right to honor their traditions."
Musashi tilted her head slightly, pouting as she folded her arms behind her back.
"Muu, alright, alright, Mr. Lecturer. I'll be on my best behavior from now on."
"Oi," Masachika retorted, his brow twitching. "What's with that 'Mr. Lecturer' comment? I'm just reminding you to be polite."
"You sound like an old man scolding his apprentice," she teased, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face.
Masachika sighed again, shaking his head. "Oi, I may have gotten my Previous Life memories but that doesn't mean that I'm old by nature! And also even If no one see you I still need to keep you in check, who knows what kind of trouble you'd get into? Sometimes I think you're as much trouble as you are helpful."
"Hey, that's rude!" Musashi said, her playful pout deepening. "I'm super helpful, thank you very much. I'm just having a little fun, that's all."
"Yeah, right. Like I'd believe that excuse," Masachika replied, his words dripping with exasperation, though the faint smirk on his face betrayed his lack of true annoyance.
Musashi giggled, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief as she nudged his shoulder lightly. "Fine, fine. You're such a stickler for rules sometimes, but I guess that's part of your charm."
Masachika rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Come on, let's look around the Shrine properly."
Musashi gave a mock salute. "Aye aye, boss. Lead the way."
As they continued to explore the shrine grounds, her teasing tone and his steady reprimands wove a strange, almost comforting rhythm between them—one that felt uniquely their own.
=========================
<
Outside the Amagami Shrine, the four Heroes stood vigilant at the entrance, their attention unwavering. Among them was Kurumi, a petite yet striking young girl whose appearance belied her age. Her blue-violet hair, usually tied in a ponytail with a white scrunchy, framed her sharp yellow eyes—eyes identical to those of her older sister. Kurumi's battle outfit clung tightly to her slender frame, a standard attire for female Heroes: a navy-blue leotard with a black collar, complemented by a white skirt. She wore short tights beneath her skirt for added modesty and a navy-blue cape similar to her sister's. Her spirit armor encased all four limbs, and her Spirit Gauntlet gleamed on her left forearm.
Without a word, Kurumi approached her sister, Yuki, who stood watch at the shrine's entrance. Yuki, too, wore her battle attire, which clung tightly to her slender figure—standard for female Heroes. It consisted of a navy-blue leotard with a black collar, a white skirt, and a navy-blue cape similar to her little sister's. Her spirit armor covered all four limbs, completing her formidable appearance. Yuki's gaze was sharp and unyielding, like that of a predator focused on its prey.
"Sister," Kurumi began hesitantly, glancing at Yuki's tense expression. "Are you absolutely sure about what you said Yesterday?"
Yuki's gaze remained locked on the entrance as she replied, "What do you mean, Kurumi?"
"Well... it's about the man you told us about," Kurumi clarified, her voice a mixture of curiosity and doubt. After trailing Masachika for a while, she couldn't shake the feeling that he seemed like nothing more than an ordinary boy.
Kurumi frowned slightly, tilting her head. "He doesn't seem that different from anyone else. Are you really sure he's as dangerous as you said?"
Yuki's expression hardened as she finally tore her gaze away from the shrine to look at her sister. "Don't let appearances deceive you, Kurumi," she said firmly. "What you see on the surface means nothing. Beneath that normal façade, he harbors a power that could rival the calamities we've been trained to stop. He's dangerous—potentially more than you can imagine."
Kurumi hesitated for a moment, glancing toward the shrine entrance again. Despite Yuki's conviction, she couldn't help but wonder if they were being overly cautious.
Yuki, recalling the overwhelming energy that Masachika radiated, felt an involuntary shiver course through her body. That aura—dark, corruptive, and unfathomably powerful—was unlike anything she had encountered before. It wasn't just the sheer magnitude of his presence that unnerved her; it was the oppressive feeling that it could engulf everything if left unchecked.
Even Sakuya, her weapon who is a Spirit Sword, had trembled in response to his aura. It was as though the sacred blade itself recognized the threat he posed and quaked under the weight of his power. The memory of their brief confrontation replayed vividly in her mind.
When she had brandished Sakuya, the blade mere inches from his neck, Masachika hadn't even flinched. No fear, no hesitation—nothing. He had simply stared back at her, his cold, piercing gaze unwavering, as if her actions were nothing more than a mild inconvenience. That look sent a chill down her spine, for it wasn't the gaze of someone reckless or arrogant—it was the gaze of someone who had already calculated the outcome and found her efforts insignificant.
She shuddered at the thought, her mind spiraling back to the tense moment. If Chisato hadn't intervened to stop the confrontation, she was certain the outcome would have been catastrophic. The overwhelming aura that Masachika exuded wasn't just a threat to her—it felt as though it had the power to annihilate everything in its path.
The school, the students, and everyone within its walls could have been reduced to nothing more than memories, swept away by the unstoppable force he seemed to contain.
Even though Yuki had spoken bold and defiant words to him yesterday, acting as if she wasn't afraid, it was nothing more than a facade. Deep down, fear coiled tightly within her, a constant reminder of the overwhelming aura he exuded. She feared what he was truly capable of, but pride and stubbornness pushed her to play the tough guy, masking her unease with bravado.
"Sis…"
Kurumi said, as her voice is laced with concern. The two then heard someone from above that said.
"Nee, isn't it fine if we just attack him?"
The two glanced up and saw a tall, well-built young man in his twenties with long brown hair tied back with red ribbons. His eyes were narrowed into slits, exuding a confident and calculating aura. It was Shiba Kyouichi, dressed in the standard combat uniform of the Hero Clan.
As he spoke, another figure dropped down before them. A tall, well-built young man with short blond hair and light purple eyes, dressed in the same Hero Clan combat uniform. This was Takashi Hayase.
"What Shiba said is right," Takashi stated firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. "It doesn't matter whether he's human or something else—the fact remains that he carries Corruptive Energy. That alone is proof enough that he's aligned with demons. Such a threat cannot be ignored; he must be eliminated."
"Right?" Shiba said with a casual, almost indifferent tone. "If the energy he carries is corruptive, why don't we just eliminate him? He seems so easy to take out."
He shrugged slightly, trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
"He looks like just any ordinary guy, doesn't he? From what I've heard, he's lazy at school, doesn't stand out much, and doesn't seem like the type to have any outstanding physical abilities. Honestly, if we just caught him off guard, it'd be simple to end him."
He allowed a dark chuckle to escape his lips, still underestimating the true depth of Masachika's power. It seemed too easy, too straightforward, and Shiba couldn't help but think that taking him down would be just another routine task—no different from any other mission they'd carried out before.
Yuki shot him a sharp look, her brows furrowed.
"You think it's that simple?"
Her voice was low, laden with caution. Despite his casual tone, there was an edge of arrogance in his words, something that didn't sit well with her.
"Shiba, you're underestimating him. That 'ordinary' appearance is a trap," she said, her eyes narrowing. "It's not just about strength. You felt the energy he radiates. That's not something you just kill off without consequence."
Shiba scoffed, clearly unfazed. "I don't care about energy. We're talking about a guy who looks like he doesn't even break a sweat at school. How tough can he really be?" His words were filled with dismissiveness, as if the problem was a minor inconvenience.
Takashi, noticing Yuki's hesitation to act against Masachika, narrowed his eyes and fixed her with a piercing stare. His voice was calm but carried an edge of challenge as he asked,
"Why do you seem so certain that he's not someone easy to eliminate?"
Yuki met his gaze, her expression composed but shadowed by the memory of her encounter with Masachika. She hesitated for a moment before replying, her tone steady but tinged with unease.
"Because I've seen what he's capable of."
Her words immediately caught the attention of everyone present. Kurumi, standing nearby, shifted uncomfortably, her usual curiosity replaced by a creeping sense of dread. Shiba raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly as he leaned forward, intrigued.
"What do you mean?" Takashi pressed, his voice low but insistent.
Yuki took a deep breath, steadying herself. "When I confronted him, I thought the same thing you're thinking now—that he's just a normal guy. But the moment I got close, the energy he radiates… it's overwhelming. It's not just corruptive—it's suffocating, oppressive, like standing at the edge of a bottomless abyss. Even Sakuya trembled in his presence, and that has never happened before."
She clenched her fists at her sides, her voice dropping to a whisper filled with unease. "And then there's his gaze. When I had my blade at his neck, he didn't flinch. He didn't cower. He just stared back at me, cold and unshaken, like he was completely unfazed by the situation. It was as if I was looking into the eyes of someone who had endured far worse—someone who knew no fear."
The room fell silent as her words sank in. Shiba's earlier confidence wavered, and even Takashi seemed to consider her account seriously. Yuki's voice hardened as she continued.
"If we underestimate him, it won't just be us who pay the price. Everything—and everyone—around him could be destroyed if he decides to fight back."
Her words hung heavy in the air, a sobering reminder that Masachika might be far more than he appeared to be.
"Hmm..."
Shiba leaned back slightly, his arms crossed, his expression skeptical despite Yuki's ominous warning. He glanced toward Takashi, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I'm still not buying it," he said dismissively, his tone casual but with a hint of challenge. Then, turning to Takashi, he added, "Set up a Barrier Space."
Takashi's eyes flicked toward Shiba, his expression unreadable. "A Barrier Space?"
"Yeah," Shiba said with a shrug, his voice light but his intent clear. "If this guy is really as dangerous as Yuki says, then let's see it for ourselves. I'll engage him directly. If he's truly a threat, we'll deal with him here and now, without putting anyone else at risk."
Yuki's expression darkened, and she immediately stepped forward, her voice sharp.
"Shiba, don't be reckless. This isn't about testing him—it's about understanding the danger he poses. If you provoke him, you'll only escalate things."
Shiba waved her off dismissively, his confidence unshaken.
"Relax, Yuki. If he's as strong as you claim, then we'll get a sense of it. And if he's just some overhyped guy with a scary aura, we'll know that too."
Kurumi, who had been silent up until now, glanced nervously between the two.
"Is this really a good idea? If he's as strong as Sister says, what's the point of provoking him?"
"It's simple," Shiba said, flashing a confident grin. "We'll know exactly where he stands. Besides, we've got Takashi here. If things go south, the Barrier Space he set up will contain our battle. No one else will get caught in the crossfire, and we can go all out without holding back."
Takashi finally sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Fine. I'll set up the Barrier Space. But don't blame me if this backfires, Shiba."
As Takashi began to gather his energy, Yuki clenched her fists, a cold pit forming in her stomach. "You're underestimating him, Shiba," she muttered under her breath. "And that's the last mistake you'll ever make."
=========================
<
Masachika stood before the main building of the Amagami Shrine, his gaze lingering on the intricate design of the structure. Despite the serene atmosphere, he found himself lost in thought, contemplating whether he should participate in the tradition and offer a prayer to the gods.
Musashi, who had been silent until now, broke the stillness. "Not gonna pray to the gods?" Her voice was casual, but there was a curious tone underlying it.
Masachika glanced at her with a faint shrug, his eyes still on the shrine.
"Nah, not really my thing. I don't believe in gods."
Musashi tilted her head, her expression softening as she leaned against the stone railing beside him. "But in this world, they exist, you know?" She said, her tone almost teasing, but with a hint of seriousness beneath the words.
He glanced back at her, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I know. But still, I just don't feel like it. I guess I'm not the praying type." He paused, his gaze shifting back to the shrine, the sounds of the surrounding area filling the silence. "Seems like a lot of effort for something I'm not sure would even matter."
Musashi chuckled lightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I get it, but still, you might want to consider it. Who knows? You might feel something different if you try."
Masachika raised an eyebrow, considering her words. But then, shaking his head slightly, he responded with a small grin.
"Maybe another time. Right now, it's already late so let's go home now."
Musashi gave him an exaggerated sigh, pushing off from the railing. "You're so difficult." But despite her words, a smile played at the corners of her mouth as she followed him towards the shrine entrance.
As Masachika and Musashi moved away from the shrine, the figure hidden in the bushes let out a quiet, almost inaudible sigh of relief. She had been watching intently, her every muscle tensed, ready to react in case Masachika posed any threat to the shrine. But as he moved further away, she could feel her anxieties ease.
It became clear to her that his presence, while powerful, was not filled with the malice she had feared. He wasn't there to desecrate or harm the shrine in any way—he was simply curious, exploring the place with no ill intentions.
As Masachika stepped out of the shrine and began walking toward his house, the tranquility of the moment was abruptly broken. When he was far enough from the shrine, he felt a subtle yet distinct shift in the air—a faint, unnatural ripple that set his instincts on edge. His sharp senses quickly honed in on the disturbance, and his eyes narrowed as he spotted a green barrier rapidly expanding around him.
The barrier's eerie glow pulsed faintly, its energy unmistakable to him. It was a Barrier Space—an artificial dimension designed to isolate its targets from the outside world.
Letting out a deep sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, his calm exterior barely masking the irritation bubbling underneath.
"And here I was, thinking it'd be a peaceful day," he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm. His gaze swept over the barrier's edge, his tone dropping into something colder and more ominous. "But no… it seems all of you have a death wish, huh?"
His words hung in the air, a chilling declaration that carried a weight far heavier than the barrier itself. He didn't bother trying to sense who had cast it—he already had a good idea. Turning his head slightly, he cracked his neck, his demeanor shifting from irritated to dangerous.
"So, are all of you who tailed me going to come out now, or should I level the entire place just to rat all of you out of your hiding spots?"
Masachika's voice echoed through the eerie stillness of the Barrier Space. His calm demeanor barely concealed the mounting annoyance, and the faint glow of his hand hinted at the immense power he was ready to unleash.
Preparing to use the Authority of Stars, Masachika glanced around the space. Being trapped in this Separate Dimension meant there were no innocent bystanders. If they wanted a demonstration of his strength, he'd ensure they regretted it.
A voice broke the silence, casual yet tinged with amusement.
"My, so you've already figured out you were being tailed."
Masachika's gaze snapped upward to the source of the voice. Perched casually on the roof of a nearby structure was Shiba Kyoichi, his confident smirk illuminated by the faint green glow of the barrier.
"Shiba Kyoichi…" Masachika muttered under his breath, barely audible even to himself. He made sure the words didn't carry to Shiba, keeping his thoughts guarded.
As his focus shifted, he felt the unmistakable presence of others closing in. His sharp senses detected figures positioning themselves around him, forming a tight circle. At his 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock, three more presences stood, their energies fluctuating with restrained tension. They were surrounding him, likely hoping to cut off any chance of escape—or to corner him for their purposes.
Masachika's lips curved into a faint smirk, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. "I see," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "so, what do you want with me that you all have to trap me in a Separate Dimension?"
"Of course, we want to know if what Yuki here said about you is true or not," Shiba said with a smug tone, his confidence evident in the way he perched casually on the roof.
Masachika's eyes narrowed as the words sank in. He turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto Yuki, who stood at his 6 o'clock. His expression darkened, and a deadly glare emanated from him, his piercing eyes like daggers aimed straight at her.
"You…" he growled, his voice low and laced with restrained anger. The sheer weight of his stare made Yuki tense, her grip tightening around Sakuya as she prepared to cut him down at a moment's notice.
Masachika closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to breathe deeply and evenly, a technique to calm the simmering anger threatening to consume him.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Inhale…
Exhale…
Each breath seemed to steady the storm within him. When he finally opened his eyes, they gleamed with a piercing golden light, a stark contrast to his earlier composure. The air around him shifted, growing heavier with an undeniable presence.
He then raised his wrist and set the weight of his Exosuit to zero. As he did, a lightness washed over him, and he felt as though he could take flight at that very moment.
He fixed the group with an icy stare, his voice calm yet carrying an edge that sent chills through the air.
"Fine. You want to see what I'm capable of? Then I'll show you that You've just messed with the wrong person."
As the final word left his lips, a remarkable transformation began. Without his notice, ethereal white fox ears materialized atop his head, twitching slightly as though attuned to the tension in the air. Behind him, nine resplendent, glowing tails unfurled, their radiant white light exuding an aura of immense power and mystique.
=====================
i don't know if this one is a little too rush or what but i guess it depends on what the Reader thought of, and also did i portray the Character right because it is kind a Rush, if so then tell me in the Comment.
and as always thank you for reading my Fanfic.