The Shadow in the World of Magic

by MagicName88

Hikigaya Hachiman's only goal is to find the wife and daughter of his deceased guardian in a wasteland filled with powerful monsters. For him to do that, he must become a knight and bond with others, but the first person he was forced to approach is a noblewoman who wants to do research with the power of science. The biggest challenge for the young mage's adventure begins.[AU]

10. Chapter 9: For The Sake Of The Maiden

Recap of the previous chapter: The fourth match began and Yui and her partner, Oliver faced their first pair of enemies and won. Unfortunately, everything took a turn for the worst as they were ambushed by many participants who bear a grudge against them and bribed the others to cooperate. With a one-sided battle in the enemies' favor, Agafonov took the opportunity to torture Yui. However, Yui's trauma after encountering the hooded kidnapper led to the appearance of a powerful monster made purely of purple mana. After a futile attempt from the supervisors to stop it, Shizuka arrived to face the monster along with Hachiman and Yukino joining to assist her. The two science members concluded that the monster was Sablè himself and speculated that he formed his own consciousness, a phenomenon that was unheard of by all. Even though they have defeated the mysterious monster and saving Yui, the issue added more burden to the city as not only did they have to search and kill the hooded woman, they also needed to guard Yui and stop the monster of magical energy should it appear again. Hachiman was given that task by the headmaster of the academy, Hervey Saintwood, and he reluctantly accepted as more fragments of his forgotten childhood had recovered.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Oregairu series as it is respectfully owned by the author and studios.

---

Chapter 9: For The Sake Of The Maiden, He Will Return From Whence He Came

"Please help us..." The cries from the little girl were unheard as the only sound she could hear was the streaming river. One minute, she was talking to her mother about all the expectations and wishes she had in the Kingdom of Villfalt: New people and friends to meet, the culture and traditions to learn, and most importantly to enjoy those dreams happening with her mother. It was an innocent wish: To see the joy in another country.

The little girl carried that cheerful behavior throughout the travel. Her spirits became livelier when she saw different kinds of sceneries such as the mountain and bodies of water, the route they had taken to reach Villfalt was peaceful and uneventful, yet the excitement she had emanated in the carriage. So, it couldn't be helped that it never crossed her mind that something as unexpected as being ambushed by beasts, encountering a serpent monster, and being taken away from her mother by this boy which then led to here. The little girl cried endlessly at the despair of being away from her mother and stranded in an unknown area that she didn't bother looking around as her main focus was the boy's current condition. The injuries he had dealt already looked horrible as she imagined the pain the boy was suffering from those. She wanted to help him, but she didn't know what to do as she had never been to such a situation. However, As if the gods heard her cries, Hachiman slowly opened his right eye but his vision was too blurry to assess their surroundings. He heard the girl crying and so he tried to calm her.

"Oi... Calm down..." He said in a pained and quiet voice but she was able to hear him.

"A-Are you okay? What should I d-do?" The girl asked in fear.

"First... where are we?"

"U-Uhm..." She turned around to analyze her surroundings. "Trees, Just trees everywhere... A river next to us... A-And there's a mountain over there."

"Moun... tain?... How far?"

"Uuuhh... T-Too far to walk?" She answered, unsure if that was correct or not.

"Okay... We might be... in Villfalt's boundary line..."

"B-Bandairy line?"

"Boundary line... it tells us how far... and wide Villfalt's land really is... Those mountains... show the line..."

"S-So what does that mean?" She asked while wiping away the tears in her eyes.

"It means... we're too far away... from where they were..." He answered while trying to sit up only for the injuries to render it impossible. "We can't go back to them... in a single day..."

"Eh?. D-Does that mean... W-we're lost?"

"No... I know the way back... Just do as I say..."

"Okay..."

"First... get some leaves... and very long sticks..."

"Leaves and Sticks?"

"You can easily... find one in the woods..." When he said that, the girl looked back at the forest. The sun began to set as darkness was growing and the light was shrinking in the woods. And so, the appearance of the forest at this time terrified her as she gulped while her legs were shaking in fear.

"I-I don't wanna go in there!" The girl said with fear in her voice.

"It's either you go in there... or not going back to your mother... Which is it?" Hachiman gave her a choice to which she surprisingly answered quickly without hesitation.

"I wanna go back to mommy!"

"Then do as I say... Just don't go too far... so you won't get lost... got it?"

"Y-Yes!" The girl stood up and approached the woods until she stopped to look what she was about to enter. The trees were very tall for her and the sunset could only illuminate so much. She swore she heard a bush rustling and now her fear grew. But regardless, the girl went into the woods and gathered sticks. After a few minutes or so, she returned with many sticks and twigs carried around her arms.

"Now that wasn't so hard now was it?" Hachiman asked when he noticed her with the wooden sticks and twigs.

"N-Next is leaves, r-right?"

"Yeah... just get some from those bushes. Take as many as you can."

"Okay!" The girl complied and pulled out as many leaves as she could from the bushes.

"That should be enough," The boy said loud enough for her to hear. The girl returned with a huge pile of leaves carried around her arms and dropped it to the ground next to him.

"What's next?"

"Follow my instructions." He ordered and she responded with a nod. "Alright, measure take two wooden sticks and measure them at the same length as my forearm."

"One, two," The girl grabbed two sticks while counting and then looked back and forth between his arms and the sticks. Her eyes were slowly narrowing the more she continued this for a few seconds until she made a confused look. "Uuhh..."

"Just put the sticks next to my left arm, it'll be easier." He said while giving her a deadpanned look.

"Oh... Ooooh!" She made a look of realization as she put the sticks on the ground near his arm. "What's next?"

"See this part?" With the index finger of his right hand, he pointed at the middle of the long wooden stick. "Snap it by this half."

"Okay. What about the other one?"

"Same thing."

"Okay, done! Now what?" When she asked that question, he raised his right hand in the air.

"Tear this sleeve off my yukata so we can use it as a cloth."

"Okay!" After following a few more instructions, the little girl released a sigh of exhaustion while tying the torn cloth into a knot. "Is this right?"

"Yeah, up and around..."

"Done!" The girl shouted in triumph while looking at her accomplishment. She wrapped the torn sleeve around the bottom right leg that had two wooden sticks on each side with leaves under them. He also ordered her to rip his other sleeve and both hers off her red yukata so she could use his to wrap his forearm while using her sleeve as an arm sling. Her last torn sleeve was used for his injured head. "C-Can you move now?"

"Something like this won't heal my injuries that easily," Hachiman said while checking the makeshift bandages to make sure they were tied well. "Unless you know healing magic, my injuries might last for a month."

"Oh... I'm sorry." The little girl apologized while looking down in sadness.

"Enough with the apologies. Right now, we need some form of shelter. It's dangerous with all the trouble that damn typhon is giving."

"Ty...phon?"

"That snake monster back there. That's called a typhon apparently. As I was saying, things are getting dangerous in the forest, especially now that it's nighttime."

"S-So where can we find shelter?" The girl asked while looking around in slight fear.

"I don't know," He answered as he sat up slowly while resisting the all over his body, especially his head. "But it's better to move than stay here. We would be easily seen by that monster"

"Okay... wait, you said you can't move. So ho are you going to-?"

"Drag me," He interrupted her with a quick answer.

"Eh?" The little girl tilted her head and wore a confused smile. Hachiman raised his only movable arm towards her.

"Pull me into the woods." By the tone of his voice, it wasn't a suggestion but an order. The little girl had no choice but to comply.

"Hngggh! You're heavy!" She complained while pulling him with his right arm.

"You're just weak that's all. Now quit your whining." He said in a condescending tone which earned a pout from her. She really couldn't complain any further because she didn't want to be alone in an unfamiliar and terrifying place, and he was seriously injured so she had to help. After walking and dragging Hachimam in the woods for minutes, the sun sank in the horizon and night finally came. They couldn't see well in the dark as the branches and leaves from the tall trees blocked the night sky.

"I-I can't see." The girl said while hugging his arm tightly.

"Neither do I. Now keep going." He said in an indifferent tone.

"Eeeeehh?!" Before she could complain in fear, they both heard a bush rustling. "Eep!"

"Not now," Hachiman clicked his tongue in frustration as his right hand emitted a dark aura. "When I fire my spell, you run. Got it?"

"B-But what about-"

"Got it?" He asked again in a more angry tone trying not to waste time so she could escape from possible danger. She hesitated but for a good two seconds before nodding in agreement. The two children stared at the rustling bush waiting for something or maybe someone to come out. They saw what appeared to be a neck of an animal with a head and antlers on top. It revealed itself to be a small alvarez deer approaching them. Its height was twice as tall as him and The dark aura on his hand disappeared while sighing in relief. "Just a young alvarez deer."

"Awww, he's so cute!" The girl said while staring at the magical beast in delight.

"It's a she."

"Eh? Really?"

"Yeah, are you here to help us?" Hachiman asked the deer and she only responded by walking towards them and turned to the side. After figuring out what the alvarez deer was doing, he spoke "I take that as a yes, can you at least heal me first?"

His request only responded with silence.

"Guess not, you must be too young to use magic." He then looked back at the little girl. "Get me on top of her."

"You can talk to animals?"

"Hmm... 'talk' isn't really the right word. More like-... nevermind, just help me get on the deer."

"Okay." The little girl complied and lifted him by grabbing both his right arm and his hair.

"OW! OW! Are you trying to make me bald?! Just crouch down so I can lean on your shoulder!" He shouted in irritation and she immediately followed while in shock at his loud voice. She crouched and let him put his arm around her shoulders. She slowly stood up while holding him tightly to lift him as a human crutch. Hachiman raised his left foot on the alvarez deer's back while the girl helped him. After properly sitting on the deer, Hachiman reached her a hand. "Hop in."

"Ehehe!" The girl giggled while taking his hand with red cheeks and rode the deer behind him. Hachiman was confused by her expression and asked.

"Hey, are you having a fever or something?"

"Ehehehe! Nope, I'm fine!"

"But your cheeks are re-."

"Let's go!" She said while pointing a finger forward and holding the back of his clothes.

"Put your arms around me," He grabbed her hands and pulled her closer to lean on his back. "She's gonna run so it'll be a bumpy ride."

"...Okay! Ehehehe!" She already hugged him without hesitation. His confusion grew but he shrugged his shoulders to ignore her sudden change in behavior as he patted the deer to signal her to run. The alvarez deer ran in the woods, jumping over bushes and fallen tree trunks. The tips of her antlers glowed green so they all could see the way. The girl screamed in the enjoyment of the ride, giggling and almost trying to let go of the boy just to feel the breeze, but he immediately shouted at her to stop or she might fell. They approached an open area where trekalens flew above. While the girl looked in awe at the blue birds with feathers that had purple glowing ends, Hachiman sensed danger from them. The trekalens flew down and attempted to attack the two children riding the deer. However, for some reason, the trekalens didn't explode nor even went a few inches close to them. The moment these birds approached, they flew away leaving fainting trails of purple light around the two children while the deer kept running. It looked beautiful as the combination of the stars and moon illuminating and the blend of purple light created a stunning tunnel of art from nature. "Wow! It's so pretty! What are they?"

"Trekalens, the smallest aerial beasts in the world. It can find traces of mana from mages and other creatures that emit magical energy by absorbing it with its feathers. The feathers will glow brighter depending on how much mana they absorbed in the air and then it'll be their nutrients, as a replacement for food. Don't be tricked by this. Despite their size, they're dangerous, especially when they're this many. Basically, they can explode so DON'T TOUCH THEM!"

"Ah," The girl froze the moment Hachiman felt one of her arms moving away from him. She lowered her arm and embraced him to steady herself on the ride. "Sorry, but they look so pretty."

"And deadly if you did something stupid. Be glad that she's protecting us."

"You mean the deer?"

"Yeah, alvarez deers have the ability to trigger the beasts' instincts to run away. So, right now we should've been blown endlessly into nothing if it weren't for her."

"O-Oooohhh..." She awed with an obvious feeling of anxiety in her shaky voice, but immediately remove that emotion by thanking the deer. "Thank you, Ms. Deer!"

"Those Trekalens are mind-controlled." Hachiman claimed while observing the flying beasts.

"Really?"

"Yeah, if you hurt one of them in the flock, They will fly around you and then fly towards you, exploding upon the tiniest physical contact. But don't worry. Again, the deer won't let that happen. And mind-controlled beasts don't really mean the snake monster for us. But still, be careful and keep your eyes open."

"Okay!" The girl accepted in a cheerful tone.

"You're a lot more... cheerful about this situation." He said with a curious expression though the girl couldn't see that.

"Eh?"

"This whole predicament: You were just being chased by beasts; Separated from your mother; Almost died in a river with me; And now this. After all this, I'm actually surprised you can keep that cheerful attitude."

"...Mommy told me to keep smiling every time she's away," She explained in a sad tone while still smiling. "So what way to smile than be happy!"

"How can you find happiness in a situation like this?"

"I... just think about happy thoughts. Like that time my mommy and I rode a horse! Oh! Oh! Or when I'm playing 'Kagome Kagome' with my friends! Mommy was watching all that! And when I played Hanetsuki with mommy and other girls and when... when..." The girl tried to complete a sentence but she began to whimper as tears ran down from her eyes. "I... miss mommy..."

"Stop crying." He said with a rather annoyed tone in his voice.

"I... want my... mommy!" She cried even louder.

"I said stop crying! Do you want that snake monster to hear us?" Hachiman warned her angrily. The girl tried to wipe her tears with one hand but more kept coming down her cheeks.

"W-Will I still see mommy?" She asked with a whisper while still weeping but quieter

"I don't know... Judging by the number of massis wolves back there, chances of them making out alive is near to impossible."

"N-No..."

"Don't cry about it. If your mother is gone then that's that. You can still live a life without her telling you what to do."

"I LOVE MOMMY! I-I DON'T WANNA LIVE A LIFE WITHOUT HER!" Her cries grew louder as the boy's words became crueler.

"Then it's either you flood the world with your endless tears, or wipe it off and see what's next. Because people will drown in that flood and you'll be alone."

"I...I won't be alone..." She said between whimpers. "Mommy will come back."

"And by the off chance that she won't?"

"Stop it! Stop saying that!" She swung her arms and hit his back repeatedly desperation and despair. This caused her to fall off when the deer jumped over a large rock. She tried to grab hold of the yukata behind Hachiman's back but that only pulled him off the deer, falling along with her in the process. The girl tumbled on the grass while the boy landed on the large rock with his left arm. The pain was excruciating but he gritted his teeth to resist the urge to even grunt.

"You idiot! Are you trying to kill us?!

"Take that back!"

"What?"

"Take back what you said about mommy not coming back!"

"... No," He leaned on the deer who sat down for him to get back on her. "I'm not taking back facts."

"Y-You don't know that! You're just t-thinking that she's gone! That d-doesn't mean she's really gone!"

"But there's a very high chance that she really is! Shit, it's really safe to say they're all dead from the mind-controlled pack of massis wolves."

"STOP IT! SHUT UP!" The girl quickly ran towards him and slapping him everywhere while he effortlessly guarded all of them. "Why are you thinking like that? Don't you feel sad thinking about not seeing someone forever?"

"With strangers? Pfft, no," He said while rolling his eyes. "I don't practically care whether that woman is alive or not."

"Then why save me!?"

"Don't misunderstand, you moron. I saved you because someone told me to, that's it. Nothing else."

"T-Then is that 'someone' you love?"

"Hah?"

"You did what that person said so that means you love that person, right?"

"You know, even if you're just a normal kid, there has to be a limit to how stupid you are in your age."

"You're a kid too!"

"But I'm the more mature one so there. Your meaning of love is too simplistic and broad. Just because I'm following someone's orders doesn't mean I love him."

"You don't love the guy with a head that looks like a cone?"

"First, he's wearing a hat called a conical hat. Second, no, I respect him and that's it."

"...Liar..."

"What makes you think that I'm lying?"

"Because back then you asked him 'what about you?' like you're worried about him!"

"I'm not worried, just curious what he was gonna do to escape from those wolves. If that's even possible, of course."

"Liar!"

"Shut up! I'm not wasting any more second to talk about this nonsense!" Hachiman shouted at him angrily and mounted the young alvarez deer. "Don't mutter a single word or else I'm leaving you here."

"Fine! I don't need you anyway!" The girl pouted while tears appeared in her eyes once again and averted her gaze from him with crossed arms. Hachiman clicked his tongue in irritation to her behavior and was about to ride the deer, yet he hesitated. To him, this orange-haired girl was annoying, optimistic, whiny, and a truly ignorant child. If someone asked him to choose between a dangerous, overpowering bandit and this girl, he would immediately choose the former even if it would result in death. He hated her. He hated all humans, his own race. He should've left her and saved Wylfrid instead. However, he didn't...

"You're the only one fast enough to escape. Take the girl and run!"

.

.

.

"I'll be fine, trust me!"

.

.

.

"Please keep my daughter safe."

.

.

He didn't do what he wanted and believed in. All because he followed his guardian's request. Also, the desperate voice from the mother shook his emotions somehow. Why did he do that? Why did Wylfrid put strangers above his own? Why didn't Hachiman rejected his demand and save him instead? What compelled the boy to do all this? He looked back to only see the girl's back but he could tell she was still pouting while hearing her small whimper.

"Is crying the only thing she does?" Hachiman mumbled before noticing the alvarez deer staring the girl in pity. He scratched the back of his head while sighing and rode the deer to approach beside her. The girl heard the deer's footsteps but she didn't want to look at the boy. "Hurry up."

"Eh?..." The girl finally looked up to see Hachiman wearing an indifferent expression yet there was something within it that made her wondered what his current thoughts were.

"Take my hand, let me take you somewhere safe." While many more trekalens attempted to fly towards the two children only to be forced to flee because of the alvarez deer's ability, the orange-haired girl stared at Hachiman for a few seconds until she turned her head away with a "hmph".

"Say sorry first!"

"I refuse," He said in a suddenly serious tone that surprised her and the deer. "I meant what I said. I meant what I believed in. I won't apologize just for you to feel better. Maybe there is a chance they survived that but it still is slim. I'm just trying to tell you that if that worst-case scenario did happen, I want you to stand up strong."

"What's that supposed to mean... I don't get it," The girl grabbed the grass in anger and despair at his words. "You're really mean! A bully! Stupid! Cruel! I'm not going with someone like you!"

"Yeah, it's as you say. I am cruel and no one should associate with someone like me. But still, I want you to take my hand not for me but for the people who wished to save you."

"... Who?"

"The person with the conical hat. He ordered me to save you and I followed and respect it. And then there's your mother who told me to keep you safe. Don't take my hand because you trust me or because you can be friends with me. Take it because it's the only way to respond to their goodwill. Whether it's their last wish doesn't matter. Answer their love and kindness to you with the same. So, please... Let me care for you." The moment he said the last sentence, the last remaining trekalens finally flew away revealing the night sky filled with stars as feathers with purple glowing tips were blown by the gentle breeze. Above the boy's head was the moon that illuminated the open field but shadowed his entire front. Anyone would be afraid or at least be uneasy by his current appearance. His face enveloped in shadow with the feathers only gave little purple light to illuminate, highlighted his eyes that appeared to be a dead fish. His words and appearance didn't align well. Some might not even identify him as human. And yet despite all that, the orange-haired girl didn't feel any fear at all. She couldn't determine what emotion was surging within her, but it told her to accept it. Accept the hand from the boy who didn't hesitate to conclude her loved one's death. Because in the end, he made a point. When the terrifying beasts and monster appeared, the only concern in her mother's mind was her beloved daughter that she would so far as to trust a stranger to ensure the girl's safety. If the girl refused to take his hand, then it would mean rejecting her mother's "final" act of goodwill. She didn't believe that her fate was sealed with those wolves, but the mother risked her own life to protect the daughter.

The mother, till their separation, showed her love for the daughter. And the daughter deeply loved her in return. Therefore, she slowly reached for his hand while staring in awe at her savior: a human with an inhuman appearance; a boy who was too rude to be friends with anyone; the person that saved her life and respected the acts of goodwill within people. Finally, the girl held his hand and Hachiman pulled her up and get her on the alvarez deer. It was as if she accepted darkness as her salvation. Without a word, Hachiman patted the deer's shoulder twice to signal their ride. However, instead of running as she did before, the deer's steps were small and hopped in between.

"What's she doing?" The girl couldn't help but ask.

"She's being careful, look," He said while looking down and she followed suit to see the feathers the trekalens left behind. "Those feathers are dangerous. If it comes into contact with a strong force, it explodes."

Strong... force?" The girl said as if it was a question due to her lack of vocabulary and understanding.

"It means if you step on them, it goes boom."

"Ooohhh," After avoiding the feathers, the deer managed to escape the field of littering feathers and ran once again into the woods. "Hey..."

"Hm?"

"What's your name?"

"My name doesn't matter."

"Then what am I supposed to call you?"

"Just call me those insults before, I don't care."

"Eh!? I don't wanna! How about I tell you my name and then tell me yours!"

"Not interested."

"I'm Yuigahama Yui! Call me Yui!"

"Didn't I say I'm not interested?" His irritation grew once again along with the desire to rip off her mouth but then released a sigh. "... Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Hm?"

"Hikigaya Hachiman's my name."

"Hikigaya Hachiman?... Hmmm~," The girl named Yui touched her chin with an index finger while looking up in thought. "Then, I'll call you Hikki!"

"Oi! Don't give me a nickname already."

"Call me Yui! Hikki!"

---

"Damn, that's one hell of a childhood you have there," Shizuka said while inhaling her kiseru. Both teacher and student returned to her household as the middle of the night arrived. Hikigaya's younger sister was sleeping in her room while the two stayed awake in the living room. Shizuka sat next to the open window, as usual, to stare at the crescent moon while the young dark mage sat on the couch. They chose to discuss this here to avoid anyone eavesdropping. Hachiman only told her about the recovered childhood memories and not any further than that such as his first encounter with Yukinoshita in the cave or even her knight turned butler. He once theorized that Shizuka might've known about his forgotten past because she forced him to join the True Science Institution that Yukinoshita founded and told Yuigahama about their Service Duties. While he leaned on the fact that it could've been a coincidence, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume the other. But after discussing with her about his recovered fragments of memories, he concluded that it was the former. After smoking with the kiseru once more, Shizuka spoke. "So you met Yuigahama long ago after bumping into a typhon, saved her from a pack of mind-controlled massis wolves, you both jumped into a river that could kill a normal person from the strong current and lived together in the forest for a while?"

"That last one sounds like from a romance novel." Hikigaya commented while staring at the katana he received from Hijiri.

"Because it is! What kind of backstory is that! How come you got the chance to tie the knot while I still don't?!" Shizuka complained while crying as she clutched the kiseru to the point that the stem slightly cracked.

"Now hold on, there's nothing there that 'ties the knot'. There's no way I'm marrying her."

"Shut up! You and your damn luck!"

"I'm not seeing that as 'luck'."

"So it was easy effort?! Is that it, you fucking bastard?!"

"Stop making delusional assumptions, you lonely old-"

"What the fuck did you just say?!" In a blink of an eye, the homeroom teacher appeared in front of him and punched his stomach so hard, he coughed and dropped the katana.

"I-I'm sorry..." He apologized in pain while holding his stomach.

"Hmph! Back to the topic at hand, so the reason why you acted strange with Yuigahama is because of those memories, right?"

"Yeah," He answered as the pain finally faded and rested his chin on his intertwined hands. "After recovering those memories, I... honestly don't know how to act in front of her."

"That's rare. Shouldn't the obvious answer be to just act normally? Just because you have those memories back, doesn't mean you should treat her different. I mean, after hearing your story, I think the way you two act with each other didn't change much in the present." She asked with a raised eyebrow confused to see the problem in his circumstance. He didn't answer and continued to remain silent while thinking. Noticing this, the "aunt" sighed, then went back to her seat next to the open window and used the kiseru to smoke. "Hooh~? Hikigaya... Is this what I think this is?"

"What?"

"Are you possibly... in love with her?!" When she asked that question with an exaggerated look and voice, Hikigaya's face instantly wore a deadpanned expression and just stared at Shizuka to give her the message without words. After being frozen still in those expressions for a few moments, she spoke. "Wrong answer, huh?"

"The word 'wrong' is not enough to describe your delusional assumptions."

"Alright then... so the problem is that you felt responsible for getting her into the Knight course, is that it?"

"... Yeah."

"It's her choice and is determined to pursue it. It's not your fault."

"I inspired her to enter this path. She was in debt to me for saving her back then. I'm the influence of her future."

"Choices without influence don't exist, Hikigaya. Every action comes from ideas that were made and learned from others. You may be her influence but in the end, Yuigahama did it by her own will. You can't blame yourself for something she did herself."

"But I'm part of the reason, and look where she is now."

"Huh, Shouldn't you be thinking that she will be a good asset when you participate in the monster extermination? The Heartless Ash Wasteland isn't a place where you hunt monsters and then just camp for a peaceful rest. You're gonna have to face wave after wave of monsters with no possible end. If you get backstabbed by your 'comrades', it would be instant death for you."

"I know, I know. Stop reminding me. But Yuigahama is just... not ready."

"... It's really rare for you to show actual concern for someone who's not your sister." Shizuka stared at the young dark mage in awe. "So, Hikigaya Hachiman, the dark mage who hates his own human race, is a hypocrite to his own ideals."

"Shut up. That's not-" He attempted to refute her statement but was immediately cut off by her.

"Yes, it is. In fact, your hypocrisy all started the moment you made them. The same time Wylfrid-san saved you from those-" Before she could complete her sentence, the young dark mage approached her in a flash and grabbed the right chest fabric of her yukata, and glared.

"I said shut up."

"Or what? Punch me in the face? That's another rare sight to see. For you to resort to violence when you're losing in an argument?" Shizuka looked with a stoic expression at Hachiman. "On the surface, you despised humans and you think to yourself that you shouldn't even go near them. But that's a lie, that's not skepticism based on hatred but more on fear. Deep down, you want something from them but you're scared to ask. So tell me, what do you want from us?"

"... We're talking about my predicament with Yuigahama here. Not about myself," He released her and went back to his seat. Meanwhile, the homeroom teacher stared at his retreating back until he sat down and she sighed.

"Yeah, well, as I said, she chose the knight course out of her own will. Whether you want to get her to move forward alongside you or to push her away, it's your call. But remember this..." She placed the kiseru on the ashtray and stood up to approach him. She then grabbed his right shoulder and smiled at him. "There is someone out there who would do something for you. Whether it's to repay a debt or because that someone just wants to, there are people like Yuigahama. And when you find one like that... don't ever push them away no matter how painful it is for them to be pulled by the arm. Got it?"

"I..." Hachiman hesitated in thought about what would be the correct answer. Yes or no? Did he really understand what his homeroom teacher lectured? Was Yuigaama a person who wanted to stand by his side just out of her own will? Did he lie to himself about his own ideals? There were too many to process in his mind. Too many questions. So his only answer was. "I... I don't know."

"Hikigaya..." She noticed his expression changed albeit slightly. Despite wearing the same stoic expression, there was a crack. And that crack made a sound which was his voice. It was as if he was lost unable to reach the answer. His voice sounded low and indifferent as usual but his words held emotion. He stood from his chair and climbed upstairs to sleep in his repaired bedroom while Shizuka watched him. "In the end... you're still a kid in you, huh?"

---

Next Day

The magic academy was suspended because the knights were investigating yesterday's incident. All students from both the knight course and scholar course were either at their homes or just strolling around the city to pass the time with friends or by themselves alone. The news of yesterday's incident spread throughout the city via a chronicle, but the information it contained was a little different from the truth.

Main Article Of The Villfalt Chronicles

Yesterday, a mysterious and terrifying incident occurred in the Sobu Magic Academy. During a physical fitness class activity, a giant monster appeared inside of the student name Ms. Yui Yuigahama. Many have said the monster was very powerful and could face three teachers. But thanks to the efforts of the teacher, Ms. Shizuka Hiratsuka, and two students, Mr. Hachiman Hikigaya and Ms. Yukino Yukinoshita, they were able to defeat the monster and saved not just everyone in the academy but perhaps also a quarter of Alexander City. The cause of the occurrence was unknown. Many witnesses speculated that the hooded monster might have cursed Ms. Yuigahama while others feared it to be a demon residing within her.

As of now, the investigation is still undergoing even though there are other issues at hand such as the hooded woman and incidents with goblins and shadow craves. As always, the king urges all citizens to stay vigilant and cautious, and do not exit the city until the situation is solved. Be strong and united, Alexander City. For the Kingdom of Villfalt.

...

"By the gods..."

"Poor girl."

"Just what is happening in this city?"

"They must be hiding something!"

"Damn monsters, what in the gods' names are the knights doing?"

"They'll solve this. Everything will be fine."

The murmurs and outrage filled the air and invaded all sounds. Fear, anxiety, and desperation for normalcy to return grew within the citizens. There were some who had high optimism that all the current issues may be resolved soon as they went around and continued fulfilling daily routines. Meanwhile, in the Hiratsuka Household, Komachi and her "aunt", Shizuka were eating oyakodon with miso soup using chopsticks. They heard footsteps from the stairs and they all look to see Hachiman approaching them.

"Good morning, Onii-chan~," Komachi greeted and drank her bowl of miso soup. "Breakfast is ready so eat up!"

"Thanks..." He said his gratitude and ate. The little sister noticed something odd about him but she couldn't understand what. However, what she did understand was that he was bothered by something.

"Is something wrong, Onii-chan?" She asked with a mix of curiosity and worry. "You look kinda... tired. More tired than usual."

"I couldn't get a good night's sleep, that's all." He lied while eating his oyakodon.

"... Is it something about what happened yesterday at your academy?" Komachi continued to question him. "I heard it was really bad."

"It's bad but we finished it quickly so there's no need to worry about that." He answered with the usual stoic expression.

"Really?" She asked to which he responded with only a nod. While he was eating, Komachi stared at him. "Liar."

"Komachi finish your breakfast." Shizuka ordered.

"Ah, right. School." The little sister quickly finished her breakfast and stood up. "I'm gonna be late. Sorry, can you wash my dishes for me?"

"No problem." Shizuka answered and waved at her goodbye.

"See ya, onii-chan!" Komachi waved at Hachimsn and he responded by giving her a smaller wave to which she accepted it and exited the house.

"Keep that up and your sister is gonna annoy you till you tell her the truth," the homeroom teacher warned and drank her bowl of miso soup. "Stop worrying about our conversation last night. Besides, don't you have a job to do?"

"Yeah, I know." He consumed his breakfast until he stood up and left with the food unfinished. He went back upstairs and grabbed his sheathed sword while looking at the wooden box containing the katana inside. Hachiman contemplated for a moment until he left the room and went up in the attic to exit using the secret entrance. He jumped from rooftop to rooftop until he assessed it was safe enough to go down in an alley and walked with the citizens. Of course, many of them were staring at the young dark mage while some avoided him whenever they were near him. However, he noticed some of their stares were quite different other than animosity and hatred.

"He's that dark mage, isn't he?"

"Yeah, he saved Ms. Yuigahama's daughter."

"Pfft, he must've been just there for support. I bet Hiratsuka-san and the daughter of the Yukinoshita family did most of the work."

Praises, doubts, contempt... respect? Worry? This mix of emotions and words spewing out of the citizens caused confusion to his mind. Hikigaya understood the feelings of doubts and contempt but praising and respecting a dark mage such as him? It was the same back at the academy yesterday as a minority of the students were filled with anticipation with either his actions, defeat, or victory. He questioned at first but shrugged it off so he could focus on fighting Hayama. Now, he questioned it once again as it grew larger the more he listened to the crowd's words. That confusion then mixed in along with all other thoughts he couldn't bury last night. His crumbling ideals, wandering what his current standing with Yuigahama, the supposed "lie" he embedded within himself to become this way. It was too much. He didn't understand and perhaps wouldn't understand unless he faced it head-on. That was why he would come to her whether it was to seek an answer or a distraction from those thoughts, he had no other way to combat this than to go there. After walking and turning to corners, he had reached a closed steel gate.

Within the middle of Alexander City, there is an inner wall where noble families live, and at the very center is the castle where the king and his royal family resides. If a commoner steps into this territory, that commoner would feel like he is in another world. It would feel almost as if the highest skies of heaven are created by human hands.

However, for someone such as Hikigaya, all he saw was nothing but huge buildings and the land the noblemen and women stepped on was just stone carved with scribbles they would call "designs" or "art". He didn't see the territory of nobles any different from the soil of commoners and the forest itself. As he tried to enter, two guards intersect their pole weapons together in front of him blocking his way. The guard on Hikigaya's left wore full-body iron armor while the one on the right wore a red samurai armor complete with a black kabuto that had a small golden demon head with very long horns as the frontal decoration. The samurai also wore a red mempo, a facial armor often called "samurai masks". The knight wielded a spear while the samurai wielded a naginata, a type of glaive.

"Halt! State your purpose!" The knight on the left interrogated and Hikigaya pulled out a rectangular folded paper in his yukata. He gave it to the guards as they inspect the paper by unfolding it to realize it was written in a certain language. "It's written in Taiyonese. Can you read it?"

"Yes," The samurai read the paper. "It says 'I, Yuigahama Yuna, grant Hikigaya Hachiman the right to walk on the magnificent land of nobles for the sake of his mission he was given'."

"I see..." Both guards used the clairvoyance spell to inspect the letter even further and the samurai spoke first.

"Alright, this letter is-"

"Fake!" The knight suddenly interrupted the samurai with a surprising shout. "What is this? Are you jesting us?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Hikigaya asked while giving the knight a scrutinizing gaze.

"I don't see Ms. Yuigahama Yuna's magic name signed here! What a poor attempt to infiltrate this sacred territory." The knight said with a mocking tone and gave the young dark mage an annoying smug.

When writing letters such as permits, request papers, and specific documents, there must be some form of confirmation that those types of papers were written by the real writer. Of course, just writing your full name or a signature is fine, but there are special ways to place proof that the writer truly wrote the paper with his/her own hand. Alchemists created a special magical substance for ink that when using it to write, the reader can confirm it is written by that person through the use of clairvoyance. When using clairvoyance while reading the paper written with magical ink, the user can see the "magic name". A magic name is a name that appeared through the mana fog the ink is emitting and shaped into letters. It is the most efficient proof to know that the real writer wrote it. However, the ink is very expensive as it costs over ~V~ 80,000 which is above a commoner's living expenses. It is quite straightforward to create for even a mage who had started to pursue alchemy, but the issue is on the ingredients required for its creation as it is quite difficult to find and/or harvest them. So that is why it is easy to assume that all nobles possess the magical ink.

"Oi, is your clairvoyance spell broken or you're just straight-up an idiot," Hikigaya glared at the knight. "Or maybe you can't read at all? Go back to school."

"What did you say?!" The knight pointed the spear at him but the samurai pulled it away from him.

"Stop! What in gods' names are you doing?" The samurai said in an angry tone. "The magic name is clearly here!"

"Tch, sorry but I can't read Taiyonese." The knight said while glaring at Hikigaya.

"If you can't read then why are you the first to answer? Shouldn't you just wait for your partner to translate?" Hikigaya asked while intensifying his glare which made the knight flinch.

"You... damn-!" The knight was about to act but his partner stopped him.

"Enough!" The samurai said while pushing the knight with a glare and looked back at the young dark mage. "This letter has Ms. Yuigahama's magic name. You are allowed to enter. Sorry about that."

"... Thanks..." Hikigaya gave the knight one last glare until the gate was raised open and he entered the noble's region. He saw a carriage with two horses attached in front as it opened to reveal an old butler approaching him.

"You are Mr. Hachiman Hikigaya, yes?" The butler asked.

"Uh, yeah." He answered while scratching the back of his head.

"Then please go inside. Lady Yuna is waiting for you." The butler said while giving the courtesy for the young dark mage to enter first. Hikigaya approached the carriage but not before hearing the conversation between the two guards outside the gate.

"... Dark mage! Are we going to allow someone like him to enter this luxurious region? You can't be-!" The knight complained but the samurai interrupted.

"This is Villfalt! The very symbol of unity. If you can't follow its very ideal that built this country, then you are not a true citizen here." The samurai said with a fit of calm anger. "Besides, that boy saved Yuigahama-sama's daughter. Are you not going to acknowledge that?"

"You are a fool."

"And you are ignorant."

"Mr. Hikigaya? Is something wrong?" The butler asked Hikigaya with a confused expression.

"Nothing," He answered while entering the carriage. The ride didn't last too long as they reached their destination. Followed by the butler, Hikigaya exited the carriage and looked up to see the huge mansion in front of him. "Very unnecessarily big"

"It is quite the standards here, Master Hikigaya," The butler said while walking towards the huge double wooden door that had two maids standing on each side as he gave him the gesture of courtesy for the young dark mage to enter the mansion. "Welcome to the Yuigahama household."

"We are pleased to kindly welcome you to this mansion." The two maids said in unison and bowed. Hikigaya stared at them for three seconds until he approached the doors as the maids opened for him.

"Please allow me to guide you to the young mistress's bedroom." The maid on his right spoke and walked ahead of him inside the mansion.

"Okay- Wait, hold on a minute," Hikigaya stopped her as she turned around to look at him. "Why her bedroom? Isn't there a guestroom or something?"

"The young mistress is currently in a difficult condition to leave her room. Also, Lady Yuna ordered me to guide you straight to her room so worry not." The maid said with a polite speech pattern.

"Okay then, lead the way.," Hikigaya told her to which she complied with a bow. He followed the maid through the hallway while glancing at the paintings hung on the walls, plants, and flowers watered in expensive vases and pots. They reached another double wooden door of Yuigahama's bedroom and the maid knocked lightly

"Young mistress, may I come in?" The maid asked.

"Sure!" They both heard Yuigahama's voice in the room and the maid opened the door slightly.

"Please wait here for a moment." The maid requested to which he responded with a short nod and she entered the room. "Pardon the intrusion but you have another guest here to visit you."

"Who?" Yuigahama asked and the maid nodded at Hikigaya as a signal for him to enter in which he did. The orange-haired girl's cheeks turned red when she saw him laid on her bed and hid her face with the blanket. Slowly, she moved the blanket down until her eyes could see him. "H-Hikki! W-Why-? H-How-? U-Umm... In my h-house... In my r-room."

"Yuigahama-san, please remain calm," Hikigaya looked at the source of the female voice to see Yukinoshita sitting on a chair beside Yuigahama. "It is just a Horrificgaya-kun with all its complete horrific presence. I understand if you are frightened, but it is elementary to remove thi-"

"Oi, oi, don't treat me like a monster when you are a monster yourself. If we compare each other on who's the scarier monster it would be you since a smart and deceitful monster is the most terrifying one, YukinoSHITa-san." Hikigaya began their usual squabble with a vein popped in his head.

"A very profound claim but at the end, not enough. Your rotten eyes may have dulled your vision. No, wait, as a typical depiction of a decaying dead fish, it is more likely that you don't have vision at all considering your lifeless fish eyes."

"My eyes are as clear as day. And even if I can't see, I can still tell what kind of monster you are just from you emitting this wicked presence of a witch who can literally create water snakes. Replace that long hair with those water snakes and everyone can clearly see a gorgon in that damn face of yours.

"A gorgon, you say? Well, compared to a gorgon, you are-"

"Okay~! Please stop arguing~!" Yuigahama intervened while moving her arms up and down. "H-Hikki, why are you here?"

"To come visit you. I know, surprising, right?" Hikogaya answered with sarcasm in his voice.

"How were you able to enter the gate?" Yukinoshita asked and he answered by revealing to them the paper Yuigahama's mother wrote.

"Why would mommy give you that, I wonder?" The daughter asked while staring at the content of the paper.

"Hikigaya-kun, you didn't harass her mother to give you that, did you?" Yukinoshita immediately assumed while giving him an icy glare.

"No, you damn Ice Queen. Even I don't know why." Hikigaya wondered until he heard a door opening.

"Maybe I'll answer the question~!" Yuigahama Yuna entered the room with a tray carrying three yunomi cups of tea and biscuits. "Yahallo~! How are you all doing?"

"We're fine, mommy." Her daughter answered. "So why did you give him that letter?"

"So he could hang out here!" The mother answered with enthusiasm. They gave different reactions to her answer: Yuigahama's eyes widened while her face was fully red in embarrassment; Yukinoshita appeared to be uninterested but her eye twitched; Hikigaya narrowed his eyes analyzing Yuna's expression while hoping she was lying. However, disappointingly for him, she wasn't. Yuna placed the tray on the small table and approached the young dark mage as she leaned forward to put her face closer to his. Hikigaya leaned back in discomfort to her invasion of his proximity and she spoke. "Yui-chan wouldn't stop talking about you every time we ate dinner together so I want to talk to you!"

"Mommy! Don't go running your mouth!" The daughter stood up and pushed her mother outside the room.

"Eeeehhh~? I wanna talk to Hikki, too!" The mother protested in a cheery tone.

"Give it a rest!"

"Oh, right! Is Yukino-chan staying here for the night? Her room is all set and I can provide her with some comfortable clo-"

"No, she's not! Now please get out!" She shouted and closed the door shut before taking a huge deep breath and turned around to face her two visitors. "Sorry about that. Mommy is like, really excited you all came here, hehehe!"

"To be honest, your mother doesn't act like a noblewoman at all." Hikigaya commented.

"True, out of all the noblemen and women, she is the most peculiar," Yukinoshita said while holding her chin. "If I may be blunt as well, you also do not act like a noblewoman yourself., Yuigahama-san. However, that doesn't mean it's a flaw."

"Like mother and daughter." Hikigaya said with an exhausted sigh.

"Yeah, we get that a lot. But I'm glad a lot of nobles are nice to us even if we act like this." Yuigahama said while looking down to avoid their scrutinizing gaze, but then she noticed about her attire. Because she would be staying in bed for days, she was only wearing a short pink frilly nightgown that barely managed to cover her thighs and cleavage. After being aware of this, she crouched and covered her cleavage with her arms. Hikigaya wondered what that was until his instincts alerted him of an incoming danger next to him. He jumped away from his chair dodging a Mana Shot from Yukinoshita. With one mana sphere fueled by anger, disgust, and slight jealousy, she continuously fired Mana Shots as he blocked with a simple barrier spell and dodged if it broke.

"What now?!" Hikigaya asked in irritation.

"Avert your rotten eyes from her, Hikipervy-kun. No, in fact, please gouge them for all maidens' chastity." Yukinoshita said angrily with a calm tone.

"What the hell do you mean by that?! Oi! You're gonna wreck Yuigahama's whole room, you damn tyrant!"

"Get out!" She said with growing anger and he had no choice but to reluctantly comply.

"Tch! What's her problem?" He said while leaning his back on the closed door and thought. "But still, I didn't expect Yukinoshita to visit her. Did Yuigahama's friends even visit? Though, it's still early morning so..."

"I will visit you again tomorrow," He heard Yukinoshita's voice behind the door which was opened. "I am sorry for leaving so early."

"It's alright, Yukinon! I'm happy you came here." Yuigahama appreciated her and waved goodbye. Yukinoshita responded with the same gesture and exited her bedroom while closing the door.

"You have a busy schedule or something?" Hikigaya asked in curiosity.

"I haven't put the metal parts into the contraption," Yukinoshita told her reason for leaving early. "Then I have to test it if it works or not."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Either I have to adjust the components or start from the beginning once again. I regret asking this wholeheartedly, but is your time today occupied? I may regrettably require your assistance."

"Ask me without expressing your regrets about it," Hikigaya said with a twitching right eye and thought about her request. He was really interested to see if their first invention together would work and be useful in battle. He worked with her (Correction: worked UNDER her) in brainstorming, experimenting, and crafting in search of the correct invention that aligned with their idea. The True Science Institution suffered (Mostly Hikigaya) through trial and error. It was more or less a miracle they were able to do it but the major factor in reaching that goal was none other than Yukinoshita's unparalleled intelligence in the field of pure science. He wanted to see it, whether the result was a success or failure. Hard work betrays none so he wanted to confirm it with his own eyes that the blood, sweat, and last fragments of sanity truly brought progress. However, as of now, he was given a duty to fulfill. An annoying, time-wasting, yet necessary duty to fulfill. The information about yesterday's strange incident was still only hypotheses and speculations so it was logical for the headmaster and Yuigahama's mother to immediately give Hikigaya the task of protecting her. Along with all the conflict within his mind after recovering his missing memories, he felt the need to stay beside the orange-haired girl. And so, he answered truthfully. "Sorry, I need to stay here to keep an eye on her."

"I see, so that is why her mother gave you the right to step foot in this territory," Yukinoshita deduced. "Our best knights still have business elsewhere and most of the military are occupied with Yuigahama's attacker. So the only person who has the ability to stop Yuigahama-san's Ziel puppet is you."

"You catch on quick. Let me know if the invention was a success or not."

"I will notify you here tomorrow but come early."

"Ugh, and just when I thought I could sleep more," Hikigaya complained as she walked away without another word. After watching her turned right until she was gone, he stared back at the double doors and knocked. "Oi can I come in now?"

"Okay!" Yuigahama responded with an excessively loud voice. He opened the door to reveal Yuigahama on her bed with legs covered by a blanket. She changed her clothes into a more decent nightgown which was now white, had short sleeves, and fully covered her cleavage. She unconsciously combed her hair with a hand for some reason and held a mirror close to her face. Hikigaya didn't dwell on it though and approached her. Yuigahama heard his footsteps which made her flinched and hid the mirror under the blanket.

"How are you feeling?" Hikigaya asked while sitting on a chair.

"I'm fine," She answered with a reassuring smile. "It's not like I'm hurt or sick. Mommy and the others just worry too much."

"I understand your mother but I doubt the others feel worried. More like they're afraid that thing is gonna come out anytime." Hikigaya said it bluntly without considering the effect of his words. Yuigahama had a downcasted expression and clutched her blanket. "Oi, stop sulking. You remember what Yukinoshita said the day before the end of your request?"

"Yukinon?" Yuigahama stared at the ceiling in an effort to remember Yukinoshita's words. After seconds passed without an answer, he spoke.

"She said: 'stop listening to what other people say? It is such an embarrassment for you to just let others decide your path, it is too nauseating. Do you not see how pathetic and disgraceful you look when you have such a mindset? I do not like it.'. Or something," Hikigaya raised his voice in high pitch in an attempt to imitate the Ice Queen and then coughed because of that and spoke normally. "You can't stop their damn minds from wondering what's gonna happen next, or how will this end. The only thing you can do now is to give an answer. Whether that answer is what you wanted or beyond your control is all up to you."

"Hehe, thanks, Hikki." She thanked him to which he responded with a nod. Then there was silence. The atmosphere in the room was rather uncomfortable for someone as social and talkative as Yuigahama. She wanted to speak with him but she didn't know what sort of topic that would be engaging to him. The orange-haired girl stared at the young dark mage to see him pulling out a book in his kimono and began reading. She couldn't help but be captivated by his expression of focus on the book and disinterest in his surroundings. It was as if she was staring at his state of mind and what kept him living as himself. He flipped a page and continued reading until he raised his head to see Yuigahama's stare.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing!" She averted her gaze with red cheeks and suddenly a thought came to her mind and asked. "So, uuhh, how long are you gonna be here?"

"Until twilight," He answered while going back to reading the book. "We don't know much about your situation aside from the hypotheses Yukinoshita and I thought up. So your mother gave me the right to walk here. Until the academy is open again, I'll be visiting you every morning."

"Oh," His explanation made her blush grew on her face. "Sorry for troubling you after all this."

"It's fine. I would've done something to keep an eye on you if I didn't have the right she gave me." He actually said that unconsciously because his focus kept shifting back and forth between her, the book, and his recovered memories and his conflict from them. He looked back at the orange-haired girl to see her staring at him in bewilderment and then averted her gaze once again. "Wait, it's not-... What I'm trying to say is-"

"Young mistress," A female voice outside the door called while knocking. "You have visitors."

"Yui! It's us." The familiar voice of Miura Yumiko shocked the two people in the bedroom. "Hina is with me."

"A-Ah! Hold on a second!" Yuigahama shouted loud enough for them to hear and went back to Hikigaya who suddenly disappeared from where he was sitting. There was a small piece of paper on the chair and she picked it up to read.

"Hiding above the roof. Be back until they're gone."

"Eh?! That's way too fast! Did he really just wrote this letter and jumped out of the window in one second?! No, no, he probably prepared this note in advance if something like this might happen. Hikki is smart," Yuigahama crumpled the paper and hid it under the bed. She laid back on her bed and cleared her throat to speak. "You can come in now!"

"Hey, there. You alright?" Miura asked with a smile as she entered the bedroom followed by Ebina who held a small sack.

"I bought a lot of taiyaki and dango since you're not really the type to eat luxurious sweets," Ebina said while raising the sack and noticed the three teas on the small table. "Oh, nice! You have tea and still warm."

"Did some people visited before us?" Miura asked while sitting on the same chai Hikigaya sat seconds ago.

"Nope! I, uhh... asked the maids to prepare tea should you guys show up." Yuigahama answered and it convinced Ebina as she sat on another chair but it did not convince Miura.

"The chair is warm..." The blonde girl thought while looking with a raised eyebrow at the orange-haired girl.

"So, how are you?" Ebina asked and drank a sip of tea.

"I'm fine. I'm not really sick and my injuries from yesterday are healed," Yuigahama answered with the same cheerful tone. "Mommy just told me to stay in bed until the academy opens again."

"Pfft, you still call your mother 'mommy'? You're really weird, Yui." Miura said while laughing and the others followed suit. Then they discussed mundane topics such as their daily activities so far, studies in the magic academy, and yesterday's physical fitness activity. Miura pulled a strand of her hair behind the ear, folded her arms together, and crossed her legs. "Totsuka is really strong. I can't believe he had that kind of trump card."

"Enziel Elemental magic, huh?" Yuigahama touched her chin with an index finger. "I didn't know about that."

"It's a very advanced skill to learn, " Ebina said. "Mostly liberators and exhibitors can learn that."

"Ooohhh, that means I can learn that!" Yuigahama claimed which made Miura chuckled.

"Only if you can improve your earth magic." Miura teased.

"Hmhmhm, you underestimate me, Yumiko! Right now, I can cast FOUR earth spells!"

"That's still kinda small, Yui," Ebina said while chuckling. "It's still going to be a long way for you to reach that level."

"Well, your Ziel puppet is all sorts of amazing from what I heard from the others. You really did well in the fourth match so don't be too down. " Miura attempted to reassure her and Yuigahama felt nervous from her friend mentioning Sablè. Miura noticed the change in her friend's expression and apologized. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It's okay, really. I just don't understand what happened. How it happened," Yuigahama said with her downcasted look returning.

"That lowlife scum who kidnapped you must've done something," Miura speculated with anger in her voice. "If I ever saw that thing, I'll remove its head."

"Yui-chan, do you at least know what happened before that whole chaos happened?" Ebina asked in search of clues.

"We were ambushed by Agafonov and others. It was a losing battle," Yuigahama explained, doing her best efforts to remember the events that led to that point. "Agafonov defeated Ollie-ch- I mean, Oliver-san so I'm the only one left. Sablè tried his best but they were too many of them and Agafonov was stronger than me. After being caught by her, she... stabbed me..."

"Not exactly surprising," Miura interjected. "That's what everyone in the activity should be expecting. We weren't using wooden swords, but blades forged in real metal."

"But.. She did it so slowly... She-... She was enjoying my torment."

"Is that so?" The blonde girl stood up with an angry expression and unconsciously emitted her magical energy. "Then we should pay that whore a visit. Debt shouldn't be left unpaid."

"You don't have to do that, Yumi-"

"I know that bitch has some issues with us. But she targeted you of all people? She's dead!"

"Yumiko!" Yuighama shouted which finally gained their attention. "Stop. It's not right."

"What do you mean 'it's not right'?" Miura asked in bewilderment mixing within her rage. "It's obvious she wanted to kill you if she had the chance. If we just ignore her, you won't be left off with a hole in your stomach! I can't even believe she's still alive after that weird monster that showed up in the training grounds! She deserves to-"

"Yumiko!" Now it was Ebina who shouted at her and wore an expression of sympathy. "That's enough. You shouldn't mention... That."

"Eh?" The blonde girl realized what she said and looked at Yuigahama who was clutching the blanket while gritting her teeth. "I'm sorry! I... I'm just so angry and... I..."

"I-I told you, it's fine. G-Goodness, how many times am I gonna have to say that till you believe me?" Yuigahama said with a faltering smile and fake laugh.

"Yui..." Miura sat back on the chair with guilt and held both of Yuigahama's hands with a smile. "I know you are."

"Something like this won't get in your head. It'll be the same thing as when you forgot all the lectures." Ebina teased which made Yuigahama pout.

"Hey! I'm trying my best! It's just that the teachers didn't give enough explanation." The orange-haired girl argued.

"Nope. I'm pretty sure it's just you." Miura joined in and they all laughed.

"Hiratsuka-sensei was amazing yesterday. She fought that monster head-on," Ebina said while remembering the event. "I heard she's strong but I didn't expect her to be that strong."

"Really? Can you tell us how it went down?" Yuigahama asked and Ebina told the story in detail up until the part where Hikigaya and Yukinoshita joined to assist their homeroom teacher. The two listeners had various emotions after hearing the story. From excitement to confusion and then bewilderment. Overall, they both thought that battle was beyond comprehension and one that would reach the ears far and wide.

"She became one with the Ziel puppet? That's definitely unheard of," Miura said in disbelief. "I guess we didn't know much about sensei than we thought."

"All we know is that she was trained here in the knight course until she resigned. And now, she works in our academy as a teacher." Yuigahama said while scratching her cheek.

"Something must've happened after she quit the course," Ebina speculated while adjusting her glasses. "Nevertheless, I'm glad we have a teacher like her. Even though she can kinda act weird sometimes."

"If we can guess one thing, is that she couldn't get a single lover after she resigned." The blonde girl teased and they all laughed at that. "Still, for people like Yukinoshita and that dark mage to step up and help. I hate to admit it but they aren't talented top 3 students for nothing."

"I know right?" Ebina sighed. "When we were watching the whole thing happened at our platform. Hikigaya just went like this:

...

"I'm going." Hikigaya suddenly declared which shocked everyone.

"I told you to-!" Before the Liberator teacher could object to his idea, Yukinoshita suddenly stood beside him.

"Then I will come with you." She said with a sword in hand.

"Hmm? Nah, I don't need your help." He argued.

"Surely, you jest. Did you perhaps think that you could subjugate that monster? While it is true that it resembles a dog or some kind of beast, you are not a dog yourself. You are living corpse of a fish."

"Ah, yes, yes. I really do need your icy glare since my eyes are unmatched against the eyes of an ugly, arrogant, mother of water snakes," Hikigaya said while walking forward. "That was sarcasm, by the way."

"Yes, your sarcastic joke that you even have eyes. You are a corpse of a fish, remember?" Yujinoshita continued her bickering while following the young dark mage from behind.

"And somehow this dead fish can do more than just waiting to be rot."

"Yes, you can do more. For example, you can let the worms, insects, and even small beasts devour your corpse, scare many bystanders. You could be a useful hunter's bait. So, so many uses."

"Hmhm, the fact that even dead, I can still do more than you. Thank you for telling me that I'm better than you in both life and death."

"Whether you live or not, my superiority has no bounds if I am to pit against you. That is why I am coming with you to help Hiratsuka-sensei."

"You changed your reason so quickly. Too embarrassed to admit you want to help me?"

"I only said 'I'm coming with you'. Your mind is truly like a fish. Do not put words in my mouth and misunderstood my actions entirely."

"Then, fuck off. I don't need your help."

"'A frog in a well does not know the great sea', is the perfect description for your idiocy, Hikistupid-kun." As they argue even more, both jumped off the floating platform leaving the stunned witnesses in a daze.

...

"They just kept arguing to no end and just joined the fray. I couldn't really tell if they are lovers or just rivals." Ebina said while scratching her cheek.

"Yukinoshita? Hah! There's no way someone like him could take her hand. She's out of his league." Miura said with an arrogant tone.

"Hmmm~, what's this? Did Miura Yumiko just complimented her biggest rival?" Ebina teased while leaning her face closer to her.

"I knew you two can be friends!" Yuigahama said with optimism in her voice.

"It's not like that! Not in a million lifetimes, I am befriending that arrogant witch," Miura denied their claims while swaying her blonde hair. "The only thing we have in common is that we hate that dark mage."

"Well, I can't really say she 'hates' him." Ebina doubted.

"You said they were arguing, right? Doesn't that mean they're at each other's throats?" Miura asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I wonder... It's like when I watch them argue, I don't see any hostility towards each other." Ebina said while staring at the ceiling.

"Those two are really amazing, huh?" The orange-haired girl said while resting her chin in her palm. "Even going into something scary, they can still banter with each other like nothing is happening."

"What is that phrase again? 'Umisen Yamasen (Ocean thousand, mountain thousand)'? With those two working together as a pair, they can be the most powerful mages within our grade." Ebina claimed.

"Hah! Yukinoshita doesn't stand a chance against me! She's a water mage after all. And Hayato-sama is a lot stronger than that dark mage!" Miura said with a vein popped in her temple.

"But didn't he beat Hayama-san yester-" Yuigahama tried to correct her friend but Miura shouted angrily.

"He must've landed a dirty shot, that's all. Or he used a trick!"

"Nope. We watched the fight. It was pretty fair and square. Right, Yui-chan?" Ebina refuted and asked Yuigahama who was about to answer until Miura sent a fiery glare at her. As a drop of sweat ran down her cheek, the orange-haired girl thought of the alternative answer.

"Uuhh, maybe he did have something up his sleeve. Ehehehe..." Yuigahama chuckled nervously.

"Right?! Hayato-sama is the strongest of our grade. And that dark mage is nothing but an insect to him!" Miura said arrogantly while laughing.

"Okay then, believe what you want to believe." Ebina sighed while lightly waving her hand indifferently. "But still, he's quite a guy. That... uh, what's his name again? Hikitani?"

"I'm pretty sure it's Hikio." Miura guessed.

"Eeehhh!? How come they already forgot Hikki's name?! He's already gotten enough attention recently. Is he that unimportant to remember his name? That's way too sad! Hikki's life is so sad!" Yuigahama thought while staring at her two friends in awe as they tried to guess the young dark mage's name. "Umm, I think it's Hikigaya, right?"

"Ooh! That's it! He's quite a guy," Ebina said while nodding. "That Hikitani-kun."

"You're doing that on purpose, right? That was just a joke right?" Yuigahama thought as she stared at Ebina in bewilderment and slight frustration.

"Yeah, I hate to admit it but he's not an ordinary mage not taking his element into account," .iura admitted. "Is he really human? For him to have such overwhelming physical strength is..."

"I heard a lot about mages devoted to martial arts and how they can kill a strong beast with only their bare fists. He could be one of those kinds of people." Ebina speculated.

"Idiot, that's just a legend. Who knows how Hikio can do all those things." Miura rebutted and sighed.

"He's definitely trained differently from how we were trained." Yuigahama openly shared her thoughts on the topic.

"I agree. He must've been through hell." Ebina agreed to her claim.

"By the way, Yui," The blonde girl gained her friend's attention. "Did anybody visited you before us?"

"Nope. You two are the first!" Yuigahama answered with a lie while hiding her resurfaced anxiety.

"Oh really? You see, when I sat on this chair, it was already warm as if someone had already sat here." Miura revealed while staring at her with a scrutinizing gaze. "And I bet those teas weren't really for us. Who is it?"

"Well, it's-"

"Because it's not Seerwind since he's busy with something else."

"I-I can't tell you!"

"Hmm~? Yui we're friends, right?" Miura asked in a cheerful tone and yet her menacing aura contradicted her voice.

"Yeah..."

"So you shouldn't keep secrets from us."

"Don't push her too much, Yumiko," Ebina stopped the blonde girl from forcing Yuigahama. "Maybe she was visited by one of her suitors. Or maybe her secret lover?"

"Eh?! No! No! No! No! That's wrong!" Yuigahama denied her claim but the exaggerated defensive tone on her voice made their suspicions rose.

"Hmm~? You're going after another guy even though you're engaged? An affair?" Miura teased with a scrutinizing gaze.

"No! It's not like that!"

"Oh, so a guy really came here before we did!" Ebina shouted. "Who is it. Is he one of our classmates?"

"Yui~. I never thought you had it in you~!" Miura grinned.

"He's just a childhood friend!" Yuigahama tried to deny their claims defensively. "My two childhood friends visited me and left. They, uuhh, come from Taiyokigen and traveled here for business!"

"You're not lying, are you?" Miura asked while leaning her face closer to the orange-haired girl's.

"No, I'm not," She answered while shaking her head.

"Hmmm~?"

---

Three hours later

After hours of engaging in friendly conversations about mundane activities, advice on magic, and continuous tease about Yuigahama's "affair", her two friends decided to leave.

"We'll come visit you tomorrow," Yumiko said while standing up. "But the day after that, I have some business to attend with my mother. Sorry."

"It's alright, I'm glad you took the time to visit me." Yuigahama reassured her.

"See you tomorrow," Ebina said with a light wave as they were approaching the door. "Don't worry, we won't tell anyone about your affair~!"

"How can I convince you that it's not..." Yuigahama mumbled with an exhausted sigh.

"Well, if you do have someone you're in love with that is not Seerwind. I think that's fine," Miura shared her thoughts. "Maybe that guy is more handsome, stronger, and richer than Seerwind. I understand if you fell for-"

"I said it's not like that!" Yuigahama shouted with her face becoming red.

"As long as it's not Hayato-sama, I'll support you! See ya tomorrow!" Miura gave her a small wave before leaving the room followed by Ebina. As they walked in the hallway, Ebina looked with a raised eyebrow at the blonde companion.

"That's really strange of you, Yumiko."

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

"You detest people who would sell anything in exchange for benefits. Whether it's status, comrades, or their own bodies. Isn't Yuigahama an example of that?"

"You really think Yui is that kind of person?" Miura argued in a serious tone.

"Not really. But everyone has secrets."

"Good point. I trust her."

"What makes you say that?"

"Our first encounter wasn't really pleasant," Miura said while looking up at the ceiling. "It was rough and I slapped her in the cheek once."

"Woah," Ebina stopped walking in bewilderment at that revelation. "What did she do to anger you to that extent?"

"Hmmm... I'll tell you when the time is right."

"Eh? What does that mean?"

"Let's just say after that first encounter, I already knew so much about her."

---

"I really need to be good at lying..." Yuigahama mumbled to herself.

"Being manipulative doesn't suit you that much," Suddenly Hikigaya appeared from the open window which surprised the orange-haired girl.

"That's not what I meant!" Yuigahama argued. "So where have you been?"

"On the roof reading the book," He answered while sitting down on the same chair.

"Hmm~... What's that book about anyway?"

"It's something that a certain idiot asked me to review," Hikigaya's face turned sour. "I told that damn moron to give me a draft or manuscript but instead he just went and finished it into a book without hesitation."

"Eh? You have friends?" Yuigahama asked with her head tilted.

"That guy is not my friend. He just thinks of me as the only person he could approach. A sad method to ease one's loneliness."

"Doesn't that mean he wants to be friends with you?"

"Oh, please. Once he finds people he can talk to, he'll throw me away in the mud. That's how social standards work."

"Eeehhh?" Yuigahama stared with an exhausted expression at the young dark mage and then asked. "Can I meet him?"

"Who?"

"That guy who asked you to review his work?"

"I can already imagine how that would go..." Hikigaya said mentally and imagined such a scenario happening.

...

"Fuhahaha! Who is this strange woman beside thee, friend! In all of the thousands of our lifetimes, never have I expected thou to be accompanying a mistress such as her! For what has she done to thee that would bow down before her?! No matter, I will help thee to be free from such shackles with the art of-"

...

"No," Hikigaya answered after ending his imagination.

"Eh? Why not?"

"Trust me, it's for your own good."

"I don't really get it but fine," Yuigahama said with a pout and sighed. "I wonder how Yukinon is doing?"

---

Somewhere in the woods near the city

A loud bang echoed throughout the forest. Birds flew away from their nests due to being surprised by that sound. The source of that strange and loud sound was from Yukinoshita who stood in the middle of an open grass field holding a small object in her right hand. Her hair was tied into a bun and she wore the standard training attire which consisted of cowhide suede leather vests over white long-sleeved blouses and black pants. The small object she was holding appeared to be a stick with a curvy wooden handle, metal parts in the middle with a very tiny crescent-shaped part underneath and a small metal rod with a hole on the tip. The hole was smoking as she pointed it at the tree stump that had chunks of apple spread on top of it.

"I'd say it is a success," Yukinoshita claimed while looking at the object closely. "I invented a new mechanism that instead of using a match to lit the powder inside, I stuck a small flint and this small steel that would strike sparks against the tiny iron pan full of powder located in between them by pulling this trigger. While it is very loud, the weapon served its purpose and fulfilled our goal. I used a small metal ball I liked to call 'bullet' as the projectile and when I fired the weapon, the bullet traveled faster than an arrow. In fact, its speed could be equal to a light mage's Flash Javelin spell. However, the two main flaws of this are: when I activate it, the launch of the bullet exerted an equal force in the opposite direction. As a result, my arms flinch back; The second is the slow preparation for the shot."

she pulled the metal part holding the flint and grabbed a flask full of powder to pour a small amount on both inside the muzzle and the iron pan located in the middle side. Next, she placed a tiny cloth on the muzzle and the bullet on top of it. With the ramrod, she tamped down the ball deep in the hole. Finally, she closed the L-shaped steel and aimed the weapon towards the sky.

"Ten seconds..." She thought while analyzing the information she had received in this test so far. "It took me ten seconds to prepare the next shot. If it's during a battle, ten seconds is too long. There has to be a solution to this, but this is the best I can do..."

The sound of rustling bushes reached Yukinoshita's ears and so she pointed the weapon with both hands to the direction it came from.

"Who's there?" Yukinoshita asked with intense focus. After waiting for a few seconds, an old man revealed himself behind the bushes. He had long white hair, long white beard, and his attire consisted of the standard teacher's uniform but with a white cape that covered around the neck, shoulders, and to his chest. After recognizing who he was, she lowered the weapon and bowed. "H-Headmaster Saintwood! Forgive me for the display of hostility."

"It is fine. One must be cautious especially in these difficult times," Hervey pardoned her. "I was strolling in the woods to feel nature until I heard a loud thunder which is weird considering the sky is clear blue today."

"Forgive me for ruining the tranquility," She said as she showed him the invention. "The loud thunder you spoke of came from this."

"Hmm? A magic wand? No, I've seen this before..."

"You do?"

"Yes, in Shuddjhal..." He answered while looking closely at the weapon.

"If it is in Shuddjhal, then the only people who can craft these kinds of innovation would be the dwarves." Yukinoshita said with widened eyes.

"You are correct, Ms. Yukinoshita."

"But entering non-human territories is forbidden to all humans. How did you...?"

"I have my ways. Please keep it a secret."

"Y-Yes! I promise to conceal this from everyone." Yukinoshita said while bowing once more. "I-If I may ask."

"You may."

"Did the dwarves truly created this before I did?"

"Hmm, this is a weapon, yes? A long-range one that launches a metal ball?"

"Yes, you are correct."

"The dwarves crafted something similar to this. Except it is much larger than this one and they used it to tear down fortresses. Very formidable and required small amounts of magic."

"I see... They really are an intelligent race. They truly understand the wonders of science."

"Agreed. However, it is not for the sake of science, but rather because of their deep and admirable passion for craftsmanship that drives them to build such wonders. It is in their blood- no in their very souls to craft. Their passion could be equal to your pursuit of pure science, my dear."

"Thank you for such praise."

"If it isn't too difficult, can you please show me the wonders of this craft?"

"Yes, I am honored to have you witness our accomplishment," Yukinoshita accepted his request and the headmaster summoned a human-figured being made of pure mana. The summoned being walked far until it stopped next to the tree stump that she used to place targets.

"Will this distance suffice?" Hervey asked.

"Yes, it is perfect." She said as she held the weapon with both hands and pointed it at the being of pure mana. Her eyes emanated focus trying to aim the target at the head. Yukinoshita inhaled deeply and the moment she held her breath, she fired the weapon. Sparks came out between the flint and steel, and a flash of flame came out of the muzzle. A very loud bang pierced their ears as the sound echoed through the forest. It was almost as if the weapon summoned thunder. Hervey didn't see anything asked from those occurrences, and his summoned being's forehead had a small hole. The being of pure mana burst into nothingness and he looked back at the girl with a nod.

"Very impressive. My eyes couldn't even see the ball traveling into my Ziel puppet. Is there really no magic involved in that weapon?" The headmaster asked in a curious tone.

"There is not even the tiniest amount of magical energy required for this to function," Yukinoshita answered. "Please trust our conviction, the purpose of our institution is to create and discover purely with science alone to advance civilization."

"Ms. Hiratsuka told me all about your True Science Institution when she requested me to accept its foundation. I accepted it because you are perhaps the first human of countless generations to devote yourself to science. And after seeing what the dwarves can create, I anticipate that someone may have such equal or greater talent. I am pleased that it is you who exceeded my expectations." Hervey thanked her genuinely with a bow.

"It is my honor," Yukinoshita bowed as well and asked. "If I may ask a favor to you, headmaster..."

"You may."

"Should the time come, please let me join you on the travel to Shuddjhal."

"Hmmm... Please give me time to consider."

"Thank you so much."

"Hn, now if you excuse me, I should follow my schedule today so I will take my leave."

"Of course, thank you and forgive me for spending your time here."

"Nonsense, it was very amusing. I'm expecting great things from you and your institution." And with that, he left the area and walked deep into the woods while giving her a small wave. After assessing the distance to be far from the area, the headmaster contemplated what he had learned so far from that interaction. "Hmm... I do not understand things such as science and craftsmanship but if I compare the dwarves'... what did they call it? Cannon? If I compare that to Yukinoshita's invention, I can still say that she is several steps ahead of them. Incredible talent for both magic and science... How very interesting..."

---

Days had passed as everything was only mundane and uneventful. It was peaceful... so far. Hikigaya couldn't help but expect the worst to come and at the same time, hoping that it wouldn't happen at all. However, hoping that nothing would happen was delusional. Huge chaos would occur whether in this city, the forest, or the entire kingdom of Villfalt. It was all in a matter of when and how it would occur. Hikigaya couldn't think of a single scenario because of the lack of information so the only option was to not dwell on it and instead, focus on his current objective. It wasn't entertaining but it wasn't boring either. Yuigahama conversing with him about whatever she could come up with only for him to respond with small replies and blunt insults, and Yukinoshita who was telling him the smooth progress on the tests so far but of course, she didn't leave without engaging in another battle of words.

Tomorrow, the magic academy would finally reopen, and visiting Yuigahama's home would end, but that didn't exactly mean his role as her bodyguard would come to an end as well. What he needed to do now was to solve the internal conflict within him that was growing as days went by. He tried not thinking about such things and even spend some time with his sister, but unfortunately (and shockingly for him) none of them worked. So the only solution was to discuss with Yuigahama about his issue at hand. And as of now, he was engaging in a conversation with her in the very same bedroom.

"...-nd Yumiko was like, 'I don't have time for something I don't even bother doing'. I don't know really know if she was really uninterested or maybe she doesn't know how to do it but-..." While Yuigahama was talking about whatever topic that was, Hikigaya snapped out of his thoughts turned his focus to the present as he failed to listen to her ramblings. The orange-haired girl seemed to notice that and asked. "Hey, are you listening?"

"No," He answered immediately after quickly regaining composure. "I'm starting to lose interest the more I listen to you talking about Fire Bitch."

"Hey!" Yuigahama hit his head with a knifehand strike and pouted. "Don't call her or anyone that!"

"I don't see anything wrong with what I'm saying. From what you're telling me so far, all she's been doing was being a bitch at how great she is, blah, blah, blah, and then being more bitchy on hiding her own incompetency and covered it as if she was 'too good' for things like those. You see, deceiving others by acting as if you're one of the big leagues will get you in trouble. The truth will eventually be revealed whether it be in time or someone would discover it. Miura Yumiko will undoubtedly meet a very serious consequence when the moment comes."

"Mou... And don't say things like that," She said after hitting his head once more. "Tomorrow, we'll be attending the academy."

"Yeah, but I don't know if these days of tranquility is good or not."

"What do you mean?"

"It's just a feeling, but something big will soon occur."

"Do you think... that hooded woman is gonna attack again?" Yuigahama asked with a downcasted expression.

"She will. I'm sure of it."

"Then... does that mean she's gonna try and kill me again?" She shakingly clutched the blanket as she imagined the hooded woman coming to murder her once again.

"I won't let that happen," Hikigaya reassured her with confidence and the orange-haired girl looked at him in awe. "It won't end like last time. I already made my trump card if I'm going to face that monster again."

"Will it really work?" She asked with doubts in her mind about his confidence and strength. "Last time, you... almost got-"

"I said it won't end like last time," He interrupted her with an immediate answer. "So stop worrying and don't do anything stupid. Well, I think the latter might be impossible for you to fulfill."

"Hey!" Yuigahama used a pillow to hit the young dark mage in irritation to his blunt remarks. After a few more swings, she stopped and wore a sad expression. "Hikki, if that ever happens, I'll be by your side."

"What? You've already troubling me enough with your constant blabbering, now I have to put up with your lack of intelligence?"

"Not that! I meant when that monster shows up."

"... Are you stupid? You're not in perfect condition to-"

"I'm not sick!"

"But you can't fight. We still don't know if you can control that Ziel puppet perfectly or he might go berserk."

"Sablè's fine now! See?" She said and summoned Sablè in his puppy form as he barked. Hikigaya looked at the Ziel puppet with scrutiny to find any sort of abnormality within him. After assessing that Sablè was clear, he scratched the back of his head and sighed.

"Look, it's not as simple as you want to believe-"

"But I want to help you! Just because you have that 'trump card' doesn't mean you can handle that woman on your own," Yuigahama held his hand in an attempt to reassure him. "Just trust me..."

"... You're really are a nice girl, Yuigahama. But you don't need to do so much for me."

"Eh?"

"Me saving you at that time in the forest was all just following my guardian's orders. There isn't any special meaning behind it nor is there any development between us at that time, so stop trying to repay this 'debt' that I don't even bother wanting."

"Hikki... Y-You... you remembered?" Yuigahama stared at the young dark mage in bewilderment as tears began to form in her eyes. "After these years... I waited and..."

"I know, and now the long wait is over. There is no reason whatsoever for you to pursue this path just for some debt."

"H-Hikki, what are you-"

"There is still time for you to transfer to the Scholar course. The studies might be difficult and boring for you, but if you work hard enough, then your future is secured."

"B-But, I-"

"I must admit, I admire your pursuit of this dangerous path and I'm aware that if you graduate in this course, you will join the monster extermination. However, your determination is a result of ignorance. If you're walking in this path because of me, then you will end it here for the same reason," Hikigaya closed his eyes for a moment to develop courage and finally, he said the words that would save her from further uncertainty. "Yuigahama, drop this damn act and think for your own future instead."

"..." The orange-haired girl was silent after that statement. She didn't know what words to say nor what expression she should be wearing. At first, she was glad that his memories of her had returned, but the scenario that she wanted was vastly different and the exact opposite of that. Out of all the effort into reaching this stage, the young dark mage she fell for demanded herself to stop here. To end the pursuit and live for herself. Hikigaya noticed her lost expression. He already expected this and so without any more words to exchange, he stood up and approached the double wooden door. As he opened it, he heard Yuigahama's words before leaving.

"You idiot..."

---

"Mother..." The voice of a young woman echoed in a dimly lit cave with only candles to illuminate the darkness. "Why... are we hiding?"

"We are waiting, dear Havu. The right opportunity to strike will come," A mature woman said while caressing the girl who had purely white skin and her face appeared to have scales underneath her eyes. She had red hair and she was currently laying her head on the woman's lap. The mature woman wore a black tethered cloak as the hood covered over her head and her lips were coated in purple.

"My patience is... reaching its limit. I... must kill father's... murderer."

"Do not worry, beloved daughter," The woman reassured her with a kiss on the forehead. "We are almost there."

---

TRIVIA

1) "Kagome, Kagome" and "Hanetsuki" are traditional Japanese children's games. Kagome, Kagome is a game that is associated with a song. One player is chosen as the Oni and sits blindfolded. The other children join hands and walk in circles around the Oni while chanting the song for the game. When the song stops, the Oni tries to name the person standing directly behind them. Hanetsuki, on the other hand, is a traditional game similar to badminton without a net. It is played with a rectangular wooden paddle called a hagoita and a brightly colored shuttlecock. Often played by girls at the New Year, the game can be played in two fashions: by one person attempting to keep the shuttlecock aloft as long as possible, or by two people batting it back and forth. Girls who fail to hit the shuttlecock get marked on the face with India Ink. Traditionally, the longer the shuttlecock remains in the air, the greater protection from mosquitoes the players will receive during the coming year. Although Hanetsuki is not as popular as it used to be, decorative hagoita are commonly sold throughout Japan.

2) I didn't put these trivias in the first chapter that was mentioned but here you go: The Aquatic Frozenland called Shuudjhal comes from the Hindi words: shuddh jal (शुद्ध जल) which means "pure water". Meanwhile, Taiyokigen comes from the Japanese words: Taiyo no kigen (太陽の起源) which means "Sun Origin".

3) Speaking of Shuddjhal, the country is based on the Warcraft series with the dwarves living in Ironforge.

So what do you all think? As you may have noticed, I inserted a lot of elements from Oregairu S1 episode 5 and S2 episode 13. I thought that focusing between the MC and one character's struggle is right because I just planned a lot of things for other characters from their background to the actions in the story. Don't worry, other Oregairu characters will appear and I'll make sure it'll be as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading this chapter. Please leave a review as your opinions will help me make this story better.