Chapter 16: The End of the First Year

The warm air of summer lingered in the halls of Kuoh Academy, signaling the end of the school year. Students and teachers alike buzzed with excitement for the upcoming vacation, yet Kael Shirogane found himself reflecting on the events of the past year.

He had managed to integrate himself as a quiet, unassuming teacher while hiding the vast depth of his true power. Yet, despite his efforts, Kuoh Academy's devil heiresses—Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri—had been persistently curious about him. The subtle signs of their investigation had grown more frequent, though they lacked any hostility.


A Confirmation

One quiet afternoon, Kael found himself approached by Rias and Sona. The crimson-haired Gremory heiress greeted him with a polite smile, while Sona's expression was more reserved, her sharp gaze betraying her analytical nature.

"Kael-sensei," Rias said, her tone both respectful and probing. "Do you have a moment? We'd like to discuss something with you."

Kael put down the book he had been reading, glancing at the two with a calm expression. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Rias exchanged a glance with Sona before speaking. "We've confirmed what you told us before—that you're a devil. We found your records in the Underworld."

Kael nodded slightly, his face unreadable. "And?"

Sona adjusted her glasses, her tone more matter-of-fact. "It's unusual, to say the least. Your status is listed as middle-class, but there's nothing to suggest why you would leave the Underworld. There's no record of any dispute, promotion, or demotion. Just… silence."

Rias leaned forward slightly, her curiosity evident. "Why did you leave, Kael-sensei? Devils don't just abandon the Underworld without reason."

Kael remained quiet for a moment, his gaze distant. Then, he smiled faintly. "I told you before—I wanted a quiet life. The Underworld wasn't a place where I could find that."

Sona frowned. "But even a quiet life in the human world requires balance. Devils like us aren't meant to sever all ties to the Underworld. You've essentially become a ghost in the system. That's not normal, even for someone seeking peace."

Kael's expression darkened briefly, but he quickly composed himself. "I appreciate your concern, Sitri-san. But the reasons for my choices are mine alone. I've respected your territory and your rules, haven't I?"

Rias hesitated before nodding. "You have. And we respect your desire for privacy. But we're responsible for this town, Kael-sensei. If your presence here poses any risk, we need to know."

Kael's gaze softened slightly. "I understand. I can assure you—I'm not a threat to you, your peerages, or this town. I'm just a teacher, trying to live a quiet life."

There was a pause as the tension in the air lingered. Finally, Sona spoke, her voice more measured. "Very well. But understand that our curiosity isn't going to fade. We'll respect your wishes for now, but if anything changes, we'll have to act accordingly."

Kael inclined his head, his smile returning. "Fair enough. Thank you for your understanding."


The Last Days of the Year

With the air cleared, the rest of the school year passed uneventfully. Kael maintained his routine, teaching his classes and keeping a low profile. He noticed, however, that Rias and Sona occasionally observed him from afar, their curiosity still evident.

As the final bell of the term rang, Kael watched his students eagerly pack their bags and rush out of the classroom, their laughter echoing through the halls. He smiled to himself, feeling a faint sense of satisfaction.

When the school was finally empty, Kael locked his classroom and walked home under the soft glow of the setting sun. The streets of Kuoh Town were quiet, the warm breeze carrying the promise of summer.


A Time for Reflection

At home, Kael prepared for the solitude of summer. He reinforced the magical wards around his house, ensuring that no uninvited guests could disturb his peace.

In his training room, hidden beneath the house, Kael stood in the center of the chamber. The walls were lined with runes, their faint glow illuminating the space. He closed his eyes, letting his power flow freely for the first time in weeks. The dark energy swirled around him, a tangible reminder of his heritage.

"It's ironic," he muttered to himself, "how much effort it takes to maintain the illusion of being ordinary."

Kael's mind wandered to the conversation with Rias and Sona. Their curiosity was understandable, even expected, but it reminded him of the fragility of the quiet life he had built.

For hours, he trained, pushing his body and mind to their limits. He focused on refining his control, ensuring that his power would remain hidden unless absolutely necessary. The shadows around him grew thicker, shifting and dancing like living entities as he summoned the essence of Mephistopheles within himself.

By the time he finished, sweat dripped from his brow, and the training room was filled with an oppressive silence. Kael collapsed onto a bench, staring up at the ceiling with a faint smile.

"Summer," he said softly, "a time for rest… and preparation."