Chapter 6 – The Second Challenge

The street was quiet again, the tension between Kanata and Itsuha fading with the echo of her footsteps.
But before leaving, she turned her head slightly, her golden eyes glinting beneath the streetlight.

“Kanata, take my advice. Don’t make enemies of the Four Witches.”

Her voice carried a strange mix of warning and arrogance.

“You’re still young—you’ll never stand against us. Your dream... it’s too far for someone like you.”

Kanata raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

“My dream?” he muttered. She really doesn’t get it, huh?

“I’m not chasing power or titles. I just want to get out of this damned academy.”

Itsuha misunderstood completely. To her, his defiance was an act of rebellion—a declaration that he wanted to take their place.
Her tone turned sharper, colder.

“Then give up before you get yourself killed. Dreams like that only destroy the fools who chase them.”

Kanata’s eyes hardened, the faint gold in his irises glowing under the flickering light.

“I’m not giving up. No matter how many times I fall, I’ll keep moving forward. I’ll keep chasing what I want—even if the whole world laughs at me.”

Itsuha frowned, the air around her shimmering with restrained heat.

“You don’t even know who you’re up against.”

“Oh, I know exactly who I’m up against,” Kanata shot back. “A bunch of spoiled witches who think ruling this academy makes them invincible. You’re all just too scared to step outside your safe little world.”

That struck a nerve.

“You—!” Itsuha clenched her fist, her aura flaring.
“You dare mock the strongest witches of this generation?”

Kanata’s voice remained calm, yet his words cut deep.

“Power means nothing if you use it to trample the weak. Real strength exists to protect, not to dominate. What kind of witches are you supposed to be?”

Itsuha’s patience snapped.
The ground beneath her feet cracked, a wave of hot air bursting outward.

“Enough! Tendou Kanata—tomorrow, you’ll fight me! Prove your words in front of everyone!”

“Fine by me.” Kanata’s tone was casual, almost bored. If I lose badly enough, maybe they’ll finally kick me out.

Itsuha glared one last time, her crimson hair swaying as her body vanished into flames.
The street returned to silence.

That night, Itsuha gathered the other members of the Four Witches. Her voice echoed through the crystal communication orb.

“He’s dangerous. Kanata isn’t just some delinquent—he’s something else. We can’t afford to ignore him.”

Celestine frowned, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

“Dangerous, you say? He didn’t seem that type.”

Aine scoffed.

“I told you! He’s trouble. That boy’s too unpredictable.”

Lilith’s voice cut through the noise, calm and icy.

“If he truly carries that curse, then Nevantrax will take interest soon. Keep him under observation.”

But one of them laughed softly—Tendou Nagisha.

“Hmph. You’re all panicking over one boy? Pathetic. Maybe it’s time you learned what true strength looks like.”

Her amused tone made the others glare, but she didn’t care.

“You’ll see soon enough. Your arrogance will be your undoing.”

Meanwhile, Kanata finally returned home with Haqua, exhausted from the long day.
The lights inside were dim; Kaname had already gone to bed, or so he thought.
He reached for his bedroom door—then paused.

The door was unlocked.
He remembered locking it that morning.

Kanata pushed it open slowly.

Inside, someone sat comfortably on his bed, hugging his pillow.
Long black hair spilled down her shoulders, and her soft violet eyes glimmered with mischief.

“Nagisha… what are you doing in my room?”

The girl froze for half a second—then smiled brightly.

“Aree~? Kanata-kun, you’re back already?”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

She hugged the pillow tighter, cheeks slightly flushed.

“Ehehe… I was just… checking your room’s spiritual energy! You know, safety inspection and all.”

“By sniffing my pillow?”

Her face turned red.

“W-well, maybe a little! I missed your scent, okay?”

Kanata sighed.

“Seriously, Nagisha… I’m tired. Just—get out.”

She pouted, getting off the bed and stepping closer.

“You’re so cold, Kanata-kun. After that battle the other day, I just wanted to… hug you a bit.”

He sidestepped her attempt easily.

“Not happening.”

“Mou~ you’re cruel! Fine, but at least come have dinner. Grandma’s waiting.”

“I’m not hungry. Ate too much at the academy.”

Nagisha’s tone sharpened.

“No excuses! You need proper food if you’re going to fight tomorrow.”

Before Kanata could protest, she grabbed his ear and dragged him toward the dining room.

“Ow, ow, ow! Alright, alright, I’m going!”

When they reached the table, Kaname was already there, sipping tea with a knowing smirk.

“Back from your little adventure, Kanata?”

“Yeah… something like that.”

As the aroma of dinner filled the room, Kanata glanced between his grandmother’s calm smile and Nagisha’s stubborn grin.
For a brief moment, the chaos of the day faded into the quiet warmth of home.

He didn’t know it yet—
but tomorrow’s battle would change everything.