Chapter 42: The Priest’s Covenant

Morning sunlight spilled through the academy gates, but the air was thick with unease.
The front page of every newsfeed screamed the same headline:

“Drunken Man Found Dead — Neck Torn Apart by Possible Vampire Attack!”

Students whispered nervously in every corridor.

“Hey, did you hear? The vampire attacks are near the academy now!”
“No way!”
“That’s horrifying!”
“I hope the authorities can handle it.”
“Handle it? They’re barely keeping up! We’re doomed!”

Panic rippled through the halls — until Reiga stepped up in front of the crowd, calm and confident as ever.

“Everyone, listen!” he announced. “The High Elite Wizard has deployed special task forces to secure the academy during your exams. You are safe. I repeat, safe.”

The murmurs settled. The students began to relax — at least outwardly.

But in the heart of Tokyo, the situation was far from under control.

Evelyn stood beside a covered body, the smell of blood still thick in the air. A circle of flashing lights and horrified officers surrounded her.
She knelt and peeled back the white sheet — a clean puncture wound on the neck, flesh torn open.

“These bite marks…” she murmured. “This isn’t Subject-02.”

Her aide froze. “Ma’am — are you saying there’s another attacker?”

“Yes. A second presence. Someone — or something — is controlling Subject-02 from behind the scenes.”

The officers exchanged horrified glances. Within hours, the news hit every major outlet, igniting another wave of fear.
Back at the academy, Reiga and Kobayashi watched the breaking report in silence.

“So it’s true,” Reiga muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Then we’ll have to activate that plan.”

Kobayashi turned from the window overlooking the practice fields. “You mean that plan? Are you sure they’re ready for it?”

“Who knows?” Reiga sighed. “The Council just issued an order — all Priest-type mages must assemble by noon.”

Kanata sat gloomily at his table, staring at the empty counter.

“Out of stock again?! My meat-filled buns… gone!”

Celestine tilted her head, slurping ramen elegantly. “Kanata-kun, aren’t you going to eat something else?”

“How can I eat without my favorite bread?!” he complained, pouting like a child.

“Here. Take this,” Itsuha said, shoving her burger toward him.
Her face reddened. “D-don’t get the wrong idea! I just didn’t want to see you sulking like an idiot!”

Kanata perked up instantly. “Really? Thanks!” He bit into it — and froze.

“HOT! TOO HOT!” he gasped, tears forming.
“How much chili sauce did you put in this?!”

“I-I don’t know! Maybe all of it!” Itsuha replied, flustered.

Kanata leapt up, desperately looking for water — and slammed straight into someone.

BRAK!

“Ouch! I-I’m sorry!” Kanata blurted. Then his eyes widened.
Pink hair. Sharp eyes. Familiar face.

“Envy? What are you doing here?!”

“Kanata-san!!” she cried — and suddenly hugged him tight.
Every head in the cafeteria turned.
Itsuha and Celestine’s killing intent filled the air like fire and ice.

“W-wait! It’s not what it looks like! She just—”
“Shut up, you trash!”
“Die, cheater!”

Kanata backed away, sweating bullets.

Envy explained everything while the others glared at Kanata.

“I’ve officially enrolled in the academy as a student,” she said proudly. “My assigned Role is Priest — I want to atone for everything I’ve done.”

Kanata blinked. “So you’re a student now…? What about Schwartz and Erika?”

“They’re fine,” Envy smiled. “Busy hunting down Caine’s remaining followers across the world.”

Kanata sighed in relief. “Good to hear…”

“So, Kanata-sama!” Envy twirled in her new white-and-gold priest uniform. “Do I look the part?”

Her outfit gleamed in the cafeteria light — modest in theory, but far too perfect in practice.
The male students froze.

“A-a divine being has descended…”
“Thank you, God, for granting us sight today!”

Kanata tried to look away, but Itsuha and Celestine immediately covered his eyes with both hands.

“Y-you don’t need to see that!” Itsuha hissed.
“Stay pure, idiot!” Celestine growled.

“I can’t see anything!” Kanata protested weakly.

Envy, oblivious, turned around to show her official Priest insignia — pinned dangerously low on her back.
Every male student fainted in unison.

An announcement blared through the academy halls.
“All Priest-role mages, please report to the central field immediately.”

Envy waved cheerfully. “That’s me! See you later, Kanata-sama!”

Kanata sighed. “Huff… at least it’s only for Priests.”

Then — another call echoed.
“Tendou Kanata, please report to the field as well.”

Kanata froze. “Huh?! I’m not even a Priest!”

Minutes later, dozens of white-robed students stood in formation under the glaring sun. Reiga and Kobayashi appeared at the front.

“Thank you for coming,” Reiga began. “From this moment, all Priest-class mages will cooperate with the High Elite Wizard task force.”

A wave of whispers broke out — excitement, fear, determination.
“As a reward, those who succeed will receive any favor they desire,” Reiga continued.
That alone ignited fiery motivation across the field.

“Your mission is simple: purify the infected and assist in vampire containment during the upcoming Blood Moon.”

Kanata felt a chill at those words. Reiga’s eyes found him.

“Kanata-kun,” Reiga said, walking closer. “You and your team will escort and protect the Priest units stationed across the city. Keep them safe — no matter what happens.”

Beside him, Envy smiled with quiet resolve.
The Blood Moon was coming — and this time, the hunt would be real.