Chapter 12: Shadows Stir on Kuronami-jima

Several days had passed since Sera officially joined the Academy. Inside the Student Council room, Mikoto Hikari was sorting through multiple documents regarding Kuronami-jima—a place shrouded in rumors and myths.

According to local legends and records left by ancient sorcerers, the island was said to be inhabited by a creature known as Gouma Gyuryū:

The head of a colossal ox, with iron horns curving backward

Eyes glowing red like burning embers

The body of a massive dragon with black-silver scales

A size rivaling a three-story building

Breath that expelled corrosive mist

Skin as hard as blackened steel

Footsteps that scorched the ground

It was the icon of darkness—believed to be the ruler of the island.

“Miss Mikoto, a representative from T.U.A.D.F. wishes to meet you.”
One of the Student Council members spoke up, and moments later, Sera Amanai entered.

“So you’re Amanai Sera?”
“Correct. I’m here representing T.U.A.D.F. There is something I need to discuss, specifically regarding the upcoming training exercise on Kuronami-jima.”

During the briefing, Sera explained that they should send a reconnaissance team for the students’ safety, as deploying them without intel would be far too dangerous.

“So you want us to dispatch a scouting team?” Mikoto murmured.

“Yes. That’s why I intend to assemble a temporary Recon Unit.”

“Who are you planning to recruit, Sera-san?”

“I recommend Kamito Ryuga. I’ve heard he has a solid reputation, even though he’s in Class B like me.”

“And who else?”

“Natsume Airi—the personal bodyguard of Miss Masahiro Yuki. I know Miss Yuki cannot participate due to her duties, but Airi is incredibly reliable. She even assisted me during the Shibuya incident a few weeks ago.”

Both Mikoto and the other officers agreed, under the condition that Mikoto herself would join the team. She felt responsible for everyone’s safety—and wished to repay Kamito for saving her father during the mining incident.

Later that afternoon, Kamito and Airi were summoned to the Student Council room. Both appeared confused until Mikoto entered.

“Mikoto-san, what exactly is happening? What do you want to discuss with us?” Kamito asked.

“Please hurry. I don’t have much time—I still need to assist Miss Yuki,” Airi added.

Mikoto bowed deeply.

“Before anything else, I must beg for your help. Please lend us your strength for tomorrow’s reconnaissance mission. If not, the students will face the full horrors of Kuronami-jima.”

Airi sighed.

“As expected… The principal is still insisting on going there, even though Miss Yuki clearly stated how dangerous that place is. It’s not some playground.”

Mikoto continued:

“I’ve tried my best to relocate the training site, but the principal is under pressure from the Government and the Authorities. They believe the rumors about the demon beast Gouma Gyuryū are nothing more than myths created by locals to keep outsiders away.”

“So that’s why you're asking the two of us to scout the island?” Kamito asked.

“Not just the two of you.”

Sera Amanai entered the room again.

“I’ll be joining your team as well. And Miss Mikoto will also accompany us. You won’t be alone.”

“So basically, this is a suicide mission?” Kamito replied.

Sera hesitated—because she somewhat agreed. The existence of Gouma Gyuryū was still uncertain, but if real, they were heading into lethal territory.

“Fine then. Let me join too. For some reason… I have a strong feeling I need to go there.”

Hearing that, Mikoto smiled brightly.

“Good.”

Airi crossed her arms, cheeks faintly flushed.

“Count me in as well. I don’t want this idiot dying because he’s curious about some myth that might not even be real.”

“Then it’s settled. Tomorrow morning, at precisely 8 AM, the VTOL will take us to Kuronami-jima. Do not be late!” Sera concluded.

They all agreed.

That night, the bright moon shone over Chiba as Kamito gazed upward.

“Kamito… Tomorrow will be a heavy day. I can feel something big is going to happen,” murmured Ark.

“What do you mean?”

“There is an energy—wild and unstable. And I sense many trapped souls waiting to be freed.”

“Maybe that’s why I have this feeling… that I must go.”

“Sasuga, Kamito-kun. In that case, prepare yourself and rest.”

The next morning, in front of the Academy, Natsume Airi and Mikoto Hikari were already waiting.

“Good morning, Airi, Mikoto!”

“Good morning, Kamito-kun!”

“So, where’s our Tsundere Commander?”

“She said she would arrive with the VTOL and told us to wait here.”

Moments later, the roaring engines of a VTOL gusted strong winds across the courtyard as Sera Amanai stepped out—now wearing an upgraded black-and-gray Tactical Body Armor suit.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting!”

The four of them boarded the VTOL together, departing for their reconnaissance mission.