Chapter 4

Because of my fight with Aoba, I now have all five of my elemental attributes awakened. Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning—they’re all inside me now. But it makes me remember something the old man once said. He didn’t awaken my powers for me… he just helped me do it myself. So, that means... this power would’ve awakened eventually, even without his help.

Koji’s time-based ability only needs four elements. Koushi’s soul manipulation? Also four. Aoba’s gravitation control only requires three. So… what’s waiting for me at five?

It must be something even stronger. It has to be.

I blinked awake, staring at the ceiling. My body was still in bed, unmoving, while my mind slowly climbed out of sleep’s fog.

"Hmm?"

The silence of the room didn’t bother me, but something felt… off. I glanced around, then looked at the clock.

8:30.

My heart dropped.

“—Shit!”

My school starts at nine.

I launched myself out of bed, bolting to the living room. No sign of Aoba. For a moment, panic tightened in my chest—until I spotted my backpack, neatly packed and placed on the couch.

“…She didn’t forget.”

Aoba might be younger than me, but she was dependable. Always looking out for me. Honestly, if it weren’t for her, I’m not even sure I’d still be here. After what happened back then... she kept me grounded.

“Tch… I really owe you one, Aoba.”

Grabbing my bag, I channeled a jolt of lightning into my legs and used wind to lighten my body weight—speed boost combo. I dashed through the city, catching the train just in time by leaping onto the roof. From here, I could see the towering structure of my school, even from this distance. I could run the whole way, sure—but the train’s faster, and I don’t want to burn all my stamina this early.

As soon as we neared the next station, I jumped off and darted across rooftops, sprinting toward school.

“I think I’ll make it!”

Just one last rooftop before the school gates.

I leapt.

But then—trouble.

There was someone walking right below me. A girl, wearing the same school uniform.

—Shit.

I tried to redirect midair, but it was too late.

CRASH!

“UWAAAH?!”

We tumbled to the ground. Books scattered. I landed awkwardly on top of her, groaning from the impact.

“Tch—why the hell is there a kid here?!”

She looked about five-foot-two, wore glasses, had a short green ponytail, and—yup, a Magician Ring on her finger. Looked like a complete nerd, honestly.

“WHAT IS THIS?! IS THIS A KIDNAP ATTEMPT?!”

Okay, ouch. That one hurt.

“I—I’m sorry! I didn’t see you!”

She stared at me like I was some kind of criminal, while I quickly took in the Magician Ring again. That thing wasn’t just for show. It meant she was a legitimate caster—like Touka.

For reference, a Magician Ring is a specialized device that stores previously cast spells. Once a spell is “recorded” into the orb, the magician can reuse it instantly by name. Handy in battle. Saves time on chanting. Of course, there’s a limit to how many spells it can store.

“Huh…? Wait, are you a student at my school?”

She sounded unsure now—probably because we were both sprawled on the ground like idiots.

“I’ve never seen you before. So… are you my kouhai?”

“Kouhai? Aren’t you from middle school?”

“NO! UGH—why does this always happen?! I’m older than you!”

She practically yelled that last part.

I blinked. “Hehh?”

I really thought she was in junior high… even with the uniform. But now that I actually looked, yeah, it was the high school version. Oops.

But wait—how did she know my age?

Was it just a guess? A really good one?

“Wait… she’s not joking?”

Her dead-serious face told me she meant it. Damn.

“Cih… why do people keep treating me like a kid?”

She muttered that under her breath, clearly frustrated. I took that chance to quietly stand up and—

Nope, I’m out.

I bolted. I didn’t have time to get scolded by a senpai I just flattened.

“WAIT!! WHO ARE YOU?!”

She shouted after me as I ran like my life depended on it.

I didn’t turn back.

As a first-year, I didn’t need any problems with upperclassmen on day one of the tournament semester.

But knowing my luck, that girl? She’s going to be a huge problem for me.

Even though I ran from that green-haired girl earlier, I have a feeling I’ll be seeing her again soon. After all, we’re in the same school. For now, I’ve got bigger things to worry about—like not being late and avoiding punishment. That’s top priority.

School today was… well, uneventful. Nothing special. No surprise attacks, no magical phenomena. But strangely, I didn’t see that girl again after our crash. Not in the halls, not during lunch, nowhere. Maybe she skipped class, or maybe she’s in another department. Either way, I’m not complaining. Avoiding an awkward conversation was a small victory for now.

One interesting thing happened, though. The Kendo Club tried to recruit me again.

I don’t even know why they’re still trying.

Touka wasn’t around either today. That was more surprising. He’s usually hanging around somewhere, watching like a hawk. Maybe he had something important to do.

Instead, I ran into Rin—Rin Kageyama. She’s part of the Kageyama Clan, a family famous for their traditional sword arts. Their techniques don’t rely on flashy elements or overwhelming power—they’re all about pure skill, precision, and speed. One of their secret techniques is Blood Veil, a powerful technique that channels blood into blade-enhancing energy. Only people like Rin, who have an extraordinary regeneration ability, can use it without collapsing from blood loss.

Every Kageyama has three things in common: elite regeneration, a bond with blades, and a dangerous level of focus. Rin is no exception.

After club hours, Rin and I left school together, walking toward the station. My home’s about two stops away, followed by a short walk. It was starting to become a bit of a routine.

“Hey, Rin. You didn’t see Touka around today, did you?” I asked while adjusting the strap of my bag.

“Hmm? Touka? No, I didn’t. Aw, do you miss him already?” she teased with a smirk.

“Gross. Don’t say it like that.” I shot her a look.

“Hehehe~ Still easy to tease, huh?” She chuckled, brushing her fingers through her bangs.

Rin’s been like that ever since we met two years ago. Always sharp with her words and unafraid to poke fun—even when we were kids. She hasn’t changed at all. Her laugh still sounds the same too.

“Remember back then?” she suddenly said. “When you were obsessed with awakening your power? You trained every day like a maniac. You were way ahead of Aoba back then.”

She wasn't wrong. There was a time when I was stronger than Aoba—before she awakened her own strength. Back when she was just a small, quiet girl who trailed behind me. Everything changed after that.

“Yeah,” I nodded slowly. “But even then, I couldn’t beat either of you once you both awakened. I never really had a chance without power.”

“That’s not true,” Rin said, glancing at me. “Physically, you outclassed us both. You had more stamina, faster reactions, and you were way tougher. Just no flashy tricks.”

“Still, I never beat Touka.”

“Well, that’s Touka. He’s not normal.” She shrugged. “He’s built like a tank but moves like a panther. Add magic to that and, yeah, he’s a cheat character.”

We both laughed.

“You know what I think?” she added. “Magicians are busted. They use both stamina and mana—twice the energy pool. Makes them pretty scary if they’re smart.”

She had a point. Magicians with balanced physical and magical strength could overwhelm most fighters in pure versatility. If they didn't burn out, they were practically unstoppable.

We reached the platform and got on the train. It wasn't crowded, which gave us space to keep talking without whispering.

“By the way, where’s Aoba?” Rin asked. “You said she’d be training with us today.”

“She’s already at home. She finishes earlier since she’s still in junior high,” I replied, leaning back against the window.

“Lucky girl,” Rin sighed. “Back when I was her age, I was forced to train until my arms felt like noodles.”

“Knowing her, she’s probably on the couch watching anime or already napping,” I muttered with a small grin.

“Must be nice to be the little sister and get spoiled like that.” Rin stretched her arms. “She’s one of the ‘outer,’ right? I bet things haven’t been that easy for her.”

My smile faded slightly at that.

“Yeah… she’s tough though. But you know, I think if I’d trained harder back then, maybe I would've awakened earlier—before things got bad.”

Rin looked at me for a moment before shaking her head.

“Nah. You can’t force an awakening. It’s not about pushing yourself till you break. Sometimes, it’s just… timing. Something has to click inside you.”

“Maybe. But without that old man’s help, I don’t think it would’ve ever happened.”

“Didn’t you say he didn’t awaken your power, though?”

“He said he just helped me awaken it. But I still feel like he did more than that. Maybe something subtle I didn't even notice.”

“Well,” Rin smirked again. “If he is a god, maybe he’s the kind that works in mysterious, lowkey ways. The chill, ‘let you figure it out yourself’ type.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, probably the annoying type that likes watching us suffer first.”

As we stepped off the train, the sky was already turning orange.

“Hey Hideki, is there food at your house?” Rin asked casually. “I’m starving. We should eat before training, yeah?”

“I’m not sure… but maybe Aoba’s cooking.” I rubbed my stomach. “We don’t usually buy takeout. Trying to save money, and she’s trying to get better at cooking too.”

“Wait—Aoba can cook?!” Rin stopped in her tracks.

“Yep. I told her to stop depending on premade meals so much. It’s been helping.”

“Then I definitely want to try it! I’m serious, I’ll rate it. I’ll be the best taste tester she’s ever had!”

“You just want free food.”

“Exactly,” she said, unapologetically.

I shook my head with a small smile. Honestly, days like this—where nothing explodes, no one attacks, and you just walk home with a friend—they’re rare. And I kind of like them.

The sun was setting, but for some reason, it felt darker than usual. A strange heaviness hung in the air, and I started to feel lightheaded.

“Hmm… why does it feel darker today?” I mumbled, rubbing my temples.

“Huh? Dark?” Rin turned her head, looking at me curiously.

I glanced around. The streetlights had started to flicker on, and the sun had only just dipped below the horizon—but the shadows seemed too deep, too fast.

“I don’t know... something feels off. Doesn’t it seem darker than normal?” I asked, still unsure if it was just in my head.

Rin furrowed her brow. “It looks normal to me. Maybe you're tired?”

She looked fine, unaffected. But I could feel something—something crawling beneath the surface of the evening. A darkness that reminded me of a certain day years ago. Koushi’s funeral.

Back then, I had felt something similar. A heavy presence in the air. The memory crept back slowly—how my vision swam, how my body felt weighed down, as if something unseen was wrapping around me. And now, it was happening again.

“It’s like... that day at the funeral,” I muttered. “The same kind of feeling. Like something is wrapping around me.”

Rin looked at me, now clearly concerned. “Hideki, are you feeling sick? Do you want to stop and rest?”

“I’m getting dizzy... maybe we should take a break.”

She paused, unsure what to do, but then nodded toward a convenience store nearby.

“There. Let’s head over and sit down for a bit. It’s getting late anyway.”

She thought I was just tired from the walk and the setting sun. That was good—at least she wasn’t feeling this strange pressure too. But even though my house wasn’t far, I wasn’t sure if I could make it.

We made our way toward the store. As we walked, my vision dimmed further, and it wasn’t just the fading sunlight. The darkness clung to me more tightly with each step.

“Hey, are you okay? What’s happening to you?” Rin asked, stopping beside me.

“I don’t know... it’s not sickness. Something else is wrong,” I said, voice barely steady.

She stared at me, confused and worried. “You don’t look good at all. Should I call someone? A Medicine?”

“No... I think... this is something only I can feel.” I staggered slightly. “Cih... what the hell is this?”

Then, it happened. The darkness around me became visible—tendrils of black energy curling in the air. Rin gasped, backing away instinctively.

“Hideki?!”

She summoned her katana in one fluid motion, her grip tight as she stared at me. She didn’t raise it, but she was ready. Ready for something—anything. Her instincts told her to be cautious, even if she didn’t understand what was happening.

“I… I don’t know what this is,” I said, struggling to stay upright. “It’s… taking over.”

She looked around, half-expecting someone to jump out at us, an enemy to reveal themselves. But there was no one. Just the two of us. And the growing storm around me.

“Don’t come any closer,” she warned, her voice calm but tense.

Then a voice cut through the air—clear, sharp, commanding.

“Stop right there!”

A surge of energy flared from above. Magic sigils formed around me, suppressing the dark aura. It stopped spreading, but my body gave out, the last of my strength draining away.

Rin looked up, and I followed her gaze just before I collapsed.

Standing on the rooftop was a girl holding a staff glowing with faint light. Her presence felt... familiar.

“Yamasaki-san?!” Rin shouted. “What are you doing here?!”

The girl leapt down smoothly and deactivated the barrier. She knelt beside me, inspecting my condition without a word for a moment.

It was her. The same girl I bumped into earlier at school. She wore a green scarf now, her posture firm, eyes sharp.

“I’ve been tracking him all day,” she said, turning to Rin. “He’s been giving off dark energy since this morning. Didn’t you notice?”

“I—I didn’t!” Rin stammered. “Wait, you know Miyamoto-san?”

“Not really,” she said, still looking down at me. “We met earlier. He bumped into me and acted strangely. But that energy... it’s familiar. Dangerous.”

She paused, raising an eyebrow. “What’s his name again?”

“Miyamoto Hideki,” Rin answered cautiously.

Yamasaki's expression changed. Not shock, but recognition. She knew the name. Something clicked in her mind.

Rin watched her carefully. This entire situation was beyond her understanding, beyond our understanding. And yet, somehow, I had become the center of it.

“I don’t know what’s going on,” Rin said quietly. “But this… this has never happened before. Not to him. Not to anyone I know.”

Yamasaki didn’t answer right away. She just kept staring at me, deep in thought.

“Miyamoto?!” Yamasaki’s tone sharpened, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Does he have a family?”

“Yes,” Rin replied, still catching her breath. “And his house isn’t far from here. We were on our way there.”

“Good. Then we’ll take him there immediately,” Yamasaki said firmly, rising to her feet and tightening her grip on her staff. “This isn’t the place to have this kind of conversation.”

Her sudden decisiveness told Rin one thing—Yamasaki knew more than she was letting on. Something about this situation wasn’t catching her off guard. In fact, she looked like she’d seen something like this before.

Rin crouched down beside me, checking my pulse. “He’s still breathing, just unconscious.”

Yamasaki glanced down at me again, then looked to the dim, empty street around them. “We shouldn’t linger. Someone might’ve noticed the surge earlier. That aura wasn’t subtle.”

Rin nodded and carefully lifted one of my arms over her shoulder. “Alright. Let’s go.”

As they started walking, Rin couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease. If they were taking me back to my house… then Aoba would see this too. She was likely waiting at the training spot behind my home, still unaware of everything that had happened.

“I hope Aoba doesn’t freak out,” Rin muttered under her breath. “She’s probably wondering why we’re late.”

Yamasaki said nothing for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she spoke, voice quieter this time.

“He’s not just some normal guy, is he?”

Rin hesitated but didn’t answer.

Yamasaki didn’t answer. She just kept walking, her green scarf fluttering behind her in the wind, her mind clearly spinning with thoughts she wasn’t ready to say aloud.

Whatever this darkness was… it wasn’t random. And something told Rin that this was only the beginning.

Even after everything I saw before passing out, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she—Yamasaki Fueta—was actually the current Fourth Pillar.

I mean, seriously? She looked like a middle schooler. Not in a childish way exactly, but more like a first-year junior high student. Even Rin, who stands at 165 cm, was noticeably taller than her. It was hard to believe someone that small could emit such overwhelming presence.

And yet, here she was—calmly walking alongside Rin, taking me home as if this was all normal.

But something felt off. I got the sense she had something else she was supposed to be doing. Pillars don’t just casually stroll around doing errands. If she showed up like this, it meant something was happening. Something big. But what?

I couldn’t be sure if it was because of what I did earlier—or maybe something I didn’t even realize I did—but whatever it was, nobody had any answers. Not even Rin.

Rin, though... she clearly knew who Yamasaki was. That much was obvious. I remembered now—she once told me that her older sister was a Pillar. Guess I didn’t expect their worlds to overlap like this. Not like this.

Honestly, I’d never paid much attention to the Pillars before. I didn’t even really understand what they were capable of. If someone like Aoba, an Outer, could perform magic like that… then what the hell could an Inner like Yamasaki do?

The truth was, I had never met any Inner-ranked individuals before—not directly. Maybe they stayed hidden on purpose back when I was younger. Or maybe they were just far too distant from people like me. Either way, this was my first real encounter with a Pillar… and it just so happened to be at the worst possible moment. When I was completely powerless.

But powerless or not, I could still sense something.

The spell Yamasaki used earlier… it wasn’t some Level 1 or Level 2 charm. It carried weight. I could feel the mana—dense and heavy, concentrated like a bullet. And ever since my powers awakened, I’ve become sensitive to things like that.

Compared to what Touka used during our fight with those attackers, this was a whole different league. It's not always about the size of the spell—sometimes the smallest spells are packed with the most energy. This one, though? It felt like a net—tight, controlled, and suppressing me from the inside out.

Maybe it wasn’t just stopping the darkness from leaking out… maybe it was also protecting me. I didn’t understand much about it yet. But one thing was certain: that aura I felt? The darkness? It was the same as the one I remembered from years ago… at Koushi’s funeral.

Now, I was barely conscious—fading in and out—but I could still see the worry in Rin’s eyes. She tried to stay calm, but I knew she was freaking out inside. That energy wasn’t just intense—it was deadly.

And then, just as I felt the world slipping away again, Yamasaki moved her hand. Another spell. No chant. No warning. A teleportation spell triggered immediately, expanding in a glowing circle beneath us.

“Wait, the apartment’s just around the corner,” Rin said, squinting through the glowing light. “Why teleport?”

Yamasaki sighed and muttered, “There’s no time to waste. Besides… I want to go home too, you know.”

Even a Pillar could be lazy. Or maybe she was just practical. Honestly, fair enough. It did make things easier.

A low hum filled the air, followed by a pulse of light that flashed outward. Rin instinctively shielded her eyes. The light enveloped all of us, and in a blink, we vanished from the street.

The next thing I knew, we were standing right in front of my apartment door.

That teleportation really was fast—almost instant. I was still barely conscious, but the sudden stillness told me we had arrived. My body felt light and heavy all at once. I heard Rin gasp softly as she opened her eyes.

“We’re… here?”

Yamasaki gave a tiny nod, brushing dust off her scarf. “Told you. No time to walk.”

Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what was more shocking—that we teleported… or that the girl who looked like a middle schooler just performed a high-tier spatial spell like it was nothing.

Whatever this was... it wasn’t over yet.

Aoba paused as soon as she reached the door. Her expression shifted, eyes narrowing slightly. Something didn’t feel right.

“…Something’s wrong.”

She tiptoed to the small glass window in the door and peeked outside. Her heart skipped a beat. What she saw wasn’t just Rin and her older brother. She gasped quietly.

“…Eh? There’s someone else...?”

But her gaze immediately shifted to me—my unconscious body slumped in Rin’s arms, dark energy still faintly radiating from my skin.

Her voice barely left her lips. “…Onii-chan…?”

Even without looking directly, she could feel it—that swirling energy. She had noticed it before but said nothing, thinking it was simply normal. Everyone had both Light and Dark in them. But this… this was different.

Too dark. Too unstable.

The door opened with a creak.

“Hee… Why did he pass out like this? And why are you here, Yamasaki-san?”

Fueta Yamasaki stepped forward with a grin. She looked far too cheerful for someone barging into someone else's home.

“Oh? Surprised to see me? That’s kinda rude. I don’t look that scary, do I?”

“...Please, come in,” Aoba said, her voice soft but firm. “Let’s not stay out here.”

Even she could sense it—something off beyond the door. Maybe not just inside… but outside as well.

Inside, Aoba carefully laid me on my bed. She adjusted the blanket gently over my chest, her fingers trembling just a bit.

Then, with calm eyes, she turned to the Arcane Master.

“…So. Why are you really here?”

Fueta tilted her head. “Straight to the point, huh~? Fine. I’ve been observing him. He’s... abnormal. His body’s leaking way too much dark energy. I figured it was building up, and when he couldn’t contain it anymore—boom. He passed out.”

Aoba nodded slowly, her bangs falling slightly over her eyes.

“…So I wasn’t imagining it.”

“You noticed too?” Rin asked.

“Yes. I’ve been feeling it for a while now. There’s... too much dark energy inside him. I didn’t want to scare him, so I kept it to myself.”

Rin suddenly stepped forward.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I think I know what this is. It’s not just imbalance… I think this might be a Dark Blessing.”

Aoba’s eyes widened. “A… blessing?”

Dark Blessing—opposite of the Light Blessing. Even if humans only had five elemental affinities, Light and Dark always existed in some form within their souls. But to have one as a base? That was rare. A sign of something unnatural.

Fueta’s tone turned serious for once.

“A Dark Blessing…? But that only happens through a Soul Sacrificial. Someone else has to give up their soul to pass that power on.”

The moment she said it, Aoba’s lips parted slightly.

“…Could it be… Koushi-nee?”

The name hung in the air like a thread pulled too tight.

Fueta frowned. “Her soul was taken, wasn’t it? There’s no way she could still give a blessing.”

“Taken, yes. But I don’t know what happened to her after that…”

Rin crossed her arms, thoughtful.

“Unless… someone else interfered. Or… unless your older brother is a necromancer.”

“…Eh?” Aoba blinked.

It took her a second. Then she frowned. Gently. Gracefully. And slammed both palms on the table with a quiet thud.

“My brother isn’t a necromancer.”

“Ohh~?” Fueta giggled teasingly, tapping her cheek with a finger. “Touchy, are we? That’s a reaction I was looking for.”

“You… baited me?”

“I am an Arcane Master, you know~ I need to see what you truly believe. Your brother just awakened his powers, huh? Okay. I believe you now.”

“…That was unfair,” Aoba muttered softly. “Even if I’m calm, I still care.”

Rin gave a small smile. “Fueta… chill. She’s still twelve, even if she acts older than most of us.”

“I am chill. This is my chill face.” Fueta puffed her cheeks, but her expression said she was impressed. “Honestly, she’s more mature than most of the higher ranks I know.”

Aoba fell silent again, brushing a hand along the edge of the table.

“...”

Fueta suddenly looked conflicted. “…Then he’s not…?”

She seemed to be thinking of something deeper.

“What do you mean?” Rin asked.

“There’s been rumors. Of a necromancer active in this city. We haven’t identified who it is. That’s why I had to test you.”

Rin’s eyes narrowed. “Wait… a necromancer…? You don’t think it’s related to the Witch Cult?”

Fueta blinked. “Witch Cult? You mean… the group that attacked the academy three years ago?!”

“You know about that?” Aoba asked, voice hushed.

“Of course I do. I was there,” Fueta said, her usual playfulness vanishing for a second. “The Inner Council nearly fell that day…”

“We think the cult’s active again,” Rin said, her voice grave. “There was an attack on a train earlier this week. We fought them. Same robes. Same magic.”

Fueta stared. “That… was you guys?”

Rin nodded. “We didn’t want it spreading… but yes.”

Fueta leaned back on the couch, her legs barely reaching the floor.

“…This is bad.”

No one said anything for a moment.

The memory of that old incident, the fear, the screams—it hung over the room like a ghost.

“…So what do we do now?” Aoba finally asked.

“I… don’t know,” Fueta muttered. “I didn’t expect things to go this deep.”

A moment of silence passed.

“...Do you want to go home now, Yamasaki-san?” Aoba asked gently.

Fueta hesitated.

“…Should I stay here for the night?” she said, uncharacteristically quiet. “In case anything… happens?”

Aoba blinked. “…But… what about your family?”

“I don’t have one.”

The words fell softly, like a feather dropped in still air.

Aoba’s mouth parted, but no words came.

She simply nodded.

“…Alright.”

“I’ll head home,” Rin said, standing up. “I’ll inform Touka about all this too. He might be a target.”

“Another person?” Fueta asked.

Rin nodded. “He was attacked back then. We haven’t seen him all day.”

“You really should head back before it’s too late,” Aoba added, glancing toward the door. “Also, um… who are you, exactly?”

Rin gave a sheepish smile. “Ah, right. Kageyama Inori. Just call me Rin.”

Fueta’s eyes widened.

“Kageyama?! You’re Tomoe-san’s little sister?!”

“Yup.”

“No wonder you’re so annoying—”

“Eh?!”

“I mean competent! C-competent!”

Aoba couldn’t help but giggle softly behind her hand.

“I can teleport you if you’d like,” Fueta offered, suddenly remembering her duty.

“It’s okay. I live nearby. Besides, I need to buy some things on the way.”

With a wave, Rin disappeared into the night.

Now, only Aoba, Fueta, and I remained inside the apartment. I was still unconscious, but resting easier.

Fueta plopped down on the couch and kicked her small legs gently.

“…So. Guess I’m your guest for tonight.”

“…You can use the extra futon. I’ll bring it out,” Aoba said softly.

“…Thanks,” Fueta mumbled, quieter than before. “Hey… sorry for earlier.”

“…It’s okay,” Aoba smiled. “But please don’t bait people again… especially if it makes them worry about the people they love.”

Fueta looked away.

“…Tch. You’re like… too nice.”

And so the night quietly continued—shadows lingering just beyond the door, and secrets still unraveling.

"Ugh..."

A low groan escapes my lips as I blink open my eyes, greeted by the familiar ceiling of my bedroom. The pale morning light filters through the curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the walls. For a few moments, I just lie there, disoriented. My body feels heavy, like I’ve been asleep for days. My muscles ache in strange places, and my chest feels like it had been crushed then stitched back together with invisible threads.

Slowly, I turn my head and realize I’m tucked into my bed—neatly, almost too neatly. The faint scent of warm tea and lavender hangs in the air, a sign that someone had been in the room recently. My gaze lingers on the half-closed door, just slightly ajar.

"...What happened?"

I mutter to myself, trying to sit up. A dull throb echoes in my head, not quite pain but a reminder—something did happen. My hand instinctively clutches my chest. The dark energy. It’s... gone. Or at least, it's not raging wildly like before. The chaotic pressure that nearly crushed my consciousness yesterday has vanished—sealed, suppressed, or simply dormant. I can’t tell.

Still, it's quiet now. Peaceful even.

"Did I really pass out... because of that?"

I rake a hand through my messy hair, my mind flashing back to vague fragments—Rin’s voice, Aoba’s worried face through the door, and Yamasaki-san... right, she was here too. I don’t remember much after that, just an overwhelming pressure, then darkness.

"Is everyone... okay?"

The question escapes my lips in a whisper. I know Rin wouldn’t have left me alone if things were bad. And Aoba... she probably took care of me until I was stable again. She always does. But something about that incident—it wasn’t just about the power. There was tension. Fear. Confusion. And something deeper.

Even now, there’s an uneasiness lingering in my chest. Like a storm that passed but left the air too quiet. My instincts are warning me.

“How long... will this peace last?”

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and glance at the small table beside me. There’s a warm cup of tea—still steaming. Someone must’ve just left it here. There’s also a folded note, written in neat handwriting. Aoba’s?

My fingers hover over it, hesitating.

This isn’t over. Whatever happened yesterday wasn’t just an accident or a strange outburst. Something is shifting. In me. Around me. And I get the sinking feeling that everyone else already knows more than I do.