CHAPTER 1 — PART 2: NEET IS IN A CHAOTIC MESS!

My heart skipped a beat, and out of nowhere, a girl in a dark school uniform materialized behind me. "Hello, Master."

I jumped back, my gaze fixated on her. With short snow-white hair, long bangs, and silver eyes, her expression seemed devoid of life. She was definitely petite, her body above average, with a strikingly cute face.

But her voice...it stung my very soul. Monotone, devoid of feeling, almost like a computer.

WAIT!! Did she just call me M—Master!? Mother!! Did you bribe this poor girl!?

"Does that sit well with you? Calling me 'Master'?" It made me uncomfortable, but if she's okay with it... Wait, no! This won't do at all—I'll be in trouble for sure if anyone else hears her calling me "Master."

"No, it's not exactly fine," she responded, her voice void of emotion.

"Yeah, no... Definitely not." I agreed softly.

Of course, she wouldn't like it. I am a man, someone weak and probably the worst one out of all. It made sense to me. Why would anyone even call me Master so nonchalantly?

"How about 'Onii-chan'?"

I spat blood comically.

My mind began cursing my NEET lifestyle; this definitely shook my core. I blushed like a schoolgirl, making me look away.

Yes! Onii-chan is great!!

I cough softly, trying to regain any sense of decency.

"That's fine by me..." I said softly, still not facing her gaze.

"Onii-chan? How bold of you, KuKuKu~~" Mother covered her mouth while laughing at my hasty decision. "Her name is Tawaga Hotaru. She'll keep an eye on you and ensure you don't cause any...incidents."

"Who do you think I am?" I retorted with a twinge of unease. Can she read minds or something?

"Anyway, I'll be taking my leave. And Yami..." My mother fixed me with a bright, sun-like smile, her fangs gleaming. "Become a man and show the world that men can fight."

Blushing, I nodded fervently, blurting out a quick affirmation. "Tch...don't t—think this fixes anything...."

But I couldn't help my lips from arcing up a tiny bit.

Hotaru gave me a thorough once-over, her gaze tracing the contours of my body. Her small mouth opened, words laced with scrutiny. "Your magical levels are through the roof, but..."

"But?" Her sudden pause induced a minor panic attack.

"You're not keeping it suppressed. No wonder she sensed you all the way from her office."

Damn...am I that obvious?

"Well, I've never actually used magic before. In fact, I don't even know what type of magic I possess."

She glanced at me, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "You seem oddly proud of that."

Waving my hand dismissively, I refuted, "No, no, no, you've got it all wrong. It's quite the opposite." Pausing to glance behind me, I spotted numerous girls still glaring my way.

Turning back to Hotaru-san, I implored, "Could you show me around the campus?" Anything to escape this hostile atmosphere.

"Yes, that is my task for now."

Yikes...her voice is so... dead. Is she a famous Dandere?

Looking at her, from head to toe, she checked every box: silent, expressionless, and has no emotions...at least for now.

"Will you please stop gawking at me? It gives me the creeps." Her expression remained cold, but I could tell she was disgusted by it.

"H—How about we g—go and show me around...."

She didn't even nod; she walked past me.

Girls are so damn complicated, man...

Hotaru walked fast and efficiently, saying the name of the place and what it is used for.

"Training Grounds, for training."

"Colosseum, for tournaments and clan disputes."

"Great Lake, for a walk."

"Cafeteria, to eat."

Jesus Christ...she isn't even trying to make small talk, well...I can't make small talk either; I suck at it!

This is so damn awkward!! I have to leave...

"S—say...is there a restroom for men? Since this is a school for...well, girls."

Hotaru halted, did a 180, and shoved a damn metal bucket from a space-time inventory. I just stared at her in disbelief.

"Really?" I asked, a bit annoyed.

"Really." She confirmed, still not showing anything other than her cute face.

Flustered by her straightforwardness, I turned away slowly. "I'll find somewhere more private..."

She nodded. And with that, I escaped into the forest within this colossal academy.

I ventured deep into the woods from the Great Lake, seeking the cover of a tree for some much-needed privacy. But out of nowhere, a voice—soft, delicate, and humming a familiar tune—reached my ears.

Curiosity piqued, I tread further into the woods until the sound of splashing water echoed. In my line of sight, a small waterfall emerged, surrounded by charming flowers, lush grass, and countless trees.

"KYAAAAAAAAAHH!!!!!!??

Fuck me...

Approaching the water, however, my eyes were blinded by sheer cuteness—a petite figure bathed in the waterfall, but divine light obscured her "goods"... Divine intervention was clearly mocking me.

In an instant, she waved her hand, conjuring a multi-shaped rune on her palm, which she then aimed at me. "Hell's Door!" With a triangular blast hurtling my way, I reacted instinctively, dropping to the grass just in time to avoid it.

"H—Hey!? Are you trying to kill me?!" I snapped, springing to my feet.

"Die already!" She shrieked in rage and apprehension.

A barrage of fire magic ensued, transforming me into a perfectly cooked pork chop.

"Hyaah!?" I coughed up black smoke.

I then faceplanted the grass in that famous dogeza style apology, "I'm sorry!! I was just walking around without—Hey!?"

She had passed out on the water, face down, cheeks up, looking like a lifeless doll.

I dragged her out immediately.

While she slept, I leaned against a tree, my gaze fixated on her. I had taken the opportunity to play around with my phone, inspecting the Division to which Mother had assigned me. Ironically, this girl was on my team.

Next thing, she woke up from her slumber, looking dazed and thrown off.

She checked her hands, then her chest, then her body. "H—Huh? Why am I dressed!?"

She shot up with a cat-like expression as if danger had suddenly descended upon her. Hastily, she scrambled to her feet and put some distance between us.

Her scarlet hair danced in the air as her anger took on a fiery form—flames ignited upon her hair!

"I apologize... It was either witnessing your fury while you're undressed or just witnessing your fury..."

Although I wouldn't mind the former.

"Die, you pervert!" She waved her hand again, but her movement came to an abrupt halt. I recognized what had happened and caught her small frame before she landed on the grass.

"Calm down, Shizue-san..."

"How do you know my name?!"

"Your ID fell when I was putting your clothes on..."

"You..." Shizue began a tantrum barrage like a moody child. "Pervert, ecchi, pig, livestock, trash, now I'll never find a husband!"

This was incredibly cute...I gazed down at her, trying to keep my composure.

Her punches felt childish and weak, akin to light taps.

"Hmph... I didn't need your help at all... idiot." She crossed her arms, averting her gaze.

"If it weren't for me, you'd be fish food by now." A bead of sweat rolled down my face.

She pouted and glanced at me. "What are you even doing here? A man?"

Nervously, I smiled and scratched the back of my head. "Ah... hahah... You see, my mother happens to be the principal... so she enrolled me here, for reasons I don't know."

Silence hung for a few seconds, then...

"It was about time. She finally did it."

"Huh? You're not opposed to it? Why?"

Her face flushed instantly, her cheeks puffing up in anger as she glared at me. "No reason, you idiot! And don't ask again!" She cleared her throat and walked off, only to stop and add, "You'd better get to class, or you'll be late."

She was right; I had only three minutes before the bell.

"But I don't even know where my class is!"

Shizue just sighed and glared at me. "Did you get a phone, idiot?"

I do remember that my mother handed me a phone.

I pull it out and look at it.

"Just go to the school's app, tap on your account, and check your schedule. Simple, even a pig like you could understand that much."

I popped a vein. "Thanks for your help." My words came out of my teeth.

I did what she disrespectfully told me to do.

So, Class 1-D? I see, it's actually not that far, and it even has a map of the school. That's amazing! Oh? A hot spring! HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH...Erm...Ahem!

"I'll take my leave then. I'll be seeing you around, Shizue-san."

"Wait, before you go, what's your name?" She immediately regretted asking.

"I'm Oshima Yami," I said curtly.

"Oshima... you really are her son." I noticed a faint predatory smile that made my hair rise.

Of course, there would be others who would use me for their benefit; I am the heir of this school after all!

"W—Well, I'll be leaving! Bye!" I basically ran away from her. I have a feeling we'll be meeting a lot, just a gut feeling.

Hastily, I made my way to class 1-D and slipped inside. The moment I entered, I felt gazes like daggers piercing my gut—an unbearable mix of stares and auras.

Holy crap! Did the room just get dark out of nowhere!? I just want to survive the first day...

I looked at my feet and walked towards a free seat, doing my best to stay calm under immense pressure.

As I sat down, the classmates who were near me immediately scooted away, dragging their desks and chairs with a loud screech.

I sighed softly, expecting this. It totally hurt, though.

I leaned my head and rested it on my hand, glancing outside, seeing the nice sunrise, the Great Lake in the back, and the gardens. This place was so beautiful yet dangerous for someone like me.

Just as I was losing my mind in thought.

BOOM!

Everyone in the room flinched; the girls looked at each other in concern. I had seen an explosion in the distance, a weird dark blue-like fire. I couldn't believe it; it was those things again...

Then, a teacher in her 20s rushed in and instructed us to evacuate.

Her gaze fell on me, and she looked surprised. She was definitely checking me out, or at least sizing me out.

She had dark blue short hair, office-like attire, and a nice, long coat, with a massive Great Sword hanging on her back.

She was covered in dark blue, luminescent goo; her blue eyes gleamed as she hurriedly cleaned herself.

"Everyone! Go to the evacuation center! The Blighted are attacking our school! They have overrun the Main Office! So avoid sections B and C!"

"What? Mother is in danger?" My fists clench hard, flashes of my dad's face make my blood boil, and I can't let my mother face the same death as my father! My anger propelled my feet up, and I began rushing out of class.

The teacher didn't try to stop me; she saw my determination and stepped aside.

"At least you have guts, kid." I heard her say as I ran past her.

I knew where my mother's office was. I had checked the map before coming to class. I took a right corner and saw a huge hole in the wall; something had broken inside, and there was also dark blue luminescent goo on the floor, meaning there had been a confrontation.

I continued forward, sprinting as fast as I could. I won't let it happen again; I won't be late, I won't lose another family member! Not again!

A Blighted one suddenly blitzed at me at an incredible speed. I just gnashed my teeth and timed a punch to its grotesque facial structure.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY!!" A wave of darkness and faint glimmer obliterated the thing, spreading its goo everywhere.

"!"

Did... I do that? How... is that possible?

I gazed at my hand, a faint but noticeable glimmer. I had questions, but I had no time to ponder; I needed to save my mother!!

I kept running, now hearing faint metal clangs and ghostly wails.

As I finally cut another corner, a Blighted was suddenly sent to a wall next to me, splattering.

"Wahh!? Hey! Careful!" I then saw her, my mother majestically eradicating Blighted left and right.

Her Golden Katana flowed like water, making waves as it cut down three of those monsters in one slash.

I ran to her side and punched one behind her. "Mother!"

"Sweetie? What are you doing here!?" She was utterly dumbfounded; she knew how weak and malnourished I've been, and seeing me fighting definitely triggered her overly protective instincts as a mother.

"I will not let what happened to my father happen to you! This time...I will fight, I will not run away, I will not cower!" I declared, looking so serious and angry.

Her eyes widened slowly; she gazed at my face directly and held our eyes. She was moved to tears; she saw my father resembling me, just like the man she had always loved and respected.

"In that case." She retrieved another Katana, a gift for me, one that seemed alive at first glance.

The handle was white with soft pink accents, the guard shaped like a blooming flower, and the blade shone a pure, snow-white color that was almost transparent.

She handed it to me, and I immediately sensed it, its weight, its aura...

"What...is this? It feels alive."

"Oh? Can you sense her? That's impressive; even my secretary couldn't sense her at all."

I then felt a burning sensation in my body, which was resonating with me from within.

"Ghhht?! It...burns..." My body then began to glow like a golden comet; my veins also began to glow a shade of yellow, and my eyes were like lamps.

"So, she did it...Interesting." Mother was satisfied with the outcome; it seemed the Katana had done something to me and my body.

"W—What is this?" I groaned, feeling my body burning, but it also felt lighter, stronger, as if I could do more than 5 push-ups!

My vision sharpened, allowing me to observe the enemy in greater detail, even those at a distance...

"Is this magic?... My magic." I couldn't help but smirk, overconfidence surging through me. Planting my feet firmly, I lunged at an opponent. The katana felt almost weightless in my hand, like a simple stick, yet with a single slash, the Blighted dispersed like light.

Mother also joined the battle; she swiped her hand and created mini portals all over the hall, and she began piercing a portal in front of her, effectively piercing around 20 of those Blighted.

"Amazing..." That startled me; how precise was her magic? I tightened my grip on the katana in astonishment.

I then blitzed a bigger blighted one, cutting its arm off.

It swung its other whip-like arm. I was shocked at how slow it was. I just crouched under it, then I pierced its chest.

I then looked around and saw the place already cleared and cleaned up. "F—Fast..."

"Oh, sweetie, it'll take you decades to even protect me, but I find your determination commendable. I shall gift you this Katana; it's supposed to be mine, but I couldn't use it well. It seems she would rather be with you, so take care of her like a child." Mother muses with a smirk, handing me the scabbard.

"Like a child...?" The feeling I sensed... could it be? No, it couldn't possibly be, right?

I secured the katana in its sheath, using the cloth that came with it to fasten it to my waist. "I'll cherish it. Thank you, Mother..." My expression turned complex, a multitude of questions swirling in my mind.

"Sure you will..." Mother paused, noticing my puzzled expression. "What's with the serious look?"

"I... still don't know your name."

A puzzled expression flickered across her features. "So, that's been bothering you?" The sunlight bathed her in radiance, as bright as her smile. Her lips curved open, revealing: "My name is Oshima Aimi."

After all that had transpired, the school entered a period of maintenance. Classes were suspended for a week... Great, this was supposed to be my first day.

Supposedly, I possess Light Magic—an exceedingly rare element, alongside Dark and Lightning. Mother was visibly dumbfounded; a simple pat on the back wouldn't convey just how speechless she was.

In any case, what a chaotic mess.

...

Within a great secluded room, there was a meeting between elites and council members from "The Order".

"Was it wise to entrust him with Oracle? That sword is one of the 10 Divine Swords."

"My, my, have you not considered our present circumstances? The Blighted Emperor has awakened from his slumber; our world may face destruction unless we step up. My son is exceptionally unique; he bears Malice within him."

"What!? Yami carries the Malice!? How is that even possible? He's... a—"

"No, as he is right now, he's susceptible to the Malice. But with proper training, mastering it shouldn't pose a problem. And Oracle might be the key."

Mother's expression grew complex as she gazed out the window behind her, murmuring softly, "Darling..."