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The first pale light of morning crept through the infirmary windows, painting the white sheets in shades of gold and rose. Mizore stirred beside me, her eyelids fluttering open.
The Kuriboh was still curled on her chest, its fluffy brown body rising and falling with each breath. The little creature's wings were folded, its eyes closed, and it let out a tiny, contented chirp as she shifted. She did not remember it staying through the night, but I could tell she was glad it had.
Ikelos was gone. The Dream Mirror Sprite had returned to my shadow at some point, her watch over her dreams complete. Only the Vampire Familiar remained on the windowsill, its crimson eyes half‑closed while its wings remained folded.
I sat in the chair beside her bed, my back straight, my eyes open. I had not slept since in my situation I could not afford such luxury, and honestly since I was almost a Vampire, the need for sleep was optional.
My eyes were clear and steady, not betraying my innermost worries about today's events.
To think I would get nervous only thinking about meeting Tenmei Mikogami, a Dark Lord of this Yokai World. If I were to plan and run simulations in my mind about facing Kuyo or Hokuto Kaneshiro, that would be a different matter entirely.
As for Mizore, I had been watching her patiently, since I was someone who had made a promise and intended to keep it.
"You are finally awake," I said, my voice soft.
Mizore nodded, her throat dry. The Kuriboh chirped again, nuzzling her chin, and she reached up to stroke its fur. "You did not sleep."
"I do not need much sleep." I smiled, being genuine when telling her this. My mind was tired, so it might reflect on my face too. "Besides, someone had to keep watch. The Familiar is good, but it does not make tea for early mornings."
She looked at the nightstand. A cup of tea sat there, still warm. She had not heard me prepare it or pour it, had not even sensed me moving which told you about how insane my movements have become since turning into a Vampire.
Honestly, it wasn't that bad spending the entire night staring at the window or chatting with Ikelos about how different was the Dream World Dimension compared to the 'Yu-Gi-Oh' Spirit World. I was still here silently and patiently taking care of my 'Elsa' while she was deep asleep.
What can I say... I was a true Vampire Guardian material in the making.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Again."
"You do not have to keep thanking me. You'll upset me if you continue to repeat that 'Thank you'."
"I know." She took a sip of water, letting the warmth settle in her chest. "But I want to even if it upsets you. It is the only thing I can think I am capable of doing right now."
I did not argue or try to tease her since she was a shy socially awkward girl. Just speaking to me was taking her whole effort.
"Don't forget to drink your tea while is still warm."
I just leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving her face.
The silence stretched between us, comfortable and easy. Outside, the Academy was beginning to wake. The distant sounds of students shuffling to breakfast at the cafeteria, doors opening and closing, voices muffled by walls. Inside the infirmary, it was quiet, a small bubble of peace in a world that had been anything but.
Mizore set down the cup. Her fingers curled into the blanket, and her voice, when she spoke, was barely audible but to my Vampiric hearing it was nothing. It was easy mode that even when Outer Moka becomes extremely shy and starts speaking in a tone that not even ants could hear her, it was relatively simple to hear her.
"Will I be punished? For fighting a teacher? For using my powers against him?"
My expression did not change, but I let my eyes soften. "No. You were defending yourself. The Academy's rules allow for that, I think. Logically, self‑defense is not a crime in any culture of this world, be it human culture or supernatural culture."
"But he is dead."
"None of your doing. He attacked you with the intent of killing you. It could have been worse." I kept my voice calm, matter‑of‑fact. "You did nothing wrong, Mizore. You are not in trouble for defending yourself. They can all talk their garbage, but if you know you're not at fault, there's nothing that is going to affect you."
She looked down at her hands, at the pale skin, the frost that had retreated from her fingers. "B-But... you are in trouble because of me."
I did not deny it. "I will handle it."
"How?" Her voice cracked. "He was a teacher, Tsukune. You killed a teacher. They will not just let that go. That is the least I know from the school rules."
"Sigh. Enough worrying about me." I reached out and took her hand, my fingers warm around hers. "Even if I killed that piece of trash, we have evidence, and as I said previously, this was out of self‑defense. What's more, I even have the confession. Nothing will happen apart from a slap on the wrist, I guess."
She stared at me, at the calm certainty in my eyes. I was not lying. I was not pretending. I truly believed I could walk into the Headmaster's office and walk out again.
"What if they expel you? What would I do then?" she asked with desperation in her eyes as she held my hands, their sensation nothing but warm to the touch.
I squeezed her hand gently. "I do not think it will come to that. I think the Headmaster can be a resonable person when it requires him to. Besides, I doubt he is blind to the corruption within the Academy."
"And since he has let things slide for too long, I doubt he'll make an exception to take his 'fury' on me just because I took out some garbage."
Mizore was silent for a long moment, and her thoughts naturally drifted to the previous night, of the forest, of how Okuto was trying his damn hardest to have his way with her, and then of the figure who appeared from the shadows to save her.
Well, I can't read people's mind, but I think her mind was still stuck to that previous incident, still haunted by it.
"Then… what happens now?" she asked.
I released her hand and leaned back. "That depends on you."
"On me?"
"I meant what I said in the library. The door to the Newspaper Club is always open." I met her eyes, keeping my expression earnest. "If you want to join, you would be welcome. Of course, you do not have to decide right now. But the offer still stands."
Mizore's heart fluttered for a moment. I could see it in the way her breath caught. "I do not know if I can keep up with the pressure," she admitted. "I have never been good at… being around people."
"Silly. You do not have to be good at it. Just give it a try and try to have fun." I smiled. "Also, you're no longer alone since the girls have taken a liking to you and your style. You're also a great addition to the Club by bringing your literary talent into the mix. And you still have me if your not getting along with the girls."
She opened her mouth to respond, but the door swung open before she could form the words.
Kurumu burst in, carrying a tray laden with rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. Outer Moka followed, her pink hair catching the morning light, a pitcher of orange juice in her hands. Yukari brought up the rear, her witch hat askew, a plate of freshly baked bread balanced on her wand.
"Good morning!" Yukari chirped, setting the bread down on the nightstand with a flourish. "We brought breakfast! Kurumu‑san insisted on carrying the heavy tray, but I think she just wanted to show off her arm muscles."
Kurumu's eye twitched. "I do not have arm muscles. I have graceful, feminine arms."
"That is not what Tsukune‑kun said last week."
"What?" Kurumu's head snapped toward me. "What did you tell her?"
I held up my hands. "I said you were strong since this chibi wanted to know if you could be relied on if there are enemies. That is it. I did not mention any muscles."
"Why? Do you want me to check on your progress?"
Kurumu's eyes narrowed as she gave Yukari that look where she was about to spank her ass, but Outer placed a hand on her arm.
"Let it go. She is teasing you."
Kurumu huffed but did not argue. She set the tray down on the foot of the bed and stepped back, her arms crossed, her tail swishing beneath her skirt.
"I brought extra rice," she said, not meeting Mizore's eyes. "In case you were hungry. Not that I care or anything."
"Also, Tsukune-kun, you shouldn't skip breakfast."
She says that, but most of the food she brought was for me since I did not go to the cafeteria. The tray was piled high with portions that could feed three people, and the rice was arranged in a neat, almost artistic mound.
Kurumu had clearly put effort into this, even if she would never admit it. She had all the traits for a great homemaker.
Outer sighed, shaking her head. "Kurumu, you should stop showing off your cooking to Tsukune. The cafeteria serves perfectly fine food."
"What?" Kurumu's head snapped toward Outer. "It is not my problem that someone else does not know how to cook, burning all the cookies she made for her 'beloved.'" She jabbed a finger in Yukari's direction.
Yukari's eyes widened in mock innocence. "I do not know what you are talking about."
"You burned an entire batch last week! The smoke alarm went off! The dorm mother came running to scold us! You know how crazy she gets when we destroy Academy property."
"Those were… experimental. I was testing the limits of my magic."
"You forgot to set a timer. That is not what you call magic, you incompetent little witch!"
Yukari's cheeks flushed, and she crossed her arms. "Well, at least I do not put salt in my coffee and pretend it is sugar."
Kurumu's jaw dropped. "That was one time because I put salt and sugar in the wrong containers!"
"It was three times. I have counted since we've made friends."
Outer stepped between them, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Girls, please. We are in an infirmary. There is a patient here."
"She does not mind," Kurumu said, gesturing at Mizore. "Do you?"
Mizore, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, shook her head slowly. "I… I do not know what is happening."
"They are always like this," Outer said, sighing again. "It is best to just let them tire themselves out."
"I am not tired," Kurumu and Yukari said in unison, then glared at each other.
Yukari, being the little goblin she was, giggled and avoided the chaos she had created.
She climbed onto the bed, her small legs dangling over the edge, and beamed at Mizore. "I am glad you are okay, Shirayuki‑san. We were all worried. Even Kurumu‑san, even if she does not show it on her face."
Kurumu's eye twitched. She lunged toward Yukari, her hands outstretched. "You little brat!"
Yukari waved her wand, and a puff of pink smoke exploded between them. Kurumu stumbled back, coughing, her hair now tinted a faint shade of rose.
"What did you do?" Kurumu shrieked.
"A little prank since you're getting too heated in my face," Yukari said, grinning. "Don't worry it's nothing permanent. It will wash out for sure... I think."
"I will get you for this!"
"You will have to catch me first!"
Kurumu chased Yukari around the infirmary, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Outer sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. Mizore stared at the scene, her mouth slightly open.
I watched them bicker, and a warmth spread through my chest. Mizore had never had friends like this before, obnoxiously loud, chaotic, fiercely loyal. I could see it in her eyes, the way they glistened, the way her lips curved into a small, hesitant smile.
"I will join," she said.
The room fell silent. Kurumu and Yukari froze mid‑chase. Outer turned to look at Mizore, her green eyes soft.
Kurumu blinked. "Join what?"
"The Newspaper Club." Mizore looked at me, her winter‑sky eyes bright. "If the offer is still open."
I smiled. "It is always open."
Yukari squealed and clapped her hands. "Yes! We have another member! The club is growing! Now I can finally enjoy some reading time."
Kurumu sniffed, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Do not expect me to go easy on you. We have standards."
"I would not dream of it."
Outer stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Mizore's shoulder. "Welcome, Mizore‑chan. We are happy to have you."
Mizore nodded, unable to speak. I could see the tears threatening, but she blinked them back. She had cried enough. Now it was time to be strong.
I stood, stretching my arms above my head. My joints popped, and I winced. "I have to go."
Outer's smile faded. "Go where?"
"I have a meeting with the Headmaster." I kept my voice calm, but I let my eyes turn serious. "Do not worry. It is just a conversation."
Yukari's eyes widened. "Tsukune‑san, you are not going to… fight the Headmaster, are you?"
I laughed, a short, surprised sound. "No. Nothing like that. I just need to have a conversation. A very honest conversation."
Outer's hand drifted to the rosary at her chest. Her fingers traced the familiar lines of the cross. "I remember the last time we were summoned to his office. It was… uncomfortable."
"This time will be different." I squeezed her hand. "I am not the same person I was back then when I just joined the Academy. I was lucky that they dropped their investigation, but now I understand why."
Outer tilted her head, her green eyes curious. "Why are you saying that, Tsukune? What do you understand?"
I took a breath, letting the words settle. "The teachers know who the culprit for Saizo Komiya's disappearance is. They have known all along. Stein‑sensei confirmed my scent at the scene. But the Headmaster stopped the investigation. He took my side, even in the face of some vocal voices calling for my expulsion or punishment."
Kurumu frowned. "Then would not he take your side in this case too? If he protected you before, why would this be different?"
"This one is a bit complicated," I admitted. "Okuto was a teacher. Killing a student is one thing, even if that student was a predator and out of self-defense."
"The Headmaster could smooth that over with the family, call it self‑defense, bury it in paperwork. But a faculty member? That is different. It raises questions. It invites scrutiny from outside and within the Academy."
"But no worries, girls. I have leverage now."
Kurumu crossed her arms. "What kind of leverage?"
"I have a confession from Okuto. On a recording."
I did not elaborate about the content of the confession, but Mizore was aware of what that piece of trash had said. Her expression darkened, and she looked down at her hands.
"That recording is my insurance. The Headmaster can expel me, but if he does, everyone will know what their precious Academy has been hiding."
Outer's fingers tightened on the rosary. "You are blackmailing the Headmaster?"
"I am protecting myself." I met her eyes. "There is a difference."
Kurumu was quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Be careful, Tsukune. I don't think that making an enemy out of The Headmaster is something you want to do."
"I know. But I am not his enemy. You might understand that I am his… opportunity." I smiled, though there was no humor in it.
Kurumu and Outer understood why I was saying that since they knew about my origin, as a Human who stumbled upon this Yokai Academy by the chance of a misfortunate or 'fortunate' accident.
A human possessing one of the 13th Longinus Sacred Gear created by the Abrahamic God. And now this human was on the brink of transforming himself into a Shinso Vampire, my potential could be said to be unmatched in this world.
… Well, I wouldn't slide off the main character still living a life as a simple perverted boy carrying in his soul the essence of a Dragon Emperor. Yeah, I was talking about Issei Hyudou, with his stupendous power-ups he might catch me with my pants down.
But this was just one possibility in a string of many uncertainties that were worthless in dwelling too much upon.
I walked toward the door, then paused, looking back at Mizore. "Rest well. I will check on you later."
"Be careful," she said.
"Always."
Kurumu uncrossed her arms and gave me a quick, fierce hug. "Do not do anything stupid."
"I am already doing something stupid by confronting the Headmaster. So, I make no promises."
Outer kissed my cheek, soft and quick before turning away like a tomato. "Come back to us."
Yukari waved her wand, and a small, glowing star floated toward me, landing on my shoulder. "For luck," she said.
That might be the Luck Charm that she learned recently.
I nodded to each of them, then looked at Mizore one last time. She was still sitting up in bed, the Kuriboh in her lap, her winter‑sky eyes fixed on me. She did not say anything. She did not need to.
I slipped out the door, and the room behind me fell quiet. I could feel Outer's worry, Kurumu's forced confidence, Yukari's anxious hope, and Mizore's quiet trust pressing against my back.
I did not look back, handling myself like a gladiator walking to face Death.
Outside, the sun climbed higher, and the shadows retreated.
The hallway stretched before me, empty and silent, the morning light filtering through the tall windows in pale golden stripes. My footsteps echoed off the polished floor, a steady rhythm that matched the beating of my heart.
I walked alone, my hands shoved into my pockets, my eyes fixed on the path ahead.
I reviewed my mental dossier, turning over the evidence like stones in a riverbed. I had the evidence, but was it really enough to change how monsters play their games?
What's more, I needed to know what Mikogami valued more: his Academy's reputation or his own hidden agenda. Was I part of his hidden agenda just like in the original where he tried to groom Tsukune into becoming his replacement?
I considered all possibilities on my way to the Headmaster's office. He could expel me, make an example of the first‑year who killed a teacher. He could punish me, and in the worst case scenario I would be killed, but I viewed my value as higher than a predatory pervert aiming at vulnerable girls with a power base at A‑tier.
The uncertainty was eating me alive since Tenmei Mikogami was a character, no, a being that I couldn't match at my current state. It was said he had clairvoyance abilities and as a Kishin he might have many other overpowered abilities I am not aware of.
Students passed me in clusters, heading to their first classes. Their voices were low, their laughter muted, but I caught fragments of conversation as they drifted by, as it usually happened with my Vampire hearing.
"Did you hear? PE is cancelled. Kotsubo‑sensei is out on sick leave," a boy with messy brown hair said, his voice carrying a note of disbelief.
His friend, a lanky kid with ink‑stained fingers, snorted. "Sick leave? That guy never takes sick leave. He takes too much pride in being present for his classes and teaching the Soccer Club. I once saw him come in with a fever and run laps with us. Something is off."
A girl with glasses chimed in, her tone conspiratorial. "Maybe he finally caught something. Good riddance, I say. He always smelled like fish."
The boy with messy hair lowered his voice. "Shh, if any teacher friendly with that octopus hears you, you will get detention. You know how they gossip in the faculty lounge."
The girl shrugged, unbothered. "They would not dare. I did not say anything wrong. If they cannot even handle some criticism, they should not be so arrogant. Besides, what are they going to do, expel me for stating facts?"
I kept my expression neutral, my pace steady. They did not know the truth, that their teacher would never return, that the "sick leave" was a convenient fiction to cover the ash scattered across the forest floor.
In a way, I took this as a good sign because the first layers of misinformation were already spread out in the Academy, silently and swiftly removing Okuto Kotsubo from the picture.
'What doesn't hurt them knowing will not be my burden to carry.'
A girl from Class 1‑C waved at me. I nodded but did not stop. A boy from the Ping Pong Club called my name, asking when I would launch the latest release of the Gazette out.
"Aono‑san! When is the next Gazette coming out? I have been waiting for the next chapter of your novel!"
I paused just long enough to answer, keeping my tone light. "Have some patience. We are working on it as we speak. Besides, there will be some additions to the Creative Writing section that some of you might enjoy. Poetry, maybe. Something with a bit of chill and melancholy."
The boy grinned. "Poetry? I did not take you for a romantic."
"What can I say, I am full of surprises." I resumed walking, leaving him to his speculations.
As I passed them, their faces blurred together, familiar strangers in a world that felt increasingly distant but also too close that it felt incredible.
I did not slow down, as the hallway grew quieter when I approached the administrative wing.
I reached the Headmaster's office. The door was massive, carved from dark wood that seemed to absorb the light. Old yokai symbols covered its surface, dragons and phoenixes and creatures I could not name, their forms shifting in the shadows. The handle was cold beneath my fingers, and I could feel the weight of centuries pressing against me.
'Here goes nothing.'
I took a breath, steadying my nerves. The fear was there, a tight knot in my stomach, but I refused to let it control me. I had faced a Orc while being only a F-tier human that could barely hold a dagger in his hands, then eventually faced off against an S-tier werewolf cracked on Moondust Steroids. Fought a adult kraken yokai that should have been challenging without even breaking a sweat, and it is all because I finally started getting the hang of Annihilation Maker and also of my training paying dividends.
Facing against Tenmei Mikogami is just stepping into the next stage of the play of my life. Another challenge, another step on the path I have chosen toward greatness.
'If I remain passive and just cower away, nothing will change with my life. My friends will still be in danger, the corruption will still fester, and the monsters will still prowl and be on the hunt.'
I lifted my hand and knocked.
The sound echoed through the hallway, sharp and final, and the silence that followed was absolute.
I waited for someone to respond...
Will the Headmaster accept a audience with me?