Read up to 16 extra chapters worth of extra content. Simply go to my Patreon and become a supporter of this project.
Patreon: patreon.com/Morpheus146
Discord: discord.gg/QCWgkCCbd2
You too can help the story out and gain up to 16 advanced chapters worth of content, simply head over to my Patreon to become a supporter
(Now back to the story!)
.
.
Chapter 75: Shizuka's Nekomata Form
"I am glad I could entertain you."
"Meow~ Then entertain me more. It has been ages since Sensei had this much fun since joining the Yokai Academy."
She came at me again, her speed increasing further. I met her strike with the Heirloom Sword, and the impact sent shockwaves through my arms. She was not just fast; she was relentless, pressing her advantage with a ferocity that I had not seen in her before.
I tried to create distance, using my wings to launch myself backward, but she was already there, her claws raking across my guard. I countered with a burst of Hemomancy, sending a wave of blood toward her face.
She batted it aside with a flick of her wrist, the Senjutsu energy dissolving the blood before it could touch her. "That trick will not work twice, Tsukune-kun."
"Then I will just have to try something else."
I focused my Yoki, drawing on the techniques that Inner had taught me. The Shuzen-ryu was a style built for vampires, designed to maximize their speed and brutality. I had trained in it for months, and now, in the heat of battle, I felt it click into place just based on my instincts.
I lunged forward, my fist aimed at her midsection. Crimson energy gathered around my hand, forming the familiar shape of the Crimson Fang Fist. The attack was fast, precise, and carried enough force to shatter stone.
Shizuka's eyes widened, and she crossed her arms to block. The impact sent her skidding backward, her heels digging furrows in the moss-covered ground. When she looked up, there was a new respect in her eyes.
"Oh my, you even learned the hitman skills of the Shuzen Clan Vampires." She straightened, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Has Moka-chan taught this to you?"
"She taught me the basics. I had to figure out the rest on my own."
"Impressive." Her tail swayed behind her, a thoughtful motion. "You have learned well."
I did not let her words distract me. I pressed my advantage, using the opening I had created to launch another assault. Sanguine Spears materialized around me, their tips gleaming with crimson light, and I hurled them toward her in rapid succession.
She dodged the first few, her body twisting with that feline grace that seemed so effortless for her. But I had anticipated her movements, and the spears began to curve in midair, tracking her like guided missiles.
"You are getting craftier, Tsukune-kun." Her voice carried a note of genuine approval as she weaved between the projectiles. "Tracking attacks are a good way to force an opponent to commit to a direction."
She raised her hand, and a barrier of golden-green light formed around her. The spears shattered against it, dissolving into crimson mist.
"But they are still predictable. You are guiding them with your will, but you are not accounting for the possibility that I might counter them in a way you did not expect."
She flicked her wrist, and the golden-green light shifted, forming into a dozen smaller barriers that began to orbit around her like shields.
"Let me show you what I mean."
The barriers shot toward me, moving in unpredictable arcs. I dodged the first few, but one caught me in the shoulder, sending me spinning. Another clipped my wing, and I felt the impact shudder through my body.
"You can do better than that, Tsukune-kun."
"Then I will just have to try harder."
I activated the Dragon's Helm unique ability. Dragon's Might. The power surged through me, boosting my strength, my vitality, and my Yoki to S-tier territory. The world seemed to slow, every detail sharp and clear. I could feel the heartbeat of every creature in the forest, could sense the fear radiating from the animals that had not fled.
Shizuka's ears perked forward, and she stopped mid-stride. Her golden eyes narrowed, and I saw her nostrils flare as she caught the scent of the draconic power that now flowed through me. The malicious, evil intent that escaped from within the Dragon's Helm Tsukune had been wearing.
"What is that?" Her voice was low, cautious. "That power... it feels like a dragon."
"It is a long story." I smiled, a sharp, predatory grin. "But right now, it is my answer to your S-tier power."
I lunged, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. The Heirloom Sword sang through the air, its blade gleaming with borrowed power. Shizuka met my strike, and this time, the impact sent her skidding backward.
She recovered quickly, but I was already on her again. The advantage of raw power had shifted, and I pressed it relentlessly. The Sanguine Spears I had created earlier began to form again in the air around me.
The spears did not dissolve after a single use this time. I used Hemomancy to keep them intact, recycling the same projectiles rather than wasting mana on creating new ones. It was a small efficiency, but in a prolonged fight, it made all the difference.
I sent them hurtling toward Shizuka, a barrage of crimson death that forced her to stay on the defensive. She dodged and weaved, her body moving with that impossible grace, but I could see the strain beginning to show.
The Dragon's Might was pushing her harder than she had anticipated.
'This was also possible with the Vampire Dragon summons too. Hmm… Actually, I need to check the status of my summons after the fight. I can also Summon Vampire Lord and the other fighters to use for sparring to vary my opponents.'
She was not used to being pushed around like this. For all her power, for all her centuries of experience, she was facing a student who refused to stay down.
"You are more stubborn than I thought," she said, her voice carrying a hint of breathlessness. "I am beginning to see why Moka-chan fell for you."
"Isn't this the charm of being relentless and headstrong?"
She laughed again, and this time, there was genuine joy in it. "Then let us see if you can keep up with this."
Her golden eyes blazed, and I felt her Yoki surge. The air around her shimmered, and I watched as her form began to change.
It started with her ears. They elongated, becoming more prominent, more feline, the tufts of fur at their tips catching the fading light and glowing with a warm, amber hue. Her hair, which had been a soft, warm brown, began to lighten, streaks of molten gold and burnt orange weaving through the strands like threads of liquid fire.
Her body shifted, the lean, athletic curves of her human form becoming more defined, more powerful. The muscles beneath her skin tightened, and I could see the raw strength coiled within her slender frame. Her hips flared, her waist narrowed, and the generous swell of her chest seemed to become even more pronounced, straining against the fabric of her sports bra.
Her skin took on a faint, golden luminescence, as if she was lit from within by the warmth of the setting sun. The golden-green light of her Senjutsu wrapped around her like a second skin, pulsing with a steady, rhythmic glow that matched the beat of her heart.
Her claws extended further, gleaming with a sharp, metallic sheen that caught the golden light. Her tail thickened, becoming more muscular, more expressive, lashing behind her like a whip of fire. Her pupils slitted, and her eyes, already golden, seemed to ignite, burning with an intensity that made my breath catch.
The transformation was not just physical. Her presence shifted, becoming threatening, more predatory that even my Vampiric senses started reacting strongly to this transformation. The air around her grew thick with her Yoki, and I could feel the weight of her experience pressing against me. The golden aura around her body flickered like a flame, casting dancing shadows across the clearing.
"Let us see how you handle this situation, Tsukune-kun."
She looked like a living embodiment of the hunt wrapped in the form of a woman. Her golden eyes blazed with an intensity that made my heart race, and the way her body moved, fluid and powerful, was hypnotic. The golden-orange aura that surrounded her made her look like she had stepped out of a myth, a creature of fire and light.
I could not help but stare. She was beautiful in a way that was almost frightening, the kind of beauty that made you forget to breathe.
'So this is your Nekomata form. It's really cool, it reminds me of Youruichi from Bleach.'
I barely had time to react. Her speed had increased dramatically, and I found myself on the defensive, my sword struggling to keep up with her attacks. She was everywhere, her claws flashing in the golden light, her tail lashing out to strike at my exposed flanks.
I used my wings to create distance, but she was already there, her palm aimed at my chest. I brought the Heirloom Sword up to block, but she was too fast. Her palm connected with my shoulder, and I felt a surge of energy that sent me spinning.
I hit the ground hard, rolling to my feet just in time to dodge another strike. The golden light of her Senjutsu was blinding, and I could feel the pressure of her power pressing against my senses.
"You are holding back," she said, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. "I can feel it. You have more power than you are using."
I did not answer. I was too focused on staying alive.
She pressed her advantage, her claws raining down on me like a storm of golden light. I blocked, dodged, parried, but she was relentless. Every strike was precise, every movement calculated. She was not just fighting me; she was dissecting me, reading my movements, anticipating my counters.
And she was winning.
I needed to change the rhythm. I needed to do something unexpected.
I let the Heirloom Sword dissolve into shadow and stepped into her guard. My palms were already glowing with crimson energy as I activated Hemomancy, shaping the blood in my veins into twin daggers of hardened crimson.
She was surprised by the sudden shift, and I used that moment of hesitation to press my attack. The daggers moved in a blur, aimed at her midsection, her throat, her exposed flanks.
She deflected them with a flick of her wrists, her claws meeting my blades with a shower of sparks. But I was already moving, my body dissolving into blood mist for a fraction of a second, reforming behind her.
I once again attacked her with Crimson Fang Fist, my fist aimed at her back.
She was already turning, her eyes blazing with yoki. Her hand shot up, and she caught my fist in her palm. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, and I felt the force of her grip, the power of her Senjutsu pressing against my own.
"Finally, you are learning to think on your feet," she said, her voice carrying a hint of approval.
I pushed against her grip, trying to break free, but she held me fast. Her golden eyes met mine, and I saw the amusement flickering in their depths.
"But you still have a long way to go."
She twisted my wrist and sent me stumbling across the clearing. I caught myself on a tree trunk, gasping for breath.
She walked toward me, her tail swaying lazily behind her. "You are doing better than I expected. But, I can sense with my Senjutsu that you have more power that you're not using against me."
I straightened, my jaw set. "I am using everything I have."
"No, you are not." She stopped a few feet away, her golden eyes fixed on me. "I know your little secret, but if you still choose to not show it to me, I will not force it out of you."
I did not answer immediately because she was indeed right.
"Since you know my secret, then you should be aware that fighting alongside my creations will only tarnish this sparring session. I will not learn anything by relying on that power. And just like you mentioned with my Vampire powers, if someone seals or counters the power of my Sacred Gear, then what will I do? I still have to learn to defend myself and win in any conditions fate throws at me."
"Hmm, at last you revealed to me your secret. This makes Sensei truly beyond happy. However, this wasn't the only power I feel you are holding back. There is still a darker power you are holding back that could be made yours."
She stepped closer, her voice softening. "I know that fear, Tsukune-kun. I have felt it myself. I have held back, afraid of what I might become if I let myself go. But sometimes, you have to trust yourself. You have to trust that you can control the power without letting it control you."
I stared at her, my mind racing. She was right. I had been holding back, afraid of losing control, afraid of becoming the monster that Alucard wanted me to be.
But maybe I did not have to be that monster. Maybe I could be something else.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "What do you think I should do?"
She smiled, a warm, genuine expression. "Trust yourself. And trust me."
A cold whisper slithered through my mind, dark and seductive.
['Huhuhu, in the end, you will have to rely on my power.']
I felt Alucard's presence pressing against the edges of my consciousness, trying to push through, to take control. But I was ready for him. I reached into my shadow and silently activated Annihilation Maker, summoning the original Kuriboh into my mindscape.
The fluffy creature materialized in my consciousness, its big brown eyes blinking at me. It tilted its head, then flew forward and bonked Alucard's presence with a tiny, determined fist.
['Insolent little…']
The whisper faded, and I felt the darkness recede. I let out a breath I did not realize I had been holding.
Shizuka's expression did not change, but I saw the flicker of concern in her eyes. She had felt something, even if she did not know what it was.
She reached out and placed a hand on my chest, over my heart. The warmth of her palm seeped through the fabric of my shirt, and I felt the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
"Let go, Tsukune-kun. I will catch you."
I closed my eyes. I took a deep breath. And I finally tapped on that Vampiric power that could corrupt me if I take too large of a sip.
The power surged through me, hot and familiar. My Yoki flared, crimson energy erupting from my body like a wave. The Dark Forest was engulfed in the crimson light, the trees casting long, twisted shadows that danced in the glow.
I was still in my Vampire form, but my Yoki was darker than usual. The energy pulsed with a hunger that I had not felt before, a deep, primal thirst that threatened to consume me. But I held on, forcing it to obey my will.
Shizuka's smile widened. "That is more like it."
She lunged, and I met her head on.
The clash of our powers sent shockwaves through the clearing, shaking the trees and cracking the ground beneath our feet. We moved like dancers, our bodies flowing in a rhythm that was both violent and beautiful.
I used my wings to launch myself into the air, raining down Sanguine Spears from above. She dodged and weaved, her golden aura blazing as she deflected my attacks with her claws.
She was fast, but I was faster.
I dove toward her, the Heirloom Sword singing in my hand. She met my strike with her claws, and the clash sent a shower of crimson and gold sparks scattering into the night.
"Isn't this exciting? Fighting to your hearts content not worrying about tomorrow," she said, her voice carrying a hint of approval.
"I think I can dig this more than I recognize." I smiled, a sharp, predatory grin.
We clashed again and again, our powers escalating with each exchange and the trees of the Dark Forest started to be felled one by one under the strain of our attacks.
But eventually, the power of the Dragon's Might began to fade. I could feel the drain, the weight of the borrowed power pressing against my senses.
Shizuka noticed too. Her golden eyes narrowed, and she pressed her advantage, her claws raining down on me like a storm.
"You are tiring," she said, her voice carrying a hint of concern. "So, let us end this spar with a big clash. What do you think? Do you want to stop here or test yourself against my full power?"
"No." I forced myself to keep fighting. "I can still go."
"Stubborn boy. This is why I like you so much."
She moved, and I could not follow. Her speed had increased dramatically, and I found myself on the defensive, my sword struggling to keep up with her attacks.
Then I saw my opening.
I gathered my Yoki, feeling it surge through my veins like liquid fire. The Shuzen-ryu Crimson Eclipse. The ultimate technique that Inner had taught me, a skill that demanded everything I had.
The energy built, and I could feel the strain on my body, the pressure of holding so much power in check. But I held on, forcing the energy to obey my will.
Shizuka's golden eyes widened. She could see what I was doing, could feel the power building within me. She did not try to stop me. Instead, she smiled, a proud, approving smile.
"Show me what you have, Tsukune-kun."
I did not hesitate. I released the attack.
The world exploded into crimson light as I held onto the Heirloom Sword. The Shuzen-ryu Crimson Eclipse was a sword skill unique to the Shuzen Clan, but it can also be used by your hands as they can mimic a blade.
The energy surged forward, a wave of destructive power that seemed to consume everything in its path.
Shizuka met it head on.
She decided to not choose the easy way out and instead decided to face my attack head-on. She stood her ground, and I watched as the golden-orange light of her Senjutsu flared around her like a beacon. Her body shifted, and I realized what she was doing.
"Take this, Feline's Wrath!"
Her claws extended, and the golden-green light of her Senjutsu intensified, forming a barrier of pure energy around her. The two attacks collided, and the resulting shockwave sent trees crashing down around us.
When the light faded, I was on my knees, gasping for breath. The Dragon's Might had faded, and I could feel the exhaustion settling into my bones. My Vampire transformation also turned off, returning me to my human state.
She stood over me, her golden eyes soft, her tail swaying gently behind her. The transformation had faded, and she was Shizuka again, the warm, caring teacher who had guided me through so much.
"Not bad, Tsukune-kun," she said, her voice gentle. "You managed to push me to use my Senjutsu form and my ultimate skill, Feline's Wrath. It has been a long time since anyone made me use that."
I lay there, gasping. "Feline's Wrath?"
"An old technique my clan perfected over the centuries. It is a counter, a way of turning an opponent's power against them." She knelt beside me, her hands glowing with the soft, golden-green light of Senjutsu. "You pushed me hard enough that I had no choice but to use it."
I managed a weak smile. "So I did not lose completely?"
She laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "No, you did not lose completely. You gave me one of the best fights I have had in years. You should be proud of yourself."
She began to heal my wounds, and I felt the warmth of her energy seep into my body. The pain began to fade, and I could feel my regeneration kicking in, accelerated by her healing.
When she was done, she leaned down and gave me a playful lick on my cheek, just like a cat.
"Meow~ That is for being a good student."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Did you just..."
"What about it?" She smiled, a satisfied, happy expression that I had never seen on her face before. "Consider it a reward. And therapy. I have not had this much fun in years."
She stood, stretching her arms above her head, her tail curling lazily behind her. "I think we should wrap up for tonight. You need rest, and I need to get back to my quarters before the faculty meeting tomorrow."
I pushed myself to my feet, my body still aching but functional. "Thank you, Sensei. For everything."
She turned to look at me, her golden eyes warm. "You are welcome, Tsukune-kun. You are my precious student after all. And I am proud of you."
She walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the Dark Forest. I stood there for a long moment, my hand pressed against my cheek where she had licked me.
'That was unexpected. But it also felt strangely... nice.'
'Did I get myself entangled with a cat mommy without even knowing?'
I shook my head, a rueful smile tugging at my lips. I had a lot to think about and process. Yet for now, I was just glad to be alive.
The night was still long, and I had plenty of time to digest everything that I just experienced.
.
.
.