Chapter 172: Silver Saintess

When I woke up, I found myself lying on unfamiliar grass, staring up at the clear sky. My limbs were stiff, and as I tried to move, I realized I had been thoroughly restrained. Wrapped like a rolled-up futon.

Just beyond my limited view stood a sleek black building—one of those ominous structures you'd only find on the grounds of Hero Academy. So, at least I was still on campus. A small consolation.

"Ah, you're awake, Akaya-kun," a chillingly familiar voice greeted me.

"Yikes," I blurted reflexively.

Shibahime stood over me, her arms crossed, her posture immaculate, and her sharp gaze cutting through me like frostbite. For a moment, my instincts betrayed me, angling my neck ever so slightly to see if the tilt of her skirt offered a forbidden glimpse. It was biology, not intent. That's what I told myself, anyway.