章 8: Chapter 8

Okay, when I said ninja? I didn't really know what I meant—it just sounded cool. But now, standing here in the middle of Kuoh, I need to figure out how to get information, and I've narrowed down my options.

Option one, Redhead's clubroom. I know it's somewhere on school grounds, but the exact location? Still a mystery. The risk? Low, assuming she and her clubmates aren't hanging around. But if they are? Well, let's just say I'm not ready to handle a full-on confrontation with a bunch of devils just yet. It'd be like throwing a Cheeto at a lion.

Option two, The run-down church I spotted a days ago. Risk? High. Rumors of a killer have been spreading through the denser parts of Kuoh, and while the streets seem normal during the day, the night air feels... Enticing sometimes. it wasn't Arata. I was with him most of the time. But there's something else and part of me suspects it might be the Fallen Angels. I'd prefer not to find out firsthand—especially since they could easily tear me apart right now.

Option three, I wait until the new semester starts and hope Redhead doesn't mind me lurking around. My bloodlust has been relatively low lately, thanks to all the fighting and training. I guess I really have grown, huh, Mura?

Now, why not visit Glasses? Aside from the fact I barely remember what she does in the anime, I doubt she'd appreciate me wandering around in her territory without introducing myself. Bad idea. Redhead, though? Based on her track record, she's less likely to push too hard—assuming I don't look too threatening. But let's be honest, this is all hope and speculation. I can't exactly rely on anime logic here.

So, when in doubt—flip a coin. Heads for Redhead's clubroom, tails for the church.

I flick the coin into the air, watching as it spins and glints in the moonlight before landing in my palm. Heads. Redhead it is.

After another fight—easier than the last, I start making my way to Kuoh Academy. the streets are busy, filled with families and friends all happy they are on break and with family, giving the town a peaceful vibe.

I can't help but feel the weight of all the supernatural problems that happen here, even when nothing seems out of the ordinary. It's like the calm before a storm.

Let it be known, they don't skimp on architecture here. The school is massive. The building alone is bigger than anything I've seen so far, with its towering walls and grand entrance that scream "prestigious." It feels like walking into a fortress, a place meant to keep outsiders at bay.

Vaulting over the wall, I land on the soft grass and take in the view. I don't see any clubroom that looks like the one in the anime, so instead of wasting time, I go right. The sunlight casts long rays across the campus, and the air is crisp. As I walk, I can't help but reflect on everything that's happened so far.

Waking up in a different body, making an odd friendship with a sentient sword, killing people, fighting devils—each event feels like a stepping stone, building a path that I didn't even know I was walking. And yet, here I am.

I stop mid-step, a realization creeping over me. 'A journey?'

Walking again, I try to shake off the thought. 'journey to where? I don't think I've ever set a real goal for myself. I just didn't want to get killed. That was the point, right? And for the most part, I've managed to survive, despite everything.

But is survival enough? I could keep traveling, keep fighting different people, just to keep myself from falling into insanity...' The thought lingers, and I feel the weight of it pressing down on me.

'Whatever. Less life contemplation, more foc—'

"Are you lost, young man?" A soft, feminine voice interrupts my thoughts.

I freeze. Slowly, I turn around, greeted by the sight of a woman whose face is all too familiar. My heart skips a beat. I'm so plumed.

Venelana Gremory, the strongest female Bael in history, stands before me, her purple eyes gleaming with amusement as she watches me with a serene smile.

"A-ah, s-sorry," I stammer, trying to collect myself. "I am a bit lost, actually. I've transferred to Kuoh Academy for the upcoming semester, and I wanted to check out the campus before school started. You know, to see if the journey from Kyoto was worth it." I stumble over my words, and all the plans that I had seem to have had are gone out the window and into another dimension.

Venelana's smile doesn't waver as she takes a few graceful steps toward me, her presence somehow calming and terrifying at the same time. I feel like I've locked up completely, every muscle in my body stiffening as she approaches—until she walks right past me.

Turning to face me again, she asks, "Well, while you're here, would you like a cup of tea? It would be quite nice to have someone to drink with."

Her voice is calm, almost musical, as if she's inviting me to an ordinary tea party. But nothing about this feels ordinary. This is Redhead's mother, for crying out loud. One wrong move, and I could be dead before I finish my first sip.

Plum.

It would be rude to decline, and... maybe, just maybe, I might be able to get some kind of information. Sitting down for tea with one of the most powerful devils in existence isn't exactly how I pictured today going, but then again when has anything truly ever gone my way?

"I'd... love that," I manage to say, forcing a smile.

Venelana's smile widens ever so slightly as she gestures for me to follow. As I walk behind her, trying to act casual, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding. This could either be my biggest break yet—or the worst decision I've ever made.

I pluming hope it's the former.