"Hahahaha, I can't believe that happened!"
The laughter of the Hakuryuukou echoed through the large kitchen of the apartment where Tobio and his companions were gathered.
Natsume was feeding the hawk perched on her shoulder. Her hawk was named Griffon.
Sitting across from the pair, Samejima, while sinking his teeth into the bread prepared for breakfast, alternately glanced at Tobio and Natsume.
On Samejima's lap, a white cat slept curled up, having finished its meal. His cat was Byakusa.
Lavinia was quietly sipping her soup.
Cao Cao was silently drinking a glass of milk while looking at Alex, who was clutching his stomach from laughing so hard as he stared at Tobio and Natsume.
Since it was a holiday morning, everyone was wearing casual clothes. For Tobio, it was a t-shirt and shorts; for Natsume, a nightgown and shorts; Samejima wore shorts like Tobio but with a tank top. Natsume had let her hair down from its usual style.
Lavinia was in casual clothes, and Alex and Cao Cao also wore their usual outfits.
Specifically for Lavinia, Cao Cao, and Alex, their appearances were currently the same as always. It seemed they had stocked several identical sets of clothes.
Cao Cao merely sighed as he watched Alex unable to stop laughing.
What had happened was that in the morning, everyone had gotten up for breakfast, including Alex and Cao Cao, who were temporarily living there. However, Tobio and Natsume were not among them.
When they went looking, they discovered Natsume sleeping in Tobio's bed, alongside him.
The worst part was for Tobio, as Sae, the girl he was hopelessly in love with, saw him with Natsume.
Obviously, neither Tobio nor Natsume had done anything intimate. What had happened was that Natsume mistook the room during a midnight bathroom trip and ended up in Tobio's room.
Although nothing happened, Alex didn't miss the chance to laugh at Tobio's completely red face, just like Natsume's.
Perhaps unable to bear this atmosphere, Samejima spoke up, his temple twitching.
"Isn't this enough already? It seems it was a misunderstanding. Isn't it the case that nothing happened in Ikuse and Minagawa's room?"
Samejima had already received an explanation for that scene.
As a result of regularly seeing Natsume, a scatterbrained and hasty young woman, the diligent Tobio understood with just a single statement of "It's a misunderstanding."
Uncomfortably, Natsume cast a fleeting glance at Toujou Sae.
"…That's not the issue. I think it was really awful for Toujou…"
Sae and Tobio's gazes met. Immediately, both their faces flushed. It seemed Natsume was being considerate of Tobio and Sae, but despite being childhood friends, the two avoided eye contact and felt embarrassed at the same time.
Samejima bit his cheek.
"Well, for a guy, isn't one or more flings fine? Even you, Ikuse, wouldn't you like to get close to multiple girls?"
In response, he promptly answered.
DOGAH! That was the sound of Natsume, leaning on the table, striking the top of Samejima's head. While Samejima clutched his head, which had been hit, Natsume stammered with her head in her arms.
"YOU IDIOT! My God, you went and said that in front of those two! Uh! It's not like that, I swear it's not like that, Ikuse-kun, Toujou-san! Last night, I woke up to go to the bathroom! The next thing I knew, I was in Ikuse-kun's bed—"
Having said so much, she covered her face with both hands, embarrassed.
"Now I can't be a bride!"
"W-Wait. Doesn't that make me look like the bad guy?"
As expected, even Tobio objected to this.
Cao Cao cast a slight glance at Alex, seeing the Hakuryuukou nearly dying while trying to hold back his laughter.
"On the other hand, going to the bathroom only to slip into a guy's bed in a different room, that's no ordinary feat. Plus, today's when you start attending that simulated school," Alex commented with an amused smile as he caught his breath.
Tobio sighed at his brother's words. When he looked in Sae's direction, she, observing the argument between Natsume and Samejima, gave a slight laugh.
The misunderstanding was resolved, then. Well, their relationship was one of having spent time together since childhood.
At Tobio's feet, the large black dog Jin had just finished eating. He had devoured a kilogram of cooked chicken fillet prepared for him. As he was a large dog, it was normal for him to eat a meal of that size. Moreover, he would have that amount twice, between morning and evening. Tobio understood that a meal of that size was abnormal, but…
When they met, Jin was quite small, but in such a short time, he had grown so large. Tobio had stopped feeling that what had happened to him was such a bizarre experience.
Since the previous incident—the battle against the 'Utsusemi Agency'—two months had passed. The four—Tobio, Sae, Natsume, and Samejima—who were involved in that incident, after it suddenly ended, found themselves again in this apartment building, and a new life began for them.
For Tobio and the others, having come into contact with the darkness of this country, not to mention the supernatural and fantastical world, they couldn't expect to return to their original lives. With the organization currently taking care of them—Grigori—Tobio and the others abandoned the schools they attended.
For about two months since then, while living on standby in the apartment building, they had been dedicating themselves to self-study.
Sae and Samejima had suffered injuries from that incident; however, also due to Grigori's support, they demonstrated favorable—no, beyond-expected—resilience, and they had already become capable of carrying out their daily lives without issue. For Samejima, as a possessor of an independent avatar-type Sacred Gear, it seemed his resilience had been enhanced by his compatibility with Byakusa, or so the organization had informed them.
As for Sae's case, having previously had the black lion residing in her, they were informed that there might have been some influence on her physical body. They weren't aware of any side effects resulting from the techniques the 'Utsusemi Agency' had employed on the other participants, so it was still necessary for her to be examined daily by Grigori. It would be good if it continued without incident, but that was Tobio's only wish for peace.
Amidst all this, it was decided that today Tobio and the others would be brought by someone from Grigori to the institution referred to as 'Nephilim,' an institution attended by children who possessed Sacred Gears, where they would be shown around.
This apartment building itself was also a student dormitory for students of that institution. Tobio still hadn't seen any residents besides them. However, from the way the communal floor was being used, there were clearly other people living there.
As they had been informed in a previous conversation, it was decided that Tobio and the others would be enrolling in a class called the 'Barakiel Class.'
Since arriving, Alex and Cao Cao had been living with Tobio and everyone, assisting them. The bearer of the Holy Spear had no issue with this, as Alex wanted to keep Tobio safe.
Moreover, Cao Cao noticed that Alex had been quite happy a while ago, muttering things to Albion and Regulus like 'I won the bet' and 'I can restrain myself for more than a week!' and other such things.
"…As expected, these clothes are a bit strange."
Regarding what Sae, who spoke those words, was wearing—it was the Nephilim uniform provided by Grigori. Not just Sae, but Tobio, Natsume, and Samejima also wore the Nephilim uniform.
It was a uniform with a considerable design style. The underlying color was blue, but what concerned Tobio and the others was how the design was a bit out of the norm.
Instead of a school uniform, it was more like the uniforms of boys and girls belonging to special countermeasure organizations, like the elementary and high school students seen in manga and anime. At first glance, it seemed nothing more than cosplay.
Thus, even Natsume and Samejima stopped arguing to express their opinions. Standing up from her seat, Natsume held the hem of her skirt.
"Certainly, the skirt is a bit short."
Glimpsing the healthy thighs of a high school girl that the skirt offered, Tobio ended up looking away.
However, Alex had no qualms about looking with a smile, receiving a hit from Cao Cao for it.
Also putting a finger in the collar of his uniform, Samejima acted all bothered.
"Man, such casual clothes aren't great, huh. This is extremely formal for me."
Everyone seemed to feel the same. For Tobio, although he also preferred a regular uniform, instead of feeling pleasure in being able to study even after falling to a level like this.
In this supposed 'classroom' of Nephilim, it was possible to study normally as students, or so he was informed. For that, he was grateful. Even if their lives as ordinary humans had been ripped away, he still wanted to obtain an education like an ordinary human. Otherwise, his knowledge would fall below average compared to other kids his age.
However, what they'd be learning wasn't limited to just that.
According to what he was told, they'd be learning the proper way to use Sacred Gears, as well as ways to combat users of supernatural powers and irregular beings.
Having been gifted with such irregular powers, this wasn't something they could ignore. Unless they could master them, even their current lifestyle could be destroyed. That alone they wanted to avoid. Having finally overcome such an experience to achieve peace.
Indeed, overcoming so many obstacles and tragedies, Tobio and the others were here now.
While looking at everyone, Alex momentarily paused and turned.
"Well, well, it's unusual for you to come here in the morning, Azazel."
Everyone's gaze converged on a single point.
Without anyone noticing, a man in a suit entered and deliberately opened the room's refrigerator. It seemed to be the expensive, worn-out type. As for the man, opening the cap of a PET bottle of carbonated drink from the fridge, he was chugging it down.
Sitting at an empty spot at the table, he inspected everyone present.
"Hey, young ladies and gentlemen."
"Governor-General Azazel!"
Natsume was surprised by the man's entrance—the Governor-General of Grigori, Azazel. As his entrance was sudden, not just Natsume, but Tobio, Sae, and Samejima were also surprised.
As for Alex, Cao Cao, and Lavinia, they showed no signs of surprise and seemed to calmly accept Azazel.
Azazel asked Tobio and the others.
"How's the taste? Excuse me, if I may ask for two slices of bread, Toujou Sae."
Azazel requested the bread from Sae. Responding unconsciously with "Y-Yes," Sae put two slices of bread in the toaster.
Alex asked Azazel.
"For you to show up expressly at the dining table, does that mean you have some kind of business?"
While swallowing the carbonated drink, Azazel spoke.
"Well, that's also the case, but it's merely that you guys seem unnecessarily distant. Hey, isn't today the day you move? Well, I'm in the position of running this institution. Isn't it good to have these morning interactions with the transferred students?"
Azazel approached them in a friendly manner.
He wasn't a hateful person. The guidance given to Tobio, as well as Natsume and the others, and the Ryoukuu students, was undoubtedly due to this man's kindness. That being the case, even eating with Sae, who was living, was thanks to Azazel's cooperation.
However, he couldn't fully grasp it. His true motives were the only truth he still couldn't understand. For him to have come here like this. The true reason for this man was completely imperceptible.
Azazel had taken a booklet from his breast pocket. It was familiar to Tobio and the others. To check on 'Nephilim,' it seemed this was the so-called 'enrollment guide.'
Azazel flipped through the guide with one hand.
"Just in case, have you already taken a look?"
Tobio, Sae, and Natsume nodded. Samejima looked away.
To summarize what was written in the guide, it was about the kind of place 'Nephilim' was, the type of people who attended, and what was taught there. After that, it also detailed the oath to be upheld by those living in the institution, as well as the penalty for breaking that oath.
Since it was written in excessively otherworldly language, it ended up feeling like the setting of a literary work written by a middle schooler with chuunibyou. However, that place was now their everyday world.
Compared to the lives they were enjoying until recently, this was like being plunged into a world completely isolated from their previous lives.
Having acknowledged Tobio and the others' response, Azazel displayed a wry smile.
"If so, then that's fine. Well, you can ask a staff member if there's anything you don't understand."
There was a sound indicating the bread in the toaster had finished baking. Sae handed it to Azazel.
Azazel spoke while chewing.
"Once I've eaten, I'll show you the way to 'Nephilim.'"
With that said, Azazel turned to Alex.
"And you, Hakuryuukou, what are you going to do?"
Alex sighed as he stood, followed by Cao Cao.
"I have something to take care of, a minor annoying issue," Alex commented casually.
"Wait…" Tobio called. "You're not coming with us?"
"No, I'm not too interested in studying there. After all, what you guys will learn is stuff I already know. But I'll show up there later," Alex said with a smile as he headed toward the door.
"Oh, by the way, Natsume," Alex called, stopping and gaining her attention. "When you feel like sleeping in someone's bed, know that mine is always available."
Natsume blushed intensely at Alex's words, while Tobio and Sae stared in disbelief. Azazel had an amused smile on his face.
Samejima mentally increased his respect for Alex significantly.
Cao Cao merely sighed at his adoptive older brother's antics.
"Oh, speaking of which, Hakuryuukou…" Azazel called, gaining Alex's attention. "Penemue is furious and looking for you. I recall hearing the words 'castration' and 'rusty knife' from her."
Everyone looked at Alex, seeing him freeze with sweat dripping down his face.
[It was nice knowing you, Alex,] Albion commented, sounding sad.
"It really was nice while it lasted," Regulus added.
Everyone saw Alex freeze as cold sweat ran down his forehead, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished in a burst of speed.
Cao Cao, seeing this, merely sighed and followed his friend, leaving Azazel laughing and the others confused behind.
.
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.
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Rain poured heavily onto the ground; night had already fallen, and with it, everyone had returned to their homes. But in a more distant part of the city, something was clearly happening.
The sound of metal clashing against metal, of sword striking sword, echoed through the heavy rain. The two combatants showed no concern for the rain, their expressions markedly different.
One was a middle-aged man in his early thirties of Italian descent with dark brown hair slicked back, along with growing stubble and a mustache. He was dressed in the typical attire of an exorcist and priest.
In his hands was a longsword emitting an intense aura.
"You don't seem open to discussion," the older man said.
The one he was addressing was a young man with tan skin, golden eyes, and brown hair, staring at him with a mocking smile.
Alexandre Ikuse firmly held his katana in his right hand while pointing it at the priest.
"Is this kind of discussion proposal trending in the Vatican? Out of nowhere, you go from drawing a specialized weapon to requesting a talk. Hmm. That's the Holy Sword Galatine, huh. It and Excalibur are considered siblings. That's an extremely tenacious sword. That being the case, doesn't that make you the renowned Holy Sword bearer, David Cerro?"
The man—the one called David—calmly displayed a smile.
"I can say I'm extremely pleased to be remembered by the White Dragon Emperor. However, the Vatican cannot forgive turbulent movements of the superhuman and supernatural."
Alex narrowed his eyes at the priest before him. His identity shouldn't be so well-known, yet David seemed to know quite a bit.
"You seem well-informed, huh. I'd like to know who in the Church got that information, or perhaps someone from Heaven? Well, that doesn't matter now," Alex said as he prepared himself. "Even if the Vatican can't forgive these incidents, they wouldn't act so recklessly, so what's your goal?"
"You're truly wise for your age, truly a pity you're siding with the Fallen Angels. Longinus like yours should be with the Church, with our God who created them. It's truly a shame they're distributed randomly," David said seriously.
Alex narrowed his eyes.
"So your goal is the Thirteen Longinus? That means your target is my younger brother, and that's something I won't allow!"
David prepared himself as he saw Alex's aura envelop his body, and the exorcist's attention was immediately drawn when he noticed the temperature around them rising and the rain stopping.
No, David had to reconsider—the rain hadn't stopped; the temperature around the Hakuryuukou was so high that the rain evaporated before it could even get close.
David quickly took distance when he realized his skin was showing slight signs of burning.
Though considered a first-class exorcist, David was still human and still had human weaknesses. The temperature emanating from Alex was so extreme that even David's resistant body was starting to burn.
"Freed!" the exorcist shouted, calling for his disciple.
A white-haired boy with a European appearance suddenly appeared, running.
His first impression was that of a cute twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy, though his pupils were usually filled with a dangerous glint.
But now, he had a terrified look as he ran for his life, a pistol in his right hand and a light sword in his left.
"I'm kinda busy here, teacher!"
The boy, Freed, immediately looked ahead as he saw a young man in a gakuran wielding a poleaxe charging toward him.
Cao Cao ran toward the boy as Freed fired several times, releasing light bullets. Though they didn't cause significant damage to supernatural beings beyond demons due to their light attribute, they could still blow a human's head off.
But Cao Cao swiftly maneuvered between the bullets, deflecting them with his poleaxe as he closed in on Freed, swinging his weapon.
The poleaxe came in a horizontal strike aiming to decapitate the exorcist, who barely escaped but ended up with a cut on his cheek.
"This kid is really human?!" Freed shouted in disbelief.
Though Freed could be considered a prodigy, Cao Cao's talent far surpassed his. Thanks to Cao Cao's skill, the young exorcist couldn't get close, and his ability to attack from a distance rendered the light sword useless.
Add to that Cao Cao's own skills, which allowed him to dodge the light bullets.
Freed quickly retreated, standing beside David, and Cao Cao stood beside Alex.
"…It seems any further questioning could result in serious injury. Freed, we're withdrawing."
David spoke as he sheathed his holy sword.
"Right!"
With that, Freed produced something resembling a grenade.
Pulling the pin, he threw it. Instantly, a dazzling flash illuminated the area, and when it faded, they had vanished.
"We're not going after them?" Cao Cao asked as he saw Alex sheathe his katana.
"It'd be troublesome to pursue them now. I just wanted to see who was lurking in this area. Either way, if his goal is the Longinus, he'll come back."
Alex explained as he let out a sigh.
"Let's head back soon."
Cao Cao nodded as he quickly made his way, following the Hakuryuukou.