When school ended, Tatsuki didn't leave with Yukino and the others. Instead, he sought out Benio.
"I'm heading to the Onmyo Association for a bit. Want to come with me?"
"Back to the Association?"
Benio blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation. Maybe he had business with Lord Arima?
"Yes." She nodded almost reflexively. "I want to see what's going on."
Since the battle ended and the impurities vanished, she hadn't really known what to do with herself.
"Then let's go."
"How are we going there?" she asked. "The Association's far from the academy."
Before she could even finish her sentence—her vision blurred. The next moment, the world snapped back into focus.
They were standing inside the Onmyo Association.
On the main dais, Tsuchimikado Arima sat in quiet meditation. Sensing an unfamiliar presence, he opened his eyes—and froze.
Then, without hesitation, he bent to one knee. "Lord Tatsuki."
"...!" Benio was completely stunned.
Even Lord Arima, the supreme head of the Association, addressed him with such reverence?
Tatsuki simply nodded, calm and detached. "Summon the Twelve Guardians."
"Yes, my lord."
Arima was about to relay the order when Tatsuki waved a hand. "No need."
With a single thought, the air rippled. Across Japan, twelve powerful auras flickered—and in the blink of an eye, the Twelve Guardians stood before him.
"Enemy attack?"
All twelve instantly activated their Spell Armaments, scanning the area with deadly focus.
But when they recognized the familiar chamber—and Tatsuki standing before them—they dropped to one knee in unison.
"Greetings, Lord Tatsuki!"
Benio's mind buzzed like static.
These were the top exorcists of the entire Onmyo Association, bowing like loyal retainers before a god.
She awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers, unsure if she should kneel too.
Tatsuki noticed her hesitation and smiled faintly, patting her head.
"No need for that. We're classmates now, remember?"
Her cheeks flushed red in an instant. "O-Okay…"
Arima's gaze sharpened as he quietly took in the exchange, but he said nothing.
Tatsuki turned to the group, his tone even. "I came to tell you about a new kind of entity—creatures called Ghouls. Flesh-eaters that hide among humans."
A tired voice spoke up from the group—Amakawa Seigen, eyes ringed with sleepless shadows.
"Creatures like that actually exist in this world…?"
A refined woman, Mitejima Subaru, narrowed her eyes. "Monsters that must devour humans to live—such distortions should be purged."
Tatsuki glanced at her approvingly.
"Exactly. That's why I'm telling you. Spread word through every exorcist in the Association. Track down any Ghoul feeding in society—eliminate them completely. Can you do that?"
The Twelve responded as one: "We will not fail you!"
"Good." Tatsuki's lips curved slightly. "Then I leave it to you."
…
"...You live here?"
They stood before a luxury apartment complex—elegant, high-end.
Benio nodded softly. "Mm. It's close to the school."
The rapid jumps between locations—the instant travel from school to the Association, then the summoning of twelve elite exorcists, and now arriving right at her building—all left her reeling.
He wasn't just powerful. He was something beyond human.
And she couldn't forget what Arima had whispered to her before leaving: 'If you wish to serve him, he may accept you. Think carefully.'
The thought alone made her blush.
Tatsuki noticed the change in her expression and sighed inwardly. Seriously, what kind of things are they asking her to do…
Benio fidgeted with her fingers, voice trembling. "Lord Tatsuki… shall I begin serving you now?"
He almost laughed. "Don't call me 'Lord.' We're classmates. Keep it natural."
Her blue eyes blinked up at him shyly. "Then… Tatsuki-kun, do you need me to serve you now?"
"No need. I'm heading home."
He reached out to rub her head again, his tone gentle. "Go rest."
Benio took a deep breath, gathering her courage.
"Then please… if you ever need me, Tatsuki-kun, no matter where or when—call for me!"
"…."
He couldn't help but smile. As a SP (spiritual prodigy), she really was adorable. Before he even thought twice, he leaned down and kissed her lips.
Her mind went blank. Against this experienced man, she had no chance of resistance—her body melting into his arms.
When they finally separated, she was flushed and trembling, her knees weak.
"Should I carry you to your room?" he whispered beside her ear.
"Mmm…" she murmured softly, hiding her face in his chest.
He simply picked her up in a bridal carry and brought her inside. Once she was safely back home, he left quietly.
There was still a certain white cat waiting at his house—and plenty of time for romance later.
…
Instead of teleporting home, Tatsuki chose to walk.
The distance wasn't far. The rhythm of his footsteps against the pavement felt grounding—human.
No matter how strong he became, he didn't want to forget that ordinary life was beautiful in its own way.
A pair of eyes watched him from above.
Kasumigaoka Utaha, living in the same building as Benio, had seen everything.
"Tatsuki… Tatsuki…" she whispered the name, leaning on the window frame, repeating it like a secret spell.
…
Night fell.
The city bloomed with neon and color.
Street lamps lined the roads like pearls, their glow painting a warm golden path.
The laughter of pedestrians, the hum of traffic, the glittering reflections on shop windows—Tokyo pulsed with life.
But among that brightness… a storm of despair brewed.
I'm tired… so tired… so tired…
I want to die. I want to die. I want to die.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
I don't deserve to live. I should just disappear…
The thoughts looped endlessly inside one girl's mind.
"Ugh—"
Walking along the crosswalk, Tatsuki felt someone bump into him.
"Ah! I'm so sorry!"
The girl bowed quickly, golden hair falling forward.
When she looked up, their eyes met—her blue ones wide in surprise, his golden ones calm as ever.
Ai Hayasaka.
Tatsuki frowned slightly, gaze shifting to her back.
A small, malformed creature—half spirit, half tumor—was latched onto her, feeding on her despair.
A phantom, born from decaying emotion.
Tatsuki raised a hand and lightly pinched the air beside her ear.
The creature shattered into black mist.
"Are you alright?" he asked casually.
"...!"
In an instant, Hayasaka felt the crushing weight in her chest vanish. The pain, the hopelessness—all gone.
Weird… why was I even out here alone? Wasn't I supposed to be with the young lady? Was I… thinking of killing myself just now?
As the corruption faded, clarity returned. Her mind steadied.
Seeing she was fine, Tatsuki said nothing more and walked off.
A moment later, realization struck her.
Wait! This is the perfect chance to approach him!
She hurried after him—but the chase led her to a dark, empty street where the neon lights didn't reach.
A chill ran down her spine.
Something about this felt… wrong.
She was about to turn back when Tatsuki suddenly spoke.
"Yes, I can see you. Hello. My name is Tatsuki."
"…A god who slays phantoms? How interesting."
"You look like someone who could use a hand."
"…" Hayasaka froze. Was he talking to himself?
Before she could react, a sharp pain flared in her eyes.
When her vision cleared, she gasped.
There was something there—something impossible.
A grotesque monster, its body twisted, skin green-black and veined like rot, with a bird-like skull and bloated limbs.
And leaping around it was a young man in a tracksuit and scarf, dual short blades flashing.
"Name's Yato!" the man shouted between dodges, flashing a wide grin.
Tatsuki's gaze narrowed slightly. "Yato… so it's you."
Yato spared him a glance, smiling bitterly.
"Don't bother remembering, kid… people never do."
...
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