As break time drew to a close, Masakiro and Tsuramo were just making their way back to class.
Masakiro strode confidently ahead, but Tsuramo paused at the door, glancing sideways.
His sharp eyes caught something—a flicker, a flash that darted through the hallway. It blinked once, then was gone.
His curiosity piqued, Tsuramo sighed softly and silently slipped in the direction of the mysterious sight.
He looked both ways—nothing but empty corridor. He was about to turn back when, suddenly, the flash appeared again. Tsuramo froze, his eyes narrowing.
He turned around, then back again, walking cautiously toward the spot. He paused, focusing intently on the space before him.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he concentrated.
When he opened them again, the glowing thing shone crimson red, pulsing with an eerie light.
With a swift, almost predatory motion, Tsuramo stretched his arms forward and caught the flashing object—something small, luminous, and alive.
In his hand was a tiny figure not too tiny but about his age—a boy, or maybe a demon, or perhaps something entirely different.
The creature was strikingly beautiful. Silver hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading down in shimmering waves.
His eyes sparkled like distant stars, mischievous and secretive. A sly smile played on his lips, hinting that he knew a thousand mysteries.
Tsuramo's mind raced. Oh, those eyes... that hair... he thought, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Only one clan I know possesses such traits— the Yamata Clan.
The Yamata—famous among demons for their overwhelming strength, mastery of illusion, and wind magic.
They could summon storms at will and craft illusions so convincing you'd question your own senses.
They're the kind of demons who could make a hurricane bow and illusions so real, you'd start doubting reality itself.*
He let go of the boy slowly, sighing. "Who are you?" he asked, voice cool but intrigued.
The boy smirked mischievously. "What were you thinking just now? Yamata Clan?" he said in a low, playful tone.
Tsuramo's eyes widened slightly. He even knows what I was thinking about? He thought, surprised.
"Hmm… I see you're from there," Tsuramo said casually, crossing his arms.
The boy stretched his hands wide. "I'm Yamata Kijin. It's an honor to meet you, Tsuramo…" he said slowly, with a sly grin.
Tsuramo stared at him in disbelief. "How does he know my name?" he wondered silently.
"You know my name, huh?" Tsuramo replied, trying to sound cool. "Well, I'm Tsuramo Malakar. Which class are you in?" Tsuramo asked taking Kijin's hand for a shake.
Kijin crossed his arms and shrugged. "Class B, Kagezake subgroup member. And you?"
Tsuramo smirked. "I'm guessing you know that already," he said with a hint of amusement.
"C'mon... Mistlings' class. I'm surprised you caught me—you must be really strong," Kijin said with a playful grin, crossing his arms. "But in CM class? Was that a mistake?"
Tsuramo smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not the only one who had thought that," he replied coolly. "That's my level. That's where I'm supposed to be."
Kijin tilted his head, nodding thoughtfully. Then, suddenly, his stomach growled loudly, breaking the moment. He crossed his arms and looked a bit sheepish.
"Oops," he muttered. "I forgot I was hungry. Wanna get something to eat?"
He was already ready to dash off, anticipation practically radiating from him.
Tsuramo shook his head, his expression unreadable. "No. I have class," he said simply.
Kijin shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "See you later, red-haired boy," he said with a grin, then flickered with a gust of wind and vanished in a flash.
Tsuramo blinked, watching the empty space where Kijin had been. "Well, that was quick," he muttered, a faint amused smirk tugging at his lips.
--
Mrs. Kurohana hovered gracefully above the classroom, her wings shimmering softly in the dim light. Her voice was calm, yet carried a weight that commanded attention.
"Class, Virelia, our diligent class president, has handed me all your forms. I trust there are no mistakes, for we will keep these records strictly—no errors, no excuses."
She paused, a gentle smile curling on her lips. "And this brings us to your first task."
Her eyes gleamed with a mysterious light as she gently flicked her wrist.
With a soft shimmer, she summoned a cluster of eggs—each one unlike any ordinary egg.
They varied in color, texture, and size; some had gleaming scales, others rough or smooth shells, and a few shimmered with strange iridescence.
"Inside these eggs are creatures," she announced, her voice smooth and measured.
"Not just any creatures, but Drakos , Wipie, Felky." She gestured to each egg as she named them. "These are the beings you will care for. Your task is to hatch them within two weeks. Fail, and you will be eliminated from the class. And also name them whatever you want mine are stupid."
A collective gasp rippled through the classroom.
The students stared at the eggs with wide eyes, some trembling with excitement, others with nervousness.
Virelia, with her shimmering golden hair , had already begun eyeing her egg with admiration, her expression eager.
Masakiro looked confused, scratching his head as he glanced at his egg.
Tsuramo, on the other hand, was examining his egg with suspicion, as if it was something strange and mysterious. And indeed, it was.
Mrs. Kurohana floated down gracefully, her voice turning a little more serious. "Oh, and one more thing—our dormitory arrangements have changed. You will no longer stay in the same groups. We will mix you up with the Wraithling class, Kagazake class... surprise!"
The classroom erupted into surprised murmurs, students exchanging bewildered glances.
Some looked intrigued, others nervous—yet all curious about what this meant for them.
The bald-headed boy from the monk clan, his eyebrows thick and serious, raised his hand confidently.
His name was Kaito Monk—a name whispered with respect and slight amusement.
"Ma'am," he asked, his gaze calm hands clasped together, "When are we changing rooms?"
Mrs. Kurohana chuckled softly, a sound like a gentle breeze. "Today, Kaito. You've already been moved. Just check the number under your name. It will tell you where to go."
With that, she spread her wings wide and disappeared in a flash of shimmering light.
The students looked at each other, some excited, some nervous, but all ready for the strange new adventure awaiting them.
"Class dismissed," Virelia announced with a bright smile, her eyes glinting with determination.
The students scrambled to gather their belongings, eager yet unsure of what the coming days would bring.