Chapter 1410

<Chapter 1410> 1410. The Academy’s Savior

I decided to hang out with Yuuki Hido somewhat casually.

Yuuki Hido is like a light novel protagonist. Women flock to him even when he just stands still. The women I’m interested in are also connected to Yuuki Hido. In other words, if I stick around him, I’ll easily get to meet beautiful girls.

“Yuuki Hido.”

“Huh? Mr. Seong. You can just call me Hido.”

“I’ve noticed that woman over there has been glaring at us… Is she your friend?”

I subtly gestured with my eyes toward the side.

A girl with green hair was blatantly staring at us. She was quite a beauty. Her green hair had a bright and refreshing vibe, and her skin was almost translucent. Judging by the pointed tips of her ears visible between strands of hair, she seemed to be of elven descent.

Of course, I already knew who the girl was.

“…Ah. That’s Reika Shinbo. She’s half-elven, but she has quite an aggressive nature. Shinbo ranked first in our academy entrance exam. She seems to have taken interest in you since you’re also a top student.”

“But for someone supposedly interested in me, her gaze seems more fixated on you, doesn’t it?”

“Haha… Is that so?”

Yuuki Hido chuckled awkwardly.

I already knew the situation thanks to the original story. Reika Shinbo and Yuuki Hido must have had an unofficial duel, and the winner would’ve been Yuuki Hido.

‘How can I divert Reika Shinbo’s attention toward me? Should I challenge her to an unofficial duel like Hido did? If I crush her with overwhelming strength, will she take interest in me?’

Soon, the bell rang, and class began.

Classes being boring were the same whether in Japan or Korea.

The Arashi Academy also had specialized departments.

During specialized classes, I moved around with Yuuki Hido.

“Mr. Seong, I didn’t expect you to be interested in Shintoism.”

“Shintoism in Japan is pretty famous for various reasons. There are many shrines dedicated to local deities, and most of those deities are spirits. Shintoism and spirit studies share some similarities. Besides, Arashi Academy doesn’t even have a spirit studies department.”

“Hmm, now that you mention it, they do seem similar.”

While making up all sorts of excuses, my real intention was simply to meet the girl in the Shinto department. And while I’m at it, I might as well use the Shinto department for my plans.

“Surprisingly, you’re unexpected too. You seem like a swordsman, yet why did you choose the Shinto department?”

“Uh… This is actually a secret, but I’ll tell you, Mr. Seong. The Shento department is relatively laid-back compared to others, so it’s comfortable. Also, I have a childhood friend in the Shinto department…”

“So skipping classes is your main purpose, huh.”

“Hahaha. Well, what can I say? But I didn’t choose the Shinto department solely for skipping classes. It’s quiet here, which makes it a good environment for personal training.”

We climbed the stairs and arrived at the shrine.

Wasn’t it called Torii? A red wooden gate greeted us. After passing through the Torii, I felt something strange.

“Oh. Mr. Seong, you sensed it too?”

“…Is it a barrier?”

“Yeah. At the Tsukuyomi Shrine, there’s a barrier set up so you can only enter through the main gate.”

“Amazing.”

I softly exclaimed in admiration and followed Yuuki Hido.

“Ho ho. Young Hido, what brings you here with a guest?”

Spirit


Yuria sat atop the roof of Sai Academy’s principal Nagisa Tenrai, then lightly descended to the ground. The luxurious red kimono she wore fluttered in the wind. Hyodo Yuuki scratched his cheek with his finger.

“Principal Tenrai, you were here?”

“I just dropped by for a stroll. Are you going to train here again today?”

“Yes. Is that okay?”

“It’s none of my business… but wouldn’t it be better to use the training room with the Aurora Simulator? Why do you insist on being here?”

“Haha… I guess I can only calm down here. Somehow, it feels like I train better here.”

“…Hmph.”

Principal Tenrai Nagisa waved her hand at Hyodo Yuuki.

“Alright. Go ahead and train. I need to have a little chat with Spirit’s kid.”

She stared at me intently. I calmly met her gaze.

“Eh… understood. See you later, Nuri.”

Hyodo Yuuki, sensing the atmosphere, quickly left toward the training grounds.

“Hmph. Spirit’s kid. Would you like some tea?”

“I don’t drink anything unless Yuria makes it. But I’ll take a cola.”

“Very well, I can offer you cola. Follow me to the tea room.”

We arrived at the tea room. Principal Tenrai handed me a can of cola and skillfully prepared green tea. Her tea-making was impressive—though not as good as Yuria’s.

“It’s not too late. How about some tea? Not everyone, even politicians, gets to enjoy tea personally brewed by this Teran Nagisa.”

“That’s fine. I’m satisfied with the cola. Whoever made it, cola is still delicious.”

“You really like cola?”

“My taste is pretty picky, but cola is alright.”

“Cola is alright?”

“Cola is probably the pinnacle of carbonated drinks. It’s better than most other beverages.”

“I don’t understand you kids these days…”

“So, may I ask why you called me here?”

“Nothing special. I was just curious about Gender’s son. You’re more ordinary than I expected.”

“What did you expect from me?”

“I thought you’d start a fight or provoke trouble right away. Your mother used to do that.”

“EH?”

Thinking about it calmly, Young Gender might’ve been like that. Judging from the reactions around, Gender was quite the troublemaker when she was young.

“Why did you come to the Shinto Department with Hyodo? Are you interested in Shintoism?”

“I’m a Spirit user. I do have some interest.”

“In that case, let me personally guide you through the shrine. Ah, finish your tea first.”

She leisurely sipped her green tea.

After chugging my cola, I asked her,

“The shrine of this Shinto department is called Tsukuyomi Shrine, right? Is it the famous shrine dedicated to the moon deity?”

“Even you, a Korean, know of Tsukuyomi. Yes, this shrine is dedicated to Tsukuyomi.”

“Does Tsukuyomi actually exist?”

Principal Tenrai gave a wry smile.

“This World has countless Spirits. Or rather, they existed. Some say they vanished, others claim they left. But one thing is certain: they once existed. As proof, their power remains in this world.”

“So they don’t exist now. Then why maintain the shrine? Isn’t it unnecessary to believe in non-existent deities?”

“One believes because one wants to believe. That’s what faith is.”

“…”

Principal Tenrai looked straight into my face and laughed.

“Hahaha! You look confused. I don’t intend to persuade you. Think for yourself and make your own judgment. Believe in Spirits if you want, or don’t if you don’t. The choice is yours.”

“I…


“I only believe in the spirits I see with my own eyes.”

“Hmph.”

The trivial questions kept coming. Where did you learn about spirits? Is Lord Ha still running wild like a boar? What’s it like at Arashi Academy? I gave her vague answers.

When the tea ceremony was over, she got up and said, “I’ll personally guide you to the shrine, follow me.”

I followed Tensrai Nagisa. She introduced me to various parts of the shrine and explained its history, but it was boring. I wasn’t particularly interested in Tsukuyomi Shrine itself.

‘I’m interested in the object hidden here.’

Of course, Tensrai Nagisa didn’t reveal the secret location to me.

‘I’ve already pinpointed the location with my Heavenly Eye. Even if I know, I can’t take it right away…’

There was no need to rush.

According to the original story, something will happen soon.

‘That’s when I’ll get my chance to grab it.’

For that moment, I obtained the Ghost Cape. If everything goes according to my plan, there won’t be any problems.

After touring the shrine with Tensrai Nagisa, we returned to the entrance. We encountered a miko sweeping the shrine with a broom.

A miko with black hair tied into a ponytail. She wore a traditional white top and long red skirt. She was also childhood friend of Yodo Yuuki.

“Tensrai Principal.”

“Oh, Mieko. Were you cleaning? Thank you for your hard work.”

“No, it’s part of my duties as a miko. By the way, who is this person beside you?”

“She’s an exchange student from Korea named Sung Yoojin. She’s interested in Shinto studies as a spirit user. This is Miyakado Mieko, the sole miko of Tsukuyomi Shrine.”

“Sung Yoojin. Nice to meet you.”

“Miyakado Mieko. You’re joining the Shinto studies department? That’s troubling. There’s not much happening in that department. I recommend looking into other majors.”

Tensrai Nagisa interjected.

“Mieko, what’s wrong with the Shinto department? It’s the root of Japanese culture. Teach her the excellence of Japanese culture thoroughly.”

“Principal, cultures don’t have superiority.”

“Eh? You’re too serious about everything. Can’t you take a joke?”

And so, I entered the Shinto studies department.

The first exchange match ended.

The result was a narrow defeat for Korea. The shocked Korean academy students began hell training.

Sitting on my classroom chair, I idly listened to the teacher’s lecture while killing time.

I don’t force myself on people like Shinbo Reika and Miyakado Mieko. These types of girls retreat if you approach them first. Instead of me going to them, I need to make them come to me.

KAAAAAAAAAAABOOM!

An enormous explosion resounded.

I widened my eyes and looked out the window. Black smoke was rising from various places in the academy.

Arashi Academy was under attack.

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABOOOM!

This time, something flew from outside the academy and collided with Arashi Academy’s barrier. The barrier didn’t break, but it violently shook.

“It’s an attack!!”

“They’re attacking Arashi Academy?! What lunatics would do such a thing?!”

“It’s obvious! It’s the Magic Council! They attacked!”

Panic spread through the classroom.

The teacher teaching threw down the chalk and shouted at the students.

“Quiet! This is an emergency situation! Everyone, stay calm and follow me! We’re evacuating to the shelter quickly!”

“Teacher! We can fight the enemies!”

“Shut up! You’re students! Don’t mistake yourselves for heroes! Evacuate to the shelter immediately!”

The building shook.

The teacher gritted his teeth and pointed at the door.

“Move quickly!”

The explosions kept sounding.

The periodic explosions were coming from the direction of Tsukuyomi Shrine.

Yodo Yuuki, who was sitting next to me, checked his surroundings then quietly left his seat when everyone was distracted. I put on the Ghost Cape I took out from my inventory and chased after Yodo Yuuki.