"Looks like… you guys are having fun, huh?"
Everyone turned toward the voice.
Jeison stood at the end of the hallway, a cold smirk on his face.
Hiro felt his heart race. Both Mizuki and Akira tensed up as the pressure from Jeison's presence washed over them like a suffocating wave.
But before anyone could react—
Tap… tap…
Slow, heavy footsteps echoed from behind.
Teacher Yuuyami appeared, her expression sharp and filled with restrained fury. Her eyes were dim yet piercing, like they could see through one's soul.
"I knew you'd show up, Jeison," she said calmly, but her tone carried an edge that cut deep.
Jeison chuckled lightly.
"Tch… hahaha. You're still as scary as ever, sensei. But relax. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just came to see… who's the strongest right now."
He glanced at Hiro with a strange intensity.
"Hiro… we'll meet again."
With that, he turned and faded into the darkness.
Teacher Yuuyami watched him disappear completely before exhaling slowly.
"Never underestimate a threat… even if it comes with a smile."
---
Teacher Yuuyami stood tall in front of her students who had just finished an intense battle. Her expression softened a bit, a small smile curling on her lips.
"Well… looks like you all still have enough strength to smile. I'll consider this battle a draw."
She looked between Hiro and Kaizo.
"Hiro… Kaizo… one of you might just become the next Rank 1 among all schools. I can arrange an official match, if needed."
Hiro stepped forward and gave a polite bow.
"Thank you, sensei… But I'm not really interested in becoming Rank 1."
Kaizo raised an eyebrow at Hiro, clearly surprised.
Satou, standing off to the side, perked up.
"Eh? Hiro, are you serious?"
Hiro gave a small, peaceful smile.
"Yeah… I just want to help people. That's all."
Yuuyami was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"That's a noble goal, Hiro. But sometimes… the ones who want to help everyone the most, are the ones who need to be the strongest."
The wind blew gently across the battlefield, lifting the dust from their fight into the sky.
Kaizo walked slowly toward Hiro, his face still serious.
"You're strong," he said simply. "There's a good chance… we'll fight again someday."
Hiro raised an eyebrow with a small grin.
"Tch, fine by me… Our battle's not over yet."
Kaizo actually cracked a faint smile—a rare sight from him.
"I'll be waiting for that day."
Without another word, the two of them shook hands — a firm grip between two young warriors who recognized each other's strength. The world around them seemed to pause for a moment, honoring the bond they had just forged.
---
Later that day, Hiro walked home, his clothes in tatters like he just survived World War III.
Hiro (muttering):
"Tch… damn it. Why am I the only one walking home looking like a war victim? Hanako helped everyone fix their clothes but ran off the moment I asked her… Am I that scary-looking?"
As he reached his house, he sensed something was off. It was quiet—too quiet. The air felt… different. Like someone was there.
He stepped inside cautiously, holding a broom like a makeshift weapon.
And then he saw a figure by the fridge.
Hiro:
"Aha! Got you!! BAAA!!!"
???:
"Kyaaa!!"
BOOOOMMMMM!!!
A flash of light filled the kitchen, and Hiro was blasted upward—his body slammed into the ceiling.
Hiro (screaming):
"AAHHH! I just wanted to make Milo!!!"
In the thick magic fog, a beautiful girl stepped forward. She looked like a sorceress from a fantasy novel — long shimmering hair, eyes like stars in the night sky.
???:
"Sorry… my magic activated on instinct. Auto-defense."
Hiro (still upside down):
"…Who the heck are you?"
The girl smiled arrogantly, placing a hand on her chest.
Aurelia:
"Tch. I guess I need to introduce myself. My name is—Aurelia Noctis Valemyr. The world's No.1 witch. Undefeated. Champion of over 300 duels since I was twelve."
Hiro (grabbing a mop, cleaning the kitchen):
"Huh. Never heard of you."
Aurelia (offended):
"WHAT?! You DON'T KNOW ME?!"
She stood straight, her face red with rage.
Aurelia:
"I'm the strongest! I use Eclipse Nova! I—"
Hiro:
"Yeah yeah. You're OP. Cool. My house is a mess. Let me clean up first."
Aurelia:
"Starting today, I'm living here."
Hiro:
"WHAT?! Why?"
Aurelia (proud):
"I have to protect weaklings like you."
Hiro:
"Weak, my ass…"
He stopped, narrowed his eyes, then activated his new power.
Hiro:
"Imagine: Illusion-Piercing Eyes."
He stared at her for a second.
Hiro:
"Hmm… you're wearing red underwear, huh?"
Aurelia (face burning red):
"YOU—!!!"
BOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!
Another Eclipse Nova explosion wrecked the living room.
Once again, Hiro was blasted out the window.