Back the Therion guild
When Kurumi heard a crackling sound like lightning striking sand, she turned back sharply, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Ayame appeared out of nothing, materializing in the center of the room as if conjured by magic.
Kurumi's eyes widened with relief and excitement, disbelief warring with hope.
'What do I believe, my eyes? Or am I seeing things? Is that Ayame? She's safe! But what about the others?' Her thoughts raced as she watched, paralyzed by shock.
Ayame appeared standing, her form solid and real, but then she collapsed to her knees as if her legs could no longer support her weight.
Before Kurumi could move to help, another crackling sound split the air, and Takemitchi materialized, his arms thrown up defensively before his face.
"Noooo! Please don't kill us, I beg... u—" His desperate plea cut short as he fell to his feet, then blinked in confusion as he realized everything around him had changed.
The transition from mortal terror to bewildered safety was written clearly across his face.
"I'm glad you are safe, boy. Where is Shizu—" Before Kurumi could finish her question, the now-familiar sound echoed through the room once more.
Then Shizuri appeared, her form solidifying from nothing.
Kurumi felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight of all three rookies returned safely. "Shizuri, I'm so glad you—"
"Alright... I'm alright, but I need to go home," Shizuri cut her off, her voice strained despite her effort at composure.
Without another word, she turned and left the room with a calm but distinctly disturbed expression.
Her eyes were distant, seeing something far beyond the guild walls.
Kurumi's attention was drawn back to Ayame, who remained on her knees, her body trembling violently.
The young woman was mumbling to herself in a broken whisper, the same phrase repeated over and over like a terrified mantra:
"I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die..."
The words sent a chill down Kurumi's spine.
Her rookies were back—physically unharmed but clearly carrying wounds deeper than flesh.
Whatever they had faced had left scars on their souls.
She moved toward Ayame, her hand outstretched in comfort, wondering what horrors they had witnessed.
And what kind of man Theo von Kronaro must truly be to have rescued them from such a fate.
Meanwhile
The air hung thick with silence as Kuroyami walked beside Claudine through the dark forest.
Their footsteps echoed in the eerie stillness, the only sound between them.
'This silence is unbearable,' Kuroyami thought. 'I should say something. But what? Hmm...'
He stole a quick glance at Claudine. The soft glow of the moon illuminated her face.
And for a fleeting moment, he found himself caught by her beauty.
'She's so composed, not a single sign of hesitation or unease. Maybe she's focusing on the task ahead? I shouldn't interrupt. But... she really is beautiful.'
His cheeks flushed involuntarily, his heart rate picking up.
'What's happening to me? I've spent so much time with her, but this—this is different. Why is my heart racing like this? It's just Claudine. I've been around plenty of girls before, but this...'
A subtle, devious smile played at the corners of Claudine's lips as she noticed his reddened face.
She looked away, her expression betraying nothing but amusement.
'This should be interesting,' she mused internally. 'Should I tease him a bit? No, maybe later...'
Her voice broke the silence, sweet and playful. "That's a nice necklace you've got, Kuroyami. Is it something special to you?"
Kuroyami hesitated, his hand instinctively reaching up to touch the pendant. "Oh, yeah, this..." He lifted the necklace slightly, his voice softening. "It's the only clue I have to who I really am."
Claudine's eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing more on the topic. "I see," she replied coolly. "Well, I won't pry."
'Great. I went and made it awkward again,' Kuroyami thought, cursing himself for being too open.
They continued walking in silence for a moment before Kuroyami spoke again, trying to salvage the conversation.
"So, Claudine, where exactly are we? And... what's really going on?"
Claudine's eyes flickered to him, her smile returning, though it held a hint of something more calculating.
"Ah, yes... We're here for a test. It's to see if we meet the requirements to become class representatives."
Before Kuroyami could respond, the forest around them began to thin, the trees breaking into an open area.
The landscape before them was surreal—an odd blend of black and white, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The colors swirled like ink bleeding into water, creating an almost otherworldly effect. It was beautiful, in an unsettling way.
Kuroyami was about to speak when a sudden sensation gripped him.
His stomach tightened, an inexplicable pressure building in the air. A dark, oppressive aura seeped from beyond the edge of the forest.
'What... is this? That feeling... it's familiar. It's wrong. Something's off.'
His heart raced even faster, and his hands trembled despite his attempts to control them.
He glanced at Claudine, but her demeanor hadn't shifted—she was as composed as ever.
Trying to mask his unease, Kuroyami's footsteps slowed, and his eyes stayed locked on the looming figure ahead.
A shadowy silhouette stood just beyond the line where the black and white landscape began.
It appeared to be a boy, though there was something off about his presence, as if he were caught between worlds.
Before Kuroyami could voice his thoughts, a soft, authoritative voice rang out behind them.
"I suggest you don't venture any further," the voice said, calm but commanding.
Kuroyami spun around, his heart skipping a beat. Standing behind them was a woman, her long red hair cascading down her back.
A white fox mask, intricately designed, covered her face, and an ethereal glow surrounded her, bathing the area in soft light.
Aimi.
Claudine's lips curled into a knowing smile, her posture elegant and collected. "It's been a while, Aimi."
Aimi's voice was smooth, almost melodious. "Indeed. I hadn't expected to find you here, Claudine."
Kuroyami stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat as he observed Aimi.
Her beauty was otherworldly, and her presence was so overwhelming that it left him stunned. His heart pounded in his chest, but he did his best to mask his shock.
'That startled me. At least she knows Claudine... But why did she warn us about going any further? What's beyond there? What if that boy needs help?'
Aimi's gaze shifted to Kuroyami. "And who is this?" she asked, her tone curious but laced with an undeniable authority.
Claudine's composure never wavered as she gestured toward Kuroyami.
"Ah, I almost forgot to introduce you. This is Kuroyami Ryouseibai. He's a classmate, my secretary, and a friend of mine—for now."
Aimi gave a small nod, her voice soft yet cutting. "Kuroyami... that's quite a name."
"Y-Yeah, I guess," Kuroyami muttered nervously, unsure how to respond.
Aimi's expression softened slightly, though it still held a certain air of mystery. "We need to leave. Now."
Claudine raised an eyebrow. "Leave? But what about the test?"
Aimi's gaze hardened. "The situation's become more complicated than expected. You'll understand soon enough. Just follow me."
Claudine nodded, her smile fading as she turned to Kuroyami. "Let's go."
Kuroyami, still shaken, snapped out of his daze. "Y-Yeah, I'm right behind you."
The three of them moved quickly, stepping away from the dark aura that still lingered at the edge of the black-and-white world.
But Kuroyami couldn't shake the feeling that something—someone—was watching them from the shadows.