The mountain road twisted like a coiled serpent beneath Raito's tires, narrow and steep, lined with towering pines that scraped the twilight sky. His headlights cut through the dim forest, revealing fleeting glimpses of old stone markers and weather-worn signs barely clinging to their posts.
Kurai had been uncharacteristically quiet.
For once, Raito didn't press her. His mind was locked in tactical mode—mapping paths, observing terrain, estimating how many hours it would take to reach the resting place on foot if necessary.
He had stopped earlier at an overlook, the GPS blinking uncertainly as the road ended.
"This is it?" he'd asked.
A moment passed before Kurai's voice drifted into his thoughts like smoke.
Yes. Behind that ridge. It's deeper than you think. Sealed under an old shrine, abandoned decades ago. Only a few people alive even remember it exists.
Raito had said nothing, standing silently at the cliff's edge, the wind tugging at his coat.
He didn't feel anything unusual in the air. No pressure. No malice. No lurking dread.
But that only made him more cautious.
If Kurai's sister was even a fraction as dangerous as Kurai had implied—and Kurai herself feared her—then Raito needed more time. More information. He wasn't going to prod at a sleeping god unless he had every card in his hand.
Back in the car now, descending from the mountain, Raito gripped the wheel with one hand while scrolling his messages with the other. Yumi had sent the hotel location.
He let out a low breath, then finally spoke.
"I'm not dealing with her tonight."
Kurai stirred, sounding almost amused.
Backing out already?
"No," he replied, voice cold and sure. "I'm biding my time. I don't like unknowns. And I don't lose."
Hmph… so serious. What a boring life you live. But fine. Be boring. For now.Just remember, I warned you, Raito.
He didn't respond.
The forest began to thin, giving way to signs of civilization—lamplights glowing softly, a distant parking lot, and the blinking neon of the hotel marquee. He pulled in, engine purring to a stop beneath a soft awning as a late spring breeze carried the scent of pine and stone.
Inside, the lobby was warm and welcoming. A few students still loitered about, playing games or checking in with teachers. The staff at the front desk greeted him, and he gave his name. No questions were asked.
Room key in hand, Raito walked to the elevator, his coat flaring slightly behind him.
He wasn't just here for the trip.
He was here to ensure nothing—and no one—could ever rise above him.