Kyudai Genso Academy

As the Dean entered the room, a hush fell over everyone, their attention immediately drawn to him. Meanwhile, Jin, Kenya, and Kenjuro, who had been poisoned, remained unconscious.

The Dean exuded an air of authority that commanded respect, and his calm yet powerful presence enveloped the room. He took a moment to observe the students with a gentle but piercing gaze. The atmosphere felt charged, as if everyone was collectively holding their breath, waiting for him to speak.

"Students," the Dean began, his voice deep and soothing. Today, you have confronted a serious threat, and I commend your courage and resilience. Such moments reveal your true character and potential."

His gaze lingered on Sei, acknowledging her bravery amid the chaos.

"Ishigami-kun," he addressed her directly, "your quick thinking has undoubtedly averted further danger. Your instincts and strength are truly commendable."

Sei remained quiet, offering a polite nod in recognition of his words. Yet she felt a strange sensation—he seemed to have witnessed everything that transpired during the incident. No... he must possess the ability to see all that occurs within the Academy.

The Dean cast a brief glance at the poisoned students lying on the beds as he entered the main room.

"Ryuuji," he called for his guardian, the Ice Guardian.

Sei pondered to herself, "Dragon?" just as the Dean summoned his Ice Guardian. In an instant, Dragon appeared, soaring around the room to amplify the Dean's aura and heal the injured students.

Sei looked at her own wounds, noticing them beginning to heal, and glanced around at the others, who were starting to stir as if awakening from a deep sleep.

"I'm leaving now, and Ishigami-kun, please meet me in my office tomorrow morning," the Dean instructed, summoning his guardian while directing his gaze at Sei.

Once the Dean and teacher had departed, Takeru turned to Sei and said,

"I think I should head out too," he said with a smile. Sei nodded in agreement.

Morning arrived with a groan.

"Ugh..!" Kenya exclaimed as he and Kenjuro stirred awake. Jin sat upright and rubbed his head. Suddenly, they noticed something and shouted in unison,

"Sei!!!!!"

"Right here!...." Sei replied, savoring the meal served to her by the nurse.

The four exchanged silent glances, filled with unspoken thoughts. The atmosphere shifted to one of relief as Kenya, Kenjuro, and Jin regained consciousness.

Sei's presence brought comfort, and seeing her enjoy her meal added a touch of normalcy to the moment.

"Oi!.... Sei," Jin grinned, "Everything okay?"

Sei looked up from her food, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "It's okay..." she assured them, while the others merely nodded, casting furtive glances at her.

".... perhaps...." They exchanged looks with Sei as she avoided their gaze.

"Huh?" The trio wore puzzled expressions.

"Hmm... I think the second-year students have noticed that the Dean has summoned me to his office this morning." Sei leaned back in her chair, turning to face them.

Kenjuro reclined against his pillow, worry etched on his face. Jin chuckled while rubbing his head, exclaiming, "Hahaha...."

After a long silence, Kenjuro finally said, "I'll go with you," directing his words to Sei, who shook her head.

"It's alright, don't worry. I have a plan," Sei reassured him.

"Sei... I promise... I will break this curse." Jin broke the silence, his eyes serious, while the others remained silent.

Sei quietly left the room, heading to the Dean's office. Meanwhile, the others exchanged anxious glances as they watched her depart.

When she arrived in front of the building, Sei sensed someone watching her but chose to act as if nothing was amiss. She continued walking and encountered a girl passing by, feeling her aura crackle like a lightning bender.

Suddenly, the girl halted and turned to look at Sei, who rolled her eyes, acknowledging the girl's gaze.

The corridor leading to the Dean's office was adorned with portraits of past academy leaders, their eyes seemingly following Sei as she walked by.

Reaching the ornate door to the Dean's office, Sei paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She knocked gently, and the door opened as if it had a mind of its own, revealing the Dean seated at his desk, surrounded by shelves filled with ancient tomes and mystical artifacts.

"Ah, Ishigami-kun, please come in," the Dean welcomed her with a warm smile, gesturing to a chair across from him. His presence was both calming and authoritative, putting Sei at ease despite the weight of the moment.

"Thank you, Sensei," Sei replied, taking her seat and meeting his gaze with quiet determination.

The Dean regarded her for a moment before speaking. "I appreciate your promptness. I wanted to discuss the events of yesterday and your impressive handling of the situation."

Sei nodded, remaining silent as the Dean continued, "Well!.... What can you tell me about Yuma's aura within you?" The Dean inquired, causing Sei's eyes to widen.

"She's calm," the Dean thought to himself.

"I believe that lying is ineffective.... but.... I suspect you were already aware of that." Sei's voice was as calm as her demeanor. The Dean glanced at her and smiled.

The Dean fell silent, standing to retrieve something from his desk. He picked up a few stones and placed them on the table in front of Sei. She examined the stones before looking back at the Dean, who met her gaze with unwavering eyes.

"Message stones," the Dean remarked, his gaze fixed on Sei as if he wished to convey something important.

"However, please wait to open this stone until you attain S・A rank!" he said to Sei, gently reaching out to caress her face with warm, affectionate eyes.

"Huh?" She looked puzzled as he touched her, and she quickly stood up to escape, casting a glance at him.

"Excuse me, I'm leaving," she declared, opening the door and running away.

"Shin, you frightened her." A figure appeared, glancing at the door before turning to face the Dean. The Dean gazed at his hand, which had touched Sei's face, and then looked up at the man who had spoken to him.

"You knew, Ryuuji... she has always been like that, even in this life," the Dean said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Sei runs as far as she can; this doesn't indicate that she is shy or anything of the sort. Rather, she feels that the idea of romance is simply not her style.

"What is going on with him?" Sei nearly cried out this time, her mind racing as she ran.

As Sei dashed by at full speed, she caught everyone's attention. Keigo and Shinji, who were seated at the bend working on their machine stone, paused their tasks and glanced at Sei as she ran past. Meanwhile, Haruto, sitting under a tree absorbed in his book, also turned to watch Sei.

"This school is filled with marathon runners," he remarked, then concentrated on his books. And Keigo and Shinji exchanged a glance before turning their attention to focus on their machine.