In a dimly lit chamber, the senseis and higher-ups gathered around a large table. The air was tense, thick with unease as candlelight flickered across their faces.
"We must find and seal the shadow relics before the demons or anyone else gets to them," one of the higher-ups said gravely.
These relics will give him his full power, and we don't know when he could awaken—so we need to move quickly and seal them all before it's too late."
One of the elders shook his head, his expression grave.
"Haru isn't imagining this. The Shadow Relics are real — the scripture mentions them clearly. This isn't a story to frighten children.
One of the scholars spoke up nervously, adjusting his glasses.
"The scripture is clear — the relics can't be sealed one by one. Only when all twenty are gathered can the ancient sealing spell be performed. Anything less… and the ritual fails completely."
"This is the first time I've even heard of a 'Shadow Demon King,'" one sensei muttered.
"It came from a forbidden scripture," another higher-up explained. "The relics can't be destroyed, only sealed. If they fall into the wrong hands, the result could be catastrophic."
Sensei Shidou leaned back in his chair with a faint smirk. "Maybe this Demon King isn't even that strong," he joked, breaking the tension for a moment.
A stern elder shot him a sharp glare. "Watch your tongue, Shidou. Mocking what you don't understand is foolish."
Shidou raised his hands defensively. "Alright, alright. Just trying to lighten the mood."
The elder turned back to the others. "Treat this matter with utmost seriousness. If the relics are found by the wrong people, none of us will be laughing."
The room fell silent again, the flickering candlelight the only thing that dared to move.
With a unanimous decision, they agreed to allow the students to embark on a quest to retrieve the shadow relics for Haru.
After the meeting, the higher-ups escorted Haru to his parents, who greeted him with open arms and warm smiles. The sight reminded Kimikage of the unconditional love his own parents had always shown him, filling him with a bittersweet nostalgia.
Once the emotional reunion concluded, the students were divided into five groups, each tasked with locating a specific shadow relic. Given their impressive performance on their first mission, Kimikage and Katakuichi were assigned to retrieve the relic known as the "Heart of the Abyss." The senseis trusted them to complete the mission, despite the uncertainty surrounding the relic's potential dangers
As they set off on their journey, a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation filled the air. However, their path soon became obstructed by the formidable Mitsuki Clan. "Shit," they both gasped in unison, overwhelmed by the sheer number of clan members blocking their way.
Just as despair began to settle in, a mysterious figure in a mask appeared, swiftly dispatching the Mitsuki Clan members with ease. The students watched in awe as the masked man turned to them
"Hey, you!" Katakuichi shouted, his voice a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thanks for saving us, but who are you?"
Kimikage echoed the question, equally intrigued.
The masked man smirked, his voice smooth and confident. "Kaji Yaketsuku. The higher-ups sent me to assist you."
Kimikage raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Are we really that weak?"
Kaji chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yes," he replied, laughter lacing his tone.
"Hey, take that back!" Kimikage shot back, irritation flaring.
"Just kidding, kid. Relax. Now, let's move on to the Heart of the Abyss," Kaji said, his demeanor shifting to one of focus.
The group pressed onward, determination fueling their steps. However, they soon encountered a new challenge: special grade shadow demons, their presence dark and foreboding.
"Stay back," Kaji commanded, stepping forward. "I've got this. You kids are still inexperienced to deal with a special grade."
With that, he began to unleash his ultimate move, the air crackling with energy as the battle commenced.