The explosion was so sudden that Shichen opened his eyes, broke away from Kirasaka Sayaka, and looked toward the school.
The blast came from the senior high division classrooms. Mixed into the aura there were traces of Aiba Asagi—and something not belonging to the school at all.
Shichen frowned.
"Huff… huff… W-what happened over there?" Sayaka, weak-kneed, slumped against his chest and asked between breaths.
"Terrorists have breached the school," Shichen said flatly.
"S-someone dared to invade the school? Isn't Minamiya Natsuki here?" Sayaka blurted.
"Natsuki isn't on campus right now."
"Eh?"
"I'm going to check it out. You—"
"I'm coming with you," Sayaka said, voice suddenly firm.
"Yeah? Alright." Shichen dipped to steal one more quick kiss.
"Eh?" Sayaka froze.
"Save the rest for later—we'll continue after," he said, and wrapped an arm around her. Space twisted—and they stepped out onto campus.
The blast site was 1st-year Class B of the high school—Asagi's class.
"Shichen-sensei!" Akatsuki Kojō ran up the moment Shichen appeared.
Shichen set Sayaka down and swept the room with his gaze. No Asagi. His brow tightened. "Kojō, what happened?"
"Sensei, it's bad—Asagi was taken," Kojō said, anxious.
"By who?"
"Unregistered demon-kind—a beastman—and a middle-aged man named Gardos."
"What? Gardos?!" Sayaka gasped.
"Why would Gardos grab Asagi?" Shichen pressed.
"I don't know. She was the target—period."
"I see…"
Shichen thought for a moment and guessed the reason: her ability. If Gardos was after a weapon capable of destroying a Primogenitor, that meant ancient ruins—and ordinary people can't operate those. But Aiba Asagi could. She was the so-called Cyber Empress.
Still, they'd moved fast. From the moment of the explosion to now had been under a minute, and the kidnappers had already vanished without a trace. No way that happened without help.
And if someone had helped in the shadows… it was likely a certain vampire with designs on him.
"Where's Motoki?"
Shichen wasn't worried for Asagi's life—if they needed her skills, they wouldn't harm her. But that didn't mean he'd let them take her. He didn't recall this "minor" episode and wasn't about to sit back. Things had just started moving with Asagi—no way he'd let anyone lay a hand on her. And this was his turf.
"I think he went after them," Kojō said.
"That guy… he'll probably be fine," Shichen muttered—Motoki's safety wasn't exactly top of mind.
"Should we pursue?" Sayaka asked.
"You planning to help?"
"Mm."
"Why?" Shichen smiled at her.
"B-because… Gardos must have an objective. He might have found a weapon that can kill a Primogenitor. If we don't stop him and he provokes the Archduke, Itogami will be in trouble," Sayaka rattled off.
"Oh? So concerned about Itogami?"
"Yukina's here—of course I care. And Gardos is a terrorist. I'm an Agency operative—what's wrong with hunting him?" she shot back, chin up.
"Fair point… but it isn't for some other reason?"
"What else would it be…" Meeting his eyes, she jolted—and shyly looked away.
"Sensei! Is this really the time to flirt?" Kojō couldn't help complaining.
"Ahem. Relax, Kojō. Everything's under control. Asagi will be fine," Shichen said.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously—"
"Sensei!" came Himeragi Yukina's voice.
Shichen looked over. Yukina, instrument case on her back, came running, with Nagisa, Avrora, and the others behind.
"Shichen-sensei—Kojō—you're okay!"
"Shichen, what happened?"
"I'm fine. What are you all doing here?" Shichen asked back.
"I heard the explosion—and felt a surge of mana—so we came…"
Yukina skidded to a stop at his side and, while explaining, looked past him to Sayaka. "Sayaka—why are you here too?"
"Eh? I… uh…" Sayaka had no idea how to explain. She couldn't exactly say the blast had interrupted her mid-kiss with Shichen.
"Don't worry about why she's here. The blast was Gardos," Shichen said.
"What? Gardos? He actually dared to invade the school? Why?" Yukina's attention snapped to the threat.
"He abducted Asagi," Shichen said.
"Asagi-senpai? How… Why?"
"Probably learned about her electronic tech and wants her to crack an ancient ruin," Shichen answered.
"Ancient ruins… a weapon that can kill a Primogenitor! He really found it!" Yukina breathed.
"Relax. That junk won't work on me."
"But what about Vatler…"
"I was just wondering how I'd get the chance to pound him," Shichen said.
"Sensei, don't act on personal grudges—think about the people on this island," Yukina chided, exasperated.
"Mm. Which is why we'll go directly after Gardos," he said.
"Now you're worried? Why'd you stop me yesterday, then?" Yukina shot him a look.
"I told you the reason," Shichen chuckled.
"Mm…" She had no comeback.
"You all stay here—or go back to class. The middle division probably won't cancel. I'll be right back," Shichen said, clearly planning to handle it alone.
"No! I'm going with you!" Yukina grabbed his wrist at once.
"No need. I'll be quick."
"No. I'm your monitor—I have to come. What if you go overboard? I have a feeling you lack common sense," she said, resolute.
"You… Fine. Come, then," Shichen sighed. Having her along wasn't a big deal.
"Um, can I come too?" Sayaka cut in.
"Sayaka?" Yukina looked at her, puzzled.
"I—well, I want to see this through…" Sayaka glanced at Shichen.
"Bringing one or two makes no difference. Fine," Shichen nodded.
"Hehe~" Sayaka couldn't help the happy smile.
"Sayaka? Why are you so happy?" Yukina's brow furrowed, suspicion rising. Why was she here—with Sensei, no less?
"Eh? Am I? I'm… happy to go with you, Yukina," Sayaka improvised.
"Is that so…"
"Alright, you two can chat later. First we get Asagi back—then deal with Gardos. Nagisa, Avrora, Kaguya—back to class."
"Got it, Sensei."
"Eh? Why not take me?" Avrora asked, wounded.
"What for?" Shichen teased.
"Don't look down on me! I'm the Fourth Primogenitor's vessel!" Avrora huffed.
"Oh, please. You can't even handle schoolwork. Back to class," he said, flicking her forehead before turning away with the other two.
"Yukina, Asagi—take my hands."
"Right."
"Okay."
"Mm?"
Yukina watched, frowning deeper, as Sayaka immediately took Shichen's hand without hesitation. She knew Sayaka's androphobia—her aversion to men, let alone physical contact. So what was this?
You just… grabbed his hand? Not even a moment's pause?
"Yukina? Something wrong?" Sayaka asked, clueless.
"N-no. It's nothing," Yukina shook her head, deciding not to ask now.
"Hehe~ Yukina, you're acting strange. Are you happy we can go together?" Sayaka chirped.
You're the strange one.
"I'm happy," Yukina nodded.
"Me too~ Shichen, let's go," Sayaka said in a sing-song, almost coy.
"…," Yukina's eyebrow twitched.
That tone, that familiarity with Sensei's abilities… Are you two sure nothing happened?