For ordinary people entering the Yin–Yang Academy, simply absorbing knowledge they had never even encountered before was already an enormous challenge.
On top of that came the need to cultivate spiritual power, which meant their progress was inevitably far slower than that of students from established exorcist families. In an institution where grades and rankings were determined almost entirely by Yin–Yang techniques and exorcism exams, these so‑called "transfer students" naturally became labeled as the academy's "underachievers."
Not only were their studies grueling, but from the very first day they stepped into the Yin–Yang Academy, they were forced to endure relentless ridicule from the old exorcist families. Those families already looked down on exorcists from humble origins—let alone these "transfer students," who were seen as thieves stealing resources that should have belonged to them.
They consumed several times more resources than others, yet when graduation came, they almost always ranked at the bottom. In the eyes of the aristocratic families, these students had seized precious opportunities, only to become third‑rate exorcists in the end.
As a result, the number of enrollment slots the Onmyō Academy allocated to the "Unnatural Countermeasures Group" decreased year after year. Yet the Countermeasures Group itself showed little concern. Even if they were dissatisfied, there was nothing they could do. They couldn't refute the Academy's reasoning, and in truth, these slots weren't particularly coveted within the group anyway.
Those capable of working in the Countermeasures Group were already elites in their respective fields. They had pride—no one wanted to go somewhere just to be humiliated daily. If real skills could be learned, that would be one thing, but starting from zero meant that after three years, most would only grasp the most basic Onmyōjutsu. The truly powerful, practical high‑level techniques were never meant for them.
"My job here is done," Kamishiro Isshin said cheerfully. "Now let Kuka‑chan take you to the Onmyō Academy. Don't let her looks fool you—Kuka is one of the youngest instructors there."
After successfully recruiting Ren Kuroda into the Countermeasures Group and giving him a tour of the base, Kamishiro Isshin brushed off his perfectly clean suit, signaling the completion of his mission. He was clearly ready to return to his usual post—namely, flirting shamelessly with women.
Watching Ren and Kujō Hinano disappear down the corridor with Yamato Kuka, Kamishiro Isshin wore a mischievous grin.
"In the past, when Countermeasures Group members entered the Onmyō Academy, they were always greeted with merciless mockery from the exorcist families," he muttered. "I'm really curious what will happen after Ren Kuroda steps in."
"Seventeen or eighteen years old, already possessing full B‑rank spiritual power—and he even killed a B‑rank Rat Demon King alone," Isshin continued, eyes gleaming. "Some of the teachers there might not even measure up to him. I can't wait to see those arrogant students try to challenge him."
He chuckled softly. "I almost envy Kuka‑chan. The next three years at the Onmyō Academy are going to be very entertaining."
Hearing this, Hakuba—the monk who remained in the office—smiled faintly.
"Then why not apply to be a part‑time instructor yourself?" Hakuba suggested. "With your control and incantation level, you'd be more than qualified."
Hakuba glanced at Isshin with an expression that held a hint of amusement.
"Let's forget it," Isshin replied with a wave of his hand. "You know I'm not fond of those exorcist families. Sure, their female teachers are attractive, but none of them are people I can afford to mess with."
—
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ren Kuroda and Kujō Hinano arrived at the so‑called Onmyō Academy under Yamato Kuka's guidance.
The academy itself wasn't located in a bustling city district, but hidden within an enormous barrier.
Yamato Kuka led Ren, Hinano, and the Spider Princess through several streets. Then, without hesitation, she pointed toward an ordinary‑looking wall. To Hinano's utter shock, they walked straight through it.
"The Onmyō Academy is built inside a massive barrier," Yamato Kuka explained calmly as they proceeded. "Numerous defensive spells have been layered around it to repel attacks. What you just passed through was only one of its entrances."
"After enrollment, the headmaster will issue you a student certificate. Once you have that, you'll be able to enter the barrier on your own."
She continued speaking, but the two behind her barely seemed to hear a word.
Hinano, seeing a scene like this for the first time, was completely stunned, her mind blank with shock. Ren, upon witnessing the world beyond the wall, was secretly just as shaken.
According to Yamato Kuka, they were still inside a barrier—but to Ren, it felt as though he had stepped into an entirely different, self‑contained world.
The road leading to the Onmyō Academy was lined with cherry blossom trees, all in full bloom for the season. Birds perched among the branches, chirping joyfully, filling the air with life.
Moments ago, they had been standing in a dim, cramped alleyway. Now, they were surrounded by birdsong, floral fragrance, and vibrant vitality.
Hinano's reaction was understandable. Even Ren's expression was far from composed—though their astonishment came from different places. Hinano was overwhelmed by the scenery and the methods of the Onmyōji.
Ren, however, was stunned by something else entirely.
Who had created this massive barrier?
What level of power was required to construct such an enormous formation and establish an entire Onmyō Academy within it?
S‑rank? SS‑rank?
Either way, Ren knew one thing clearly—he was nowhere near that level yet.
For the first time, he felt genuine relief that he hadn't openly turned against the exorcist families. A force capable of resisting demons for generations clearly possessed unfathomable resources and countless hidden powerhouses.
This barrier alone made it painfully obvious to Ren just how insufficient his current strength was.
The arrogance that had crept in after his rapid rise in power shattered completely. But in its place, he found clarity.
Until he became truly invincible, caution was the only option.
As for the Spider Princess, dressed neatly in her maid outfit and trailing behind them, she paid no attention to the scenery at all. Her gaze remained fixed solely on Ren's back.
"Good morning, Yamato‑sensei!"
"Good morning, teacher! Do you have class today? I'll be there on time!"
Yamato Kuka maintained her usual cool, icy demeanor as she led Ren and Hinano forward, but students they passed greeted her enthusiastically.
Though she appeared aloof, there was no denying Yamato Kuka's considerable popularity within the Onmyō Academy.