She let out a sigh of relief.
Humiliation!
Remembering how she had just been frightened and embarrassed in front of a student, Mafuyu's previously strong demeanor visibly weakened.
She looked up at Kael and asked her inner question: "Renjou-kun, what is going on?"
Kael replied: "As you saw, this world is full of all kinds of monsters. Besides evil spirits, there are also yokai and the like. Not long ago, I awakened the power passed down in my bloodline. After discovering the truth of this world, I've been slaying demons and maintaining peace."
Kael now felt this ancestral excuse was becoming more and more useful. From now on, no matter who asked, he would use it to deflect. Whether they believed it or not, Mafuyu's eyes showed she did.
Yes, Mafuyu truly believed him. Before seeing the truth, she would have thought Kael was just a hopeless case of delusion. But after seeing it, his words seemed reasonable. An ordinary high school student suddenly awakening ancestral power, then fighting demons in the modern world to protect peace—hadn't she heard of such things before?
Mafuyu thought carefully and gasped. Wait—wasn't this the template of a light novel protagonist? Her student was actually a light novel hero.
At that moment, she thought of something else.
"In the neighboring class, there's a student named Takanashi Rikka. She says her eye holds the Wicked Lord Shingan. Could she also be…"
"That's just a case of delusion."
Kael cut her off without hesitation.
Her words surprised Kael. He hadn't expected Rikka, the delusional girl, to be at his school. How many hidden talents were there in this academy? Toyogasaki Academy was terrifying.
Hearing Kael's denial, Mafuyu felt a bit embarrassed.
"You're right. Someone like you shouldn't be too common."
"Pretty much."
Kael didn't mock her. Instead, he said: "Honestly, I don't know how many like me exist, but probably not many. I've only met one or two recently."
"Who? From our school? Was it Kitagawa Marin, the girl who greeted you earlier?" Mafuyu asked immediately.
"Kitagawa Marin-san, yes." Kael answered. After all, Marin had practiced the Blood Puppet technique—she was indeed superhuman.
Mafuyu understood. No wonder Kael and Marin were close—they were the same kind.
After learning the reason for Kael's "absences," Mafuyu couldn't bring herself to scold him. Who could blame a student who awakened powers and fought monsters to protect humanity? If you did, wouldn't your conscience hurt? Mafuyu couldn't do it.
But she didn't let him off entirely. Instead, she patiently advised: "Renjou-kun, I don't know how important your work is, but I know it's dangerous. Fighting monsters can't be safe. But remember, you're still a student. A student's duty is to study. I hope you focus on learning. When you enter society, you can fight demons then.
Since the world hasn't fallen to monsters, it means many others like you are working in secret. So please, fulfill your role as a student. Study well, cherish youth. High school life only happens once. I don't want your memories of it to be only battles. That would be too sad."
Her kindness pricked Kael's conscience. He nodded. "I understand, Kirisu-sensei. I'll consider your words."
Seeing him listen seriously, Mafuyu felt relieved. Her student was obedient after all, which increased her fondness for him.
Ring, ring, ring…
The class bell rang. Kael bid farewell, intending to return to class.
"Wait, Renjou-kun." Mafuyu suddenly called out as he reached the door.
He turned. "What is it, Sensei?"
Mafuyu hesitated, then shyly said: "Renjou-kun, do you have a protective charm? Could you sell me one?"
Ever since learning monsters existed, Mafuyu felt uneasy. She naturally thought of praying for protection. Though she had lived safely for over twenty years, could she remain safe for decades more? What if she encountered monsters? Who could guarantee lifelong peace?
She had planned to pray after school, but then realized—her student had special powers. Why not ask him? Though embarrassing, for safety she didn't care. So before Kael left, she stopped him.
Understanding her request, Kael agreed readily. "No problem."
He didn't have a charm on hand, but could make one. A charm was simply an item imbued with supernatural power. He had made them before for Yoko and Mai—it was easy.
But he had no jade pendants now, so he used something else. "Sensei, do you have a coin?"
"A coin?"
Mafuyu, curious, pulled out a 500-yen coin. Kael took it, infused it with mana, and handed it back.
"I've placed my power inside. It will protect you. But coins aren't ideal vessels—the power will fade over time."