Two days had passed since the demon infiltration incident, but Lumiel still hadn't slept. Sitting upright in bed in the dead of night, his thoughts churned, haunted by Seraphine's parting words:
> "You'll pay for this, Hero!"
"I'm not the only one coming for you. You're just a prey!"
Lumiel clenched the bedsheet.
> "She said others are coming for me… Could a higher demon be targeting my life now?"
Before he could spiral further, his alarm rang out, breaking his train of thought.
"...Let's stop thinking about this. For now, let's just get ready for school."
Still, the unease lingered. He rubbed his temples.
> "I still can't get this idea out of my head."
Just then, Kurt appeared in his mind, arms crossed casually.
"You've been through a lot lately, Lumiel," he said. "Why don't you check your synchronization rate after all that ruckus?"
Lumiel blinked. "Can't you just tell me?"
"I could," Kurt smirked, "but wouldn't it be more satisfying to see it for yourself?"
With a sigh, Lumiel relented. "Fine. System," he whispered, "show me my current synchronization."
---
[System Notice]
Soul Synchronization Rate: 18%
> Recent Synchronization Progress:
• Skill Modification: Summon Undead War-Horses [+1%]
• Skill Acquisition: Heaven's Judgements [+1%]
• Skill Acquisition: Guardian Angel's Protection [+1%]
• Combat Experience: Lich-Class Entity [+1%]
• Gained Insight: True Nature of a Demon [+1%]
• System Utilization During Demon Encounter [+1%]
• Powerful Skill Acquired: Heaven and Earth Splitting Slash [+2%]
---
Lumiel stared at the glowing system box, his eyes widening.
"…Woah."
"That's why I told you to check." Kurt grinned.
"You were right, Kurt. This… this is incredible."
Later that morning, as Lumiel stepped into the academy grounds, all eyes turned toward him.
"There he is! Lumiel!"
A swarm of students rushed toward him.
"What did it feel like to fight a demon?"
"Was she someone you knew before?"
"Are you two… involved?"
"How did you defeat her?!"
"Uhh—wait, hold on, one question at a time—!" Lumiel was quickly swallowed by the crowd. But just as the pressure became too much—
A hand grabbed his.
"Everyone, please! One at a—woah—!"
"Who—Lady Nishia?!"
"Just run!"
Without hesitation, Lady Nishia pulled Lumiel out of the mob, weaving through corridors until they reached a quiet hallway. Still catching their breath, they hid around the corner—still holding hands.
"You really saved my life back there," Lumiel said, panting.
"Geez, don't make it sound like we ran from monsters," she replied, smiling softly.
"I'm just glad you were there." He smiled. "Thank you, Nishia."
Lady Nishia's cheeks flushed bright pink. "S-Stop looking at me like that… It's too much for my heart."
Lumiel tilted his head. "If you say so… Why don't we just head to class?"
"Y-yeah. That sounds good."
They walked through the halls, still hand in hand, until they reached the classroom. Lumiel opened the door. Skye looked up and waved.
"Hey Lumiel, hey Lady Nishi—huh?"
He paused, eyes narrowing as he looked from Lady Nishia's flushed face to their clasped hands… back and forth, again and again.
"What is it, Skye?" Lumiel asked. "Just say it."
Lady Nishia followed his gaze—and realized. Her eyes widened as she let go of Lumiel and yelped.
"W-What's wrong?" Lumiel asked, confused. "Did I hold too tight?"
"N-No! It's not that!" she squeaked, her face crimson.
"I guess it's normal to hold hands when going to school," Skye shrugged. "She is your girlfriend, after all."
Lady Nishia's face turned the color of fire.
"HOY, you two!" Ms. Viera's voice exploded from behind. "Flirting in front of me again?!"
They froze. Flames flared to life behind the furious teacher.
"Get to your seats before I lose myself. I'll let it slide this time, but next time… you'll both be ash!"
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"We understand!"
They scrambled to their seats. Claud, lounging behind Lumiel's desk, leaned forward with a grin.
"You're so lucky, man. A strong, beautiful girl always at your side."
Lumiel blinked. "…Thanks, I guess."
"Alright, class! Enough chatter. Shut up and let's begin."
But in the far corner, by the window overlooking the academy gates, Cliffhard watched everything in silence.
> Tch… A so-called 'Civilian' defeating a demon? And now the whole academy's talking about him like he's some legend.
He clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing.
> Teachers favor him. Students praise him. Even Lady Nishia… What gives him the right to steal the spotlight?
Cliffhard gritted his teeth.
"Cliffhard. Cliffhard!"
"Huh—yes, ma'am?!"
"I've been calling your name! Get up here and solve this problem!"
Laughter echoed through the classroom. Everyone laughed—except Lumiel.
> Now I'm being humiliated in class too. All because of him. That damn civilian… It's all his fault.
You'll pay for this, Lumiel.