DxD: Chapter 106/108

Chapter 106: Karma Devil

"Yaaaaaa!!"

The fox devil's foul-smelling mouth let out a piercing roar!

The strong gust of air blew through Yomi and Kotoko's hair.

"It's the tail of Hagoromo Gitsune!"

Yomi's eyes narrowed sharply. She instinctively drew her treasured sword—Ranguren.

"Nue!"

She unsheathed the blade and called softly.

A massive canine shikigami appeared at her side.

In the next instant, one woman and one shikigami charged forward together!

Boom——!

A swift Iai slash struck the fox's body, glowing with a golden halo.

The recoil caused Yomi's palm to tremble slightly.

But when she looked closer—Ranguren hadn't left even a scratch on its body!

A chill ran down her spine.

The Nue opened its massive jaws to bite down on the fox, but only managed to tear off a few strands of the golden aura.

The giant fox lowered its gaze, glancing indifferently at Isayama Yomi, and suddenly moved its foreleg.

Boom!

Yomi reacted quickly, lifting Ranguren horizontally to block.

But the immense force sent her flying backward!

"Tch."

She clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Just a tail and she couldn't even put up a fight.

Even Kotoko quietly smacked her lips.

Was she crazy to follow Yomi to face this kind of monster?

"Hmph!"

The fox devil snorted coldly, filled with disdain. "Since you're here, prepare to become my sacrifice!"

Its fox-like eyes shifted to focus directly on Iwanaga Kotoko.

Huh?

Sacrifice?

Me?!

Kotoko was stunned. Then she quickly and shamelessly hid behind Lynn.

She looked up at him with a pitiful gaze and said in a soft, pleading voice, "Mr. Devil… You'll protect me, right?"

Lynn rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes. "Was this part of the commission?"

"Commission? What commission content?"

Kotoko blinked, flustered.

Did he just make that up on the spot?

While she was still panicking, the fox devil's enormous head loomed over Lynn, opening its stinking mouth.

"Yaaa——"

"So noisy…"

Lynn's eyes went cold. He lazily waved his hand.

A flash of white light slashed across instantly!

The fox devil's roar stopped abruptly.

Golden light poured from its neck like blood.

Boom!

Its head hit the ground, still attached by a thread of flesh.

The massive body began to dissolve, disintegrating into golden motes.

Only one fox tail remained.

Lynn narrowed his eyes.

The tail twitched and suddenly tried to flee.

But Lynn casually bound it with a magic chain, yanking it back into his hand.

The tail trembled violently, flailing in resistance.

But Lynn didn't budge—in fact, he even stretched it taut.

"Hmm…"

A shadow emerged in the distance, gazing toward Lynn.

"Hagoromo Gitsune?"

Lynn raised an eyebrow and spoke her name.

"Hmph!"

Hagoromo Gitsune snorted coldly, seemingly realizing there was no way to retrieve her tail. She left behind only one sentence:

"Take good care of my tail."

"Then…"

"Wait for me to come retrieve it."

As soon as she finished speaking, the shadow shattered.

Lynn muttered, "Hagoromo Gitsune… She should be in Kyoto, right?"

Yomi, who had rushed over, nodded. "Yes."

"No objection from Yasaka?"

Lynn looked surprised.

Wasn't Yasaka supposed to be the ruler of Kyoto?

"Uh…"

Yomi hesitated. "We suspect the Countermeasures Bureau might be cooperating with Hagoromo Gitsune and Hell."

"So…"

Lynn was taken aback.

Hell?

As in, Hades?

Lynn: "…This world is getting way too complicated."

Hagoromo Gitsune was actually working with Hades?

No way—does she even qualify?

Shaking his head, Lynn dismissed the thought.

He turned to look at Yomi. "Let's go. I'll perform the reincarnation ceremony for you."

Yomi remained silent—but didn't move.

Her meaning was clear.

Lynn glanced over at Kotoko and teased, "Looks like you managed to dodge a bullet."

"Ahaha…"

Kotoko laughed awkwardly. Then, seeing Lynn and Yomi heading down the mountain, she quickly caught up.

She glanced back at the shrine behind her with lingering fear.

Once they reached the bottom of the mountain.

Kotoko still trailed after Lynn and Yomi.

Lynn stared silently at her.

Kotoko froze up a little, then blinked innocently and asked, "Can I watch how the devil's reincarnation ritual works?"

"No."

Lynn shut her down without hesitation.

"So decisive…"

Kotoko pouted. "Not even a little wiggle room?"

Lynn shot her a glance and smiled faintly. "Sure, if you become one of my Peerage."

"Forget it…"

Kotoko rejected his harem invitation just as quickly.

"Then…"

She sighed dramatically. "I guess I'll go."

But—

She pulled out her phone and winked with one eye. "How about exchanging contact info?"

Lynn didn't refuse.

After all, she was still a potential candidate for his Peerage.

"Huh?"

"Yukinon, there's a shrine here too!"

A lively voice suddenly rang out from the foot of the mountain.

Lynn shifted his gaze.

Two beautiful girls appeared.

Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui?

"Ah… It's President Lynn!"

Yui suddenly called out.

Yukino looked up upon hearing this and froze slightly when she saw Lynn descending the shrine with two girls beside him.

Lynn gave them a slight nod, then continued walking with Yomi.

Kotoko stopped and rolled her eyes.

President Lynn?

So that's what he wrote when we exchanged contact info.

But…

President?

Is it a club at Shuchiin?

She approached Yui and suddenly asked, "Hey, classmate—do you know which club Lynn belongs to?"

Yui jumped, startled. But when she realized it was the girl who'd been with Lynn, she relaxed.

Kotoko repeated her question.

"Eh? Um President Lynn?"

"He's the president of the Supernatural Investigation Club!"

Yui revealed Lynn's info without hesitation.

Though to be fair, it wasn't classified.

Kotoko could've found it out just by asking around school.

This just saved her the effort.

"Thanks."

Kotoko gave a quick thanks and left.

But her eyes were filled with confusion.

These two girls… seemed a little unusual?

Could it be…

They can see too?

Yukino glanced at Kotoko with suspicion.

That girl… isn't one of Lynn's Peerage?

"Hey, Yukino."

Yui poked Yukino with a conflicted look. "Are we really not joining the Supernatural Investigation Club?"

Even if she acted carefree, living every day in fear of cursed spirits was exhausting…

If the club could help deal with them, shouldn't they join?

Yui looked lost.

Yukino opened her mouth.

Join? Become part of Lynn's harem?

Yuigahama-san doesn't know yet.…

Yui whispered, "Yukino, I'm really tired of this kind of life…"

Yukino lowered her eyes. "Sorry."

Yui shook her head. "It's okay. If we join the Supernatural Investigation Club, I'm sure they'll help."

She firmly believed that.

She'd witnessed their battle firsthand.

"No!"

Yukino suddenly shouted.

Yui jumped in fright.

Yukino—why so intense all of a sudden?

Realizing she overreacted, Yukino lowered her head. "Sorry, I got a bit emotional."

Then she looked up, placing her hands on Yui's shoulders, her gaze filled with resolve.

"Don't worry, Yuigahama-san. Now that things are like this… I'll take responsibility!"

She had made her decision.

If it meant entering Lynn's harem to gain power.

She, Yukinoshita Yukino, would bear that burden alone.

And with that power, she'd protect Yui for the rest of her life.

This was her atonement, for dragging her into this mess.

"Let's go."

Yukino turned and walked away with determination.

"Huh?"

Yui was stunned. Then she glanced back at the shrine. "Wait, aren't we going to check it out?"

Yukino shook her head.

Now that she'd made her decision, there was no point hesitating.

Besides…

A shrine touched by a devil probably wouldn't help anymore.

And.

She hadn't forgotten the Supernatural Investigation Club's recent exorcism mission.

There could still be something lingering there.

Given their current condition, it was best not to take risks.

Meanwhile.

Lynn brought Yomi back to her apartment.

On the way, he explained the general situation and benefits of joining his Peerage.

Even someone as reserved as Yomi showed surprise—her eyes briefly lighting up.

An Upgrade System with limitless potential!

And access to other worlds!

It opened the door to a whole new life for her.

Though…

Taking her clothes off and all that…

She exhaled quietly.

Just consider it part of her responsibilities as a future wife.

Just…

Exposing her back…

Apartment.

"Welcome back, Master!"

Midori welcomed Lynn inside, then glanced at Yomi.

A new member of the Master's Peerage, perhaps?

That was her guess.

Bedroom.

"Alright, take off your clothes."

Yomi trembled slightly but slowly and firmly removed her shirt.

Lynn summoned the Evil Piece and pressed it onto her smooth back.

"Mmm~"

Yomi suppressed the strange sensation and waited silently for the transformation to complete.

Behind her, her Blessings interface emerged.

Isayama Yomi

Mid-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor

Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic Power: i0

Inherent Skills:
[Spiritual Sense: Hundred Demons Night Parade]
[Sword Heart: Nameless Countercurrent]
[Karma Devil]

(To be continued.)

Chapter 107: Karma Flame

Isayama Yomi
Mid-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor

Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0

Inherent Skills:

[Spiritual Sense: Hundred Demons Night Parade]
Allows her to sense the presence of spirits and malice within range. She can also mark weaknesses on targets, doubling damage against spiritual enemies.

[Sword Heart: Nameless Countercurrent]
By sacrificing vision (fighting with eyes closed), hearing and spiritual perception are significantly enhanced, entering a state known as "Mind's Eye." In this state, physical attacks gain spiritual penetration and can anticipate enemy movements.

[Karma Devil]
Flame of Karma
All attacks accumulate karma.
Each time a target kills, betrays, or deceives, the sins manifest as black flames that ignite from their body.
The intensity of the flames depends on the depth of their sins.

Devil Transformation: Karma Burning Mode.

———

Karma Flame?

Lynn raised a finger, and whoosh—a jet of black flame ignited.

"The fire of sin..."

He carefully examined the mechanics of the flame.

It turned out to be a type of flame whose intensity is based on accumulated karma.

In other words, the greater the karma of the target, the stronger the flame would burn.

"A pretty interesting type of fire…"

He copied the Blessings information and handed it to Yomi.

"The Devil of Karma…"

Yomi changed back into her uniform while reading the Blessings information.

"This really does seem suited to my abilities."

She drew her treasured sword, Ranguren, and whoosh, black flames wrapped around the blade out of nowhere.

Yomi studied it closely. "It doesn't seem to have any temperature?"

She was a bit surprised.

Apparently, karma itself served as the fuel for the flames she controlled.

The deeper the karma, the more fiercely it would burn.

After examining it for a while, Yomi looked up at Lynn and asked respectfully:

"Master Lynn, what are your instructions next?"

Now reincarnated as part of Lynn's Peerage, Yomi was clearly more respectful toward him.

Whether it was the benefits of becoming a devil or the advantages of the Blessings system, it was undeniably a rare opportunity.

But…

Was she going to be asked to sleep with him?

Yomi appeared calm, but her heart was slightly uneasy.

Lynn quietly observed Yomi, thinking about how best to arrange things for her.

Then he thought of Hagoromo Gitsune.

He touched the soft, warm tail that trembled occasionally.

Lynn narrowed his eyes. Was this tail still connected to Hagoromo Gitsune somehow?

But…

That earlier phantom...

Wasn't that Yamabuki Otome?

"You'll stay in Kyoto for now."

After some consideration, Lynn decided to keep Yomi stationed in Kyoto.

First, she could collect intel locally.

Second, it would allow his Peerage's influence to extend into Kyoto.

Third…

Lynn narrowed his eyes at the fox tail still in his hand.

"Wait for you to come retrieve it?"

He wasn't exactly planning to wait for Hagoromo Gitsune.

"Yes!"

Yomi replied without hesitation.

Mainly because she wasn't being asked to do anything intimate, she felt a strange mix of emotions.

Relief?

Gratitude?

She wasn't sure herself.

Yomi left Lynn's apartment with complicated feelings.

Before she left, Lynn handed her a skillbook for Teleportation Magic.

As a prodigy from a demon-hunting family, Yomi's learning ability was naturally high.

With Teleportation Magic, she could also cross worlds to farm experience.

However…

Now that Yomi had become a devil, could she still work at the Bureau?

Lynn didn't think her devil identity could be hidden from the Bureau.

Even though this world didn't have many powerful humans, humans shouldn't be underestimated.

Being able to distinguish between devils and humans shouldn't be too difficult.

Lynn considered it, then decided to message Natsuki Minamiya for compensation.

After all, he did save one of her department members.

Natsuki Minamiya: ?

After reading Lynn's message, Natsuki's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.

Natsuki Minamiya: Is Isayama Yomi not your Peerage member now?

Lynn: She is.

Lynn: But when you sent the request, she wasn't.

Lynn: Totally different situations.

Natsuki Minamiya: …

Reading his matter-of-fact tone, Natsuki was speechless.

This devil… is shameless!

Still, she was too lazy to argue about it.

If Lynn wanted it, she'd just give it to him.

It wasn't worth fussing over.

Natsuki Minamiya: What do you want?

Lynn rubbed his chin and thought of Hana.

So far, her fighting style was just wrapping flames around her fists and swinging.

What a waste of potential!

He immediately made a decision.

To him, every special devil in his Peerage was worth cultivating.

Not only did special devils provide greater feedback, their potential was also monstrous.

Ordinary devils had low potential, lacked unique abilities, and gave less feedback in return.

So naturally, Lynn placed more value on special devils.

A flame teacher for the Peerage's special devils?

As she read his request, a figure came to Natsuki's mind.

Well…

Time to toss another burden her way.

Natsuki agreed without hesitation.

As for whether Yomi could still work in the Bureau, Natsuki answered without even thinking:

"Don't worry. They won't give up on someone as useful as Isayama Yomi."

She clearly understood the human world far better.

Not to mention becoming a devil's Peerage member, even some special-grade cursed spirits weren't rejected.

Humans were desperately lacking in manpower.

But—

Natsuki Minamiya: "However, anything directly tied to human authority, she won't be allowed to access."

Lynn didn't mind.

As long as she could provide intel about potential Peerage members, that was enough.

As a devil, he had no interest in human politics.

In fact.

Most non-human races didn't care about humans.

Unless it involved artifact users, most weren't worth their attention.

Such was the world.

A harsh reality for humanity.

Humans were not the protagonists of this world.

———

At the same time.

Just after Yukino returned home, the doorbell rang.

"Yukino, your sister would like to have a little chat."

Yukinoshita Haruno smiled sweetly and blinked at her.

Yukino was silent for a moment, then quietly stepped aside to let her in.

Living room.

Haruno took a sip of water, then smiled. "Yukino's been acting a little strange lately."

She leaned in slightly and teased, "Did you really use your sister's money to keep a man?"

Yukino's expression was calm. "Drop the act. You already know where the money went."

From the moment she asked for it, she knew Haruno would investigate.

What surprised her was that it took so long for her to bring it up.

Haruno had indeed struggled.

She tried visiting the Supernatural Investigation Club multiple times but was blocked each time.

That Lynn… was hard to catch!

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became.

And helpless.

Though she had some influence in human society, when it came to the supernatural, she was powerless.

Unable to uncover the truth behind the Supernatural Investigation Club, she couldn't act recklessly.

One wrong move and it could bring disaster upon their family and Yukino.

But…

It might already be too late for Yukino.

Haruno sighed internally, doing her best to hide her unease.

She rubbed her forehead and muttered playfully, "Yukino, you're still so unlovable…"

Yukino's gaze was steady. "If you've got something to say, just say it."

Haruno: "…"

Still so blunt.

She rubbed her temples, the smile fading from her face, her tone turning serious.

Haruno decided to lay her cards on the table.

"Yukino, you…"

"You've gotten involved in supernatural matters."

Her tone was firm. Her eyes locked on Yukino's without wavering.

Yukino froze—then understood.

So that's why she waited this long. She must've investigated more deeply.

Faced with Haruno's statement, Yukino hesitated.

She wasn't sure how much her sister actually knew.

But…

There was no hiding it anymore, was there?

She spoke with a resigned sigh. "Yeah…"

Haruno paused. Her tone turned heavy. "I knew it."

Honestly, even though she'd believed Shizuka's warning.

Anyone who hadn't seen the supernatural firsthand would still harbor doubts.

But now, Yukino had confirmed it.

She would never lie about something like this.

Haruno took a deep breath.

Since Yukino was involved, she couldn't sit on the sidelines.

Haruno looked straight into her sister's eyes, dead serious.

"Yukino, I'll help you!"

She didn't know what Yukino was going through, but she was sure Yukino needed support.

As her sister, she had to take responsibility!

Yukino was stunned. Her feelings were a little mixed but also touched.

Sister…

But—

This was her burden to bear. She couldn't let anyone else get dragged into it.

She shook her head and replied firmly, "It's alright, Sis. I've got this."

Haruno was taken aback.

You've got this?

She fell into thought, then asked:

"The Supernatural Investigation Club?"

Yukino pursed her lips, staying silent.

Haruno gave her a look like, "I knew it."

After all.

Whether it was her or Yukino, their only contact with the supernatural was through the Supernatural Investigation Club at Shuchiin.

"So, you're relying on them to solve your problem?"

Haruno pressed on. "The last time you handed them 5 million, it was for a similar issue, right?"

"So, they take supernatural commissions?"

She was guessing but not wildly.

Yukino didn't respond.

Seeing that, Haruno sighed, then asked:

"By the way, what exactly is the problem you're facing?"

She knew it involved the supernatural but still didn't know the details.

At her question, Yukino suddenly trembled, overwhelmed with emotion.

Don't ask me that, Sis.

Don't make me say it…

That I can see them.

Yukino forced herself to stay calm and glanced out the window.

Outside, a cursed spirit with a split mouth was staring right at her.

Cold sweat broke out across her entire body.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 108: No Escape

In the end, Haruno left with lingering doubts and concern.

She then called Shizuka.

"Yukino really has such a difficult personality."

She shook her head helplessly.

"For some things, acting on your own is fine.
But when it comes to your own safety, shouldn't you at least tell your family and ask for help?"

"Ah…"

But…

"Even if Yukino refuses to say anything, I have other ways to find out."

Her insider at Shuchiin will report everything to her!

"That's right—you, Shizuka!"

Hiratsuka Shizuka: "Huh?"

After hanging up the phone, Shizuka was speechless.

So your sister's life matters, but your best friend's doesn't?

I really don't want to get involved in the supernatural…

Sure, she used to fantasize about being the heroine in a hot-blooded manga, but—

Actually encountering supernatural events? No thanks!

Still…

"Just keeping an eye on Yukino's movements should be fine, right?"

She hesitated but eventually made up her mind.

Yukino was her student, after all.
As a Sensei, helping her students solve problems was her duty.

The next day.

Kyoto.

Just as naturally as ever, Yomi returned to the Bureau.

She didn't think there was anything strange about entering as a devil.

But her superior clearly thought otherwise.

Jinguji Ayame stared at Yomi with a complicated expression and a heavy heart.

She had already heard the news from Natsuki Minamiya the day before.

She knew what had happened, though at first, she couldn't believe it.

But now…

Yomi had really become a devilband come back to her!

Jinguji Ayame rubbed her temples, feeling a dull ache in her chest.

Her favorite officer had gone out on a mission and come back… as part of a devil's Peerage?

Though it wasn't exactly her fault…

After all, just facing a being like Hagoromo Gitsune.

Even if it was just a tail. They were lucky to make it back alive.

Still…

She couldn't accept it.

Another promising human taken by a devil!

Jinguji Ayame was furious.

Ever since devils gained the ability to reincarnate other races using Evil Pieces.

The already-scarce pool of human talent had grown even smaller!

And what's worse…

The devils not only welcomed new Peerage members openly, they even charged for it!

Seriously!

It was outrageous!

At the root of it all.

This was that damned gap witch's fault!

She asked her to help find someone, and she summoned a devil?

Well…

Yomi summoned him herself…

Can't blame her too much.

Survival comes first.

Jinguji Ayame didn't blame Yomi but she did have a headache.
"What are your plans going forward?"

Yomi blinked in confusion. "What I was doing before… I'll just keep doing it?"

Jinguji Ayame: "…"

"Your devil master didn't give you any specific instructions?"

"Um… he said to just do what I normally do…"

"…Alright then."

Jinguji Ayame was thoroughly confused.

What did this devil mean?

Infiltrating human institutions with his Peerage members?

What was his goal?

But…

There was no real way to refuse.

Yomi had always been a useful asset and now, as a devil, she was likely even more powerful.

She was tempted.

Even witches who'd signed contracts with devils were still in service.

So being a Peerage member shouldn't be a big deal.

"Alright."

Jinguji Ayame agreed decisively.

"But… it'll be hard to explain to your family, right?"

At this, Yomi paused for a moment.
"It doesn't matter."

They're not important.

———

Afternoon.

Yukino took a deep breath, standing in front of the door to the Supernatural Investigation Club.

She had sat alone in her classroom until five in the afternoon, struggling with her thoughts.

And now, she had finally made up her mind.

She was going to sell herself.

From last night to now, she had realized something after all the internal conflict and hesitation.

True strength is admitting your own weakness.

In the past, she'd always prided herself on being strong.

But she had been blind to her fragility.

The old school building incident had ripped that illusion away.

She knew her limits but still refused to acknowledge them.

She forced herself to confront danger, forced herself not to rely on others.

But now.

She was finally ready to admit it.

True strength was the courage to accept her weakness.

"Huu…"

Goodbye… to the cowardly me!

With resolve in her eyes, Yukino opened the door to the Supernatural Investigation Club without even checking the situation inside.

She bowed and declared loudly:

"President Lynn! Please let me join!"

"…"

Yukino had gathered all her courage to shout those words that had weighed on her heart.

But…

Silence.

A long silence.

Beads of sweat began forming on her forehead.

Why… why no response?

Was she not sincere enough?

Or—

Was she not even qualified to join Lynn's Peerage?

Or maybe…

Lynn simply didn't want her?

Yukino's thoughts spiraled into panic.
For the first time, she realized.

What if Lynn didn't accept her?

She had been struggling over whether to become his Peerage member.

But she never considered.

Would Lynn even want her?

Why would he?

Just because she was cute?

Okay…

She had thought that way before.

But now…

A growing anxiety surged in her heart.

It wasn't that Lynn needed her.

It was she who needed Lynn.

Cute?

Weren't all of Lynn's Peerage members cute?
Weren't they all beautiful girls?

Besides…

She lowered her gaze.

Even her body was no longer whole.

"…Hmm…"

"Eh?"

"Is that… Yukinoshita?"

"What's she doing?"

Voices in the hallway snapped Yukino out of her spiraling thoughts.

She stood up abruptly and looked inside.

Empty.

The Supernatural Investigation Club was empty.

Seeing this, she exhaled in relief, but her legs gave out slightly, and she leaned on the doorframe for support.

"Eh? It really is Yukino!"

Yukino turned her head stiffly and saw Yui approaching with a blonde, busty girl.

"Yukino, you…"

Yui's expression was complicated.

She said just yesterday she wouldn't join the Supernatural Investigation Club.

So what was she doing at its door now?

Yukino felt awkward under Yui's gaze.

"It really is Yukino?"

The blonde girl looked amazed, it was the first time she'd seen Yukino in this state.

Total headline material.

Yukino turned away coldly.

Miura Yumiko.

Her expression remained blank—emotionless.

She didn't care about being seen in an embarrassing situation.

But Yui's eyes.

Made her feel a little uncomfortable.

"I've got something to do. I'll leave now."

Yukino turned away and left immediately.

"Wait, Yukino!"

Yui instinctively reached out.

"Eh?"

Miura Yumiko was surprised and quickly said,
"Yui, didn't you say you were going to join?"

Before she could finish, Yui rushed back and covered her mouth.

Yukino paused, turned around, and looked quietly at Yui.

Feeling Yukino's gaze, Yui froze for a moment.

Then turned to face her.

Didn't we agree?

They fell into silence for a moment.

"…Yukino, can we talk?"

"…Okay."

Yukino nodded softly.

"Wait!"

Miura Yumiko stepped forward with a sour expression. "Yui, you're abandoning me now?"

"Uh…"

Yui froze. "Yumiko, it's… hard to explain what comes next, so…"

Could you stop following me?

She didn't say that part.

"Hmph!"

Miura Yumiko scoffed in frustration, unwilling to back down.

"I want to see what's so mysterious!"

Yui sighed deeply.

Yukino glanced at her and gave a light warning.

"We won't be responsible for what happens next."

"Tch, who needs your protection?"

But…

The more they tried to hide it, the more curious she got.

What the hell was going on?

———

Faculty Guidance Office.

Natsuki Minamiya sat in a chair, holding a folding fan, looking at Hana with suspicion.

"This is the Peerage member you said can use Life Flame?"

She looked like an ordinary student.

And…

As a teacher at Shuchiin, could there really be a talent hidden from her eyes?

"What? You don't believe me?"

Natsuki didn't reply, but her expression clearly said it all.

"Wanna bet? If I win, you become my Peerage member."

Natsuki's face darkened instantly.

"You perverted freak. I swear I'll have you arrested one day."

"Eh? Is Natsuki-chan going to join Master's peerage, too?"

Hana looked shocked.

Smack!

The folding fan slammed down on Hana's head.

"Ow!"

"Don't call your Sensei by name—and don't add '-chan'!"

Putting the fan away, Natsuki glared at her.

"And who said I agreed to become part of his Peerage?"

Hana rubbed her head and mumbled.

Everyone targeted by Master eventually becomes..…

Natsuki-chan won't escape either…

Thanks to her interruption, the bet was dropped.

But…

Natsuki had no intention of betting with Lynn.

"Let's go. I'll take you to that idiot."

(To be continued.)