Dungeon Break Chapter 7 A Serious Discussion (Patreon)

Evening, Safe Zone, Kuoh Park, Kuoh, Japan

Evening had fallen fully over Kuoh Park, but the Safe Zone was anything but peaceful.

As Issei followed the grim-faced JSDF soldier through the maze of tents, his hands stuffed awkwardly into his pockets. Massive floodlights hummed overhead, washing the area in harsh white light that erased the stars. Soldiers rushed between olive-drab tents, their boots crunching over gravel and broken asphalt. Radios crackled constantly with clipped military chatter.

Somewhere nearby a generator sputtered.

Beyond the perimeter fencing, thousands of displaced civilians huddled together. Families sat around rusty barrels where scrap wood burned in flickering orange flames. The smoke hung thick in the cool evening air. Children cried. Adults spoke in quiet, strained whispers.

‘Man… this place feels like a war movie.’ Issei then passed a medical station where exhausted nurses treated wounded civilians. One man had his arm wrapped in bloody gauze. Another lay unconscious on a stretcher causing Issei to swallow.

The soldier pulled back the flap of a reinforced command center. “Come inside Hyoudou-san.” He said.

Issei stepped into a space far brighter and quieter than the chaos outside. Inside the command tent, bright lantern lights illuminated a massive folding table in the center. Spread across it was a detailed topographical map of Kuoh Town, covered in red markers, handwritten notes, and a few empty bullet casings holding down the corners. 

But it wasn't the map that caught his eye as he wasn’t alone. Five children were already gathered. 

To Issei's left was a boy his own age with short, sandy-blond hair and sharp gray eyes that seemed to be counting the exits. His posture was stiff, like a wire under tension. 

Next to him stood a completely ordinary-looking teen with messy chestnut hair and green eyes. He wore a green tracksuit and had the general expression of someone who had just realized reality was a terrible game with no save points.

‘Wow… he looks even more average than me.’

Near the center of the room stood a little girl who couldn't have been older than ten. Her long hair was a strange mix of black and pink, and her bright hot pink eyes were filled with intense curiosity.

The next two were people Issei was very interested in getting to know if the circumstances were better. As one was a girl his age with a short stature with dark brown hair styled in a high spiky ponytail with a white ribbon. She was seen wearing a red-scarfed, yellow vest over a white top and a green plaid skirt. 

She looked energetic and very cute. ‘Okay… definitely cute.’ Issei thought as his eyes moved to the last person and his internal systems crashed.

Finally the oldest here was an incredibly beautiful young woman with long brown hair tied into a high topknot with a waist-length ponytail. Her amber eyes were calm and confident. Her black high school uniform hugged a… very impressive figure.

Issei froze. ‘W-Whoa.’ His brain began short-circuiting.

‘She’s a high school girl…’ He thought as he couldn’t look away until Issei blinked and started to think of their circumstances. ‘I wonder why we’re all here?’

The blond boy broke the silence as he glanced at the newcomer. “You were brought here too?”

Issei scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Yeah… I guess.” He shrugged. “Issei Hyoudou. You?”

“Genshirou Saji,” The boy replied.

The youngest girl then tilted her head, her black-and-pink hair swaying. “I’m Zekka. Do you know what this is about?”

“No idea,” Issei admitted. His stomach tightened slightly. ‘Why bring us here?’

Before anyone could say more, the tent flap snapped open as several adults entered the tent and the atmosphere immediately changed. 

Leading them was a JSDF Senior Colonel, his uniform immaculate despite the exhaustion lining his face. 

Behind him walked someone Issei immediately recognized, Haku, the white kitsune healer, who had treated Issei earlier. Her calm yellow eyes were seen scanning the room before her face got serious as she looked at Issei. 

Behind her followed an older man in traditional white Onmyoji robes, spiritual talismans hung from his sleeves. 

Next came a man dressed entirely in dark shinobi attire. His presence was quiet but intense as he moved without making a single sound on the gravel floor. 

Finally, the elegant, kimono-wearing swordswoman stepped inside, the same one that rescued Issei and the rest of his classmates.

“Obaa-chan!” Zekka shrieked, launching herself forward like a missile.

The swordswoman caught her easily and looked down with a soft smile. “Steady, Zekka.” She said, placing a protective hand gently on the girl's head.

Issei blinked repeatedly and his jaw dropped. ‘Grandma?’ He stared at the elegant swordswoman again. ‘She looks far too young. How is she a grandma? What kind of skincare routine is that?!’

The Colonel then stepped forward and cleared his throat, commanding the room. “Thank you all for coming.” His voice carried authority but also fatigue. “I apologize for bringing you here so suddenly.”

The adults stood behind him. Each of them watched the children carefully.

The officer then continued. “Before we begin, introductions are necessary. I am Colonel Akagi.” He then gestured toward the others.

“To my left is Haku. She has been assisting our medical teams.”

Haku bowed politely. “Pleasure to meet you.”

The officer continued to the next person. “This is Master Abe, an Onmyoji assisting with spiritual threats and the creator of the barrier that currently surrounds us.”

The old man nodded. “Good evening.”

The officer gestured again to the dark hooded stranger. “This is Tanmon Momochi. He is in charge of security and is our scout.”

The ninja gave a small nod. His sharp eyes observed each of the teenagers carefully.

“And this,” the officer said, gesturing to the swordswoman, “is Miyamoto-sama. She has been instrumental in the recapture of this town.”

The woman bowed slightly.

Zekka puffed her chest proudly. “That’s my Obaa-chan!”

Issei still couldn’t wrap his head around that. ‘She looks twenty. I refuse to believe that. No way she’s a grandma.’

The officer then looked at the teenagers. “Now please, if you will, your introductions.”

The blond boy stepped forward first. “Genshirou Saji.” His tone was calm. “First year middle school.”

The little girl followed. “I’m Zekka Miyamoto!” She looked very proud of herself.

Then Issei raised his hand slightly. “Uh… Issei Hyoudou.”

“Asuka Hanzo.” The brunette with a red scarf said.

“Kazuma Sato.” The plain teen with a tracksuit said, looking at the highschooler next to him.

“Mai Shiranui.” The high school girl said with a bow.

The Colonel nodded. “Thank you.” He paused and looked at the three of them carefully. “The reason you were brought here is simple.” He took a deep breath. “You six have demonstrated extraordinary abilities during today's crisis.”

The children exchanged confused looks as they wondered what the other teenagers had done.

The officer continued. “Currently our forces are stretched thin and the monsters are still active throughout Kuoh.” He gestured toward the map on the table, red circles covered the map with entire districts marked as danger zones. “We have the assistance of civilians, Youkai, Onmyoji, Shinobi, and various warriors.” His voice hardened. “But even with their help, it is not enough as our forces are stretched to the breaking point.”

Silence filled the tent.

The officer looked uncomfortable. “As a military officer and as an adult, this request shames me.” He lowered his head slightly and looked at them. “But after much discussion with the others present… we must ask for your help in our fight against the current threat.”

Issei felt his chest tighten. ‘Help? To fight?’

“Each of you possess abilities that allow you to defend yourselves and others.” The officer continued. “But of course, we will not force you.” His tone was firm. “As you are still minors.” He looked at each of them. “If you refuse, you will remain here in the safe zone. But if you volunteer, you will be trained and supervised by these masters, and sent to hold the line and help the other combatants.”

Issei stared at the map of Kuoh. Destroyed streets, burned buildings, monster sightings everywhere, people missing and are still out there. His parents’ faces appeared in his mind. ‘If monsters break through again…’

Before anyone else could speak.

Issei raised his hand. “I’ll do it.” 

Everyone turned toward him.

He swallowed, his voice cracking slightly before settling into a firm resolve. “If I can protect people… I want to help.” His fists clenched slightly. “And I want to protect my parents.”

Asuka could be seen nodding as she was greatly inspired by Issei. “I also wish to help everyone too.”

The blond boy, Saji, crossed his arms. “…Yeah.” He looked at the officer. “I’ll help too. To make my home safe for my little sister and brother,”

Zekka raised her hand excitedly. “Me too!” Her grandmother sighed quietly but did not stop her.

“If I can be useful and be able to help others. I wouldn’t mind joining.” Mai said with a smile.

Next was Kazuma who looked very disinterested, scratching his cheek. “Sorry I’ll pass. I don’t feel like risking my life.” Of course none of the adults could blame him and in fact the Colonel wished the rest could be as selfish as him. Though Kazuma’s answer did not win any points with the girls as they thought that he should be a bit braver. Kazuma of course looked offended. “What?! Self-preservation is a valid life strategy!”

In the end it was five out of the six children that will become temporary members of their forces.

‘To send children into battle…’ The officer closed his eyes briefly. He looked troubled but the reality outside the safe zone left him no choice. “…Thank you.” His voice carried both gratitude and regret. “You will begin tomorrow. Tonight you will rest.” He looked at them carefully. “And you must inform your families if they are here.”

Issei felt his stomach drop. ‘Kaa-san is going to panic.’ He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Please don’t kill me, Kaa-san.’

As they turned to leave, Haku suddenly glided forward, her fox ears twitching. “Wait.” She stopped inches from Issei, her nose wrinkling as she sniffed the air around his chest.

Everyone turned toward her.

“Haku-san?” Issei asked, backing up. “What’s wrong?”

But she simply looked directly at Issei as her nose twitched slightly. “…That smell.” The tent grew quiet as Haku frowned. “When I healed you earlier, you did not smell like this.”

Issei blinked. “What?”

Her yellow eyes were now glowing. “Why do you now smell like a monster?”

The tension inside the tent spiked instantly.

Tanmon Momochi’s hand moved near a hidden blade. Master Abe narrowed his eyes.

Even the Colonel looked alarmed.

Fortunately Issei realized the reason and raised his hands quickly. “Wait! I know why!”

The adults leaned in, their suspicion replaced by sharp, clinical interest.

He swallowed, a bit afraid that if he didn't explain what happened quickly he would be attacked. “I found this yellow marble earlier. It came out of a monster after I killed it.” He pointed at his chest. “When it got close and touched my chest… it got absorbed into my body.”

The room went silent.

Issei continued. “And after that… my sense of smell got way stronger.”

Haku’s ears twitched.

Master Abe rubbed his beard. “…Interesting.”

Tanmon Momochi crossed his arms. “Guess that would explain the smell. Maybe the object granted him an ability.”

The officer looked at the others. “If that is true…”

Master Abe finished the thought. “Those marbles may contain monster abilities and be able to grant them to others. I wonder if there are any repercussions?"

The realization hit the entire room.

Haku sighed softly. “This disaster continues to grow more complicated.”

Akagi rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of a new world order pressing down on him. “…We will discuss this later.” He looked at the children again. “For now, return to your families. The meeting is over.” 

—----------------------------------------

Enhance

Issei walked beside the JSDF soldier through the maze of temporary tents that now filled Kuoh Park. People moved around quietly. Some spoke in hushed voices while others sat wrapped in blankets, staring at nothing.

Issei rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Okay… this is it.’ His stomach twisted. He could fight monsters without hesitation. He could punch a creature’s skull until it cracked. But telling his mother he had volunteered to fight monsters? That felt far more terrifying. ‘Maybe Kazuma had the right idea…’

Kazuma’s voice echoed in his head. “What?! Self-preservation is a valid life strategy!”

Issei grimaced. ‘Man… that actually sounds pretty good right now.’

The soldier lifted the tent flap. “We’re here.”

Issei nodded and stepped inside. The moment he reentered the temporary residential tent, a familiar voice rang out.

“Issei?!”

His head snapped toward the sound as his mother, Miki Hyoudou, was rushing toward him with panic written all over her face. She had clearly been searching everywhere. His father, Gorou Hyoudou, followed close behind with an equally worried expression.

Issei immediately gulped. ‘Uh oh.’

His mother reached him first and grabbed his shoulders. “Where were you?! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! You can’t just disappear like that!” She looked him over rapidly. “Are you hurt? Did something happen? Why is there a soldier with you?”

Gorou stepped closer, his gaze moving from Issei to the soldier.

The soldier gave a polite bow. “Hyoudou-san has been returned safely.”

Issei felt sweat forming on the back of his neck and his parents were staring at him now as Miki looked worried and Gorou looked suspicious. And Issei was fairly certain his face currently screamed guilty criminal. ‘Yeah… this is going to go great.’

Before things could escalate, the soldier straightened. “My duty is done. I will leave the rest to you.”

Issei and his parents bowed slightly.

“Thank you,” Gorou said.

The soldier nodded and left the tent with the flap closed behind him.

Silence immediately filled the space as two pairs of eyes stared at Issei.

Issei slowly raised a finger. “Uhh… hi.”

His mother’s eye twitched.

“Let’s sit down, somewhere." Issei quickly said.

His parents blinked. “…What?” Miki asked.

They retreated to their designated corner, a small patch of floor covered by a blue tarp and three thin sleeping bags. His parents sat opposite him, their shadows cast long and distorted against the canvas by the flickering battery-powered lanterns.

Issei rubbed the back of his head nervously. “I, uh… have some news.”

Both of his parents sat down across from him as they looked concerned.

That only made his stomach twist more. ‘Probably best to just rip the bandage off.’ Issei inhaled. Then he began explaining. He told them about being called to meet the officers. About the meeting with Colonel Akagi. About the other kids with powers. About the situation outside the safe zone. About the monsters and the request for help. 

Silence for one full second. Two seconds. Then—

“Absolutely not!” Miki exploded, her voice hitting a register that made the surrounding tents go quiet. She stood up so fast her stool toppled over. “You will not be fighting monsters, Issei! Do you hear me? Not today, not ever!”

Issei winced. “I—”

“No!” She pointed a trembling finger at his chest. “You are thirteen! You are a middle-schooler who likes video games and forgets to take out the trash! You are not a soldier! We are going to find this Colonel Akagi right now and we will tell him you are not participating!”

Issei straightened stubbornly. “I’m sorry but I already agreed.”

That only made things worse.

Miki stared at him in disbelief. “You what?!”

“I said yes.”

Her mouth opened and closed. “You… you…!” She grabbed her chest. “Do you want to give your mother a heart attack?!”

Issei felt a pang of guilt. But his mind suddenly replayed the image of Takashi-sensei. His teacher, standing between the students and the monster. The teacher shouting to call the monster's attention. Issei clenched his fists. Then he remembered Ako as the monster pinned her down, her screams, her blood. If he had arrived seconds later… He pushed the thought away.

“I’m not changing my answer,” Issei said quietly, causing his mother to freeze. “I want to help. I have powers now.” His enhanced senses hummed faintly as he spoke. “I can fight. The town is a mess and people are dying.” His voice hardened. “Someone has to do something.”

His mother shook her head. “I don’t care! You are my son! You shouldn’t be the one risking your life! You’re still a child!”

Issei looked down. “I know.But I’m not changing my mind.” He felt terrible but he still raised his head. “I can’t pretend nothing is happening.” He gestured toward the outside of the tent. “People are dying out there. If I stay behind these walls while I have the power to stop it... I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror.”

His mother looked like she might cry. Before she could speak again.

“Enough.” Gorou’s deep voice cut through the argument.

Both of them turned toward him.

Gorou exhaled slowly then he looked at his son. “I understand your determination.” Issei straightened slightly. “But think about how we feel.” His father’s voice remained calm. “You are talking about going out there, fighting monsters, risking your life.” His gaze softened. “And we would not be there to protect you.”

Issei lowered his head. “I know. But I won’t be alone.” He looked back up. “There will be other adults with us. They’re going to train us to make sure we’re okay.” His voice became more confident. “I’ll learn how to fight properly and I’ll be careful.” Then he added quietly, “I promise.”

Gorou watched him for a long moment then he sighed. “I don’t like this.” Issei braced himself. “But…” Gorou rubbed his forehead. “I won’t stop you.”

Miki spun toward her husband in shock. “Gorou! How can you say that?!” He’s our son!”

Gorou looked tired. “I know.”

“Then how can you accept this?!”

“I’m not accepting it,” Gorou said as he looked at Issei again. “Our son has already made up his mind.” Miki paused and Gorou continued. “If we forbid him… what will he do?”

Issei looked away awkwardly.

Gorou looked at his wife, then back at his son. “If we lock him in this tent, Miki... what will he do? He’ll wait until we’re asleep and slip under the canvas. He’ll go anyway, and then we won't know where he is or who he’s with.”

Miki’s shoulders slumped, her fire dying out into a hollow, aching fear.

“We cannot stop him,” Gorou said, his voice thick with emotion. “I hate it. But I won't stop you. Only... give me your word, Issei. You come back. You stay alive. That is the only mission that matters to us.”

Issei bowed his head deeply. “I will and I’m sorry. I know this is unfair to you.” His voice was sincere. “But I can’t ignore what’s happening.” He gestured toward the camp. “Everyone is hurting and I want to help.”

Silence returned again.

Both of his parents sighed as the argument finally faded. Then Miki turned around and froze. Issei blinked, then slowly turned around too.

The entire tent was staring at them.

Families. Injured civilians. Other refugees. Everyone had clearly heard everything.

A little kid whispered loudly. “That boy is going to fight monsters.”

Another person muttered. “He’s only thirteen…”

A third person spoke up. “That’s Hyoudou’s kid?”

Dozens of families were staring at them. Children clutching blankets, old men with haunted eyes, and most impactfully his own classmates from school. In a nearby cluster, he saw Ako, the girl who Issei saved, now healed and recovered from her injuries entirely watching the boy as her eyes were fixed on him, shimmering with a mixture of terror and an intense, burning admiration..

Issei felt his face turn a shade of red that could have signaled a fire. His parents looked around, equally mortified by the sudden public spectacle.

“...We weren’t as quiet as we thought,” Gorou muttered, rubbing his temples.

Issei rubbed the back of his head. “Uh…” He bowed awkwardly. “Sorry everyone.”

His parents also bowed.

“Sorry for the disturbance,” Miki said quickly.

The people waved it off.

But whispers had already started spreading. 

“That boy volunteered…”

“He’s one of the fighters…”

“He has powers…”

Issei buried his face in his hands as the whispers began to ripple through the entire residential block like a wildfire. He could hear it all, the hope, the fear, and the expectations already being heaped onto his thirteen-year-old shoulders.

‘Tomorrow,’ Issei thought, his heart thudding against his ribs, ‘is going to be a total nightmare.’

—------------------------------------

Underworld

Deep within the Underworld stood a castle that looked as though it had been carved from darkness itself. Black stone towers stabbed upward into a crimson sky where lightning flickered endlessly behind clouds the color of dried blood. The castle walls twisted into jagged shapes that resembled screaming faces, and rivers of glowing magma flowed through the valleys below like veins through a corpse.

Inside the castle’s highest chamber, a massive throne room stretched across polished obsidian floors. The room was silent except for the faint crackling of enchanted braziers and the soft clink of glass. Seated lazily upon the towering throne carved from demonic bone was a man who looked to be in his mid-forties.

Dark silver hair framed his pale face, falling loosely over sharp hazel eyes that shimmered with manic amusement. In his hand was a delicate wine glass filled with deep crimson liquid. Rizevim Livan Lucifer, one of the three Super Devils and the son of Lucifer, leaned back against his throne with the posture of someone watching their favorite comedy show.

Before him floated several large magical screens formed from shimmering demonic energy and on each screen showed a different part of the Underworld. And each one displayed chaos.

Cities burned beneath demonic skies as Devils clashed desperately with grotesque monsters that crawled through shattered streets. Some creatures towered like living mountains of flesh and bone. Others skittered across buildings like insects with too many limbs.

Explosions of demonic power lit up the dark horizon as screams echoed through the screens.

And Rizevim, he simply laughed with joy. A loud, delighted laugh that echoed through the throne room.

“Ahahahaha! Look at that one!” He pointed at one of the floating screens while sloshing wine dangerously close to the rim of his glass. On the screen, a group of devils were desperately trying to contain a massive beast that looked like a fusion of a centipede and a crocodile.

The monster smashed through a defensive barrier with half the squad instantly scattered like toys.

Rizevim clapped excitedly. “Oh! Oh! Did you see that?! That one went flying!” He leaned forward with sparkling eyes. “Ten points for distance!”

He took a sip of wine, humming happily. ‘This is fantastic. The destruction. The panic. The screaming. It was all so wonderfully entertaining.’ Rizevim sighed blissfully. “Man… I really outdid myself this time.”

Behind the throne, the massive doors opened quietly and a tall young man stepped inside. He was handsome and refined, appearing to be in his early twenties. Long silver hair was tied neatly into a braided style that fell over one shoulder. His posture was perfectly straight, his black suit immaculate. He walked forward with silent footsteps before stopping behind the throne. Then he bowed politely. “My lord.”

Rizevim waved a lazy hand without looking back. “Ah, Euclid, there you are.”

The butler straightened slightly. “May I ask if you are satisfied with the current situation?”

Rizevim burst out laughing again. “Satisfied?!” He gestured wildly at the floating screens. “Look at this!”

Another explosion flashed across one of the projections as a demonic fortress collapsed under the assault of a massive horned monster.

Rizevim leaned back again with a huge grin. “This is amazing!” He swirled the wine in his glass. “My new friends really delivered.” His eyes gleamed with childlike excitement. “The Dark Lords promised chaos…” Another monster tore through a group of fallen angels on one of the screens. “And boy did they deliver!” He then took another sip. “All I had to do was open a few doors and let them into the world.” His grin widened.

The butler remained silent, watching the devastation through the screens. Thousands of devils were fighting for survival. Entire territories were collapsing.

The Underworld had descended into absolute anarchy.

And the man responsible for helping start it all was treating it like a late-night comedy program.

Rizevim leaned forward again. “Look at that one!” A monstrous creature ripped through a demonic battalion with terrifying strength. “Oh that thing is definitely a keeper.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I wonder if they sell those.”

The butler finally spoke again. “Your cooperation with the Dark Lords has certainly produced… results.”

Rizevim snorted. “Results?” He grinned like a child who had just broken every toy in the house. “This is art!” He spread his arms dramatically. “Chaos! Panic! Mass destruction!” His voice dropped into a delighted whisper. “My father would be so proud. Actually fuck my father, he was never able to do any of this!” He giggled to himself then he pouted slightly. “Though…” He glanced toward another magical screen and his lips curled downward in mild disappointment. “…I really wish I could watch Earth too.”

The screens only showed the Underworld with cities burning, demons dying, and monsters rampaging.

Rizevim sighed. “Apparently the situation there is about to be fun.” His eyes sparkled with morbid curiosity. “I bet the humans are losing their minds right now.” He leaned his chin against his hand. “I wanna see that.” He turned toward his butler suddenly. “Since the connection between the Underworld and Earth has been severed. Do you think we could find some way to install a camera there?”

The butler paused. “…My lord, I do not believe Earth currently has cameras capable of surviving the situation.”

Rizevim blinked, then he shrugged. “Eh. Fair point.” He took another sip of wine. “Well, no matter.” His grin slowly returned. “I’ll just enjoy the show here.”

Another magical screen flared brightly as a powerful devil unleashed a massive spell against a charging monster with the blast engulfing half a city block.

When the smoke cleared… The monster was still standing.

Rizevim leaned forward eagerly. “Ooooh this is a good one!” He gripped the armrests of his throne like an excited child. “Come on! Kill him! No wait!” He laughed again. “Actually, don't!” The throne room echoed with his manic laughter. “Make him suffer.”

Outside the castle walls, the Underworld truly burned.

—------------------------------------

Morning, April 21, 2003

Safe Zone, Kuoh Park, Kuoh, Japan

Morning arrived far too quickly. A pale gray light crept across Kuoh Park as the rising sun slowly pushed away the darkness of night. 

Generators rumbled steadily. Soldiers moved between checkpoints while the smell of instant noodles, ration packs, and burnt firewood drifted through the air. Civilians stirred from restless sleep, rolling up blankets and quietly preparing for another uncertain day. Somewhere nearby a baby cried.

Not far from the main tents, five teenagers stood gathered on a patch of flattened grass that had been designated as a temporary training area. And every single one of them looked exhausted.

Issei stood with his arms hanging loosely at his sides, struggling to keep his eyes open. His hair was slightly messier than usual, and he looked like someone who had only gotten about three hours of sleep. ‘Note to self,’ Issei thought tiredly. ‘Saving the world apparently means waking up before sunrise.’

Next to him, Genshirou Saji looked only slightly better. The blond boy had his arms crossed while his sharp gray eyes scanned the area automatically, as if still expecting danger to jump out of the bushes.

Asuka Hanzo stretched her arms over her head while yawning loudly.

Mai Shiranui stood nearby looking far more composed than the others. Her posture was straight, her expression calm, though even she occasionally blinked slowly as if fighting off sleep.

And then there was Kazuma Sato,  who looked like a man whose soul had left his body. His shoulders slumped forward and his eyes were half-lidded with pure suffering. “Why,” Kazuma groaned dramatically, “am I here?” He rubbed his face. “I specifically remember saying no to the life-threatening monster fighting career path.” He then pointed accusingly at Issei. “This is your fault somehow.”

Issei blinked. “Hey! What did I do?!”

“You volunteered first!” Kazuma shot back. “That energy spreads!”

Before the argument could escalate further, an elderly voice cleared its throat. Standing before the group with his hands calmly tucked into his sleeves was Master Abe. The old Onmyoji looked completely awake. His long white robes fluttered slightly in the cool morning breeze as his calm eyes moved across the group. “I understand that it is early,” Abe said calmly.

Kazuma nodded aggressively. “Yes. Very early.”

“However,” Abe continued, “before any of you assist in the rescue operations, there are a few things you must learn.”

Kazuma slowly raised a finger. “Technically I will not be assisting.”

Abe turned his gaze toward him. “Even so.”

Kazuma froze.

The old Onmyoji continued calmly. “In a world where monsters roam freely, it would be foolish to remain completely defenseless.”

Kazuma opened his mouth to complain. Then he closed it again. “…Fair point.” He grumbled quietly but stopped arguing.

Mai tilted her head slightly. “Master Abe,” she asked politely, “where is Zekka-chan?”

Abe nodded. “Zekka’s training will be conducted personally by her grandmother.”

Several of the teens nodded as that actually made sense. Considering her grandmother was a legendary swordswoman capable of slicing monsters in half.

Abe then looked at the group again. “Now then.” His voice became slightly more serious. “Today I will teach you the basics of accessing your magic.”

That sentence immediately woke everyone up.

Even Kazuma’s head snapped upward. “Wait—” His eyes widened. “We get magic?!”

Issei’s heart jumped. ‘Actual magic. Like spells and stuff in games and anime.’ His tired brain immediately imagined casting fireballs.

Abe gestured toward the ground. “First, please sit down.”

The teenagers quickly sat cross-legged on the grass. The morning air was cool, and the sounds of the safe zone carried faintly across the training field.

Abe began speaking. “Magic,” he explained, “is a technique that reproduces a supernatural phenomena.” He folded his hands behind his back. “In simple terms, it allows one to perform miracles. There are many systems of magic. Some specialize in offense. Others in defense or support.” He paused. “There are also rarer forms such as healing magic.”

Mai’s eyes brightened slightly.

“Additionally, magic can be used for more mundane purposes. Construction, communication, transportation, and more.” The group listened intently as Abe continued. “To perform proper spells, one must possess deep knowledge of magical theory and the ability to perform complex calculations in the mind.”

Issei and Asuka immediately froze as sweat slowly appeared on their foreheads.

‘Calculations? Theory?’ Issei’s brain flashed back to math class. ‘Oh no do we have to be smart to perform magic.’

Asuka leaned slightly toward him. “…Do you think we have to do math?”

Issei whispered back. “I barely passed algebra.”

Abe coughed lightly. “Fortunately,” he continued, “that level of magic is far beyond what we will attempt today.”

Both teens immediately relaxed.

“Thank goodness,” Issei muttered.

Kazuma wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead. “I almost died.”

Abe raised a finger. “For now, we will focus on the basics.” He tapped his chest gently. “Magic requires mana. Mana is an energy within all living beings. It is the fuel used to perform magic.” He slowly looked at each of them. “Today you will learn to feel it.”

The students leaned forward slightly.

Abe stepped closer. “I will inject a small amount of my own mana into each of you.”

Issei blinked. “…Wait what?”

Abe ignored the question. “Once you feel my mana, you must search for that same sensation within yourselves.” He pointed toward their chests. “Find the source. Feel it then guide it.” The old man extended his hand. “Now close your eyes.”

Reluctantly, the group obeyed. One by one, Abe placed a hand over each student’s chest and a faint pulse of spiritual energy flowed from his palm.

Issei felt something warm slip into his body. It felt strange. Like a faint current moving through his veins.

“Now focus,” Abe instructed calmly. “Search for that sensation.”

Minutes passed and the world grew quiet as the birds chirped faintly. The wind rustled the nearby trees and the sounds of the safe zone faded into the background.

—----------------------------

Thirty minutes later

Mai opened her eyes. “I believe I found it.”

Abe nodded approvingly. “Excellent.”

A few minutes later Asuka suddenly straightened. “Oh!” Her eyes popped open. “I feel it!”

Another ten minutes passed.

Then Genshirou frowned deeply. “…I think I found it.”

Meanwhile Issei sat completely still as his brain was working overtime. ‘Okay… focus… Find the mana… Find the power…’ But then his mind wandered. ‘I wonder if this lets me shoot fire.’ Then another thought appeared. ‘What if I could fly?’

A loud groan interrupted his thoughts. Beside him, Kazuma had collapsed sideways on the grass. “I can’t feel anything.” He stared up at the sky with dead eyes. “I think my mana is broken.”

Issei whispered. “…Same.”

Another ten minutes passed until finally.

“Oh!” Issei suddenly jolted upright. “I feel something!” A small spark of warmth pulsed inside his chest.

Kazuma immediately sat up. “Wait wait wait hold on!” He closed his eyes dramatically.

Five seconds passed.

“…OH!” Kazuma pointed at his chest. “I FOUND IT!”

Abe nodded calmly. “Very good.” The old Onmyoji smiled faintly. “Now we may begin your real training.”

Issei suddenly had a very strong feeling that this was going to be a long day.

Done. Tell me, what do you think will happen next?