Kai sat cross-legged on the bed, reflecting on his progress in training and the unusual abilities that had started to manifest since he touched the two katanas. Over the past two weeks, he had managed to complete four contracts, though his clients were somewhat peculiar. As days passed, his relationship with Souna and Tsubaki became more natural, especially after so many hours of training and spending time together.
He spent a considerable amount of time playing chess with Souna. Although he was still far from defeating her, he could now keep the game going longer. In physical training, Tsubaki was his guide, and he discovered she was incredibly skilled, particularly with the naginata, a traditional Japanese weapon. Under her guidance, he began to develop his own fighting style with his two katanas, though he knew he still had a long way to go.
Kai opened his eyes and felt energized. He had made progress with the spell Hadō #1: Shō, now able to use it without the full incantation, but he still hadn't mastered the second spell he had learned. He decided it was time to head downstairs and see what the day had in store.
The dining room was spacious and elegant. A dark wooden table with eight chairs occupied the center, while a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Kai smiled upon seeing Souna sitting at the table, surrounded by student council papers, completely absorbed and unaware of his presence.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, he quietly approached her, attempting to startle her. However, just as he was a few inches away, Souna, without even lifting her gaze from the papers, spoke softly:
"Kai, may I ask what exactly you think you're doing?"
He froze, surprised.
"I-I… was just… passing by, you know?" he replied casually, though the playful glint in his eyes betrayed him.
Souna finally looked up, raising an eyebrow with an enigmatic smile.
"Passing by, huh? Because it looked like you were planning something… peculiar," she replied, crossing her arms.
Kai scratched his neck and chuckled awkwardly.
"I thought you were so focused that you wouldn't notice."
She sighed, though there was a hint of humor in her tone.
"If you put half this energy into training, you'd be much further along by now."
Kai opened his mouth to respond but noticed Souna lifting one hand, a small blue magic circle glowing in front of her.
"Uh… Souna, wait! It was just a joke!" he exclaimed, raising his hands in surrender.
Before he could react, a jet of water shot out from the circle, hitting him squarely in the face and leaving him completely soaked. Standing in a puddle, Kai stood motionless for a moment, stunned, as Souna calmly adjusted her papers with a satisfied smile.
"Next time, Kai, try to be more discreet," she said with a light touch of irony.
Kai sighed, wiping his face with his sleeve, but ended up laughing at the situation.
"I'll try to remember that…"
As Souna left the room, Tsubaki entered, holding her phone with a slight smile.
"Did you manage to capture it?" Kai asked, still drying his face.
Tsubaki showed him two photos: one of him attempting to sneak up on Souna and another of the exact moment the water jet hit him. Neither photo was quite what he had hoped for, both capturing more of his bewildered expression than any embarrassment from Souna.
"It didn't turn out as I'd hoped, but at least the attempt was documented," he said, laughing.
Tsubaki gave a small smile.
"Well, we'll just have to keep trying, then."
The two had planned to compile some funny photos of Souna to show on her birthday, which was three weeks away. Kai then used his spiritual energy to speed up the recovery of his bruises, and Tsubaki watched him with curiosity.
"It's amazing how quickly you heal," she commented. "In training, I usually leave you covered in bruises, but soon after, you're up and moving like nothing happened."
"I can heal minor bruises and injuries, which helps a lot," he explained. "But it's not as impressive as you think. It just improves my spiritual energy control."
Tsubaki smiled approvingly and then glanced at her watch.
"Souna will kill me if I'm late," she remarked, heading toward the door. "And you, where are you going?"
"I'm heading into town to buy the new Hero Transporter manga. Even in this world, my passion for manga hasn't changed."
She nodded, and they both left the house, each heading their separate ways.
---
At Kuoh Academy
During a break between classes, Souna and Tsubaki were chatting in the hallway about Kai's progress.
"Do you really think he used a spell without any magic circle?" Souna asked, curious.
"He claims he did, though I also find it strange," Tsubaki replied. "He said the ability came to mind when he touched the katanas."
Souna gave a slight teasing smile.
"It seems you're defending Kai quite a bit, Tsubaki. I didn't think you were into younger guys."
Tsubaki chuckled lightly and replied:
"I have nothing against it. And you, Souna? You're so interested that you're already noticing every little detail, it seems."
Souna raised an eyebrow and responded calmly.
"Maybe, but to truly get my attention, he'd have to be more than just a pretty face."
They exchanged glances and laughed softly as the bell signaling the end of the break rang. They returned to class, though Tsubaki noticed that Souna still had a slight smile, likely still thinking about Kai's antics.
---
In Town
Kai arrived early at the store and managed to get the last copy of the new Hero Transporter manga. Pleased to have arrived on time, he held the volume with a triumphant expression. As he left the store, he was already preparing for the journey back, admiring the cover and savoring the rare moment of peace.
While walking, distracted, a sudden scream behind him caught his attention. He stopped, turned around, and saw a figure in the distance, trying to understand what was happening.
Little did he know that his moment of peace was about to be disrupted.