Blushes in the Library, Battle in the Gym
The two cultists who raided the abandoned gym at the Academy were both captured. The students remained oblivious to the fact that cultists had attacked the Academy. It wasn't until the next day that they learned the truth from the newspapers.
Unfortunately, not every student had been in the dark. Melle had actually been attacked in the raid. The incident left her with severe anxiety. The following day, she submitted her withdrawal application. And just like that, she was gone from the Academy for good.
The two attackers were hauled away and spilled everything.
"A being from the demon realm appeared at the Academy. That means we can find a way to the demon realm."
"We planned to kidnap it to make contact with our long-desired Lord Cerberus."
Well, nothing useful there. It didn't seem like they were lying, but it was just the ravings of lunatics. No real intel to be gained.
Kerine and Nemeia were thrown into Erebos Prison, the worst hellhole of a penitentiary. It was a chaotic stew of petty thieves, bomb terrorists, serial killers—every flavor of scum mixed together. Inside, it was a lawless zone. Whether inmates killed each other, hooked up and caused trouble, or offed themselves, no one cared. Fewer criminals meant less headache for the guards.
After all, trucks full of new inmates kept rolling in. With the government and public demanding more crooks be locked up, it was a win for the prison if they culled their own numbers.
Kerine and Nemeia's future in a place like that? Yeah, you could see it coming a mile away.
"Alright, everyone, store your summons. Class is starting."
As if nothing had happened, the Academy's daily routine kicked off again. The only changes were the empty seat up front where that girl used to sit every day...
And the fact that the class president was now filling Lur's formerly lonely spot beside her.
"Today was supposed to be a practical evaluation in teams of two, but with one student down... we'll proceed with class as is."
Professor Ellie went ahead with the lesson. Meanwhile, my master and the class president chatted quietly behind the prof's back, enjoying their blissful school life.
After lunch, the two headed to the library to read the latest romance novel. Girls really go for this stuff, huh. Romance novels. Come to think of it, I'd never really read any.
I only ever touched blood-pumping action fantasies about gang fights and gore. Hmm, maybe I'll peek at what it's ab—ugh, no way. It's about one heroine with a bunch of guys fawning over her. Can't stomach it. Guess guys and girls hit different sweet spots.
Wait a sec? Flip the genders, and it's just a standard harem story? Hmmm... kinda getting what girls dig now.
"Kyaaaaah!"
What the—? Suddenly my master's burying her face in the book and screaming? Her face is beet red. What part is she even at?
"Hehe, Lur, your face is super red. The part where the lord confesses, right? I loved that bit too. The usually passive girl takes charge there."
My master just nodded shyly and kept reading. Whatever the novel was, as long as she was enjoying it, fine by me.
Man, this library's huge. The one at my old university was a doghouse compared to this. Tiny blue pterodactyl-like wyverns fluttered around the ceiling.
They returned books to shelves, carted new arrivals, and slapped penalty points on noisy students. The librarian controlled this whole flock.
"All done. Thanks."
When Lur shelved the novel, one wyvern swooped in, snatched it in its beak, and flew it back to its spot.
"All these wyverns are the librarian's summons?"
"Yeah."
"A summoner can have multiples?"
"Nope. It's one massive one that splits into many."
"Whoa... cool."
Lur wanted the next volume. As if sensing it, a wyvern perched on her shoulder—light as a feather, barely any weight.
"The sequel is still in serialization by the author and not yet published."
"Aw, I wanted to read more..."
"There's a side story by the same author."
"Then guide us there."
"Understood."
Lur and the class president followed the wyvern. Books were organized by author there.
"Found it! Thanks!"
Lur petted the wyvern. It smiled with its eyes, satisfied, then flew off.
"I love this author's stuff."
"She teases you with 'will-they-won't-they' so perfectly."
As Lur climbed the ladder for the book, she slipped. I was gonna catch her, but... nah, handing it to the prez seemed funnier.
Thud!
Thanks to the class president's generous... assets, Lur landed like on a pillow, unharmed. For a second, the comfy hometown vibe nearly lulled her to sleep, but she snapped to and realized she'd squished Liz by accident.
"S-sorry...! Liz, I slipped and crushed you. You okay?"
"This is straight out of the novel."
"Huh?"
"What did they do in the book?"
Liz flashed a mischievous cat-like grin. Lur, knowing the scene, blushed furiously.
"I-I know it, but..."
"Y'know, you really look like the heroine."
Liz grabbed the wriggling Lur trying to escape.
"Just like the description in the book."
"Eek... Liz, whyyy..."
Liz playfully locked pinkies with Lur's hand. Things were unfolding just like the novel.
Lur flailed in panic. As her summon, I should help... but hehehe, nah, let Liz work her magic. This girl's got some flirting game?
"Pinkies locked... what next?"
"Euuuugh...!"
"The heroine pretended to resist but secretly wanted it. Is our Lur a closet perv too?"
"Hieeeek...!"
Yes! Good job, Liz! Popcorn, absolute hand, fetch!
"Hey, what're you two doing?"
No, you fucking cockblockers?! Ruining the perfect mood? Melle's two lackeys.
Get lost! I need to witness cute bunny and sexy fox-level fluff!
"Uh... well, y'see..."
"Lur slipped grabbing a book, so I caught her."
Liz's super casual lie sold it. They bought it easy.
"Hey, what'd you do to Melle?!"
"Yeah! She's been weird since you two left for the bathroom that day!"
They think Lur caused Melle's dropout. Technically related, but not Lur's fault—the cultists'. Those clowns had no real attack power anyway, and they're rotting in prison now.
So they're targeting my innocent master? Touch one finger to her, and I'll mince you like Mantus.
"N-no, that's not..."
"Melle dropped out because of you! She freezes up just hearing your name!"
"You must've done something."
As Lur stared at the ground, stomping anxiously, Liz stepped forward.
"What nonsense? Cultists attacked her. How's that Lur's fault?"
"C-class pres..."
Lur looked touched by her hero moment. Even I was impressed. No need for me to step in.
"Fun blaming others like that?"
"What'd you say, Liz?"
"Didn't touch you 'cause you're class pres. Wanna get smacked?"
Tension boiled between Liz and the two lackeys. Then a wyvern appeared to break it up.
"Fight if you want, but do it outside the library. Damage here won't be forgiven."
No choice—they all left. Heading to the abandoned gym.
Far from the Academy, unused—perfect for secret summon spars.
"W-wait... no need for this. I'm sorry. Please don't fight."
Despite Lur's pleas, the trio wouldn't back down.
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault. I'll handle these two—watch."
Liz took the lead.
"Names?"
"Why."
"Rule is, know who you're fighting."
They gave them.
"Bini."
"Closu."
"Got it. No snitching to the prof after you lose, right?"
"Hah."
"Don't you do it."
Bini summoned a toad the size of a compact car. Closu called a human-sized mantis.
"Summons matching their owners."
"What?"
"That bitch..."
They bit their lips at Liz's taunt.
"Come out, Peros."
Behind Liz appeared a handsome male statue riddled with nails all over its body.