Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night was cold—freezing even. Dark clouds loomed above, hiding the moon in the vast sky. A thick layer of snow blanketed the entire area, with more promised by the relentless blizzard howling through the night.

Yet the winter wind was drowned out by the roaring crimson flames engulfing the small village. Away from the world, it stood alone, swallowed in chaos. The once-peaceful settlement lay in shambles, consumed by fire. The cries of its people, once piercing, had faded into silence, their prayers unanswered. The futility of their faith was staggering, but who was I to judge?

I stood alone in the snow, my rags soaked with melted frost and blood, barefoot in the icy drifts. The acrid stench of smoke and iron clung to the air, sharp and unyielding. Tears had frozen on my cheeks, and the cold gnawed at my skin, but I could no longer feel it.

Had he already left the village? If he hadn’t...

This would all be my fault.

“Warum...? Warum ist das passiert? Wie...?” ("Why...? Why did this happen? How...?") I whispered under my breath, clutching a filthy wolf plush tightly to my chest. The flames seemed to mock me, their flickering dance cruel and unrelenting.

Before I could succumb to my tears again, a heavy coat was draped over my shoulders. Its unexpected warmth brought me back to reality, a jarring reminder of the cold I had been ignoring.

I wiped my face hastily and pulled the coat tighter around me. It was warm, too warm for someone like me. I watched as the inferno began to recede into shadows, the night growing darker by the second.

Eternity in blood...

Shut up!

My thoughts spiralled, chaos swirling in my mind as the truth settled—everyone I knew was gone. Burned to ashes by demons’ wrath.

“Hey Junge! Lass uns hier verschwinden, okay? Kannst du woanders hingehen?” ("Hey kid! Let’s get out of here, okay? Do you have anywhere else to go?")

The voice broke through my haze, loud and impatient. The stranger held a phone in one hand, his expression laced with irritation. I shook my head, unable to muster words. The fire’s glow faded, leaving nothing but darkness and dread.

The stranger grabbed my hand, pulling me through the snow. I followed silently, my mind numb.

---

“Hol dir das Kind!” ("Get that kid!")

The shout echoed through the dark alleys of Munich. I darted through the labyrinth of streets, my breath visible in the freezing air. It had been weeks since the stranger had dropped me at an orphanage in the city. Though the place offered shelter, it lacked warmth. The adults there used donations for themselves, leaving little for us kids. I had quickly learned to fend for myself, becoming a troublemaker who roamed the snowy streets freely.

With Sir Pawsy, my trusty wolf plush, I was unstoppable.

I leapt onto a crate, hauling myself onto a balcony with practiced ease. From there, I jumped to the roof, landing softly on the snow-covered surface. I sighed in relief, clutching the loaf of fresh bread I had swiped earlier. It smelled heavenly, and a small smile crept onto my face despite the danger.

The city was breathtaking in winter. Snowflakes danced gracefully in the air, and every breath stung my lungs with its icy bite. But as much as I loved this view, I knew I couldn’t stay long. I made my way back to the alleys, sticking to the shadows as I headed toward the orphanage.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on my side. A grumpy man from earlier grabbed me by the collar, lifting me off the ground as if I weighed nothing.

“Zahlen Sie, Kind! Oder aber!” ("Pay up, kid! Or else!") he barked, his voice rough and threatening. I scowled, thrashing against his grip.

“Halt den Mund, du alter Mann!” ("Shut up, you old man!") I spat, kicking at him furiously.

“Ich werde es nicht tun, bis ich dich fertig gemacht habe!” ("I’m not going to until I beat the shit out of you!") he roared, dragging me deeper into the shadows.
It couldn’t possibly get worse.

But then the black specks appeared—those ominous, swirling spots. My stomach churned.

The demon materialized at the far end of the alley, its hunched figure grotesque. Glowing yellow eyes locked onto me; its jagged teeth bared in a sinister grin. Pale markings twisted along its sinewy arms, and its clawed fingers twitched eagerly.

Yet only I could see it.

Panic surged through me, and I kicked the man in the groin. He dropped me with a pained yelp, and I bolted, my bare feet pounding against the icy ground.

The demon snarled, its claws scraping the walls as it pursued me. My lungs burned, and my legs trembled, but I refused to stop. And I reached the edge of my patience.

“Ach, ich habe genug!” ("Agh, I’ve had enough!") I yelled, turning to face the beast. My hands balled into fists, and my eyes glowed faintly. The demon hesitated for a moment, but it was too late. I lunged, landing a solid uppercut to its chin.

The creature reeled back, snarling, but eventually cowered and fled. I stood there, panting, a triumphant feeling spreading across my body. Deserved!

Unbeknownst to me, a pair of forest-green eyes watched from the shadows, and Sir Pawsy’s eyes glowed faintly purple.

“My, what an interesting turn of events,” a voice murmured.

---

Morning came too early. I trudged to the bathroom, passing the front desk where muffled voices floated through the air. Probably another couple looking to adopt a well-behaved child—certainly not me.

After brushing my teeth, I wandered back to the bedrooms. On my way, I noticed a man at the front desk. He stood out sharply: dark purple hair, forest-green eyes, and an elegant white outfit—complete with a top hat, purple gloves, and a pink polka-dot tie. He looked like a jester straight out of a storybook.

Our eyes met, and a smirk curved his lips, revealing sharp canines. A shiver ran down my spine. I waved a lazy hello before retreating. Surely, he wouldn’t choose me.

How wrong I was.

The caretakers practically shoved me out the door, beaming as they handed me off to the strange man. My belongings, including the coat from my village, were hastily packed into my satchel.

At the gate, the man waited with that same smug smirk.

“Lasst uns gehen, sollen wir?” ("Let’s go, shall we?") he said, his tone playful. I eyed him warily, clutching my satchel and plush.

Black specks appeared, drifting lazily through the air. I reached out, letting a few land on my palm.

“Man kann sie sehen, oder?” ("You can see them, right?") he asked, his voice laced with amusement. My eyes widened in shock.

“Kannst du sie auch sehen? Spiel jetzt nicht mit mir! Lügst du?” ("You can see them too? Don’t toy with me right now! Are you lying?") I demanded. He laughed, the sound rich and unsettling.

“Hast du einen Namen, Kind?” ("Do you have a name, child?")

“…Wolfram Eisnacht,” I replied stiffly, clutching Sir Pawsy tighter.

“Es ist mir eine Freude, Sie kennenzulernen. Mein Name ist Mephisto Pheles,” ("It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Mephisto Pheles.") he said, twirling an umbrella with a theatrical flourish. Taking my hand, he began to lead me away.

“Ich werde Ihnen das nächste Kapitel Ihres Lebens vorstellen!” ("I’m going to introduce you to the next chapter of your life!")

I followed reluctantly, already dreading whatever insanity lay ahead with this man.

Chapter Text

Name: Everest

Gender: Male

DOB: 1993/01/18

Nationality: German

Species: Human (cursed)

Rank: Upper First Class

Meister(s): Aria, Tamer, Knight, Dragoon, Doctor

Appearance:

Height: 175-195cm

Weight: 60-70kg

Shoulder length light (H/C) hair

Pale skin

Sharp (E/C) eyes

Chapter Text

Important news!!!

- this book should be officially published on April 20th

- I will definitely publish a chapter every two weeks on a Sunday

- Though it might not be the best work, with my somewhat complicated grammar and Vocabulary, I hope it will be enjoyable to those reading.

- Some characters in this story have some of my OCs, and they will have a place in the story.

- Fillers are normal right? So, sit tight and relax for the emotional Rollercoaster this story provides

- Special chapters are reserved for when this story reaches to 1k readers each time, request for this is possible.

- this work is both published in Wattpad and AO3, on the same day and similar times, my username is the same in both.

-I follow the anime and the Manga at the same time.

- I might be late in publishing due to me being busy with school, but i'm not giving up on this story

-LGBT mentioned.

---

Hope you enjoy this!

Chapter Text

The room was quiet, bathed in the soft, golden light streaming through the curtains. Sunlight danced across the walls, casting gentle shadows on the furniture. The bed was still warm and cozy, the blankets tangled with my frame from the night’s rest.

The ceiling and walls were painted with constellations, while a model solar system hung     from the ceiling, with the light fixture serving as the sun. It was a room made for an astrology enthusiast. Bookshelves lined the walls, overflowing with books and papers, some even stacked high on the polished floors. A glass showcase stood proudly in one corner, displaying my manga collection.

The soft chime of my alarm broke the peaceful silence, dragging me out of a vivid dream. I groaned as the melody continued, a cruel reminder of the early hour. Slowly, I fumbled for the alarm clock, silencing it with a sigh before sitting up in bed. My gaze shifted to the curtains, where sunlight was sneaking through the cracks, casting a warm glow across the dark room.

I wonder if I can skip the entrance ceremony today...

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. With another sigh, I shoved the blankets aside and swung my legs off the bed. Goodbye, sleep. I’ll miss you.

“I’ll be there in a moment!” I called out groggily. Opening the door, I was greeted by Belial, holding a tray with waffles and a glass of whipped coffee and milk. I nodded gratefully, taking the tray and placing it on a side table.

“Did Mephisto leave already?” I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep.

Belial nodded silently, bowing politely before retreating and closing the door softly behind him. I appreciated his quiet demeanour this early in the morning.

After taking a moment to compose myself, I grabbed the tray and began eating at my desk. The surface was cluttered with stacks of paper, which I took the opportunity to organize between bites of breakfast. Gradually, my energy returned, and I managed to tidy up the entire room—excluding the bed.

Next, I pulled out a small mirror from my drawer and began my usual makeup routine. Not to enhance my looks, but to diminish them. I aimed to make myself less noticeable. I glanced at the mirror with satisfaction once I was done. Perfect.

With my makeup complete, I donned my round, silver-rimmed glasses and smiled faintly at my reflection. After slinging my bag over my shoulder, I patted my old wolf plushie on the head. “Goodbye, Sir Pawsy. May I return to bed early today.”

I dropped off the empty tray in the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of coffee before leaving the manor. “Bye, Belial,” I called out, stepping into the crisp morning air.

Let’s see if anything interesting happens today...

---

“早!” (Good morning!)

A familiar voice said as they walked up to me on the sidelines, watching the freshmen year batch swarm into the auditorium. His light blonde hair swayed gently with each elegant step he took, and his golden eyes held a silver of hope at all the new students.

“早上好, 彦玲.” (Good morning, Yanling.) I exclaimed as I handed him some papers for the student council.

“Are you hoping for some new members for your club? I’m sure hoping for new members for the student council.” He explained to me as he skimmed through the papers at once. Mostly some suggestions to deal with the faculty of this school.

“Work kept me from thinking about it…” I hummed softly and he nodded, understanding my words

“Take better care of yourself, (M/N)…” he said as he nudged my shoulder in an encouraging way.

The enormous auditorium buzzed with murmurs as students filled the seats. We stood at the side of the stage, waiting for his turn. The MC’s voice echoed through the hall: “New student representative, Yukio Okumura.”

Yukio stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech. I observed him silently, a mix of pride and nostalgia tugging at me. His speech was eloquent, reflecting the growth he’d achieved as both an exorcist and a person. When he finished, he passed by me without so much as a glance.

It is my fault, I thought, recalling how I presented myself differently during missions—without makeup, glasses, or the usual pretense. To him, I was Everest, the outgoing and confident exorcist, not the reserved senior (M/N) he saw now. Only a few like Yanling and Mephisto knew of the double life I had for fun.

“Student council president, Yanling” the MC announced. He stepped onto the stage, posture unyielding and his expression neutral. His steady gaze swept across the audience, commanding silence.

“On behalf of the teachers and seniors, I welcome you to True Cross Academy. This institution is known for its exceptional facilities and opportunities for growth. Here, you’ll discover who you are and what you want to achieve. Make friends, explore new things, and chase your dreams.”

He paused, letting his words sink in. “This journey will shape your future. Seize it. Let’s see what you’ll accomplish at this prestigious academy.” he concluded with a small smile. “Thank you.”

While the students seemed awestruck while they applauded him for his speech, he’d already moved on, as I started dreading the rest of the day. Knowing something was happening when I felt Yanling drag me away as soon as the assembly was over.

  I want to go back to bed...

—

Another day at school, another bullshit to deal with…

Not even a moment’s rest, the seniors of this year were all full of sweet and sorrow. Many of them, focusing on their ambitious goals in life and future careers in the wonderful society we now know is completely a hassle to deal with.

Decided it would be a great day to “surprise” our teacher. More like a harmless prank to be precise.

If only that gift was kept on a much smaller scale. Almost all the rich kids in our advanced class bought bouquets of flowers and boxes of her favorite treats.

The room was basically a garden, her desk had a mountain full of chocolates and cookies.

I sighed, maybe ignoring the class group chat wasn’t a good idea…

“School doesn’t even start until a week.” Yanling's voice spoke up in front of the class. Eyes sharp and powerful. “Please help clean the fallen petals on the floor, and please…help Miss Rhea with the many confections later.”

The class awaited his next words…

The tension was rising…

Yanling’s next words were absolute.

“...Let’s start the party.”

The class erupted into cheers, so the party started. The bell rang, but instead of the usual shuffling of chairs and rustle of backpacks, there's a bubbling excitement in the air. Desks are pushed aside with a scraping chorus, making room for mismatched tables piled with colorful plates and bowls. Someone flips on music—cheerful, a little too loud—and laughter starts to rise with the beat.

A faint sugary smell drifts in from a box of cupcakes being carefully unveiled, their frosting swirled like tiny mountains of color. The teacher, smiling but trying to maintain some order, claps once and calls out over the noise, “Alright, everyone! Let’s start with games—then food!”

A cheer erupts. Paper hats are passed around. And just like that, the class transforms—from a place of lessons and homework—to a tiny, chaotic celebration full of snack crumbs, music, and fleeting moments of joy.

I sat in the corner, eating a cookie as I watched my classmates struggle in charades. Yanling, sitting besides me, started the conversation.

“Is it…twelve years already?” he asked, emphasizing how long it has been. Since I had been saved by Mephisto from that orphanage. From whatever hell I had seen. And from the nightmares it brought me, even if they still haunt me of the Fire. 

Yet…

It has also been twelve years since I had found my reason to fight…

“Yeah…” I glanced out the window, watching as birds flew higher than the clouds.

“Do you want to come to the dorms later?” Yanling offered out of the blue, glancing away from the fleeting birds and looking right at my dazed form. “Beck’s out right now. And the girls should be unpacking their stuff right now.”

The white curtains on the windows swayed as a classmate opened a window. The gentle breeze dances around in the room. The wind was cool, yet a fleeting warmth came along with it. The air shifts for just a moment—cool, refreshing—then fades as quickly as it came, leaving behind a stillness tinged with something almost magical. Like the room just breathed.

“Yeah sure…”

—

The door swings open with a soft click, revealing a dorm that feels more like a refined suite than student housing. Sunlight spills in through tall arched windows framed with velvet drapes, pooling on polished wooden floors. Each of the four sleeping areas is thoughtfully spaced—divided by elegant partitions or built-in bookcases—offering just enough privacy without isolating the space.

“Pardon the intrusion…” I mumbled as I stepped into the dorm. Of course, not without taking my shoes off first.

“It’s fine, (N/N)” Yanling sighed as he dropped his bag onto his chair. I handed him one of the bottles of coffee, feeling the same after everything that happened in the party.

Although this dorm was meant for four, it was only Yanling and Beck in this dorm. I know Beck is well, after glancing at the humongous pile of stuff on another bed.

This is nice. I thought as I sat on a free chair.

It was one of those rare moments where everything simply fit . The air felt balanced—not too warm, not too cool—and the soft hum of the world settled into the background like a familiar song. Light filtered in gently, not glaring or dim, just enough to make the space feel alive. Nothing demanded attention. No thoughts rushed in. No nerves buzzed beneath the skin.

There was a stillness—not empty, but full. Full of ease. Full of quiet understanding that, for now, nothing needed fixing, chasing, or bracing against. The moment didn’t glow or shout; it just was —steady, certain, as if the universe exhaled and let everything settle perfectly into place.

We discussed our observations of the new freshmen students, and the possibility of having any new members for the student council and the theatre club. There are also possibilities that the music club and the theatre club would join forces this year. Furthermore, we talked about preparing for any exorcism mission this year.

And with that, I had much to prepare…

—

I ran out…

A supply run was the last thing I wanted to do, but my stock of medicinal herbs was dangerously low.

I sighed as I swiftly went over to my wardrobe and pulled out my awesome custom made exorcist uniform, A formal wear featuring a white exorcist coat with a (F/C) inner lining draped over my shoulders that reached to my waist, a (F/C) scarf with a white pompom on one end and the other was an exorcist pin, a white turtleneck shirt, a thin robe, slim-fit pants, a belt black lace-up knee-high boots, and gloves, creating a regal and elegant look for my attractive body.

Although some people questioned my uniform, I’d ignore them. It was reliable for me and me only. Especially since the belt is designed to have a tactical leg harness that’s adjustable straps, a holster for two guns on my back, small dagger holders on one leg, a short katana holder on the other leg, and several utility pouches filled with summoning paper and ammo. The coat I wore over my shoulders also had several pockets in them to hide various items. Especially in this kind of work where secrecy is best.

With every part of my uniform in place, I started chanting a spell, changing the color of my roots to a nice midnight black while keeping the tips of my hair their original color and changed the style to my liking. I glanced at the mirror to double check and nod at the perfect mask to hide my normal life.

Donning my custom uniform, complete with tactical accessories, I finished my preparations and headed to the supply shop.

“Mrs. Moriyama, it’s been a while,” I greeted the shopkeeper warmly as I walked through the doors of Futsumaya.

“The usual?” she asked with a smile.

“Yes, please. I have a mission tonight,” I replied, browsing the shelves. While inspecting some butterfly pea flowers, a familiar voice called out.

“Everest-senpai?”

I turned to see Yukio standing in the doorway. “Ah, Yukio. Fancy meeting you here.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. Moriyama led us to the garden to check on Shiemi when the mother told us she was ill.

That’s when we noticed a familiar navy haired boy talking with Shiemi. I tilted my head in confusion, the barrier around the shop and garden is supposed to ward off demons, so how the hell did Rin get in? Were the wards weak against the Satanic flames? Or was it because he’s still part-human?

“Rin! What are you doing over there?! I really can’t look away for one minute!” Yukio yelled out with a hint of annoyance, as we walked down the stone steps to the garden. Shiemi turned to the three of us in shock. “Yuki!”

“Ooh! So, this is the infamous older twin brother of Yukio!” I said as I jumped and landed right in front of the pair. Specifically, the older twin Okumura. I grinned mischievously as Shiemi seemed shocked at the revelation that Yukio and Rin were brothers, while I only turned to face Yukio once more. “I didn’t know your brother would look like a delinquent, Yukio.”

Rin let out an offended gasp and Yukio sighed, probably not expecting me to say that. I soon knelt on one knee and held Shiemi’s hand with a soft smile. “For your mother’s sake, would you please let us examine your legs? If that isn’t a problem.” I asked politely as I looked at her in the eye, and she hesitantly agreed.

I gently let her leg out and calmly examined it, and the Okumura twins observed me doing so along with the shop owner. Shiemi’s legs looked like the roots of plants, spreading like wildfire.

“Mrs. Moriyama, you’ll be pleased that this is only a low-level demon that did this. It’s only a temptaint.” I said as I stood back up, Shiemi looking baffled at the information. “What can you deduce from this, Yukio?”

Now Yukio looks surprised at my words, like he was just given a pop-quiz out of the blue. But as a seasoned exorcist, he confidently answered my question. “It’s probably a dekalp, greenman or ent that possessed a plant to reach Shiemi…. Somewhere in this garden.”

I wandered around the garden for any anomalies that were hiding within the garden, when both the mother and daughter started fighting, and soon her spirit got drained through her legs to the point she was moved to rest in a storehouse because she fainted.

Regret shackles the soul…

Oh, shut up!

…

If this garden was precious to her grandmother, it’d make sense if she wanted to protect it. But what would her grandma think? Seeing her granddaughter was inflicted by a temptaint of such a low-level demon and couldn’t even stand on her own two feet.

Shiemi’s cries brought me back to reality, though I do have to say it’s quite funny seeing Yukio sneak up on them. I walked over to Yukio’s side and grinned, planning my next act.

“Sorry to break this up, but we can exorcise this squirt in no time!” I said as I motioned my hand to both me and Yukio, their shocked expressions were adorable. And Yukio calmly exclaimed, “Shiemi, you’ll walk again. The rest is just your mental anguish.”

“Yuki…” she mumbled.

“Are you trying to break our promise?”

“I won’t let you!” a voice rang in my ears as the roots in her legs started to plant themselves into the soil.

“Huh?! What the?! Ee-eek!” she screamed as the demon held her hostage with vines and leaves. “We were going to live in this garden together forever!” the demon cackled as she used the young girl as a shield. What a coward…

“Yukio, Rin, stand back!” I yelled.

I sprinted forward, pulling off one of my gloves with my teeth, and shoot the vines sprouting from the ground but some grabbed onto me and pulled me close.

“Got you~” the demon sang happily.

You fucking wish…

I could hear Rin trying to convince Yukio to help me but, the younger one knew better than to interfere.

“Wow!” I laughed. In a blink of an eye the vines were cut into several tiny pieces with my dagger, frost covering where I laid my hands on it, and soon spread quickly to the main body. “How weak~” I taunted sweetly as the demon panicked and separated itself from Shiemi. Yukio calmly shot the demon to exorcise it, and I caught Shiemi before she could fall onto the ground.

“There we go!” I said as I gently laid her down onto the ground. “Good job, Yukio!” I turned to the twins and gave the younger one a thumbs up, while the other one seemed to be taken aback at my performance. And that’s when I remembered something.

“Ah! I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Everest, a senior exorcist from the Vatican branch! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Rin!” I said as I put a hand over my chest as a sign of good manners. Rin looks even more confused at my knowledge of him, but before he can say or yell anything, I spoke up once more. “I knew your brother when we were training to become Exorcists.”

Pointing to the younger Okumura, and he just cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. Thankfully, before I’m bombarded with questions about my relationship with Yukio by the older Okumura, Shiemi woke up. I stepped back and let them have their moment, as both the mother and daughter cried in each other’s arms apologizing to one another.

An act purely on desire…

I let out a tired sigh before I went back into the shop and got ready to leave so I can prepare for the mission later. “Thank you very much, Everest-senpai.” Yukio said as he got his requested herbs right beside me. How nice…

“How’s school going for you? I hope you don’t overwork yourself.” I said sweetly as patted his shoulder, before continuing with my praises. “Congratulations on becoming the instructor for demon pharmacology, Yukio”

I soon waved goodbye to him and went back to my room to rest before tonight’s mission. 

Sir. Pawsy, wait for me! I’ll be in bed with you soon!

—

Extra!

• Our MC is now starting his adventure! With caffeine.

• Yeah… he didn’t clean his room. He just moved all the papers and documents into the corner of his room. Belial will clean it up later though.

• Yeah, we know of Rin’s existence. Our MC is a genius after all!

• This book was supposed to be published last year in July, but there were a lot of problems so I extended the time.

• Try to guess what (M/N) likes throughout the story! If you get one right, you’ll be able to make a request.

• I’m so sorry!! If you read this before the update, I made a mistake in copying from my old docs, full of gaps! Again, I apologize…:(

Chapter Text

The night was steeped in solitude, draped in a quiet stillness that felt almost tangible. A gentle wind caressed my skin like a fleeting, ghostly touch, carrying with it a whisper of the unknown. True Cross Town lit up the sky, the only source of illumination in such a vast city.

I sat perched on a high metal beam of a construction site, waiting for our messenger. Beside me, Mephisto's cape swayed gently in the breeze. My feet dangled far above the ground as we waited.

“Apologies for my lateness,” a voice spoke from the right. I glanced over, then turned back to watch the clouds part, the silver string of moonlight blinding me for a moment. Behemoth is still as feral as ever… I sighed, wondering why I was here.

“It’s been a while… Amaimon. ‘King of the Earth,’” Mephisto said with his signature smirk. Amaimon’s face remained impassive.

“Indeed, it has been a while, brother,” he replied. And I zoned out completely from their conversation.

“Will you not be returning home anytime soon?” Amaimon’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt the weight of it on my shoulders.

Mephisto placed his hand over my head, grinning like a fox. “Go. You wouldn’t want to keep Father waiting.”

Without another word, Amaimon left us alone.

Mephisto suddenly burst out laughing, and I watched him, unfazed. “Why would I go back?” he said, arms spread wide, his smirk ever-present. “For someone like me, this place is the greatest toybox imaginable.”

We both understood the stakes, so I wasn’t surprised that he was enjoying the chaos brewing underneath. A glint of mischief sparkled in my (E/C) eyes as I said, “The game has only just begun, Mephisto. We have time.”

“Exactly!” he chuckled, as I pulled my scarf up to my face, leaning against his leg. A peaceful silence settled over us, and I began to feel drowsy. I stifled a yawn, and we enjoyed the view of the city until he teleported us back to the manor.

This should be fun.

---

It was a beautiful sunny day, the sky painted in an unblemished shade of blue, not a cloud in sight. The sun beamed brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything it touched. Shadows danced under trees, offering cool relief, while the sunlight illuminated the landscape, enriching its colours. It was the kind of day that invited smiles, laughter, and a peaceful sense of contentment for every student at True Cross Academy.

The day had started off wonderfully. I woke up later than usual, my homework was done, it was Friday, and breakfast came to me in bed. Everything was going smoothly. Or at least, it was…

“You want me to do what?”

Just as I was about to enter the classroom, Rei Tatsumi, a close friend of mine, a member of the drama club and a fellow Exorcist, asked for my help with her assignment. She needed me as a model.

Her hazel eyes held enthusiasm as her short brown hair framed her face. Her many piercings shimmering under the warm sun.

I know we’re friends, but... why this? Of all things?

I stood in the Academy’s flower garden during lunch, dressed in something I never thought I’d wear: a maid dress.

The flowing black fabric billowed at the sleeves, and the full-bodied skirt swirled around my legs. A crisp white apron with ruffled edges and lace detailing softened the outfit’s sharp contrast, while the frill at the neckline complemented the black-and-white look. It was a mix of traditional Japanese style kimono and the more cutesy kind of maid dress.

Tatsumi had added soft silk gloves with frills, a long (H/C) wig, white laced stockings, and black dress shoes. She even put makeup on me—a touch of pink blush, black eyeliner, and light pink lip gloss. It tastes like grape.

“Okay! Just be your usual cold self, (M/N), but be more feminine!” she said, though it felt more like an insult. I nodded and turned to the side, noticing some students stopping to watch the photo session. Don’t they need to eat?

Feeling uncomfortable with their eyes on me, I focused on the task at hand. Acting had always been a way to hide the truth, a way to mask my feelings behind a facade. It was the only way to keep people from seeing the real me, while enjoying the audience’s expressions.

With a deep breath, I intertwined my fingers, bringing them to my chest like a prayer. The wind tousled my fake hair as I glanced toward the camera, giving her the perfect shot she needed right then and there.

She snapped the photo, her eyes lighting up with joy.

“It’s perfect!” she exclaimed, grinning like a child with a sweet treat. “Can we do more?”

And I agreed.

We moved to different spots in the garden: one by a wooden bench, another under a tree with a picnic setup, and more. As we worked, I noticed the crowd around us growing, students inching closer and whispering about how pretty I looked or about who I was.

This is getting uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Tatsumi sensed it too.

“Well, that’s probably enough,” she said cheerfully. “Thanks so much! I won’t forget this. S’mores-flavored ice cream at Dragon’s Gelato, right?”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” I replied, though I was relieved to be done. “We’ve definitely attracted a crowd.” I looked around at the growing number of onlookers. “Bye, Tatsumi.”

I slipped away from the scene, hoping to find the locker room and change quickly.

I tried to sneak past the students without drawing attention, but in my petite shoes, I wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped. As I rounded a corner, I collided with someone familiar.

Rin Okumura.

I stared at him for a moment and mumbled a small apology, before swiftly marching my way past him to the locker rooms in the next hallway.

I was unaware that he was watching me walk off and yet…

She seemed familiar.

---

"Hah... what a predicament..." Mephisto sighed, staring down at the dining table with an exaggerated look of despair.

"What's wrong, Sir?" I asked, pausing mid-step on my way into the dining hall. He looked like he'd already had a terrible day—and it hadn't even started. Not with him still lounging in the manor, dressed in a yukata that was just as dramatic as he was.

"It's nothing, my dear so—" he began, only to pause as he glanced up at me. His expression shifted. "You're wearing that?"

I blinked. "My uniform?"

"I've always worn it like this. I don't like the tie." I gestured down at my outfit: the standard school blazer and trousers, paired with a thin hoodie in place of the button-up shirt and tie. My school bag hung casually over one shoulder. "There's no rule against it… Anyway, are you okay, Mephisto? You look... troubled."

He sighed theatrically. "Ah, it's just Ukobach. He's on strike, so it falls to me to take care of the Okumura brothers' meals until he decides to return to duty."

"You're cooking for them?" I asked, monotone. Knowing the end result of his cooking. "Do you... need help? We could whip up something for them."

"Why, that would be delightful! Let's go immediately!" With a snap of his fingers, we teleported to the old boys' dormitory kitchen. As he went back to his original white suit instead of his yukata.

Rolling up my sleeves, I tied on an apron, preparing for the worst. Mephisto, meanwhile, began chopping vegetables with wild abandon, the sharp rhythm of the knife echoing through the halls. I ignored the chaos and got to work.

It didn't take long for the noise to draw the attention of two teenage boys. Rin and Yukio Okumura peeked cautiously over the kitchen counter. I stayed focused on my task, already bracing for their reactions.

"Good morning, gentlemen!" Mephisto declared, turning to face them with a grand flourish.

"Mephisto!?" Rin exclaimed, his eyes as wide as saucers.

"Was it you, then? The one who’s been making our meals?" Yukio asked, equally stunned.

"Certainly not. I'm just a temporary replacement." Mephisto's gloved hands rested on his hips as he flashed a devilish grin.

"Temporary replacement?" they echoed.

"Your usual chef, Ukobach, is a stove spirit—quite the talented one, too. Unfortunately, you trespassed in his kitchen yesterday, and now he's boycotting his duties," Mephisto explained, his tone accusatory yet playful.

"So now Ukobach is on strike," I added, stepping out from behind Mephisto with a spatula in hand.

The twins jumped at my sudden presence, their eyes widened. Mephisto, unfazed, gestured grandly toward me. "Boys! Meet my son, (M/N) (L/N). He's here to assist me today. (M/N), these are the Okumura brothers, Rin and Yukio."

"You have a son?" Rin gawked.

"He adopted me," I said tiredly, setting two bowls of red, boiling oatmeal on the counter. Mephisto beamed proudly.

"Dig in! It's a Mephisto special—demon-style oatmeal!"

Ignoring the boys' horrified expressions, I returned to the stove, pulling out the breakfast I'd prepared. As they recoiled from Mephisto's concoction, I calmly placed the tray nearby.

"Is it really that bad?" I asked.

"Why don't you try it, dear pup?" Mephisto teased, offering me a spoonful.

"Wait! (M/N), no!" Yukio cried, attempting to stop me.

Too late. I took a bite, chewing thoughtfully as the boy stared, pale as a ghost.

"It's... not terrible," I said, much to Mephisto's delight. "But I doubt they can eat this, Sir."

With that, I set down two plates of chocolate chip pancakes and mixed-berry smoothies. The aroma alone revived Rin, who eagerly grabbed his plate. Those pancake mix was helpful.

"No offense, Sir," I added as Mephisto pouted playfully.

As the twins dug into their breakfast, Mephisto cleared his throat, feigning composure. "Regardless, a familiar's misconduct is its master's fault. Until Ukobach returns, I shall oversee your meals—and because (M/N) has his own obligations to attend to."

"And what if Ukobach doesn't get over it?" Yukio asked nervously, mid-bite.

"Then he'll be your permanent cook," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"Good luck."

---

“So a ghoul type demon was wreaking havoc in the old dorms?” I asked as I looked through the report that Yukio sent to Mephisto, requesting for an investigation on it as soon as possible. 

“But only low level demons are able to enter the academy, so how?” I questioned the exorcist who gave the copy.

The defense system I made for the academy has no problems, so how did a mid level demon enter academy grounds?

I was leisurely doing some paperwork, when Yukio reported a loose ghoul type demon roaming around campus that had unfortunately harmed one of the students. The room was pleasing to the eye, warm oakwood tables and shelves filled with records of the demons I’ve investigated and researched about. Demons sure have history.

“We don’t know yet sir, we are still investigating the cause.” the man said. “It seems to be Naberius, with the information we gathered from the Pages.”

“A Naberius?” So a man-made demon is the cause?

“The Pages are going to have their Exwire examinations soon, will you be participating in it, Sir. Everest?” the man asked, awaiting my decision.

“It’s not my place to judge this year’s Pages, seeing as I became an Exwire at the age of eight.” I said with a small smile. “Though with increasing reports of demon sightings, I might scout one of them for the summer.”

“You’re planning on scouting?” he asked, seemingly curious about my opinions on the soon to be Exwires.

“I was scouted too before I created The White Tempest.” I chuckled as I remembered those younger days of panic.

“Haha…?” he awkwardly laughed along with me.

“Oh, this will surely be something.” I smiled as I glanced down at the information I have on the current Pages.

“You may leave.” I said, and the man quickly made haste.

The room fell into a peaceful silence, nothing to bother my thoughts but a notification on my phone.

-

Blueberrymunchkin:

We should plan our next missions

@Iceboss should we split up?

Battlemaniac:

WHAT?! No! Captain!  Say no!  

Mr.Presidentbird:

I think that splitting up jobs would be the best, after all, some exorcists are still getting the gist of things.

It is important we give amateurs experience in this kind of work.

Battlemaniac:

Yeah…

I guess…

Wait…

Did you just insult some Exwires????

DAmn i gotta give ya credit yanling…

Iceboss:

With things at headquarters

Aria look into the reports received in America and Europe

Yanling, check Asia

Beck and Rei, can you guys deal with most missions?

I’ll step in if needed

Blueberrymunchkin:

Yes, captain

Mr.presidentbird:

Got it.

Battlemaniac:

Sure thing, Cap!

Lazybabyshark:

Oh okay

I’ll get ready

And with that briefing, The White Tempest is ready to take on another year of exorcising demons.

—

Despite the busy days working as an exorcist, the hassle was all worth it when I made it back to my bed on time. 

It feels like peeling off a heavy jacket I didn’t realize I was wearing. I’m tired — not exhausted, but the kind of tired that makes my bed look like the most beautiful thing in the world. My feet ache a little from standing too long, my back feels stiff, and I smell faintly like blood.

I toss my bag down without thinking, and the room feels a little too quiet at first, like the world is finally giving me space to catch up with myself. 

There's a stubborn, buzzing independence under the tiredness. A little voice that says: Yeah, I'm really doing this.

I immediately took a long shower, washing away any sort of stress and fatigue from my body. All I felt now was my bone turning into jelly, and my mind was clouded with thoughts. 

Thoughts on what I can do to prevent demons from entering academy grounds again. Buff up the security? Assign more eyes in the shadows? Or leave it be for now? Either way, I would need approval from Mephisto later.

I walked out of the shower, with a plan in mind of all these things right now. There has to be a reason why a demon ended up on campus grounds, possibly the fact that Mephisto allowed it. This wasn’t the first time he let in powerful demons into the academy.

Amaimon was one of them.

That was years ago though…

I changed into my sleepwear absentmindedly, went over to my records. Mephisto should promote Belial, my room looked much better than it did on most days. Thanks to him, my records are placed in alphabetical order on my shelves.

I looked through until I found the one I recorded on Naberius.

Name: Naberius 

Type: Middle-class demon

Abilities: Basic physical attacks (scratching, biting)

Nature: fast, freaky, not super smart, but dangerous if you underestimate it. They show up during ambushes or incidents where weaker demons flood an area. They are man-made demons, by stitching in parts of already existing demons into one.

Notes: they tend to be like Frankenstein, a mutated corpse with a soul. Being able to split or combine, maybe even absorb weaker demons to grow. The more blood, the more powerful it gets. Nonetheless, they are not that intelligent and can be easily outsmarted in a game of wits.

I put the record on my desk, looking into how someone could get a Naberius into the academy. Possibly by a Familiar contract. Only three matched up with this information. But only one in the academy, Nehaus.

But I can’t do anything now, he had probably gotten orders from a superior. I would need to investigate more of that.

I sighed and headed on over to my bed, knowing I can’t do anything. It feels like shit. But what can I do? I’m a sleep deprived teenager. I can only investigate the situation for now at best.

So I slept the night away for now.

Extra:

• The whole White Tempest’s group chat! Oh my fucking god?! Their names have been revealed!

• (M/N) actually inherited Mephisto’s terrible cooking skills, but not in making desserts.

• Tatsumi Rei has always made (M/N) wear feminine clothes since they were like twelve? (M/N) just has no guts to deal with this baddass woman.

• Amaimon did visit when our Protagonist was just a child, I’m just going to say that Amaimon got addicted to candy because of the sweet child.

• Yanling and Tatsumi have beef with each other, but on the battlefield, they’re the best duo.

Chapter Text

The sun hung heavy over True Cross Academy, summer heat sticking to my skin as I head down the pathway. A Cat Sidhe's rampage had thrown everything into chaos—exorcists scattering, tranquilizers flying, and Yukio inquiring about the problem at hand. 

Ahead, Kuro stood in the middle of the courtyard, fur bristling, two tails lashing out like whips. His eyes were wild, the same shade of green as emerald. But now, they were filled with something worse than rage. Grief. Deep and raw. It hurt just to listen to him weep.

'Liars! You're all liars! Shiro would never die!' Kuro roared, his voice thundering through my head. Demonic Telepathy? I flinched, clutching my head. It wasn’t just the words—it was the feeling behind them, so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet.

Exorcists fired more darts, but Kuro shook them off with a snarl, sending half of them scrambling back. Yukio was up on the wall, readying a special grenade, and I knew that look in his eyes. He was gonna do it. He was going to blow the whole bridge?!

Not on my watch.

"Hey!" I called out, after I managed to convince Yukio to try my way first. Kuro's eyes snapped to me, pupils narrowing. "You miss him, don’t you? You miss Shiro. I get it. I miss him too."

Kuro snarled, baring his teeth. 'Liar! Lies! Shiro's the greatest! He'd never die!' His voice cracked, tails slamming against the pavement hard enough to send cracks splitting through the concrete. My hands shook, but I held my ground.

"I know," I said softly. "But...he’s gone. So let’s move on, together ."

Something in Kuro’s eyes wavered. I saw the moment he broke—just a flicker, but it was enough. He charged at me, and I braced myself, planting my feet. His giant body crashed into mine, and I did the only thing that made sense. I headbutted him.

The impact sent a shock through my skull, but Kuro reeled back, stunned. I blinked through the pain and stepped closer, hand outstretched. "Come on, Kuro...I’m not lying. I’m still here."

Kuro sniffed, his massive form shuddering before shrinking back to his smaller, cat-like size. His fur was ragged, eyes wet. 'Shiro's dead...?' he whimpered, voice cracking. I knelt down and scratched his head, feeling the warmth of his fur beneath my fingers. "Yeah...but you’ve got me now."

The courtyard fell silent, the tension bleeding out like air from a balloon. Exorcists exchanged glances, lowering their weapons. I let out a shaky breath, still scratching Kuro behind the ears when I heard the sound of someone clapping slowly.

I looked up, and there he was—Everest-senpai, dropping down from the wall like he’d been watching the whole time. His landing was soft, barely a whisper against the pavement. "Good job, everyone!" he called out, his voice bright and light. It cut through the quiet like sunlight through fog.

Everest-senpai approached us, his long coat billowing behind him. He ruffled my hair with a grin. "Nice work, using that hard skull of yours," he said, tapping my forehead. "Didn’t even need to step in!" His smile was like Mephisto’s—sharp and knowing, but somehow warmer.

He crouched down next to Kuro, scratching his head with gentle hands. Kuro nuzzled into his touch, purring softly. "I'm glad you’ve calmed down, Kuro," he murmured. Kuro rubbed against his hand, looking more like a house cat than the rampaging beast he’d been moments before.

my voice came out small. "It’s you! Everest...right?"

"The one and only," he said, bowing with a dramatic flair that rivaled Mephisto’s best antics. I couldn’t help but laugh a little, the tension finally draining from my chest.

He reminds me of Mephisto way too much…

…

That’s concerning…

Yukio suddenly stepped forward, eyes sharp, straight at Everest. He looked betrayed, hurt even. "Why did you give up your candidacy for Paladin?" His sudden voice cut through the air like a blade. "You are one of the greatest exorcists in the order! And yet you refused!"

I blinked, surprised at the sudden shift. Everest-senpai’s smile faded just a little, replaced by something softer, more thoughtful. "I’m not ready for that yet," he said simply. Yukio’s eyes flared with disbelief, but he didn’t back down.

"What are your reasons for becoming exorcists?," he continued, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. “Money? Fame? Justice? Those kinds of goals are pointless to me.”

His hair swayed gently in the wind, eyes shining with mirth with a hint of soft lavender. The sun blessed his kind smile, with some little imperfections on his face. The strong scent of caramel came over the scene as he strides forward to meet us. His smile was gentle and warm like the sun, but like with a little breeze rushing past the warm day.

“I don’t need a title to fight for what I believe. I’m just me . I’m Everest. ”

His eyes were in the distance, the ocean stretching endlessly beyond the academy walls. A breeze rustled his coat on his shoulders, and for a second, I saw it—a resolve as deep as the sea. 

I didn’t say anything. Neither did Yukio. We just took a moment and stood there, watching him view the horizon. And for some reason, it didn’t feel like the end of a conversation. It felt like the beginning of something bigger.

—

The classroom was dead silent, the air thick and slightly stale, carrying the faint scent of old paper and chalk dust. The chalkboard in front of me was smeared with half-erased scribbles, ghostly remnants of past lessons. Overhead, the fluorescent lights hummed—a constant, low buzz that crawled under my skin like an itch I couldn't scratch.

“Tutor?” I blinked up at my homeroom teacher, not quite sure if I’d heard her right.

“Your grades in all of your classes have been terrible. Even if you’re a special student, it’s disappointing…” she said bluntly, adjusting her glasses with the kind of disappointment that stung was evident. “So, I’ve arranged for one of your seniors to help you improve.”

Really?

Without another word, she handed me a neatly folded slip of paper. I hesitated before unfolding it, feeling like I was opening a letter of execution.

(M/N) (L/N)

XXX-XXX-XXXX

Oh. Him?

“He’s one of the smartest students I’ve ever taught,” she added, her tone final, like there was no room for argument. “He should be able to help you.”

And just like that, she was packing up for the day, her footsteps fading down the hall, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and this little scrap of paper that now carried the non-existent weight of my academic survival. 

Walking back to the old dormitories, I turned the idea over in my head. Did I really need this? I only came to this academy to become an exorcist. Who cared if I flunked regular classes? As long as I could swing a sword and take down demons, grades were just numbers on a paper.

Still… something tells me this is going to be useful.

---

By the time cram school rolled around, I had reluctantly dragged myself there, setting my bag beside me with a determined look. Pulling out my books, I tried to psych myself up for another round of studying. Not that I was particularly good at it. As I pinned my hair back and skimmed through the text on demon history, the usual chatter around me faded into background noise—until Konekomaru spoke up on something that got my attention.

“Did you hear about Everest?”

“About him exorcising a pack of sirens in the Atlantic Ocean?” Bon said, looking up from his book.

“He really is the Prodigy of the Order,” Shima added, leaning back lazily and twirling his pen like he had all the time in the world. “Who wouldn’t know…?”

“Everest? Prodigy?” I repeated, curiosity sparked. Was Everest really that big of a deal?

Konekomaru turned to me with an almost incredulous smile. “I guess you wouldn’t know? He’s basically a legend among exorcists.”

“He passed the exorcist exam at ten, aced all his meister exams, and became an upper first-class exorcist at twelve. Now leading the White Tempest, the strongest squad in the order.”

I stared. “You’re kidding.”

Yukio had told me about Everest before, sure—but he conveniently left out the part where the guy was a literal genius. What was next? Was he also a model on the side?

“He’s got a ton of fans in the Order,” Shima grinned. “Bet he has a blast with the ladies.”

I thought back to Everest—his sharp confidence, the way he carried himself like he owned every room he walked into. He had this aura that made people feel at ease, like everything would be fine as long as he was there. He was strong, ambitious, and unapologetically himself.

“…Doesn’t seem like that kind of guy to me,” I muttered to myself.

“White Tempest has been doing well lately, they’ve accomplished a lot since the start of the semester.” Bon stated as he rested his chin on his palm. “To think they can accomplish that much when they still have school.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about that.” Konekomaru mused. “It’s Everest, Rei and Yanling’s last year of highschool, right?”

“They mentioned that, didn’t they? On the order’s website?” Shima cut in.

To think Everest is still a minor like me…

“I think they’re doing a lot now, so that they can prepare for their graduation exams next semester. Ya gotta respect that much the least.” Bon said.

Wow…

Everest is really amazing. He’s accomplished so much in such a young age, yet that’s not enough for him? Remembering his words earlier this week. He doesn’t seem satisfied with what he has now, in my opinion-

I slapped my cheeks, shocking those around me.

I shouldn’t think like that! I shouldn’t just judge someone like that! My opinion does not imply the entire situation! Everest must have good reasons…

With that, I put my thoughts away as the teacher walked in to start the first class of today. I pulled out my book and notes, as the teacher gave us our tests from last week.

5…

I thought I'd get less…

My grade isn’t that impressive. What is impressive, is the fact that I still pass classes like these.

The teacher went back to the board, writing down things that barely made any sense to me. 

—

I wiped the sweat off my forehead as I packed away both mine and Yukio’s bentos for tomorrow. Papers littered one of the empty tables we had, many of my failing scores for both school and cram classes. I was never good at just sitting down and doing my work, I was a practical kind of guy!

I scooped some rice onto plates, then poured some well creamy curry over the side of the rice. Right now, my first priority is to become an exorcist. School stuff should be a later priority. I don’t really need it.

 I placed our dinner on the table, and I took out the note from before, looking at the phone number in deep thought.

He’s Mephisto’s son. He probably knows more about exorcists than me. With that he can surely teach me some stuff, right?

I took a glance over at the table covered in papers and books. Yukio has tried to tutor me, but I never improved. How can a different person help me with this kind of stuff?

I need the help…

I pulled out my phone and hesitantly dialled the number, the soft ringing over the call felt like ages to me. When the call was soon answered, a familiar tired voice could be heard from the other end of the call. Soft and tired, as if just waking up from slumber.

“Hello…? Who is this?” he said, and I swear I heard him let out a yawn. His voice surely left an impression on me, it sounded so nice from my side.

“Rin, Rin Okumura…” I said as I took out a book from my bag. “My teacher said you were willing to tutor me…”

Silence fell over the call; the vibe was awkward as I awaited his response. Then I heard movement on the other side, most likely wrestling with blankets. Did he just wake up? It’s just 6 in the evening though…

“Oh…You’re the problem child?” his voice was slow and steady, but wasn’t that rude!?

“I see…When do you have time? I’ll come over…” he said as the sound of slow footsteps was heard. 

“That’s not what I wanted to talk about…” I trailed off, “I was wondering if you could help me with just cram classes instead? You probably have more experience with exorcists than me. I don’t really need to study for normal school.”

“Oh… I suppose that’s true,” he said as I heard him. “Don’t you have your brother to teach you?”

“Yeah, but… he’s busy these days, and I don’t want to bother him”

“Ah…”

“Yeah…”

“So you want me to help?”

“Yes, please”

“Okay”

“So if you can just hel- did you say yes?”

“Yes, I said I’m okay with helping you,” he replied. “Is it okay for you to meet me at the library tomorrow during lunch?”

“Ah! Y-yes! Thank you so much!” I stuttered in shock, he was so willing to help me. Is he an angel sent by god?!

“With that settled, get some rest. It’s getting late.” he exclaimed on the other side of the call, his voice far more awake now. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow, (L/N)-senpai!” and with that I ended the call. 

I head on over to sit and eat my curry, though slightly colder now after the call. The taste remains delicious and worthy from my previous attempts. I ate heartily as I focused my sights on getting better with my grades.

Let’s get serious!

—

“Wow…” 

The library stood out as the crown jewel of the academy–being its own building, its towering windows framed with iron latticework that glimmered with faint enchantments. Shelves of polished mahogany lined the walls, stretching up to vaulted ceilings painted with swirling constellations and symbols of ancient knowledge. Despite its grandeur, there was an unmistakable hum of scholarly energy—quiet, focused, unyielding.

Long wooden tables were arranged with precision, each paired with high-backed chairs upholstered in deep crimson. Brass lamps dotted the surfaces, their warm light pooling over open textbooks, scribbled notes, and leather-bound tomes that seemed almost too old to touch. The scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, mingling with a whisper of cedar and something faintly arcane. In the farthest corners of the library, hidden behind towering shelves, were alcoves draped with heavy curtains—perfect for secret studies or whispered conversations.

Behind a circular desk, as soon as I walked in, was a student with bleached blonde hair, tan skin and an aura of a sunflower. He was looking through the computer, like he was on a treasure hunt.

He noticed me quite fast, where I stood awkwardly at the doorway. His smile widened, as if he just witnessed a miracle.

“Welcome! Are you here to borrow a book? A computer? Or perhaps you’re here to study?” he asked with his bubbly voice. He doesn’t seem that bad…

“I’m here to meet a friend.” I revealed my intentions in being at the library at this hour. “(M/N) (L/N). he said he booked a room in the library.”

“Ah, you’re talking about him . Well, lucky for you,” he said pointing to the second floor. “Room 217. He’s been here an hour or so.”

He skipped class?!

“Ah! Thank you, um…” I trailed off, not knowing his name.

“Zuba Makwela. Class 2-3.” he grinned.

“Now get going! Lunch won’t last that long!” he quipped, motioning for me to go now.

“Right!” I said as I ran up the stairs to room 217.

“...214…215…216. Here! 217” I mumbled as I got to the door.

I nervously opened the door, only to find the strangest thing I had ever witnessed.

A boy with short brown hair and bright green eyes glanced over at me as he held my tutor by the collar, pinning him to one side of the wall. While (M/N) looked like a mess, crooked tie and messed up hair. I felt like I walked in at the worst time.

Did I just walk into a really awkward moment?!

“My~ What do we have here? Your friend, (N/N)?” her voice startled me–it was unmistakably feminine and teasing, completely at odds with her unexpected given her sharp appearance. 

“I didn’t say you could join me, Rei.” (M/N) said as he fixed his appearance.

My face grew hot as I assumed what they had been doing behind closed doors, seemingly very…inappropriate for just minors. She marched over to me, reaching out to me… I closed my eyes, nervous of what’s about to happen.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Until she just closed the door behind me.

Oh…

She looked at me with a grin, a friendly teasing smile that just screamed chaos.

“Pfft-! Hahaha! Oh my god, did you think I was going to- bahahaha!” she laughed as she held her stomach, cackling like a mad witch. Before (M/N) dragged her down to sit at the table, holding her by the sleeve gently.

“I apologize, she likes to fight now and then…” he said, sitting right next to her while I sat across from them in the room. “This is Rei Tatsumi, an exorcist that specialized in the Knight Meister.”

“Oh! Hello! I’m Rin Okumura, uh Exwire?”

“Nice to meet ya! I’m going to be the one teaching you about being a respected Exorcist! (N/N) here will help as well!” she said as she pulled out her phone. “First things first, let’s exchange numbers.”

I nodded, pulling out my own phone to exchange numbers with her.

Now that I look at her more closely, she seems well built. Her shoulders were broad and sturdy, along with her well-defined arms. She looked pretty strong physically, is that why (M/N) decided to invite her?

“I didn’t ask you to help me teach him,” he said sternly. What?

“Aw… come on, let me join~” she whined as she tugged on his sleeve, looking sad and sorry.

“No.” he said coldly, looking like he was about to kick her out right then and there.

“Come on! I want to help a kouhai!” 

“I-I don’t mind, but why does she want to be here?” I pondered, wondering why she was so willing to teach me when she barely knew me.

She stopped for a moment, glancing over to (M/N) before her gaze dropped to me. Her grin shifted into a calm smile, I could feel the tension shift. 

“The answer to that is simple…” she started.

She put one leg over the other, crossing her arms, looking deep in thought. “I guess I haven’t formally introduced myself…”

“I’m Rei Tatsumi, upper first class Exorcist, and a member of the White Tempest.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

What? 

Extra:

• I’m just going to put this out there, I feel like I made Rin a bit too OOC…anyway!

• Muahahaha, Rei was actually wrestling with (M/N) before Rin walked in, what did y’all think they did? I kinda want theories.

• Rei is actually inspired by someone in my school, while I was making her tomboy-ish look more badass.

• Can I ask for the names you have given (M/N)? I wonder what names you guys came up with!

• Rin did in fact, did not see Rei was wearing a skirt, funny enough.

Chapter Text

Having a few days off from work and school felt like a relief—not just for my body and mind but for my soul. So for this morning, I decided to use the time wisely: I planned for Rin’s tutoring sessions, stocked up on snacks and drinks, and even treated myself to a nice, long bath.

Feeling refreshed, I returned to the manor with a box of parfaits, intending to share them for breakfast with Mephisto. When I walked into his office, however, I was greeted by an unexpected sight.

There stood Mephisto, dressed in a ‘Mani Mani Sister’ yukata, striking a confident pose. Right beside him was Amaimon, looking as unreadable as ever. The long table in the room was covered in an assortment of Japanese souvenirs, yet only a few souvenirs looked exquisite.

“Did I come at a bad time?” I asked, my voice blank as I closed the door behind me. Walking over to Mephisto’s desk, as I set down the box of parfaits and a few tiny spoons.

“Not at all, (N/N)!” Mephisto smirked, hands on his hips. Amaimon, meanwhile, turned his gaze toward the parfaits, as if curiosity sparked his interests with sweets.

Then, without any preamble, Amaimon looked back at his brother and asked monotonously, “By the way, Elder Brother, where can I find him?”

Is he talking about Rin?

“Oh, he’s over there,” Mephisto replied, gesturing toward the window.

Amaimon tilted his head, seemingly puzzled. “An amusement park?” he asked.

“Yes,” Mephisto confirmed with a sly grin. “I assigned him there to deal with a ghost, nothing the Exwires can’t handle.”

Amaimon crouched down to peer out the window, biting his sharp black thumbnail. He was likely imagining all the ways he could play with Rin—anything to coax out his hidden demon side.

“So, you’re finally in the mood to play with him…” Mephisto chuckled darkly.

The room fell silent for a moment as I watched the two of them. I deadpanned about the current situation. Why am I here again?

For the revolutionary path to those who’ve sinned…

Fuck off.

I sighed, resting my eyes for a moment as I sat on the armchair. My body felt sore and my head was a mess. While I was noting down why Rin can’t study due to his behavior I observed, the White Tempest had found numerous underground organizations seeming to be demon worshippers? And that Bastard…

The first semester of the year is coming to an end soon, I need to make sure that at least one of those problems is solved. No loose strings should be left unchecked.

“Did you become stronger?”

I turned to meet Amaimon’s gaze, sitting right on the table full of souvenirs, silently observing what had changed in the course of 5 years since he last saw me. I merely nodded, even though I knew that being stronger doesn’t mean I’m strong enough.

“Yes, I have. Is there something you need before going to the amusement park?” I asked politely as I stood up from my spot, I needed to head out anyway.

“Candy.”

“...Yes?”

“Give me some candy” he repeated.

For a moment, we just stared at the other, as if they expected the other to do more than just that. Cyan met (E/C), it was a stare down.

“Both of you really need to leave me alone now…” Mephisto scoffed, breaking the tension apart.

I sighed and pulled out a lollipop from my pocket, threw it at him, grabbed a parfait and sat back down on the armchair, realizing that I was almost about to leave my breakfast to demon kings.

There’s no rush. We can just take it one step at a time.

“Shit…” I said as I looked at the time. “I gotta leave, see ya!”

“See you later!” Mephisto said as I rushed out the door.

I’m going to be fucking late!

—

What is the worst thing to happen when things don’t go to plan?

I think it’s the fact that you were not expecting that kind of situation and that you failed to adapt…

“It has come to my attention that some of you are unsatisfied with how the council manages the budget to each individual club, so you are all here to take a vote. Leaders. A choice for the sake of your clubs. ” a stern voice said in the meeting.

The tension itself was an epitome of authority and order, with sunlight filtering through tall, arched windows draped with curtains, casting a warm glow on the polished oak table that dominates the center of the room. Each seat had a club leader, each and in their own unique ways. Shelves line the walls, neatly filled with binders, thick ledgers, and framed certificates, evidence of past accomplishments and well-kept records of this prestigious academy.

This was the Student Council meeting room.

The atmosphere is one of quiet strength and structured ambition, a space where decisions are made and authority is both respected and enforced.

And Yanling stood there, at the top of this hierarchy. 

“The council will hear all your opinions to make a decision amongst ourselves.” he stated, pulling out a folder of this year’s current clubs, giving us a cold look “And because I’m not one to be patient with addle-pated people, let’s make this quick, shall we?”

His secretary handed out papers to us Club leaders, each revealing the success rate of the 22 main clubs. For Yanling to prepare this much before the club's rebel was quite a smart move, showing that he has a reason for this meeting.

“As you can see from the past 10 years, the most successful students come from these three clubs. The international language club, the scientific discovery club, and the mathletes club.” he said as he pulled out a presentation behind him, looking more professional than anyone I’ve ever seen.

“These are only Academic successes though, we also have Creative Art clubs, Athletic Clubs, and community service clubs.” Yanling relayed.

“So, you’re telling us that you're just going to give the biggest budget you have to the Academic Clubs?” a leader asked, or more specifically–the book club’s leader.

“Not at all. In fact, the student council is planning further ahead in time.” Yanling said, while a cup of tea was being poured for him. “We plan to just divide the budget across the top 10 clubs.”

The tension was immediately shattered like glass, and the protests came in like a tsunami of waves. Well, except for me and a few others.

“That’s your plan?!” (Writing Club leader)

“Fucker! Do you want to die?!” (Soccer Club leader)

“This is unacceptable!” (Volunteer Club leader)

Their emotions were frantic as they asked for reason, blending in the anger in their eyes with desperation for the safety of their beloved clubs. Their thoughts were restless, urgent even. And all those emotions were all directed to the student council president, Yanling.

“If you lot keep squawking, I might as well call animal control to lock your mouths shut.” Yanling threatened, until even the boldest voices faded beneath his cold gaze.

The room fell into silence, not a whisper amongst the leaders.

Yanling’s words were absolute. There was no changing it.

“Let us continue our discussions.”

—

The Vatican main office buzzed with energy, a hive of activity where phones rang incessantly, and keyboards clattered like a relentless rainstorm. Voices overlapped in a chaotic symphony—some sharp with urgency, others light with laughter. Exorcists hurried between desks, clutching papers and files, while the faint hum of printers added an almost rhythmic undertone. Computer screens glowed with spreadsheets and emails, their glare illuminating focused faces of the faculty.

The headquarters felt alive, chaotic yet purposeful, as if time itself moved faster within these walls.

“Is Beck Manitou here?” I asked the man at the front desk, striding forward with a kind authority.

“Let me check, mister Everest” he replied with a polite smile, tapping away at his keyboard as I waited. 

Beck said he was going to give me the report here…

“My, my, it’s been a while, Everest.” A voice rang out behind me, smooth yet commanding.

I turned to find myself face-to-face with the new Paladin himself—Arthur Auguste Angel.

Arthur had his long blond hair tied neatly behind him, piercing blue eyes matched the air of regality he carried, heightened by his custom-made white coat, adorned with gold ropes and buttons. At his side hung the legendary Caliburn, its sheath swaying slightly as he walked. The image of an untouchable figure of authority.

“It’s nice to see you back on the job,” Arthur greeted with a sly grin. “I trust you’ve been well?”

“Greetings to you as well,” I replied, chuckling softly. “And congratulations on becoming Paladin.”

“You refused the position and left the Vatican in a bind, you bastard,” he said, nudging my shoulder with mock indignation.

“Alright, alright, I’ll admit, it wasn’t my finest decision.” I said, raising my hands in mock surrender.

“You bet it wasn’t,” he scoffed.

“But it was worth it for the sake of my peaceful life. I couldn’t bear the thought of overworking myself to death…” I sighed, shivering slightly at the mental image of endless paperwork and missions. Yet he laughed at my words of stress.

Silence settled between us as we waited for the clerk. The only sounds were the background hum of the office—keyboards clicking, phones ringing, and shoes tapping against the marble floor.

Then, Arthur broke the quiet with a grin. “Do you want to join me and Lewin on our next mission?” His hand rested on Caliburn’s hilt, an unmistakable glint of challenge in his eyes.

“…What a sadistic man you are, Mr. Angel,” I replied, narrowing my eyes at him. “I’m on break, dear sir.”

“Says you…” he quipped back, his grin growing wider.

The silence returned, but this time, it crackled with tension as I considered his offer. Slowly, a devious smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

“My, how could I–a mere exorcist–ever refuse such a tempting offer from the Paladin himself?” I said, my voice laced with anticipation. “You’ve got a deal, mister Paladin.”

---

The area stretched out like a shattered canvas, smeared with blood and churned earth. The air was thick with the metallic tang of iron, mingling with the acrid stench of burning flesh and gunpowder. Distant snarls of demons and the clash of steel echoed through the din, drowning out the groans of the dying demons. Flies swarmed over the carnage, their buzz a relentless drone against the stillness of the fallen. Pools of crimson seeped into the muddy ground, painting it with streaks of macabre finality.

A true bloodbath.

And I stood amidst the chaos, with not a single drop of blood on my uniform. The last of the demons that terrorized the forest fell to my gun. As its body crumpled, I exhaled sharply, relief washing over me while the adrenaline coursing through my veins began to subside.

Finally, it’s over…

“I’m done here! How about you guys?” I called out with a smile, making my way to the arc knight and right hand man to the Paladin Lewin Light.

He stood a short distance away, his figure relaxed despite the carnage. A well-built, slightly unshaven man, his dark hair obscured most of his eyes beneath a hat. His attire—a light-coloured shirt beneath a black Exorcist jacket, paired with capri pants and boots—had somehow managed to escape the worst of the battle’s mess.

“Everything’s good here!” he replied with a beaming smile. I returned it with one of my own as we waited for Arthur to finish off the last of the demons.

“It really stinks here… ” I muttered, stretching my arms upward. “I can’t wait to go home and shower.”

“Haha, you’re right about that,” Lewin chuckled, amused by my childish complaints.

A moment later, Arthur joined us, his confident stride as commanding as ever. “We should head back,” he announced, pulling out his magic portal key.

We moved toward a small wooden shed that served as our exit point, the spot where we came in first hand. Arthur inserted the key into the lock, and the door shimmered, opening to reveal the familiar setting of the Vatican main office.

“Now that that’s over,” I huffed, stepping through and closing the door behind me, “I need to head back. I’ve got school tomorrow.”

“Ah, right. Still a minor,” Arthur mused, realization dawning as he clapped a hand on my back. “Good luck, kid.”

Kid?!

“Yeah, yeah, jeez.” I grumbled, pulling out my own portal key. Using the same door we used; I opened the door back to my bedroom. “Bye, old man!” I chirped teasingly, and I swore I heard a snort from Lewin.

What a pain…

The soft glow of my room's light greeted me as I stepped inside. Closing the door behind me, I whispered a chant, watching my hair fade back to its original colour. I unwrapped my scarf and began stripping off the uniform piece by piece, leaving the day’s burdens with it.

Grabbing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, I headed to my bathroom to wash up.

The room welcomed me with quiet serenity. I turned on the faucet, the steady rush of water filling the tub. Steam rose, curling into the air and warming the space. I uncapped a bottle of bath salts, the scent of lavender filling my senses as the grains dissolved with a faint hiss.

I tested the water with my hand—perfectly warm, just shy of too hot. The sensation was a gentle embrace, coaxing my fingertips with warmth..

Sliding into the bath, I let the water envelop me, a cocoon of peace separating me from the world outside. My worries floated to the back of my mind, though they lingered like shadows, stubborn and unyielding.

With everything going on, Rin is the biggest problem at hand…

I sank deeper into the water, letting it wash over me, chasing the soreness from my limbs and the dread from my mind.

The way Rin keeps dozing off in the middle of our tutoring, even when he looked determined to stay focused in the first few minutes. His head would tilt forward before going limp, slumping in his seat. Then his eyes would snap open and he’d sit up straight again. 

Everything is going to be fine; I told myself again, my voice a whisper in the stillness. I think…

I’m going to meet him tomorrow anyway…

—

“Sorry, I suck at studying…” 

We were back in room 217, our last study session before the first semester ended. We really didn’t study much on regular school subjects, so we focused on just cram classes instead. And here we are, Rin giving me his recent test, 12 out of 50. An improvement, yes. But not that astonishing.

“Have you ever thought that these types of studying ain’t your type?” Rei pondered as she looked at the scores. “Y’know, the fact that you keep dozing off and your body feels restless?”

I thought about it, and it was on point. Rin would constantly space out or doze off during my explanations. He’d sometimes write down notes while his leg bounced rhythmically, maybe by his own subconsciousness. Tiny movements would catch his eye and he’d get distracted from what he was supposed to do.  

“What does that mean?”

“It means that your brain is way too hyper to the point that you can’t process information.” I said as I went through my bag. Pulling out a notebook I had used to note down his symptoms, along with my thoughts written down. “This is only my assumption, but I think you have a case of ADHD, or in other words ‘Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’”

“Is it…bad?” he asked, as it seemed he was hesitant.

“Not at all, all we have to do is use the right methods for you to study easier.” I concluded as I gave him another notebook, the one with notes on all cram school subjects. “The first page has a schedule I had written down if you have time to study. There’s instructions. Check on blue highlights, those are important and are in the majority of tests.”

He looked up at me as if I had saved his kids, grateful to me for just this? He spoke up with glossy eyes, “(M/N)-san! Thank you so much!”

“Damn… you did that much?” Rei had a teasing grin on her face, nudging my elbow with hers. Before glancing over at Rin, her eyes held in high regard for the boy. “What a good senior, you (N/N).”

“This is the last session before summer break. I’d suggest just study on business days, enjoy your weekends." I recommended it to him.

“Y-yes!” he answered as he tried to suppress his happiness. I could tell by that cheeky smile tugging on his lips, it was twitching just a bit in the corners, barely able to contain himself.

Rei laughed, bolstering and joyful she stood up from where she sat and proposed a reward. “How about the White Tempest recruiting you for an internship, if you get over 50 on your next test!”

“Really?!” 

“Of course! Our captain seems to like you a lot!” she laughed, the air around her felt like god was shining a light on her. Like a halo was blessed upon her soul. That aura of hers was quite blinding.

“Everest!?”

“It’s a huge deal! I bet the other members would like you!” 

“Ooh!”

I sat there quietly as I let them bond, apparent that their friendship was now blooming. They seemed to have fun making a new friend, was it because they both can relate to being Knights? Maybe it’s just their personalities? Were they compatible? Somehow… I felt a sting in my chest…

“Haha! Oh hey! It’s getting late, shouldn’t you go back now?” Rei suddenly said as she checked the time on her phone. And indeed it was late.

“Huh? Oh shit!” Rin said as he quickly packed his stuff into his bag and ran out of the room, yelling to the top of his lungs. “Bye Rei! Bye (M/N)! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!” 

The room became silent with only a few shuffling of sounds, as both of us intend to wrap it up for the day. Papers and books neatly settled in our bags, we switched off the light, as darkness consumed the room. Our footsteps were light, yet it felt tiring to just walk. But it felt better with a friend by my side, especially one I trust the most.

We said our goodbyes to Zuba, who was putting returned books back on the shelves. Nothing much, our interactions were short and simple.

“The first semester ended smoothly, what about next semester, Captain ?” she asked, emphasizing my role in a way where no one knows. 

“I only hope, peace .”

May we start the show?

Extra:

• ‘Shit’ is a word you can put into any sentence just to have fun or piss people off. Me realizing that, plans to put more swear words that even God can’t handle.

• Hehehe, our MC is so good at fighting, he didn’t even get demon blood on him in a fight.

• (M/N) was top of his class when he had Cram school, because Mephisto made a bet with him that he can’t get full scores.

• Rei just likes honest people. If the man is against her opinion of justice. A good beating should do.

• Yanling in Chinese actually means elegance, but who says someone can’t be elegant and scary at the same time.

Additional stuff:

-7-8 years ago- (basically you’re a 10 year old child)

The garden stood before me as something that breathes with life—every leaf, every petal shimmering with quiet grace. Sunlight filtered through a canopy of cherry blossoms, their pale pink petals drifting down like whispers from the sky. Lavender and white peonies burst from the earth in lush clusters, their fragrance mingling with the crisp bite of morning dew.

Marble bird baths ripple with the soft splash of wings, scattering droplets that would catch the light like fragments of diamonds. Those winged creatures enticed me with their access to the vast skies–a journey in the wind. The air was heavy with the sweetness of jasmine and the distant murmur of flowing water—an eternal spring held in delicate balance at this moment.

It felt like a place suspended between moments, where time slowed to the rhythm of falling petals and the soft sigh of wind through the leaves just in time. I closed my eyes as I felt everything around me, every movement of motion gave me a shiver down my spine.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the presence until I was hoisted in the air. The man that Mephisto called, Amaimon.

“You’re so small. Does my brother feed you?” he asked as he turned me around in his hands to face me. “You are weak and tiny. How did you become one of them so soon?”

“...Training.” I answered.

“Huh?”

“Training.”

“Oh…”

A moment of silence before he gently placed me back on my feet on the grass. I stared up at him, observing his face and behaviour. He really doesn’t smile.

I’m going to change that.

I looked through my pockets, and got out a lollipop that I immediately popped in his mouth after the wrapper was out of the way. He seemed shocked by my action, but tasted it for a moment and relaxed a bit.

I was excited, well internally I was. He seemed way better than before, maybe he can’t handle kids?

“Do you have more, kid? Or whatever Mephisto calls you…” he questioned as he crouched down to my height and held his hand out.

I nodded, running back inside with the demon king of earth following me. We headed into the kitchen and into the pantry, where I pointed out a bag of lollipops on the top shelf.

He grabbed the bag of sweets and stuffed a few in his pockets. Turning his back on me as he was walking away. I stared at his leaving frame, saddened that he left so soon. But before I could go back to my room, he appeared again with a fancy sword. 

I blinked twice. Glancing back and forth between the sword and his neutral face.

He put the sword in my hands and said nothing as he walked off.

This is the weirdest first meeting I had with the demon king of earth.

Chapter Text

Pure white snow blanketed the rooftops and sidewalks, casting a soft sheen beneath the pale gray sky. The streets hummed with a quiet energy; the crunch of boots on snow mixed with the occasional honk of car horns and the soft murmur of engines idling in the cold.

The silent biting wind wove through the streets, carrying the crisp scent of chilled air, mingled with the inviting aroma of hot chocolate from nearby cafés. Despite the snow’s heavy embrace, True Cross Town pulsed with life—its heart steady, warmed by bundled pedestrians.

Twelve years ago, I sat in the soft leather seats of the pink limo, the smooth hum of the vehicle’s engine a contrast to the chaotic world outside. Mephisto’s voice was distant, hazy, as I stared out, captivated by the scenes unfolding below on the streets. His phone call with an important figure in the exorcist order, merely talking about something I ignored.

My eyes sparkled with curiosity at every new sight, a world I hadn’t yet fully explored. Japan, True Cross town.

Japan is so cool!

“Have you gotten used to Japan yet, Wolfram?” Mephisto’s voice broke through my reverie, pulling my attention to him. He was putting away his phone, adorned with an absurd number of accessories.

“Y-yes…” I stammered, fumbling through the broken Japanese I had yet to master, clutching Sir. Pawsy—a plushie of comfort—closely to my chest.

“Good,” he replied, his grin wide and full of amusement. In one fluid motion, he scooped me up by the armpits and plopped me onto his lap, ruffling my hair gently.

I had learned much about him—more than I cared to admit. My gut had screamed that he was dangerous, and I was right. Mephisto’s real name was Samael, the demon king of time, one of the eight demon kings of Gehenna, second only to Lucifer, the demon king of light. The history of demons was fascinating and terrifying in equal measure to me.

At first, I feared him. His power was immense in its prime, yet there was something else—something strange about his very nature itself. Beneath his intimidating exterior was an odd fondness for cute anime girls and a peculiar obsession with the color pink. 

Truly, I didn’t have to wear the same clothes in a week anymore, he bought me more than I had imagined. I get to eat delicious food made by the excellent demon chef, Ukobach. Mephisto even insisted on helping me learn to read and write, for educational purposes in the future. My future.

I could have never imagined this sort of luxury in my life back then, yet now I live in it.

“Where are we going?” I asked softly, my tiny fingers absently twisting the fabric of my sleeves. 

Wearing a soft navy-blue coat, its edges carefully embroidered with intricate white flowers. Underneath, a fresh white blouse with a black silk ribbon added to the coat’s charm. A pair of black sailor pants and thick winter boots with faux-fur lining kept the cold at bay.

Mephisto’s fashion sense was questionable at times, but I had to admit, I pulled it off well. I thank whoever designed this for me.

“We’re going to a theater. I have business to attend there. But you and Sir. Pawsome Fluffington the third can enjoy the show tonight!” He said with a flourish, winking as he poked my chubby cheek. “While I, the great Mephisto, will be busy with the Paladin.”

I nodded, my gaze drifting toward the sunset—the sky painted in hues of purple and gold, the last light of day dipping below the horizon. There was something calming about watching it all unfold in an unfamiliar place, far from home.

But I guess this is home now…

When we arrived at the theater, its façade struck me with its grandeur. The building seemed to be a fusion of old and new—ornate columns and bright marquees clashing with sleek glass panels and minimalist designs. It stood tall, almost glowing against the darkening winter sky, its lights spilling out into the streets like a beacon.

Inside, the lobby buzzed with energy. Polished floors reflected the soft glow of chandeliers, and people moved through the space with an air of excitement. The buzz of conversation was a background hum to the liveliness in the air. And I felt like an outcast in the midst of it all, seeing as everyone looked so flashy.

We were led to a private box, draped in rich crimson velvet and framed with golden carvings that whispered of luxury. The golden railings shimmered faintly in the dim lighting, adding a touch of secretive grandeur to the space. The view was perfect—an intimate angle of both the stage and the wings where actors readied themselves.

“It’s beautiful…” I whispered, stepping closer to the railing, my eyes wide as the theater filled itself to the brim with people. While Mephisto helped me take my coat off my shoulders, as I stood still, observing each individual in my sights.

Mephisto chuckled, his gaze on my tiny frame. “Glad you think so.”

The room filled slowly with people, the quiet rustle of clothes and soft murmurs of greetings adding to the atmosphere. As I stood there, absorbed in the energy, I didn’t notice the figure who had entered our box until my now supposed father spoke up.

“Fujimoto, glad you could join us!” Mephisto’s voice startled me. I turned, and found myself in a stare off with a man in his late forties, his features sharp yet weathered by age. His gray hair was unkempt, and he wore glasses with a beaded cross chain hanging from the side. His exorcist’s black coat was immaculate, though the rosary he wore seemed a touch out of place.

“You have a son?” he asked, voice tinged with seriousness, glancing between Mephisto and me.

“Yep!” Mephisto replied with his usual enthusiasm, completely at ease.

As their conversation continued, I found myself tuning it out. Soon, the lights dimmed, and the theater was cast into darkness save for the spotlight that flickered to life on stage. The curtains rose, and for the first time, I was enthralled by the lights. Focusing on the beautiful spectacle of wonders of a performance.

The actors were like angels on the stage, their movements fluid, their voices powerful, their expressions transcendent to those of actual characters that seemed to be only mere fiction for the leading protagonist. I could feel each emotion they conveyed, each action that painted the air around them with meaning. It wasn’t just a performance—it was real.

“It’s...bright.”

My voice was soft, my chest filled with warmth and an indescribable calling to me.

Twelve years ago, like tiny snowflakes…

I started falling.

.

.

.

.

.

Just like how I fell for him.

—

Wow…

Blue flames had engulfed the Academy’s lower-level forest section, burning the vegetation into ash. I stood on top of a tower with Arthur, watching as clouds of smoke billowed upward, carried high by the winds. This catastrophic sight was mesmerizing, yet terrifying—proof of the danger those blue flames posed as a threat to humanity. 

It’s a wonderfully magnificent color to the eye though.

It’s Rin, Afterall…

“That shade of blue…” Arthur muttered, his voice cutting through the crackle of distant flames. “No matter how you look at it, doesn’t it remind you of that night?”

“The Blue Night? The incident with Satan about 16 years ago?” I asked, my hair whipping in the wind as I turned to him feigning confusion. I already knew who did this. Mephisto told me beforehand that this was part of his master plan.

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the raging inferno below, his voice broke the moment of short silence. “Bourguignon, interrogate the Exwires and see to it that they receive treatment.” The exorcists obeyed swiftly, leaving the two of us to our vigil as they do as told.

“Do what you need to do,” Arthur ordered as he watched out for the demon king of time. “Everest.”

“M’kay.” I replied as I started chanting.

A strong spell rippled through the air, snowflakes swirling as they descended, extinguishing the raging flames. The smoke began to clear, revealing a forest scarred but not entirely lost. As dawn approached, the sun peeked over the horizon, its light mingling with the fading remnants of destruction. The wind carried an unpredictable rhythm, brushing against my skin and whispering promises of renewal.

Wishing to protect all we hold dear...

I guess I am.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!” Arthur’s voice rang out, his tone light yet commanding. We turned our attention to the Exwires below. “I am Arthur Auguste Angel, an Upper First-Class Exorcist of the Vatican branch. As of now, I am also your newly appointed Paladin.”

Arthur continued, casting a glance at Shura and flashing a grin that showcased his pearly white teeth. “Which means I’m now your boss, Shura.”

The visible irritation on her face was quite funny to witness.

“Shura, it was your duty to investigate whether Fujimoto was conspiring with the head of the Japanese branch, Mephisto Pheles,” he said lightly. “And yet you’ve reported nothing of this. What have they been hiding all this time?”

Jumping gracefully from the roof to the walkway below, I landed silently, observing the Exwires’ faces as their confusion deepened, but more so in pain. Maybe because of their injuries or the fear of what they’ve witnessed. A friend who turned out to be a monster.

But Rin did so to protect his friends…

Before anyone could respond, a cloud of pink smoke erupted near us, revealing a feral Rin restrained by Mephisto. The boy snarled and growled; his battered body engulfed in blue flames as Mephisto barely struggled to keep him under control.

“Oh my, it’s been a while, hasn’t it, Arthur?” Mephisto’s grin was as sharp as ever. “Allow me to congratulate you on your promotion to Paladin.”

I approached the pair and gestured toward the Koma sword in Mephisto’s hand. He handed it over to me without hesitation, ever so trusting with me. While sheathing the blade, I watched as Rin’s flames flickered out, and he slumped into unconsciousness.

Arthur’s voice cut through the tension, glancing over to Shura. “If you were able to judge this issue as anything related to Satan, immediate elimination was permitted.” His gaze hardened as he addressed Mephisto. “You’ve finally shown your tail, Mephisto.”

Mephisto’s mock-offended expression was almost comical. “Shown my tail? How rude! A gentleman such as I would never.”

As the demon king of time knocked Rin back to consciousness, the playful exchange ended abruptly as Arthur drew his sword. Caliburn hummed with excitement, and I couldn’t help but deadpan at the sword’s apparent fondness for him. In a flash, Arthur pointed the blade at the young Nephilim's throat.

“By the order of True Cross Academy’s supreme advisor to the Grigori,” Arthur declared, his voice steely, “I will execute Satan’s spawn.”

Before he could act, Shura stepped forward, raising her own demon sword to intercept. The clash of blades sent sparks flying, but Arthur’s strength quickly overwhelmed her. He twisted her wrist, forcing her katana away as he pressed Caliburn to her neck.

“Why are you protecting Satan’s spawn?” he demanded. “Have you joined Mephisto’s side?”

“Never a chance in hell,” Shura snapped, her defiance unwavering.

Arthur’s grin returned, though it was laced with condescension. “Ah, yes. I’d heard Fujimoto asked you to train this brat. Perhaps you intend to fulfill the dying wish of your dead teacher?”

Shura’s expression darkened. “You’d never understand it in your entire life. So back the hell off, baldy!”

Arthur laughed heartily, seemingly amused by her defiance. “Haha! What an interesting sense of humour, I’m not bald.”

Taking advantage of the distraction, I chanted a quick spell, conjuring icy handcuffs that latched onto Mephisto, Rin, and Shura. Arthur smirked approvingly, but Rin, undeterred, shouted, “Is everyone safe?!” His voice carried a desperation that silenced the crowd momentarily.

The Exwires shifted uneasily, their expressions a mixture of fear and disbelief. One of them, his hair streaked with blonde hair, yelled, “Why the hell is Satan’s kid here in a school for exorcists?!”

As the Exwires retreated to the infirmary, led by a worried Yukio, with only Shiemi lingered, her eyes filled with worry. Rin’s awkward laughter broke the tension as he attempted to downplay the situation, but Shiemi’s tears betrayed her feelings.

“Why are you laughing as if nothing’s wrong?” she cried, her voice trembling.

Before Rin could respond or do anything, I gently tugged on his arm, my voice firm. “Come on, Rin. We’re going.”

“It will be okay…” 

He hesitated, but nodded as he followed my hushed directions. Pulling out a key, I inserted it into a nearby door, opening the way to the ornate courtroom filled with high ranking council members of the Order. 

Everything will be okay…

—

“Kneel there,” Arthur commanded coldly, his piercing gaze locked on Rin. “Faster.”

A sharp kick to Rin’s back sent him sprawling to his knees, the sound of the impact echoing faintly in the vast courtroom. Arthur, with a blade gleaming in hand, prepared to strike, his intent clear for blood. But before the sentient blade could descend, I stepped forward, my hand firm on his shoulder.

“There’s no need for us to sully our hands with demon blood just yet, is there?” I said smoothly, my tone calm, almost disarming. A composed smile graced my lips. “Allow me, Arthur.”

I began chanting softly, frost materializing in the air, coiling and twisting until it formed a shimmering chain around his wrists and ankles. It snaked around Rin, binding him to the floor with an icy finality.

“Silence!” The judge’s voice cut through the murmurs like a blade, his gavel crashing down with authority. The council fell into a hush. “The accused, to the witness stand.”

“Me?” Mephisto’s voice carried an air of mockery, his ever-present smirk firmly in place. He strolled to the center of the courtroom, exuding a sense of amusement that was almost palpable.

“The castigation and interrogation of the accused, the head of the Japanese Branch of the True Cross Order, Mephisto Pheles,” declared Timothy Timowas, the law enforcement director, his tone as sharp as the gavel. “Is now an open court!”

Timothy gestured dramatically toward the Grigori. “This interrogation will be overseen by the Paladin, Arthur Auguste Angel, an upper first-class exorcist, and myself. Alongside the Supreme Advisors of the Knights of the True Cross are here to bear witness to this judgement.”

Mephisto stood tall, his gaze sweeping the room like a performer scanning the audience for their reactions. To him, this courtroom wasn’t a place of justice—it was currently a stage, and he was the star of the show. And on this stage will he have to perform for his master plan to be put into motion.

From the stands, I watched with idle curiosity, resisting the urge to request for a bucket of popcorn. The theatrics of it all were just too much fun to the eye of the beholder. 

Timothy raised a photograph high for the council to see. “I call the court’s attention to this image,” he began, his voice heavy with accusation. “This was just taken at the Academy’s Forest grounds.”

The photograph displayed Rin in his feral, flame-engulfed form. A murmur spread through the council like ripples on water, hinting a slight fear from just a glimpse of that blue flame.

“Sir Pheles,” Timothy continued, his tone sharp, “there is no doubt that this is the same demon before us, correct?”

“Yes,” Mephisto replied nonchalantly, his grin never wavering.

“And is this demon before us the child of Satan?”

“That is correct,” Mephisto said smoothly, almost relishing the gasps that followed. “Let there be no excuses now.”

A cacophony of whispers filled the room as the council erupted in disbelief. Their fragmented voices overlapped, creating a rising tension that pressed against the walls. One can simply drown in the tension they created.

“In other words,” a Grigori member interjected, their voice sharp and demanding, “fifteen years ago, when Shiro Fujimoto claimed to have killed the child of Satan carried by Yuri Egin, his report was false?”

Mephisto’s smirk deepened. “Indeed. Yuri gave birth to twin sons.” He gestured dramatically toward Rin, who knelt in silence. “The one who inherited Satan’s flames stands before you now. While the other did not inherit a thing.”

Followed by another wave of murmured disbelief. I leaned forward slightly, my curiosity piqued. Mephisto was spinning his web expertly, and the Grigori were caught in it. Oh my…

“And why, Sir Pheles,” another Grigori member demanded, “Why did you hide this? What exactly were your intentions?”

Mephisto spread his arms theatrically. “To create a weapon against Satan, of course!”

“A chance to see whether this child becomes a Savior, or one of that of a Demon king.”

Gasps turned into heated whispers, filling the air with a mixture of outrage and awe. The disbelief I saw on their fallen expressions was quite a sight to see.

“As if we should use Satan's spawn as a weapon?!”

“Is he crazy?!”

“It’s a risky gamble!”

I crossed my leg over the other, dangling them off the railing as I smiled happily. “Why don’t we ask the kid himself? He’s currently a dangerous weapon right here in the room with us.”

My voice was loud and clear as I watched their gazes turning to me. With everything that’s happening, they still see a calm smile on my face. Ever so slightly relaxing at the thought of someone so young being so composed.

But before the whispers of the council could swell further, a loud voice cut through it all.

“Shut the hell up!”

All eyes turned to Rin, who was now engulfed in blue flames, his defiance burning as brightly as his fire. “You old hags just won’t stop your endless blabbering!”

“I’m not your weapon, your demon king, or your savior!” Rin shouted, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. “I’m Rin Okumura, and I’m gonna become the best damn exorcist you’ve ever seen!”

Silence fell, thick and heavy, broken only by the faint crackling of Rin’s flames.

After years of endless fighting, I felt as though Rin is fighting a different battle than me. Maybe the kid is unique? Because he’s part demon? That may not be the case for me… with everything that’s going on. He might be the next.

Arthur scoffed, breaking the stillness as he raised Caliburn to Rin’s neck. “The best exorcist, you say? A lofty claim for Satan’s spawn.”

Rin glared up at Arthur, smirking. “So, do all Paladins dress like you?”

“Pardon?” Arthur’s voice was laced with irritation.

“Because when I’m the Paladin,” Rin sneered, “there’s no way I’m wearing something as fucking lame as that.”

A laugh escaped me before I could stop it, earning a sharp glance from Arthur.

“Still, this is an unprecedented problem.” One of the oldest Grigori said. “And we've yet not cleared Sir. Pheles of his betrayal Charges…”

“However, considering the 200 years Sir Pheles has served the order. He holds a certain amount of trust.” Another Grigori member voiced.

“Everyone will you or will you not take part in this gamble Sir. Pheles speaks off?” Grigori stated to the entirety of everyone in the Council. “Why don’t we take a majority vote?”

May the divinity’s judgement fall upon your shoulders…

In the quiet that followed, I couldn’t help but smile. This was going to be very interesting.

---

As the case came to a close, I was summoned to meet the Grigori. Alone.

Three exhausting hours had dragged by, filled with arguments, counter arguments, and the weight of judgment pressing down on my shoulders. My pulse still thrummed with the remnants of tension, and all I wanted was to collapse into the silence of my quarters. But duty was duty, and Arthur would never let me hear the end of it if I ignored an order from the Grigori.

The corridors stretched endlessly before me, their marble floors slick under the dim glow of the prismatic windows. Moonlight filtered through, refracting into a kaleidoscope of colours that danced across the cold stone. My footsteps echoed in the emptiness, each step heavier than the last as I approached the doors—massive, ancient things that towered over me like silent sentinels.

What more did they need? I was tired of the useless conversations I had to be a part of. What's the point in dilly-dallying with those who are stupid by the books? Needless to say, I deserve a vacation.

I paused, inhaling deeply. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment, melted wax, and something faintly metallic. Raising my hand, I knocked. The sound reverberated down the hall like a distant thunderclap.

A soft voice murmured, “Come in.”

I pushed the doors open, and darkness swallowed me whole. The only light came from flickering candles arranged along the length of an imposing table. Shadows swayed with the flames, stretching like ghostly fingers across the walls. The room was empty save for three figures at the far end, their hoods drawn low over their faces.

I stepped forward, dipping into a respectful bow before offering a small, easy smile. “Everest, at your service.”

The three turned to face me. Though their expressions were hidden, I felt their scrutiny settle over me like an iron chain. Binding my very soul with how much I've endured the past eight years. A hushed conversation passed between them, words just beyond my reach. The anticipation coiled in my stomach, tight and unrelenting.

Finally, the eldest of the three spoke, their voice low and measured. “We need you to keep an eye on the Son of Satan.”

Ah. So that’s what this was about.

I blinked, feigning surprise. “Me?”

“Shura Kirigakure has already failed to follow orders once. Who’s to say she won’t again?”

Shemihaza, the most calculating of them, leaned forward slightly. “We require someone more… reliable. One of our best.”

Something cold and electric rippled through me. Excitement? No. Thrill. The kind that came with the chase, with deception, with the art of playing a role so well that even you began to believe you live in it, thriving.

I straightened, my smirk barely contained. “Will you do it, Everest?”

A pause. A slow, deliberate moment of silence before the final words fell, heavy with expectation. A faint glint of mischief shined in my eyes.

“Yes, Sir~”

---

The interior of the limousine was saturated in red and pink, from the plush leather seats to the neon underglow casting an artificial hue over everything. I absently stroked Sir Pawsy’s ears, the synthetic fur soft under my fingers, while the radio played a Japanese pop song I didn’t recognize. Across from me, Mr. Fujimoto and Mephisto were speaking in low tones, their conversation flowing in quick, clipped Japanese. I didn’t understand any of it. And I didn’t try to.

Outside, the streets were nearly abandoned. The snow piled in uneven drifts against the curbs, the city’s lesser districts dim under the weight of early sleep. The buildings stood as dark silhouettes, their windows either shuttered or dead. Only the occasional reflection of our headlights bouncing off the icy roads.

The car rolled to a stop. I turned my head, slow and deliberate, my gaze settling on the structure ahead. An old monastery, its walls made of wooden planks, tall and rigid, surrounded the compound. The windows were black, the exterior devoid of movement. Silent. The limousine’s tinted glass blurred the details, but nothing about the building suggested life. Everyone was asleep.

The door of the Limo opened, and cold air seeped in.

“Bye, then,” Father Fujimoto said as he stepped out. The scent drifted in right after him—faint, yet pungent, unmistakably from the building before me.

I exhaled. “Warum gibt es Alkohol in einem Kloster?” (Why is there alcohol in a monastery?) My voice was quiet, flat, almost drowned out by the soft hum of the car’s engine.

I watched as he entered the monastery, the heavy door groaning on its hinges. A second later, something moved in the darkness. A boy, younger than me, darted forward, his laugh sharp against the night. His hair was unkempt, his energy erratic as he nearly barreled into the old man. I watched as they exchanged words, their body language familiar, as sweet as it may be for a father and son.

The car started moving again. The monastery faded into the distance, swallowed by the night.

I blinked.

That’s nice…

Extra:

• The flashback is around a few weeks after when the prologue took place, so the name hasn’t changed to (M/N) just yet.

• Everest is the Codename for our Protagonist because his first mission was a trip to Mount Everest, where he met a certain blonde.

•  Mephisto thought of our young MC like a little duckling, since Wolfram had the habit of following him everywhere if it was possible.

• Rin has a significance in the flashback, but it's just hidden.

• (M/N) will start falling soon, so just wait guys!

Announcement:

I have risen back from the dead, going through the suffering of finals last week. I hope you are all well, peeps.

The entire time I'm reading this all over again and found it a bit cringe. My only excuse is that this season was the one I had no motivation to do. You can definitely expect more in future Chapters, since I’m getting close to the exciting bit. 😀😀😀

Chapter Text

Now that the order knows about me, what can I do?

That single thought has been ringing in my head since, not because of what the order has done for me. But what would have happened if it didn’t end up that way, would Yukio get hurt as well?

With these thoughts running in my head, I couldn’t sleep a wink. With that reason, I decided to head out to get some fresh air. On top of the roof, where it’s the perfect place to think these kinds of thoughts away.

I opened the door to the roof, the wind against my face was a chilling sensation that sent shivers down my spine. I made my way over to the edge, crossing my arms over the railing and turned to the dark sky.

What am I supposed to do now?

The silence that overtook my mind after the storm felt like something nice washing over the frustrations I have. I can’t change anything now, but I can try my best to move forward. Becoming an exorcist and living my best life! I’m not going to die young and leave Yukio alone in this terrible Order! Thinking like that, I punched the air in Victory.

“What are you punching the air for, Rin?”

Huh…?

“Gah!?” I yelped from the sudden familiar voice right behind me. I turned around so fast, I slipped and fell. Hitting my head on the heavy metal the railings of the roof. “Ow…”

“Buahahaha!” The voice cackled as they leaned over my cowering frame.

“To think you’d freak out over a polite greeting from your dear senpai!~”

Rei Tatsumi stood before me, in a sleeveless hoodie and baggy pajama pants. Her voice was as teasing as ever. What truly baffled me was the wooden sword she held, chipped and worn. It seemed to me that she just finished training. That much was obvious to me.

This wouldn’t be an issue, if it wasn’t for the fact that the sword had blood on it.

“Did you murder someone, senpai?” I asked, hesitant to even point out that she had blood on her hands. Either it belongs to her or not.

“Hm? Oh this?” she gestured to the bloodied wooden sword. “I had to scold another junior of mine.”

She sat right next to me, dropping the sword down by her side. She smiled and pulled out a can of soda, out of a grocery bag that I just realized was in her other hand. She balanced the can on my head and laughed.

Rei Tatsumi, a member of the White Tempest, is really weird. She’s lazy, eats a lot of food, and she likes violence.

“I heard from Everest that you’re Satan’s kid?” she laughed while I froze.

I forgot she was an exorcist for a moment!

“S-so! Y-yeah I am! S-so what?!” I stuttered nervously as I crossed my arms.

“Your tail is out and wagging, Rin.”

“Gah!”

…

…

…

“So, you’re not afraid?” I asked after calming down with a sip of soda.

“Meh… I’ve seen much worse Nephilims than you.” she replied. “I just hope you won’t end up like some of them.”

“Ah…”

Rei inhaled her drink and tilted her head up to the sky. Full of moving clouds that covered the moon every now and then.

I assumed that she meant most Nephilims end up somewhere badly. 

I can’t help but let my thoughts spiral.

“Everest once said he thinks he doesn’t fit in with the rest of us in the Order.” she said. 

“He thinks being human doesn’t suit him.”

---

Why is trying to light a candle so hard!?

After that talk with Rei, I barely had time to breathe before throwing on my uniform and heading out early. I needed to think. To figure out what to do next. Somehow, I ended up back in Cram School—only to get into an argument with Shiemi. Before I could even process that, Yukio dragged me off to train with him and Shura.

The task was simple. Three candles. Light only the two on the sides without touching the one in the middle. Simple. But no matter how many times I tried, I kept failing. My flames were too wild, too unstable. I couldn’t control them the way I needed to.

…Meanwhile, they hadn’t missed a single one as they hit the targets thrown at them in the batting center.

Yukio and Shura moved like machines, always precise, always perfect. And me? I was nowhere near them.

The frustration clawed at my chest, my thoughts spiralling. Before I knew it, my flames flared out of control. The entire training center went up in fire—along with their clothes. Luckily, not their skin… or underwear.

Shura just laughed as she pulled on my spare clothes. “Aw man! We should’ve invited Everest! I’d love to kick his ass again!”

I barely heard her, still staring at the charred remains of the training center. Another failure.

“We shouldn’t,” Yukio said, already moving on as he answered a call. “He’s probably busy.”

“Everest, again?” I muttered, feeling a weight settle in my chest. Left out. Again.

Shura smirked at me. “Oh yeah… You don’t know much about him, do you, idiot?”

I frowned. “What’s there to know?”

She sat down, stretching. “The kid trained under your old man for a bit. Back then, we used to make bets—him, me, and Yukio. Both of us always won, and Yukio always lost.”

“But if Everest was involved, he’d be the one paying for our meals, even if I lost.” Yukio added, his voice distant as he stayed focused on his call. 

I blinked. “Wait, Everest-senpai?”

“To be fair, he acts like you most of the time. Like an idiot.” Shura grinned.

“Really?!” That actually shocked me. Everest was a high-ranking exorcist, someone with insane authority at such a young age. I always imagined him like Yukio—serious, strict, no room for error. But to hear that he was actually like me? That he and Shura were close? That they hung out?

“What was he like?” I asked, curiosity bubbling up despite everything.

Shura’s smirk softened slightly. “Where do I even start?”

She leaned back, thinking. “He’s got a natural sense of responsibility that makes people trust him. He knows how to have fun—pulls people into his wild ideas and keeps the energy going. But when it matters, he steps up. No hesitation. He makes sure everything stays under control.”

Her voice grew quieter. “He’s the kind of person who will do anything to protect the people he’s fond of.”

Something about that made my stomach twist.

She suddenly grinned again. “Hell, he even treats demons the same as humans.”

I froze. “What?”

She shrugged, standing up. “That’s why he’s one of the strongest in the Order.”

I wanted to ask more, but Yukio was already hanging up his call to talk to Shura.

Shura clapped a hand on my shoulder, snapping me back to reality. “Alright, enough spacing out! We’ve got a mission.”

I barely had time to react before she shoved me forward. “Geez, kid, you’re losing it…”

I swallowed hard and followed them.

Everest saw demons and humans the same way? What did that even mean?

And more importantly… could I ever reach that level?

Because right now, it felt like I was falling behind.

---

We arrived at True Cross District 5 within the hour, but the scene was already a mess. Exorcists struggled to keep the crowd at bay—some people were tending to the injured, while others refused to leave, frantic with worry.

“I’m Rin Okumura! An Exwire!” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Here to kick ass!”

An old man near me flinched, eyes wide with terror. “You?! Aren’t you dangerous?!” He looked like he might have a heart attack right then and there.

Shura sighed and grabbed my sleeve before I could step forward. “It’s fine. We’re in charge of him.”

The situation was grim. A masked man had taken a child hostage inside an abandoned building, and a thick miasma seeped through the air, making people cough and sway on their feet. To make matters worse, there weren’t enough doctors to tend to everyone affected.

“Excuse me!” A middle-aged woman pushed through the crowd, desperation in her eyes. “My son—what’s happening to him?! Please, help him!”

She was his mother…!

I gave her a confident grin. “No need to worry! We’re here to save him!”

But before I could reassure her further, a hand yanked the back of my collar.

“Not so fast, idiot.” Shura’s tone was sharp, but not unkind.

“We can’t save everyone,” Yukio said, his voice firm as he met my gaze. “Don’t promise something you might not be able to keep.”

That hit a nerve.

“Don’t decide that before you even try!” I shot back, anger flaring in my chest.

Yukio’s glare didn’t waver, and for a moment, the air between us felt charged, like it could snap at any second.

“That’s enough, idiot.” Shura yanked me away before things escalated.

But I couldn’t just walk away. Not after looking that mother in the eyes.

The second Shura’s grip loosened, I slipped free and darted toward Yukio. I didn’t care if it was reckless—standing still wasn’t an option when a kid’s life was on the line.

I had to do something.

---

When Yukio and I finally managed to save the kid and return him to his mom, I felt a wave of relief. The kid was safe—that was what mattered. 

“Excellent work!” Mephisto’s familiar voice rang out as he strolled toward us, Shura and (M/N) following behind him.

I blinked in surprise. “Mephisto?! (M/N)?!”

“Unfortunately, it looks like this was just a diversion,” (M/N) said, flipping through a stack of reports. His tone was calm, almost uninterested, but his sharp eyes scanned the pages like he was piecing together a puzzle. “The real Left Eye was stolen, Sir Pheles.”

“My familiar’s already tracking it,” Shura added, arms crossed. “I had a bad feeling about Todo, so I looked into it. Turns out I was right.”

“And there’s more,” Mephisto chimed in, casually biting into a popsicle. “We don’t have all the details yet, but there was also an attempt on the Right Eye of the Impure King.”

I tensed at that. Things were getting worse by the second.

(M/N) glanced up from his reports and locked eyes with Yukio. “Now we need to pursue the Left Eye. Yukio Okumura, I want you on this case as well. Your skills are more than adequate to capture this traitor.”

Yukio was silent for a moment before replying, “...Understood.” His voice was steady, but something about his expression made me uneasy. He turned on his heel and walked off with Mephisto, but watching him handle things so effortlessly only strengthened my resolve.

I clenched my fists. “Yukio! I swear, I’m gonna surpass you!”

Yukio paused, then turned back slightly. “Surpass me…?” His lips curled into a small smile. “As if. But do your best.”

That smug bastard! I scowled, feeling heat rise to my face. “Tch—just watch! I’ll leave you in the dust! Your jaw’s gonna hit the floor!”

He just chuckled and kept walking.

Still… I was glad.

Letting out a breath, I turned to leave with Shura when I caught sight of a certain (H/C) boy near the doctors. He was hunched over, scribbling something down in a notebook with an expression of complete disinterest, as if the whole crime scene bored him. Curious, I walked over.

“…(M/N)-senpai, what are you doing?” I asked, eyeing the pages he was filling.

He barely reacted, only pausing his writing to glance at me. His expression was as dull as ever, but he flipped his notebook around and held it out.

“My analysis of the situation. Want to see?”

I took the notebook and scanned the pages, my eyes widening. Four pages. In that short amount of time?! And the handwriting—so neat it almost didn’t look real.

“Woah…” I muttered, unable to hide my amazement.

It was weird thinking this guy was Mephisto’s kid. Compared to him, (M/N) seemed way more laid-back—almost too casual about everything.

“Oh, that’s right…” he suddenly said, pulling out his phone. “Did you pack yet?”

.

.

.

.

“Huh?”

~Sorry this was short, but I had to do other things in the span of these 2 weeks~

Chapter Text

“Have you ever heard of the rumors behind you, Everest?” Yanling once asked me, sitting across me with a blank expression, a cup of tea in his hand.

I barely moved an inch, no words were spoken, while I remained calm as I cast my gaze downward. My posture was calm, eerily calm. From an outside point of view, I looked composed and mature for someone  from a very young age. I gave him a slight nod, affirming his suspicions.

I knew from the very beginning, yet I remained loyal to what had happened. A choice I made as a young protege. I became who people know as Everest, the order’s prodigy. Someone with such high status and power, someone who can take charge and assure the people of Assiah at such a young age.

“If you are afraid of my well being, then you shouldn’t.” I replied, my voice low and heavy, “This is only something I must do.”

The perfect exorcist— my depiction of the perfect exorcist—is someone who should stand tall and persevere through the hardships of both humanity and demons. One who is strong yet remains gentle with a warm smile for humans and demons alike.

All for the balance of both kinds.

“I shall persevere, and I shall triumph.” I stated as a fact, nothing more, nothing less. “Do you dare question my resolve?”

“I question where it came from.”

His voice seemed annoyed at my stubbornness on my choices for my future.

“[千战千胜], a thousand battles, a thousand victories.” he recited as he placed his cup of tea down. The smell of herbal tea was sending me into a river of calm as he folded his hands on his lap. “You will inevitably fall, whether it's expected or not.”

“Because even you hide secrets from Mephisto, just as he does from you…”

His shining golden eyes now onto me as if he was deciphering my soul like an intricate ancient puzzle, moving each piece with caution and gentleness. The whole room felt weirdly tense, before he suddenly sighed.

“I’m quite sorry for this interrogation, I was only curious on how you’d react to such blasphemy.”

“...not at all. I didn’t mind it at all.” I nodded.

I stood up from my seat as I headed to leave through the window. I slowly opened the window, the cold night wind blasting at my face. I stepped on the ledge, ready to leap out into the night, when one final question from Yanling weighed on my shoulders.

“So who is he ? The one that changed everything.” 

The wind blew through my clothes as I froze in place, as if the cold affected me. It didn’t.

“...you’ll meet him.” was all I can say as I leapt out on that cold night two years ago, the moon in full as I stealthily jumped across roofs like a ninja.

Looks like Rei told him…

—

“Rin?” Rei asked as we headed to the station to head to Kyoto.

I nodded as we hopped on the morning train to Kyoto, with just a carry on for each of us. We didn’t need much for this short trip. Mephisto had insisted I join the Exwires just in case something happened, so I took that as a sign that something bad was about to happen.

“I need time to handle his new training regimen, so I was hoping you could fight him once to see if he needs any adjustments in both theory and practical knowledge.” I rambled on as I pulled out a small binder from my pocket.

She sighed as she dropped her bag onto a seat closest to the door. Then she turned to me with a pout.

“(M/N)~~ I wanted this to be a relaxing business trip…” 

She practically whined as she sat down tiredly, tugging on her unusually zipped exorcist jacket, while watching me put my bag on the floor. I hummed as I pulled out my phone and sat next to her. I opened my phone to only realize what the date was…

“...are you okay, Rei?” I asked cautiously as I went through my bag.

“I’m good?”

…

…

…

We just stared at each other, not even blinking.

“But you’re on your per—”

She slapped her hand over my mouth with a terrifying smile that didn’t reach her eyes, her eyes darkened as she leaned in close to my face, her breath on my face.

“Please do not use your smart brain to address what my body is going through.”

It was basically a threat.

So I nodded, so she left it at that as she leaned on my shoulder to rest, tugging her hood up. I took this as an opportunity to pull out my phone and go through some ancient demon books I had taken pictures of to analyze for fun.

The train car was filled with chatter amongst exorcists, discussing their days and their line of work. I didn’t pay any attention to them. Mostly because it didn’t involve anything about me nor Everest.

And then another second, everything went silent.

I perked up at the sudden shift in tension and slowly looked up, only to find myself staring at a familiar pair of vibrant blue hues, their gaze already locked on me.

It was Rin, holding what looked like a brochure for Kyoto, a bag slung over his shoulder. Looked like he was still wearing his school uniform.

What I found strange was that he was looking directly at me and Rei, his expression looking confused and awkwardly tense. I put my phone down and greeted him, “Good morning, Rin.”

He smiled, slowly sitting on the other side of the train from us, probably trying to settle down with the stares directly at him. 

“(M/N)-senpai is also coming?” he asked as he lit up in curiosity. “Is this your first time going to Kyoto? This is my first time actually leaving town!”

I nodded along with a blank expression, listening to him ramble on about how great it was to get out and explore new places and where he wanted to go during his stay in Kyoto.

“By the way, is that Rei-senpai?” he asked, his gaze landing on the tired Rei  on my shoulder.

I just nodded and he nodded along, smiling like nothing happened for the past few days. Until his friends started coming into the train, along with them came in the air full of unwanted tension. Avoiding him like the plague, which was not a good kind of interaction you’d want with friends.

Fortunately, one of his classmates sat in his row, gaining his shocked expression I couldn’t miss from the corner of my eye. 

Then Shura came back with a tired expression as she glanced at me. “Your turn, kiddo.”

I slowly got Rei off my shoulders and stood up with my report.

“No need for introductions, I’ll make this simple, a dangerous demon part known as ‘the left eye of the impure king’ was recently stolen under the guise of an attack, with there being a traitor involved. Something similar happened in Kyoto, but they failed to steal the ‘right eye’” I started with a file in hand, summing up everything we knew.

“For those who don’t know, the impure king was known as an upper class demon, causing epidemics that resulted in the deaths of many. Until a monk named ‘Fukaku’ suppressed the demon and collected both eyes as a trophy that gave off strong miasma.” I ended my story as I gave the file to Shura, which she took it gratefully off my hands.

“We have no clue on what the enemy’s objective is for stealing the eyes, but it’s obvious that it’s bad. It is more than likely they will strike again, so we’re going to help the Kyoto branch prevent it.” Shura stated loudly enough for everyone to hear. “So let’s do our best!”

—

I had fallen asleep next to Rei as soon as the talking part was over, resting my eyes from all the paperwork I had dealt with the earlier night.

It ended quite abruptly with a certain commotion.

“You Bitch!” 

Shhhng!

Crash!!!

I was jolted awake from slumber as I noticed the terrified Exwires, cowering from a terrifying woman.

“R-Rei Tatsumi! It’s her! I-It’s really her!” a scared exorcist yelped.

Her jacket was now hanging off her hips by her belt, her signature look now out and for everyone to see. A black crop top, short denim pants, leather boots and gloves. What made her recognizable was the bandages that wrapped around her forearms and shins.

“W-what a giant scythe…” a trembling voice cried out.

Or the fact her signature bloody red scythe stabbed right between the Exwires, the weapon was practically drowning in the need for blood lust.

I sighed, had I predicted that this might have been a possibility in her current state.

“You kids better shut your traps, before I will personally stitch them shut so you’ll never ever talk under the pain and trauma I'm going to put you through if you kid keep yelling!” she snapped as she glared at all of them.

“I should go rip your vocal cords out no—”

“Rei.”

…

She immediately froze, slowly turning to me as I flipped through a magazine of Kyoto. Several gazes fell onto my frame in the silence as I landed on a page with what I know she loved. I showed her the page and pointed at the variety of desserts on the paper.

“I’ll buy you some delicious tiramisu, as many as you’d like.” I bargained with the girl who looked ready to kill everyone. “Just calm down. We are almost at our destination.”

Silence washed over us as the scythe decayed in a flash, she looked at me with eyes that rivaled the twinkling night sky as her face softened.

“Really!!? Then I'd like a dozen please!” she squealed as she sat back down next to me, smiling happily like a child as everyone just gawked at what just occurred. Like I had made Batman appear out of thin air.

I need a nap…

—

When we arrived at Kyoto, both me and Rei went our separate ways from the other exorcist. As we head out to fulfill my promise from before we head to the inn with the others. No one questioned our intention or even stopped us, likely because of Rei’s powerful presence. 

Before we left, I left Rin a gift.

“Here, a lollipop.” I said as I casually handed him a lollipop.

“...”

I blinked as he just stared at the lollipop in his hand weirdly.

“...Thank you, senpai”

Then he turned and left to join the others, walking away pretty solemnly. I wondered why he was acting differently, maybe the pressure of survival? I shook it off as fast as I got it and went with Rei to a cab.

The ride was silent all the way, maybe a few rustling sounds from my bag, but that was it. The cab driver, looking old and tired, drove us to this popular cafe that the advertisement showcased. I paid for the ride as she skipped her way into the cafe.

Walking into the cozy setting of a quiet bakery, I immediately ordered 15 tiramisu cakes. And with the baffled and shocked faces of the people working there, I had to pull out my credit card to assure them that I'd pay the full price.

“Yay! Tiramisu~ Tiramisu~” Rei happily sang as we settled into a booth.

Slumped on my seat, I yawned as we listened to the ruckus the staff was making in the kitchen. Probably their largest order of the month, with how much I ordered for Rei and the others back in academy town.

“...you're hurt.” I stated as I looked down at her right arm.

“A little sacrifice to calm down an argument between comrades is nothing.” she grinned. “I’m much happier now with the present you so humbly have given me.”

She leaned on her palm as she watched me with this loving look, smiling like a kid. The type written as she fell into the line between happiness and sadness.

“You're my best friend after all.”

Like the sound of a water droplet into a pond, her words rippled through my head.

“I’m happy you’re here right now.”

—

Around the time we arrived at the inn, the sky was already dark, clouds draped over high above. Rei carried her share of tiramisu into her room, and I took my share with me to the garden.

When I heard a ruckus, I was met by Rin and Shima. The latter, trying to shake the former awake. I immediately smelled the familiar stench of Shura’s beer.

“Are you drinking?” I questioned, approaching the chaotic duo.

“(M-M/N)-san! Help me please!” Shima whined, shedding crocodile tears.

I went over and took Rin from the pink sheep, who was practically drooling on my shirt now that I moved him.

“...is he drunk?” 

“Seems so…”

…

…

…

“How’s life, senpai?”

“...not that bad.”

…

“You know this is awkward right?”

“You’re the one making it weird.” 

Shima sighed, scratching the back of his head. His tone was laced with drowsiness. “Can you carry him back, senpai?”

I nodded, that same blank feeling washing over me. And he soon left.

I picked up the empty bento box and the can of beer, only to realize that it was still full. Did Rin get drunk from only one sip? Such low tolerance.

I quietly cleaned up, leaving no trash behind here at the branch office backyard. 

The clouds slowly parted, revealing the moon in its glory. Its light shining down at us, as I tilted my head up to the moon. Shining well on my (H/C) hair, with the cool summer wind blowing through. How refreshing it felt.

“You look like Fram …”

I turned to see Rin, looking at me with something I was familiar with, yet I couldn't place that feeling into mind. He was staggering, still woozy from the alcohol.

“...excuse me?”

That was all I could say before he fell back asleep, sitting up.

He was really out of it.

Fram…

.

.

.

.

.

.

Then I proceeded to take Rin back to his room and brushed off those really weird feelings off my shoulders, because it really didn’t concern me that someone named Fram that looks like me in his opinion. And the fact that he was probably imagining things or having weird scenarios in his head like it was going to come true or not. I mean, probably only delusional people would try to make peace in their heads using imagination instead of facing reality. Who knows?

Extra:

• Please tell me that there are people who make scenarios in their heads, or else I think I’m a psychopath for murdering characters in my head.

• Tiramisu is one of my favorites. I might not like coffee, but not tiramisu. I love it.

• Bestie upgrade!! Rei now loves MC the most right now!! It’s sad that we can’t marry her for various reasons.

• Yanling!!! OMG! I love the thought that he puts into that serious school prez vibe. #CHINESEHARDCORE. My fav chinese boy!!!

• My bestie asked me, “Out of all the characters you made, which one is a total green flag?” My answer for her was my Boi, Beck!!! I love him a lot, but I can’t write about him yet because of plot reasons… and that’s sad, so just this tiny spoiler is enough. (So alongside this series, I’ll make a series for the individual side characters!)