Technobreaker

What the heck is that?!

Please take your trash with you.

Beware of bears.

Are you well-protected from ghosts?

At a small campground dotted with commonplace signs, everyone present had fallen into a state of panic.

It was college summer break. A BBQ at the campsite. A lively mixed-gender gathering.

They had been enjoying this picture-perfect scene of summer just moments ago.

Die, happy people!

The cooler stuffed with food was shattered into pieces, tables were smashed, and the grill used for cooking meat was thrown into a nearby tent, setting it aflame.

This is crazy! She's out of control!

One of the young men screamed as he fled.

I won't let you escape!

Chasing after the scattering youths was a girl who, until moments ago, had been enjoying camping with them.

With bloodshot eyes that couldn't focus, and ignoring the injuries in her hands from recklessly destroying the camping gear, she pursued the youths single-mindedly, a kitchen knife gripped in her hand. It was clear what would happen if she caught up.

This is why I said we should've brought bear spray and talismans as well as mosquito repellant!

But man, that stuff's expensive! Plus, who would've seriously thought something like this would actually show up!?

As they desperately fled from their knife-wielding friend, the men shouted, trying to drown out their fear.

Uh, what do we do now? Call 110 . . . no, 119, right?!

Are you dumb? Those are for police and ambulances! What's the direct line to the Exorcists' Association again?

Anyway, even if we report it now, it's too late!

The girl, possessed by something inhuman, was almost upon them.

Although the men were physically stronger, the girl chased them as if unconcerned with her own body's limits. Their only options were to hide or barricade themselves in a distant management building to wait it out.

Woah?!

One of the men tripped and fell.

Die, normies!

With a scream that hardly seemed human, the knife came slashing down.

Ah!

It was at that moment, as the man braced for death, still confused.

Thud!

A dull sound echoed as a young boy suddenly stood between the knife-wielding girl and the fallen man.

That was close!

The boy, who seemed about high school age, caught the knife with his bare hand as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.

That was a close call . . . If it was anything more than a Scale Two spirit, we'd have casualties by now.

As the men stood dumbfounded, the boy wiped off his cold sweat while muttering in a grumbling tone.

Hey Aoi! You can see her face now, right?

And the moment the boy called out to someone in the darkness . . .

Huh?

The woman holding the knife suddenly contorted as if being constricted by something, a look of agony on her face. It seemed as though her movements were being restrained by an invisible force.

You guys . . .

Despite doubting their eyes at the supernatural phenomena unfolding before them, the men were certain about the identity of the young boy who had suddenly appeared.

He was an exorcist, specially trained to combat malevolent spirits.

The uniform the boy wore was definitely from a well-known training academy. Though they were students by name, depending on their skill, they performed on par with the professionals that were often featured in the media.

It was unclear why exorcists were present without having been called, but this was certainly a welcome relief for the men.

Woah, what's going on?

Suddenly, the men's field of view was completely blocked, leaving them clueless.

Something had adhered to their faces, and their ears were roughly plugged.

Now's the time, Haruhisa! I've blocked the eyes and ears of the bystanders! Go ahead and use your Climax Technobreaker!

Idiot! You're being too loud, Misaki!

The faint sound of that exchange could be heard, in the next moment.

Aaah!

An exaggerated scream echoed.

Ah, what's with this Climax Technobreaker . . . Really, it's such a cursed ability . . .

The boy's voice sounded utterly fed up.

Then, for a brief moment. Just for a moment, the man's vision cleared, revealing an unbelievable scene.

He thought he saw a semi-transparent woman burst out from the body of the girl who had been holding the knife. She scattered into the air with a dazed expression.

It was a scene truly worthy of being called ascension. However, on the other hand, the state of the girl convulsing, her lower body dripping with liquid, seemed far from the sacred atmosphere of ascension.

What on earth was happening here before their eyes? Was this even an exorcism at all?

The man, lacking detailed knowledge of the exorcism industry, understood nothing.

1

Haruhisa. Haruhisa Furuya. Can you hear me?

A voice, seemingly that of a young girl, echoed in my head.

It's okay, I'm not anyone suspicious.

The voice sounded as if it was coming through a thick wall. It was scratchy and hard to make out.

There was a desperate sincerity hidden in the tone that drew my attention irresistibly closer to it. The voice seemed nearer now than before.

Please, Haruhisa. Listen to my request.

Request?

Yes, it's something very simple.

Well sure, if it's something I can handle.

Really? You promise?

Yeah.

Then once again, I'm counting on you, Haruhisa.

The girl cleared her throat and then continued, in a more formal and serious tone.

To unleash our true power . . . could you, perhaps, use your hands to bring someone to a climax?

Stop messing around!

I responded with a furious shout.

. . . Huh?

Yet, after screaming my lungs out, I couldn't remember at all why I had been thinking the phrase "stop messing around," or who it was directed at.

Ah, here we go again

Ever since I was enchanted by that troublesome curse, I had periodically experienced this mysterious dream.

As I fiddled with the silver crosses dangling from the bracelets on both hands, annoyed by the dream whose content I couldn't recall, laughter tinkled around me.

. . . Ah.

It took me just a few seconds to grasp the situation with my groggy mind. I finally realized I had dozed off during class when the lecturer of History of Modern Spiritual Disasters sighed in exasperation.Oh, crap . . .

Haruhisa. Are you planning to rank at the bottom in theory classes as well as practical ones?

As he spoke, the teacher held up a talisman labeled "Delinquent Student Dissuasion," and I hurriedly began to make excuses.

No! Someone released a spell in the dorm yesterday, so I couldn't sleep!

No questions asked.

Despite my desperate explanations, the teacher threw the talisman at my chest. There was no way I could ward off a spell cast by a professional exorcist teacher, and my body became unable to move, as if it was tied to the chair.

Um . . . I can't even take notes like this.

Forcing me into a proper posture might effectively prevent my dozing off, I supposed, but still . . .

The teacher completely ignored my plea and resumed the class.

All right, let's continue the class. The largest spiritual disaster in modern Japan occurred two years ago and affected the entire Kanto region, known as the Underwear Disappearance Incident. Information about this spiritual disaster was extremely scarce, leading to baseless rumors such as that it was resolved by a single child . . . The impact was—

As the teacher scribbled on the board, the other students quickly focused on the lesson. Harsh measures akin to corporal punishment were nothing unusual at this school.

Seriously . . . this school is as dangerous as ever . . .

Stuck to my desk, I let out a small sigh.

Would I have been more at peace if I had attended a regular school?

While lost in these fruitless thoughts, I bitterly watched the teacher write on the board.

She was still lecturing us about the 'Underwear Disappearance Incident'.

My school was known as Metropolitan Exorcists' Academy.

This institution was established to handle the frequent spiritual disasters, training exorcists to counter these threats.

Young people with spiritual talents were gathered from all over the country to hone their skills and become professional exorcists at this prestigious school.

Among the exorcist training institutions in Japan, this school stood out for the quality of its students, with many graduates becoming top professionals in the field.

In short, the students here were golden eggs of the future exorcism industry, heroes in training to save people from evil spirits and bizarre phenomena.

However, even the most prestigious institutions have their dunces . . . and I, with the weakest exorcism abilities in the school, was pretty much the poster child for that.

●

Only one week left until the team assignments are finalized . . .

During lunch break, I stared at the application form while washing down a sweet bean roll with water. The cross on my bracelet swung annoyingly close to my face.

What's up, Haruhisa? Haven't you found anyone to team up with yet?

The classmates I was eating lunch with looked at me teasingly, with a hint of disbelief.

Well, considering Haruhisa set the unprecedented record of being at the bottom of the class for three consecutive years in middle school . . .

Even we, from the relatively safe D class, would hesitate to invite him for dangerous missions.

They really didn't hold back on me.

But, well, it was true that I was a total dunce, and I could barely use exorcism skills.

Students at Metropolitan Exorcists' Academy were classified into S, A, B, C, and D levels based on their exorcism skills, and among the D class, which was full of dunces, my grades were by far the lowest.

No room for argument. I munched on my bread with a resentful feeling.

First year D class, Haruhisa Furuya. A spirit wishes to see you for counseling. Please come to window number four immediately. Haruhisa Furuya, a spirit is waiting. Please hurry along.

Huh? There's still half an hour until the afternoon Ascension Support practice . . .

As I grumbled upon hearing the announcement, my classmates looked at me with pity and put their hands on my shoulder.

You've really got nobody to team up with you, and you always end up with those troublesome spirits in practice . . . tough luck, man.

Well, after practice is over, I'll give you some advice. For now, just go and get it over with.

Damn, I thought this was none of my business . . .

Wasn't there anyone kind enough to let me join their team? I lamented about this in my head as I ran to the practice site.

Well, it was hard to get a team together, even among friends, I supposed . . .

For the students at the academy, this team formation was a matter of life and death in many ways.

At the Metropolitan Exorcists' Academy, there were remedial classes imposed only on the failing D class. This involved assisting at the on-campus Ascension Support Center.

The Ascension Support Center was, as the name suggests, a welfare facility that helped wandering spirits ascend.

Wandering spirits could be described as souls that continued to roam this world due to some lingering regrets.

If those regrets can be quickly resolved, the spirits won't turn into evil spirits due to festering regrets and can pass on peacefully. Even a dunce like me, who can barely use exorcism techniques and only talk to ghosts, can manage to resolve these regrets if I try.

As an exorcist-in-training, I can still make a respectable contribution to society.

If only those regrets were somewhat reasonable . . .

That's what I'm saying! I'm going to possess you. Then, you'll sleep with a boy about five years old, right?! Then I think I'll be able to pass on!

I've explained this countless times since the day before yesterday, but as much as I'd like to support your ascension, there are things I simply can't do, so let's try to find a feasible solution . . .

As I desperately maintained a smile and repeated my explanation, the spirit of a kinky lady, dressed as if ready for her own funeral, thrashed about in the air like a tantrum-throwing child.

No way! I want to help a little boy have his first experience using a man's body! I held back my desires before I died, so I deserve a little treat, right? I want to get slippery with a smooth, young boy!

Throughout the afternoon practice . . . Actually, it had been like this since the day before yesterday.

When one died and became a spirit, they were freed from reason and the entanglements of the living world, exposing their most basic desires. Still, this was too much.

Why don't you understand . . . I just want to indulge in a young boy's body, that's all.

Absolutely not. Did she never consider what it must feel like to be on the receiving end of such a criminal act?

I knew that the most straight-and-narrow people tended to snap the hardest, but even so, this was far too much. And yet, I couldn't just drive her away. What was the best way to convince her?

Wearing a silver cross . . . You, who seem so adept at abstinence, wouldn't understand.

The voice of the perverted lady began to take on a murderous tone.

Every day, in front of the innocent, frolicking little boys at the daycare, it was so hard to control my desires . . . And yet, since the day before yesterday, it's been nothing but "Even if you're a ghost, preying on young boys is a crime, please remember the law" over and over and over again . . .

The aura surrounding the perverted lady clearly began to darken.

Not good.

I immediately rose from my chair.

Please, calm down!

But, well, it was true that I was a total dunce, and I could barely use exorcism skills.

Just hurry up and give me a body!

Instantly, the spiritual energy emitted by the perverted lady turned ominously dark, and her expression transformed into something demonic.

I raised my voice to those around me.

The spirit at window four has turned into a malevolent ghost! All hands on combat readiness! Other spirits, please evacuate!

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the Ascension Center shifted dramatically.

Ghosts hurriedly phased through the walls, and the center's staff along with the Class D students who were also here for practice, each prepared to confront the perverted lady with their unique combat styles.

A solemn alarm blared, and the Class D students' gazes hardened as they faced the perverted lady.

They were using Spiritual Power Detection.

Measuring the power of a hostile spirit was a fundamental skill for apprentice exorcists. I couldn't do it, though.

And just like that, the faces of the enthusiastic Class D students all stiffened at once.

Woah! That evil spirit is a Scale Two!

No way, no way! That's impossible for Class D!

Scale Two. Spirits with the power to directly harm living humans.

These weren't just ghosts that might weigh down your shoulder or appear in photos. They could cause serious injuries, and if things went badly, even deaths. It was like encountering a wild boar unarmed.

Each one gathered in small groups with nearby students and staff, fortifying their defenses with barrier spells.

Meanwhile, what was I doing?

Um . . .

Due to prioritizing the call for evacuation, I missed joining the defensive formation and found myself vulnerably standing alone in front of the perverted lady ghost.

A man's body!

Naturally, I was an easy target for her to quickly possess.

Idiot! You should be the first to evacuate, Haruhisa!

Hurry up and run!

My classmates unleashed a barrage of exorcism spells from within their defensive formations, targeting the perverted lady ghost. I tried to use the opportunity to escape.

Don't interfere!

Despite being partially damaged by the exorcism spells, the perverted lady ghost headed straight for me.

Damn it, that didn't even slow her down!

Someone call a teacher!

Just as Class D was about to give up holding her back and call for reinforcements, a strong force grabbed my ankle.

Woah!

I spectacularly tripped over.

Hehehe . . . I've got it now, I've got your body. With your behind, I'll deflower a boy . . .

While saying terrifying things, the perverted lady ghost was holding onto my ankle.

Woah! This is bad, really bad! Haruhisa's being possessed!

Hang in there with all your might, Haruhisa!

Don't be ridiculous!

Ever since middle school, I'd been a total dunce. I'd never even activated a single spell. Even my passing the entrance exam was almost like a favor.

Damn it, at this rate, I'd have to jam glue up my rear to make myself incapable of anal sex! Somebody bring me some glue!

My desperate brain was coming up with some groundbreaking ideas in that moment.

Honestly. Even if you're a dunce, at least try to figure out how not to be a burden.

ROOOOOAR!

Suddenly, a pale blue flame streaked through the air, enveloping the perverted lady ghost.

Ungh!

The bizarre lady, who had been unaffected by the entirety of Class D's attacks, burnt up in an instant. Those flames were particularly effective against spirits—they were called Fox Fires.

This is why you always end up the odd one out at the school parties, Haruhisa.

A voice as cold as ice echoed from above.

Tentatively looking up, I saw Kaede Kuzunoha, a second-year student at the Metropolitan Exorcists' Academy.

Despite being a student, she was a top-class professional exorcist, and to me, an exceptionally close childhood friend.

2

Ah, sorry, you saved—ungh!

As I was thanking her and getting up, Kaede's fist sank into my stomach.

Treat me more formally while we're at school. I am your senior, after all.

Th-Thank you for helping me, Kuzunoha.

Very well.

Kaede nodded without changing her expression.

Her skin was as white as a snow fairy's, and her lustrous black hair seemed to contain magical power. Her face, so perfect it hardly seemed of this world, could still captivate me even after knowing her for so long.

The guys from Class D were so stunned by her sudden appearance that they froze on the spot.

Even if she weren't my childhood friend, I'd probably hesitate just to speak to her, let alone approach her.

By the way, Kuzunoha, why are you here?

I was on my way back from work when I heard the alarm. It kept ringing incessantly and was grating on my ears, so I decided to stop by.

Incessantly? The alarm only started a few minutes ago.

If it's not resolved in a matter of seconds, then it's incessant.

Members of class D being judged by such an outlandish standard . . . Well, I couldn't complain since she had saved me.

Meanwhile, Kaede's sharp gaze was fixed on the ground beneath me. Following her gaze, I noticed a faint bruise around my ankle, where I had been grabbed by the weird lady earlier.

To think you got injured dealing with such small fry. Well, it's just as well, come with me.

Kaede sounded exasperated as she grabbed my hand.

We're going to the infirmary. Let's also get your regular check-up done for the week while we're at it.

Huh? But I have classes . . . I mean—

From behind us, I could faintly hear whispers from my classmates.

Oh, I'm feeling pretty jealous of Haruhisa right now.

Why is he so close with Lady Kuzunoha . . . ?

You know, I've been ignoring some crazy rumors, but apparently, those two have been meeting up quite a bit.

I can't believe I was worried about that guy just a moment ago . . . how pathetic!

I felt sorry for him being left out during the team division, but I'm definitely not going to pick him up now!

Feeling the murderous intent from the students of Class D, I showed my resistance to Kaede.

Um, Kaede, it looks like I won't have anyone to help me in the next practice. And, it seems I'm definitely going to be left out of the team formation too.

But well, I'd learned through our long friendship that such resistance was futile.

Can't you listen to what I'm saying? You were injured, so stepping away is only natural.

Thus, while forcefully pulling my arm, Kaede turned her gaze towards the staff of the center, the stunned Class D students, and even the Class D homeroom teacher who arrived late.

He's coming with me to the infirmary. You all continue with the practice. Don't worry about us.

She proceeded to lead me away from the Support Center.

At Metropolitan Exorcists' Academy, it was customary at the beginning of the first year of high school to form teams of three to four students. This team formation was exceedingly important, as each year it led to disputes over talented individuals.

As soon as these school teams were formed, students began to receive official assignments from outside the school.

The results of these assignments determined whether students received their provisional license or qualified for the official exorcist license.

Teaming up with competent partners meant more opportunities to handle challenging assignments, increasing the likelihood of obtaining the official license while still in school.

On the other hand, for a student like me with a laid-back attitude, thinking maybe I'd just end up working leisurely at the Ascension Support Center, team formation wasn't particularly critical. I had been taking it easy until recently, but now, I was seriously panicking.

If no one formed a team with me at all, I wouldn't even get a provisional license. No jobs would come my way either.

Following the disgraceful title of being the lowest ranked for three consecutive years, I felt like I might end up becoming the first unqualified high school graduate in the academy's history.

Although I could earn some high school graduation credits at the Exorcist Academy, in these economically challenging times, it was clear that I would be utterly lost if I graduated without any actual qualifications, having studied nothing but exorcism.

So here I was, massively anxious about the team formation deadline next week. And now, thanks to Kaede, I'd even lost the sympathy of my classmates, genuinely endangering my future.

Well, there's no need to be so gloomy about it.

As I wrapped the spiritual barrier talisman Kaede had prepared around my leg, she started speaking with a somewhat sadistic smile.

The academy's medical exorcist had just stepped out, leaving just Kaede and me alone in the infirmary.

If you really can't find anyone among your peers to form a team with, I might consider letting you carry my team's bags out of pity.

As if I'd endure being dragged around to such high-level jobs. I'm already struggling with the small fries.

The kind of jobs assigned to someone at Kaede's level were definitely against disaster-class spirits or bizarre entities. No amount of lives would be enough, and I knew I'd be worked to death and then some.

Rather than facing such fates, I'd much prefer to just get a part-time job or something.

I showed reluctance to Kaede's offer.

But . . .

She pointed at my hand.

Even if you were attacked by a specter or targeted by a troublesome spirit, you'd have that, right?

Well . . .

I raised both my hands as if to show them to Kaede.

The silver cross hanging from the bracelet reflected the fluorescent light.

I absolutely cannot use this ability in front of people.

Or even alone, for that matter. I didn't ever want to use it.

I guess so.

Kaede, already knowing my answer, touched her lips with a finger and smiled faintly.

If that ability were used in my team, even I, as the leader, would be branded a pervert.

Then why would you even bring it up?

Just part of your examination. If you started feeling less resistance to using that ability, it'd be a red flag.

Kaede sat on the bed, taking my hand.

She gently removed the bracelet, then pressed the back of my hand against her forehead and closed her eyes.

Despite her snow-white skin, Kaede's touch was warm and soft, girl-like, and her hair felt silky against my hand. No matter how many times we did this examination, I could never get used to it. It was just too stimulating for me.

Hey, I've been thinking, is it really necessary to get this close during the exam?

This is the most accurate way to diagnose. It can't be helped.

She spoke without a moment's hesitation.

Well, I figured if Kaede said so, it must be true. There was no other reason for her to get so close to me, anyway.

Yep, no changes in the internal seals this week either.

After a while, Kaede replaced the bracelet and let go of my hand. It seemed this week's check-up had concluded safely.

Just to make sure, you haven't heard any voices outside of when you're asleep, have you?

No way. Even in my dreams, I can't make heads or tails of what they're saying.

Right, so we're maintaining the status quo then. That's good, but don't let your guard down, okay? If anything changes, let me know immediately.

I know, I know. After all, it's a curse that even that damn foster father of mine couldn't exorcise.

I glanced down at the cross on my bracelet.

. . .

Kaede seemed satisfied with my response, not bothering to add any sarcastic quip.

Well, that concludes this week's check-up.

She stood up.

Just as I was about to head back to class, Kaede spoke from near the door.

Oh, right.

She turned back.

A thin, sadistic smile played across her face.

About the team assignments, if you don't want to end up as my bag carrier, you'd better hurry. It seems there aren't many first-years left who haven't applied yet.

Kaede said this while fiddling with her smartphone, apparently accessing information managed by the Exorcists' Association using her professional status.

And those who are left at this time of year are nothing but troublemakers. You'd be better off quietly becoming my . . . bag carrier, don't you think?

I did not think. I felt like being a bag carrier was near-enough the same as being a lowly pack mule, considering the treatment.

Well, even though I say troublemakers, they're all still better than you.

Kaede's expression clouded over for a moment as she seemed to be reviewing the profiles of the leftovers.

Wondering if there was some weirdo among them, I peeked at the device, but it showed nothing.

Not gonna work.

Kaede looked at me with a disdainful gaze.

The association's information is bound by spiritual restrictions, so someone without even a provisional license like you can't access or share the information. That's just common sense. I understand about the practicals, but you're not skipping lectures too, are you?

No, no, no, I was just curious and took a peek!

I made excuses, praying that the association's managed information didn't include my academic performance.

Kaede glared at me with an icy gaze for a while.

Well, I'll let it slide for today.

Eventually, a sadistic smile appeared on her face.

By next week, you'll have no choice but to learn a variety of things. As my mule.

As I watched Kaede leave the infirmary, I pondered for a moment.

I needed to find a decent and safe teammate as soon as possible.

3

Although Kaede didn't provide details, I was fortunate to learn that there were still a few people left who hadn't formed a team.

They might all be "troublemakers", but considering the alternative of being treated like a servant in Kaede's Spartan team, it was the lesser of two evils.

It felt lonely being left out like this, so I thought maybe I should ask a teacher to introduce me to the remaining students.

As the afternoon classes ended and the school building began to empty, I found myself deep in thought while walking through the corridors.

Suddenly, multiple figures burst around the corner of the hallway and surrounded me.

Haruhisa Furuya!

The figure at the front grabbed my shoulders and brought her sharp-featured face close to mine.

What exactly were you doing in a closed room with Miss Kaede Kuzunoha?!

Leading a group of boys from Class D, Aoi Karasuma interrogated me intensely between ragged breaths.

Her sharp facial features and model-like stature were highlighted by her short, black hair that gracefully swayed.

A standout beauty in Class D, which was known for trouble-making and an unusually high male student ratio. She was exceptionally popular among the boys.

Her beauty, different from the intimidating allure of Kaede, had a more approachable charm. Still, for average high school boys, she was intimidatingly beautiful, but Aoi was strangely beloved by them.

I can hardly believe it. Were you performing some naughty nurse roleplay with the high-and-mighty Kaede Kuzuonoha?

No way! I was just getting treated, that's all. Look, here's the charm on my ankle!

You received a charm from the Liquid Nitrogen Woman herself? You must be holding some leverage over her. If that's the case, you better share it with me. You don't deserve the privilege to have her all to yourself!

Drop dead!

Despite being a girl herself, she was a notorious womanizer with a dominant personality.

Because it seems like she'd be popular with girls.

She was also a dunce who skipped academy training to chase after girls, got her motorcycle license, and dabbled in musical instruments because it made her popular with girls.

How envious it is that a womanizer can enter the women's bathhouses.

One of the boys had once said that, and she had responded:

I absolutely couldn't because I'll get wet!

She was a beautiful girl indeed, unfortunately for the boys.

That was Aoi Karasuma.

The boys she brought with her cast suspicious glances my way.

But honestly, it makes you wonder about the real relationship between Haruhisa and Lady Kuzunoha.

Considering it was just a treatment, they were in the infirmary for quite a while. Maybe there really was something naughty going on . . .

That's not what happened, I swear! They were just buying into Aoi's delusions.

Still, I couldn't exactly spill the beans about what happened in the infirmary.

While hiding the cross in my hands, I blurted out a convenient excuse.

The reason I was late coming out of the infirmary was that Kuzunoha was threatening to enslave me.

I wasn't lying. Besides, I figured this would put a stop to the boys' misplaced jealousy.

What?! A slave to Lady Kuzunoha? Man, I wish I could be her slave, I'm so jealous!

The boys erupted all at once into envious shouts.

Is it just me, or is this school full of idiots?

If you're so keen on being slaves, why don't you just ask her?

Knowing Kaede, she'd probably be thrilled to use them as bait for evil spirits, test subjects for new spells, or sacrifices for forbidden arts.

Haruhisa, man, we can't just casually talk to Lady Kuzunoha like that.

You know, if you upset Lady Kuzunoha, you could literally be erased from the industry.

I nodded in agreement with their serious words.

Yeah, well, that's true.

Kaede's grandmother was the current president of the Exorcists' Association.

Her family was one of the nine distinguished exorcist families that dominated Japan's exorcist industry.

Kaede herself was a force to be reckoned with, true to her lineage. Angering her could result in being exiled from the industry, or worse, she might subject you to new torture methods like searing your soul with foxfire. She was a ruthless woman, that childhood friend of mine.

Damn, I'm so envious, so very envious. I'd love to be made a slave by Lady Kuzunoha herself!

The boys looked at me with eyes that seemed almost cursed.

If you're that bothered, why not just add me to one of your teams? That way, I won't have to become her slave.

I said, attempting to protect myself and gain some allies.

A guy who can't even detect spiritual power, on our team? Umm . . .

They rejected me. Damn it.

Ah, right. Aoi hasn't formed a team yet, right? Haruhisa, you should team up with her.

One of the boys attempted to draw her out.

Huh?

Aoi, weren't you just applying for a team the other day? You said you charmed a student from Class B.

I seemed to recall her jumping for joy in the classroom, shouting, "Hooray, I've got a harem party of girls!"

Yes, driven by desire, I fondled some breasts and pinched some nipples, and then I was kicked out of the team.

What on earth is with this girl . . .

Was this one of the "troublemakers" Kaede was talking about?

As I watched Aoi Karasuma in disbelief, she somehow got the wrong idea.

Sorry, but I can't pick you up. I've got grand plans to assemble a harem party, become a top pro, and save idols and daughters of noble families from evil spirits, becoming wildly popular in the process.

She was dead serious, too.

Here you are, boasting, yet your grades are just as bad as mine . . .

Hahaha. The formal evaluation standards of the school can't measure my true power!

Aoi Karasuma boldly puffed out her chest.

I wasn't sure how serious she was, but the fact that she had seduced students from Class B suggested she might indeed have some hidden abilities.

But then again, she was also a complete fool, so . . .

BOOM!

A sound like a bomb explosion suddenly shook the school building.

What was that?!

I rushed out of the building with Aoi and the others, seeking the source of the noise.

Thud, thump . . .

Following the initial explosion, intermittent rumblings resonated from the direction of the sports field.

The rumblings, like giant footsteps, were definitely getting closer.

Just then, several students burst from behind the school building leading to the sports field with desperate expressions.

They were sprinting towards us.

Run, you guys!

The boy running at the front were gesturing wildly as they ran.

Some idiot from Class B has let a shikigami run wild!

The next moment.

Thud!

A giant demoness, at least ten meters tall, appeared before us the very next moment.