Received guidance from Headmaster Anjou.

Kazama Ruri uttered those words with absolute solemnity.

Misumi Uika suddenly raised her head, gazing at the man before her who had always remained so mysterious and multifaceted.

During these past few days of companionship, she felt as though the person before her wore countless masks. He could be a host of peerless elegance, or an unparalleled actor, with everything shrouded in a veil of mist.

Yet only at this moment, when he spoke these words, did he seem to shed his disguise, appearing so genuine.

"If you happen to meet someone named Sakurai Kogure, you might want to listen to her advice."

Kazama Ruri smiled.

"Her codename is 'Tōma'. Logically speaking, she handles most of the trivial matters for the Tachizukushi nowadays."

"When the time comes, I will specifically speak to her about your situation, and she will make appropriate arrangements."

Misumi Uika was somewhat puzzled.

"Didn't you say you were going to conceal some details about my background?"

"For her, it's unnecessary," Kazama Ruri said indifferently. "That is primarily meant for the 'Oto'. "

Misumi Uika's confusion deepened.

"Could it be that the 'Oto' is actually not the leader of the Tachizukushi? Is there someone else in reality?"

It was no wonder she guessed this way; from Kazama Ruri's words just now, she could detect no sense of respect toward the Oto.

Perhaps his grip on power wasn't as absolute as one might imagine?

Seeming to perceive Misumi Uika's doubts, Kazama Ruri added a few more words:

"It is merely to prevent a demon of hell from flaying you alive and tearing out your tendons."

A flash of venomous malice flickered across his eyes.

Misumi Uika involuntarily shivered.

She had never witnessed such intense malice, resembling the biting frost of a millennia-old cellar.

A man like her... could he also harbor such hatred and fear?

Misumi Uika silently guessed the real reason behind it all without speaking a word.

She remained seated quietly, listening in silence to her "teacher's" narration.

By now, Kazama Ruri's expression had returned to normal, as if everything just then had been an illusion.

A serene look settled back onto his face.

"There is one final point, concerning the Shajiki Eight Families."

"In truth, the Tachizukushi and the Shajiki Eight Families are twins. The 'demons' within all share some degree of connection to the Eight Families."

"Many individuals, due to flaws in their bloodline, were deemed prone to losing control, and consequently faced confinement, imprisonment, discrimination, and even hunting down by those who were once perhaps relatives, lovers, or friends."

"Few willingly plunge into the abyss from the very beginning, but they gradually realize that their family and friends no longer consider them kindred spirits..."

It was precisely this despair of abandonment that drove them step by step into the darkness, until they could only transform into demons...

Misumi Uika fell silent.

To transform into demons, to slaughter one's own flesh and blood... The Shajiki Eight Families naturally had their own shadows, save that some were simply swept under the rug.

As if remembering something, Kazama Ruri continued:

"Recently, the Tachizukushi will attempt to rescue a batch of detained 'compatriots'. You might not see me for some time."

"Why are the Shajiki Eight Families so heavily on guard against them..."

Misumi Uika asked softly.

"At the deepest level, it is to curb the resurrection of 'God'."

"'God'?"

"Indeed, 'God'."

This time, Kazama Ruri stopped drinking.

He stood up; the tea on the coffee table had just finished brewing. He picked up a black-glazed tea cup and poured himself seven-tenths full of tea.

The tea was a faint green, wreathed in rising steam, carrying the distinctive, astringent fragrance of roasted tea.

He took a gentle sip, a look of satisfaction flashing through his eyes.

"It is merely a designation. What 'He' truly is, no one knows."

Kazama Ruri summarized briefly, then looked at Misumi Uika.

"Is this the content of today's lesson?"

Misumi Uika asked.

"I thought it would be like before, learning some classical drama or the like. I touched upon Kabuki just a few days ago, but I feel 'Kyōgen' might suit me better."

"No," Kazama Ruri said calmly.

"Everything you just heard, you can bury in the deepest recesses of your heart, but you must never forget it—especially the part concerning the 'Oto'."

"Then why mention these things at all?" Uika was somewhat perplexed.

"Merely to give you a general understanding of the details. Knowing nothing about these matters makes one easily manipulated."

Kazama Ruri said, "Back then, I knew nothing, which is why I was ultimately deceived. Knowing a bit more now will be to your benefit."

Misumi Uika did not speak.

Everything Kazama Ruri had said still echoed in her mind, ruthlessly shattering her past and her entire worldview.

Only today did she realize how deep the waters were around her.

Yet immediately afterward, she thought of her mother, Toyokawa Shōko, her older sister Misumi Chion... and countless others, feeling that everything was both surreal and fascinating.

Kazama Ruri quietly stood up, pushed the door open, and stepped out, leaving Misumi Uika alone in the room.

Misumi Uika suddenly felt the potent liquor she had drunk earlier surge upward, a searing torrent enveloping her entire body.

Her consciousness seemed to elevate, yet remained so crystal clear that she was acutely aware of every single movement she made.

"Is this... the real me..."

Misumi Uika murmured.

She let out a soft laugh.

Those who have walked through despair and returned once more fear neither death nor dying.

………………
………………

Meanwhile,

"Clang!"

Two wooden swords intersected, striking each other before instantly rebounding apart.

This was the first and only time the wooden swords crossed.

Following that, a blur of sword shadows whistled, stirring up the wind.

The sound of rustling robes and light footsteps brushing against the floor filled the air, yet there was not a second sound of clashing wooden swords.

The two engaged in combat moved with extreme speed, thrusting, deflecting, slashing, and side-stepping... Despite engaging in close-quarters combat, they maintained an unbroken rhythm of engagement.

If any master proficient in classical Japanese swordsmanship were present here, they would undoubtedly cry out in astonishment.

The duel between the two entirely utilized ancient-style swordsmanship imbued with lethal intent; not a single move was for show, and every strike aimed straight for the vital points.

Swish! Swish!

The middle-aged-looking man on the left executed a "Mist Cut", his sword tip piercing forth like clouds parting, aiming straight for his opponent's throat.

The person on the right appeared slightly older, sporting short black-and-white hair, but his speed was no less inferior. With an "Omni-Directional Slash", he combined a spinning turn with a diagonal cut in one fluid motion.

Swish!

The two swords froze in mid-air, neither descending any further.

Inuyama贺 burst into laughter.

"Kiyokatsu-kun truly lives up to his reputation, a high-achieving graduate of Kassel College indeed."

"Your 'Time Zero' must have received personal guidance from Principal Anjou, I presume."