Chapter 2 The Summoner from the Devildom

Principal Hito Junnin was caught a little off guard by the sudden question, but as an elder, he couldn’t really turn her down.

Arashikaze Manami didn’t look surprised at all. Before Principal Hito Junnin could give a clear answer, she stepped in.

“As far as I know, ever since Kanagawa High was founded, the entrance exam has always focused on a written test and a physical test. The exam is held over two days: day one is the physical test, day two is the written test.”

Manami paused slightly at that point and looked over at Hito Junnin. He gave a small nod to show he agreed.

“This year’s exam was no exception. It was still focused on the written and physical tests. But after the first day, a puzzle test was suddenly added. And the specific score for it wasn’t revealed until the overall results came out. Why was that? I just can’t figure it out. On this point, could you please help me out, Principal?”

When she finished, Manami looked Hito Junnin straight in the eye again, that same composed smile still on her face.

After a short silence, Hito Junnin spoke slowly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried real weight. As expected of Kanagawa High’s principal.

“As everyone knows, the purpose of the entrance exam is to let the school recruit talented students. Our school’s mission is also to nurture talented students and let their potential eventually blossom and bear fruit. The temporary puzzle test was added to better select talented students. That doesn’t contradict our original intent. How’s that for an answer?”

Faced with Hito Junnin’s flawless reply, Manami acted like she’d expected it. Her expression didn’t change at all. Instead, she shifted the topic.

“But according to my investigation, there was a student whose written and physical scores were far below our admission line. Only after adding the puzzle test score—full marks, by the way—did they just barely pass. And the full score for the puzzle test was unusually high. Was that really just a coincidence?”

At that, Hito Junnin’s expression shifted a little.

“That doesn’t sound like something you could find out through…normal channels, does it?”

He didn’t answer her directly and instead threw the question back.

Manami’s expression still didn’t change.

“You’re right, it’s not something you can uncover through normal channels. But it was necessary. And worth it.”

“Then can you tell me exactly what this ‘necessity’ and ‘worth’ are?”

At those words, Hito Junnin’s tone changed. The air in the room turned heavy and strict, so oppressive it felt hard to breathe.

Manami, however, stayed perfectly calm and tossed out another issue.

“Principal, I don’t think you’ve answered my question yet. Was that really a coincidence?”

“I’ve already answered your first question. That was your second. There’s no need for me to answer it.”

This time, Manami showed a smile completely different from before.

“I see. Since you’ve already answered my earlier question, I’ll give you a little hint in return. Since you know what answer I’m after, you must’ve also gotten the answer you wanted, right, Principal? Or rather, I should say—would ‘Devildom Summoner’ be…more appropriate?”

“……”

“In that case, I’ll be taking my leave. Let’s proceed according to the original plan.”

Without waiting for any clear response from Hito Junnin, Manami gave him a slight bow, then turned and left.

To go this far for that person? That was what truly shocked Hito Junnin.

Just then, his voice suddenly came from behind her.

“Is this your father’s will? Or…?”

At the person he was hinting at, Manami’s steps faltered for a moment. But she didn’t turn around, so there was no way to see her expression. The pause lasted only an instant. Then she walked straight out of the room.

She hadn’t answered, but Hito Junnin already had what he needed.