After visiting Shinji Sanmi and finishing his bath and meal, Kami Miraishi stood at the entrance of Holy Carthus.

Before him stood a girl who looked only seventeen or eighteen.

"How envious I am—you haven’t changed a bit," Kami Miraishi said.

The woman before him had fair skin, clear bright blue eyes, and elegant silver hair.

Unlike Sharkai Bai’s purely white locks, her silver hair radiated a proud, noble aura.

She’d looked exactly the same since he first met her years ago.

"Oh dear, you’ve taken it back," she remarked.

"It’s a significant divine artifact—I couldn’t possibly yield it this time."

Alison Angelia Laura, leader of the Raven Organization.

"Since you’ve reclaimed the artifact, I won’t press further."

"Who’d have thought the Sharksea Clan’s brat would be so restless?"

"Seems I’m on your side this time~"

"Got it—if Yanjun finds out his son’s meddling in faction wars, it’ll be trouble."

Kami Miraishi’s face fell. His top priority now was stopping Tsukune Naji’s fight with Sharkai Bai.

Sharkai Bai’s father, Sharksea Yanjun, had hinted to Sharkai Manwei to send Bai to Celestial Carthing Academy. His goal was likely to shield Bai from continental power struggles.

"Well then, cleanup duty’s yours, Headmaster Kami~"

Alison Angelia Laura brushed past Kami Miraishi.

"Eh, not like it’s the first time I’ve taken the blame."

The cafeteria, intact minutes ago, was now ruins.

The ground reeked of scorching heat.

The air buzzed with a numbing energy.

Tsukune Naji, in Thunder God Mode, hovered above the wreckage, glaring down at Sharkai Bai.

"Can you face true lightning?"

More a warning than a question.

This tone had always grated on Sharkai Bai.

After using Berserk Mode twice, Bai’s body was numb and exhausted.

Trouble.

Still, his fists clenched tight.

He couldn’t forgive those who hurt his friends.

Third activation of Berserk Mode.

Sharkai Bai staked everything on the next three minutes.

But—

The next second.

Zzz... Boom!

Tsukune Naji struck first.

Lightning crashed down, engulfing the entire ruin.

No escape. Bai’s body bathed in blue electricity.

Dazed, Sharkai Bai struggled to breathe.

"Hah... hah... aaaaah—"

The lightning thickened. Consciousness slipped away.

"Only physical attacks? How dull."

Through blurred vision, Bai saw Tsukune Naji raise his longsword overhead.

(...Damn it.)

His opponent’s power was overwhelming.

No counter.

"Retrieving the divine artifact is enough. No extra moves."

The pressure and lightning vanished instantly.

Bai lifted his head with difficulty.

Kami Miraishi stood before him.

"Hn."

Thunder God Mode dissipated.

Tsukune Naji sheathed "Stello’s Sword" and handed it to the arriving Kami Miraishi.

He lifted rubble, helped the wounded Jeliana up, and retreated behind Kami Miraishi.

"Sorry about this."

Kami Miraishi apologized sincerely to the prone Bai.

He’d never expected Tsukune Naji to clash with Sharkai Bai.

Lying on scorched ground, Sharkai Bai’s eyes were closed.

"Sharkai! Are you okay?"

After Kami Miraishi and Tsukune Naji left, Student Council President Elucia rushed to the scene.

Ten minutes earlier, she’d been happily seated at her dorm table post-shower when Aisha’s urgent alert arrived.

"How is he?"

Elucia ran to Sharkai Bai, lifting his body to check.

No response came.

(...Better get him to the infirmary first.)

She carried the unconscious Bai toward the infirmary.

Huh? He was lighter than she’d imagined.

In a quiet infirmary room, Qian Nami Shizuru opened her eyes.

Only Zhiminghan lay on the other bed.

"Hiss..."

Even a simple arm lift tugged at her bandaged wounds.

Gritting through sharp pain, she changed into clothes from the rack and approached Zhiminghan’s bed.

Slap!

A palm struck down.

"Aaaah—!"

Zhiminghan jolted awake, trying to sit up but halted by pain.

She scanned the room frantically, then relaxed when no danger appeared.

"How long were you planning to sleep, newbie?"

Qian Nami Shizuru’s face loomed over her.

"Qian... senpai."

"Get up. Tch—Celestial Carthing Academy really is cursed."

After dressing, both girls left the infirmary despite unhealed injuries.

"Senpai Qian knows Sharkai too?"

"Ah... yeah! An old friend."

"I see."

The mood turned heavy.

The two walked the infirmary corridor, each lost in thought.

"Actually... this isn’t so bad."

"Hm?"

Zhiminghan looked at Senpai Qian, who’d spoken first.

"I mean, watching him from the shadows is fine too."

"Yeah."

"Silent guardianship can be happiness, right?"

Qian Nami Shizuru recalled herself two years ago.

That was why she’d grown stronger.

Even the abandoned had the right to keep protecting.

This girl’s story mirrored her own.

Zhiminghan was far stronger now than when Qian first joined the Ravens.

Some belief must drive her.

"Hang in there! Get stronger."

"Yes, Senpai Qian."

The two girls, steeped in darkness, hardened their resolve.

"Make way! Please!"

Ahead, Student Council President Elucia dashed past them, cradling a white-haired boy.

Zhiminghan and Qian Nami Shizuru halted, turning to watch.

The beautiful girl held someone familiar—

Sharkai Bai.

(Grrr! Grrr! Grrr! Grrr! Grrr!!!!!)

(Aaaaaah!! Even the Student Council President’s an enemy?!!)

Their hearts roared with jealousy.

Deep, burning jealousy

for the girl holding Bai.

Until she vanished from sight.

That jealous glare vanished the moment their eyes met.

After a shared look, they snorted—

then burst into unison laughter.

For them, watching each other was enough.

"So, newbie—ready to face the organization’s punishment together?"

"Yes. Ready."

"Honestly, I hate partnering with weak rookies!"

"We’ll grow stronger. Let’s do our best, Senpai Qian."