The hour hand of the wall clock crept slowly toward the number twelve under my gaze.

A soft *ding* signaled the new day’s arrival—and today was special.

My birthday.

"Happy birthday!" I called out loud to myself in the empty house. At least someone was celebrating with me.

I sighed, slicing the birthday cake with a plastic knife. I chose the smallest piece, dotted with a few grape chunks, and placed it on my plate. "Better eat light tonight…"

I speared a bit of chilled chestnut cream with my fork. Its sweet aroma flooded my throat, dancing across my tongue and gums, giving me a fleeting taste of heaven.

"Yep, ice-cold chestnut cake is the best," I murmured, burying my face in my hands. My earlier gloom vanished. I sank softly into the sofa, curling up like a fed hamster.

Such a fluffy, adorable bundle OWO~

"But this tiny slice isn’t enough…" The cake seemed like a tempting demon, waving at me, urging me to devour it.

*Sweet treats at night are pure evil. Must resist…* My thoughts warred as my hand inched toward the cake. *Just a little more won’t hurt, right?*

*I want it, I want it, I want it…* I swallowed hard, craving that heavenly flavor—the taste that could lure me straight to hell.

Inner struggle intensifying~~

"Ugh… whatever! I’m eating it!" Giving in to temptation, I lunged for the plastic knife and launched into a battle I shouldn’t have started tonight.

………………

Staring at the empty table, I finally collapsed onto the sofa after my stomach let out a cute gurgle. I hugged my life-sized cat pillow, sinking into the soft sponge beneath me. "I couldn’t control myself again!"

This cat-shaped pillow was my sister’s birthday gift when I started middle school. Over the years, I’d developed the habit of needing it to sleep.

What an achievement! (Wait, that’s not quite right…)

"Meow-meow," I whispered, hugging the pillow’s shoulders, "when will Mom and Dad come back?" I wasn’t sure if I was asking it or myself. "Today, I become a Demon Hunter. I haven’t seen a real Monster yet, but I’ll work hard—even without them."

I raised my right hand, gazing at my pale, slender fingers—unused to chores. Softly, I chanted the flame incantation:

"Red spirit, dance by my side."

A tiny crimson flame flickered to life on my fingertip, swaying gently with my movements.

Clutching the cat pillow with my left arm, I nuzzled its soft body. My eyes stayed fixed on the little flame.

Dad once said magic-made things had no life. Yet every time I summoned them, I felt watched. That gaze…

Hmm, like the stray kitten I saw days ago—wary but curious, wanting to approach.

"You guys," I murmured to the flame, tilting my head, "I wish you could play with me."

The flame just flickered. No response.

I dismissed it without a change in expression. Of course—it never reacted. I’d tried so many times.

Still, a pang of disappointment hit. I hugged the pillow tighter, stretching out on the sofa to coax sleep.

When drowsiness finally came, I checked the time: 12:30 AM. *Morning assembly tomorrow… better tidy up.*

I swept my shoulder-length hair back, slipped into slippers, and wiped the table clean with a cloth. After brushing my teeth, I turned off all lights except the soft hallway lamp.

Lying in bed, the cat pillow’s smooth fur comforted me. For three years, it had been my nightly companion.

Moonlight seeped through the window. Sleep washed over me like a tide, pulling my eyelids shut.

………………

"Welcome to Heavenly Stand Academy!" A senior girl at the gate blinked at me, then offered an apologetic smile.

"Senior sister," I greeted back, walking past. Though not far, I caught their whispers:

"Wow, that freshman is so cute! I’d love to hug her—it’d be so cozy."

"Yeah, let’s check her class in the auditorium later. Freshmen like her are rare."

"I wish I had a little sister like that…"

I’d heard similar things before, but as a first-day newbie, my cheeks warmed. I tugged my shirt hem and hurried away.

My name is Misty. I turned sixteen yesterday. I’m 163 cm tall—weight? Ugh, not saying, but I’m not fat! My baby face makes people mistake me for a middle schooler.

Nope! I’m a proud high school freshman. (Beaming proudly)

Coming here wasn’t my choice. Dad insisted—he heard Monsters might lurk here. Since he couldn’t stay for long-term duty, he "sold" his cute daughter.

Hmph. Evil Dad.

About Monsters: my family has been Demon Hunters for generations. Dad raised me like a boy, wishing I’d inherit his legacy. It stung a little.

What’s wrong with being a girl? I can slay Monsters too—maybe better than boys.

Pouting, I kicked a fallen leaf. It fluttered weakly under a tree.

Mom and Dad jetted off to Europe for "vacation." My birthday was alone, just a phone call telling me to take care.

So last night, that huge house held only me QAQ. Unfair! Way too unfair!

They called it a holiday, but their rush gave it away. Definitely Monster business. I’m not dumb.

*This should be the way to the auditorium.* I scanned the path. Many freshmen in white shirts walked ahead toward a large red building—the gathering spot.

I hadn’t chosen this school, but I had to admit: its facilities were top-notch in our city.

Over 500 acres, a mini shopping street, twin-bed dorms for girls, 40-student classes, three cafeterias, and two sports fields.

Unknown trees lined the roads, blooming fiercely—showing their best selves, just like us new high schoolers.

Full of hope for the future.

As for the mission? Enjoy high school first. It’s just a suspicion anyway. (ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪

Glancing around, only the gate senior had noticed me. No other stares. I subtly drew a Runic Spell symbol on my handbag under my skirt’s cover. The pattern stayed still—no magic ripple.

Phew. No Monsters nearby. They wouldn’t roam in broad daylight, but caution never hurt.

Relieved, I quickened my pace. With five minutes left, I slipped into the auditorium just before the freshman ceremony began.

Outside, the hall looked modest. Inside, it held all four high school grades without crowding.

"Freshman, which class are you in?" A helpful sophomore approached me near the entrance. Her eyes were clear, free of hidden desires—a genuinely kind person.

A super-duper nice one.

"Um, senior sister, I’m in Class 136. But I don’t know where it is."

"Class 136? Go down the left corridor. It’s near the left aisle."

"Thanks! Which class are you in, senior sister?"

"Class 85. I’m Dongfang Mengqing. Find me anytime if you need help." Her smile radiated warmth.

"I’ll come visit, Dongfang senior!" I waved and headed in.

Made a new friend. I could hang out with her later.

Most seats were filled. I picked an isolated spot—what I’d do next shouldn’t be seen by ordinary students.

"Righteous seeker, reveal yourself and banish all evil."