I Came Back but the World is Still a Fantasy!?

4-38: The Day the Mask Lost (3/5)

Name: Shinguuji Ryou

Gender: Male

Strength: AAA (MAX)

Stamina: AA to AA+

Mind: A+ to AA-

Resistance: AAA+ (MAX)

Agility: A

Name: Tomoe Safina

Gender: Woman

Strength: C+

Stamina: C+ to B-

Mind: AA+ (MAX)

Resistance: C- to C

Agility: C to C+

Projected was the status of the two students. From it could be seen that several attributes had increased.

When Youko saw that, she looked at her master with an oh no face, but Shinichi chose to ignore her.

Our status hasnt budged since entering this school. Weve been training here for an entire year already, and yet we have no results to show for it. Despite that, just one day with you was able to improve us this much, Ryou said.

Dont try to worm your way out this saying its just a coincidence because when I asked the students of the other three classes, the same thing has more or less happened to them. So many people struggling to make progress were able to make progress under your tutelage. Given that, dont you think its only normal for us to ask you to instruct us?

Although Shinichi could understand where they were coming from, on the surface, he made a suspicious face, and acted as though he wasnt convinced while he took his last potato.

But even then, youre plenty strong at your age already. All you really need is time and to accumulate experience, Shinichi said.

But thats too slow!! Ryou said.

Shinichi intended that to be a sincere warning, but Ryou wouldnt have any of it.

He stood up with a jolt, and slammed the table as he yelled.

Of course, he was holding back since the table wouldve broken if he were serious, but regardless, his conduct was proof that he was irritated by Shinichis response. Evidently, he didnt have much time.

Even then I loathe those who tried to overcome that bottleneck irresponsibly, Shinichi said.

Thats why Shinichi too showed his disgust openly.

The two of them knew to some extent that he could fight, so he didnt bother hiding that and told them honestly what the problem was.

From a long term perspective, what I did was akin to crossing a dangerous bridge. The little growth shown by those struggling is still fine. You could see it as the first step down that dangerous bridge, but take that road any further, and a price would have to be paid. Im not taking responsibility for that.

Shinichi knew that they wouldnt stop just because of this, but he still wanted to give them his advice as someone who knew what it was like to seek power and fail.

What kind of price? My body breaking down? A reduction in lifespan? Ryou said.

Even the way they didnt mind paying a price on that level was nostalgic.

When Shinichi thought of how he didnt mind that degree of payment himself, a smile surfaced on him.

Fu fu In the worst case, itll make you want to kill.

Yourself, that is.

But he didnt say that word out loud, choosing ot hide it behind a wicked smile that could send demons fleeing.

And when the two students felt the dark emotions entwined behind that, they trembled.

When he saw their reaction, Shinichi chuckled and released the pressure, and then he tried to persuade them in a gentle voice.

Well, I can at least advise you on the direction you should take. Let me off with that. It doesnt really suit me to teach people, Shinichi said as he cut up his burger and ate the pieces one after another.

The innocent face had returned once more. It was almost as though that wicked smile from earlier was nothing but an illusion.

Those who desired power too much would eventually come into contact with something that humans shouldnt touch.

That was especially true for these two since they possessed spiritual power.

Thats why Shinichi was willing to give them advice, but not the full training.

He didnt want them to make the same mistake he did.

But in that case, wont it be problematic for you?

Amu, what was that?

For a moment, Tomoe was swallowed by Shinichis attitude and response, but she bit back.

Shinichi thought for sure that Ryou would be the one to bite at him, so he was rather confused when he saw Tomoe take the lead.

I didnt think youd obediently agree to train us either. Theres no merit in it for you, and it looks like youve been hiding your abilities too, so I had to prepare material that would convince you.

Her blue eyes were brimming with resolve as they stared at Shinichi, but her taut lips showed how tense she was.

A material that would be troubling for me if released, huh. So in other words, youre saying that youve grasped my weakness, right?

Once again that innocent face smiled transformed into that wicked smile.

No matter what kind of material she had with her, even if it were indeed something fatal, in negotiations, an intimidating aura was necessary.

Even if that aura was nothing more than a bluff, it wasnt meaningless to make the other side think that he had the initiative.

They did not have an advantage because they managed to grab onto his weakness, rather it was only because they able to grasp his weakness that they could finally sit on the table of negotiation.

It was imperative that they understood that.

But of course, half of it was because he enjoyed scaring them.

I-I dont know if its your weakness or anything, but your situation is really delicate, so Ive brought information that you ought to know. If you find out about it too late, itll be really troublesome for you, Tomoe said.

Despite faltering before Shinichis intimidating attitude, Tomoe put on a brave front and spoke firmly.

Meanwhile, Ryou looked at her anxiously.

That did not mean that only Tomoe was gutsy enough to do this, rather that she was the only one confident enough.

Really? So what is this troublesome thing of yours? Surely, youll at least give me an idea what it is, right?

Of course, its for a trade, after all, so Ill give you that much. But before that, allow me to thank you once again, Tomoe said.

When Shinichi asked what her material was, Tomoes blue eyes looked at him earnestly.

None of that usual strength could be found in her eyes, just a pure and earnest gratitude.

I felt like I needed to thank you properly, so thank you for saving me If not for you, I would have been killed. If you hadnt stop the Ootsu family, countless innocent would have also been killed. As an exorcist whos inherited the same blood and duty, I apologize for not being able to do anything, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help.

As she bowed her head, she both thanked and apologized to him.

The boy could tell that her feelings were real, but there was no way he could nod.

What are you talking about?

Confusion surfaced on Shinichis face, but deep inside, alarms were blaring.

After all, directing such words to him was both right and wrong.

Hey, Tomoe. What are you saying? Ryou said.

Its exactly as I said, Im thanking him for saving me, Tomoe said.

The script was wrong, so Ryou raised up his head to question her, but Tomoe shot him down and insisted that she wasnt mistaken. When Ryou tried to process her words again, he froze.

Well, yeah, but the way youre saying it, its almost as if

Midway through his words, he looked at the boy sitting in front of them with confusion.

The way she was saying it, it was almost as though this boy was that mask.

But it was precisely that impossible conclusion that Tomoe confirmed with a smile.

Exactly. This guy is none other than the mysterious mask that saved us, the person responsible for protecting the people living in Kutoria. Isnt that right?

HAa!?

Ryou raised his voice in disbelief, but Tomoe ignored him, and just looked at Shinichi with a gaze brimming with conviction.

Sorry, but I cant keep up with this conversation at all, Shinichi said.

Oh, thats a surprise. I thought your face would be more emotional, but it turns out you have quite the poker face there, huh.

Shinichis face didnt even waver for a moment.

Its because I dont understand what youre saying at all.

With how Ryou was continuing to look at Tome with confusion, evidently, she hadnt told him anything.

As for Tomoe, Shinichis response was within her expectations, so she just calmly pointed out one evidence.

Really? But your neighbors face is quite honest, though.

Shinichi turned to his servant, and on her face was clearly written the word, How!?

Shinichi reflexively dropped his knuckles on her head.

Dont make such a misleading expression!

Nkyu!?