Chapter 24: Masks of Melody and Shadows
Scene 1: The Priestess's Entrance
Eri glided into the classroom, her silver hair catching the sunlight like spun moonlight. A hush fell—students gaped, professors dropped chalk.
Student A (whispering):
"Is she a saint? Or a ghost?"
Student B (dreamily):
"A goddess. Definitely a goddess."
Eri curtsied, her smile practiced. "Eri, transfer student. Please guide me."
A chorus of eager nods. Except Saki—slumped at the back, eyes hollow. Trouble, Eri noted.
Scene 2: The Cat's Tavern Tumult
Darky's tail lashed as tavern girls cooed.
Girl 1 (squealing):
"Fluffy! Let me cuddle!"
Darky (internally):
Perish.
He hissed, claws out, but a child scooped him up—grubby hands, earnest eyes.
Girl (whispering):
"You're magic, right? Fix the kingdom…"
Darky's paw glowed faintly. Later, he vowed.
Scene 3: The Cube Prodigy
Nero leaned over Mari's desk, the defense cube whirring.
Mari (skeptical):
"You? Fix this?"
A tap. The cube hummed to life, circuits blazing gold.
Mari (jaw dropped):
"How?!"
Nero (grinning):
"Beginner's luck."
He vanished, leaving a business card: Wanderer—Solutions Delivered.
Scene 4: Dance of the Forgotten
Moonlight bathed the fountain as Nero swayed, an old music box crooning. Ayumi froze mid-strike, her sword slipping.
Ayumi (gasping):
"That melody… Nero's melody."
She lunged, but the dancer dissolved—a wisp of blue flame.
Ayumi (clutching her pendant):
"Impossible… I killed him."
Scene 5: The Queen's Wrath
Eri's foot tapped. "You. Are. Late."
Nero materialized, roses in hand. "Forgive me, my queen. The moon detained me."
Eri (melting):
"…Flattery won't work." (It did.)
They dined, Nero feeding her strawberries. "Priestess life suits you."
Eri (blushing):
"Shut up."
Scene 6: Brotherly Counsel
Ayumi paced, her brother Rei lounging with a sword.
Rei (teasing):
"Ghosts don't dance, little sister."
Ayumi (fierce):
"That was his song!"
Rei sighed. "Grief plays cruel tricks. Rest."
But Ayumi's fist clenched. I'll uncover the truth.
Epilogue: Whispers in the Dark
Eri's Dorm — Midnight
Eri stirred, sensing a void in the academy's heart.
Eri (whispering):
"Something… hungry watches."
Nero tightened his embrace. "Let it watch. We'll feast first."
Far below, the Primordial's chains rattled—impatient.