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With a gentle demeanor, Matsuo guided everyone through the vast gardens and the town until they reached the grand palace that housed the Onmyōji School.
As they walked, the group drew countless stares from the locals of this Realm. Many residents ranged from thirty to ninety or older—elderly magicians and shamans filled the streets, all appearing wise yet watching with sharp, judgmental eyes.
Upon entering the palace and moving through a long corridor, they encountered nearly a hundred students wandering everywhere. Almost everyone was Japanese, so Elena and her friends stood out painfully.
Still, a few weren't purely Japanese. Some bore striking traits: Elena noticed children with red or blue skin and small horns—Oni students! A number were huge and muscular, radiating intimidation that made approaching them feel daunting.
