The sky was still tinted with faint blue hues as the sun barely began to peek over the school rooftops. Morning dew glistened on the grass in the rear courtyard behind the old school building, and the air was crisp—perfect for clearing the mind and focusing.
I stood in the center of the courtyard, stretching my arms and legs. My breath was visible in the chill air. I hadn't expected Akeno to be awake this early, but when I arrived, she was already here—standing in her shrine maiden outfit, hair done up in a neat ponytail, her serene smile never leaving her face.
"So punctual," she said, gently stepping toward me across the grass, her geta barely making a sound. "I like that in a man."
"It's important," I replied. "Especially when I'm asking you to help me get stronger."
She gave me a soft hum of amusement and tilted her head. "Oh? And here I thought you just wanted to spend time with me~"
I flushed. "Well… that's not not true, but…"
Akeno giggled and clapped her hands together. "Alright, alright. Let's begin."
She raised her hand, and a soft crackle of electricity sparked to life at her fingertips. Pale violet energy danced through the air, wrapping around her fingers like serpents. She looked like an elegant storm goddess, graceful and terrifying all at once.
"Magic—especially elemental magic—isn't about brute force. It's about intent and control," she said, circling around me like a teacher inspecting her student. "You're strong, Issei-kun. But strength without control is like lightning without a path."
She moved behind me, and I felt her presence close—very close. Akeno leaned in, her hands gliding gently across my arms as she positioned them outward.
"Relax your shoulders. Don't tense your fingers. And breathe slowly."
I inhaled deeply, but that only made it worse.
Because she was close. Very close.
Her hair brushed my cheek, and the soft scent of lavender wrapped around me. Then her voice—velvety and low—whispered right into my ear.
"Like this…"
A jolt of energy—not magical—ran down my spine. My Little Brother stood up.
Damn it. Focus, Issei!
I managed to concentrate enough to summon a spark of power into my palm. A faint green glow, nothing more.
Oh, this is so cool.
Akeno stepped in front of me, nodding.
"Good start. But you're leaking power. See?"
She raised her hand, and with just a twitch of her fingers, a bolt of lightning exploded in the air above us, thunder rumbling faintly. Controlled, sharp, beautiful.
I tried again, shaping the energy. The output was wild, scattering off in different directions.
"Hmm…" Akeno stepped closer, watching me carefully. "Maybe you need a different kind of motivation."
She reached out—and, to my surprise, sniffed.
Literally sniffed me.
"…Uh, Akeno?"
"Hmm…"
Her nose brushed against my collarbone, and she inhaled again. Her eyes half-lidded, a strange look coming over her face.
"You smell… warm," she whispered. "Masculine. A bit wild. It's strange… But addictive."
"Are you sniffing me right now?!"
Akeno blinked like she just woke from a trance. "O-oh, I… Sorry. That was… odd."
She pulled away quickly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. For once, she looked flustered. That alone shocked me more than her sniffing me.
"I don't usually do that," she muttered, turning away. "Let's keep going."
"...Right."
The rest of the training continued—at least, on the surface.
But I could feel her glances. Her lingering touches. The way her fingers occasionally trailed down my arms just a little too long. The teasing smiles that were now more… personal. Less playful. More heated.
At one point, she stood behind me again, guiding my hands in how to shape the magic circle for focusing energy.
Her fingers were soft but firm as they moved mine into the right position.
"Good," she said, her breath tickling the nape of my neck. "Keep it steady. Just like that."
I gritted my teeth, trying not to focus on how warm her chest felt pressed lightly against my back.
"You're doing well, Issei-kun. Very well. Maybe I'll reward you later," she added in a sultry tone.
"What kind of reward?" I asked before I could stop myself.
"Ufufu… that depends. How good are you willing to be for me?"
I felt a drop of sweat roll down my neck, and it had nothing to do with magic.
The final exercise involved absorbing an incoming bolt of electricity and redirecting it. Akeno stood across from me, palms glowing with power.
"Ready?" she called.
"As I'll ever be."
She launched the spell—quick and sharp, aimed for my chest.
I raised my hands and focused everything I had, trying to catch and funnel the energy into the magic circle. The impact stung—hot and electric—but I held on, gritting my teeth as the current coursed through me. Then, with a sharp breath, I released it into the ground.
Smoke rose from the grass. My hands trembled.
Akeno's eyes sparkled. "Not bad. You didn't die. That's a good first step."
"Gee, thanks."
She approached again, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You've got potential. Raw power. Passion. You're different than before."
Her voice was lower now. "I don't know what's changed… but I like this version of you."
"…Thanks."
We stood in silence for a moment.
Then she leaned in again, gently sniffing the side of my neck.
I jumped. "W-Will you stop doing that?!"
"I… I don't know why," she whispered, lips barely brushing my skin. "But it's really hard not to."
This woman was going to kill me before Riser ever got the chance.
~~~
(I posted some audiobooks of this fanfic on my Patreon. Check it out.)
I have posted 50+ advanced chapters on my Patreon. If you are interested, join my Patreon.
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517