"Is that all we know about Arius?" Mash asks.
"Yes… the Federal Student Council dug deep, but no breakthroughs," Rin replies over the phone.
"Sorry for pushing."
"No, we're also concerned about Arius lately," Rin assures.
After the Gourmet Research Society incident and his talk with Hina, Mash returns to his dorm, speaking with Rin, the Federal Student Council's chief administrator.
"Sensei, one question," Rin says.
"What?"
"After Eden, you're heading straight to Arius, aren't you?"
"Of course. Gotta start somewhere."
"Arius is largely unknown—its dangers, the students' strength. You could be risking your life."
"I'm fine. I'm strong."
"I know you're strong, but…"
"Thanks for worrying, but I'm going."
"…No matter what?"
"No matter what. My goal is—"
Mash speaks firmly, resolutely.
"Everyone's happy ending."
Rin senses Mash is convincing himself as much as her.
"I'll dig more on Arius. Be careful, Sensei."
"Thanks, Rin. Now… time to make that."
Mash decides to stay up all night crafting something.
"Everyone's happy ending…" Rin murmurs, gazing out her window at the city Mash protects. His goal is to make its students and residents smile. But is he included in that happy ending? As an older peer, not just a student, she worries for him.
"Morning, everyone! Choux cream sandwiched in choux cream—choux cream sandwiches!" Mash announces.
"That's just choux cream!" Hifumi retorts.
"Nice morning retort, Hifumi-chan. Won't that tire you out?" Mash teases.
"Whose fault is that!?" Hifumi snaps.
"Such morning harmony… tasty," Azusa says, cream on her face.
"Do I need to retort too?" Koharu asks.
"Just normal vibes. Let's eat~♡" Hanako suggests.
"I'm hungry…" Koharu admits.
The Remedial Class eats choux cream sandwiches, their usual routine. Azusa, up early studying, looks sleepy but determined—it's mock exam day.
"Azusa-chan, you were studying before dawn?" Hifumi asks.
"Yup, prepping since sunrise," Azusa confirms.
"Super motivated," Mash notes.
"Of course. Second exam's in two days. I can't keep worrying everyone. This time…" Azusa clenches her fist, eyes blazing.
Koharu's slightly overwhelmed, Hanako smiles warmly, and Mash beams.
"Such intensity…" Koharu says.
"I've done the predicted questions multiple times. I'm ready," Azusa declares.
"I won't lose! I'll show Justice Task Force's elite power!" Koharu vows.
"I'll do my best too~♡" Hanako adds.
"Great spirit. I need a towel," Mash says.
"Why a towel?" Hifumi asks.
"My tear ducts are at their limit," Mash replies.
"That much!?" Koharu exclaims.
Since joining, Mash's emotions have grown vibrant. He knows he'll cry when they all pass.
The third Remedial Class mock exam begins.
"Everyone got your answer sheets and questions?" Mash asks, perched on a desk, eyeing their confidence.
This is their third mock exam. They're used to it now, checking for missing materials.
"Begin!"
The class grabs pens, flipping papers in unison.
"…"
"Fufu~♡"
"This… I know this… uh, wait… ah!" Koharu mutters.
Their pens move smoothly, faster than the first day. Azusa and Koharu don't pause once.
(Their hands are quicker than before… They might do it!) Hifumi thinks.
(They've grown… What's this feeling?) Mash wonders, sensing paternal pride but unaware of it.
The exam ends.
"Good work, everyone. Time for results," Mash announces, holding graded papers.
"Please!" Koharu says, nervous but confident. Azusa looks stoic yet accomplished. Hanako smiles brightly.
"Third Remedial Class mock exam results—"
Gulp.
"Hanako-chan: 69 points, pass. Azusa-chan: 73 points, pass. Koharu-chan: 61 points, pass. Hifumi-chan: 75 points, pass. In other words—"
Mash raises his arm, flashing a thumbs-up.
"Everyone… passed!"
The room falls silent, all eyes on Mash's hand.
"We—"
Hifumi clenches her fists, then thrusts them up, shouting, "We did it!?"
"Really!? No lies!?" Koharu asks.
"…" Azusa stays silent.
"My my~♡" Hanako beams.
They rush to Mash, checking their answer sheets.
"Azusa-chan, over 70 points! Amazing!" Hifumi cheers.
"Yup!" Azusa nods.
"Koharu-chan, passing in such a short time? Incredible!" Hifumi adds.
"Not a dream, right…?" Koharu whispers.
"No dream. You all earned this," Mash says.
Koharu's hand shakes, tears forming as she raises her fist. "Haha! That's my true power! See that!?"
"That's Justice Task Force elite! And Hanako-chan too!" Hifumi exclaims.
"Just lucky~ Nice number, fufu~♡" Hanako says, waving her 69-point sheet.
Hifumi hugs Azusa and Koharu, who blush. Mash watches, emotional.
"You all… really…" Sniff.
"Did so well!" Tears pour.
"Whoa!" Koharu gasps.
"Sensei's eyes are waterfalls!" Hifumi exclaims.
"You said you'd cry, but this!?" Hanako says.
"The towel's useless now," Azusa notes.
"Sensei, I'm dying of joy!" Hifumi says.
"Death by dehydration from crying? No way!" Koharu retorts.
Mash, pressing a wet towel to his face, speaks shakily.
"I don't know what Hanako-chan's been through or carries… but seeing you all laugh and pass like this… it's amazing."
"Sensei, you don't have to—" Hanako starts.
"Really, it's wonderful!" Hifumi adds.
"Sorry, Hifumi-chan, Sensei, and thank you for taking us seriously," Hanako says.
"I'll help you regain your old strength! Ask me anything!" Koharu offers.
"I've caused you worry," Hanako replies.
Sniff. "Let's keep going," Mash says.
"Yes~♡" Hanako agrees.
This place, Hanako knows, is her only true warmth—a home worth protecting.
----------------------------------
Support me on Patreon - Advanced Chapters There!
patreon.com/Greyhounds