That night, after they had finished bathing together, Est curled up with Rokou and fell asleep peacefully.
It wasn't until the sun rose the next morning that the two of them finally awoke.
Even then, Est remained drowsy.
As the embodiment of the Demon-Slaying Holy Sword, she needed sleep to recharge her energy. In her original world, a high-ranking spirit like her would return to the Spirit Realm to recover fully.
But now, with Rokou's power unable to completely sustain her manifestation, she generally remained asleep within the sword. She only appeared when Rokou required her in battle, when they were alone together, or when she herself wished to emerge.
Sunlight spilled over the streets, golden patches flickering across the pavement.
Along the way, workers and students bustled about.
Girls wearing the Ku Wang Academy uniform exuded the vibrancy and charm of youth, their energy drawing wandering glances from anyone nearby.
Yet, despite the surrounding scenery, all eyes seemed to be fixed on a single male figure: Rokou.
He was already striking in appearance—tall, well-proportioned, and commanding. Compared to his peers, even most adults couldn't match his height.
After two and a half years of disciplined training, his aura had transformed dramatically. He didn't need to flaunt his abilities, yet even quietly moving through the school, his presence was extraordinary. On top of that, his academic and extracurricular achievements had reached the top of the school, making it impossible for him to blend in.
His reputation had even spread to other schools, though Ku Wang Academy's selective enrollment ensured that only the most capable—or troublesome—students entered.
This, in turn, created opportunities for some delinquent youths to harass female students near the school. Once, Rokou had intervened. When the same group returned with dozens of reinforcements after school, hoping to confront him, Rokou single-handedly subdued them all. From that day on, he became a hero in the eyes of every girl at the academy.
Finally, stepping into the classroom, Rokou could at last escape the throng of admirers outside.
He sighed inwardly. Being too perfect could be a curse.
"Ahhh, the protagonist's here! All the girls' eyes are going to fall on him again.""How is it possible to be so flawless? If only I were like him…""Wake up! Forget it, we'll never have a chance as long as he's here, sob…"
A few boys in the class huddled together, whispering furtively. Compared to the girls, most male students regarded Rokou as a rival. Yet none dared speak openly.
Rokou, though aware of the whispers, felt nothing. It wasn't intentional; a man like him was like the sun—wherever he went, warmth and attention followed, whether he acted or not. The sun simply existed, illuminating everything around it.
Pulling out a book, Rokou quietly began to read, paying no mind to the stares around him. He knew, however, that a few were still observing him closely.
Excluding the casual onlookers, three were of note: Touka Kirishima, Inori Iniri, and Tashiro Kotone.
Rokou understood their identities from prior knowledge.
Touka, a ghoul, had her own moral compass and was currently working part-time at a café, her identity concealed.
Inori had been a friend since middle school. Their initial meeting wasn't a heroic "save the damsel" scene; she had been a passionate doujin artist, obsessed with ACG culture, and Rokou had simply surpassed her in both storytelling and artistry. Even casually drawing one piece could make Inori clench her jaw in awe, acknowledging his unmatched talent. Of course, her pride wouldn't let her surrender completely, so she constantly produced new works, inviting Rokou's critique in hopes of praise. Noticing her shifty, intent gaze, he knew she was at it again—but there was no chance to see her latest work at school.
As for Tashiro Kotone—she was part of the Supernatural Research Club, a follower of the noble demon Rias Gremory. She had once tried to recruit Rokou, but he had declined. Still, Rokou knew Rias would not give up so easily—and he would do the same in her place.
The class bell rang.
Mafuyu Kirisu, dressed in her strict black stockings and professional attire, entered with a serious expression.
"Class, today we're having a surprise quiz."
"Ugh—what?!"
Instantly, groans filled the room.
Kotone and Inori were both horrified. The former had been staying up late gaming, the latter up all night drawing and studying other works for reference. Neither had prepared for any schoolwork.