Kael activated his mind, searching through the vast demonic knowledge for a solution. And indeed, he found a very particular method. Besides demonic arts and their accompanying spells, his mind also contained many methods for refining demonic artifacts. Several of these could solve the problem of evil spirits being unpleasant to consume.
From them, Kael found a simple and practical method: The Ten-Thousand Ghost Banner.
This was standard equipment for demonic cultivators. Not only could it enslave spirits for use, but it could also erase their self-awareness, ultimately turning them into nourishment to strengthen the cultivator. Perhaps he could refine one to aid his cultivation.
But Kael quickly realized that refining the Ten-Thousand Ghost Banner required rare treasures. Earth might not have such things. So, refining it here was likely impossible.
After thinking it over, Kael decided to settle for a Hundred Ghost Banner instead. It wasn't as powerful—compared to the Ten-Thousand Ghost Banner, the difference was like night and day. In plain terms, the Hundred Ghost Banner was the cheap knockoff version. Though weaker, it had one advantage: the materials were simple.
It only required human skin. Yes, the Hundred Ghost Banner's material was human skin. And it had to be fresh, just peeled from a body. Cruel, but very demonic.
After some thought, Kael decided to use human skin to refine the Hundred Ghost Banner. As for whose skin, he already had someone in mind.
Not long after, Kael arrived at school. Entering the classroom, Saki saw him, jumped up, and hurried over.
"Renjou-kun, you're here."
Kael gave a small "mm."
Saki asked cautiously: "Renjou-kun, why haven't you come to school these past few days? Did something happen?"
"Just a small matter. It's already resolved."
He followed her words—he couldn't tell her he had been cultivating and lost track of time.
Still worried, Saki asked again: "Are you sure?"
It was clear she truly cared.
"Don't worry, it's fine."
Kael patiently reassured her until the bell rang, then returned to his seat.
The second class that morning was Mafuyu's.
Seeing Kael, her eyes flickered with surprise, then she quietly sighed in relief before beginning the lesson.
When class ended, she said seriously: "Renjou, come with me. I have something to ask."
Kael sighed and followed her into the hallway. She asked: "Tell me, Renjou. Why haven't you come to class these past few days? And without asking for leave?"
That was the real issue. Not requesting leave meant truancy, which was unacceptable. She would never allow such disregard for discipline in her class.
Kael replied vaguely: "I ran into some trouble and didn't have time to ask for leave."
Mafuyu's sharp gaze studied him, as if to see if he was lying. Kael met her eyes calmly. He hadn't expected refining mana to take three days. Cultivation wasted too much time.
Seeing his steady gaze, she began to believe him. Her sharp look softened into concern. "Did something happen, Renjou? Do you need help?"
She really was kind.
Kael shook his head. "Don't worry, Kirisu-sensei. It's already resolved."
"Really?" she pressed.
"As real as it gets," Kael nearly swore an oath.
Satisfied, she said: "Good. But please don't skip class again. Poor attendance can mean repeating the year. You don't want that, do you?"
Typical Japan—the phrasing was sharp. Kael grumbled inwardly but patted his chest, promising it wouldn't happen again. Whether it would, only time would tell. Cultivation was unpredictable.
At lunch, Kael met Marin in the cafeteria. Like the others, she immediately questioned him about missing school. On Sunday, they had happily toured Akihabara and Tokyo Tower. Then Kael vanished the next day. Marin thought she had upset him and had been reflecting ever since.
"It's nothing." Understanding her worry, Kael smiled. "I just had a small problem. It's solved now."
"What problem?" Marin asked curiously.
"Just a small one."
He didn't want to reveal his cultivation, so he brushed it off.
But seeing his evasiveness, Marin suddenly grew anxious. She grabbed his hand. "Renjou-kun, you weren't attacked by those guys, were you?"
"Those guys? What guys?" Saki asked, confused.
Marin reminded her: "The punks who harassed us that day, the ones Renjou-kun beat up."
Realizing, Saki's face turned pale. "Is that true, Renjou-kun?" she asked, trembling.
Kael chuckled, flicking both their foreheads. "You two are overthinking. With my strength, how could punks retaliate? They'd run from me."
Marin asked: "Really? You're not lying?"
"Why would I lie?"
Kael assured them he hadn't been attacked, only faced a small issue, now resolved. That finally calmed the two worried girls.
After lunch, they returned to their classes.
Time passed, and school ended.
This time, Saki walked up to Kael. "Let's go home together, Renjou-kun."
Before, Kael had always taken the initiative to walk her home. This was the first time Saki asked to go with him. A small but meaningful step forward.