Let's rewind to August 1st, a time when young boys and girls began to feel the full onset of summer and the reality of summer vacation.
Amidst the clattering footsteps, Isumi Tsukiko walked down a white corridor. The overly effective air conditioning chilled the sweat on her neck and sapped her body temperature. Normally, she wouldn't pay it any mind, but now it was irritating her.
Tsukiko was wearing a pantsuit, something she didn't usually wear. Even in this era of Cool Biz, she was dressed in a suit with a jacket and slightly high-heeled pumps on her feet. She had spent three times the usual time on her makeup as well.
When Tsukiko wore a suit, her petite and slender figure made her look like she was trying too hard, but her determined gaze was sharp that would make even the Great Tengu of Kyoto shiver.
Tsukiko had come to the headquarters of the Anti-Demon Special Forces. It was much larger and colder than the Seijo branch, where Kagami Ayaka and the others were based.
Originally, she should have been preparing for the Literary Club's training camp by now. So, why did she have to set foot in the Onmyodo temple, where demons in human form roamed?
Such frustrating thoughts swirled in her mind, threatening to burst forth any moment. It was her duty, but she didn't think she could do it well.
Nevertheless, she had been forced into this assignment, which seemed strangely contrived. What infuriated her even more was that it had disrupted the training camp.
Despite her anger, Tsukiko had come to the headquarters today for the pre-training briefing, taking into consideration Ayaka and the Seijo branch's position.
As she walked, she couldn't help but notice that her footsteps were becoming rougher. Tsukiko reached the room she was heading to, unaware that she was making such noise.
She was determined to proceed without being stopped by any obstacles, but what stopped her in her tracks was someone she never expected.
With an unnatural suddenness, the man appeared as though out of nowhere and entered Tsukiko's field of vision. He had the appearance of a tall, slender gentleman, wearing a suit with dragon embroideries that raised doubts about his taste. If he weren't in the Anti-Demon Special Forces, he would have looked like a host.
When Tsukiko saw the man, she initially thought she was mistaken. Or rather, she wished she had been mistaken.
Shaking his dull gray hair, the man made eye contact with Tsukiko.
"Hey, Isumi-san. Long time no see."
"...Hello, Tsuchimikado-san."
Even Tsukiko herself realized she was suddenly breaking into a cold sweat. The confidence she had displayed earlier had deflated like a balloon with the air let out.
Something was wrong. There was no way this man would appear just for a pre-training briefing for new recruits.
Anti-Demon Special Forces' First Rank - Tsuchimikado Seirin.
Magic power bubbled up like froth in the face of shock and terror, extending even to her fingertips. But it seemed like Tsuchimikado saw through it all and continued in a soft tone.
"This is the first time we've had a proper conversation, isn't it? I heard you've been assigned to lead the new recruit training. Thank you for your hard work."
"Thank you."
"You're quite stiff, aren't you? Let's relax a bit. You know, we're in similar positions, aren't we?"
Don't play around. There's no way I can relax.
Indeed, Tsukiko was a Second Rank Anti-Demon Officer, not far from First Rank in rank, but there was a colossal gap between them. To Tsukiko, Tsuchimikado Seirin was nothing more than a monster in human form.
"Sorry for detaining you like this before work. There's just something I want to ask."
"What is it?"
"I know you've reported about the demons you've been dealing with to the Seijo branch."
――Of course, that's natural he asked that.
There was no other clear reason for the First Rank to personally come to Tsukiko for a briefing on new recruits.
"That report should have been sent by the Seijo branch."
"I've read that report. What I want to hear about are the experiences of people who have actually fought them, preferably those with similar abilities."
He talks big. But if he wants information, there's no reason to hold back.
"Well, my impression is that the demons we fought would be classified as 'Type A.' I can't say anything about 'Type A+,' as I've never encountered one."
"I see. If Isumi-san says so, it must be true. I've heard they use magic, but what kind was it?"
"The opponent I fought used fire magic. I've heard that the demon that appeared recently had the ability to transform their body. While they all seem to use different magic individually, their methods appeared quite different to each other."
"Methods... Well, isn't it natural for each individual to have a different way of using it?"
As Tsuchimikado questioned her, Tsukiko remembered that day. The one-eyed man in the fire. His movements were as graceful as playing a piano, achieving unbelievable miracles.
"It's difficult to explain, but the process leading up to activation is completely different, or perhaps the level of understanding is distinct."
Yes, that otherworldly quality was just like...
"Hmm, I see."
Tsuchimikado said with a deepening smile. Yes, that demon's magic was quite similar to what this First Rank possessed. A supernatural monster that leaped over a staircase ordinary humans would tread with the wings of genius.
After showing a contemplative look for a while, Tsuchimikado returned to his usual enigmatic smile.
"Thanks for sharing that. I'll look into it from my end as well. If you find out anything else, please let me know."
"Understood."
"Oh, and one piece of advice to thank you for sharing information..."
Advice?
Tsukiko naturally tensed up. There was no way this man would give straightforward advice. Even if he did, it would likely be as poisonous as a cure.
"For this training, it's better to be well-prepared. We don't know if we'll encounter oni or snakes, but I don't have a good feeling about it."
"...I'll keep that in mind."
"Well, I think you'll be fine, Isumi-san. Just be careful."
Tsuchimikado started walking as if he had said what he wanted to say. When his back was completely out of sight, Tsukiko let out a deep sigh. She had feared that his parting words would be poisonous. Nonetheless, she gathered what remained of her dwindling strength.
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