-474- An unexpected reunion

Fortunately or unfortunately, the opening ceremony at Onmyo Academy was no different from a typical school opening ceremony—long and tedious, with nothing particularly special.

As per tradition, all students from each year at the academy had to attend the opening ceremony. The director would give a speech, followed by the valedictorian from the new students. If the academy had a student council, the student council president would give a speech. Now, the representative of the instructors would give the speech. All in all, it was still long and tedious.

Unfortunately, Rozen was the valedictorian for the new students, and he was informed by Ohtomo Jin before the ceremony that he had to prepare to go on stage. But Rozen firmly declined.

"I don't want to attract too much attention," was Rozen's excuse.

However...

"Even if you don't go on stage, you're already attention-grabbing enough," Ohtomo Jin dismissively retorted, leaving Rozen speechless.

The problem was...

"If you don't go on stage, then it will be Natsume-san's who'll have to do it. Is that okay?" Ohtomo Jin seized Rozen's weakness.

"Akikan..."

Natsume looked at Rozen with eyes pleading for help.

Rozen know about Natsume. She was naturally shy, and although she could manage going on stage, Rozen didn't want her to force herself.

"Isn't there a third place student?" Rozen could only confirm this with Ohtomo Jin.

However, given the earlier rhythm, Ohtomo Jin would probably come up with an excuse to make Rozen go on stage.

Rozen prepared himself mentally for that.

Little did he expect...

"Third place student?"

Ohtomo Jin was momentarily surprised, then rubbed his chin and clapped his hands as if he'd just thought of it.

"Indeed, she would be more suitable for going on stage than anyone else. Thank you for the reminder, Akikan."

With that, Ohtomo Jin hurriedly left, seemingly off to make arrangements.

"..."

"..."

Watching Ohtomo Jin hastily leaving, both Rozen and Natsume were left speechless.

This so-called homeroom teacher was really asking for trouble, wasn't he?

That was the only thought both of them had.

However, thanks to this, neither Rozen nor Natsume had to go on stage for the speech, which was a good thing.

Yet, as Ohtomo Jin had said, even without going on stage, Rozen was attention-grabbing enough.

...

Onmyo Academy, underground training ground.

This was a training ground located beneath the main building of Onmyo Academy.

The training ground was comparable in size to a gymnasium, and its height matched the three floors above ground.

Surrounding the training ground were bleachers reaching two meters in height, resembling an indoor stadium.

However, within this indoor stadium was a designated ritual area. The walls were adorned with spells and patterns, and at the center was an altar area. All doors leading to the training ground were flanked by sacred tree branches and shide paper streamers. The space was filled with abundant spiritual energy, preventing the effects of the onmyo techniques from affecting the outside.

Of course, Onmyo Academy had more than one training ground like this. There were also practical classrooms elsewhere. However, this was the largest.

In terms of a training ground for onmyo techniques, this was one of the largest in the country. The walls were even specially enchanted by nationally recognized onmyoji, making it highly resistant. Even onmyo agency personnel would occasionally come here to use it, indicating its value.

The opening ceremony of Onmyo Academy was held here.

Hence, at this moment, the students of Onmyo Academy were sitting in orderly rows, looking towards the stage from the audience seats.

There, the altar served as the platform, and the director was delivering a speech.

Rozen was also in the audience, lined up with the first-year students, with Natsume by his side.

As the director took the stage to speak, none of the students uttered a word, but hardly any of them were really listening to the director's speech.

The reason was simple.

At this moment, almost all the students in the room had either directly or indirectly, overtly or subtly, turned their gaze towards Rozen.

From their expressions, Rozen could clearly sense a variety of emotions, but he remained composed.

Natsume didn't act rudely either, but her delicate face was slightly tense.

None of the students in the room were paying attention to Director Kurahashi's speech. They were all focused on Rozen, and some were even whispering to each other privately.

Seemingly anticipating this situation, Director Kurahashi continued her speech, unfazed.

"This year's new students are remarkably outstanding. While the number of recruits hasn't changed significantly, judging by the achievements demonstrated by the new students, this batch stands out among the previous years. Particularly the students who ranked in the top three in the entrance exam have received high praise from all the instructors. Most instructors believe that with these three, they will undoubtedly become exceptional onmyoji in the future. Even becoming part of the Twelve Divine Generals might not be an issue."

With a kind smile, Director Kurahashi continued her speech.

"I'm sure many students are curious about who these highly praised top three students are. However, most of the students seem to already know two of them. I won't introduce them further. However, the third-placed student is also exceptional. To make sure you all notice her, I'll let her come up and greet everyone."

In this casual and direct manner, Director Kurahashi's voice resonated throughout the room.

"Now, let's invite the representative of the new students to the stage."

As she finished speaking, Director Kurahashi stepped aside.

Only at this moment did all the students turn their gaze towards the stage.

"Wow..."

Almost in the next second, the voices of some students rang out.

That was due to the stunning appearance.

Rozen also looked towards the stage, immediately surprised.

Beside him, Natsume couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful..."

Appearing from the audience, walking towards the stage was a student who would elicit such a reaction from people.

She was a girl wearing the white female student uniform.

The girl had chestnut-colored hair, slightly wavy, cascading like a waterfall from one side of her face, but it was pulled up from the side into a side ponytail.

Her eyes were firm and resolute, allowing people to see her pretty eyelashes clearly. Her delicate face had light, natural makeup, with only her lips adorned in a shimmery rose color, complementing her healthy complexion.

And like the impression she gave to everyone, the girl was undeniably beautiful, to the extent that it was astonishing, even her figure exuded grace. She was incredibly well-proportioned, almost like an idol star walked out of the television.

In this way, the girl with such a captivating presence walked to the stage, the sound of her footsteps clearly audible.

Soon after, her clear, articulate, and melodious voice resonated from her mouth.

"Hello, everyone. I am the representative of the new students this year, Kurahashi Kyouko."

As this name echoed throughout the room, everyone was astonished.

"Kurahashi?"

Natsume was also stunned.

"Kyouko?"

Rozen was even more bewildered.