-2235- The bustling new year

In the following two days, practically nothing else happened. 

Since it was winter break, Rozen didn't need to go to school. Aside from idly wandering around outside with Yukina, he spent his time hanging out with Kojou, Asagi, and Motoki. Sometimes Yuuma would join in, and sometimes Kanon would also participate, helping Rozen prepare for the New Year. 

The year-end had arrived, and Itogami Island welcomed New Year's Eve. Except for some special organizations, most companies and businesses announced holidays, triggering a wave of people returning home or going on vacation. 

As a result, the island's population decreased noticeably, and many places became slightly emptier than usual. 

Of course, only slightly. 

Due to the limited number of flights to and from Itogami Island, airfare to the mainland was quite expensive—especially during peak seasons. Coupled with the complicated procedures required for entering and exiting the Demon Sanctuary, additional processing fees, and work-related reasons, many chose not to return home. Moreover, some families had settled entirely on the island with no relatives on the mainland, so Itogami Island still retained a considerable population and was far from deserted. 

At the very least, New Year's shrine visits on the island were just as crowded as on the mainland, with shrines packed to capacity every year. There were also fireworks displays and countdown events—the Artificial Island Management Cooperative had organized some activities, ensuring that staying on Itogami Island wasn't dull. 

Thus, as the New Year approached, the island remained lively where it needed to be, with bustling crowds in the usual places. Unless one paid close attention, few would notice that many had left for the holidays. 

The New Year at the Minamiya household was no different from anyone else's. Aside from Natsuki, who had to work occasional shifts as an instructor for the Special Defense Team, everything else was uneventful. 

On New Year's Eve, Kanon had already started preparing the festive meals. Astarte was also granted leave by Natsuki and spent these two days with Kanon, giving the latter some company. 

Rozen didn't have much to prepare for the New Year either. Aside from visiting his friends' homes to exchange greetings, he mostly just gathered with everyone for meals, went out to enjoy the festive atmosphere, and participated in New Year's activities. 

For Yukina, this was her first time celebrating the New Year on Itogami Island, and she was quite excited about it. 

So, Rozen invited her to spend the New Year at his place. 

"Since you can't really prepare anything by yourself at home, why not just come celebrate with us?" 

With that reasoning, Rozen dragged Yukina to the Minamiya residence. 

"T-Then I'll be intruding." 

Yukina was clearly tempted and eventually agreed, deciding to spend the New Year at Rozen's home, sharing the New Year's feast with everyone before heading to the shrine for the first visit of the year. 

Natsuki didn't object to this. 

"Well, it's not like the Lion King Agency would give their tools New Year's money. I'll reluctantly prepare some for you, transfer student." 

Though her words were a bit sharp, there was a hint of care for Yukina beneath them. 

The group enjoyed a lively New Year's feast together at the Minamiya residence. By evening, Kojou, Asagi, Motoki, and the others arrived on time, and even Yuuma showed up. 

"Sorry for intruding." 

Yuuma smiled at everyone, as cheerful and bright as ever. 

Since Rozen had nullified her Witch contract, Yuuma was no longer a Witch. She had returned to being an ordinary girl, enjoying a mundane life she had never experienced before. 

However... 

"Do I get New Year's money too, Master?" 

Yuuma rushed up to Natsuki. 

"Don't get so close! And don't call me 'Master'!" 

Natsuki looked thoroughly annoyed. 

But Yuuma wasn't wrong. 

Currently, Yuuma was indeed learning magic under Natsuki's guidance. 

"I don't want to be a Witch, but I don't dislike magic. In fact, after thinking it over, I feel like becoming an Attack Mage in the future might not be a bad idea." 

That was Yuuma's reasoning. 

Though she had no objections to an ordinary life, without any special skills, she would have to rely on Natsuki and Kojou's support to get by—something Yuuma didn't seem to consider ideal. 

This girl also wanted independence, so after some thought, she decided to relearn magic not as a Witch but as a mage, aiming to become a proper Attack Mage in the future. 

"Of course, I no longer have the mana and power granted by the contract. Now I have to rebuild my mana reserves from scratch. But I still remember how to use magic. Even if I can't reach my previous level, I should be able to pick it up quickly." 

That was Yuuma's thinking. 

And she wasn't wrong. 

After initial guidance, Yuuma's progress was astonishingly fast, and she could already perform some basic spells. 

After all, Yuuma was the daughter of Tokoyogi Aya, a Witch bred through artificial means and inheritor of a Witch's bloodline. As a Witch, her mastery of Space Manipulation Magic had been exceptional, nearly on par with Natsuki's. Now, under Natsuki's tutelage, her natural talent surpassed even that of many high-ranking mages. It was likely she would regain her former proficiency in Space Manipulation Magic, making her future promising. 

Whether it was due to Yuuma's talent or her bloodline, Natsuki never formally accepted her as a disciple but still guided her in practice, making their relationship that of master and apprentice in all but name. 

Well, given that Natsuki and Aya had once been closer than anyone could imagine, it wasn't surprising. 

Even though they were now enemies, Natsuki still looked after Yuuma for old times' sake. 

The group gathered together, preparing to visit the shrine for the first prayer of the year. 

As the only adult in the household, Natsuki prepared New Year's money for everyone. 

"Remember, don't stay out too late." 

After issuing that warning, Natsuki shooed everyone out. 

"Natsuki-chan is still so tsundere." 

"Well, that's part of our homeroom teacher's charm, I guess." 

Asagi and Motoki chatted casually about this. 

"I'm looking forward to the shrine visit, Astarte-san." 

"Affirmative." 

Kanon and Astarte also exchanged words. 

"Why is my share so much smaller?" 

"Haha, Kojou, Master must hate you!" 

Kojou and Yuuma were opening their New Year's money envelopes—one looking displeased, the other laughing heartily. 

"Senpai?" 

Yukina noticed Rozen lagging behind. 

Rozen was walking at the back of the group, his gaze fixed on a large TV screen on the side of a building. 

There, a news report was playing.