[423] Task
Already revered as a "Saint" prior to this transformation, her sanctity skyrocketed to unimaginable levels. Among the academy's students, countless admirers developed feelings for her, including several upperclassmen from the high school division.
However, an unspoken rule—origin unknown—circulated among the students: due to her excessive "purity," no one dared to approach her romantically. This led to the creation of a unified faction of admirers who pledged to protect her "sanctity" and "serenity" by preventing anyone from confessing their feelings to her.
Unbeknownst to Kanon, this devoted group shielded her from countless would-be suitors, particularly upperclassmen who were intercepted before they could even reach her.
Meanwhile, Kanon herself, influenced by certain words from August that day, had already developed feelings for him. Yet, her feelings were tightly monitored by the ever-watchful Natsuki, whose resolute presence acted as an unyielding barrier. As she often said, "I won't give August the slightest opportunity."
Thus, life seemingly returned to its usual peaceful rhythm. But this tranquility was only a surface illusion; beneath it, unseen currents were stirring.
Although August held the title of assistant teacher under Natsuki, it was in name only. As a highly capable witch, she had no real need for assistance. As a result, August became a free agent within the academy. He spent his days wandering its grounds since Natsuki, wary of potential chaos, forbade him from venturing outside.
...
Takagami Shrine
Takagami Shrine, an institution tasked with training Lion King Agency's exclusive demon slayers, was located in the vast expanse of Mount Oe within Japan. The shrine gathered exceptional spiritual talents from across the region, presenting itself as an all-girls boarding school.
On this particular day, the shrine's upper echelon summoned a young girl who had recently completed her training.
Kneeling in a dimly lit room, a girl clad in a black uniform awaited orders. Before her hung a curtain, behind which three high-ranking officials of the Lion King Agency were seated.
"State your name," a cool and serene voice commanded, its tranquility underscored by an aura of authority that tightened nerves.
"Yukina Himeragi," the girl responded, her voice trembling slightly with nervousness. This was her first experience with such an encounter, and she was extremely cautious.
"Your age?"
"Fifteen in four months."
"How long have you been training at Takagami Shrine?"
"Seven years now."
From the age of seven, she had undergone rigorous sword priestess training day in and day out. After seven grueling years, she was now a fully qualified sword priestess. The mere fact that she was summoned separately indicated an impending mission.
"Before we discuss your task, take a look at this," the voice instructed.
From behind the curtain, an origami shikigami emerged and floated toward Yukina, transforming into a photograph. Hesitantly, Yukina picked it up. The moment her eyes landed on the image, her face flushed crimson. The man in the photo was strikingly handsome. Having lived in a female-dominated environment for years, she found herself momentarily overwhelmed.
The officials behind the curtain exchanged amused glances. Though August was a volatile presence, his appearance was undeniably exceptional. In comparison, even the most celebrated idols paled.
"What do you think? Is he your type?" one of them teased.
"Huh?" Yukina's face grew even redder as she stammered incoherently.
"The man in this photo is extremely dangerous," the official continued, their tone turning grave. "A few days ago, he defeated the rampaging Familiar of the Fourth Primogenitor with a single blow. Even our leader of the Three-Saints, fell before him."
"What? Lady Koyomi Shizuka was defeated?" Yukina exclaimed, her disbelief palpable. The Tri-Saints were revered as the highest authority within the Lion King Agency, akin to modern-day presidents. To hear of such a figure's defeat was unfathomable.
"Yes. This man wields a dark power akin to an abyss, a force of unimaginable strength. It's hypothesized that he could rival the strength of the Three Primogenitors themselves."
"A Primogenitor-level entity…"
"Indeed. While unconfirmed, evidence suggests he's only a step away from that level if he hasn't reached it already."
Yukina fell silent. As someone raised under the strict training of a sword priestess, she understood the gravity of what it meant to confront a Primogenitor. The Three Primogenitors were the most powerful beings on Earth, each ruling their own empire of the night.
"What must I do?" she asked, her voice steady with determination.
"A wise question," the official praised. "The peace we've long enjoyed is precious, but this man's existence threatens to disrupt it."
Yukina's face filled with shock and righteous indignation. Her reaction earned approving nods from the officials. This was precisely the response they sought.
"This man suddenly appeared on Itogami Island, where the Fourth Primogenitor resides. The two have already clashed, with the Fourth Primogenitor suffering defeat."
"The Fourth Primogenitor? The legendary strongest vampire?"
"Exactly. To preserve our fragile peace, we must monitor this man closely. Your task is to go to Itogami Island and keep him under surveillance."
"This man?" Yukina repeated.
"His name is August. Our investigations have found no records of him."
"Understood. I will do my best." Without hesitation, Yukina accepted the mission. After all, her entire life had been shaped by such training.
"Additionally, should you determine he poses an imminent threat, you are authorized to eliminate him."
"Eliminate him? Me?"
"Take this," the official instructed. A box was brought forward, and Yukina opened it to reveal a gleaming silver spear.
"The Seventh Assault Demon Machine Gun, Snowdrift Wolf," the official explained. "This weapon incorporates the Lion King Agency's unique 'Divine Oscillation Wave Drive Technique,' which neutralizes magic and severs barriers. It's particularly effective against demons, especially vampires. In theory, it could even slay a Primogenitor."
Yukina's fingers tightened around the spear. "I understand. I won't fail."
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