First day as a Resident I

Mother's spiritual energy—small as it was—spiraled in chaos, like a disturbed flame.

In contrast, mine curled and flowed smoothly around me, as if it had a mind of its own.

Then it hit me.

Of course. She doesn't even realize she has spiritual energy, so how could she possibly control it? You can't regulate what you don't know exists.

Man, was I like that until yesterday? Now I'm embarrassed.

This energy... it feels like an extension of my body. Though controlling it is tricky, I can shape it according to my will. The way it moves—smooth, disciplined—it's because I'm consciously reining it in.

Before stepping out of the house, an odd sense of vulnerability settled in my gut.

Was it paranoia?

No... I think it's because I'm suddenly aware of so much more than before. My Aura is out in the open, like I'm walking around naked. I don't like it.

I need to do something about that.

I tried what I did yesterday, back when Hana's butler was hunting me. It was simple—just focus on everything around you, let the world breathe through you, then close your eyes and imagine blending into the scenery.

A cleanse.

Like a soft breeze passing through my body, my Aura dimmed slightly. Its glow faded, now just a faint shimmer clinging to my form.

Not perfect, but it'll do.

Satisfied, I opened the front door.

"Mother! I'm leaving!" I shouted, bolting out before she could find an excuse to keep me any longer.

I wasn't late, so instead of speeding to school like some fugitive, I decided to take my time and walk.

I was actually looking forward to seeing Kowai today.

Yesterday, when we were with Akira, she sealed her energy completely but still didn't erase her presence. I could tell she was there, but no spiritual energy leaked from her at all. And then, just before she caught me, when she perched behind me on that tree…

It was different.

Before she landed that very painful chop on my head, I hadn't sensed her at all.

She hadn't blended into the environment's energy like I did—no, she had simply disappeared. I could see her with my eyes, but it was like looking at a reflection in glass.

Yeah. Kowai is very experienced.

There's so much I don't understand about this world.

And the Skill system? Still a mystery.

I only have two: God Perspective—a special skill, and Charmer—an "ordinary" one.

Does this mean I'll keep unlocking new Skills as I gain experience?

…Though, I don't think I "charmed" Akira or anything. If anything, despite her acting somewhat tamed, I feel like I'm the one being deceived.

No, no, no.

I should give her a little faith. If she truly wants to change her ways, then maybe... just maybe... I should support that.

Now then.

Let's see what today has in store for the residents of Uji.

As I walked through the streets, I squinted, trying to discern the energy of the people around me and decipher their Auras.

The reactions were... mixed.

Some ladies blushed, pressing their palms against their heated cheeks, while men scowled, veins bulging on their foreheads like they were barely holding back a fight.

I squinted my eyes trying to discern their energy and decipher their Auras.

Interesting.

Before long, I reached Saint's Advocate High School. It wasn't far—just a thirty-minute walk from home.

I stepped through the school gates, still peering at the students around me. Their responses were immediate.

"Oh no! He's looking at me!" one girl yelped, hiding her face behind her hands.

"Ah! Me too! Is my hair okay?" her friend panicked beside her.

But before I could get a closer look at their Auras—which was basically a reflection of their true self—

"Ma-chan! Good morning!"

A dark blue haired beauty bolted towards me, leaving her battalion behind and cupping me into a hug.

Before I could react, I was engulfed in warmth as Akira tackled me into a hug.

Danger!

Just like yesterday, when we met for the first time in six years, this girl is imperceptible!

My entire body stiffened as I instinctively darted my eyes around, scanning the area for any signs of suspicious activity.

Geh! Suspicious activity confirmed!

Akira's right-hand demon, Hinata Misumi, stood frozen with her usual battalion of loyalists, their collective expressions ranging from sheer disbelief to pure rage. Their Dark Empress was hugging me in broad daylight.

And Misumi was glaring daggers at me.

Something was wrong here—with Misumi and Akira, but let's start with Akira first:

She was acting too soft, too fluffy, too innocent.

Not normal. Definitely not normal.

"D-Did you sleep well last night?" Akira murmured, still holding me. "I... missed you already, so I came to school really early because of that."

...Huh?

"I-Is that so..." I meekly replied.

What the hell? She's so pretty—wait, focus, Makoto!

The Akira I know isn't this sweet.

Suspicious activity confirmed again!

Then—

Thud!

A sound.

I turned my head.

Standing just a few feet away, her schoolbag having slipped from her hand, was Hana Hanazono.

Her usual confidence was gone, replaced by pure shock.

Behind her, her own group of admirers stood silent, watching the unfolding drama with bated breath.

Meanwhile, Akira—who was still wrapped around me like some oversized parasite—was now wearing an unmistakably sinister smirk.

At least try to hide your evil amusement!

I swallowed hard.

I had not planned to interact with either of them again, since they treated me—in the past—like some trophy in their endless competition, and I had sworn not to get caught up in it again.

(P.S. He's already caught up in it)

However, Hana's expression—shocked, wounded—pierced me enough that I broke my own oath and greeted her anyway.

I already talked with Akira too, so.

"Uh... Hana. Good morning..."

"…"

Her frown deepened.

She snatched up her fallen bag, then—

"Stupid Makoto-sama!!"

She turned and bolted to her classroom on the second floor—our shared classroom.

Dammit. Now I'll have haters for this.

…Actually, not that I care about haters—they make me feel mighty, if anything.

…Hm?

What now?

As Hana stormed off in fury, her devoted followers hurried after her, showering her with dramatic reassurances.

"Hana-sama! I'll always love you more than that handsome weasel!"

"There are plenty of fish in the sea! One dumb, handsome fish isn't worth your tears, Hana-sama!"

…Yeah. I really don't like anyone from her fan club.

But what truly unsettled me wasn't them.

It was her.

Hana's butler.

Or rather, the cross-dressing—for some, probably, weird reason—girl masquerading as one.

She didn't chase after Hana like the others. She just stood there, watching me.

Sizing me up.

I could tell.

After all, I'd been doing the same thing all morning—reading people's energy, deciphering their Auras.

And this Morgana… she had already realized it.

That I was a Resident.

Our eyes locked.

We stood a few feet apart, motionless—like two cowboys in Texas about to duel at high noon, as Oka Kami rushed past our visage like that grassy ball.