Chapter 18:The Day After the Council Meeting

Inside Takeshi's small store, the atmosphere was far from serious. The air smelled like cheap instant ramen, and a small, outdated TV played a low-quality anime in the background.

Luc sat on the counter, munching on a rice cracker, legs swinging lazily. "So, uh… you're telling me a bunch of super-powerful exorcists had a whole meeting just to talk about me?"

Takeshi, flipping through a newspaper like an old man, didn't even look up. "Yep."

Luc blinked. "And they decided not to kill me… for now?"

Takeshi smirked. "Because I'm too handsome to fight, obviously."

Luc threw a rice cracker at him. "Dude, this is serious!"

Takeshi dodged effortlessly. "No, they're serious. I'm just chilling."

Luc groaned, rubbing his temples. "So what, I just go to school like everything's normal while a bunch of old, scary exorcists stalk me?"

Takeshi finally put the newspaper down, his grin widening. "Yup. Just act natural."

Luc narrowed his eyes. "Define 'natural.'"

Takeshi stroked his chin, pretending to think deeply. "Don't blow up the school, don't summon hellbeasts, and if anyone asks if you're a demon, just say 'nah.'"

Luc deadpanned. "That's your advice?"

Takeshi patted his shoulder. "Relax, kid. If anyone tries to kill you, I'll step in. Probably."

Luc groaned again, flopping onto the counter. "I hate this."

Takeshi chuckled. "Look on the bright side. If they do decide to kill you, at least you won't have to do homework anymore."

Luc sat up. "…Okay, maybe they have a point."

Takeshi laughed, tossing him another rice cracker. "Just keep your head down and enjoy school life while it lasts."

Luc took a bite, grumbling. "Easy for you to say. You don't have to sit through math class pretending you don't know how to count souls."

Takeshi winked. "Hey, that's called 'blending in.' You should try it."

Luc sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Fine."

To Be Continued...