February 13, 2013, Wednesday, 9:30 am, Tokyo Freeway,...
The Tokyo Freeway roared with the chaos of morning traffic. Automobiles of every size zipped through the brisk winter air, their headlights cutting through the lingering morning haze. Amid the frenzy, a sleek, pitch-black sedan moved precisely, its tinted windows concealing the passengers inside.
Seated in the back, Kento Nanami adjusted his signature patterned tie, his posture as composed as ever. Beside him, Takuma Ino leaned forward slightly, his usual ski mask rolled into a beanie atop his disheveled brown hair. Despite the rush of the freeway outside, the atmosphere within the car was calm yet tense, a reflection of the mission ahead.
"Investigating a high school?" Ino broke the silence, resting his elbow on the car door. His tone was light, almost teasing. "Not exactly the glamorous assignment I imagined when I became a sorcerer."
"Work isn't about glamour," Nanami replied evenly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "It's about necessity."
Ino leaned back, folding his arms across his chest.
"Yeah, yeah. What would Nanami-san do, right?" Ino grinned but quickly sobered. "Still, Nakameguro High School's a strange case, isn't it? A decline in reputation, mysterious disappearances, and now reports of curses showing up like clockwork. It's almost like the place is a breeding ground."
Nanami remained silent for a moment, then adjusted his glasses. "Places with high emotional turmoil tend to attract curses. A school with a deteriorating environment and vulnerable students is no exception. However, if the last of the Junji Ito Collection is there,..."
"...then our task becomes far more delicate," Nanami finished, his voice steady but with a hint of gravity.
Ino scratched his cheek. "Junji Ito Collection, huh? Sounds creepy. You think it's really something that dangerous?"
Nanami closed his eyes briefly before responding. "If the reports are accurate, it's not just dangerous, it's lethal. Cursed objects with lingering grudges often take on twisted forms beyond comprehension. And considering the rapid decay of Nakameguro High, it's plausible that something or someone is accelerating the process."
Ino whistled under his breath, shaking his head. "Man, cursed objects, delinquent students, and now rumors of a corrupt faculty. This school's got everything, huh?"
Nanami glanced at him, expression unreadable. "Focus, Ino. Our objective is clear. We locate the source, assess the danger, and neutralize any threats if necessary."
"Yeah, yeah," Ino muttered, stretching his legs out slightly. "I get it. No fooling around."
The sedan slowed as they neared an exit ramp, the towering buildings of downtown Tokyo looming in the distance. The driver, a non-sorcerer assigned to their mission, remained silent, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"So, what's the plan when we get there?" Ino asked, cracking his knuckles. "Go in all serious-like and hope they don't think we're some government agents?"
Nanami adjusted his tie once more. "We'll observe first. Discretion is key. Nakameguro High's staff and students have likely grown accustomed to suspicious activity, which makes them cautious. If we draw too much attention, we risk losing valuable leads."
Ino sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Man, I was hoping for a little action. But I guess playing detective works, too."
The car took the exit, merging onto a smaller road lined with bare cherry blossom trees, their skeletal branches reaching out like fingers in the cold air. In the distance, the outline of Nakameguro High School came into view, an imposing, gray structure standing tall amidst the urban sprawl, its facade worn and lifeless.
Nanami exhaled quietly. "We're here."
Ino grinned, tugging his beanie down. "Alright, let's see what kind of trouble this place offers."
The two sorcerers glanced briefly as the sedan pulled up to the school's main gate. Whatever awaited them inside Nakameguro High School, one thing was certain, this visit would be anything but ordinary.
February 13, 2013, Wednesday, 11:30 am, Nakameguro High School, Classroom "3-4"...
Nakameguro High School remained as chaotic as ever. The substitute teacher, Elric Ho, stood at the front of the classroom, conducting a math lecture with a weary patience that had become second nature. His eyes flickered toward the delinquent and gyaru trio at the back, their disinterest palpable. They slouched in their seats, tapping away at their phones or doodling mindlessly in their notebooks.
Despite their outward defiance, Elric had noticed subtle changes over the past few days. Their inattentiveness was not as absolute as before. The brainwashing effects of the lingering curse, one that had long dulled their ambition and locked them into a cycle of self-destruction, were slowly starting to fade. Occasionally, a stray gaze would drift to the blackboard, and fingers would momentarily still as fragments of the lesson found their way in.
Miruko and the Muto twins, Ichiro and Hiroki, sat near the front, their attention fully devoted to the lecture. Their pens scribbled diligently across their notebooks, nodding as Elric explained a complex equation. Even Aoi, usually hesitant, showed a spark of enthusiasm, starkly contrasting with the apathetic atmosphere that once engulfed the classroom.
As the lesson ended, Elric turned to the class and made an announcement.
"I'll be conducting home visit sessions," he said, his voice even but firm. "Only for those who are present today."
A murmur swept through the classroom. Miruko and the Muto twins exchanged excited glances, a sense of eager anticipation in their eyes. After a moment of hesitation, Aoi gave a small nod of approval. The idea of teachers visiting their homes seemed novel, even hopeful.
However, the delinquent group reacted differently. Shoji Nakamura, Takeshi Ogawa, Yuna Kurokawa, and Rika Tanabe looked wary, their expressions guarded. They were reluctant, though not entirely resistant. Deep down, a small part of them craved the attention, the chance for someone to care. Yet, the weight of their insecurities and fear of being too far gone held them back.
At the group's heart sat their leaders, Riku Takahara and Miyu Sasaki. Unlike the others, their reluctance ran deeper. It wasn't just about school or their academic failures. There was something else, something heavier that weighed on their shoulders. Elric observed the tension in their posture, how they avoided eye contact, and how their fingers fidgeted with the edges of their desks.
They were disturbed. Something was brewing beneath the surface, not just the usual teenage rebellion.
Elric's sharp gaze softened momentarily. He had seen signs of trouble that extended far beyond the school walls. Whatever awaited him at their homes, he was ready. He had come prepared, not just with lesson plans, but with the resolve to help them, whether they wanted it or not.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Students filed out sluggishly, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
Elric exhaled, rolling his sleeves up slightly.
"This is going to be interesting," he muttered, already making mental notes for the upcoming visits.
As the last students trickled out of the classroom, Miruko lingered near the door, her brows furrowing slightly. A strange sensation prickled at the back of her mind; something felt off. Outside the classroom entrance, she thought she saw movement beyond the noisy shuffle of her departing classmates. A shadow, perhaps. But when she blinked and looked again, nothing was there. With a quiet shake, she dismissed the feeling as a trick of her imagination and hurried to catch up with the others.
Meanwhile, Elric Ho remained at his desk, gathering his belongings with unhurried precision. As he stepped out into the empty corridor, his sharp eyes flickered to the blind spots of the hallway, places most people wouldn't think to check. There, concealed within the shadows, stood two men. One wore a neatly patterned tie and protective glasses, his posture rigid and composed. The other, donning a black beanie over disheveled brown hair, leaned slightly forward, scanning the area with a more casual stance.
Elric noticed them immediately but made no sign of it. Years of experience allowed him to feign obliviousness, blending into the role of an unremarkable, scraggy substitute teacher. With calculated indifference, he adjusted his sleeves and strode past, making sure not to draw any unwanted attention to himself.
Once the teacher disappeared down the hall, the two men stepped cautiously into the now-empty classroom.
"Hey, Nanami-san," Ino muttered, eyes darting around the room. "There are Grade 3 and 4 curse spirits hiding in here... and they look terrified. What spooked them?"
Kento Nanami approached the center of the room, his sharp gaze scanning the corners. "They're not just hiding," he remarked, his voice calm but firm. "They're cowering. Judging by their fear, whatever frightened them is still present... or left a strong enough trace to keep them wary."
Ino scratched his head under his beanie, taking a wary step toward a cluster of trembling, malformed curse spirits lurking near the windows. They flinched at his presence, their grotesque forms barely able to hold themselves together.
Then, Nanami's attention shifted to the blackboard. He walked closer, his eyes narrowing at the deep, jagged crack running across it. The remnants of cursed energy around the impact site pulsed faintly, sending an unsettling chill through the air. Carefully, he reached out and touched the damaged surface.
The cursed energy flared violently when his fingers brushed against the crack. A horrifying, distorted face manifested from within, its grotesque features stretching unnaturally across the blackboard. Its hollow eyes locked onto Nanami, its mouth splitting into a twisted grin as it let out a low, mocking laugh.
Nanami instinctively pulled his hand back, a rare unease flickering across his usually composed features.
"Nanami-san!" Ino's voice snapped him back. "What is it? What did you see?"
Nanami exhaled, regaining his composure. "We need to contact the headquarters," he said, his tone grave. "It's here. The Last Curse of Junji Ito's Collection."
Ino's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean... that thing? Here? In a high school?"
Nanami nodded, his thoughts racing. However, something odd caught his attention as he further assessed the lingering curse energy. Two distinct signatures were entwined within the aura, one unmistakably belonging to the curse, but the other... human.
Ino noticed his contemplative look. "What is it?" he asked. "Don't tell me a human went head-to-head with that thing."
Nanami's gaze drifted toward the doorway where Elric had left moments earlier. "No... the entity was probably an extension of the curse... but someone here did," he muttered. "A student sensed us despite the concealment spell we used. That kind of awareness isn't natural."
Ino blinked in confusion. "Wait, you think the teacher used the student as some kind of early warning system?"
Nanami nodded slowly. "It's too much of a coincidence. The teacher knew we were there. He saw us and chose to ignore us... which means he's not ordinary."
Ino scratched his chin, looking back at the crack in the blackboard. "So, what now? Do we follow him?"
Nanami glanced at the exit. "For now, we observe and wait. He'll make his next move soon enough if he is involved."
As the two sorcerers continued their investigation, the faint, eerie laughter of the curse still echoed from the cracked blackboard as if it knew something they didn't.
February 13, 2013, Wednesday, 12:30 pm, Nakameguro High School Cafeteria...
The cafeteria buzzed with life, the aroma of freshly prepared meals wafting through the air. Students lined up eagerly, excited to try out the new dishes the recently hired chefs prepared, a rare initiative by the principal to revamp the school's atmosphere. The once dull and lifeless dining hall now pulsed with energy, laughter, and the clatter of trays.
Miruko, Ichiro, and Hiroki sat together at a corner table, enjoying their meals with newfound enthusiasm. The food was surprisingly good, a welcome change from the bland, pre-packaged meals they were used to. As they chatted about the morning classes, Elric Ho casually approached tray in hand, and sat beside them.
"Elric-sensei?" Miruko blinked in surprise. "You're eating here with us?"
Ichiro and Hiroki exchanged glances, clearly just as curious.
Elric, in his usual laid-back manner, adjusted his chopsticks and shrugged. "It's a habit. Back when I was an undergrad at the University of California, Los Angeles, we all ate together in the cafeteria with students, teachers, and even some professors. It helped build connections and made things feel less... formal."
Aoi, hesitant but determined, approached the table with her lunch and sat beside Miruko.
Aoi fidgeted with her chopsticks before finally mustering the courage to speak. "U-UCLA? That sounds amazing... What was it like?"
Elric leaned back slightly, a nostalgic smile crossing his face. "Tough. The classes were demanding, and the competition was fierce. But it was worth it. The campus, the opportunities, the diversity... It was an experience of a lifetime."
Miruko's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds incredible! I... I want to go to UCLA, too!"
She clenched her fists with determination, her mind already painting pictures of her future in California.
Elric's smile turned a bit solemn.
He set down his chopsticks and folded his hands together. "I'm glad to hear that, but studying abroad isn't just about dreaming. There are a lot of hurdles to overcome."
"What kind of hurdles?" Hiroki asked, a little wary of the sudden change in tone.
"First off, research. You need to know what you're getting into," Elric began. "Then, there are academic requirements, UCLA is competitive, and they expect top performance. English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory. The application process itself is lengthy and meticulous. And let's not forget financial planning. Tuition, housing, travel expenses... It's not easy."
Miruko's enthusiasm visibly wavered. She stared at her tray, pushing her food around with her chopsticks. "That... sounds like a lot," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ichiro nudged her lightly. "Come on, Miruko. You've got good grades. I'm sure you can do it."
Elric leaned forward, his expression reassuring. "It's not impossible. You just have to take it step by step. And if you're serious about it, I can help. I have contacts who can assist with referrals for housing, travel arrangements, and even some financial options."
Miruko's lips quivered as she wiped away a small tear, feeling both overwhelmed and hopeful at the same time. "You really think I can do it, Sensei?"
Elric gave her a firm nod. "I know you can. But it starts with commitment and hard work."
Before Miruko could respond, a hesitant presence disrupted the table's atmosphere. Shoji Nakamura, Takeshi Ogawa, Yuna Kurokawa, and Rika Tanabe hovered awkwardly nearby, trays in hand. After exchanging awkward glances, they finally gathered the courage to sit down, their expressions uncertain but open.
Shoji scratched the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at Elric. "So, uh... we were wondering," he started hesitantly. "Do you think... there's any hope for us? I mean, college and stuff."
Takeshi chimed in with an embarrassed chuckle. "Yeah, we're kinda late to the game, right? No way we can catch up."
Elric studied them for a moment, then smiled warmly. "It's never too late. If you're willing to put in the effort, there's always a way forward."
A newfound sense of curiosity and determination flickered among the group. The once-distant dream of a future beyond Nakameguro High no longer seemed impossible.
As the conversation continued, Elric quietly observed them. The school was changing slowly but surely. With the absence of the troublesome coach Hajime Onizuka, things finally started to move in the right direction. The dark cloud that had once hung over Nakameguro High was beginning to lift, and with it, the students were rediscovering hope.
Elric took a bite of his meal, satisfied with the food and his progress.
"Everything's going as planned," he thought to himself, glancing around the cafeteria filled with lively chatter and cautious optimism.
For the first time in a long while, Nakameguro High felt like a real school again.
The cafeteria remained lively, filled with students chatting and enjoying their meals. However, two unnoticed figures quietly slipped through the bustling crowd amidst the chatter and clinking of trays. Kento Nanami and Takuma Ino had arrived.
Maintaining their cover, the two sorcerers utilized a concealment spell, blending seamlessly into the surroundings like shadows in the midday sun. They were nothing more than an afterthought to the untrained eye, but their sharp eyes were scanning everything: the students, the staff, the atmosphere. They were here on official business and intended to leave no stone unturned.
Seated at a secluded corner of the cafeteria, the principal, Yoshio Takamori, a balding, somewhat nervous-looking man, shifted uncomfortably under their silent scrutiny. Nanami stood with his arms crossed, his signature patterned tie perfectly aligned, while Ino leaned against the wall, his black beanie pulled low over his forehead.
"We appreciate your cooperation, Principal," Nanami said, his voice low but firm. "We just need access to specific areas for our investigation."
The principal wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. "Of course, of course. Anything you need," he stammered. "But... you mentioned a possible threat? Are my students in danger?"
Nanami adjusted his protective glasses and responded calmly, "We are simply taking precautions. As long as you cooperate, we'll handle everything."
Ino, meanwhile, was only half-listening. His mind lingered on what they'd discovered earlier: the crack in the blackboard, the lingering cursed energy, and, most of all, the unsettling aura surrounding the seemingly unremarkable substitute teacher. He leaned toward Nanami, speaking in a hushed tone.
"Hey, Nanami-san," he muttered, eyeing Elric at the student table. "How does a guy who looks like he hasn't seen a decent meal in weeks do that much damage to a classroom? The guy's practically a twig."
Nanami adjusted his tie. "Looks can be deceiving, Ino," he replied. "We don't know what he's capable of yet. Keep your guard up."
Just then, Elric subtly glanced toward the cafeteria entrance, his eyes locking onto the two hidden sorcerers. Nanami immediately noticed the change in his posture; he was stiff and calculating. It seemed Elric's gaze cut through their concealment spell with uncanny precision for a brief moment.
"Nanami-san..." Ino whispered in alarm. "Did he just...?"
Nanami didn't respond. He had already understood the situation. Elric knew they were there.
Elric's expression remained neutral as he placed his chopsticks down, wiping his mouth with a napkin. He glanced at his students.
"Excuse me," Elric said, rising from the table smoothly. "I must go to the restroom and prepare for my next lecture. See you all later."
Miruko and the others simply nodded, too engrossed in their conversation about academic futures to pay much attention.
As Elric moved towards the entrance, he kept his gaze forward but subtly mouthed a phrase, his lips forming the words slowly and deliberately.
Ino blinked, perplexed. "Huh? Did he just say something?" he whispered.
Using his protective glasses to enhance his lip-reading ability, Nanami translated with a low sigh. "Follow me later, 5:00 pm, rooftop..."
The words sent a chill down Ino's spine. "Oh great," he muttered. "This guy is onto us, isn't he?"
Nanami didn't answer. Instead, he took a step forward, his mind racing with questions. Was Elric an ally? An enemy? Or something far more complicated?
Without hesitation, they followed him, their footsteps light and calculated, trailing the enigmatic teacher into the depths of Nakameguro High.