Evil Spirits

I used to think that I possessed everything.

I never envied others for what I lacked; even though my childhood was incomplete and riddled with flaws, I was content.

Because I was happy.

That was a past I would pay any price to return to—a “Utopia” of gentleness that I have longed for in my dreams countless times.

Undercurrents

“Kid, let go.”

Asado was becoming increasingly irritated by Lilo’s “enthusiasm.” He didn’t inherently dislike shaking hands, but… this guy made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. Despite the flattering words and the eager, friendly smile, a strange chill crawled up Asado’s spine. It felt like being watched by a venomous snake lurking in the dark; it made his skin crawl.

Shink!

As a retired assassin from “The Owls,” his lingering professional instincts caused him to subconsciously slide a sharp karambit from his other sleeve.

“If you intend to make a move, consider the consequences,” Livia’s voice drifted over.

She poked her head out from behind Lilo, her eyes narrowed. She looked entirely in control. Her aura of effortless, commanding confidence caused even a former professional killer like Asado to hesitate for a moment.

Snap!

At that exact moment, another hand clamped down on his wrist from behind.

“Eh? Am I late, President? What’s everyone chatting about?”

Nair Naya had appeared behind Asado without a sound, pinning the arm holding the weapon. Asado’s expression shifted.

When did she get there? And what incredible strength…!

“That’s enough, Asado.”

Finally, Qi Huang Shishi stepped in to de-escalate. He placed his hands on the wrists of both Lilo and Asado.

“You’re too sensitive. Even President Livia has heard of you; what’s one more fan? He’s just a bit overexcited to meet his idol. It happens to everyone. No need to take it so seriously.”

He then turned to Lilo.

“Watch… Vice President, was it? Please forgive our excessive reaction. It’s a sensitive time right now, so I hope you can understand Asado’s behavior. Besides, you were indeed squeezing a bit too hard.”

“…”

Lilo looked down at his right hand, which had turned slightly purple from the exertion, and slowly released his grip.

“You’re right. I was too excited. Thanks for the reminder, Sushi.”

Pfft!

Nair nearly burst out laughing at the name, quickly covering her mouth to keep the atmosphere from getting even more awkward.

“…My name is Qi Huang Shishi. Haha. President Livia, your deputy certainly has a sense of humor.”

Shishi’s brow twitched involuntarily. Livia picked up the cue smoothly:

“He’s the ‘Class Clown’ of our Student Council. I’m glad you appreciate him.”

It was clear from Livia’s attitude that this meeting was destined to be a failure.

Declaration of War

“It’s about time. I think we should be leaving.”

Shishi gave Asado a look.

“Oh? Leaving already? One of our Council members hasn’t even arrived yet,” Livia said, though she stepped aside to clear the path to the door.

“Whether that whimsical young lady shows up or not won’t change the outcome of this meeting. I only came to Saint Tias to notify my sister’s colleagues of one thing…”

Shishi paused at the door and looked back coldly.

“I hope that going forward, you will not interfere in our family affairs.”

With that, he and Asado left the reception room.

“Interfere, huh…” Livia watched Shishi depart before turning to Mutina, who was talking to Hecate. She murmured to herself, “It’s hard to say who will be the one needing help~”

Click.

Suddenly, Lilo slipped out of the room like a ghost, unnoticed. He looked dejected, appearing exactly like a fan who had lost his life’s dream after being rejected by his idol.

Aside from Nair, who felt like a confused extra, everyone else was left wondering: Is that four-eyed study-maniac actually interested in the world of assassins?

Shadows of Ambition

After leaving Saint Tias, Shishi and Asado headed to the other side of the city—their “Base of Operations.”

“That performance earlier wasn’t like you, Asado,” Shishi said, his tone laced with annoyance.

“…My deepest apologies.” Asado looked down at the palm Lilo had squeezed. Was that kid really a fan? Why did he give me such a foul feeling… just like that ‘Night Princess’ before I left the organization. He makes my skin crawl.

“Forget it. I achieved my goal anyway.” Shishi toyed with his phone, a confident smirk on his face. “While the Qi Huang family has never had a female head, the Old Man is particularly fond of his only daughter. And Mutina is the smartest among all my siblings. She will be my first, and final, true rival.”

“Master Shishi, did we have another purpose today besides declaring war?”

“The Old Man loves nothing more than sitting on high and watching others tear each other apart for his entertainment. This school is crawling with his eyes and ears right now. He wouldn’t allow me to meet Mutina privately; if one of us surrendered without a fight, he’d lose his show.”

Shishi grinned as he checked his phone.

“The Old Man has given his tacit approval. I can use any means necessary against Mutina. As long as I crush her, the title of next Head is mine!”

He turned to Asado and gave a direct, brutal command:

“The Qi Huang family doesn’t need a female leader. So, when she falls and becomes a stray dog… Mutina…”

“Will be handed over to you to dispose of however you wish.”

Asado’s lips curled into a demonic grin. “If that’s the case, then I understand perfectly, Master Shishi. After all… my specialty is slaughtering weak, helpless children.”

The Demon in the Ashes

“Huff… huff…”

At the sink, Lilo splashed cold water onto his face over and over again. But no matter what he did, he couldn’t quench the feeling of fire scorching his flesh from within.

This flame had been burning inside him for years. It had never gone out.

“That face… I will never forget it. Not even if he’s burned to ash!”

Lilo reached into a hidden compartment in his school bag and pulled out a dagger. It was a model designed for adults, far too large for a boy his age. The blade bore scars as if it had been scorched by fire, and the hilt was blackened and charred.

“Every single one of you… you won’t escape.”

“Mistakes must be paid for.”

In the bathroom mirror, the boy’s face was warped into a hideous mask by the “flame” in his heart.

He looked… exactly like an Asura crawling out of the depths of Hell!