Volume 5 Chapter 19 Day Three: A Game of Deception
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In response to my question, Anri-san looked down her nose at me with a cold sneer.
”This is exactly why I despise Tsuyo-Osu (Strong-Male) types. you never listen to a single word anyone says. I already told ye, didn’t I? I am “Yukizuki Anri”.”
”Are you tryin’ to claim ye’re a completely different split personality? “
”I have been sayin’ that from the very beginnin’.”
I see. So she isn’t just a chuunibyo kid actin’ out; she’s the real deal.
I guess this is one of those developments where a new personality was implanted through hypnosis or somethin’.
”And? Why go through such a roundabout method just to set the stage like this? “
”Don’t go thinkin’ I’m just goin’ to kindly explain everythin’ to ye. Aren’t you gettin’ a little too ahead of yerself? Tatemiya-san? “
”Comin’ from someone who’s currently ridin’ a massive high herself, that doesn’t sound very convincin’ at all.”
”…Any further discussion is just a waste of time.”
Anri-san raised her right arm.
As if obeyin’ her movement, the swarm of white winged insects high up in the sky began to shift its shape.
”Don’t worry, it will all be over in an instant.”
The moment her arm swung down, a section of the insect cloud surged straight toward us like a barrage of fallin’ icicles.
”Asari!”
”Right! “
A crystal barrier manifested in a perfect dome, envelopin’ us completely.
The insect icicles couldn’t pierce the wall, shatterin’ and scatterin’ the moment they collided against it. Not a single one of the five icicles could leave even a solitary scratch on the barrier.
Given that she just saw Asari’s Crystal Wall block an attack from a werewolf back on the snowy mountain, I wonder what made her think an attack of that caliber could breach our Defensive Sorcery.
”Sister… why?”
I caught Risa’s quiet murmur. She was the only one who hadn’t been targeted by the attack.
”Risa, there is somethin’ I need you to help me with. Come over here.”
I could see the tells of Anri-san preparin’ to cast some kind of sorcery aimed at Risa. Just to be safe, I pulled Risa back so she was standin’ behind me.
”Could you please cut that out? Risa is already one of my Strong-Females (Shoji’s group members). Her priority lies in obeyin’ my commands rather than listenin’ to your requests, Anri-san. Puttin’ “Naruse” Anri aside, a person like “Yukizuki” Anri is nothin’ but a complete stranger to Risa anyway.”
I spoke in a firm, instructive tone, shieldin’ Risa from Anri-san’s gaze. Anri-san’s expression went entirely blank.
”It seems you are someone who absolutely must be eliminated.”
The five girls standin’ rigidly on standby around the perimeter—presumably members of Anri-san’s group—slowly began to move. It was a relaxed, slightly delayed movement, far too sluggish for the start of an actual battle.
The crucial information came directly from Risa.
”My sister’s Inherent sorcery is Oboroka sorcery.1 She uses the scent of incense to manipulate people’s consciousness. Those people are probably bein’ controlled right now. Her effective range is at least ten meters. Be careful, because she can also make the incense completely tasteless and odorless.”
This was information regardin’ her own flesh and blood’s sorcery. If they were a close pair of sisters, she naturally would have hesitated, weighed down by a sense of guilt. Normally, as the group leader, I would have had to force the answer out of her, but she had judged it necessary on her own and disclosed it without a moment’s hesitation. Risa truly had become a proper member of my group.
”That’s troublesome.”
”I heard her support Ability was a highly potent form of aromatherapy, used for things like raisin’ morale or soothin’ anxiety, but I never heard anythin’ about it bein’ a sorcery capable of puttin’ people into a hypnotic state.”
”Looks like that werewolf was bein’ controlled too.”
When we were attacked by the white werewolf in the mountains, it had regained enough of its sanity over time to converse with Shoji-kun. The fact that it became impossible to communicate with it again right after must have been because Anri-san secretly used her sorcery on it.
If that was the case, dealin’ with her should clear out these nuisances in the surroundin’ area.
”Chifumi.”
”Yes.”
”Cooperate with everyone and handle the surroundin’ Strong-Females (Shoji’s group members) for me. It would be best if you can snap them out of it, but worst-case scenario, just hold out until we can bring Anri-san back to her senses.”
”Understood.”
As Chifumi gave her short reply, Risa looked like she wanted to say somethin’.
”I want to—”
”Risa, you focus on solidifyin’ our defenses alongside Chifumi and the others. Please.”
”…Alright.”
Before she could say she wanted to fight Anri-san, I sealed off that path entirely. After a brief moment of hesitation, Risa took a step back.
I took a step forward, passin’ outside of Asari’s wall.
Like moths to a flame, a dense cluster of the tiny winged insects swarmed toward me in a unified mass, but before they could even touch me, they dropped to the ground one after another. Their impact on me was practically zero. A distinct, scorched odor began to drift through the surroundin’ air.
”An automatic counter-type Defensive Sorcery, is it?”
Just as Anri-san surmised, I had deployed a thin shroud of electrical Defensive Sorcery around my body. It was one of Rei’s Abilities. Usually kept in a passive state to detect enemy attacks, switchin’ it to an active state allowed for an automatic electrical counterattack.
The winged insects pilin’ up on the ground either had their wings scorched, or even if they lacked visible burns, their bodies were twitchin’ uselessly, unable to move properly.
”To merely incapacitate them instead of purgin’ them entirely, you certainly are a gentle soul.”
”As someone who commands an Aberration, I don’t particularly care for unnecessary killin’.”
My response to Anri-san’s sarcasm was partly the truth. I was takin’ Anri-san’s current condition into account.
If I were to believe her claim that she was a completely different personality from before, it would be heartbreakin’ for her when she returned to her original self only to find the insects she commanded and cherished had been utterly wiped out. In a worst-case scenario, there was even a chance that drivin’ Anri-san to utter despair was the true objective of this whole setup. Optin’ for incapacitation out of safety was one of my reasons.
The other reason was out of consideration for the specific nature of this location. It had been hinted that the winged insects inside the sealed dungeon played some sort of role regardin’ the seal itself. If my elimination of the insects ended up affectin’ the seal, it would be highly problematic if wipin’ them out triggered somethin’ catastrophic.
The final reason was a simple matter of output. Fundamentally, Rei’s active Defensive Sorcery couldn’t deal fatal damage to an opponent. In our current state, generatin’ static electricity to act as a nuisance was about the limit of its capability. Since the winged insects were small, it just happened to work perfectly to render them unconscious.
Usin’ a gust of wind, I blew away the insects that had accumulated like fallen snow on the ground. As the dust kicked up slightly, I observed Anri-san shieldin’ her eyes.
The vast majority of the winged insects were still perfectly intact. In fact, they were continuously gatherin’ overhead, steadily increasin’ their numbers. Tryin’ to neutralize all of them was goin’ to be a massive pain. It would be simple enough to just crush them all at once with a shockwave… but no, I need to banish that kind of thinkin’ for now. I have to come up with another method.
”…Neutralizin’ the main body is the fastest shortcut.”
I lunged forward.
Anri-san’s reaction was a split second too slow. Several small clusters from the massive swarm of insects overhead came rainin’ down like icicles. I had already seen that method of attack. At the speed of those insect icicles, they wouldn’t make it in time to stop my approach.
I executed a sudden, sharp brake right in front of Anri-san, who hadn’t managed to take a defensive stance. Strikin’ her face or stomach would be bad. Decidin’ on her shoulder as a safe target, I thrust out my right fist.
Whoosh!
”Huh?”
”Ha! “
The moment my fist sliced through empty air, a sharp prick of danger flared at the side of my head. I blocked with my left arm. It was a roundhouse kick from Anri-san.
With my movements halted, the winged insects swarmed over me. While droppin’ them with my active Defensive Sorcery, I took a step back. The momentum of the collidin’ insects showed no signs of slowin’ down. One after another, the white winged insects assaulted me. It felt exactly like bein’ caught in the middle of a blizzard—though I’ve never actually experienced a real blizzard before.
Just as my vision was obscured, another flash of danger pricked at my face.
”Whoops!”
Tiltin’ my head back, a pole slipped through the gaps between the winged insects and lunged forward. There was a blade attached to the tip. A spear. Anri-san hadn’t been holdin’ a weapon until just a moment ago. It was a surprise attack filled with clear killin’ intent, which unnerved me a bit.
I grabbed the shaft of the thrustin’ spear.
”Haaah!”
The spear twisted violently, wrenchin’ itself free from my grip. Decidin’ that this distance was disadvantageous, I used a backstep to open up some space. At the exact same time, a warnin’ prick flared at my stomach.
This time, I used my sorcery Defensive Sorcery to catch the thrustin’ spear. The retracted spear was instantly thrust outward once more. In the same manner, I blocked it.
This is gettin’ ridiculous. My vision was practically zero, with only the tip of the spear flyin’ out from the gaps between the winged insects. While I was managin’ to handle it thanks to Rei, things could get ugly if my concentration slipped.
It couldn’t be helped.
I unleashed a short-range shockwave directly ahead. A portion of the winged insects was instantly pulverized. My bad.
With my vision cleared, I dialed down the power and unleashed a holdin’-back shockwave directly toward Anri-san.
The shockwave should have locked onto Anri-san dead center. Yet, Anri-san showed absolutely no signs of havin’ taken any damage whatsoever. This means…
”An illusion…!”
Which meant the real one was somewhere else entirely.
”Yes. This is the end.”
Anri-san’s voice came from directly beside me. At the exact same moment, somethin’ sharp was pressed against the side of my head.
”…As expected, I think pointin’ a spear directly at someone’s head is a bit much.”
”Which is why you should stay perfectly still so my hand doesn’t slip, understood?”
The moment I tried to move my head away from the blade, it was pressed in even further, silently tellin’ me not to move. Well, what should I do now? I suppose negotiation comes first.
”An illusion technique born from an Inherent sorcery? Isn’t activatin’ it before the match even begins a violation of the rules? “
”As long as I win, it doesn’t matter.”
”How cruel…”
Holdin’ an absolute advantage, Anri-san didn’t let her composed expression waver for a second.
”And here I was holdin’ back for your sake…”
”I didn’t ask you to. If anythin’, this is entirely your mistake for underestimatin’ me.”
”Hearin’ you say it like that really stings…”
Hopin’ someone might bail me out, I cast my gaze over toward where the rest of the group was gathered.
Chifumi and the others were completely dominatin’ their fight against Anri-san’s group members. In stark contrast to Chifumi’s side where all five were workin’ in perfect coordination, the people bein’ manipulated by Anri-san’s sorcery were movin’ in a clumsy, floatin’ manner.
That was the fatal flaw of Anri-san’s Inherent sorcery. The people under her control couldn’t fully utilize their own combat experience. In terms of individual Ability, Chifumi and the others were superior, and the enemy’s teamwork was completely nonexistent. As a result, Chifumi’s side had effortlessly suppressed and neutralized every single one of them without a hitch.
”Splendid. I knew I could count on you guys.”
”Everyone certainly is capable. Compared to them… Tatemiya-san was so beautifully simple-minded, it was a massive help ♡”
”Haha…”
I let Anri-san’s sarcasm slide with a dry laugh.
Noticin’ our situation, Chifumi and the others were lookin’ over at me with completely exasperated expressions.
”Minoru~. What is even happening over there~?” Chifumi called out, laughing.
”Is he an idiot? “
Chifumi and Mitsuki looked at me, completely dumbfounded.
”So? What do you want us to do with these guys? “
”Minoru-sama, please give us your orders.”
”Minoru-san…”
Risa, Yurina, and even Asari didn’t look worried about me in the slightest. The moment I gave the word, they looked completely ready to pounce on Anri-san.
”I can’t tell if they highly trust you or if you have absolutely no authority whatsoever. Are all groups led by a Tsuyo-Osu (Strong-Male) like this? “
”Well, our group places a high emphasis on individual personality, so this is pretty much standard operation for us.”
Anri-san let out a heavy sigh and commanded me.
”Call Risa over here.”
”What are you plannin’ to make her do? “
”I have no intention of explainin’ myself to ye.”
”In that case, I’m not callin’ her.”
”Aren’t you a stubborn one…!”
With an irritated expression on her face, Anri-san called out to Risa herself.
”Risa, get over here!”
”…No.”
”Risa!!”
”I don’t care what you usually say, Sis. I’m not listening to you right now.”
”This girl, she’s… seriously!”
Anri-san let out a long, heavy sigh.
”Do you people even understand the situation? Whether Tatemiya-san lives or dies is entirely up to my discretion, you know?”
She pressed her blade against his temple.
”Please, cut it out. Those Escape balls2 are expensive.”
”Could you try worrying about your life for once? Even if the item keeps you from dying, it’s still going to hurt when your brains are splattered everywhere.”
”True enough. Man, that would suck.”
My taunting tone seemed to be pushing Anri-san to her breaking point.
”Risa, come here!”
”Risa, just ignore her.”
”Minoru said not to listen, so I’m not going.”
”~~~!”
We were at an absolute deadlock. So, I decided to make a proposal.
”Anri-san.”
”Will you just shut up for a second!”
”How about we make a bet? The loser has to do exactly one thing the winner tells them to do.”
”And what makes you think you’re in a position to negotiate?”
”I mean, I could just wait for the clock to run out, or wait for the Wolf to come back to its senses and show up here.”
”…………Fine. Let’s hear your proposal.”
Anri-san finally gave in.
”It’s a deal.”
”What kind of bet?”
”It’s simple. For three minutes starting from the signal, Anri-san attacks me with everything you’ve got. I will defend myself, but I won’t counterattack or dodge. If I’m incapacitated, you win. If I’m still standing after three minutes, I win. How about it?”
”…And how are you defining ‘incapacitated’?”
”I’d rather not lose consciousness or end my biological functions, so let’s say it counts if my Escape ball activates. If it does, I’ll bring Risa back when I return. If we place a Binding Vow3 on each other before we start, we can force the penalty to be carried out, right?”
”……”
Anri-san is obsessed with Risa; what she needs to avoid right now is me escaping the dungeon with the Escape ball while Risa tries to run off. Will she take the bait…?
”Fine. I accept your challenge.”
”Then it’s settled. …I swear it; please abide by the rules.”
”I swear it. See that you follow the rules as well… Can I be the one to signal the start?”
”Sure. Whenever you—” “Start!”
The vow was sealed. Anri-san declared the start before I could even finish my sentence and thrust her spear forward. A blow with real intent behind it, aimed right at my temple—a lethal strike—was deflected off the surface of my scalp.
”!?!?”
Anri-san scrambled to put some distance between us. I stayed true to the rules, freezing in place as the count began.
”Two minutes, fifty-four seconds remaining… fifty-three… fifty-two…”
”…!”
Anri-san lunged, thrusting her spear toward my abdomen with full force. No restraint; a blow meant to kill. The tip bounced off my skin just like before. I stood there, defenseless, absorbing a barrage of thrusts and swings from her spear handle. Zero damage.
”Two minutes left.”
At the sound of my voice, Anri-san switched up her attack.
”Devour him!”
A cloud of winged insects gathered in the air, descending upon me with ferocious intensity. I wasn’t running an active Defensive Sorcery like Rei’s earlier. Individually, the insects weren’t much, but being swarmed by that many constantly was a nuisance. That said, even they couldn’t bite through my skin.
Halfway through, they started targeting my weak points, like my eyes and ears. (Is this going to be an issue?) I wondered, but it was ultimately fine. Eventually, per Anri-san’s orders, the insects began to glow and unleash sorcery-based attacks. But even then, the damage was negligible. No problem.
I spent nearly a minute under their relentless assault, my clothes reduced to rags, but I remained standing.
”One minute left.”
”HAAAAAAH!!!”
Anri-san hoisted her spear high, pouring all her spirit into it. Each of the winged insects swarming the sky began to emit a faint light, brightening the air around us. The swarm began to shrink rapidly, as if their very existences were merging. Finally, they compressed into a pillar of insects one meter in diameter and five meters long, radiating a blinding light.
Anri-san wrapped the insect pillar around her spear and unleashed a swing with everything she had.
”Firefly-Moon-Realm: Present!”
A brutal impact. Simultaneously, the insects restrained my limbs, making it impossible to move. Anri-san pulled her spear back once, then thrust it forward, the tip wreathed in light.
A strike meant to kill, aimed straight at my heart.
”Sever!!”
Even so, the spear couldn’t pierce my skin. The light gathered at the tip expanded, increasing in intensity in an instant, and then burst.
”Flash!!!”
The intensity of the light reduced my visibility to zero. A light-attribute single-target Attack sorcery detonated at the tip of her blade.
It was likely a nasty technique designed to pierce the target and release its power inside, destroying them from within. Since the blade hadn’t even penetrated my skin, I doubt it triggered at full capacity. Even so, I absorbed the entire impact of the energy trying to shatter me in one concentrated point.
As the light faded, I could see Anri-san, panting heavily.
”Haa… haa… haa…”
”Five seconds… four… three… two… one… zero. Time’s up.”
I announced the end with a cool face, and I could hear Anri-san grinding her teeth.
”Impossible… to take the Firefly-Moon-Realm unscathed in this Otherworld?”
”I win, then.”
”Gu… that doesn’t count.”
”No, the oath we took before the start is valid. It’s time for the penalty.”
Given this situation, what should I order…? Alright, I made up my mind. BAM—the answer hit me.
”‘Moon-Snow’ Anri. Get out of ‘Naruse’ Anri-san’s body.”
”Im-impossible…”
Anri-san collapsed as if she had lost consciousness. Before she could slam into the ground, a swarm of insects, centered around a slightly larger one, caught her body.
The insects carried her away.
Meanwhile, all that remained was a human-shaped shadow, solidified from darkness.
”W-Wait…!”
”I’m not letting you go! Asari!”
A crystal barrier blocked the shadow as it tried to chase after Anri-san.
”!? Where did you appear from?”
Understandable that he’d be surprised. After all, besides the me with the shredded clothes, a completely unscathed me had suddenly appeared.
”Oh, that? The guy you were attacking earlier was just my construct. It turns out you weren’t the only one using illusions from the start.”
”Don’t mess with me! The bet is void!”
”I said I would be the one receiving the attacks. I had already swapped places by then. I didn’t lie. The bet stands.”
”You and your sophistry!!!”
”Other way around. You’re the fool for not noticing.”
”YOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!”
The shadow shrieked, blinded by rage at my provocation. Its emotions—anger, resentment, deceit—were potent, but I couldn’t sense a shred of thoughtfulness or kindness. I had a pretty good idea what this shadow was.
A fairly common Aberration. A Shadow. A manifestation formed from the collective malice of people or beasts that had gained its own consciousness. Like a ghost, it possessed its origin—the people or beasts—to take them over.
”Which Shadow are you? You look pretty pathetic, so you can’t be much, but I’ll hear you out.”
”Don’t look down on me! The pride of the Moon-Snow’s will!”
Seems pretty prideful. Given the “Moon-Snow” talk…
”You sound like the lingering spirit of a past sorcerer. Probably someone whose life was ruined by this seal, filled with grudges. A collection of negative emotions discarded and suppressed by successive generations of sorcerers as their own personal shame. Am I wrong?”
”WHAT DOES IT MATTER!!”
”Just a bit of mercy from a sorcerer of this generation. I’m going to exorcise you.”
”GAAAAAAH!!!!”
Perhaps out of final desperation, the shadow broke through Asari’s Crystal Wall and charged at me.
”Minoru-san!”
I signaled to Asari, who was frantically trying to deploy another Defensive Sorcery, that it was fine.
”Later.”
I blew the lump of malice away with Shock Magic. The shadow vanished under a strike intended to shatter it into dust and erase it completely.
Even so, it would probably regenerate and revive in a few decades, I figured. Just as I thought that, the insects gathered and began to emit light.
”What is this…?”
”They are… consoling the malice, and sending it off…”
Anri-san, having regained her composure, spoke in a strained voice.
”With this… that malice, too, can be at peace…”
Saying that, Anri-san lost consciousness again.
”Sis!”
Risa rushed to Anri-san’s side. She was breathing. Judging by her state earlier, it was safe to say she was back to her senses.
”Good grief, all’s well that ends well, I guess?”
’Yeah.’
”By the way, what’s the status on the seal and the power here?”
’My power’s presence is faint. Based on how things look, it’s either been purified and vanished, or it’s grown so weak that I can’t observe it through the seal. Well, it doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t being misused.’
”I see.”
Hinoki seemed content to watch from the sidelines. If that was the case, I had no intention of doing anything more.
All that was left was to take Anri-san’s group and get out of the dungeon.
Please, just let nothing else happen…
—
Summary:
Tatemiya engages in a tense standoff with Anri, who uses an insect-based sorcery and illusions to trap him. Meanwhile, Tatemiya’s group successfully neutralizes Anri’s mind-controlled subordinates, leading Anri to personally threaten Tatemiya with a spear. The situation remains precarious as Anri demands Risa approach her, leaving Tatemiya to navigate the potential trap.
Minoru engages Anri-san in a high-stakes duel, utilizing illusions to protect himself while luring her into a binding vow. After surviving her ultimate technique, he uses the terms of their agreement to exorcise a shadow entity possessing her. The shadow is obliterated, leaving the group to reconcile the aftermath as they prepare to exit the dungeon.
—
Trivia:
The insect swarm is part of the dungeon’s sealing mechanism, influencing why Tatemiya avoids killing them.
Tatemiya’s active lightning Defensive Sorcery was learned from Rei, acting as an automatic counter.
Anri’s Oboroka sorcery uses scent as the medium for mind control, with a range of at least ten meters.
The members under Anri’s control move with a “delayed” rhythm because her magic fails to replicate their true combat potential.
The Escape ball functions as a high-value consumable, effectively acting as an emergency extraction tool.
Minoru’s defensive capability relies on his skin’s inherent durability rather than active sorcery during the duel.
The shadow entity is a manifestation of collective malice, functioning similarly to a possessing ghost.
Hinoki acts as a detached observer, their own power levels fluctuating based on the status of the local seal.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Anri – The fourth Naruse sister and Risa’s sibling, this private-school leader’s body is controlled by the personality Yukizuki Anri. Her family guards a District 5 dungeon. Wielding a spear and staff, she commands Aberrations, white winged insects, and mind-manipulating incense. She guides Minoru’s group as a mentor but was briefly kidnapped by Ogura’s group during an investigation.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• Yukizuki – An ancient noble family bound to a sacred seal and the identity controlling Anri.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• Tatemiya – Minoru Tatemiya is the protagonist and head of a prestigious family who specializes in electrical defensive sorcery. Leading a group of powerful women and witches, including Kotoha, he guides their search for powers. The Tatemiya household serves as the central setting and social core where this group returns to live, bond, and interact.
• Asari – A serious, tall, long-haired, curvy (E-cup) Kasakura honor student and vanguard explorer with tactical memory. A member of Minoru’s group, she specializes in crystal barrier defensive sorcery to protect allies during dungeon incidents. Polite yet “Free,” she is close to Mari and Nagase, and is Minoru’s devoted, pampered partner who joins the group’s intermediate ski training.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Risa – A tall, well-endowed Naruse merchant student, skier, and Yukizuki sorcerer raised as Plain-folk. Bold and decisive, she is Aikawa’s sister and Anri’s protective yet opposing younger sibling who understands her sorcery. Sharing authority in Minoru’s group, this disciplined Onibara practitioner wields a grenade rifle, guides Yurina, cares for their mother, and distrusts Komoda and newcomers.
• Strong-Females – A social designation within the world’s hierarchy.
• Naruse – Naruse is the public surname and paternal lineage of sisters Anri and Risa, separate from their mother’s magical Shoji line. Led by their influential mother—a hotel and dungeon manager—this prestigious, understated old-money sorcerer family and merchant guild resides in a modest private estate featuring an integrated, mysterious dungeon and a dojo smaller than the Onigahara family’s.
• Shoji – An ancient clan member sealing the dungeon via Anri and Risa’s lineage, this dry, top-ranked student from the 5th District wears a white uniform. A tactical Strong-Male and silver werewolf beastman, he tracks scents, detects mana/mind control, and uses magic pistols. He leads werewolves and a snow exploration group, associates with Kotoha’s group, and met Minoru at an airport.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• Chifumi – A support sorcerer allied with Minoru who uses ice and binding magic to restrain enemies, intercept attacks, and assist dungeon exploration. This Majo possesses immense Mana and a hostility that abruptly emerges whenever Minoru is threatened.
• Rei – A subjugated electric ray Aberration residing in Minoru’s shadow and a dedicated member of the protagonist’s group. It functions as a radar detecting atmospheric shifts and sorcery to alert the party to enemy apparitions, while its Ability supports Tatemiya’s defensive sorcery. Though loyal to its allies, it reacts with visible hostility and fear toward new members.
• Minoru – Minoru Tatemiya (Majin) is a lean, black-haired student sorcerer, hidden Demon Lord, and calm, tactical protagonist with adult memories. Ruling the 5th District as a methodical Dungeon Master, he uses space magic, illusions, and defensive sorcery to control Aberrations. Protective of his companions, he hosts Hinoki and guides his Majo allies (Mai, Risa, Mitsuki) via resort instruction.
• Mitsuki – A tall, short-haired, dark-skinned Oni girl with a muscular build, this haughty transfer student and wealthy Sumo member is a powerful front-line vanguard in Minoru’s group. A Witch and assassin candidate, she wields Oni-fication, recovery magic, and a Kanabo. She is Minoru’s clingy childhood friend, rival, and protector who carries Anri, though she is absent from the current excursion.
• Yurina – A stoic, black-haired Plain-folk student, sorcerer, and loyal member of Tatemiya’s group who assists with household duties. Wearing an apron, cat ears, collar, and tail, she is Risa’s sister, Chifumi’s protector, Anri-san’s trainee, and devoted to Lord Minoru. A Kendo vanguard with a katana and nightstick, she uses Severing Sorcery for support, though absent from the current excursion.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• Hinoki – Sharing Minoru’s consciousness, this sharp-tongued, non-binary Oni-fied centipede Aberration is a 30cm, sharp-eyed, metallic-shelled prime-body advisor. Speaking telepathically from his shadow, they interpret insect swarms, monitor seals, and bridge him to a nostalgic mountain power. They can also transform into massive reptilian forms to draw aggro using dungeon sorcery, venom, and chains.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply