Life is mundane.
I often daydream about possessing charisma. In recent days, my gaze has remained fixed upon my carefully amassed manga collection—a result of enduring months of meager paychecks and a malfunctioning air conditioner.
A hollow feeling pervades me, and I spend my nights immersed in melancholy solitude. Fingers idly trace the protective cover that provided me solace during the winter nights. It's been so long since I've seen myself without the burden of those deep, dark, puffy circles beneath my golden eyes.
"Is this the vitality of youth?" I muse to myself, realizing that complaining won't alter a thing.
Change is what I crave! A genuine desire courses through me. Yet, I'm left pondering: What can I truly accomplish? My days are predominantly confined within the walls of my cave-like apartment, engrossed in manga and the latest seasonal anime releases!
Such is my life—a life that is ostensibly pulsating with excitement! Or so I wish I could declare.
Suddenly, an unexpected knock reverberates against my door. Slowly, I rise from the tatami floor, my curiosity piqued as I approach to identify the visitor.
No one? Odd.
Left outside my door is a box, its presence shrouded in an eerie silence. The only sounds are the birds' harmonious chirping and the landlady berating her husband with a fervor that seems to border on madness.
My heart goes out to that poor fellow.
The box, however, is heavier than anticipated.
Hold on a moment! I haven't made any online purchases lately. So, why would there be an unassuming Ubey box resting here?
Could it be a trap? But I can't fathom having any adversaries who would orchestrate such a scheme against me!
My intuition prickles, sensing something awry, yet I proceed to open the box regardless. After all, I stand to lose nothing at this point—indulge me in a touch of drama.
Much to my astonishment, I discover a well-composed note, and the opening sentence seizes my attention.
"To my dear son," it begins.
Dear son?!
The past two years of my life have been monitored by this individual, and their perception of me is less than flattering. Apparently, my financial resources have been squandered on comics and equipment. Learning of my intent to abandon my education appears to have ignited an incandescent fury, one capable of leveling an entire school. In response, they've enrolled me in Boreal Hill High School—to reform me and mold me into a better individual. And, intriguingly, they seem to possess grandiose plans of harnessing my latent potential to ascend as the next Demon Lord~☆
The author signs off as "[Redacted]."
Why the redaction?!
Hold on a moment! I haven't laid eyes on my mother since the day of my birth, and now she audaciously enrolls me in her own school?!
But a Demon Lord? Me, a mere human? My father's inebriated ramblings never once alluded to such matters.
A quick glance inside the box reveals a school uniform and an ID sporting a familiar face—mine, to be precise—bearing the name Oshima Yami.
Why am I caught mid-nostril-pick in this ID photo?
My world spins in a frenzy. My estranged mother has suddenly sprung forth, pronouncing me unworthy and unvirtuous, and enrolling me in her school. The sheer audacity!
Though... a Demon Lord? I mean, come on. My father never hinted at anything of the sort, except during those drunken tales he'd spin.
Nonetheless, I can't help but picture my old man offering a thumbs-up from beyond the grave.
So, what's the deal with the initiation ceremony?
Grasping a pamphlet detailing the school's amenities and curriculum—a curriculum that includes "training regimes," mind you—I gradually realize that I'm getting more than I bargained for. A swimming pool, a dojo tailored for duels and tournaments, even a colosseum!
My eyes pause upon a specific section—the principal. And then it hits me like a bolt of lightning, sending my heart racing and air rushing from my lungs. I re-read the passage repeatedly, rubbing my eyes in disbelief. No tricks, no hallucinations. The sweat on my cheek mingles with the ink on the paper.
Boreal Hill High is exclusively for females...
Further scanning reveals the ceremony is set for today, 7:30 AM.
I glance at the clock: 7:18. Panic ensnares me as I grapple with a cascade of revelations. My body takes over, dressing itself in a blur, tending to hygiene and grooming.
My mind whirls with questions and doubts, yet a part of me—perhaps the part fed up with being a NEET—surrenders to the impulse. Is this isolated existence worth clinging to?
Yes, it's safe...
Still, my thirst for action, for excitement, prevails. A little risk surely won't harm me. After all, how bad could an all-women's school be?
But as I ascend the hill towards Boreal Hill High, my mind ventures into dark terrain. The image of being surrounded by numerous women unfurls in my imagination—a fantasy destined to remain just that.
In this world of demi-humans, women stand as our guardians, our protectors. They combat monsters and threats, showcasing a proficiency in magic that men can scarcely match. Magic that everyone possesses, though only the elite—including women—can wield without reservation.
My magical abilities remain an enigma to me. Given my heritage as the offspring of a demon, I can't help but wonder if I possess extraordinary powers, perhaps even something overpowered.
Approaching the colossal gate, my progress is halted by a girl who brandishes a lance, her intention unmistakably clear—entry shall not be granted without a proper explanation.
"Declare your purpose, or face the consequences! Leave at once," she proclaims, her voice resonating with commanding authority. A bead of sweat clings to my forehead.
I fumble for words as I retrieve my ID from my pocket, only to be met with the girl's stern glare, a message of unwelcome spelled across her eyes.
"I'm here for the ceremony. Apparently, I've been enrolled here," I respond, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Absurd! The Queen would never permit the enrollment of a man." A pause punctuates her words, followed by a sly smirk. "Especially not a feeble one."
I sigh, smiling wryly in response. "Perhaps you should address my mother regarding her oversight."
"Mother? The Queen?" Her tone wavers, a subtle crack appearing in her facade.
With a hint of devilry, I point menacingly at her. "Indeed! If my presence vexes you, then be prepared to contend with my mother."
Attempting to pass her proves futile as she hesitates, inscribing a rune in the air while uttering, "My lady…" Her gaze lands upon my ID. "Oshima Yami at the entrance." Another voice chimes in, delicate and elegant. "Allow him entry?! But, my lady…"
'Guess I'm not exactly welcome here. Well, at least I'll have plenty of female company around campus.'
At this rate, it wouldn't be surprising if I were emasculated the moment I stepped into class.
Observing the girl's expression, it's clear she's endured a significant blow to her pride. Well, women are known for their pride, and it seems invading her territory took its toll on her mental fortitude.
Internally, I chuckle with a villainous air. The revolution commences—albeit in a rather anticlimactic fashion.
Death isn't on my immediate agenda.
As I enter, my eyes are greeted by an array of colorful flowers that dominate the landscape—a vast garden stretching beyond. Massive structures come into view next, spread across five distinct locations, but my attention is irrevocably drawn to the Colosseum.
'So, this is one of those illustrious Battle Maiden academies, huh? Never really looked into them, but judging by appearances... and that gatekeeper. This is definitely a Battle Maiden school!'
These Battle Maidens are our world's shield-bearers, tasked with eliminating threats from beyond. Not too long ago, Earth suffered a calamity, resulting in widespread destruction. Demi-humans and humans, despite their differences, united in the aftermath of the catastrophic event.
The Taiken—monochromatic, malevolent creatures of immense power, their luminous bodies reminiscent of the moon at dawn, and their claws rival the sharpest of katanas. They manifest without warning, at random times and places. This is precisely why Battle Maidens exist.
Advancing towards the main building, a glowing circle beneath me blinds my vision. A sensation of weightlessness seizes me, only to deposit me unceremoniously onto the ground.
"Welcome, my son. It's been far too long."
The same voice that had addressed the orange-haired girl now addresses me. I rub my eyes, rising from the ground, to lay eyes upon my previously unknown mother.
With dark violet hair cascading to her shoulders, an oval face, and a sharply defined nose, her lips adorned in red, and her skin with a dusky hue, she possesses a tantalizing mark on her lip. Expensive glasses adorn her face, coupled with office-appropriate attire—form-fitting formal wear, black stockings, a miniskirt, high heels, and an ample bosom radiating with undeniable allure.
Though she might be in her thirties, my mother is undoubtedly a striking woman.
Ahem.
I clear my mind of unseemly thoughts before questioning, "Are you truly my mother?"
Removing her glasses and placing them on her desk, she affirms, "Indeed. Your father was a remarkable man—brave and resolute, qualities I find you sorely lacking. He was the only man I ever acknowledged and trusted. My wish is for you to surpass him, to become a leader."
"A leader? But is that even possible...for me? A man?"
"Yami, the realm of possibilities is boundless. Within you rests dormant power, potential even for a hero."
I meet her gaze, her golden eyes radiating sincerity. Clenching my fists, I stare her down.
"Where were you all these years? You possess power, do you not? Could you not have saved my father from those creatures? Is my potential all you care about? In one day, I've lost so much—home, father, sustenance, joy. I had to rely on a neighbor's kindness for survival, for a brief period. You simply weren't there."
A hushed silence follows, her eyes glistening. She gazes at me, her voice softening. "I'm sorry. I know you never experienced a mother's presence, and believe me, Yasuke's death weighed heavily on me. I dedicated myself tirelessly to protecting our country. I apologize for my absence. Allow me to make amends."
"How, exactly? What can you do at this juncture? Display affection? Offer care?"
She pauses, then rises, closing the distance between us. My muscles tense involuntarily. Her scent, reminiscent of strawberries, teases my nostrils.
"Mother, what are you—"
A blaze of light engulfs us once again.
Pressing herself against me, I feel the gentle pressure of her curves against my chest. Soft yet firm, they exude warmth—a maternal embrace of sorts.
"You are destined for greatness, my son. A man who will redefine society. I vow this to you, and I entrust you with the academy."
Her voice swells, resonating around me, and I realize I've teleported once more. But this time...
I extricate myself from her embrace and pivot. A sea of girls gazes at us, the scene akin to a concert—except the atmosphere is rife with gasps and stunned expressions.
The ceremony!
Unbelievable! She's really done this.
"Good morning, everyone. This new semester heralds significant changes. First and foremost: I've welcomed my son into our ranks. What does that signify? Our institution shall henceforth be co-ed. I've conducted a thorough survey of this region, detecting numerous formidable auras—my son among them. Magic is gaining a foothold among men. As the school's principal and the World Organization's Lead Commander, my duty is clear: to train all who possess the resolve to fight, regardless of gender. Please, extend your care to my son."
My cheeks twitch at her final comment. "Extend your care to my son." I echo the words, my expression blank.
"Sweetie, don't go overboard with your powers here...you know what I mean, right?" With a smirk, my mother turned towards me.
Oh, come on, Mom! If I don't, I'm as good as dead! I have to use them when needed.
"Yeah... I get it." I scratched my cheek, feigning nonchalance.
"Also, I'm assigning you to Division E of the Battle Maidens. Take this." My mother handed over an otherworldly artifact that bore a striking resemblance to a phone. "I'll send you their information. Good luck, sweetie." She leaned in close, flicking my nose. "And please, don't get yourself into any unnecessary trouble." As the situation heated up among the girls, my mother had the audacity to embrace me and plant a kiss on my left cheek.
The cold glares from most of the girls, infused with a touch of homicidal intent, had me reconsidering my life choices. It was intentional, wasn't it?
Honestly, Mother, I'm convinced—no, I'm utterly sure—that a horde of them will be after me for the rest of my days.
My heart skipped a beat, and out of nowhere, a girl in a dark school uniform materialized behind me. "Hello, Master."
I jumped back, my gaze fixated on her. With short snow-white hair, long bangs, and silver eyes, her expression seemed devoid of life, her body above average with a strikingly cute face. But her voice...it stung my very soul. Monotone, devoid of feeling, almost like a computer.
Wait...did she just call me "Master"?
Mother! Did you bribe this poor girl?
"Does that sit well with you? Being referred to as 'Master'?" It made me uncomfortable, but if she's okay with it... Wait, no! This won't do at all—I'll be in trouble for sure if anyone else hears her calling me "Master."
"No, it's not exactly fine," she responded, her voice void of emotion.
"Yeah, no... Definitely not."
"How about 'Onii-chan'?"
My heart skipped a beat, my face flushed with warmth. I turned my gaze away and scratched my cheek. Even though her expression held no emotion, her words struck a chord deep within me, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.
'YES! "Onii-chan" sounds pretty nice!'
Cough*
"It's possible they won't dwell on it too much."
"Onii-chan? How bold of you, KuKuKu~~" Mother covered her mouth while laughing at my hasty decision. "Her name is Tawaga Hotaru. She'll keep an eye on you and ensure you don't cause any...incidents."
"Who do you think I am?" I retorted with a twinge of unease. 'Can she read minds or something?'
"Anyway, I'll be taking my leave. And Yami..." My mother fixed me with a bright, sun-like smile, her fangs gleaming. "Become a man and show the world that men can fight."
Blushing, I nodded fervently, blurting out a quick affirmation. "Yes, Mother!"
Hotaru gave me a thorough once-over, her gaze tracing the contours of my body. Her small mouth opened, words laced with scrutiny. "Your magical levels are through the roof, but..."
"But?" Her sudden pause induced a minor panic attack.
"You're not keeping it suppressed. No wonder she sensed you all the way from her office."
Damn...am I that obvious?
"Well, I've never actually used magic before. In fact, I don't even know what type of magic I possess."
She glanced at me, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "You seem oddly proud of that."
Waving my hand dismissively, I refuted, "No, no, you've got it all wrong. It's quite the opposite." Pausing to glance behind me, I spotted numerous girls still glaring my way. Turning back to Hotaru-san, I implored, "Could you show me around the campus?" Anything to escape this hostile atmosphere.
"Yes, that's my task."
Task?
Hotaru turned and headed out of the auditorium, me trailing behind her.
...
"Suddenly, I have a question," I interjected, fidgeting with my legs.
Hotaru cast me a sidelong glance, patiently awaiting my query.
"Um... Is there a restroom I can use? You know, given this is a female-only school?"
Her face remained impassive, but her lips moved. "Yes."
"Really? Thank the heavens." I began to inquire about the restroom's whereabouts, but she produced a bucket from her phone—the same one my mother had given me.
I looked at her in disbelief, half expecting her to burst into laughter at the prank she was pulling.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" She handed me the bucket.
Flustered by her straightforwardness, I turned away slowly. "I'll find somewhere more private..."
She nodded. And with that, I escaped into the forest within this colossal academy.
I ventured deep into the woods, seeking the cover of a tree for some much-needed privacy. But out of nowhere, a voice—soft, delicate, and humming a familiar tune—reached my ears.
Curiosity piqued, I tread further into the woods until the sound of splashing water echoed. In my line of sight, a small waterfall emerged, surrounded by charming flowers, lush grass, and countless trees.
"Kyaaaaa!"
Oh uh...
Approaching the water, however, my eyes were blinded by sheer cuteness—a petite figure bathed in divine light, a spectacle that obscured her "goods"... Divine intervention was clearly mocking me.
In an instant, she waved her hand, conjuring a multi-shaped rune on her palm, which she then aimed at me. "Hell's Door!" With a triangular blast hurtling my way, I reacted instinctively, dropping to the grass just in time to avoid it.
"Are you trying to kill me?!" I snapped, springing to my feet.
"Die already!"
A barrage of fire magic ensued, transforming me into a perfectly cooked pork chop.
"I apologize!" I crouched on the grass, humbled by the spectacle.
Unexpectedly, she flopped into the water, her body resembling a lifeless doll.
"Hey!" My complexion turned ashen as I rushed to check on her...
...
After several minutes, she stirred awake. While she slept, I leaned against a tree, my gaze fixated on her. I had taken the opportunity to play around with my phone, inspecting the Division to which Mother had assigned me. Ironically, this girl was on my team.
I chuckled nervously, my eyes locked onto her.
She shot up with a cat-like expression as if danger had suddenly descended upon her. Hastily, she scrambled to her feet and put some distance between us.
"Why am I dressed?" Her comment triggered a sudden realization. Bashfulness flooded her, and she huddled, her face concealed by her hands.
Her scarlet hair danced in the air as her anger took on a fiery form—flames ignited upon her hair!
"I apologize... It was either witnessing your fury while you're undressed or just witnessing your fury..." Although, I wouldn't mind the former.
"Die, you pervert!" She waved her hand again, but her movement came to an abrupt halt. I recognized what had happened and caught her small frame before she landed on the grass.
"Calm down, Shizue..."
"How do you know my name?"
"Your ID fell when I was putting your clothes..."
"You..." Shizue began a tantrum barrage like a moody child. "Pervert, ecchi, pig, livestock, trash, now I'll never find a husband!"
Her punches felt childish and weak, akin to light taps. "Hmph... I didn't need your help at all... idiot." She crossed her arms, averting her gaze.
"If it weren't for me, you'd be fish food by now." A bead of sweat rolled down my face.
She pouted and glanced at me. "What are you even doing here? A man?"
Nervously, I smiled and scratched the back of my head. "My mother happens to be the principal... so she enrolled me here, for reasons I don't know."
Silence hung for a few seconds, then...
"It was about time. She finally did it."
"Huh? You're not opposed to it? Why?"
Her face flushed instantly, her cheeks puffing up in anger as she glared at me. "No reason, you idiot! And don't ask again!" She cleared her throat and walked off, only to stop and add, "You better get to class or you'll be late."
She was right; I had only three minutes before the bell. Hastily, I made my way to class 1-D and slipped inside. The moment I entered, I felt gazes like daggers piercing my gut—an unbearable mix of stares and auras.
Nervously, I passed by numerous girls and settled at the back of the room—out of stereotypical habits to avoid attention or negativity. I disliked trouble, but there's a limit even I won't tolerate.
I sat quietly, my gaze fixed on the board. It seemed like I'd made it in time; the teacher was about to be late when...
BOOM*
*Alert! *Alert! *The school is under attack! *Repeat! *The school is under...
The alarm suddenly ceased, jolting everyone in the classroom.
The ground quaked, causing my feet to tremble. A familiar scent assaulted my senses—burnt plaster and iron. Clenching my fist, I tried to calm my nerves but failed.
Slam*
The door shuddered as a woman in her twenties poked her head inside.
"Everyone, head to the academy's evacuation center. The principal's office has been infested with Taiken."
My eyes widened, and I instinctively raced toward the principal's office, even though I had no idea where it was. The teacher tried to halt me, but then looked at me, puzzled.
"That must be the male student..."
...
The sound of clashing metal echoed around me. Turning a corner, I was met with a vast hall, teeming with those lifeless creatures—big and small alike.
Sensing my presence, they started converging on me. Some teleported short distances to close the gap.
I was baffled—how could they do that? One lunged at me, and I reflexively crossed my arms to shield my face and chest. But then...
A chilling groan reached my ears...
My mother skewered the monster with a katana and proceeded to decapitate it, dark goo splattering across my face.
"Sweetie? Why are you here?"
"I-I wanted to make sure you're okay..." My words stumbled; it was gruesome.
She chuckled softly and patted my head.
"I'm not a child!" I protested. She patted me after dispatching a monster!
"Alright then, Mr. Tough Guy. Here." She unsheathed another katana from her waist and handed it to me. "Show me you can handle yourself."
The sword was heavier than I'd expected—my first time holding one. Yet, a strange animosity emanated from the katana, as if it had a life force coursing through it.
"What's this?" I paused, sensing a burning in my hand. "It's resonating with me..."
The burning spread to my arm, then my chest, and my eyes glowed.
The hall burst into a blinding white flash, erasing everything.
Mother glanced at me, baffled and wordless. Her voice faintly reached me: "Interesting..."
An opposing aura emanated from my newly invigorated body, rendering me lighter and more agile. My vision sharpened, allowing me to observe the enemy in greater detail, even those at a distance...
"Is this magic?... My magic." I couldn't help but smirk, overconfidence surging through me. Planting my feet firmly, I lunged at an opponent. The katana felt almost weightless in my hand, like a simple stick, yet with a single slash, the Taiken dispersed like light.
Mother, too, attacked fiercely, opening portals all over the hall. I was about to strike down a Taiken when a portal materialized beneath it, and Mother eliminated it instantly.
That startled me; how precise was her magic? I tightened my grip on the katana in astonishment.
Numerous tiny portals appeared before Mother, and with every thrust, they pierced through her targets. Each Taiken perished, wailing in agony with every attack. Their bodies dissipated like particles of light.
Mother sheathed her majestic katana and tossed a sheath toward me.
'Huh?' Confusion crossed my face, and I glanced at Mother.
"It's yours now. Keep it and care for it like it's your own child." Her smile shone brightly, but there seemed to be another layer of meaning beneath her words...
"Like a child...?" The feeling I sensed... could it be? No, it couldn't possibly be, right?
I secured the katana in its sheath, using the cloth that came with it to fasten it to my waist. "I'll cherish it. Thank you, Mother..." My expression turned complex, a multitude of questions swirling in my mind.
"Sure you will..." Mother paused, noticing my puzzled expression. "What's with the serious look?"
"I... still don't know your name."
A puzzled expression flickered across her features. "So, that's been bothering you?" The sunlight bathed her in radiance, as bright as her smile. Her lips curved open, revealing: "My name is Oshima Aimi."
...
After all that had transpired, the school entered a period of maintenance. Classes were suspended for a week... Great, this was supposed to be my first day.
Supposedly, I possess Light Magic—an exceedingly rare element, alongside Dark and Lightning. Mother was visibly dumbfounded; a simple pat on the back wouldn't convey just how speechless she was.
In any case, what a chaotic mess.
...
"Was it wise to entrust him with Oracle? That sword is one of the 50 Divine Swords."
"My, my, have you not considered our present circumstances? The Taiken Emperor has awakened from his slumber; our world may face destruction unless we step up. My son is exceptionally unique; he bears the Scent of Malice within him."
"What!? Yami carries the Scent of Malice!? How is that even possible? He's... a-"
"No, as he is right now, he's susceptible to The Scent. But with proper training, mastering it shouldn't pose a problem. And Oracle might be the key."
Mother's expression grew complex as she gazed out the window behind her, murmuring softly, "Darling..."