Renzaki's McLaren 720S glided smoothly through the streets of Tokyo, its engine purring like a predator stalking its prey. The city's neon glow reflected off its sleek, metallic body as Renzaki gripped the wheel, his crimson eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"Ugh, I'm all sweaty from that nightmarish night. What I wouldn't do for an American cheeseburger," he muttered. Pulling into the Kiryūjin estate, the gates opened with a soft hum, revealing the sprawling compound. As the car came to a stop, he stepped out, his trademark smile masking the weariness in his posture.
Inside, the elder awaited, seated on a raised dais. His face was hidden behind an ornate ceremonial mask, and the room was dimly lit, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air.
Renzaki knelt casually before him, recounting the events of the previous night—the surge of curses, the relentless battle, and the unease that lingered in his chest.
"The curses are acting bold these days. It's almost flattering how much they want my attention."
The elder's voice, calm and deliberate, cut through Renzaki's bravado. "And yet, you barely escaped with your life last night."
Renzaki smirked, leaning back slightly. "Barely? Please. I had it handled. Besides, if I didn't look a little rough afterward, how would anyone believe the story?"
"This is not a game, Renzaki," the elder said sharply. "The balance is shifting. Do you not feel it? The air thick with malice? The growing whispers in the void?"
For a moment, Renzaki's playful mask slipped, his crimson eyes glinting with rare seriousness. "I feel it. I've felt it for weeks now. But you're holding back, aren't you? There's something you're not telling me."
The elder leaned forward, his masked visage imposing even in the dim light. "You are not ready to know everything. But soon, the council will convene, and the truth will be revealed. Until then, you must remain vigilant."
Renzaki's smirk returned, though colder this time. "Vigilant? I'm always vigilant, old man. It's my job, remember?" He rose smoothly, brushing off his knees. "But if you're going to keep secrets, don't expect me to sit around like a good little heir. I'll find my own answers."
The elder's silence was heavy with unspoken warnings. As Renzaki turned to leave, he spoke once more, his tone softer yet foreboding.
"Do not let your arrogance blind you, Renzaki. What is coming will test even you. Prepare yourself."
Renzaki paused at the doorway, glancing back with a cocky grin. "I've never been one to fail a test. Thanks for the pep talk."
---
The morning sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Renzaki's bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow across the sleek, modern interior. He stretched lazily as he rose from bed, his toned muscles flexing with the movement, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
Padding into the bathroom, he stepped under the warm spray of the shower. The water cascaded down his chiseled frame, washing away the tension of the previous night. Each droplet felt like a soothing balm, as he let himself savor the quiet moment.
After finishing, Renzaki wrapped a towel securely around his waist, water glistening on his skin as he made his way downstairs. The enticing aroma of breakfast greeted him, wafting through the grand halls of the estate. His smirk widened as he reached the dining room, where a perfectly laid-out full English spread awaited him.
"Now this is how you start a morning," he murmured, settling into his seat with a sense of satisfaction.
The head butler, a man in his 40s with a composed yet attentive demeanor, stepped forward to pull out a chair for him. "Had a tough night, Master Kiryūjin?" he asked, his tone polite but laced with curiosity.
"You could say that," Renzaki replied, picking up his fork. Before him was a feast of eggs, sausages, bacon, toast, and perfectly grilled tomatoes. He smirked again, the twinkle of amusement in his crimson eyes unmistakable. "Nothing a good meal can't fix."
After finishing his breakfast, he made his way to the garage, stepping into the cavernous space lit by soft overhead lights. Rows of vehicles gleamed like polished jewels, each one a testament to his love for speed and style. He stopped at his choice for the day—the Suzuki Hayabusa.
The bike roared to life, the sound echoing through the estate as Renzaki adjusted his leather gloves and helmet. "Let's make this morning interesting," he muttered, revving the engine.
As he hit the road, weaving through Tokyo's morning traffic, his phone buzzed repeatedly in his pocket. Ignoring it at first, he finally pulled over near a vending machine. Fishing out his phone, he read the flood of messages from Hoshiko:
"Where are you?"
"You're going to be late!"
"I swear if you make us look bad again..."
Renzaki chuckled, texting back: "Relax, I'm on my way." He grabbed a can of coffee from the vending machine, popping it open and downing it in one go before hopping back on the bike.
Time was ticking. The streets blurred around him as he pushed the Hayabusa to its limits, cutting through traffic like a blade.
---
The classroom was already buzzing with chatter when the teacher began roll call. Hoshiko sat stiffly in her seat, arms crossed, glaring at the empty chair near the back. Ryota leaned over.
"He's cutting it close again, isn't he?"
Hoshiko didn't respond, her eyes locked on the door.
"Renzaki Kiryūjin," the teacher called, a hint of irritation in his voice.
The door slid open with a sharp thud.
Renzaki strode in, his tie slightly loosened, hair tousled just enough to look effortlessly cool. He flashed his trademark smirk, the faintest trace of windblown adrenaline still on his face.
The reaction was immediate.
"Renzaki-sama!"
"He's here!"
"You're so cool!"
The classroom erupted into chaos as the fangirls abandoned all sense of decorum. Their squeals and whispers filled the air as the teacher's voice struggled to regain control.
"Ladies, please," Renzaki said, his voice smooth and charming as he raised a hand. "I'm flattered, but we've got a class to get through."
The teacher's patience snapped. "Renzaki, take your seat!"
Renzaki strode to the back, passing Hoshiko and Ryota, who watched with mixed reactions.
"You just had to make an entrance," Hoshiko muttered under her breath.
"Of course," Renzaki replied, slipping into his seat with a grin. "Gotta keep things interesting."
Ryota stifled a laugh. "You're unbelievable."
The teacher resumed roll call, the faint hum of fangirls' whispers lingering in the background.
"Hopeless," Hoshiko muttered, shaking her head.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Renzaki quipped.
At lunch, the trio gathered in the cafeteria. Over trays of food, they bantered as usual.
"Ryota, you've gotta stop giving me hugs out of nowhere," Renzaki said while eating some rice.
"Why?" Ryota mumbled through a mouthful of food.
"My fan club has started to think we're secretly dating because of it," Renzaki deadpanned, shielding his face behind Hoshiko for dramatic effect.
"WHAT?!" Ryota's outburst was followed by a choking fit as he spat food across the table.
Hoshiko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You two are impossible."
The camaraderie was interrupted as the final bell rang. Signaling for them to get to classes.
But Unbeknownst to them, a shadow watched from a distance, its gaze fixed on them with malevolent intent. A faint, chilling laugh echoed in the wind, lost in the fading light of the day.
As the sunsets The roar of Renzaki's bike echoed through the bustling city streets, the world blurring past Renzaki as he headed back home. The hum of the engine was usually a comfort, but tonight it felt different. His sharp instincts prickled—a dark presence was tailing him.
Slowing his bike, Renzaki let his eyes scan the rearview mirror. There was no visible sign of anyone, yet the oppressive aura clung to him like a shadow. He made a sharp turn into a less crowded street, his movements fluid and deliberate. Diving intell he found a alley were people wouldn't see him
The alley was desolate, the faint flicker of a streetlight casting eerie shadows." You are one crazy fangirl to follow me all the way here " Renzaki said dismounting and pocketing his keys, while casually running a hand through his hair, The air around him grew colder, heavier as if the darkness itself were alive.
"I know you're there," Renzaki called, his voice calm but laced with authority.
The oppressive energy seemed to pulse before suddenly vanishing. His brows furrowed—this was no ordinary curse. Something about its energy felt fragmented, restless. Without hesitation, Renzaki reached into his coat and retrieved a talisman, one adorned with intricate runes glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"Gate of Miasma," he whispered. The talisman disintegrated into a soft, golden light, forming a swirling portal. The stench of decay and ash wafted out as the polluted landscape of the Polluted Land came into view.
Stepping through, Renzaki was greeted by a grim world shrouded in an ashen haze. The ground was cracked and lifeless, rivers of molten black sludge weaving through the desolation. Then he saw it—the curse.
It was an amalgamation of charred and twisted forms, its body writhing as if made of dozens of tormented souls. Flames flickered from its hollow eyes, its mouth letting out guttural screams that echoed with despair.
"You must be the remnants of the souls lost in that fire," Renzaki muttered, his expression hardening. "I'll grant you release."
With a flick of his wrist, another talisman appeared between his fingers, igniting with icy blue flames. "White Fang, arise!"
A cold wind swept through the Polluted Land as a massive, ethereal wolf emerged from the shimmering frost. White Fang, the Ice Seraph, stood tall, its pristine fur radiating a brilliant glow against the darkness. Its breath froze the air, and frost formed on the ground beneath its paws.
The curse screeched and lunged at Renzaki, but White Fang intercepted, its jaws snapping with the force of a glacier breaking apart. The impact sent a shockwave through the polluted terrain, shards of ice exploding outward as the curse recoiled.
"Bind it, White Fang," Renzaki commanded, his tone sharp.
The wolf howled, its cry resonating with divine power as icy chains materialized around the curse, anchoring it to the ground. The once-chaotic flames of its body dimmed, struggling against the overwhelming frost.
Renzaki stepped forward, placing another talisman onto the curse's core. "Rest now." He whispered a prayer, and with a final burst of icy light, the curse shattered, its fragmented souls ascending into the sky.
White Fang approached Renzaki, its massive frame lowering as it nuzzled his shoulder before fading into a cold mist.
Renzaki sighed, brushing Frostoff his coat. The darkness was growing stronger, and this was just the beginning.
"Whatever you are," he murmured, glancing at the ashen horizon, "I'll be ready."
He turned back toward the portal, stepping through and sealing it behind him.
The streets of the city welcomed him back, quiet and unassuming. But Renzaki knew better—the battle was far from over