Ryuu didn't refuse.
It was only natural that Hana Yurikawa would join the Exorcist Club, and like Miko, she received a protective talisman from him.
After that, under Oka Touko's guidance, both Hana and Miko began their respective training.
While Touko wasn't the strongest sorcerer, she was still a competent teacher—having once trained another disciple in the past.
However, since Hana lacked any ability to sense cursed energy, her training focused purely on harnessing the immense positive energy within her body rather than using sorcery.
Thus, the club's daily routine split into two very different regimens:
One girl practiced exorcising spirits with curses, while the other simply meditated and ate snacks until she could sense her life energy properly.
At first, Miko felt guilty for dragging Hana into the supernatural world.
But after a few weeks?
She could feel nothing but jealousy.
Unlike her, Hana never had to deal with cursed spirits directly.
She didn't have to confront those terrifying beings, nor endure the oppressive negativity of Touko's lessons.
Instead, her "training" consisted of lounging around in the safest part of the school, relaxing, and eating to her heart's content.
Compared to Miko's daily suffering?
It was like heaven and earth.
And to make matters worse…
No matter how much Hana ate, she never gained weight.
All of it just… went to her chest.
Miko gritted her teeth, sighing deeply.
"It's so unfair, Hana…"
Hana, oblivious as ever, only laughed.
---
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, December had arrived.
Both Miko and Hana had made significant progress in their training.
Miko had reached the point where she could channel cursed energy into her attacks—allowing her to exorcise small, weak spirits.
However, her lack of physical combat skills and inability to release her energy at range still made it difficult for her to handle larger curses.
That said—she was thrilled by one major improvement:
She could now control her vision, filtering out weaker cursed spirits at will.
As for Hana?
She had successfully learned how to draw out her own life energy.
Now, whenever she got a small cut or scratch, she could heal instantly—as long as she had enough food in her stomach.
It was the first step toward becoming an invaluable healer.
---
It was a Saturday, and Ryuu had slept in later than usual.
When he finally woke up, he noticed something strange.
Utaha was still in bed.
"...It's already ten o'clock, Utaha."
She cracked one eye open at his voice—only to immediately shut it again, rolling over.
Seeing this, Ryuu shrugged and pulled out his phone, scrolling through messages as he waited.
Another half-hour passed before he heard the rustling of fabric beside him.
Utaha was finally getting up.
"You're really taking your time today," Ryuu teased.
She stretched lazily, fixing her stockings.
"I have an afternoon meeting," she replied casually.
"With your editor?"
Utaha nodded. "Yeah, at Kadokawa's office."
Ryuu raised an eyebrow. "Another contract negotiation?"
"It's about my second volume hitting physical release," she said, sounding pleased with herself.
Ryuu smirked.
"Right. Because your book has been trending again lately."
He already knew the real reason behind that.
It was because of him.
Though he didn't say it out loud, he had made sure that Utaha's work got more exposure than usual.
And, as expected, the editors had immediately taken notice of her rising popularity.
"A new contract and a bestseller on the way… Looks like you're gonna be filthy rich, huh?"
Utaha smirked proudly.
"Naturally."
As she finished getting dressed, she glanced back at him.
"Oh, by the way—I won't be coming over tonight."
"...Not tonight either?"
Ryuu frowned slightly.
Despite Hana officially joining the club, the "Family Group Chat" still only consisted of Utaha, Yumiko, and Miko.
Normally, weekend nights were his time with Utaha.
But for some reason, she had been acting mysterious about her plans.
Utaha smiled mischievously.
"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough."
And with that, she climbed back onto the bed, leaning in close.
Then—
She bit his neck.
Ryuu felt a sharp sting as her teeth left behind an unmistakable mark.
Only when she was satisfied with the result did she finally pull away.
"That's my compensation for tonight," she said with a smirk.
Ryuu stared at her, unimpressed.
"...You're really annoying when you act like the Riddler."
Utaha chuckled.
"This isn't a riddle, Ryuu. It's called mystique—an essential trait between lovers."
She then turned toward her bag, pulling out a camera.
"But before I go, I need you to take a photo of me."
"For what?" Ryuu asked suspiciously.
Utaha's golden eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Just take the picture," she said. "If you do, I'll give you a reward—just like last night."
Ryuu smirked.
"Fine."
As she left the room, his gaze landed on a pile of slightly torn clothing nearby.
The same outfit she had brought last night.
...Right.
Last night, when Utaha had asked him what kind of reward he wanted, he had half-jokingly said:
"Wear a bunny girl outfit."
And, of course, she actually did it.
Ryuu chuckled to himself.
He had to admit—he enjoyed that a lot more than he expected.
After cleaning up the mess, he pulled out his phone, checking his schedule for the day.
Miko and Hana were off training with Oka Touko, so they were covered.
That left two options:
1. Visit Yumiko.
2. Investigate the latest urban legend rumors.
But before he could decide—
His phone rang.
Looking at the screen, he raised an eyebrow.
The caller ID read:
"Star Religious Group."
Ryuu immediately narrowed his eyes.
It had been a long time since he last heard from Geto Suguru's faction.
Ever since he received his Mangekyou Sharingan from Geto, he had avoided getting too involved with them.
But now, they were suddenly calling him.
And that wasn't the only thing on his mind.
December was a dangerous month.
There were two key events coming up:
1. Yumiko's birthday on December 12th.
2. The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons—December 24th.
Ryuu's gaze darkened.
That second event wasn't just a rumor.
It was a major incident.
On Christmas Eve, Geto Suguru would unleash a massive attack on Tokyo, all in an attempt to capture Yuta Okkotsu.
"...Tch."
Ryuu put his phone down, thinking carefully.
December was shaping up to be very eventful.
====
Support and read advance chapters on Patreon.com/Zexxxxy