The past timeline - Three years before Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. ❤️ - represented by this symbol

The present timeline - Ryoto and team rescues Aem and friends. 🟥 - represented by this symbol

The future timeline - one year after Ryoto and team had rescued Aem and friends. ♦️ - represented by this symbol

***

[Present time
(the time when Aem and friends joined Fujima for training)
Location: Fujima's house
Self build classroom
Time: 5:00 am
Date: calender followed not known]-🟥

Fujima stood behind the podium in his room, his presence commanding the attention of the students seated in front of him. The room was a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern functionality, with tatami mats on the floor and a smart board behind Fujima. He adjusted his glasses and addressed the students, his voice calm yet authoritative.

"Alright, students. You do know how many elemental magics exist, right?" Fujima’s gaze swept across the room, noting the attentive faces before him.

"Yes, Sensei!" they responded in unison, their voices echoing slightly in the spacious room.

"Okay then. Ajonae," Fujima said, directing his attention to Ajonae, seated in the front row. "Answer the question."

Ajonae stood up swiftly, his posture erect and his expression serious. "Yes, Sensei. There are five elemental magics and two latent magics."

"Absolutely. Recite them," Fujima instructed, nodding encouragingly.

"Water, Wind, Fire, Earth, Sky. And the latent magics are Light and Dark," Ajonae recited, his voice mechanical as if he had memorized these facts perfectly.

"Correct," Fujima said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "And how many kinds of magic has Japan discovered, Ajonae?"

"Over thirty thousand different energies and over a million attributes," Ajonae replied promptly.

"How come?" Fujima probed further.

"The mix of elemental magics or within the elemental magics, there are a lot of different magics that can be formed, sir," Ajonae explained, his confidence unwavering.

"Correct again. I am amazed at how Ajonae always answers during classes. What about the rest of you?" Fujima's gaze shifted to the rest of the students, who squirmed under his scrutiny.

"You saw our grades, Sensei," Drata mumbled, his voice barely audible.

"Hmm. If your grades don't rise at least by one point, I am not going to give you my team's story anymore," Fujima warned, his tone firm.

"Sensei! We'll score way more than that! I promise on behalf of my team! So please continue," Aem exclaimed, standing up abruptly and bowing deeply towards Fujima.

"Your interest in my team's story is rising, I see. Why is that, if I may ask, Aem?" Fujima said, gesturing for Aem to sit back down.

"Yes, Sensei. To be honest with you, and with my teammates, I am curious about what made them so strong. I want to know. And something tells me I must not stop now," Aem replied earnestly, his eyes reflecting his determination as he sat back in his seat.

"Haha. Your keen interest in them... there is something else you wish to know, isn't there?" Fujima inquired, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, Sensei. Why did they disappear? Why does everyone just leave without telling their own team? First Reichi Senpai, then Ryoto-san, and then Ayeta Senpai too. Why do they just leave? What is happening in the sword masters circle that we don't know about?" Aem's voice was tinged with frustration and curiosity.

"It is a long story to there," Fujima said, his expression turning somber.

"Sensei, what happened after Tadaki nee and Grace nee told him about the Jade necklace?" Aem pressed on, eager for answers.

"Nothing too grand. At least not while they were with me," Fujima replied, a hint of mystery in his tone.

"What? Nothing related to the necklace? Did they not go there?" Aem asked, his confusion evident.

"I don't know. Maybe," Fujima responded, his voice trailing off.

"Sensei..." Aem's voice was almost a plea now, his desire for knowledge palpable.

"You know how it works, Aem. Six months of training with the first trainer. During the time they were with me, this is all that happened," Fujima explained patiently.

"Nothing after this?" Aem's disappointment was clear.

"No, not nothing. Some small things did happen," Fujima admitted.

"Tell us everything, Sensei," Aem urged, his determination unwavering.

"I see. Okay then. Get ready to hear the last bits of my story, students," Fujima said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he prepared to delve into the final chapter of his tale. The students leaned forward in their seats, eager to absorb every word of the story that had captivated their imaginations and driven their quest for knowledge.

***

[The past
Location: Fujima's house
7:00 am]-❤️

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon as Remeshi groggily opened his eyes. He had spent the night obsessing over the mystery of the jade necklace, and just as he had drifted off to sleep, dawn had arrived. His exhaustion was palpable as he tried to shake off the remnants of his restless night.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Remeshi. Someone's here to meet you," Amash called out, her voice gentle yet urgent. Remeshi slowly slid the door open, stifling a yawn.

"Who is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite his fatigue.

"Someone from school," Amash replied hurriedly.

"From school? Who? Chiasa?" Remeshi’s mind raced as he tried to guess the visitor.

"Chiasa, yes. And three other people," Amash confirmed.

"Hm? Let's see," Remeshi muttered, wrapping his blanket around himself like a cocoon. He followed Amash to the front door, each step heavy with the weight of sleeplessness.

As they reached the entrance, Remeshi blinked in surprise. "Oh. Mahono, Jiro, and Ryoma. No wait. Why Jiro and Mahono?" He asked, recognizing the group standing together in the early morning light.

"Hello to you too," Jiro said with a slight bow, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Sure. What are you guys... come in," Remeshi invited them inside, his curiosity overcoming his initial surprise. They followed him into the house and into his room, settling on the tatami mats as they entered.

"I'll get something to eat," Amash offered, leaving them to their own devices in the room. Remeshi, still wrapped in his blanket, curled up in a corner, peering at his guests from his cozy perch.

Chiasa, carrying a heavy-looking bag, broke the silence first. "Remeshi, I got the books I promised. The books on magic," she said, placing the bag on the tatami mat a little distance away from Remeshi.

"Thank you. How may I help you both?" Remeshi asked, looking at Jiro and Mahono.

"Can't we come visit?" Mahono asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Remeshi looked at her with slightly squinted eyes. "Right, we can't," she answered her own question with a sarcastic roll of her eyes.

"I came to see your magic hunt," Jiro interjected, his tone more serious.

"What magic hunt?" Remeshi muttered, puzzled.

Jiro brushed his hair aside, revealing a brown cross mark on his forehead, seemingly burned and sealed into his skin. "Do you see this?" he asked.

"Whoa. You have one too?" Remeshi exclaimed, referring to a similar mark he had seen on Ryoma.

"Yes, me and Ryoma both have the same marks. I wonder what this means," Jiro said, letting his hair fall back into place.

"What species are you both from?" Remeshi inquired, his interest piqued.

"Oh, I am a soul bender. It's a fairly new species," Mahono replied casually.

People who can alter another person's mindset without them realizing. They can change a person's actions, words, and even control them to act differently for a while to convince them of certain thoughts. These are Soul Benders.

"That much I realized," Remeshi said, smiling awkwardly. "I am a human," Jiro mentioned.

"I am human too," Ryoma added.

"Oh. Maybe you guys hurt yourself in the same way?" Remeshi shrugged, trying to make light of the situation.

"Are you kidding me?" Jiro muttered, unimpressed.

"Right, okay. Bad joke," Remeshi conceded, nodding to himself.

"What if we are not humans? Just saying, but my mother is not human. My father is. They said I inherited my father's side. But sometimes it feels like maybe I inherited my mother's side—"

"I have the same situation," Jiro interrupted, his gaze turning cold as he looked at Ryoma, a trace of animosity in his eyes.

"Uh... that's a lot of common stuff right there," Chiasa observed, sensing the tension.

"Strange. Does the mark have anything to do with you both being from the same species?" Mahono speculated aloud. Her words seemed to fill their heads, casting a spell of realization.

Remeshi shook his head vigorously, snapping out of the trance. "You snake," he said bitterly, glaring at Mahono.

"Ah. Hehe~ sorry. Force of habit," Mahono replied sheepishly.

"Right, sure. I'll take that. Gosh," Remeshi said, his loud shriek breaking everyone out of Mahono's manipulation. The others shook their heads, trying to clear their thoughts.

"What are you going to do now?" Chiasa asked, her voice steady as she regained her composure.

"Hm. I'll keep the books, thank you. And you boys and Mahono can leave—"

"I told you. We need those books too," Jiro said immediately, his tone insistent.

"It's just not a magic hunt anymore. There is another promise I made today—"

"REMESHI!" A loud voice echoed through the house, cutting off Remeshi mid-sentence.

He recognized the voice and immediately slid open the door, running towards the source, his blanket slipping off him in the process and revealing his white kimono. His guests, now equally intrigued and confused, followed him.

Remeshi sprinted down the corridor, past the hall, and skidded to a stop in front of another shoji door. He held onto the door frame with both hands, breathless. "What? What is it, Oya?" he asked urgently. It was Oya who had called his name, her voice filled with urgency and concern.

The group stood behind him, the tension palpable as they awaited Oya’s response, the air thick with anticipation.

"Ugh. Thank god you are here. Help me," Oya pleaded in a helpless tone.

The tranquil morning at Fujima House was abruptly shattered by Remeshi's panicked voice echoing through the halls. Oya hurriedly responded, her sword drawn, facing off against an unexpected threat—a dark, black bat with blood-red eyes. Its sharp wings slashed through the air menacingly, emitting an eerie aura that set Remeshi and his companions on edge.

"What's that..." Remeshi muttered, squinting at the bat. It resembled a typical bat, yet he sensed something different—an intense mana swirling within, suffused with dark magic capable of lethal consequences.

"Ugh. This is too much energy..." Remeshi murmured to himself, unsheathing his sword. His schoolmates followed suit, each mirroring his determined stance. Remeshi aimed his sword at the bat, which continued its aggressive assault on Oya, knocking her back with each forceful flap of its wings.

"I don't know what kind of energy it has, but I can't attack it at all!" Oya shouted over the wind created by the bat's relentless movement.Remeshi nodded grimly, acknowledging her struggle. Without hesitation, he lunged at the bat, attempting to intercept its airborne assault. However, the creature was agile, evading his attack effortlessly. Undeterred, Remeshi picked himself up from where he fell and swung his sword once more at the elusive target.

"Seriously, stop! I'm just here to give you guys a message!" the bat suddenly exclaimed, its voice cutting through the tension-filled room.

"Wh-who said that?" Mahono gasped from behind Remeshi, her eyes wide with disbelief. Remeshi merely shrugged, scanning the room for the source of the unexpected voice. Abruptly, the bat ceased its frenzied flapping and settled nonchalantly on Remeshi's shoulder.

"Uh..."

"I am here to deliver a message. Listen and let me go," the bat stated calmly, its demeanor oddly composed for such a chaotic moment.

"You guys are hearing this too, right?" Chiasa asked, her voice tinged with confusion as she turned to the boys for confirmation. They nodded slowly, their expressions mirroring the bewilderment shared by everyone present. Soon, the room filled with the rest of Remeshi's team, accompanied by Amash and Fujima, drawn by the commotion.

"Can I give the message now?" the bat inquired impatiently, its tiny form perched precariously on Remeshi's shoulder.

"The voice is definitely coming from where Remeshi is standing," Konosa observed, scanning the room for any sign of trickery or deception.

"Is it... the bat talking?" Miyazono ventured tentatively, voicing the incredulity that hung thick in the air.

"I guess so," Remeshi replied with a wry smile, his gaze fixed on the bat. "Hey, man. You talk?"

"You bet I do," the bat retorted, its tone tinged with a hint of sass. "Where do you think I come from? I can see you've sensed my magic. Dark magic."

"Well, if you know so much, can't you tell which species in the entire world has as much dark magic as me?" the bat challenged, its crimson eyes gleaming mischievously.

Konosa leaned towards Remeni, whispering incredulously, "Is he seriously talking to a bat?" Remeni nodded awkwardly, equally taken aback by the surreal conversation unfolding before them.

"Can't guess?" the bat continued, reveling in the perplexity of its audience.

"Demons," Remeshi muttered finally, connecting the dots with a dawning realization.

"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner," the bat chimed sarcastically, its wings flapping in a mocking gesture.

"Seriously, where do you get your sass from," Remeshi sighed, half amused and half exasperated.

"It's a gift from where I come," the bat replied smugly, its demeanor unapologetically cocky.

"What are you doing here? Did... Ayeta-san send you?" Remeshi pressed, his grip tightening slightly on the bat, mindful of its delicate wings.

"Yes, smart sir. Your friend sent me here," the bat confirmed casually, its nonchalant attitude contrasting with the seriousness of its message.

"Ayeta-san did... guys, you heard him right?" Remeshi looked around at his teammates for confirmation.

"Where is he? How is he?" Remeshi asked urgently, his concern for his missing friend palpable.

"Careful there. Delicate wings, man," the bat cautioned lightly, adjusting its position on Remeshi's shoulder.

"Is he on demon land?" Remeshi inquired further, eager for any information about Ayeta's whereabouts.

"Yeah, yeah," the bat replied nonchalantly. "He's there, laying low, evading the palace and two girls named Grace and Tadaki... oops, who happen to be here," the bat added, its eyes flicking towards Grace and Tadaki, who stood silently amidst the crowd.

"What did Ayeta-san tell you to deliver to us?" Remeshi asked, his voice laced with urgency and determination to uncover the truth.

The tense atmosphere in Fujima House slowly began to dissolve as the mysterious bat, now the bearer of Ayeta's voice, delivered a heartfelt message that echoed through the room. Each word carried the weight of Ayeta's emotions, bridging the distance between them and their missing friend.

The bat cleared its tiny throat, its demeanor suddenly transforming into a vessel of heartfelt communication. "Dear friends, teammates," it began with surprising clarity for a creature of its stature, "insert 'this majestic bat' is actually a magical conduit we demons use to send messages across vast distances, undetected."

As the bat spoke, Ayeta's voice seamlessly overlaid its own, filling the room with a sense of familiarity and warmth that had been sorely missed. "I am sending this message today to assure you all that I am safe and well. I miss you all dearly. Every day spent with you was filled with adventure and I am glad we could go through it all together."

Ayeta's voice continued, recounting recent events in the demon land. "I have been learning new ways to control my magic and emotions. A week ago, our land faced an attack from outsiders threatening to label us as dangerous. My people handled the situation adeptly, although I find myself here, away from you all."

His tone shifted to a more somber note as he addressed Grace and Tadaki directly. "To Grace and Tadaki, who I know are now back at Fujima Sensei's place: I apologize for not heeding your warnings to prevent the conflict that ensued. I miss our little arguments and training sessions."

Grace and Tadaki exchanged smiles, touched by Ayeta's words of fond remembrance.

"Miyazono," Ayeta's voice continued, softening with affection, "meeting you again after all these years was a cherished moment. I wish we had more time together before parting ways. You look as beautiful as ever. Our friendship means the world to me; please remember me as fondly as I remember you."

Miyazono, visibly moved, struggled to contain her tears, listening intently to Ayeta's heartfelt words.

"Akio," Ayeta acknowledged his loyal comrade, "though you may not hear this directly, you have been an invaluable partner. Your steadfast dedication in guarding the palace was crucial. Thank you for everything, and I promise to lead with the same integrity you exemplify."

"I'll relay that message," Miyazono interjected softly, her voice thick with emotion.

"Oya-chan," Ayeta addressed her next, his tone affectionate, "your positivity and strength are an inspiration to everyone around you. Thank you for accepting me as a teammate. I regret not getting to know you better."

Oya blushed deeply, touched by Ayeta's sincere words, tears welling in her eyes as she clung to Miyazono for support.

"Konosa Senpai," Ayeta's voice turned lighter, tinged with playful nostalgia, "our times together were memorable, even if we found ourselves on opposing sides at times. Thank you for taking me under your wing, both in school and during our demon land adventures. Don't hold my stupidity against me too harshly—I might shed a tear, haha."

"You fool," Konosa muttered gruffly, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"And Senpai's sister, Miss Ishoya," Ayeta's voice brightened at the mention of Ishoya, "you surprised me as a friend when I least expected it. Your kindness and bravery are qualities I admire greatly. Thank you for all you've done for me."

Ishoya's smile widened, heartened by Ayeta's unexpected acknowledgment of their bond.

"Remeni," Ayeta's tone grew more serious, tinged with gratitude, "our first meeting was rocky, but I'm grateful for the chance to get to know you better. You're an incredible person, Remeni. Thank you for not holding my idiocy against me."

"He's going to make me cry," Remeni admitted, her hands covering her mouth as tears of mixed emotions welled in her eyes.

"Fujima Sensei," Ayeta's voice softened with reverence, "thank you for believing in my abilities, for your guidance, and for putting up with my stubbornness. It's been an honor to be your student, even if our time together was cut short. I owe you more than words can express."

Fujima, visibly moved, covered half his face with his hand, touched deeply by Ayeta's heartfelt gratitude.

"Amash," Ayeta's voice turned teasing, "your caring nature and endless support have meant more to me than I could ever say. Thank you for everything, even when I gave you a hard time. I'm sorry for any trouble I caused you."

"No, Ayeta-sama," Amash replied through her tears, "I'm grateful to have been able to worry about you at all."

"Hizakun Sensei, Kane Sensei," Ayeta acknowledged their support, "thank you for standing by us, teaching us, and defending us when the law threatened to tear us apart. Your guidance has been invaluable."

The room fell silent as Ayeta's voice turned towards Remeshi. "Remeshi-san, Re-chan," he began, his voice cracking with emotion. "There is so much I want to share with you, so much I want to thank you for. Every moment with you has been precious. I will miss you deeply. Please remember me...for as long as you can, although this is a bit selfish of me."

Remeshi, overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face, struggled to compose himself, listening intently to Ayeta's heartfelt message.

The bat, seemingly impatient with the emotional display, rolled its eyes dramatically. "What, you all getting emotional now? Ugh, fine. If you want to send messages too, just tell me what you need to say."

The room erupted into a mix of laughter and tears as each member of Remeshi's team exchanged glances, grateful for Ayeta's message and the chance to convey their own sentiments. In that moment, amidst the chaos and emotions, their bond grew stronger, fueled by memories of shared adventures and unwavering camaraderie in the face of adversity. They were united by Ayeta's words, each carrying them forward on their journey, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.

That day, Ayeta's heartfelt messages left a deep impression on all of them. As they listened to his words, a mixture of emotions welled up within each member of the team. Konosa too, usually composed, found himself unexpectedly moved by Ayeta's sincerity. The messages evoked both sweetness and bitterness, reminding them of the distance that now separated them from their friend.

Reflecting on Ayeta's words, Remeshi couldn't help but think about the times they had taken for granted together. He realized how they could have trusted Ayeta more, accepted him fully from the outset. Regrets surfaced, and Remeshi grappled with the uneasy feeling they brought.

That day also marked their last session with Fujima. Six months had flown by unnoticed, and soon they would move on to their next trainer. While their training had progressed smoothly, Remeshi sensed a subtle shift within the team. It seemed to him that they were gradually drifting apart.

[Location: Fujima's house
Aem and the others
Present time]-🟥

The room was tranquil, bathed in the soft glow of afternoon sunlight filtering through the shoji panels. Sensei Fujima sat cross-legged near the shoji, his expression thoughtful as he listened to his students. Aem and the rest of the team surrounded him in a circle on tatami mats, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and reverence for their mentor.

"Ayeta Senpai must have missed all of you a lot, Sensei," Aem remarked, breaking the quietude that had settled over the group.

Fujima nodded slowly, his gaze distant yet focused. "It was a message that left a huge impression on us. People had always believed demons were incapable of feeling emotions, yet Ayeta proved them all wrong."

"He was a special demon then," Aem mused, his tone tinged with respect.

"Haha, that he was. And his friendship with the rest of the team was special too," Fujima replied warmly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Yeah. The message made you emotional too, Sensei," Sanasubi observed perceptively.

"It was hard not to," Fujima admitted with a gentle smile. "He thought highly of me, yet there was only so little I did for him..."

"Are we at the end of their journey with you, Sensei?" Sanasubi inquired, turning the conversation towards their shared experiences and what lay ahead.

"Mm-hm. But their journey wasn't over just yet," Fujima replied cryptically, his eyes flickering with a knowing glint.

"So then this is as much as you remember of their journey—" Sanasubi started, curiosity etched on her face.

"A couple more things, Sanasubi," Fujima interjected, his voice taking on a reflective tone that drew the attention of everyone present.

Drata prompted, leaning forward slightly, eager for more insight into their past trials and future prospects.

"Their last exam. And a small promise," Fujima continued, casting a meaningful glance around the circle.

"A promise?" Sanasubi pressed, intrigued by Fujima's allusion to something significant yet unspoken.

"As you must have guessed, that team thinks about everything, everybody. There was one obstacle that wasn't an obstacle but made into one," Fujima explained enigmatically, causing furrowed brows and exchanged glances among his students.

"I don't get you, Sensei," Aem admitted, voicing the collective confusion of the group.

"You will. It was very unexpected, even for me. Because no one told me about it either," Fujima elaborated, his words hanging in the air, heavy with implication.

"...about what?" Drata queried, his curiosity piqued as he leaned closer to Fujima.

"About that obstacle. That event, that incident. It happened the very next day after Ayeta sent that message to us," Fujima revealed, his tone serious and reflective.

"Did something big like the Great War happen?" Aem speculated, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Not a war with swords, but of memories. Even for the Species Control Centre, this was a day marked in history," Fujima explained, drawing the attention of his attentive audience.

"Something related to species..." Aem murmured thoughtfully, trying to connect the dots.

"Yes. And soon, this day became a major event by the time the team reached their second trainer," Fujima confirmed, his expression grave yet enigmatic.

"Can you tell us what happened, Sensei?" Sanasubi requested, sensing the weight of the revelation Fujima was about to disclose.

"I hope your scores are up?" Fujima deflected lightly, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Sanasubi.

"Ah, haha. Yes, Sensei. We've been studying diligently," Sanasubi replied earnestly, a hint of nervousness underlying her words.

"Your scores shall speak for that. I'll excuse it for now, and this one time only," Fujima replied kindly, his gaze shifting to the shoji behind him as he contemplated the events that had shaped his students' journey thus far.