As the days slipped by, Jeane's impending task to slay the demon weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her inner struggle was palpable, evident in the furrowed lines on her brow and the tension in her every movement.
In the quiet moments we shared, I would gently hold her hand, I would look into her eyes, conveying an unspoken understanding that she was not alone in her fears and doubts. With soft words and tender gestures.
When her doubts threatened to overwhelm her, I would hold her close, enveloping her in a cocoon of unwavering support. With whispered words of encouragement, I would remind her that her heart was pure, her intentions noble, and that she possessed the strength to face any challenge that lay ahead. I would wipe away her tears, assuring her that vulnerability did not diminish her worth, but rather magnified her humanity.
The day preceding the crucial entrance exam, Jeane stood before the daunting task of slaying the demon. With a firm grip on her sword, she steeled herself, a resolute expression etching across her face. Her determination radiated from within, evident in the unwavering resolve in her eyes and the unwavering set of her jaw.
As I stood by her side, I offered a supportive presence, understanding that this was a battle she had to face alone. Words seemed inadequate in that moment, so I communicated my faith and belief in her through a simple touch, a reassuring squeeze of her hand.
With a deep breath, Jeane stepped forward, her determination cutting through the air like a sharpened blade.
Akira's voice cut through the air, carrying a mix of surprise and gratitude. "It seems she'll be able to do it, thanks to you, Yusuke," he said, his words tinged with a hint of accusation. "It seems you guys have been doing things behind my back."
I looked at Akira, his eyes searching for answers, his expression a blend of curiosity and concern. I understood his position, the weight of responsibility he bore as her mentor. But in that moment, I couldn't deny the truth.
With a deep breath, I met Akira's gaze, my voice steady as I responded, "Sir, I didn't mean to go behind your back. Our connection, our love, it's something that grew naturally, unforeseen."
Akira's expression softened slightly, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and concern.
"Yusuke, you know the risks, the consequences of intertwining personal feelings with the path of a demon exorcist," he warned, his voice laced with a touch of caution.
I nodded, acknowledging the gravity of his words. "I understand, Sir. But love has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our lives, defying logic and reason. We must navigate this path with caution, mindful of our duties as demon exorcists, while cherishing the love and connection that brings us strength."
Akira's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he nodded, a subtle acceptance evident in his eyes. "Very well, Yusuke. I trust your judgment, but remember, our duty to protect humanity must always remain at the forefront."
As we were talking, Jeane swung her sword, striking the demon's core with precision, a spray of blood erupted, painting the snow in a macabre hue. The demon dissipated into nothingness. But what I witnessed in that moment sent a chill down my spine, for Jeane's smile held a disturbing quality, an eerie satisfaction that unsettled me to the core.
As I stood there, grappling with the unsettling image of Jeane's eerie smile, my mind reeled with confusion. But as quickly as the disturbing thoughts had taken hold, a wave of relief washed over me when I witnessed Jeane retching and vomiting, her body convulsing in response to the gruesome scene that had just unfolded.
I rushed to her side, concern flooding my every fiber. Kneeling down, I held her trembling form, my voice filled with worry. "Jeane, are you alright? What happened?" I asked, my voice laced with both relief and concern.
She gasped for breath, tears streaming down her face, her delicate features contorted with anguish and guilt. "Yusuke... it was... it was too much," she managed to say between ragged breaths. "I can't bear the weight of this burden. I feel like a murderer."
Gently, I wiped away her tears, my heart aching for her. I realized that what I had perceived as an eerie smile was, in fact, a grimace of pain and revulsion.The weight of that encounter had momentarily engulfed her, pushing her to the brink of her own limits.
As she gradually regained her composure, I held her close, offering solace in the embrace of my arms. "It's alright, Jeane," I whispered softly, my voice a soothing balm amidst the storm within her. "We all have our breaking points. What matters is that you're here now, with me."
Jeane clung to me, her trembling gradually subsiding as she found comfort on my chest. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Yusuke. I don't know what came over me... but I'm grateful you're here."
Akira's voice abruptly broke the tranquility of our moment, his words piercing through the air like a sharp blade. "Sorry to interrupt your lovebirds' moment, but now that this has happened, Jeane will have to proceed with the entrance exams tomorrow."
A mixture of disappointment and understanding washed over me. We had allowed ourselves a brief respite, But the harsh reality of Jeane's duty as a demon exorcist could not be ignored.
I glanced at Jeane, her expression a reflection of the conflicting emotions within her. She nodded, her determination resurfacing despite the sorrow in her eyes. "I know, sir. The exams cannot be delayed any longer. I will face them head-on and prove myself worthy."
Akira's gaze softened, his voice carrying a tinge of sympathy. "You've come a long way, Jeane. The exams will test not only your skills but also your resilience and resolve. Remember why you embarked on this path, and let it fuel your determination."
Jeane straightened her posture, her resolve solidifying. "I will give it my all. Yusuke, please, forgive me for leaving you."
I gently squeezed her hand, "Jeane, your path as a demon exorcist is important, and I'll be here, training tirelessly until I can stand beside you, shoulder to shoulder."
With a nod, Akira stepped back.
As the night stretched on, our resolve intensified. We would make the most of the time we had left together, cherishing each fleeting moment as we prepared for the daunting trials that awaited us.
In the stillness of the night, Jeane presented me with a small box, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. As she opened it, a delicate ring glistened under the moonlight, exhibits an impressive diamond, dazzling to behold. The inner circumference discreetly holds an intimate engraving that reads, "My cherished one, Jeane."
With a tremor in her voice, she revealed that it was a wedding ring, bestowed upon her by akira Sir, who believed in our future together.
Time seemed to stand still as the weight of her words settled upon my heart. I held the ring delicately in my hands, feeling it through my finger.
A whirlwind of emotions swept through me - joy, love, and fear intertwining like a dance. With a deep breath, I carefully slid the other ring, similar to mine but inscribed with the words "My cherished one, Yusuke," onto Jeane's finger. As our skin touched, a surge of warmth enveloped us, binding our hearts together in a profound connection.
As Jeane reached for the second ring, my heart fluttered with anticipation. With trembling hands, she delicately placed the ring on my ring.
As we stood there, holding each other, the moonlit sky bearing witness to our commitment, I felt a surge of gratitude and profound joy. The ring sparkled on my finger, my heart giddy.
"let's have a proper marriage after we both become world-class exorcist okay?" she said, her voice more of a question than a statement.
"Yeah"
◇◇◇
The morning Jeane was supposed to leave finally arrived, and as the sun began to peek over the horizon, my heart sank, It was as if the weight of the impending separation pressed upon my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
As our eyes locked in an intense moment, I sensed a whirlwind of emotions swirling within Jeane's gaze. Just as she was about to turn away, she surprised me by drawing nearer, and her tender lips met mine in a gentle kiss. I allowed the warmth of that connection to envelop me, closing my eyes to savor the bittersweet moment.
As Jeane spoke, her voice trembled with a mixture of hope and yearning. "Wear the ring always," she implored, her eyes locked onto mine, "and finish your training swiftly so that we may reunite soon."
And then, without a backward glance, she departed, leaving behind an echoing silence that reverberated through the depths of my soul.
◇◇◇
Three days slipped away like drops of water in a vast ocean since Jeane's departure, and in that time, as the world continued its relentless march, Sir solemnly called me, bearing news that ignited a tempest of conflicting emotions within me—Jeane had triumphed over the entrance exam, proving her worthiness, and now stood on the precipice of her first mission.
Days turned into months, and months transformed into year as I dedicated myself to my training. Occasionally, Sir would visit and share snippets of news about Jeane—tidbits of her progress, her victories, and the battles she courageously fought.
In my second year of training, Sir delivered the astonishing news that Jeane had ascended to the esteemed rank of an S-class exorcist. Now, in my third year, I had grown accustomed to wielding a 100 kg practice sword, each swing etching resilience into my bones. With the end of my training within reach.
I was on the verge of realizing my ambition to become a demon exorcist, putting my heart and soul into relentless training. After completing the final stage of my preparation, which involved beheading a captured demon, I eagerly awaited the entrance exam. With just a week remaining before the exams, I decided to continue training, pushing myself to the limits by wielding a practice sword weighing a 100 kilograms.
I had mastered the art of harnessing the power of the demon requiem,unlocking profound abilities.
As I practiced with my sword, the sun began its descent, painting the sky with breathtaking hues of gold. In that mesmerizing moment, I caught sight of a figure gracefully moving through the sun's radiant glow, and the snow highlightkng her face. It was Jeane. Her presence, illuminated by the sun's golden dye, appeared even more captivating. Yet, her countenance betrayed a sense of melancholy, her eyes weighed down by sadness.
Something had changed about her since our last encounter; she carried an air of maturity, as if time had sculpted her into a new version of herself. When her gaze met mine, astonishment washed over her face.
black hair cascades down to her mid-back, appearing sleek and lustrous. It is worn loose, with a few strategically placed braids adding intricate details. Her cerise eyes shine with determination, reflecting her unwavering resolve. she wore a fitted black tunic and leggings. she also wore knee-high, black leather boots with reinforced soles. A cerise-colored cloak with a flowing design is draped over her shoulders. her demon requiem is secured to her waist by a belt with a decorative sheath. The hilt is intricately designed with flowers, a delicate silver hairpin adorned with a cherry blossom blossom-shaped ornament. It keeps her hair in place and adds an elegant touch to her overall look.
Jeane stood motionless for what felt like an eternity, her eyes locked with mine for a brief thirty seconds. Then, as if propelled by an unseen force, she sprinted towards me, her heartache palpable. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Jeane's voice quivered with a profound sincerity as she uttered those three words, laden with a world of longing. "I missed you, I missed you," she whispered.
After the turbulent emotions settled within her, Jeane began to recount the events of the past three years in the hut. With a spark of excitement in her eyes. Soon, she revealed a plain black book adorned with a delicate flower in the center, holding it gently with both hands.
"I've penned down all my experiences in this book so that one day we can read it together," she beamed, her enthusiasm palpable.
"Why not read it now?" I suggested, however, she insisted that we should save the experience for the future.
Unaware of Jeane's arrival, Akira sir was engrossed in his task of fishing. It was only when he had completed his work that he reached out to me. As he called my name, Jeane's gaze shifted sharply towards Akira, her eyes gleaming with a piercing intensity.
A warm smile graced Jeane's face as her eyes met Akira's, and she greeted him with genuine pleasure. "Ahh, nice to meet you again, sir," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. Yet, an aura of intensity surrounded her, giving her presence a touch of intimidation. She requested a private conversation with him, mentioning that there was something she needed to discuss.
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Politely excusing herself, Jeane added, "It's about demon exorcist work. You'll know soon enough."
My mind swirled with wonder, contemplating the nature of Jeane's conversation with Akira sensei. The unknown hung in the air, yet I felt a simmering excitement deep within.
POV: Jeane Hernandez
After leaving Yusuke in the hut, a surge of determination propelled me to confront Akira sensei. My voice dripped with a threatening tone as I demanded answers, my grip tightening around the hilt of my Demon Requiem.
"So, why don't you explain yourself, sir?" I pressed, my words laced with an intensity that brooked no evasion. "Why are you a demon?"
Confusion mingled with frustration as I questioned Akira sensei's motives. The intensity of my words amplified, my aura building up.
"What's the meaning of this?" I demanded, my voice unwavering. "Why did you turn into a demon?"
A surge of emotions surged within me. I awaited Akira sensei's response, yearning for the truth to be unveiled and the puzzle pieces to fall into place.
As Akira sensei met my gaze, his eyes remained steady and unflinching. A sense of fearlessness radiated from him, undeterred by the intensity of my questioning. With a calm demeanor, he uttered, piercing through the air.
"You've grown. I didn't expect anyone to see through me"
As I poised myself to swing my sword, Akira sensei's voice cut through the tension-filled air, halting my action. His words sent a shiver down my spine.
"I was always a demon," he revealed, his voice carrying a weight of truth. The revelation struck me like a lightning bolt. That would mean he could've killed us when we were vulnerable.
In an instant, his appearance underwent a profound transformation. The familiar features I had known melted away like mud being washed clean, revealing a man with striking yellow hair and piercing eyes. His gaze bore into me, as if attempting to decipher the depths of my thoughts.
Caught in a moment of surreal realization, I stood transfixed, grappling with the newfound knowledge of Akira sensei's identity. Why? Why are you a demon? WHY? You are supposed to be my grandpa. Our grandpa.
"Worry not," he reassured me, his voice imbued with sincerity. "If I wished to harm you, you wouldn't be standing here before me."
Unsheathing my Demon Requiem, I paid no heed to the futile words of Akira, a demon who had once been my mentor and grandpa. As a demon exorcist, it was my solemn duty to confront and defeat him. Pressure built uncomfortably behind my eyes as i felt a cold detachment flow through my body.
"You won't listen," he remarked, raising an eyebrow, the only change in his expression.
With hesitation, I charged towards him, swinging my blade with utmost accuracy. However, my strike found nothing but empty air as he vanished before my eyes. Startled, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and in my instinctive response, I slashed once more, but once again, he eluded my blade. I turned around, only to find him reappearing behind me.
The landscape abruptly shifted, and I found myself in a dense forest, where Akira revealed his demonic Blightwave.
"I have no quarrel with you," he confessed.
"Perhaps so, but demons always betray," I replied firmly, frustration etching my face as I clenched my teeth.
He relented, "Do as you wish. I am unlike other demons—I slay them to atone for my past." His eyes held a profound sadness.
"I won't be swayed by your facade," I declared resolutely.
"Very well, I shall depart, leaving you and Yusuke. I hope you do well in your endeavors," he responded.
Questions swirled in my mind. What drove him? Why did he train us if he was a demon? I intended to demand answers after removing his red core, but the realization struck that he would teleport me back.
"Wait—"
In an instant, I found myself back where I started. Akira was nowhere to be seen. Frustration surged within me as I gazed upward, yearning for answers.
POV: Yusuke
As we made our way towards the entrance exam, the vibrant city life unfolded around us, casting its mesmerizing spell. Walking along the bustling sidewalk, we found ourselves suddenly surrounded by a swarm of people, each holding what appeared to be a weapon of sort. My heart skipped a beat as they directed their focus towards Jeane, their intentions unclear.
Sensing my apprehension, Jeane reassured me, her voice calm but tinged with a hint of amusement. "It's a camera, don't worry," she explained, dispelling my immediate concerns. It seemed that Jeane's exceptional talent with the sword had earned her a well-deserved reputation as a prodigy, already being hailed as the next world-class exorcist in the making.
Within the realm of demon exorcists, the coveted title of "world-class exorcist" held unparalleled prestige. It signified the pinnacle of achievement, a distinction earned by only a select few who possessed extraordinary prowess.There were only two.
Aurora Hernandez, hailing from the British region, was renowned for her unparalleled skills and unwavering determination. Whispers of her remarkable feats echoed throughout the exorcist community. She was revered for her ability to face S-class demons alone.
On the other side of the world, in Russia, Vladimir Alexandrovich Ivanov held his ground as another revered world-class exorcist. His reputation preceded him, as he was known for completing S-class missions with minimal assistance. Vladimir's unwavering resolve and formidable combat skills established him as a force to be reckoned with, solidifying his status as one of the strongest individuals to ever walk the earth.
As Jeane's fame and reputation grew, the world held great expectations for her to become the third world-class exorcist, joining the ranks of Aurora Hernandez and Vladimir Alexandrovich Ivanov. Among the community, whispers and anticipation swirled, eager to witness her rise to this esteemed title.
In the midst of the bustling crowd, eager voices clamored for Jeane's autograph and sought answers about our relationship. Jeane's cheeks flushed with a bashful smile as she responded, "We're engaged." The words hung in the air, and suddenly, the crowd went wild.
A surge of excitement coursed through the spectators as they erupted into a frenzy of ecstatic cheers and jubilant exclamations. The energy around us became electrifying, with the crowd's enthusiasm reaching an unparalleled peak.
The noise of the crowd reverberated, creating a symphony of exhilaration that engulfed us in a whirlwind of fervor. It was a moment of absolute pandemonium, with the sheer intensity of the crowd's reaction resonating deeply within us.
Regrettably, our decision to attend the entrance exam that day was met with an unforeseen consequence. The immense popularity surrounding Jeane had reached such heights that media outlets had already published my face and those of the reporters present.
The world of demon exorcism had garnered an unprecedented level of attention and fascination, surpassing even the realms of popular sports and wealth. The allure of battling the forces of darkness and protecting humanity from supernatural threats had captured the collective imagination, turning demon exorcists into revered figures.
Now, as the media spotlight shone upon us, it became apparent that we were swept up in a whirlwind that threatened to overshadow our original purpose. The unexpected level of attention posed a challenge, potentially diverting our focus from the path we had set out to pursue.
Thankfully, our encounter with the media frenzy didn't last long. With the aid of demon exorcist bodyguards summoned by Jeane, we managed to escape their relentless pursuit. As we entered the examination center, the chaos outside slowly faded away, and all eyes focused on Jeane, who had become the center of attention.
As I observed the gazes directed towards Jeane, a surge of protectiveness welled up within me. It pained me to witness the looks of lust from some of the boys in the vicinity, their admiration veering into inappropriate territory. While Jeane's beauty and skill had garnered her widespread admiration, it also brought unwanted attention that made me uncomfortable.
Jeane told me about her upcoming mission. She reminded me that the whole world knew me as her future husband, which could lead to animosity from others. As she readied herself to leave, I bid her farewell, a bittersweet emotion hanging in the air.
Taking a deep breath, I embraced the opportunity that lay before me, ready to face the forthcoming challenge head-on.
Upon completing the registration process, I found myself escorted to an expansive open yard. Its vastness stretched for at least five miles, serving as the designated space for the entrance examination. A hundred students, including myself, stood in anticipation, ready to embark on this challenging endeavor.
POV: Felix
As the invigilator, I stood before a group of a hundred students, ready to commence the entrance examination. Among them, I was aware that one individual held upmost importance, Yusuke. While I had no ill intentions, I felt the need to evaluate him with an extra level of scrutiny.
With a sense of responsibility, I addressed the students, announcing the beginning of the test. Each participant's future as a demon exorcist lay in the balance, and it was my duty to ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation. I approached the task with a neutral mindset, aiming to uphold the integrity of the examination process.
Part 1 of the test presented a grueling challenge to the students: a 100-mile run to be completed within a time limit of 8 hours, along with the requirement to lift a hefty 300 kilograms for a 10 minute walk and endure 12 hours of non-stop swimming. Failure to accomplish these tasks would result in their overall failure in the examination.
As anticipated, the majority of students surpassed expectations during the 100-mile run, completing it within an astonishing five hours or less. Only a handful failed to finish within the allocated 8-hour timeframe, resulting in their elimination from the subsequent stages of the test. Lifting a weight of 300 kilograms and walking with it for 10 minutes proved to be a manageable task for most, but the true challenge lay in the grueling 12-hour swimming segment with a weight vest With a relentless stream producing turbulent waves, those unable to maintain pace and failing the test.
As the grueling swimming test unfolded, numerous participants struggled and ultimately failed, leading to their elimination from the examination. However, Yusuke displayed remarkable resilience and managed to navigate the challenging waters with ease. With Part 1 now completed, all the remaining students were granted a well-deserved rest period of 12 hours, providing ample time for recuperation. They were also provided with an abundance of nourishing food to replenish their energy stores, allowing them to recharge both their bodies and minds for the forthcoming stages of the test.
Part 2 of the test introduced a straightforward yet pivotal element: individual fights among the remaining 53 examinees. A distinguished S class exorcist would oversee the battles, carefully observing each participant's skills and abilities. The matchups were strategically determined based on the examinees' performances in Part 1, ensuring an unfair and challenging competition. As the matches unfolded, the intensity grew, with each fighter striving to prove their worthiness as potential demon exorcists. The ultimate test awaited the last remaining individual, who would face off against the formidable S class exorcist.
The S class exorcist of Japan, hayato Sakamoto, with a pretext of curiosity about Jeane's future husband and his strength, suggested selecting Yusuke as the initial opponent However, I could sense an underlying motive in his decision. In response, I firmly reminded him of the importance of impartiality and fairness in the examination process, urging him not to show favoritism towards any individual. He merely laughed off my words, dismissing them without addressing my concerns.
As each student received a wooden sword, the stage was set for the intense battles to determine the victors, the s class exorcist would select those who pass and those who fail regardless of the results in the fight. The rules were clear: the fights would continue until one combatant was unable to continue, with medics on standby to attend to any injuries. With the 26th match concluded, it was now time for the highly anticipated showdown between Yusuke and Hayato Sakamoto, the esteemed S class exorcist.