After the chaotic incident with Gin, life for Tsukune, Moka, and Kurumu settled into a more peaceful rhythm. They were finally able to focus on their regular school tasks without any interruptions. The academy, true to its mission, continued to emphasize how monsters should blend seamlessly into human society. And that included the exhausting, mind-boggling exams.

At the moment, a large crowd of students had gathered in the academy’s expansive quadrangle, all jostling to get a glimpse of the giant bulletin board at the center. The board, a symbol of both hope and dread, displayed the results of this year’s midterms—hundreds of names, meticulously ranked in order of academic performance.

Eager whispers filled the air as students scanned the board, trying to find their names among the mass, each hoping for a result that would bring them relief—or at least, not too much disappointment.

“No, no, no!”

“The test results are up!”

“I can’t bear to look!”

The panic among the students was palpable. While the academy’s main focus was on teaching monsters, this level of stress over test results was a universal experience, one even human students would recognize all too well.

Despite the academy’s supernatural nature, many of the subjects were surprisingly similar to those taught in human schools—Math, Language, and basic College Prep. Those who excelled in these areas were often recommended to prestigious human universities, a crucial step in helping monsters blend seamlessly into the human world and secure a future among them.

As the students crowded around the bulletin board, scanning the list for their names, one name stood out in bold letters at the very top: Yukari Sendo!

“Excuse me. Pardon me. Sorry, may I squeeze through?”

Despite the majority of students being absorbed in finding their own rankings, they couldn't help but notice a familiar voice cutting through the noise. Most shifted aside as Moka gracefully approached the board, her usual soft demeanor drawing attention.

With wide, curious eyes, Moka finally located her name.

13th Place: Moka Akashiya.

She blinked, momentarily stunned by her placement.

The students around her, noticing her name as well, began to murmur in amazement.

“Moka's in 13th place?!”

“She’s not just beautiful, she’s brilliant too!”

“And she’s not stuck up either!”

“She’s literally the perfect woman!”

“Moka, we love you!!”

Moka was surprised at the sudden flood of admiration from her peers, unsure how to respond to the overwhelming affection. Just then, a familiar voice, softer but unmistakable, cut through the noise.

“Moka!”

Turning toward the voice, Moka’s face lit up as she spotted Tsukune approaching with a warm smile. He was genuinely excited for her, despite his own modest placement of 252nd, right in the middle of the first-year students. What he didn’t know was that Moka looked for his name on the list before even looking for her own.

“You’re really amazing! You’re my role model, you know,” Tsukune said, smiling sheepishly, fully aware of the vast gap between the two of them.

Moka returned the smile, touched by his sincerity.

Seeing Moka blush at his compliment, Tsukune couldn't help but reflect, Sometimes... Moka seems perfect, completely out of reach for someone like me. I guess I understand why she didn't have any friends in middle school. She's just too perfect and impossible to approach.

But that thought didn’t sit well with him. Tsukune wasn’t content with the gap between them; he wanted to close it, to feel like he could stand beside her. With a slightly embarrassed tone, he mustered the courage to ask, “W-Will you help me study next time?”

He smiled, trying to hide his nervousness. Even though Moka was amazing, he reminded himself that, deep inside, she was still Moka—someone he cared about.

Moka’s eyes softened at his request, and she playfully winked. “Sure! But only if you promise to let me drink your blood!”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Tsukune laughed, his worries easing as her teasing brought out the side of Moka he adored. A cute vampire... he thought, feeling closer to her than before.

“Come onnnn, just one sip!” Moka pleaded, dragging out her words in an irresistibly cute tone.

Tsukune backed away slowly, grinning as Moka closed the distance. “You always say that, but it’s never just one ‘sip’!”

“Nooo, I promise! Just one!” Moka insisted, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Tsukune laughed and started to run, playfully dodging her advances. “I’m not falling for that!” he called out, picking up speed as Moka chased him, both of them laughing as they weaved through the crowd of envious students.

Near the bulletin board, a small student stood quietly, her melancholic gaze following Tsukune and Moka as they playfully disappeared into the distance. Her childlike features seemed even more delicate under the weight of her sigh as she watched the two vanish from sight, her unspoken affection, once again slipping away.

“Hello, Yukari,” came a familiar, grating voice.

Yukari turned toward the speaker and saw a tall, slightly dark-skinned student with blonde hair, his expression smug.

"Top of the class again, eh?" he remarked.

Without waiting for a response, the boy continued in a condescending tone, “At only 11 years old? You must be thrilled they let you skip all those grades.”

Yukari immediately felt a wave of anxiety but maintained a calm facade.

Him again…

Oblivious or intentionally ignoring her discomfort, the class president approached, flanked by two other students. His voice was dripping with mockery as he spoke, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear, “Aren’t we all just so lucky to have our little genius?” He glanced at his companions for support, basking in the attention.

Summoning her courage, Yukari managed to respond, her voice steady despite her nerves. “C-Class president, how may I help you?”

The president's smile faltered, his expression hardening. For a brief second, the illusion of his human form flickered, revealing a glimpse of his monstrous nature—rows of sharp, menacing teeth.

Ignoring her question, he stepped closer and shoved her head. “It’s too bad you’re not smart enough to learn the school’s dress code!” he yelled, making sure his audience could hear.

Despite Yokai Academy’s attempt to maintain a human-like environment, monsters couldn’t fully suppress their instincts. Deep down, all monsters adhered to the ancient law of nature: survival of the fittest. And for the class president, it was time to assert dominance. He shoved her again, harder this time.

“Or do you think you’re special?!”

Yukari stumbled, barely maintaining her balance. “P-Please, not again…” she muttered, her voice shaking.

Around them, other students gathered, some watching with morbid curiosity, others with quiet amusement.

“What’s going on?” one student whispered.

“Oh, just the genius getting worked over by her class president,” another replied.

“Well, what does she expect, dressing like some sort of cosplayer all the time?”

The class president’s grin widened, emboldened by the murmurs of approval. He leaned down, his face inches from Yukari’s, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “You make me embarrassed to be president of this class.”

Yukari clenched her jaw, her anger bubbling beneath the surface, but she held it in.

“In fact,” he continued, his voice dripping with venom, “just being in the same class as a dirty, little witch like you makes me wanna puke.”

His words hit hard, each insult designed to tear Yukari down, but she wasn’t the type to let it slide. With a subtle flick of her wand, she sent a nearby rock flying into the class president’s head.

A soft "gonk" echoed as the rock struck, momentarily pausing his tirade. He flinched in pain, momentarily stunned, and the crowd watched in disbelief.

Feeling a surge of confidence, Yukari laughed. "Hah! Serves you right!"

But the class president wasn’t one to be embarrassed so easily. Yukari’s small act of defiance ignited his fury. Without hesitation, he lunged at her, his body stretching unnaturally as his hand transformed into a claw. “You’ll pay for that, you little bi—”

Before he could finish, a blur of pink hair shot between him and Yukari.

"Stop!" Moka shouted, placing herself squarely in front of Yukari, shielding her from the class president’s incoming attack.

The sudden appearance of Moka, the academy’s beloved figure, made the class president halt in his tracks. He immediately pulled back, canceling his transformation in a rush, the strain of reversing it so quickly leaving him breathless. The last thing he wanted was to harm Moka, especially in front of so many witnesses.

Shit.

Moka glared at the class president, her presence radiating calm authority. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said firmly, “but I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

Yukari, still stunned, blushed as she realized Moka had come to her rescue. She gasped, wanting to speak but too overwhelmed to find the words.

Meanwhile, Tsukune, who had been with Moka moments ago, stood in awe of how quickly she had intervened.

I knew she was holding back when she chased me, but she’s so fast! he thought, catching up to her.

"Moka!" Tsukune called out, but Moka didn’t turn, her attention fixed on the class president.

The crowd murmured in excitement. The earlier atmosphere of intimidation had shifted. Now it felt as though a knight had arrived to slay a villainous dragon.

"She jumped in!" an excited student exclaimed.

"Moka’s going to fight the prez!"

"She’s amazing! Protecting even witches!"

The class president felt the weight of the crowd’s shifting opinion. The admiration once directed at him was now focused entirely on Moka. He glanced at Tsukune, who was closing in behind her.

Two vampires? Panic began to creep in as the class president’s thoughts turned toward a possible fight.

One of his cronies leaned in, whispering nervously, "Boss, this is bad. Too many people, and that’s Moka and Tsukune."

“I know, you idiot,” the class president growled, seething. His eyes darted toward Yukari, who was hiding behind Moka. With a sneer, he spat on the ground. “I made my point, didn’t I, Yukari?”

Yukari remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together, unwilling to give him any satisfaction.

Realizing he’d lost the upper hand, the class president clicked his tongue in frustration. "Let’s get out of here," he barked at his cronies.

Without waiting for Moka to respond, the three slunk away, the crowd parting for them in silence.

Moka sighed in relief, her tense shoulders relaxing as she turned to Tsukune with a soft smile, silently gesturing for him to come closer and support her. Without hesitation, Tsukune moved to her side, offering a reassuring presence.

With Tsukune now at her side, Moka turned her attention to Yukari, who was staring up at her with wide, sparkling eyes. Yukari’s hands were clasped over her mouth, her awe unmistakable as she gazed at Moka.

Yukari couldn’t help but be captivated. Moka, towering over her, looked like the very embodiment of grace and strength, while Tsukune stood slightly behind, almost fading into the background in Yukari’s starstruck mind.

She’s so beautiful!! So perfect!!

“M-Moka!” Yukari called out, seizing the opportunity to get closer to her idol. “I-I want to be—”

Before she could finish, Tsukune, noticing the crowd slowly closing in on them, acted quickly. His instinct kicked in, and without hesitation, he grabbed both Moka and Yukari by the arms.

“We need to go!” he said urgently, pulling them away from the swelling crowd. His usual danger sense was screaming at him to escape before things got out of control.

Yukari’s words were cut short as the three of them dashed off together.