"Myaaah!"
The ghosts staggered back one by one as Grim shot out a burst of flames. Wailing at the top of their non-existent lungs, they vanished in a panic.
"Hwaaahhh! We gotta get out of here! Before we get disappeared for good!"
Hearing this, Grim's ears perked up. He looked around the leaking, now-empty room, blinking in disbelief before cheering, "H-huh? Did we… win? That was incredible! Thanks for your help."
He collapsed dramatically onto the cracked wooden floor with a groan. "Aw, geez, I was scared outta my—"
He froze, then cleared his throat and puffed out his chest. "I mean, they didn't faze me one bit! Just a walk in the park for a mage of my caliber! Whaddaya got to say now, ghosties? That's right!"
Watching Grim go to such lengths to save face drew a small smile from Hoshi.
How cute…
"Good evening. In yet another display of my immense generosity, I have brought you dinner. Wait—"
The door burst open as Crowley stepped inside with a cheery expression, which quickly morphed into confusion.
"That's the creature we ejected for causing trouble at orientation! What is it doing here?!"
"Takin' care of your ghost problem, that's what!" Grim boasted with a wide grin. "You're welcome, by the way!"
"What is the meaning of this, Hoshi?" Crowley frowned. "Although… now that I think of it, this dorm was abandoned due to a mischievous ghost problem. The spirits drove all the students out. Are you saying you two joined forces to drive them away?"
"'Joined forces' ain't exactly how I'd describe it," Grim huffed. "More like I did all the heavy lifting, and the human watched. I only did it 'cause I was promised tuna. Hey… wait a minute! I never got those cans of tuna ya said you'd give me!"
"Tuna?" Hoshi blinked in surprise. Did that promise actually happen?
"Would you two be so kind as to demonstrate your ghost-eradication methods for me?" Crowley cut in, eager for details.
"One, no, 'cause I already wiped 'em all out. And two, no, 'cause where's my tuna?!" Grim snapped.
"I shall play the role of the ghosts," Crowley offered dramatically, holding up a strange bottle. "And as for the tuna, you'll receive it when you defeat me. Oh, the generosity! Now—down the hatch!"
With that, Crowley chugged the transmutation potion. Moments later, his body twisted and shifted until a ghostly figure wearing a raven mask hovered in his place.
A human can turn into a ghost before their time is even up…?
"Aww, you gotta be kiddin' me. I gotta team up with the human again?" Grim groaned.
"This could be your chance to enroll!" Hoshi urged. "Do it for the tuna, Master Sorcerer!"
"Hrmph." Grim grumbled. "Fine. But this is the last time! And I better be up to my jowls in tuna after this!"
The battle passed in a blur. But unlike earlier, Hoshi didn't feel panicked—only a strange sense of familiarity and longing. When it ended, there was a heaviness in the chest, a reluctant sadness.
As though… they didn't want it to end. But what was "this"?
As Crowley reverted to his normal self, Grim collapsed onto the floor, panting heavily. Hoshi, however, didn't feel nearly as winded. It hardly felt like any effort had been spent.
Still catching his breath, Grim looked up and grunted, "… Well?"
"Incredible…" Crowley muttered. "I've never seen anyone tame a monster quite like that."
He nodded slowly. "I must admit, ever since that brouhaha at orientation, my keen educator's instinct did sense something unusual about you, Hoshi. You have a certain… beast master-ish quality, yes, yes."
While Crowley mumbled to himself, Hoshi spoke clearly.
"Would it be possible for Grim to stay with me? Grim wants to attend this school."
"WHAT?! A monster, stay HERE?!" Crowley squawked in disbelief.
"Whoa, did you just…?" Grim blinked, stunned. He quickly turned to plead. "Please, sir! What if there are more ghosts?"
"Hmm…" Crowley stroked his chin. After a pause, he nodded. "Very well."
"Myah?! Really?" Grim's eyes went wide, his expression brightening.
"But let me be clear!" Crowley said sharply, clearing his throat. "Under no circumstances would I admit anyone to Night Raven College who hasn't been chosen by the Dark Mirror—especially not a monster. And you, Hoshi, will not be allowed to freeload here indefinitely just because you're stranded."
"Hrmph. Never shoulda got my hopes up…" Grim muttered with a scowl.
"Now, allow me to explain," Crowley turned to Hoshi. "It was the Dark Mirror that summoned you here, so this institution bears some responsibility for your well-being. I will allow you to stay in this dorm free of charge. But you'll need to cover your own food, clothing, and other necessities. And how, you ask, given your penniless state…? Ah. Ah-ha! A perfect plan."
Hoshi nodded quietly. He wasn't wrong. With no memories, no belongings, and no direction, there was only uncertainty. Without the Mirror, even their own name might have remained unknown.
Who was there to depend on, really? The tie to this school was light—perhaps nonexistent. They had simply appeared.
Crowley might sound suspicious, but Hoshi's instincts said otherwise. There was no place to return to.
No origin. No destination.
Even if the Mirror once offered answers… what now?
There was only one option. Hoshi nodded. "What exactly are you planning to have me do?"
Crowley looked a bit surprised by the calm tone, but answered, "Just a few odd jobs around campus."
He gestured toward the recently cleaned hallway. "From what I've seen here, you seem to know your way around a broom. How about you two work together as a janitorial team?"
"So… be a janitor?" Hoshi tilted their head.
"If you agree, I'll make a special exception and allow you to remain on campus—"
"Sure."
Crowley blinked. That was fast.
"I may have no memories," Hoshi continued, "but I do know I can't just loaf around and burden everyone. Being a janitor sounds fair. I'm just not sure if Grim can do the job. Also… is it possible to ask the Dark Mirror again about my origins? If it knew my name, maybe it knows where I came from?"
"Regarding your origins?" Crowley shook his head. "We've already asked. The Mirror claims it doesn't know. A very rare case, indeed."
"I see…" Hoshi murmured.
Crowley could tell Hoshi was earnest—and perhaps a little too trusting. After speaking with Lilia, Crowley knew no one had any clue where this student came from. However, the odd phrases spoken earlier had raised flags in Briar Valley. So, Crowley had been asked to observe this student closely for now.
He smiled with affected warmth. "Ah, don't worry. I'll allow you access to the library, so you can study and research your past. How selflessly generous I am. Of course, only after your work is done!"
"Whaaat?! What kinda deal is that?!" Grim stomped a paw. "I wanted one of those sweet uniforms, not sweep up people's junk!"
"Grim?!" Hoshi blinked at the outburst.
"If you're not satisfied," Crowley warned, "I can arrange for you to be thrown out again."
"Myah?! … All right, fine! Let's do it." Grim grumbled in defeat.
Hoshi blinked in surprise. Looks like Crowley read Grim better than they did. Still, they gave a small, relieved smile. "Fair enough."
"Wonderful," Crowley beamed victoriously. "Then I hereby appoint you both… the newest members of Night Raven College's janitorial staff!"