'Congratulations on encountering the Abyss...' Luo Shu repeated the words silently, then frowned and asked:
"So, if all three fires show abnormalities, does that mean we've encountered an Abyss Artefact?"
"Not necessarily. Or rather, it might not be an Abyss Artefact."
Natsuki Minamiya closed her insulated cup and leaned against the lectern, explaining:
"Being influenced or controlled by Abyss Artefacts, entering areas where phenomena are distorted by the Abyss's aura, or being attacked by Abyss monsters can all cause abnormalities in the three flames."
"A large number of ordinary people simultaneously exhibiting abnormal three flames is almost proof of the Abyss's descent."
"And such phenomena have been occurring more frequently in recent years, which is why the SDS was established."
Having said this, Natsuki Minamiya reminded Luo Shu:
"You brought these two girls here to learn, but also to give them some means of self-protection, right?"
Luo Shu didn't deny it, as this was exactly what he wanted Natsuki Minamiya to think.
"To avoid the monsters, artefacts, or other strange things emerging from the Abyss, learning basic abilities like Spirit Sight—observing the state of the three flames in essence, energy, and spirit—can greatly increase the chances of avoiding danger."
This was also the main idea behind Natsuki Minamiya's first lesson.
Thinking this, Natsuki Minamiya added in a cautionary tone:
"By the way, let me remind you all. In this world, ordinary people can generally only harm the red flame, and some ability users are the same. Those capable of harming the blue flame are usually quite strong. As for the yellow flame, it's particularly favoured by eerie entities."
"Um..." Utaha Kasumigaoka, recalling the incident from the day before yesterday, raised her hand somewhat awkwardly. "By eerie entities, you mean..."
"Hmm, exactly what you're thinking—ghosts, demons, monsters, and the like. Human vitality, or the vitality of any living creature, is nourishment to them."
Natsuki Minamiya looked at Utaha Kasumigaoka with a faint smile, then teased:
"Of course, some powerful anomalies can harm not just the yellow flame but also the blue flame. These are no ordinary foes and usually require experts among experts to handle."
"Additionally, there's a special case that only occurs in males, where all three flames are in turmoil."
Hearing this, both Luo Shu and Utaha Kasumigaoka sensed something amiss, while Eriri cluelessly stepped right into the trap:
"Eh? Seriously? How can there be something that only happens to males? Doesn't it happen to females?"
"Of course it does." Natsuki Minamiya said flatly. "Ejaculation, for instance."
"As for females, that would only happen when you enter the gynaecology operating theatre. But that's a case of three flames turmoil unique to females."
"!!!"
If she had been drinking anything, Eriri would have surely spat it out.
"W-wait! How can you say something like that so casually?!"
Eriri slammed the table in frustration, her face burning red.
"I'm 24 years old."
Natsuki Minamiya gave Eriri a calm glance, the kind an adult would give a child:
"In this country, that's generally old enough to be a mother. Isn't it normal to talk about such things?"
"B-but, but..."
Eriri stammered, while Natsuki Minamiya waved her hand dismissively:
"Alright, that's all for the introduction to the three flames. By using Spirit Sight on yourself or others, it's easy to determine their current state."
Natsuki Minamiya then glanced at Luo Shu, pondered for a moment, and addressed the three before her:
"I'll give you another method to identify danger."
Natsuki Minamiya pointed to the yellow flame on her shoulder as she spoke:
"Normally, a person's yellow flame is constantly burning. For those excessively fatigued, it might even flicker rapidly. And since it can flicker, it can also remain still."
The yellow flame on Natsuki Minamiya's shoulder first blazed vigorously, then flickered wildly, before finally settling into complete stillness—like a motionless orb of fire-shaped light hovering in place.
At this point, Natsuki narrowed her eyes meaningfully:
"In modern society, very few have flames that remain perfectly stable."
"A stable yellow flame indicates stable vitality—a hallmark exclusive to sorcerers."
"Among you, aside from Luo Shu, if you encounter someone with such stable yellow flames, your best option is to run."
A stable yellow flame signified a stable life force. Awakening one's ability was essentially about regulating the body to achieve this stability—or conversely, only those with stable yellow flames could awaken abilities. Thus, encountering someone whose right shoulder flame didn't move at all was a sure sign of a sorcerer.
After warning Utaha and Eriri, Natsuki glanced at Luo Shu and added:
"The same applies to stable blue flames. Such individuals are even more dangerous. However, since masters proficient in 'divine flames' can often disguise the state of their three flames, detecting their abnormality is generally difficult."
As she spoke, the three flames on Natsuki's shoulders and head suddenly burned with perfect stability, as if they were mere static images.
Observing this, Luo Shu narrowed his eyes slightly and glanced up at his own three flames. Only after watching for several seconds did he see the faintest flicker.
"This identification method is quite convenient!"
"But speaking of which, Natsuki-chan, how many people actually know this technique?"
"That's my patented secret." Natsuki calmly picked up her thermos, her eyes half-lidded. "Also, don't add '-chan' when addressing your teacher."
"But isn't Natsuki-chan quite young? And didn't you previously say you wanted to maintain a student identity—"
Clink! Clink!
The sound of sliding chains rang out as metal restraints abruptly materialised around Luo Shu's wrists and ankles.
Meanwhile, Natsuki gritted her teeth, her tone dripping with displeasure:
"That was all the officials' mistake. They took one look at my photo and assumed I was a student. Hah! If it were up to me, Kyoto's entire administrative staff should be fired."
Hearing this revelation, Luo Shu immediately fell silent.
'Damn, so it was just a bureaucratic mix-up? No wonder she's so pissed.'
"Pfft!"
Unable to contain herself, Eriri burst into laughter, shoulders shaking:
"Sorry, I didn't mean to—it's just, well... I never thought Natsuki-sensei would face the same situation as—wait, no, I actually am a student... Oh dear..."
"Sawamura-kun, I strongly advise you to stop talking," Utaha quickly interjected, eyeing Natsuki's visibly darkening expression.
Eriri looked up at Natsuki Minamiya's dark expression and quickly covered her mouth.
At that moment, Natsuki spoke in an icy tone:
"Today's assignment is learning to use Spirit Sight without relying on essential oils. The oils on the table are your only tools. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be checking your progress."
Natsuki said this expressionlessly, her gaze lingering pointedly on Eriri:
"All three of you should be prepared to submit your homework."
'There's homework too? And it's obviously targeting me? Would... would kowtowing in apology work now?'
Eriri thought with utter despair.
After setting this little trap for the three students, Natsuki suddenly addressed Luo Shu:
"Luo Shu, come with me to Café LycoReco after class."
Hearing this, Luo Shu was puzzled but nodded nonetheless:
"Alright."