I entered middle school. Kaido Middle School, to be precise. Blending in with children and attending elementary school had felt strange enough, but that feeling didn't disappear even after becoming a middle schooler. Truly, it's a peculiar sensation. Still, it can't be helped. I'm still twelve years old. I'll turn thirteen this summer. As such, I'm in the position where I must receive compulsory education.
In this era, one is required to devote oneself to academics for at least nine years. That is common sense — or rather, the rule — of this supernatural age. Therefore, however reluctantly, I must attend middle school. Uuugh… I really don't feel like it. Truly, I'm not in the mood. But if I don't go to school, my parents in this life will scold me, and above all, Himiko will throw a massive sulk if we don't attend the same school. In that case… yes. It can't be helped. I can't stand it when Himiko sulks, and I certainly don't want to get punched by Father. So, I suppose I'll attend middle school properly. As for high school… I probably don't have to go. Maybe.
That said, right now I have one problem.
"…Where is the classroom?"
After the entrance ceremony ended, I needed to use the restroom. On the way back to the classroom, I spotted one and slipped out of the line on my own to take care of business. When I came out, the hallway was empty. I casually started walking in the opposite direction from where I had come, but… well, somehow the area grew quieter and quieter. Where exactly am I? How did I end up walking here…?
Yes. I'm not lost… I'm not lost, okay? However, for some reason I have no idea where I am. Truly, I don't. Because of this, I won't be able to participate in the homeroom session that follows the entrance ceremony. This could get me scolded, you know. After all, the teachers would have every right to think that Kaido Madoka has gone missing. In other words, I'd be seen as an unmotivated student from the very first day. I'd like to avoid that if possible. Being labeled a delinquent right from the start is unacceptable. If I'm going to be treated that way in the future, fine, but on the very first day? No thank you.
"W-Well…! I'll find my way eventually, right? Gahahaha!"
...．...．......．
…What exactly am I doing? This is no time to be standing in an empty hallway with my chest puffed out, laughing loudly. No, no, this won't do. I need to do something. Why do I have to feel this sense of crisis on my very first day of school? I don't understand it…!
"…Hm?"
"!!?"
Eh…? No, eh…? What is this guy? What is this thing? I know that in this era there are people called heteromorphs. Back in elementary school there were bear-like guys and dog-like guys, after all. But I never imagined there would be someone with a bird's head. Yes, a bird head… A rather impressive bird head, in fact. But more importantly — hey, bird head. What is that black something beside you…? Is that a shikigami? It looks rather unstable. Could that possibly be a shikigami that uses shadows as a medium…?
…! Could it be…!! Perhaps this guy…!!
"What the hell are you…?! What are you staring at?!!"
"Wait…! Calm down, Dark Shadow! Run, or you'll be swallowed by darkness…!!"
O-Oh? It… spoke? Well, shikigami can speak in certain cases, but… still, one that suddenly displays such strong ego and attacks people? This bird head clearly doesn't have proper control over his technique, does he? I'm guessing it went on a rampage by accident.
And then that rampaging shikigami charged straight at me. Very well, I'll allow it. I'll take you on, Ten Shadows Technique! I've been wanting to cross fists with you for a while now! Let's start with a little warm-up!!
"Seeei!"
I wrapped my cursed energy around my fist and threw a punch at the approaching shikigami. My strike definitely landed squarely on its face.
"FUGYAAH!?"
"Dark Shadow!?"
"…Huh?"
Huh…? Wait, hold on. Hey, wait a second. That was just a warm-up, you know? I only hit it with moderate strength as a test, alright?? And yet it backed off instantly?!
Don't mess with me…! Don't disappear from something that weak! So this bird head really can't handle his technique at all?! To possess the Ten Shadows Technique and use it so pathetically… What a waste of a treasure…!! Just what are you thinking, you fool?!
"S-Sorry… I was nervous, so Dark Shadow became unstable and I was in trouble. It went berserk when I was alone… You saved me. Thank you."
"Huh? Hey, wait…"
"Thanks to you, I can return to the hall of wisdom without spreading darkness."
"Hey…"
"I must go back. It's still too early for me to become the ruler of darkness…"
This bird head…!? Hey! Don't just recall your shikigami and try to head back to the classroom! Where do you think you're going?! Show me more! Show me more!! Let me see that technique! Display your power, bird head!!!
——And that was how I met the one who would later become my friend… Tokoyami Fumikage. He's a strange fellow who often speaks in confusing, dramatic ways. Plus, he has a bird head. I can't forgive him for what happened today just yet, but one day I'll demand a proper, serious match. To think I would encounter the Ten Shadows Technique here! I've already found something to look forward to in middle school. Gahahaha!