Now then. Where exactly am I?
I am well aware that I'm still on the grounds of U.A. High School. I haven't lost my wits that much. However, all I see in every direction is forest. No matter how far I walk, there is nothing but an endless sea of trees.
As for why I am wandering through such a place, I have my homeroom teacher to thank; he requested I sweep the various training grounds for Cursed Spirits. Today, I finished rooting out the Curses infesting the USJ. By the time I finished, it was past seven in the evening. I wanted to regroup with Himiko, who was waiting in the main building, so we could go home together. Leaving the facility alone was, in hindsight, the height of stupidity. Thirteen—or "No. 13"—tried to stop me, but I brushed them off with a "don't worry about it."
I just wanted to see Himiko as soon as possible. Exorcising low-level Curses is easy, but when there are so many of them, it's undeniably tedious. I was mentally exhausted and simply in the mood to see her smile. I let my impatience get the better of me.
The result? This predicament. I walk and walk, yet I cannot find my way out of these woods. I am lost—truly, pathetically lost. I really ought to get a grip. Why must I spend my night wandering through a forest like a stray? It is utterly incomprehensible.
Could it be that I have a Heavenly Restriction that robs me of my sense of direction? No, I don't feel as though I've gained any great power in exchange for such a curse. That would mean I am simply... naturally directionally challenged.
...How tragic. Truly tragic. Is there nothing to be done for this?
"Hmph... This is quite the problem."
When will I ever get out of here? My stomach is starting to rumble, and my throat is parched. At this rate, I might actually starve to death. Dying of hunger because I got lost in a school backyard... that isn't even funny. I have to do something. But there is nothing I can do.
Is this it for me? Is this how I go??
No. It's too early to give up. Fortunately, I remember exactly how I've walked so far. In that case, I simply need to retrace my steps.
"...Actually, never mind. I have no idea where I am."
The forest at night is dark. Pitch black. I can't even tell which way I'm facing. I really shouldn't have left Himiko back at the school building. But even if they were just "trash" Curses, a Curse is still a Curse. The thought of Himiko being attacked or injured while I was distracted was too much to bear. Besides, she needs to study; I felt guilty about dragging her along for a sweep that had no clear end time.
The school building is clear of Curses, and I gave her a ring that should be of some use. Even if the League of Villains sent Curses after her, she should be able to escape. At least, I'd like to believe so.
Actually, now I'm getting anxious. We have an agreement that I'd be contacted immediately if anything unusual happened at the school. No news means all is well. And yet... my heart will not settle.
Calm down. It's fine, it's fine. From now on, I'll just take Himiko with me when I go on these sweeps. I belong by her side to protect her. I won't leave her alone ever again.
...I've really gone soft, haven't I? How long has it been since I felt this way? Ah, I suppose I felt something similar when I was separated from my younger brother and sister...
Steady yourself. That is all in the past. The past cannot be erased, and there is nothing to be done about it. What matters is the now. I must focus only on how to escape this forest and—wait.
"Cursed Energy...?"
In the middle of the woods? A Cursed Spirit? No... that's not it. This is a residue. A lingering trace of Cursed Energy leaking from somewhere. I can't tell if it belongs to a Curse or a Sorcerer; I've always been rather poor at those fine distinctions.
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