About four hours passed. Thanks to my unusual constitution and the care of Recovery Girl, I was finally released from the infirmary. The atmosphere at school had changed completely. Police were everywhere, and U.A. security measures had been tripled.
However, instead of returning to the classroom, the footsteps took me directly to the massive doors of the principal's office.
When I entered, Director Nezu was sitting at a large table, sipping his tea. Next to him stood a tired, haggard Aizawa, looking more like a mummy than a teacher, and Detective Tsukauchi sat quietly in the corner of the room.
"Ah, young Darkness, come in, sit down," Nezu smiled, but his black eyes were extremely serious.
I sat down in the leather chair. "You wanted to talk to me about USJ?"
"Exactly," Aizawa said, his voice even more hoarse than usual due to his injuries. "First of all... I want to thank you. I've seen the camera footage and the students' statements. The way you protected Hagakure and then charged straight at that monster saved my life. Your strategic judgment and the power of your shadows... prevented a massacre. For that, you have my deep respect and the school's recognition."
Nezu put down his cup and rested his paws on the table. "That's the bright side, Mephisto. Now the other. Your ability to summon creatures like that giant dragon or that dark warrior... has caused a great stir among the Heroic Commission. You have used power far beyond the scope of your school's permitted training, and you have exposed yourself to enormous risk. You have fought an enemy you knew you were no match for. As a student, you should have retreated and waited for reinforcements. Your stubbornness almost cost you your life."
"I understand," I replied calmly, without any emotion. I knew they had to give me a formal reprimand to maintain school decorum. "I'll evaluate the situation more carefully next time."
Nezu smiled slightly. "Given the circumstances, there will be no consequences. On the contrary, your name is beginning to be held in high regard among the professionals. Now go back to the dorm and rest. You'll need it."
The ride back to the dorm was quiet. The sun was slowly setting behind the horizon, painting the U.A. campus in orange tones. When I unlocked the door to my room, I threw off my school jacket and fell wearily onto the bed. At that moment, my phone vibrated wildly in my pocket.
I looked at the display.Mom.
I took a deep breath and answered the call. "Hi, Mom."
"Mephisto! Oh my God!" my mother's terrified, tearful voice immediately came from the speaker, cutting through the silence of the room. "I got a call from school! They told me that you were attacked by bad guys and that you ended up in the infirmary! Are you okay?! Didn't they hurt you?! Why didn't anyone tell me anything before, I was so scared!"
I listened to her honest, motherly fear, and for the first time in this crazy week, a small, faint smile appeared on my face. My human connections in this world were real, and this was a reminder of why I had to be stronger. So I could protect those who mattered.
"Calm down, Mom. I'm perfectly fine," I said quietly and firmly, trying to reassure her. "The doctors checked me out, I'm back in my room. I'm fine, I promise."
A deep, relieved sigh and a soft sniffle came from the phone. "Thank God... mostly"Take care of yourself, Mephisto. You may be strong, but you are still my son..."
I lay on my back, looking at the ceiling and listening to her voice. The first big test was over. And the next one was just around the corner.acre.
o/ Hello, this is the end of our first series :), I'm honestly proud of myself for getting this far. I would also like to thank you all very much for your support and feedback!
The sequel will be written….