"People fall in love without a reason, without even wanting to. You 't predict it. That's what makes it so powerful."

  — Nezumi, No.6

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  Kiryuu, Murayama, and Katase, Roy's effortless dispy, began chattering amongst themselves in awe.

  Although Roy had easily deflected Saeko's attack, his gaze held uncealed admiration. Saeko's swordsmanship had improved dramatically siheir first enter. Her talent rivaled, and perhaps even surpassed, that of Yuuto Kiba from the inal story.

  "Saeko, the swordsmanship I practice doesn't belong to any particur school," Roy expined. "Or rather, you could say it draws inspiration from various styles, ultimately f its own unique approach. The key principles are speed, precision, and power. Master these three, and even a casual swing will hold immense power. Like this..."

  Roy casually flicked his wooden sword towards a nearby training dummy.

  Saeko and the others didn't evehe swing.

  But in the instant, the intact dummy was cleaved ly in two. The cut was so smooth it was hard to believe a wooden sword had inflicted it.

  "Buchou is amazing!"

  "So cool!"

  "I knew Buchou was the stro!"

  ...

  Witnessing such a stunning dispy, Kiryuu, Murayama, and Katase erupted in admiration.

  Saeko stared at the bisected dummy, lost in thought, a flicker of uanding in her eyes.

  Roy, seeing her deep in ption, didn't disturb her. He led the three girls and Saya out of the training hall.

  His primary goal in bringing Saeko to the kendo club was to provide her with guidance. Sedly, he o officially register both Saeko and Saya as members, a simple procedure that wouldn't take long.

  In the kendo club's main training area, Roy began instrug the female students, including Kiryuu, Murayama, and Katase, in the fuals of swordsmanship.

  Saya watched from the sidelines, having little i or aptitude for kendo.

  Soon, club activities ended, and Roy returned home with Saeko and Saya.

  "We're home!"

  "Wele back, Roy-!" Shizuka greeted him enthusiastically, burying his fa her chest.

  ...

  "How was your day? Everything alright at home?" Roy asked, carrying Shizuka to the room where the others were studying magic.

  Yuriko, Rika, and Alice were all p over their spellbooks.

  "Roy-onii!" Alice cried out happily, rushing over for a hug.

  Roy scooped her up, smiling. "Alice, have you been studying magic diligently?"

  "Mhm! I studied really hard! Look, look..." Aliodded vigorously, eager to show off her progress. She held out her small hand, and a magic bullet, the size of an egg, materialized within it.

  Roy stared in surprise. He hadn't expected Aliaster the magic bullet spell in just one day. Although it was one of the most basic spells, learning it so quickly was a testament tical talent. It had taken him months to learn the same spell.

  "Alice, you're amazing!" Roy praised, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  Alice beamed, happier with his praise than with mastering the spell itself.

  "Me too..." Shizuka said, not wanting to be left out.

  She held out her hands, and a soft, green light emanated from them.

  Healing magic!

  Roy was surprised again. Shizuka had also learned a spell in a single day.

  She looked at him expetly, waiting for his praise.

  "Shizuka, you're amazing too!" Roy said, patting her head affeately. He then turned his attention to Yuriko and Rika.

  The two women looked embarrassed. They hadn't mao learn any magi the past day.

  "Don't worry, not everyone has their talent. It took me several months to learn the magic bullet spell," Roy reassured them, sensing their embarrassment.

  Yuriko and Rika rexed, relieved by his words.

  "Everyone, let's get dinner ready!" Shizuka announced cheerfully.

  After dinner, Roy personally instructed the girls in magic.

  This routine tinued for several days. During the day, Roy attended school with Saeko and Saya, and in the evenings, he taught the others magic.

  One evening, however, Roy didn't duct his usual magic lessons. Instead, he gathered everyoogether.

  "You've all learned some basic magic. Tonight, I'm going to show you a Stray Devil."

  "Stray Devil?" Saya asked, puzzled.

  "I'll expin on the way." Roy didn't eborate further. He created a magic circle, and they vanished from the castle.

  ...

  In the moment, they appeared in a forest.

  "Stray Devils were once servants of other devils...," Roy began.

  "Like us?" Saya interrupted curiously.

  "Exactly! Sometimes, a devil's servant might betray or even kill their master and flee," Roy expined. "Eventually, they lose their sanity and beonstrous beings. These are Stray Devils."

  They arrived at a dipidated house.

  "The Stray Devil is ihis house. It lures humans here and devours them," Roy said, pointing at the house.

  "Eek! That sounds scary!" Shizuka excimed, ging tightly to Roy's arm.

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