Fumio had a tough job.
He had to train a group of teenagers as if they were elite soldiers—worse, ruthless killers without scruples. Often, he lost sleep at night, pondering the morality of his actions and the possible future consequences linked to them.
Doubts were always present in the man's mind, though he kept them well hidden. Not even Yukihime suspected that, in reality, the [mage] was often tormented by his conscience.
Was it right to use kids as weapons in a war much bigger than them? Fueling their hatred instead of helping them overcome it?! Leading them down a dead-end road? No, but there were no other options.
It was a fact that all his students were important resources for the [New Dawn], which counted not even three-tenths of the numbers of the [Black Corps], let alone the much more common [White Corps].
Every available hand was more than necessary when in numerical inferiority, as was their case.
But could Fumio live with himself if, in the end, one of his students—whom he had grown attached to over time—died? Or worse, became unrecognizable?
The 30-year-old didn't know the answer to that question. The only thing he was sure of was that he had to find a target for Hajime—to test his "loyalty" to the cause.
A few hours ago, Yukihime had come to inform him. It hadn't been a pleasant conversation.
* * *
"Yukihime-sama, I was also angry when I learned what happened in Kamijo-san's last mission, but I don't doubt his motivations. It's absolutely impossible and illogical to believe he's a threat to us."
"I know, but others, especially Hoshi, are hesitant to believe it. They see us as 'compromised.' And I... can't deny it myself."
"...what do you want me to do then?"
"Eliminate a target of your choosing. Just make sure it's someone high on the threat list."
"An assassination... Yukihime-sama, unlike your partner, Kamijo-san are not a killer, and I doubt I have the qualities to do such a thing. This option isn't feasible in any way. You entrusted me with this team to care for them and ensure their mental and physical well-being. You know better than anyone the difference between fighting during a skirmish and killing someone cold-blooded."
"I know! It was my mistake not to tell the others the truth! I let my emotions influence me regarding Hajime-kun! And this is the result! I'm about to make him a murderer! I'd understand if his father, from the grave, was cursing me right now!"
Faced with her outburst, [Omega Mage] Fumio could only say nothing. It was much harder for her than for him now, knowing her mistakes.
Surely, Yukihime knew that once she had let Goto's stepson into the [New Dawn], this day might come. But not like this. Hajime shouldn't pay for her mistake.
"I will choose the target, Yukihime-sama. But to avoid further problems in the future, I believe someone else should receive my reports."
The vampire understood that she had put her most loyal member's trust to the test with her words. But she didn't deny that her future emotions might impair her judgment again.
"Maybe you're right..."
* * *
And here he was, a few hours later, in his room, using his computer to search for a target for Hajime.
"(I need to make things easier for him... no young ones then... maybe someone similar to Goto? But that could project his hatred onto the target... it wouldn't end well if he lost control... it should be a scum, less human, the better for him and his guilt... but if he's an important element for the [Black Corps], he'll be heavily guarded... maybe I should go into the field? Or should I...)"
In the end, Fumio found what he was looking for. An "easy" target by the team's standards.
"(I need to check if Kamijo-san's abilities have declined recently... better to do that tomorrow.)"
He finally went to sleep very late. Meanwhile, Goto's stepson was doing something entirely different.
"Just a little more Hajime-chan, you're almost there! A little more [mana], and-"
"[Mana manipulation]: [implosion]!"
The mannequin he was training with trembled violently before its internal organs exploded inside its body.
"Damn!"
"Well, at least this time, it didn't blow up like I shoved a kilo of dynamite up its ass! That's a result!"
Veronica smiled brightly at the teenager who was losing patience and doing nothing to hide it.
"I still lack control, now that my [Rank] has increased!"
"It often happens when a [mage] reaches a certain level without being fully physically matured. A few weeks, and you'll be fine."
Veronica had enjoyed her time with her apprentice a lot.
Not just because of his constant teasing and harassment. Here, in her training room, she could shed her mask of the housewife with a daughter.
Here, she could truly be herself, without masks or hidden sides, and show herself as the fierce, proud wolf she really was.
The same went for Hajime. This was the only place where he could vent his frustrations, abandon the caution he had at home with Goto, and unleash the fury he felt for Kaori's father.
Moreover, they shared a characteristic that greatly united them: both had a [Grimorio].
It was hard to deny their bond, despite everything. Even if the silvery-haired boy would never say it aloud, he had also enjoyed some moments with Veronica.
"Alright, take your katana now! Let's fight a bit!"
"I should actually go home..."
"Let's have a quick match; a minute should be enough! Come on! It'll be fun!"
The teenager took a sharp katana from the wall and assumed a stance. His blocking was gone now, thanks to a few night lessons in the park and dojo with Miyamoto Hayato.
In the dojo of the North District, during those hours of practice, he managed to close some of his gaps, showing monstrous improvement each time. After a couple of months training with his sword master, the man had recently returned to the North District after finishing his business. Their time together had been brief, but Hajime was sure he would never forget the kindness of the swordsman.
"Whenever you're ready, my apprentice!"
"[Overwrite]: [physical enhancement]!"
Goto's stepson launched an attack, with a vertical swing aimed at Veronica's head, intending to split her in half.
The woman dodged the katana by a hair, stepping back. Before the weapon could hit the ground, using her maximum strength, Hajime lifted the katana to strike his teacher with an upward swing.
Veronica, aware of his intentions, disarmed her apprentice with a well-placed kick to his hands.
The [mage] didn't finish yet; with an open palm, she pushed the boy back across the room, making him lose the air in his lungs.
With a thud, the young [mage] finally slammed against the training room wall.
"Yeah, that was definitely fun!" (Veronica)
"Maybe for you...!" (Hajime)
"Get up, apprentice. I didn't hit you that hard to really hurt you! When you get home, the pain will already be gone!"
"Yeah, right."
Sighing and cursing, Goto's stepson returned home. Not knowing what awaited him the following night.