He who Protects the Transforming Heroines from The Shadows - Chapter 10 - A Friend and A Mysterious Lightguide Princess?

“Hey, you two. Sorry for making you worry.”

It was lunch break, two days after the attack by Feliet. When Kouji met Youka and Miya in the hallway, they immediately expressed concern about the injury to his abdomen. With a refreshing smile, Kouji responded cheerfully.

“Kounomiya-kun! Thank goodness… But are you really okay?”
“Yeah, it looked like a pretty serious injury…”

Youka let out a relieved breath, while Miya still stared at Kouji with worry in her eyes. At a glance, however, Kouji now appeared perfectly healthy.

“Fortunately, it turned out to be just a severe bruise. My body is pretty tough when I’m in Guardian mode. Still… I showed you two such a pathetic sight. I truly apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

With those words, Kouji bowed his head deeply. Students walking by in the hallway sent curious and suspicious glances at the sight of the school celebrity bowing to the famous duo.

“K-Kounomiya-kun!? Why are you suddenly bowing like that!?”
“J-Just raise your head already!”

Youka and Miya panicked at Kouji’s sudden act. After all, they had no idea why he was bowing in the first place.

“Ah, sorry. This might not be the best place for it. But I’m supposed to be your Guardian, and yet I ended up putting you two in danger. And I was in that sorry state… Honestly, I’m disgusted with myself.”

Kouji, usually so cheerful, now spoke with a somber face as he explained the reason for his apology. It seemed he was referring to the battle with Feliet two days ago and was apologizing for how things turned out.

“Kounomiya-kun, you did your best! If anything, it’s us who…”
“Kounomiya-kun, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve helped us time and time again. If anyone was lacking, it’s us. If you hadn’t been there two days ago…”

The two of them firmly rejected Kouji’s self-deprecating words. He had always protected and supported them, even as rookie Lightguide Princesses. When Feliet appeared, he acted as a decoy to help them escape. Kouji did his best to protect them no matter what, and they would never call him pathetic.

“No… I wasn’t the one who saved you that day. It was that guy, Spriggan.”

Kouji interjected halfway through Miya’s words. His expression now held a trace of distrust and suspicion.

Those words reminded Youka of what she wanted to ask—why Kouji had told them not to trust Spriggan. She was just about to speak when Miya cut in instead.

“That’s not—!”

Miya looked at Kouji with a face that seemed like she wanted to say something. But Kouji simply shook his head.

“It’s the truth. —Well then, excuse me. I have something I need to take care of. See you later.”

With a small smile, Kouji turned and walked down the hallway, disappearing down the stairs.

The two girls left behind exchanged worried glances.

♦

“Ugh…!”

After parting ways with Youka and Miya, Kouji moved to a quiet, secluded area of the school building. Even during lunch break, it was rare for anyone to pass by this spot.

“As I thought… this really hurts…”

Kouji groaned as he held his side near his abdomen. The truth was, during his fight with Feliet, one of Kouji’s ribs had been fractured. No matter how durable his body was in Guardian mode, he had taken a direct blow from one of the highest-ranking Darkians. It was only natural he’d sustain that much damage.

Even now, he was wearing a corset to stabilize the injury, but every breath sent waves of pain through him. Still, he couldn’t afford to miss any more school just because of that.

He had already taken the previous day off. If he skipped another day, Youka and Miya would surely worry. They were kind like that.

“As their Guardian, I can’t let them worry about me any more than this…!”

For a Guardian to be the one causing concern to the Lightguide Princesses he’s supposed to protect—that would be disgraceful. Kouji’s pride as a Guardian wouldn’t allow that. That’s why he acted like nothing was wrong in front of Youka and Miya.

“Haha… pathetic, aren’t I…”

Muttering a quiet monologue of self-pity, Kouji remained there for a while, resting his body.

Completely unaware that someone was watching him.

♦

Eito had been eavesdropping from the hallway on Kouji’s conversation with Youka and Miya. He sensed something off about Kouji’s behavior and decided to tail him after he parted from the two girls. From a distance, he observed Kouji move into the shadow of the school building.

Watching Kouji like that—though he felt he shouldn’t, as a fellow man—Eito couldn’t help but witness it until the end. Then, without a word, he quickly turned on his heel.

(Kounomiya… you…)

Seeing Kouji’s determination, Eito felt a surprising sense of respect. Kounomiya Kouji wasn’t just your average good-hearted pretty face—he was, in every sense of the word, a real man.

Normally, Eito didn’t feel anything toward others, let alone respect. But when it came to Kouji, he genuinely felt he could admire him as a person.

“…This isn’t like me at all.”

Murmuring that to himself on his way back to the classroom, Eito was completely unaware that a male student who happened to pass by had given him a look that said, “Is this guy okay?” That student was now stuck wondering what exactly wasn’t like Eito. A pointless curiosity, but one that left him very unfortunate indeed.

Continuing down the crowded hallway during lunch, Eito was just about to enter his own class, 2-7, when a voice called out to him.

“Hey, Eito!”

A voice that was rare in this world—someone calling him by his given name. Eito turned his head in the direction of the voice, though he already knew who it was. After all, there was only one person in this school who would call him that.

Turning around, he saw Hayakawa Satori, from the neighboring class 2-6—his one and only friend in this school—standing there with a wry smile.

“…What do you want, Satori?”
“Well, y’see, I forgot my textbook for fifth period. It’s math, see—mind lending me yours?”

Satori gave a playful wink and put hands together in a pleading gesture. With bob-length hair and good looks, Satori was popular with both boys and girls alike. In fact, nearby girls who noticed were whispering, “Hey, it’s Hayakawa-san! Ah, talk about cool.” “Eh, but isn’t—” “Shh, doesn’t matter! Cool Is Justice!”

“That’s a no. Cool dudes are my enemy.”

That line wasn’t because of what he overheard. Eito bluntly refused Satori’s request, even though they were supposed to be friends. And he stated the reason outright.

“Hah!? Who are you calling a cool dude!? You jerk!”
“How is that rude, idiot? Besides, be serious—don’t you have other friends you can borrow it from? Go ask one of them.”

Eito replied with obvious annoyance. Satori gave him a deadpan stare.

“You’re as difficult as ever, Eito. What’s the big deal? Or do you just not want to lend it to me?”

Though they went to different middle schools, they had known each other since back then, and coincidentally reunited at Fuuraku High during the entrance ceremony. They weren’t in the same class in their first year, but had grown to be real friends.

Even so, this friend with the overgrown bangs had always been weirdly stingy about lending out textbooks—even now. It made Satori doubt the very nature of their friendship.

“…Fine. Whatever. Sure, I’ll lend it, but you’re treating me to something next time.”

Reluctantly, Eito retrieved his Math II textbook from his desk and handed it to Satori.

“Thanks, Eito. Since we’re at it, let’s go home together today. I’ll buy you something on the way back.”

Satori smiled brightly. Normally, a friend’s smile might warm your heart, but Eito smiled for a completely different reason.

“You said it. Don’t forget those words. I’m getting something good outta you.”
“…You’re kind of trash, you know that?”

Satori was slightly taken aback by that sudden enthusiasm. Eito was a gloomy, half-hidden-face kind of guy. He talked to himself too much, had a bit of a Chuunibyou complex, and liked being alone. Honestly, Satori often wondered how they even ended up being friends.

“…Well, whatever. You’re a good guy, Eito, and honestly kinda fun to be around.”
“Huh? What the hell are you on about all of a sudden?”
“Nothing. Just talking to myself. Thanks for the book—see you after school.”

With that, Satori turned and headed back to the neighboring classroom. At the same time, the chime signaling the end of lunch break rang throughout the school.

“…What the hell was that all about?”

As he listened to the chime, Eito couldn’t help but wonder what his friend had just meant about him.

♦

“Sorry to keep you waiting! My bad, I forgot I was on classroom duty today.”

After school. Eito, who had been waiting in front of Class 2-6, was greeted with those words by Satori, who emerged from the classroom with a smile. Not that it mattered, but Eito did wonder just where that boundless energy came from.

“Here, thanks. You didn’t come to get it, so I guess you didn’t have math sixth period?”
“Yeah. But if you’re going to return it, do it during the break between fifth and sixth period.”
“Haha, sorry, sorry. I just got lazy. Alright, shall we go?”

The two left the noisy afterschool building, passed through the front gate, and walked aimlessly as they chatted about nothing in particular.

“Oh yeah, I overheard some classmates saying that Katsuo Ueda failed another marriage interview.”
“That’s called eavesdropping, Eito… Still, really? Poor guy. May he rest in peace.”

As they talked, a certain green-colored convenience store came into view ahead on their left. Eito, feeling a bit hungry, turned to Satori and said:

“Hey, Satori. You said you’d treat me, right? Buy me a Fam*chiki. My stomach’s about to let out a wolf’s growl.”
“Sure, but seriously, what kind of gross metaphor is that? Can’t you just say you’re hungry? Well, I am famished though, so let’s stop by.”

The two entered the convenience store and wandered through the aisles. Eito bought mineral water and a peppered bacon snack to eat at home. Satori bought a bottle of oolong tea, two Fam*chiki for the both of them, plus a hash brown to add. Those words about being hungry seemed to be true.

They found a small park nearby, but since there were no benches, they sat on the swings. Satori handed Eito his chicken.

“Here you go. Be sure to eat it with gratitude, okay?”

With a bit of a mischievous smile, Satori handed it over. Eito took it with a smirk.

“No thanks. Wasting time being grateful to the likes of you isn’t worth it. More importantly, I need to feed this to the beast within me before it goes berserk.”
“…Ugh, I really wanna punch you right now. Actually, sorry, Eito—I’m annoyed, so I’m gonna hit you.”

Smiling sweetly, Satori suddenly jabbed Eito lightly in the side. Caught off guard and not expecting an actual punch, the scumbag almost dropped his mouthful of chicken.

“Guh—! What the hell was that for!? Even my dad’s never hit me before!”
“Shut up, you trash goblin. Go get kicked by a horse and die or something. And I didn’t hit you, I just gave you a light jab.”
“Like hell that makes it better!”
“…………”
“…………”

Then, suddenly, silence.

“Pfft…”
“Heh…”
“Ahahaha! Man, it’s been a while since we’ve had a moment like this!”
“Yeah, I guess it has.”

Satori laughed genuinely and joyfully, while Eito smiled in his usual nihilistic fashion. That little exchange seemed to entertain Satori so much, a drop of tear peeking out.

“Man, that was hilarious… But hey, Eito—you haven’t been hanging out much lately. Something going on?”

As Satori wiped a tear from his eye with his right hand, he asked that. Eito, chewing on the last of his chicken, replied:

“…Not really. Just coincidence. I mean, if you’re gonna say that, you’ve been the king of last-minute cancellations since forever. Got a reason for that?”
“Haha, yeah, sorry about that. But you know, I’m kinda popular—unlike you—so my schedule gets all booked up sometimes.”
“I’m gonna smack you, you bastard. Whatever, not like it matters. Anyway—”

They kept chatting idly, and before long, the sky began to darken. The soft blue sky from earlier had turned to a sunset-drenched orange, painting the playground equipment in red.

“Man, it’s getting pretty late. What do you think, Satori? Wanna hang out a bit longer?”
“Yeah, I’d like to. If you’re okay with it, then—”

Satori suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Then, collecting courage, turned to Eito with a smile.

“…Sorry, Eito. I just remembered—I’ve got something I need to do today. So I’m gonna head out now. Really sorry.”
“I see. Don’t worry about it. I’ll walk you partway—”

Eito started to stand from the swing, but Satori quickly waved hands in a panic.

“No, it’s fine! I’m in a hurry, so I’ll just run! See ya!”

Leaving those words behind, Sator dashed off. Left behind, Eito blinked in confusion.

“If it was that important, you could’ve told me earlier.”

He tossed the chicken wrapper into the convenience store bag, crumpled it up, and stuffed it into his pocket. Then Eito started walking home alone.

Looking up at the sky, he saw one or two stars beginning to twinkle. Seeing that faint scene, he decided—pointlessly—that he’d just laze around at home today.

♦

The sun sets, and the peaceful darkness of night descends upon the sky. Night is both an end and a beginning. To use work as an example, for some, night marks the end of their job, while for others, it’s when work begins. Well, nowadays, with all the talk about black companies, there are people for whom work doesn’t even end at night. Still, night has always been something that offers peace and rest to people since ancient times.

“Grrrrrrrrrr!”

That tranquility was suddenly torn apart by a ferocious growl echoing through a quiet residential neighborhood.

The place was on the border between Tokyo and Saitama. Though the night was still young, not a single person could be seen. In that silence, something inhuman stirred.

It had gray fur and sharp fangs. A face that resembled that of a dog. Claws that could easily tear a human apart. It was a beast of the kind known as a wolf.

But it was no ordinary wolf—it stood on two legs. Its body was thick with swollen muscles, clearly far beyond that of a normal animal. In a word, it was best described as a werewolf—a wolf-like beastman.

“…I see, a beastman type. Looks like another pain to deal with.”

With a click of footsteps, a single human appeared before the wolf-beastman. Wearing a pale emerald-green hood and holding a magnificent sword in their right hand, the figure looked upon the creature—something that could only be called a monster—without the slightest hint of fear.

“Beastman types are tricky. They’re kind of a midpoint between dark thralls and darkians, and usually pretty strong too.”

The hood obscured the figure’s face and made it hard to determine their gender, but their voice was slightly high-pitched.

“Gruu?”

The beastman finally noticed the figure. It lowered its posture cautiously, narrowing its eyes at the stranger.

“Oh? You coming for me?”

With another growl, the beastman opened its jaws wide and lunged toward the mysterious figure. It closed the ten-meter gap in an instant with terrifying speed.

“Whoa, fast. As expected of a wolf-type beastman. But still not quite on my level.”

With a casual remark, the hooded figure dodged the snapping jaws with ease. Then, using some kind of mysterious acceleration, they created distance once again. The beastman, clearly not expecting its prey to evade so easily, began looking around in confusion.

“Fighting dumb ones is so much easier. …Oops, I’m starting to talk to myself too much. That’s totally his fault.”

They muttered, shaking their head as if to brush the thought away. Honestly, it was an annoying habit they didn’t need. It seemed even quirks like that could spread from having troublesome friends.

“GRRRAAAHHH!!”

At last spotting the figure again, the beastman let out a roar of fury and lunged once more—this time not with a bite, but aiming to slash with its savage claws.

“…Sorry, but I’m in a bad mood tonight. My quality time with a friend got ruined.”

The hooded figure held their magnificent sword horizontally in front of them and muttered:

“O wind, dwell within my blade.”

At that moment, the beastman’s razor-sharp claws were just centimeters away, ready to tear them apart.

But the blow never landed.

“Gale Flash.”

A gust of wind swept through the space between them.

“Grr…? Gr—”

The wolf-beastman collapsed, light pouring from a diagonal slash wound. What remained shimmered with light and then transformed back into a human man.

The hooded figure gently propped the man up against a nearby utility pole and left the scene.

“Man, that was a pain. If I’d fought that beastman seriously, it probably would’ve taken more effort… Still, way better than their boss I fought the other day. She wasn’t even in the same league.”

They had recently fought the enemy commander, Reizeroll, and the difference in level had been overwhelming. What’s worse, it had been painfully obvious that Reizeroll was holding back. Frankly, they never wanted to face him again—but it wasn’t that simple.

Because purifying Reizeroll was the goddess’s dearest wish—and it was for that goal they were fighting.

“Oh right. Gotta deactivate this.”

Muttering to themselves, their appearance began to shift. The pale emerald-green hood dissolved into light and turned into a school uniform. A bracelet with a green gem appeared on their right wrist.

“Haah… And I’ve got school again tomorrow. Seriously, what a drag.”

Sighing, the figure shoved their hands into their pockets.

Strangely enough, where the neighborhood had been completely empty earlier, there were now a few people walking around.

“Well then… it’s about time.”

The figure stepped into a dark alley, away from the streetlights. After standing still for a moment, they were wrapped in light and vanished from sight.