He thought he would have to wait five minutes, but to his surprise, Sophie flew in through the window within two minutes. She was wearing an itasha-style outfit featuring a cartoon girl, looking as if she had left in a great hurry... "It seems Teacher Yokoyama's curse is progressing quite smoothly."
As soon as Sophie entered the room, she heard the voices of the former couple arguing outside. She glanced at the door and spoke.
"Now is not the time for sentiment, Miss Sophie. Do you have any way to help me escape from here?" Chen Yao asked nervously.
After all, the other party was about to break down the door. If a conflict broke out indiscriminately, his life as an international student would effectively be over.
"I do. Vampires are absolute number one when it comes to concealment."
Sophie spoke seriously. Mist immediately began to emanate from her body, swirling around Chen Yao and enveloping him completely. Chen Yao felt as if he were flying as he was carried out the window and floated toward the NSX in the parking lot.
The rain had stopped in the night sky. After the two appeared beside the honda nsx, Sophie returned to her original form, showing a very pleased smile, like the pride of a magician after a performance.
Chen Yao looked helplessly at the Driving School where classes were still ongoing. He thought to himself that tonight's lesson was ruined; in any case, he could only go back for now.
"Sigh, if only this damnable ntl curse could be broken..." Chen Yao said dejectedly. He took out his car keys, unlocked the car, and remembering that Sophie lived in Chiba Prefecture, said to her: "Thank you for your help, Miss Sophie. Let me take you back first."
"...While I'd love to say coolly that it's unnecessary and I'll just fly back, this time I might actually need you to drive me back, Teacher Yokoyama."
Sophie fell silent for a moment and said something rather intriguing.
"Eh? What's the situation?"
Chen Yao asked in confusion.
"...Actually, I can feel that there are Angels nearby."
As a Vampire, Sophie seemed a bit fearful as she spoke in the night wind.
In the night, amidst the whistling wind, several figures riding motorcycles were quietly searching along the highway for traces of certain targets in this area... Chapter 28: You Were Never Dark
In the night sky, dark clouds rolled incessantly, and flashes of lightning still flickered on the dark horizon. Below the edge of a mountain highway leading to Chiba Prefecture, a sea of trees surged like waves in the darkness. Amidst the rustling of leaves, a white NSX was driving toward the deep forests of Chiba Prefecture at a standard speed of 60 km/h.
"Angels?"
Chen Yao asked while driving, inquiring about a term he had only seen in mythological novels.
"They are exactly the Angels you understand, but their status is somewhat different. The Angels who hunt Vampires are basically Angels of the Old Era. They are a bellicose branch of the Old Era of the Celestial Realm, but they have been stripped of their right to fly back. The Celestial Angels of the current era no longer launch holy wars recklessly; they mostly study abroad in human cities to observe humanity. There is a difference between the two types."
Sophie explained an incredible Celestial Realm as if she were explaining mythology.
"Old Era Angels? Modern Angels? It feels a bit complicated..."
Chen Yao pondered in confusion as he spoke.
"I don't know the details, but they have been searching for the Night Clan recently. That's why I've sensed them getting closer these past few days and haven't dared to go out for walks—even for the release of the latest limited edition Kurara figure..."
Sophie said somewhat dejectedly.
"Sorry, I've dragged you into this. Since it's so dangerous, you shouldn't have come out."
Chen Yao felt guilty and spoke to Sophie.
Sophie shook her head and then gave a cute, touching smile, replying: "It's okay, because we made a promise. If you are threatened by the curse, Kirie and I will help you."
Although Sophie had a fast-travel ability, unfortunately, it could only be used once a week. She had used it to teleport to Chen Yao's Gunma Prefecture, so she had to rely on the car to get back. Otherwise, the Angels could rely on her aura to find and purify her tonight.
Chen Yao fell silent. He thought to himself that next time he went to submit his manuscript, he would ask Miss Irisu for a limited edition Kurara figure; that should repay a bit of Sophie's help... Just then, Sophie suddenly shuddered. She showed a terrified expression, looked out the car window, and said: "Oh no, Teacher, they've found us!"
Hearing this, Chen Yao looked at the side window. As it turned out, in the woods above, a motorcycle was rapidly off-roading, actually chasing them through the mountain forest above the NSX.
[Vroom vroom vroom!]
It was a heavy-duty motorcycle galloping along. It suddenly descended from above, landing steadily behind the NSX. The driver was a girl wearing a helmet.
"Eh, she's an Angel?"
Chen Yao was stunned and asked in amazement.
"Don't—don't be fooled by her. Don't let them catch up, or I'll die, Teacher..."
Sophie was now hugging herself tightly. She clearly felt a very chilling power; it wasn't like a typical minor Angel—it seemed there was a very strong Angel chasing from behind as well.
Seeing this, Chen Yao no longer hesitated and floored the accelerator. Although he was on a probationary license, Sophie's safety was the most important thing right now.
At the end of the winding mountain road, lightning flickered on the horizon. The surrounding trees swayed. The white honda nsx began to show its true performance. Behind it, three motorcycles were rapidly catching up, the roar of their engines at the limit echoing through this land where a storm was brewing.
"As expected of 1200cc motorcycles; they're even faster than a car when they get going..."
Chen Yao actually felt a sense of strain during this race. The cabin was silent. He glanced at the swaying motorcycle headlights behind him. No wonder they chose to ride motorcycles after they couldn't fly; it truly gave a sensation of rapid flight.
But soon, he began to manipulate the car with his hands and feet, starting to drift.
The white sports car suddenly whipped its tail, performing a zero-deceleration drift through a sharp turn. All of a sudden, Sophie saw her perspective suddenly face the left side of the road as the entire car moved sideways.
"Ugh..." Even as a Vampire, Sophie was dazed with fear, as if she had suddenly felt the Earth's rotation.
With a roar, the NSX also had an ignition device to assist the vehicle in taking the corner quickly. This beautiful cornering technique would not only make an ordinary person marvel, but even the Angels behind couldn't help but feel a sense of appreciation.
Although the three heavy motorcycles were extremely fast, their grip was not as good as the car's, and they fell slightly behind during the cornering.
But while the other two motorcycles couldn't keep up, the last Kawasaki Heavy Motorcycle began to accelerate, striving to catch the honda nsx.
"There's still one motorcycle catching up?"
Chen Yao was startled. He didn't dare be careless. Entering the next corner, he used a limit drift again. This technique was something he had practiced while rushing to submit his drawings. It should be noted that it was this very technique that had accidentally defeated a group of street racers in Gunma Prefecture.
However, the motorcycle behind was speeding through the mist kicked up by the NSX, showing no intention of giving up. On the contrary, due to its straight-line acceleration advantage, it had already reached his tail.
"Truly worthy of the God Race, to have such a high level of skill on a motorcycle. But the ones I've fought the most are the God Race. Let's settle this at the next turn."
Chen Yao became increasingly calm instead. He felt his NSX becoming more and more excited, and the competitive spirit in his heart was also triggered. Soon approaching the next corner, he began a series of maneuvers and entered the turn.
And the motorcycle behind entered the turn at the same time.
Both were driving sideways. The Angel girl wearing the helmet had already seen the Vampire Sophie in the passenger seat. Just as she was about to try and catch up further, she happened to lock eyes with the driver in that brief encounter.
Chen Yao was also stunned, staring in amazement at the motorcycle girl. It was none other than Raimu-senpai, who had given him a gift not long ago!
In that one encounter, the Kawasaki heavy bike suddenly slowed down. The NSX gradually pulled away from the Kawasaki in the corner. In the mist-shrouded mountain road, the last motorcycle also vanished from sight... "...That Senpai is actually an Old Angel?"
Chen Yao thought in amazement as he accelerated away.
Not long ago, four girls had been all smiles toward him, and the Senpai who wouldn't take off her helmet was full of energy. As it turned out, the one looking after them was an Angel.
This world is truly incredible, Chen Yao thought... The vehicle safely pulled over in front of a white house in the woods. Surrounded by dense trees, it had the appearance of an American-style villa tucked away in the mountains. This was Sophie's home.
"That was close. I thought I'd never make it back~~~~" Sophie went inside, hid her aura, and stretched, originally intending to make a comfortable gesture.
But soon, Chen Yao saw her rush into the bathroom to throw up.
"Blegh!" Sophie felt her head spinning, nearly fainting in the restroom.
Chen Yao asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
"...Teacher Yokoyama, your driving skills are truly amazing. I didn't expect even an Angel couldn't outdrive you. But next time, I don't want to sit in a speeding sports car... Ugh, my head is so dizzy, I feel like throwing up..."
Sophie leaned over the toilet again, vomiting a rainbow.
"Miss Sophie, although I am human, you should have heard about me from Classmate Kagaribi no Kiriue. I have lived three lives and spent several years adventuring in the second world. In a strict sense, I am not an ordinary human. I am very sorry for putting you in danger by borrowing your power due to the curse. I don't plan on letting you or Kagaribi no Kiriue fall into such dangerous situations again..."
Chen Yao stood outside the restroom and said to her after some thought.
Sophie looked at Chen Yao with doubt, but she saw a constant aura of darkness and loneliness lingering around this young man. He was a cursed human, as if it were destined to be difficult for anyone to stay by his side forever, and he too feared that his companions would disappear again... "Teacher, do you remember what the most touching part of your manga is?"
Sophie gave a gentle smile, seemingly moved, and asked.
Chen Yao was slightly taken aback, looking at his reader, Sophie. This reader had asked him a very special question in return.
Sophie smiled, seemingly touched, and said, "It's not the intuitive feeling of how cute or lively the protagonists Meow Meow and Kurara are. It's that even after being abandoned by humans and wandering the streets, they still retain their kind nature, bravely and unwaveringly leading other animals to survive on Springfield Street. I especially like how Kurara opens her front paws and makes that 'hahaha' laughing sound; it's so cool."
Sophie immediately spread her arms, imitating the silly laughter of the canine protagonist Kurara. In that moment, it was as if her entire being was glowing.
"..."
Chen Yao was surprised by Sophie's action. He watched in daze as the girl of dark lineage seemed to burst with a strong light, and he was drawn to Sophie's kind and pure radiance.
"So it's alright. This light exists forever. It's integrated into the trees, integrated into the manga, and its source is you, Teacher. You are not darkness. This time it will surely work; everyone will accompany you as you walk on."
Sophie wiped her mouth, showing a gentle smile despite her weakness, and spoke.
After saying a few words, she flopped back onto the toilet weakly... Perhaps this world wasn't so bad. Even with Angels and Vampires, even a girl with the darkest lineage could have a heart purer than a human's. A single kind thought could start a bond of fate. Though the darkness had not yet dissipated, if he walked firmly, perhaps he really could continue drawing manga while walking forward with his friends... ~·~·~·~·~·~
The next day, second floor of Chiba Prefecture Sobu High School.
Just as class ended, while Chen Yao was browsing a manga forum, a long-unheard voice beside him asked, "Classmate Chen Yao, do you have a moment? Come out with me for a bit; it's about the Service Club."
Chen Yao was slightly startled. He looked up and saw a black-haired girl in a white summer school uniform, her serious face revealing refinement and beauty. Yukinoshita Yukino, who hadn't spoken to him for about a week, had suddenly come to find him, looking like a childhood friend coming over to ask him something.
Immediately, the other boys in the class couldn't help but feel a strong fire of jealousy toward Chen Yao once again.
"Why did Classmate Yukinoshita go to find that Chinese guy again?"
"They clearly hadn't spoken for a while. I thought the two of them had finally fallen out..."
The chattering voices troubled Chen Yao; his school life was truly noisy.
He nodded and said, "Okay, I'm coming out now."
Walking past his Classmates and ignoring the cold gazes around him, he followed Yukinoshita Yukino outside. In the quiet corridor, she said with feigned surprise, "Classmate Chen Yao, you really aren't well-liked by the people in your class."
Chen Yao looked at her with helpless, narrowed eyes and said, "Don't start with personal attacks the moment you open your mouth..."
Following that, Yukinoshita Yukino looked at him with a very formal expression. This was the serious look she only wore when seeking out a target during Service Club activities.
"I received a request last night regarding street racing. Rumor has it that a mysterious person driving a honda nsx has been constantly traveling between Chiba Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture, mostly appearing in stormy weather, so he's called the 'Black Rain Pirate'. The content of the request is to investigate his identity... So I want to ask, Classmate Chen Yao, is it you?"
Yukinoshita Yukino asked.
Chapter 029: Follow Your Heart or Self-Destruct?
"I heard that the Kanto Region is already in an uproar. The request letter was sent by a university racing team captain. It's confirmed that forty-two teams are currently looking for that NSX driver. I hope to resolve this request before things get out of hand. So, Classmate Chen Yao, are you still participating in street racing?"
Yukinoshita Yukino looked at Chen Yao with her bright eyes and asked.
Hearing this rumor, Chen Yao guessed it must be him. After all, he remembered that he indeed had overtaken racing vehicles several times. So he nodded and answered honestly, "It should be me, but I wasn't racing; I was just overtaking."
"Sigh... just how much trouble do you cause outside? Why did even street racing get involved?"
Yukinoshita Yukino seemed to be getting a headache and let out a sigh.
She also knew Chen Yao wasn't lying. After all, he had some rather special talents, and his driving probably wasn't bad. But now he had caused a huge mess. If the information in the request letter was true, and if some radical racing teams started harassing the school, the problem would become serious.
"The problem is very serious now, Classmate Chen Yao. Those racing fanatics who only care about competing seem to be asking about you everywhere. If this isn't settled quickly, I have reason to believe they will harass the school. At that time, regardless of whether you are ranked first or are the baseball ace, once the PTA files a complaint, given your status as an international student, you will most likely be asked to transfer. This is Japan, do you understand?"
Yukinoshita Yukino's expression was serious, and her tone was very logical as she explained the stakes.
Chen Yao fell silent. He seemed to be thinking, then said helplessly, "Since the requester could send a letter to the Service Club, it means they have basically figured out my situation. I can't escape it. This might not be a request letter, but a challenge letter."
"..."
Yukinoshita Yukino naturally knew this, but she couldn't handle so many issues at once. The top priority was to ensure Chen Yao didn't cause any more trouble.
"I've already thought of a countermeasure. Don't drive home for the next few months. Wait until the rumors die down before resuming normal travel. As for the requester, I'll have Shizuka Hiratsuka handle them and ensure they keep it confidential. I believe this matter can be suppressed."
Yukinoshita Yukino gave her solution, hoping Chen Yao would follow her advice.
Chen Yao listened to Yukinoshita Yukino's suggestion and thought the method was feasible, but there was a fatal flaw. He gave a sheepish expression and reminded her, "...I have some news you don't know... actually, I was severely penalized a few days ago. I'm currently taking traffic regulation classes in Gunma Prefecture. I have to go to class at least once every three days, otherwise I'll be held accountable..."
When Yukinoshita Yukino heard that he had other problems looming, her darkened expression made Chen Yao feel like he had needles at his back. He felt like Yukinoshita was about to erupt like a volcano.
Yukinoshita Yukino rubbed her temples while thinking again about how to deal with this crisis. She felt as if the problems were so coincidental, like they were blocking all possibilities... "Actually, there's no need to be so distressed. If a problem exists, just solve it. The intent of that request letter is already very clear: they want me to race them. If I agree to the challenge, the racers' attention will be drawn to the racetrack. Once everyone knows my identity, they won't proactively harass the school out of anxiety. They just need to send me challenge letters. Racers in Gunma Prefecture follow this kind of racing etiquette."
Seeing Yukinoshita Yukino so troubled, Chen Yao finally stated the most effective method, which was to face it directly and crush it.