In the school hallways, as Rimuru and Mai walked in step toward the classroom, they encountered a familiar face. Satsuki, with her usual piercing, cold gaze, stood before them. Her eyes paused for a moment on Rimuru and Mai's interlocked hands, then fixed on Rimuru's golden eyes.
In a monotone voice, Satsuki said:
— So… it really is you. You've returned.
Rimuru smirked, a smile full of unshakable confidence:
— Yes, Satsuki. I didn't think you'd notice my presence so soon.
A very faint, almost invisible smile appeared on Satsuki's lips:
— Welcome back.
Rimuru glanced at Mai and, in a playful yet commanding tone, said:
— See, Mai? Satsuki is still a little cold, just like before. Nothing has changed in my absence.
Mai, now feeling safe and proud beside Rimuru, smiled and replied:
— Yes, she's always been like that.
Rimuru turned to Satsuki again:
— It's good to see you again. But for now, we have more important matters to attend to.
With grace, they passed by Satsuki and entered the classroom. Renako sat curled up in her seat, trying to hide her puffy face behind a book. But Rimuru, without so much as a glance at her, calmly sat at his desk and placed Mai beside him.
Class began, but the atmosphere was no longer the same. Rimuru's presence acted like a magnetic field, drawing the attention of every student toward the back of the room. Renako felt stranded on a remote, dark island, while just a few steps away, Mai appeared happier than ever, basking in Rimuru's radiant presence.