In the reception party hall, Yuto seemed to be located at the back end, where he could be said to be in a fixed position.
　And.........Masato was nervous. Moreover, he was already in an extreme situation.

Oh........is it around the time of the high school exam announcement?　I'm not sure I'm this nervous...

　However, when the high school exams were announced, Mari didn't want to find out from the papers that were mailed to her about her acceptance or rejection, so Masato was halfway to Jilin High School with Mari taking him there.
　Yuto didn't want to go all the way there at the time, but thanks to Mari, he didn't have to be alone and nervous, and thanks to Mari being there, he was in a better frame of mind than he was now.
　So Masato was inwardly grateful to Mari for having someone beside him.

　Well, it couldn't be helped that he was alone in the exam right now.
　Once I hear the results, I'll think about what to do in the future depending on whether I passed or failed.

(If I fail, I'll ask Ichigo if he has a good part-time job too. (Ichigo has a wide face.)

　Yuto thought so, and even if he was alone in this examination hall, he felt calmer just knowing that he would have a few friends back home.
　One after another, the newcomers to the exam came to the venue, and just like at the holding party, the newcomers from related and influential families were crowded with their attendants.

　The Huang family's group enters there with great enthusiasm. This time the hero is in a tuxedo.
　As soon as that hero enters the hall, he notices Yuto and looks blatantly uncomfortable. That hero came into view for Yuto as well.

(Ugh, God!　Here we go again. (You bastard you shouldn't have come if you don't like it that much)

'Hey, hypochondriac. Oh my god you're still here. Listen, this get-together is for rank-certified people only!　I'm targeting the This time around, they just happen to be late in announcing their rank certification. Don't have trivial expectations?　Your presence degrades the dignity of the able-bodied. Go home now, poor man.

　Then he went off with his usual high-pitched smile.

'Duh!　What an a**h*le!　Sorry you're a poor man!　It's not my fault I'm poor....not.

　Even as he said this, Yuto looked at the formally dressed candidates around him and his voice trailed off when he saw his own worn jeans and shirt.
　

'I haven't gotten the results yet. If I get the ranks, I'll do the work and get paid for it.

Yuto-san.

Come to think of it, haven't I ever been so meticulous about my appearance?

Um, Eugene?

　Yuto is surprised when a well-groomed, nasal face with golden hair hanging at an angle and peeking out suddenly appears in his vision.

''Wow!　Miss Marion!　Oh, I'm sorry!　What?

'Why are you always so far on the edge?'

Oh, hey, it's just... I don't feel comfortable for some reason. I'm dressed like this...

You don't have to worry about that. Your outfit ... looks good on you, don't it?

'Oh, yeah...?　Thank you. ... yeah?

What is it?

'No, what can I say, I thought you were avoiding me. You see, when you talk to me, the thing is....

　As he said that, he pointed with his thumb at Hero and his cronies behind Yuto.

''No, it's not!　I was the one who thought that talking to me would cause trouble for you.... In fact, I've already caused you a lot of trouble, and I haven't been able to properly thank you or apologize for that.

Ha-ha, you didn't have to worry about that. I've always been a bit of a one-sided guy, you know?

　Seeing Yuto laughing innocently as he said so, Marion can't help but laugh as if she were trapped.
　It's not conspicuous on the edge, but it's a smiling scene when seen from the surroundings. The scene enters the hero's field of vision.
　The expression on the hero's face became one that seems to crush a bitter bug. Once again, he walks out to tell the low-powered person (*Yuto) his status.......but then the girl that Hero has been waiting for enters.
　Mizuho, accompanied by Akera and the other followers of the Shitennji family, shook her head as if looking for someone.

　Seeing Mizuho's demeanor, Hideo straightened himself up and approached Mizuho, ruffling his hair.
　Mizuho was completely oblivious to such a hero and saw Masato who seemed to be on good terms with Marion.

''Hey, Mizuho. I would be here........right?　I mean, what?

　Mizuho looked unamused and strode past Hideo to the edge of the hall where Yuto was.
　Hideo stood there with his hair scraped up and turned back to the girl he wanted to see as he passed by.

'Dou Dou Yujin. Do you have a minute?

'What?　Ah!　Shitenji-san!

　Yuto backed away for a moment with a drawn-out face as the memory of being slammed into the wall by Mizuho yesterday came back to him.

''What........is that attitude. Well, it's fine. I have a gift for you, take it. Meira, take it with you.

Yes, what is it?　A gift? Shinzen-san. What kind of........awa.

　Yuto was taken by the Shitendera family's attendants from both sides, taking his arms from both sides and pulling him away to be taken away.

''Yuto-san!''

''Oh, Marion-san, it's okay. Mizuho-sama, you know, wants to thank you for breaking up the fight on the first day and to apologize for throwing it off yesterday. It's a pity she's so clumsy. I can only put it this way, but please understand.

'Get him out of here and get him out of here, instead of talking about something else!　The party's about to start!

　Blushing, Mizuho shouted, "Yes, yes, yes," and Ming Liang and his attendants dragged Yuto away. Hero, whose appearance was completely ignored by Mizuho, sent a resentful glance at Yuto.

''Pu, a gift!　Mizuho!　To that low-powered man!

　Even though he was surprised that it was a gift from Mizuho, Yuto was saddened in his heart.

(Ahh, the unnecessary resentment is amplified........)

　Yuto didn't know the meaning of the gift and was dragged away from the hall together by the followers of the Shitenji family. Marion looks at it with concern.
　Mizuho looks at the Marion with a strange but slightly complicated feeling.

"Marion. You're a strange one. A brilliant person like you gets along with such a pathetic-looking guy...''

I didn't know we were friends. There's something easy to talk about, Yuto-san.

　Marion stared at the exit door of the hall where the Yuu people had disappeared with a slight stain on her cheeks.

''I, I know something about it. The ability, not the ability........maybe that person is strong. Much more than me........

　Mizuho was suddenly reminded of Yuuto coming out to intercede in the tiff with Hero, Yuuto in the commotion between Marion and Jean-Pierre, and his interactions with Yuuto in the hotel corridor afterwards.

'Heh, heh. I don't get it, though. I know it's cheeky, but...''

　The return of the Yu people was surprisingly quick and they returned just before the time for the get-together party.

''See, Mr. Du Du. These things are just a matter of getting used to it. That's right, all you have to do is be imposing.

　Yuto re-entered the hall with a light push from Meira.
　It may be that he came in late, but Masato attracted the attention of the attendees.

　The reason for this is because of Masato's appearance. Right now, Masato was wearing a black tuxedo.
　It also looks surprisingly good on him.
　It's hard to tell from a normal day, but compared to his age, Masato has a surprisingly mature face.
　Also, when wearing black clothing, you can see that the color of the hair has a light blue tinge to it, which, combined with the gap between that plain and dull first impression, made a strong impression on people.

''Huh?　Is that you, Du Du?

Oh my God that's so cool. I'll go talk to him...

　Yuto's face flushed at the unprecedented reaction of the people around him, avoiding the center of the hall and still trying to go to his original position. Both Mizuho and Marion, who were ahead of him, were looking at Yuto as if time had stopped.

''........Thank you, Shitenji-san. But I'm sorry for being so expensive...''

　With a huff, Mizuho regained her usual tone.

'What are you talking about. That's because it's a wall ... slap ... apology ... for the ... apology!　You're the only one in plain clothes at the party.　And I didn't buy it, I asked the hotel to rent it for me. You don't have one, do you?　That kind of thing. So, people's shame, apologies are accepted!

Ummm ... well, sure.

　Receiving Mizuho's words, Yuto also became more and more happy. In fact, the embarrassment of being the only one in civilian clothes until now is also gone now. It is also thanks to Mizuho's gift. So, you show your gratitude with a big smile on your face.

You're right. Thank you, Shitenji-san!　I'll take it, thank you!

　Mizuho also couldn't help but smile at Yuto's too honest joy.

''Yuto!　It looks great on you!

Oh, thank you. Miss Marion.

　The heroes who watched the figure wannabe tremble and wannabe were all converted into anger at Yuto, including the part that was ignored by Mizuho.

''The poor man just changed his clothes for a bit!

　And most of all, I don't like the fact that he took away the attention of those around him.
　The hero is about to walk out to face the Yuto, but is stopped by the attendant.

''Boy, please calm down. It looks like the party is about to start already...''

　Since there was a dispute with Mizuho before the exam, the squires were also paying attention to Hero's movements this time.

''Ugh, I know!　Don't you dare do anything inappropriate!

　A few minutes late from the party's start time, the organizer, Hisae, appeared on the stage at the front of the hall.
　Everyone stopped talking and looked forward. Yuto also turned his head forward with a nervous look on his face.

　"Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your hard work on the exam. We'll be holding a get-together party as soon as possible!"

　The participants are paying attention to a big smile on Nissae's face, but everyone is quiet with a suspicious look on their faces.

　"Hmph, I know what you all mean. You're saying that the exam results haven't been announced........　Do you guys remember that?　I said during the party held for the exam. That the party on the last day of the exam is only for those who have obtained the rank......."

　New candidates will have their eyes wide open.

　That means..........

　"I apologize for the delay in announcing the rank certification. This is the second time since the inception of the rookie examinations for our institution. Ladies and gentlemen!　Congratulations! We are pleased to announce that all of you have successfully obtained your ranks!"

　The hall was filled with a storm of joy all at once. It was the first time since Yuto passed the high school entrance exam.

'Yes!　Yes!　This will make life easier!

　Mizuho's reaction was cold, and Hero's reaction was that of the norm, but there was a joyful handshake and hug here and there.

　"Yes!　We will be announcing the results of the examinations one by one, so please come to the front of the room to receive your certificates. Detailed results for each test will also be displayed on the screen in front of you, so please check back there. So long!　I'll call you out of the top grades!"

　They were all called out one by one while their joy was still cold.

　"Err, first of all, Mizuho Shitenji-san!　You'll get a rank A!"

　Participants cheered. More than fifty percent of the rank holders belonging to the institution were concentrated in ranks E and F. Moreover, Rank A would be the highest rank that could be obtained in this rookie exam.
　In the past, only four people had obtained rank A in about fifty rookie exams.......
　All the participants except for Yuto knew just how much that was.

　Yuto applauded hard as he watched Mizuho go up on the stage to receive the certificate. At the same time, the test results are displayed on the screen in front. It displayed 96 points A for written test, 96 points A for body arts, A for basic spiritual power, A for perfection in legal arts and abilities, and C for judgment and intuition.

　"Next, Marion Mia Shulian. You will be getting a rank...........A!"

　The audience gets even more excited.
　Two people getting an A grade in one exam!　And the audience was in an uproar that they had never heard of such a thing.
　Marion went forward to receive the certificate with some embarrassment. The screen showed ninety points in writing A, body arts B, basic spiritual power A, perfection in law and ability A, and judgment and intuition B.

　"Next.........Huang Hero-kun. This one too........will get a rank A!"

　The participants are beyond amazed at the third person getting an A rating, and they lose their voices.
　The heroes take it as awe for themselves and walk forward, cutting the wind with their shoulders. The screen shows a hundred points in writing A, body art E, basic spiritual power A, perfection of law and ability A, and judgment and intuition C.

''He wasn't just talking........''

　Yuto reviewed the heroes. Then Marion, who had received the certificate, came back to Yuto.

''Marion-san!　Rank A. That's awesome!　I can feel it from the reactions around me!

No, that's not true. These are just the results of the test...

　After receiving the certificate, Mizuho was surrounded by many people and was busy receiving greetings and blessings from other families. After that, the rank announcements continued to progress, showing how this rookie exam was an accomplished year.

　
　29 people getting rank C...............also the first time since the exam began.

　The only one who hasn't been called up is finally Yuto. I wait for the announcement, a little nervous.
　It's the last, so it's the lowest grade among his peers. But that didn't matter to Yuto. Even if he got an F-rank, as long as he gets the job, he should be able to earn enough money.
　It depends on the nature of the work, but the average compensation for each rank that I heard about the other day was very impressive for Masato. That's why it's very difficult to obtain a rank, and that's why people with the ability to know the institution are aiming to obtain a rank.

　The hall became quiet early on as if they were worried about Yuto's rank.

　"So that's the last thing!　Mr. Du Du Yuto.

　Yuuto couldn't believe his ears. Rank D? Yuto forgot to head to the front stage with an impressed face.
　When Marion starts clapping, everyone applauds. Yuto comes back to himself and looks around. Then Mizuho comes back and calls out to him, as if the greetings and so on are over.

''Look, you're being called. Go quickly.

Eugene. Congratulations!

Thank you!

　Yuto goes to receive the certificate with a happy look on his face. Even though he's at the bottom of the exam, the way he's happy from the bottom of his heart gives a good impression to all the participants, or perhaps they are all laughing.
　When Yuto proceeded to go on, his test results were displayed on the screen.

　He was given a written score of 32 (just barely an F, considering many things), body art A (including the assessment of the Sword Saint), basic spiritual power D (it was impossible to measure, but it was the result of a discussion), perfection of the law and ability D (probably due to good luck, but it was the result of a discussion), and judgment and intuition A (the result of a long discussion).

　Realizing that everyone's smiles were apparently due to this display, Yuto turned to dry laughter in the middle of the discussion.
　However, in reality, the weight of the good impression was greater....

''Yes, congratulations. This is the certificate of recognition. Mr. Du Du. It might be a little hard to understand because everyone around you is so talented, but being ranked D for a rookie is quite an amazing thing. Last year, the highest rank was C, and there were only two people who got it last year. One of them was even the heir apparent of the Orléans...''

'Oh, yes!　Thank you. Huh?　The trueborn son of the Orléans... you can't mean that he's a man named Jean-Pierre...

Oh, my God, you're right. Did you know?　I came to visit and say hello, again briefly, but... have you met him?

'No!　I don't know him!　I don't even want to know you!

　While shaking his face, Masato felt that he could somehow understand the inner workings of Jean-Pierre's mind. He guessed that it was because he didn't like Marion, the branch of the family, who said she was better than him in the original family.

Oh, and also, Mr. Du Du. Actually, you know, this rank D also comes with a bonus, right?

'What?　A perk?　Is that even possible!

Yes. Actually, it's just a coincidence. I just checked it out a while ago and you're currently the only rank D person in the world, Dou Dou Dou.

Is that...?

''Right now, Rank D's just happen to be absent. Originally, for some reason, there weren't many rank D's certified, but recently, for some reason, there were a lot of people who were stripped of their ranks for cheating or who died in the line of duty who just happened to be rank D. ''So now, when I say rank D, I mean only you! So now, when I say rank D, I mean only you, Dou Dou Dou!　Good for you, you'll stand out!

'Hahaha... (Isn't that some ominous rank?)　(This rank...)

　It was hard to say, but it didn't change the fact that he was happy to get his rank. Yuto bows deeply and returns to his original position with a small leap of faith.

(Yay! I want to work hard at this and ask Ichigo to go buy some clothes with me! (So we can fix up the house and make time to play with the rest of the class after school!

　Yuto dreamed of such a future vision.

　"Well then!　This concludes the results announcement. This was the best rookie exam for the institution as well, with three A-rangers and five B-rangers and eight higher ranks. Both of these are the first accomplishment in a single examination. This is also the second time in the fifty-year history of the rookie exam that all the rookies have been ranked, and the first time that all of them have been ranked D or higher. You all are just that!　I guess you could call it the Golden Age!　I hope you're going to have a great time to your heart's content today!"

　Yuto has a cheerful face and a light step, and he thinks about going home early to see how things are going sooner or later.


　At that time, a chill ran through Yuto's back.


　Suddenly, a chill ran through Yuto's back.
　Yuto looks around with a different expression........the party hall that hasn't changed at all.

(This feeling is from the other day........)

　Yuto walked quietly to the back end of the hall where Marion, Mizuho and Akira were.

''Yuto-san. What's going on?

　Marion, who thought that Masato, who was so happy earlier, was acting strangely, looks worried.

''Oh, no........ Marion-san. Didn't you feel anything just now?''

'What?　No, nothing..... What's going on?

No, there are some things that aren't good like this...

　Hearing Yuto's suspicious words, Mizuho tightened her face and looked at Akera.

''I didn't do anything...''

　Meira shook her head.

'Isn't it your imagination?　Akera is the Shitenji family's expert in exploration and searching. This is the reason why this Akera says she doesn't feel anything..... Moreover, there are so many people with abilities in this place?

　Yuto's eyes quickly look around, his expression not relaxing.
　This alien air that he had felt somewhere just recently. Then Yuto hurriedly remembers.

(This guy..................just like the one he felt in the pavilion.)

　Yuto's senses were sounding the maximum amount of alarm.

(He's dangerous........and no one knows it. Is he that kind of being, or is it an ability.......)

　Yuto intuitively recalls the exchange with Ken Sei during the body art exam.
　The non-human corpse that Yuto had discovered, the ancient race that the Swordsmith had mentioned....
　An idea comes to Yuto's mind.

　He was judged to have no intuition at all as an able-bodied person, but at this time, Yuto was different.
　Yuto's temperament changed and he read the situation as if he had flipped a switch.
　More than anything else, the incomparable combat experience of the people with all the abilities in this hall sharpened Yuto's judgment as a warrior.

　It was cultivated in the world beyond the Dou Dou Dou family's biggest and worst managed property, the Devil's Grotto.
　When Yujin was born into the Dou Dou family, he was charged with the role of guarding the great hole in this world that could shake the world, the Demon's Rain Grotto, and if something went wrong, he would become a bulwark in this world.

　Also, as the heir son of the Du Du family, Yuto has avoided interacting with other gifted people as much as possible because of his role.
　This is only because he doesn't want them to know about his path to the other side of the world, which is also the homeland of the current outsiders.


　And one more thing.....


　Another important role of the Dou Dou family........

　It is another world that is reached through the Demon's Grotto.....

　It is very different from what we recognize in this world, but the closest word for it is the world called -- the demon world.

　When the other world, which is next to this world, called the demon world, lacked stability, the people of the Dou Dou Dou family collaborated with the nation founded by the people living in the demon world and used their powerful abilities to interfere in order to restore stability to the demon world.
　Masato's father, Ryoichi, is also martyred in this role. It was the same for Yuto as well.

　
　Yujin's power was comparable to that of the previous generation of Du Du family heads, which made everyone around him feel relieved. His teacher, Sun Wei, who was also the Three Immortals, called him a natural talent.

　And..........Yujin's three years of experience in the demon world.

　The fierce battle experience that he had in the demon world, which is never talked about, formed the current Masato.
　Now, that Yuto has drawn out a possibility.

''That non-human corpse is a legendary immortal.......vampire.

　There was no room in his heart, and he was at the mercy of the rank exam he took with desperate thoughts, but Yuto was annoyed at himself for bypassing and forgetting this supposedly important thing.
　No, if that was the case, how could those powerful non-human vampires...........................be defeated by two of them?

　That walkway around the perimeter of the hotel........................should have been still alive when Yuto sensed it.
　However, just a few seconds later, when that Yuto arrived at the scene, he had already been killed.

(.........Then what killed that immortal?)

　Yuuto's eyes, which were busy moving, stopped at the two staff members belonging to the agency who had come to report something to Nisasae.
　No, I was drawn to them.

　One of the agency employees is busily communicating something to Nisasae, but Masato's eyes are focused on the other employee standing behind him.
　If you look closely, you can see that faceless employee slowly and quietly turn his face towards Masato. Yuto's sharp eyes clashed with that staff member's dim gaze.
　Yuto didn't miss it. The twisted mouth of that staff member moved slightly.
　

''You're........the little boy in the pavilion the other day.......''

　Yuto's eyes widened and he let out an angry roar that roared through the entire hall.



''Everyone!　Run!