Repay the Gift

[Maya's POV]

As the sound of approaching reinforcements echoed in the distance, the troubles at the academy gradually subsided, bringing a sense of relief to the survivors, including myself.

The loss of life had mercifully slowed down.

"Maya? Was that your name?" Ichiko asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I stammered, "Y-yeah. H-how do you know that?"

We had been on the front lines, battling the relentless demonic onslaught. Just ten minutes earlier, Diana had cheered, reaching the mark of three-hundredth demonic monsters slayed first, leaving Ichiko trailing her.

Though Ichiko concealed it well, her frustration at the fact she lost was evident as she fought with more intensity and less grace than before.

"I did my research, just to know who the First Class students were," she explained, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you," I shook her hand with a smile.