Chapter 25 - Shadow Magic Battle...

"Correct!"

Yoshino suddenly appears in front of us.

"Shadow magic, a sub-category in the dark type. This magic is what the God of Creation bestowed on us, allowing us to master this art."

She then disappears.

"Let's see if the blue devil can defend against this magic!"

I look around startled. 'I can't see her!'

Then, something punches my stomach, which launches me up into the air. As I'm airborne, a kick lands on me causing me to go straight into the ground.

"Ouch!"

I grasp for air. 'Shit, this is the first time feeling like this...'

Wait... It is the first time feeling pain. It kinda feels good.

'Stop! Focus on fighting!'

Yeah, okay. So, she is invisible. How can I see her?

I could just do an area of effect spell, but that magic might null the magic. Come on, think!

She keeps rolling out punches. Tired of not getting time to think, I cast barrier magic on myself.

"Hah. Hiding in barrier magic now? Maybe the blue devil is really a chicken!"

'Grr... I hate this person.'

Come on, think! What can I do to see her? Maybe if I re-adjust my search magic.

I start to cast [search]. After adjusting it for a bit, I release the spell.

...

Nothing happens.

"What was that spell? Trying to find me, are you? Ha! Sorry to break it to you but I'm not near you so you're going to have a hard time finding me..."

"Oh? So who's really the chicken?"

'Damn, now what...'

Wait, magic has an origin. If I can track its origin, I can find her!

I relax, taking in her magic, searching for her. Then, I found it. A source of magical energy above us behind a wall. She's not alone either.

'Wait, could I teleport her to me? I'm at the location so all I need is the origin.'

I smile, but then another thought came to me.

Why don't I use null magic? Wouldn't that shut off her shadow magic? Sadly, I haven't used null magic that much.

I try to cast a spell. "[Null Shadow Magic]!"

...

Nothing happens, but nothing would. I turn off my barrier magic and look around. Then a punch came from behind.

'Shit! It didn't work. Okay, time for plan B.'

I cast a new spell. "[Teleport]!"

...

After casting the spell, a figure appears before me.

"Huh? Where am I?"

Before she had any time to react, I land a hard punch to her stomach, sending her 10 meters. She hits the wall with a thump and then falls to the ground. I instantly move to her, getting ready to hit her.

"Do you yield?"

She coughs up blood with a smile on her face.

"Heh. Good one there! I guess you pass."

"Huh? Pass?"

Right as she says this, the principal enters the room.

"Ohoho! What a fine showing! I can hardly believe that the devil had such a hard time with invisible people!"

"Huh?! What's going on!"

"Let me explain..."

Yoshino tries to get up but collapses back onto the ground.

I cast healing magic on her, which heals her completely. She gets up and dusts herself off.

"Thanks. Now, this test was meant to test everyone to see if they can adapt to sudden changes. You are the only person who passed."

"Huh? What about Tomo?"

"She gets a higher grade than the others; however, she failed the purpose of this test. She stood still when I suddenly started going after you. To pass, she would have to charge at me or cast some magic, but instead, she stood still."

"Oh... Sorry."

Tomo says dejectedly.

"Don't worry Tomo. This was to be expected. Everyone has a passing grade but you two just have a better grade. Now, the other students are un-conscious so they'll wake up in about 5 or so minutes."

She smiles and then bows.

"I'll see you all tomorrow!"

Then, she disappears.

'That... was weird.'

After a bit of time, the principal starts talking.

"Well, you two can leave. I'll watch the other students. Have a nice night!"

Tomo and I both bowed to her and said our goodbyes.

Once we made it outside, we split up, saying our goodbyes to each other.

Then I teleport home and went to bed.

...

** Oshiro Yoshino's Point of View **

'He really is interesting... A little more refinement, then maybe he could save this world...'

I wait till Akuma and Tomo leave before popping back.

"So, Yoshino. What do you make of him?"

The principal asks me a question.

"He's... interesting. That's all I can say."

"Ohoho! I know right! I bet at the end of the week, he'll pass right off the bat."

"Huh? I know he's the blue devil, but right off the bat? It took me 20 years to get the basics and 50 years to master it. Based on his ability, he should master it in about 10 years or so."

"Ohoho! Want to wager a bet then?"

"Sure, you're on. What are we betting?"

"How's about if I win, you do one thing Akuma askes for. If I lose, I'll do something you ask for. Sounds good?"

"Hah! Yes, it does. Better get ready to make use of this deal!"

I look out to all the students. Can he master it before the end of this week? Can he really save this world? I don't know...

I have been in the military for 50 years. One reason they accepted me was because of my use of shadow magic. Thus, I became a specialist in spying and hand-to-hand combat.

Out of the 50 years, I have seen the misuse of all types of races, even humans. I always thought the blue devil was a false hope; however, seeing him in person, it gives me hope for this world.

Corruption, destruction, ethnocentrism, and many more factors are destroying this world. We need someone to stand on top, ruling everyone so that peace can come. I just wonder...

Should we leave everything to that young man, Akuma?