—-----------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: ???<

  A sorcerer and a summoner meet at a restaurant, and begin to quarrel. Their argument is over the significance of the meal. The sorcerer believes that the meal’s significance comes from the quality of the food they consume. Meanwhile, the summoner believes the significance comes from the people eating the meal. Who is correct?

  Is significance something of deeds, or is it something of the people who perform them? Does it stem from a single person, or the bonds they hold?

  What is significance altogether? What ideal or concept does the word encapsulate?

  With these questions weighing deeply upon my shoulders, I open my eyes, awakening from my meditation. Today is a new day, and the answers to these questions shall determine what one should seek from it.

  Yet, regardless of the question, of course, today will be immutably significant. As will every day to come…until that blessed time comes to pass.

  —-----------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Jan Samna<

  My name is Jan Samna. I am 16 years of age, and a member of the Samna lineage. They are a prestigious line of sorcerers and summoners, practitioners of Spirit. In ancient Japan, our unique abilities allowed us to rule as kings of the underworld, using our abilities to summon demons and cast curses on the country’s enemies. However, eventually, Japan opened it’s borders, and sorcery became less and less powerful in the world as military power increased. As time went on, our numbers dwindled, until very few lines were left scattered across the planet. Still, as humankind grew more powerful and as fear increased, darkness grew. The few that remained became immensely powerful, and as we settled into the worldwide society of sorcery, we retained our immense influence. My branch, led by my grandfather, allied itself with Magatsu, an American organization and we remain in that position today. It is no stretch to say that our influence helps keep Magatsu in power.

  I step from my chamber. Today is a significant day for me, because it’s June 1st. As a junior at Magatsu Metro, I will begin working in Kill Squads, student groups that are sent on official demon-hunting missions. I’d hope my squad is at least competent, but I have no say in the matter. To this end, I’ll be moving into the school dorms today as well. My chamber is barren, as I’ve packed everything necessary into a box that is already at my school.

  As I enter the kitchen I hold meaningless conversations with my father over breakfast, and am driven into the city. K-City is a large place, but after years living here, we can find our way to a train station that will take me to my destination. We exchange goodbyes, and I make the train ride downtown towards my home for the next several months.

  —-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Peter<

  I step into the subway station holding a box containing a bunch of clothes, my computer, and other essentials. As I do, I think back on the past couple days.

  —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Present Peter Reflecting On Peter From 9 Days Ago<

  I was always apprehensive about starting at a new school, especially at this random time for seemingly no reason, but I decided to at least give them a call with the number on the plate. Maybe I could get this voice out of my head. Calling it that Saturday, I was met with an old woman’s voice.

  “Hm? You’ve reached Magatsu Metropolitan Technical High. This is Hannya speaking.”

  “Hey, I wanted to call about….”

  “About what? Speak up, child. I don’t have all day.”

  I paused. I hadn’t exactly thought of what to ask about.

  “About…uh…”

  Dude! No! I’m not enrolling!

  “About how to get this voice outta my head.”

  “For that, call a mental hospital. We aren’t shrinks here, boy.”

  “Wait! I’m serious! This isn’t schizophrenia! At least, I don’t think it is…”

  “If you aren’t sure, it’s safer to assume it is. Don’t call up reputable institutions with your insane ramblings. Now, scram!”

  The lady hung up. ‘Wow, these guys have great customer service’, I thought as I dialed the number again and called back.

  “Hm? You’ve reached Magatsu Metropolitan Technical High. This is Hannya speaking.”

  “Please listen! I ran into a giant black dog last night, and-”

  “You again? You’re a nasty prank caller, making fun of the mentally disabled like that! And for your information, not every animal you see in whatever backwater town you must live in to find this enjoyable is some horrifying monstrosity worth prank-calling some random high school for! Now, I don’t know how you got this number, but cut it from your phone, or I’ll block you from us! Now, scram!!”

  “...”

  She hung up again. I don’t know this Hannya lady, but I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I got the wrong info, or maybe I was just imagining things last night. But I might as well try again.

  Yeah, yeah. I will.

  I dial the number one last time. Before I call, though, I decide to get my facts in order. To recap…

  Last night, while walking home, I got attacked by someone who used Spirit: that power. Later, I ran into a demon and mistakenly contracted it, causing it to manifest in my head. I want to know how to reverse the contract.

  I call back one final time.

  “Hm? You’ve reached Magatsu Metropolitan Technical High. This is Hannya speaking.”

  “La-”

  “YOU AGAIN! I knew you idiotic country folk were dense, but this is a NEW LOW! Now, listen! This is a reputable line for a certain type of folk that YOU want no business with! What could you possibly have to say for yourself before I block you forever?!”

  “I-”

  “No, you know what? I don’t even want to hear it! A miserable speck like you deserves nothing but the worst! You’re nothing but a stain on sorcery society, and you couldn’t even comprehend the significance of that! Now, SCRA-”

  “I CONTRACTED A DEMON AND I NEED TO GET RID OF IT!”

  …The line goes quiet, but I don’t hear the click of her hanging up this time. Seems I finally got a chance to talk in.

  “Last night, I ran into that Noctis guy from on the news. He’s apparently a sorcerer- like you. A demon saved me, but I contracted it, so now I need help getting rid of it.”

  “Well, why didn’t you lead with that?”

  “I was TRYING-”

  “Yeah, I can help ya. First, I’ll need you to describe the contraction situation.”

  Hannya asked me some questions, and I answered them. Most of them were about the level of control the Hellhound had over my body(nothing that I know of), whether or not it could physically manifest(I don’t know how to do that), and if I could hear it in my head(). She also asked for the specific circumstances of me contracting it. I told her all I could, but I didn’t remember some of the specific details she wanted. At the end of it all, she said this:

  “Welp, I got good and bad news for ya. Which do you wanna hear first?”

  “...Uh, bad?”

  “Good, cuz that’s the logical order of it. Bad news is, ya can’t get rid of that thing in your head. Not now, not ever.”

  Not ever?!

  “See, there’s a couple different types of demon summoning. There’s the normal type, where ya give a demon something, and it helps you out a little bit, or in a certain way. Then, there’s Familiar contracts: a special type of contract where you give a demon your whole life, and it gives you it’s own. The only way to break that sorta thing is to die, and I’d guess you wouldn’t wanna do that.”

  “...So, what’s the good news.”

  “Good news is, we can you. Magatsu Metropolitan Technical High is a school for sorcerers and summoners. You’re the exact type of kid we want on campus, NOT learning to use their powers on a regular school and wreakin’ havoc. So, you’re going to register.”

  “Wha-I just started the summer! I can’t change schools this late!”

  “Too bad, kid! You don’t exactly have a choice, anyways. We’d take you in as an enemy sorcerer if you didn’t start going.”

  “...”

  “Anywho, you can talk about that with someone who ain’t an old bat later. What’s your name, though.”

  “Peter. Peter Southpaw.”

  “Peter Southpaw…Oh! You’re the kid that McAcre mentioned this morning!”

  My eyes widened in shock. “Lucas mentioned me?”

  “Yep. He mentioned you’d be applyin’.”

  Presumptuous…now THAT sounds like the Luke I knew as a kid. Presumptuous, and constantly convinced he was right. A smile slides across my face.

  “Guess he was right, then…”

  —---------------------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Present Day Peter<

  I sit down on the subway train seat. As I do, the first thing I notice that the car is filled to the brim with other teenagers. There’s a wide variance in age, but they seem to be about 14-17, as a general range. Likely that they’re headed to the same place I am. The second thing I notice is that almost all of them are looking at me.

  “What? You all got a problem?”

  There’s a slight murmuring in the crowd of people. Apparently, I’m a novelty to them. I wonder what they’re all talking about.

  “No need to worry, you all! He’s with me!”

  All of a sudden, a tall black boy sits down next to me. He’s about 6’2 from when he was standing, and incredibly muscular. In addition, he has a much more genuine grin than Lucas did. His hair is in dreadlocks, tied back into a bun, and he has freckles. His eyes are a light grey. He leans in and whispers to me.

  “Hey, uh, guessing you’re a new guy around here.”

  “Yeah.”

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  “Heh. Nice to meetcha! I’m Michael. What’s your name?”

  This dude’s weirdly friendly, considering that everyone else was staring bullets into me. Still, he did come up and ask, and it’s better to have friends at school than enemies. Can’t hurt to let him know, right?

  “Peter.”

  “Heh, nice name! You sound like a Catholic saint!”

  “You do too, you know.”

  “Heheh, yeah! A couple of saints over here!”

  “Hm.”

  “...”

  “...”

  A silence falls over the seat. I’m still getting glances, but people have evidently more pressing matters to discuss.

  “...I’m guessing you’re the quiet type?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Cool, cool. What grade you in?”

  ‘I think…eleventh.“

  “Awesome! Same as me! We might be in the same dorm, heheh!”

  “Oh? That’s nice, I guess.”

  “....”

  “....”

  A silence again. Now, people have fully moved on from me. At least, they aren’t looking at me. I don’t know what they’re talking about, though. I decide to take a quick nap, but I tell Michael to wake me up whenever we’re there. I close my eyes.

  —-------------------------------------------------------------------

  It’s close…

  My freedom…

  Won’t you….

  Free me…?

  I jolt awake.

  “Woah, there, dude! You passed out hard there.”

  “That was not the strangest part.”

  As I look up, someone new is standing over me. They seem about 5’7 and have a leaner build, closer to feminine. They’ve got silvery white hair worn in a bob cut, and piercing blue eyes that are aimed directly into my soul.

  “Your Spirit output was…strange. The Kegare seemed darker than usual.”

  “Huh? You can tell that much?”

  Silver person’s eyes widen in shock. “You cannot?”

  Michael smiles. “Chill out, Jan. He’s new.”

  “But so new he cannot even sense Spirit outputs…”

  “Eh. I wouldn’t worry about him. New guy, this is Jan Samna. They’re in our class, so you’ll probably see them around.”

  I go to wave, but they don’t reciprocate it. They just walk away, looking a bit disgusted. That’s a downer…

  “Eh, don’t worry about ‘em. They’re just like that with new people. You’ll get to know ‘em eventually.” Michael shrugs. “In any case, I think we’re here. Train stopped, and everyone’s leavin’. So let’s get moving!”

  Michael drags me to my feet, and we begin walking out of the regular subway station. It’s downtown, in a part of town I don’t frequent. However, I do come here every once in a while, since Charlos lives nearby. Stepping out of the station, most students from the train are headed the opposite direction of his house, though. I walk with them, continuing for a little while.

  —-----------------------------------------------------

  Eventually, following the group, I come to…an alleyway.

  ...did I make a wrong turn…?

  I step into the alleyway, and find…it’s seemingly a normal alleyway. Trash cans line the sides, shadows swirl about from the tall buildings forming it. Now I’m certain I made a wrong turn. Michael and I got split up on the way here too as well, so I can’t ask him for help.

  What? What’s going on?

  An…Incantation?

  So you need magic just to enter Hogwarts. Magic I don’t know. Great.

  As I turn around to try to find a way in, Ice Person of all people steps into the alleyway. They glare coldly.

  “You.”

  “Um. I, uh, don’t know the keyword to get in…”

  “You don’t belong here, do you?”

  “...huh?”

  “You still cannot use Spirit actively. Everyone noticed it on the train. Your Yomi Gates were wide open.”

  “...huh?”

  Yomi Gates…? What?

  “Let this barrier be a threshold. You shall not stain the halls of sorcery. Begone from this place.”

  With that, they walked up to the barrier, whispered a phrase I didn’t hear, and stepped directly into the fence, leaving me alone. Well, now what? I try reaching into the fence, but…solid. Maybe I could knock it down to get in…

  “I keep finding you in alleyways, don’t I?”

  The voice is instantly familiar to me. I whirl around to find Lucas, wearing similar overly fancy clothing to last time. His ever present smirk is somewhat annoying, but I can’t help but explode out with an exclamation:

  “Luke!”

  He lit up like a light bulb.

  “Oh! You do remember me after all!”

  He walked over.

  “We have much to catch up on, after all these years.”

  “Yeah, obviously. But first, uh….can I get a little help?”

  He had a sudden realization, his eyes widening slightly. “Ah! I forgot to teach you to use an Incantation! My bad!”

  “...uh, you can just let me in, thanks.”

  “Right, but I’ll have to show you how to get in yourself later. Come find me whenever you can.”

  I stepped out of the way, and Luke approached the gate. He brought his pointer and middle finger to his temple, and incanted:

  “Darkness Corridor, Open.”

  At once, the energy of the fence changed, and he turned to me.

  “Grab my hand. You don’t want it to close on you.”

  I take his hand.

  “What happens if it closes on you?”

  “Slices you in half.”

  We step through the fence…

  —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Jan<

  As I step through the gate, the fragrant flowers from campus immediately bless my senses. By now, I’m used to the sharp contrast between the bright campus and the dark alley, as it’s usually this nice in spring.

  I begin the walk towards Setanta. The main hall of campus is where Junior Kill-Squad Orientation is held. I walk past hordes of students catching up, exasperated teachers breaking up fights, and even some old friends. On the way, I stop by the campus armory, and register my katana. I will be able to access it during missions, but it’s nice to let it be taken care of for a bit. I will set up my dormitory lodgings later.

  Eventually, I reach Setanta Hall. I decide to look at the squad assignments. My group is Squad 5, containing:

  “Michael Freeman”: Hm. He keeps strange company, but he’s competent enough to work with. His idiocy will at least be survivable.

  “Reid O’Reiley”: Hm. She’s unconfident, but when she gets going, she’s incredibly powerful. She’ll make a formidable ally.

  “Jan Samna”: Myself.

  And “Peter Southpaw”: Hm. A name I don’t recognize. Well, I don’t know everyone at this school. I’d hope he’s at least useful enough.

  Well, not a terrible batch, all things considered. I’d hoped for Lucas McAcre, but he’s in Squad 6. I finally check our squad’s commanding officer. It’s…no. Impossible. This cannot be happening. I cannot be this lucky. I read it again. My God. This is real. I pinch myself and read it again. No. It’s not a dream.

  “Jolene Jara”

  Jo Jara is our CO. I cannot believe it. One of the best sorceresses in the world, and the heir to the Jara bloodline. Our commanding officer.

  “Hm? Who’s this crying brat?”

  I turn around and- OH MY GOD I AM DREAMING.

  Ms. Jara stands in front of me, scowling down. Her flowing red hair, her menacing eyepatch, the sharp sword at her side…It’s incredible, meeting her in person.

  “Ms-ms-ms Jara!”

  “Ugh, a fangirl.”

  “Uh, I’m not a gi-”

  “Fanthey, whatever. Just stop crying. It’s annoying.”

  I wipe my tears of joy off my face. Ms. Jara’s scowl settles a bit.

  “What’s your name, brat? I’d rather get to know who I’m dealing with.”

  “I-It’s Jan Samna!”

  “The Samna brat, eh? I heard you're 4th level.”

  She’s heard of me! Oh my God!

  “Y-yeah! I’m as tough as they-”

  “I’ll be the judge of that. You’re practically shaking in your boots.”

  “Ha..I am, aren’t I?”

  “Course ya are. A coward like that’ll hardly be able to fi- what’s that.”

  “Tha-”

  All of a sudden, it hits me. A wave of Kegare strong enough to shock me out of my reverie. It passively wafts by, like a thick, dark stench blanketing the room. It’s

  “Augh- bloody hell! Oi! Kid over there! Ain’t anyone tell ya to close your Yomi Gates?”

  “Ah! I’m sorry!”

  I turn around, and sure enough, the new kid is standing there in the doorway, surprisingly, he’s bowing in apology, like he’s a Japanese salaryman. He’s joined by- Wait, what the hell?

  Reid O’Reiley, Michael, and Lucas? My teammates?!?!

  What’s going on here?

  —------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  >Perspective: Peter Again(But From 20 Minutes Ago)<

  As we exit the barrier, we find ourselves at the edge of a brick road, not unlike those found at a college campus. Lucas turns to me, and simply states:

  “Welcome to Magatsu Metropolitan Technical High School. Follow me.”

  Looking around, the area around the roads is a neatly manicured lawn, with trees dotting it. The grass is a bright green. Looking around, students walk and talk, and class buildings are dotted slightly across campus.

  “So…uh…where are we going?”

  “Just follow me. This place is easy enough to navigate, once you get used to it.”

  “Alright.”

  What? Did you think it was all city?

  Nah, that’d be stupid. Where’d you think we got, like, food, for example? Or like water?

  Sure are. There’s towns, suburbs, cities, and even rural places like farms.

  “What are you two discussing?” Lucas turns to me, lost in thought, and snaps me out of my walking stupor.

  “Nothing important.”

  “So, how was the ride here? Did the other students treat you well?”

  “It was…alright. I mean, I think I made a friend…(and an enemy)...”

  “An enemy?! This early in the year?!”

  “Hey, they got mad at me!”

  Luke stroked his chin, lost in thought. “Hm…do you mean Jan Samna?”

  “Yeah, that’s the person. I don’t really know why they didn’t like me.”

  “Hm. Well, you’re new to sorcery, and they’re a member of an incredibly prestigious family. They probably see you as an outsider.”

  “They’re important? They just seemed..disgusted.”

  “Oh! I know what else!” Suddenly, Luke sprang up like a lightbulb went off in his head.

  “What?”

  “You don’t know how to close your Yomi Gates, so you can’t smell Kegare! You stink to everyone else!”

  As Lucas said this, I began to notice people glancing and moving away, as if I stunk to be around. I sniffed my armpits. They smelled normal enough.

  “So I didn’t close my door, and now I smell like I haven’t showered in years…?”

  “No, no! Essentially, Yomi Gates are like, points in the body that Kegare passively flows out of. Normally, sorcerers leave them open in regular life, so as to appear normal. But, with training and focus, they can be closed. In that state, you’re more receptive to sorcery and Spirit, and it’s usually the standard state for students here. So, they can more easily perceive that you aren’t! And that closed state perceives Kegare the greatest through smell!”

  “...so I didn’t close my doors, and now I smell like I haven’t showered in years…?”

  “...In essence, yes.”

  “Aha! I knew you’d be here!”

  Breaking up the conversation, I’m suddenly pointed at by Michael from before, a triumphant grin on his face.

  “Mainly because I saw you on the subway, but still! I knew it!”

  “Oh, hello, Michael.” Luke waved to Michael, as passively as ever.

  “Hey, Lucas! You two are headed to orientation, right?”

  “Yep. Luke knows where it is, but I don’t.”

  “Then I’m tagging along! Cuz I’ve got no clue where Setanta Hall is either!!!”

  This surprises me. “Wha-how do you not know where it is?”

  “The position of campus buildings changes every day. It’s another layer of defense.”

  “...beyond the…password-gated door…?”

  “It ain’t a password. It’s just a basic incantation. The real problem’s findin’ the right pathway.”

  “Huh…?”

  We continue walking, and Luke and Michael explain the Incantation to me. I’ll skip it for now, since those two aren’t concise at all.

  Fine, I’ll explain the complicated engineering and dynamics of magic doors later.

  “And it’s all cuz of the school barrier system! Ain’t that nifty?!”

  “It’s…sure something, alright.”

  Luke laughed, the first genuine one I’d heard in a long, long time. Almost brought a smile to my face. “Well, you’ll grow to learn. First, you should see your kill squad assignments. You’ll find them rather interesting.”

  “Kill squad…?”

  “Oh! Yeah!” Michael lit up! “Juniors here get to join Kill Squads: groups of other juniors that go on missions to hunt demons!”

  “Oh…that’s…uh…”

  “Demon hunting is the least of what a kill squad does. They only hunt demons that cause trouble for humanity. Moreover, they are tasked with hunting rogue sorcerers, as well as extending Magatsu influence.”

  “Influence?”

  “Oh yes. There’s a lot of political turmoil in the country lately. I trust you’ll not have to deal with it too much your first year, though. Most of your missions will likely be hunting and fighting ones.”

  Fighting a demon…sounds scary.

  Boxing is a lot different from fighting monsters that wanna kill you. Plus, I don’t exactly have a frame of reference for hostile demons.

  “Oh! Reid!! It’s been a while since I saw you!”

  Michael stops, walking over to a shorter girl. . She’s about 5’4, and has a stockier build. In addition, she has flaming red hair, which goes well with her bright green eyes. Add on her pale skin and thousand freckles, she’s almost stereotypically Irish.

  “Oh. Hiya, Michael.”

  “Hey!!! How’s it going!!!”

  “Good.”

  “Awesome!!!!”

  Luke interjects. “Reid doesn’t talk much, but she’s good people. You’ll get used to her.”

  “Hm.”

  I’m noticing people around here are weirdly friendly. Back at Brown, all you’d get was a glance or a stare walking by.

  Can’t tell which one I prefer.

  “Anywho, why don’t you join us! You’re headed to junior orientation, right?”

  “Sure.”

  “Awesome! Setanta is this way!” With that, Michael bolts ahead…

  …before Lucas can interject with “I we’re almost at Se-Michael!” He rushes after him.

  “We can’t leave them waiting.” Reid runs off as well, leaving me alone. But now, I can’t just be left behind.

  I run after my friend, and new acquaintances.

  —-----------------------------------------------------------------------

  After a bit of running, we all come to an older looking brick building, standing several stories tall. Vines cover a few of its walls, and the sills below the windows bear a thin coat of dust. At its front is a set of stairs, where students who seem about our age are reading, talking, and hanging out. As I approach, multiple kids wrinkle their nose, and stare at me. I should figure out this “Yomi Gate” thing soon.

  As I ascend the staircase; Luke, Michael, and Reid are waiting.

  “Took you guys long enough,” Michael jabs.

  “You ran ahead before us. You should take heed of the new student.”

  “Hey, I ain’t on the freshman guide team!!”

  “Yes, but you’re guiding a new junior.”

  “Wh- shut it, you!” Michael moves to shove Luke, but he’s unmoved.

  “Don’t argue.” Reid glowers slightly at the gesture.

  “Sorry, sorry. I only shove this guy cuz he can take it.”

  Luke just continues standing, completely unfazed. Internally, I question how he can take a shove from the living mountain that is Michael and be completely fine, but I shrug. I’ll ask later. For now, I want to see the inside of this hall. As I step up to the door, Luke gives me a bit of an introduction.

  “Setanta Hall: The oldest building on campus, and the most historic. Originally, the barrier only contained this hall, but as more buildings were made and more land purchased, the area expanded up to the campus you see today. Even now, it’s sometimes a place where Magatsu headquarters holds meetings.”

  I open the door.

  Suddenly, a voice roars out in annoyance.

  “Augh- bloody hell! Oi! Kid over there! Ain’t anyone tell ya to close your Yomi Gates?”

  I instinctively apologize, and bow. Before me is a towering and imposing woman, standing at about 6’5, with a muscular build. Her left eyesocket is covered by an eyepatch, and her hair is slightly greyed. At her side is a large scabbard, which seems to emanate an intimidating energy, only adding to her menace. Behind her, Jan from earlier stands, completely caught off guard by my presence.

  “You- wha-”

  What’s going on here?!?!?!

  —------------------------------------------------------------------