It was just a casual day after school.

The final bell echoed through the long corridors of Tokyo Metropolitan University like a sigh of relief, releasing hundreds of students into the warm afternoon sunlight.

Lockers slammed shut with metallic bangs, laughter and chatter filled the air, and groups of friends streamed toward the main gates in a colorful, energetic wave. Some students hurried to club activities, others checked their phones for train schedules, while a few lingered near the school entrance, reluctant to end the day.

The campus felt alive with the familiar buzz of freedom after hours of lectures and notes.

Akane waved bye at Hanako and the others from a short distance.

She stood near the main gate, her vibrant red hair catching the golden sunlight as she raised her hand with a bright, genuine smile.

"See you tomorrow, everyone!" she called out, her voice carrying clearly across the small crowd. Hanako waved back enthusiastically, flashing a wide grin, while a few other club members nodded or shouted casual goodbyes. Akane watched them for a moment longer, her expression softening with fondness, before turning toward the curb where a sleek, luxurious black limousine had just pulled up silently beside her.

The car was elegant and imposing — deep tinted windows, polished chrome accents, and the subtle emblem of a prestigious private transport service gleaming on the door.

The uniformed driver stepped out smoothly and opened the rear door for her with a respectful bow, his movements precise and professional.

Akane slid into the spacious leather interior, sinking into the cool, plush seat with a long, tired sigh.

The conditioned air wrapped around her like a gentle embrace, a welcome relief from the afternoon warmth outside.

The limousine began its smooth journey, gliding away from the bustling school grounds and heading toward the outskirts of Tokyo.

Her family home was located in the exclusive Azure Peaks Estate, a reserved, high-security mountainous district about two hours away from the school.

Nestled among misty, forested hills and ancient cedar trees, the estate was a world of quiet luxury and privacy, home to some of the country’s most influential and wealthy families.

Towering modern mansions blended seamlessly with traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by private gardens, koi ponds, security gates, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

It was a place where wealth and status were felt rather than loudly displayed — peaceful, secure, and far removed from the chaotic energy of city life.

The drive was peaceful and scenic.

Akane leaned back against the soft leather, watching the cityscape gradually give way to rolling green hills, winding mountain roads, and clusters of elegant estates.

She let out another long sigh, the events of the day — the club room revelations, the intense moments with Rin, Hanako, and the unexpected tension with Yuri — still swirling in her mind.

The gentle hum of the engine and the soft classical music playing through the speakers helped her unwind as the limousine climbed higher into the reserved hills.

When the car finally passed through the grand, heavily guarded security gates of Azure Peaks Estate and pulled up to her family’s expansive residence, Akane stepped out.

The mansion was a stunning blend of modern glass walls and traditional dark wood, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens with flowing koi ponds, blooming cherry trees, and carefully placed stone lanterns.

The air here smelled cleaner, fresher, carrying hints of pine and blooming flowers.

Inside the luxurious living room, Akane’s younger brother was sitting casually on one of the large, cream-colored sofas.

His name was Reito — a fitting name for someone with striking white hair that fell softly around his face like fresh winter snow, paired with sharp, icy blue eyes that seemed to hold a quiet, intense depth.

Unlike Akane’s vibrant red hair, Reito’s appearance was cool and almost ethereal.

He was scrolling through his phone with one hand while the other absentmindedly played with a small, dancing blue flame that flickered harmlessly between his fingers, casting soft azure light across his pale skin.

He glanced up as Akane entered and gave her a lazy, affectionate grin.

"Welcome back, sis," he said, the blue flame vanishing with a casual flick of his wrist.

Their mother was also in the living room, seated elegantly near the large floor-to-ceiling window with a book in her lap.

She had the same shining, almost luminous white hair as her son, cascading gracefully down her back, and the same piercing blue eyes.

Her power was ice — she could summon razor-sharp icicles, create protective barriers of frozen crystal, or dramatically lower temperatures with a mere gesture. Even now, a faint, refreshing chill seemed to linger around her, keeping the spacious room perfectly comfortable despite the warm afternoon outside.

Then Akane’s father came down the grand staircase.

He was a tall, imposing man with a calm, authoritative presence and salt-and-pepper hair.

Akane greeted him warmly, walking over to give him a quick, affectionate hug.

"I’m home, Dad," she said, her voice carrying the tiredness of the long day.

He smiled and ruffled her red hair lightly with a large, gentle hand.

"You came home late today," he noted, his tone gentle but observant as he studied her face.

Akane replied with a small shrug and a tired smile, "Well, I always come home around this time."

She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the accumulated weight of the day in her shoulders.

"I’m exhausted and hungry..."

Then she added casually, "Less I forget, Dad... I’ll be out by midnight today for some research."

Her father raised an eyebrow slightly, crossing his arms as he leaned against the staircase railing.

"Yeah, I heard you’re part of that association in your school."

He was referring to the occult research club and its hidden connection to the Hero Association.

Akane paused for a moment, then replied honestly, her voice carrying quiet determination.

"I’m not really into all that hero stuff.

I’m just in the club for personal reasons, nothing more." She didn’t want to grow up becoming a full-time hero like so many others dreamed of.

Her real goal was clear and steady in her mind — she wanted to become a successful doctor in the future, helping people through medicine, science, and dedicated study rather than supernatural battles and monster hunting.

All the hero activities and late-night operations felt like a distraction from her true path.

She was only deeply involved in the club because of Rin — her complicated feelings for him kept pulling her back in, making her participate despite her lack of genuine interest in the larger heroic world.

The living room fell into a comfortable, familiar silence as the family settled into their evening routines.

Akane kicked off her shoes near the entrance and headed toward the kitchen, already thinking about dinner and the late-night operation she had agreed to join later with the club.

The luxurious yet warm home wrapped around her like a familiar embrace, a stark contrast to the chaotic, emotionally charged day she had just experienced at school.