Interlude

Four figures sat on four seats. The first was a tall and confident man, thick bearded and barrel chested. He sat back on his chair casually, a trident in his right hand. The second was a woman dressed in a pink kimono. Two katanas laid at the foot of her throne. She sat politely, sipping a cup of tea. The third was a blond-haired man. He shifted impatiently on his seat. A great spear leaned up against his throne. The final figure was a old man, dressed in a black robe. His long hair was kept tied up in a bun, his beard neatly trimmed. He wore two katanas by his side, always keeping a hand on at least one of them.

“Step forward, Kurahara Tsukihi.” The old man said.

Tsukihi stepped out of the shadows, approaching the thrones, before kneeling.

“Ah, Haru’s flesh and blood.” The bearded man laughed. “You’ve gotten so much bigger. To think you finally stand before the Iron Council…”

“She has the same cold look as Haru. Irritates me to my core.” The blond man said, making a noise expressing his disdain. “Like father like daughter.”

“Silence.” The old man commanded. Both went quiet. “Kurahara Tsukihi, you understand why you were summoned today?”

“It is regarding my acceptance into the Demon Hunting Corps, Grandfather.” She said.

“Indeed.” Kurahara Ito said. “You’ve proven yourself exceptional. You are leagues above your peers, and your combat level and magical abilities already trump many within the Demon Corps itself. As it stands, we have summoned you to determine your eligibility to become a full Hunter.”

“Grandmaster Kurahara, if I may interject.” The blond man said.

“Rex, your animosity towards my son should not factor into your decision making. You are a member of the Iron Council, and will conduct yourself as such.”

“Forgive me, Grandmaster, but I simply take issue to you supporting a member of your own bloodline.” Rex said.

“The Kurahara’s are blood descendant from Anastrid’s original Honor Guard. We have produced exceptional Hunters for millennium. I support her as evidence to a fact, not because of blood relations.”

“Sounds like blood relations to me…” Rex mocked.

“If’s she’s anything like Haru, then we’ll produce another monster, Rex.” Thorus laughed. “Get over yourself. Just cause you couldn’t beat Haru boy in a fight shouldn’t weight into it.”

“The girl’s very pretty as well. I would like to have her in my butterfly division.” Mizu said, sipping her tea.

Rex didn’t say anything, instead leaning back and pouting in his chair.

“Now then, all in favor?” Kurahara Ito asked.

Everyone except Rex raised their hands.

“It is decided then. We shall send you to the Trials within a month. Bring honor to the Kurahara household, like your father before you.”

“As you wish, Grandfather.” Tsukihi bowed.