Chapter 287- Class Observation Day.
Outside Kuoh Academy, Mahiro noticed several powerful auras emanating from the school.
Even though these auras were deliberately suppressed, their overwhelming presence couldn't be fully concealed.
Before reaching a three-star, Mahiro could still sense them faintly.
Now, with his overall strength at five stars, the sensation was much clearer.
"So many Maou-Class Beings gathered at Kuoh Academy. What's special about today?"
Mahiro wondered, frowning in puzzlement.
He glanced at Kuoh Academy nearby.
The school appeared as it always did.
With his hearing, Mahiro picked up the lively, noisy sounds from within, suggesting a peaceful atmosphere.
From the outside, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Given Mahiro's strength, he could tell that the tranquil scenes at the school were genuine, not illusions crafted by magic.
Mahiro remembered that he had recently defeated Kokabiel before leaving.
The next major event should be the tripartite talks between the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels.
After a moment of thought, things became clearer.
If the tripartite talks were happening now, the presence of such powerful auras at Kuoh Academy made sense, as the leaders of the three factions would attend.
"But in broad daylight, with so many students around, what are they doing?" Mahiro muttered, his expression turning odd.
As the supreme rulers in the Underworld, mingling among high school students seemed unusually approachable.
"Forget it. I'll go in and see what's happening," Mahiro decided, shaking his head as he stepped onto the campus.
The school buzzed with its usual energy—no, it was even livelier today than since Mahiro had enrolled.
Just past the school gate, he noticed unfamiliar faces in the open area near the school building and on the playground behind it.
"What's going on today? Why are there so many outsiders?" Mahiro asked, stopping a passing student.
"It's Class Observation Day. You didn't know?" the boy replied, giving Mahiro a curious look.
"I've been on leave recently and just returned today," Mahiro explained, offering a polite thank you.
"You're lucky then!" the boy said enviously before being called over by a man and woman nearby—likely his parents.
He walked toward them reluctantly, his steps awkward.
Class Observation Day was similar to a parent-teacher meeting but more relaxed and open.
Parents could freely explore the school and observe their children's classes.
For many students, though, it was a stressful occasion, as their school and home personas often differed.
Watching the boy leave, Mahiro smiled and headed toward his classroom.
The class was engaged in a handicraft session, not a core subject, so the atmosphere was laid-back.
Outside, parents were chatting and laughing as they photographed their children.
Mahiro glanced inside his classroom but had no intention of entering.
Instead, he looked into the neighboring class.
Koneko sat expressionlessly, holding a clay sculpture.
As if sensing him, she suddenly turned her head toward the window when Mahiro's gaze landed on her.
Their eyes met, and Mahiro gave her a warm smile.
Koneko's eyes widened in surprise, and her typically stoic face softened slightly.
Though she quickly looked away after a brief glance, Mahiro caught the flicker of joy in her eyes—she was clearly happy to see him back.
However, true to her reserved, tsundere nature, Koneko rarely showed her emotions openly.
Xenovia and Irina, meanwhile, hadn't noticed Mahiro.
They were engrossed in their clay projects, clumsily shaping the material.
Their creations were shapeless and unrecognizable.
Asia, on the other hand, was far more adept.
A large piece of clay was taking form in her hands.
Mahiro's expression turned peculiar as he studied it—why did it resemble him?
As for Jeanne, she sat calmly, seemingly indifferent to everything.
Seeing these familiar faces lifted Mahiro's spirits.
He headed toward the third-year building.
During free periods, he didn't spot Rias or Akeno in their classrooms.
He also had no interest in checking on Kiba in the second-year section, as he wasn't keen on seeking out another guy.
After wandering the school building, Mahiro made his way to the old schoolhouse, planning to wait for everyone to finish class.
In the grove behind the old schoolhouse, he spotted Rias and others.
Akeno wore her usual cheerful smile, but Rias and Sona appeared burdened by worry.
Leaning against a large tree, heads bowed, they stared at the grass beneath their feet.
Their normally confident and composed faces were clouded with sadness, as if grappling with a serious problem.
"Rias, Akeno, Sona—what are you three doing here?"
Mahiro called out, approaching them.
"I've been looking for you everywhere."
"Didn't expect to find you hiding here."
At the sound of his voice, Rias and Sona snapped their heads up, their faces lighting up with surprise.
Akeno reacted faster.
She rushed forward, throwing herself into Mahiro's arms for a warm embrace.
"Mahiro-kun, you're finally back!" Akeno exclaimed, burying her face in his chest, her voice brimming with happiness.
"Akeno, that's a bit much!" Rias scolded, a mix of exasperation and amusement crossing her face after a moment's pause.
"Oh, Rias, I haven't seen Mahiro-kun in days. I couldn't help myself!"
Akeno replied playfully, tilting her head from Mahiro's embrace to shoot Rias a teasing, provocative glance.
"I bet you're feeling the same way, right?"
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