Chapter 23: Return to Shoshajiin — Broken Chains, Decided Fates
When Team 7 and Team Kaji stepped heavily through the gates of the Shoshajiin Temple, every person present held their breath. Along with them were four criminals — bound in chains — and the dead body of one they dragged behind. That corpse was Takiyu — one of Kazan Kaga's most powerful soldiers. His body was proof of the grave battle they had fought.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the crowd.
Era, an 18-year-old girl with green hair, who had been silently trembling until now, began to scream.
"I don't want to die! Please, please don't kill me! I will do anything… anything you say!"
Her desperate cries bounced off the temple walls.
At that moment, Ushashin, a stern and high-ranking Scriptor, stepped forward.
"If you truly wish to become a Scriptor with a pure heart, we will forgive you," Ushashin said. "But you must make a Script Contract. Breaking this contract means instant death — right then and there."
Era's face twisted in fear and helplessness. Tears streaming, she nodded.
"I... I accept! Just free me from these chains!" she sobbed uncontrollably.
Immediately, an ancient scroll was brought forth, glowing with shimmering inscriptions. With trembling hands, Era signed it, and at that very moment, her chains turned to dust. The glowing mark of the contract sealed her fate.
Yusugo then gestured toward Ushashin and said,
"This is Takiyu. Kazan Kaga's trusted warrior. Now dead, but the danger is far from over."
His eyes then turned to the remaining three dark Scriptors — Rufia (a harsh woman), Hyugi (a silent and grim man), and Kairu (a cunning fighter).
"What shall we do with them?" Yusugo asked.
Ushashin answered in a cold tone:
"They will be sent to the country prison. If they reform in one year, they will be brought here and taught the knowledge of Scriptors. But if they do not change—"
His eyes grew hard.
"—they will be executed."
Immediately, the three were dragged away to prison, their faces a mixture of fear and rage.
By evening, a high-level meeting was called in the main hall of the temple. There, Yusugo informed everyone about the DX Kingdom.
"The King of DX has begun a new plot. His goal is to destroy the very foundation of the Scriptor system. In his attack, 128 Scriptors were killed — warriors who had sworn to protect us."
The room fell into silence. Faces paled. Fists clenched.
After much discussion and debate, a decision was made.
"We must strengthen ourselves. We will hold the B-Level Scriptor Exam as soon as possible. We need to prepare new strength."
The next morning, in the grand hall, an announcement was made.
"One week from now, the B-Level Scriptor Exam will be held!" Yusugo's voice echoed. "All students who wish to participate, submit your names!"
The hall erupted in activity. Many students eagerly submitted their names, while others hesitated in fear.
Bokuro, still unconscious, was not present. But Yusugo, smiling, wrote his name himself.
"And also—Kitsui and Nensudo will take the exam," Yusugo added.
The newly admitted green-haired girl, Era, also spoke in a trembling yet firm voice,
"I will… I will take the exam too."
Her voice was weak, but her resolve was strong.
A festive atmosphere spread through the hall. Friends congratulated each other. After weeks, joy once again filled Shoshajiin.
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Bokuro stirred. His fingers twitched. His eyelids trembled, beginning to open.
The chapter ended there — with Bokuro regaining consciousness, while a new challenge awaited him.