Adam's first day at Emily's school began with him as the new, handsome student. Only Emily and Brad knew his true identity as Emily's husband, a secret that left him vulnerable to the curious glances of other girls, much to Emily's amused jealousy. The hooligans eager to listen to Emily's instruction ask if she wants them to beat up the new student. As much as it amused Emily, she reluctantly decline. Adam, resigned to his fate, simply endured the attention.
After class, a swarm of girls surrounded Adam's desk, eager to learn more about him. Before he could elaborate, Brad intervened, whisking Adam away, much to the girls' disappointment at not getting his contact information. Emily followed them to the rooftop.
The Student Council's Secret
On the rooftop, three other students awaited them. Brad revealed that the entire student council consisted of creatures, just like him. He expressed their hope that Adam and Emily would join them and offer their assistance.
Brad then outlined two pressing issues:
* The Persistent Portal: A peculiar portal existed within a hidden passage beneath the school. Unlike others, this portal remained open even after they had supposedly defeated its dungeon boss. They suspected the true boss might have escaped and was now hiding among humans. The danger of more creatures escaping through this active portal was immense, leading Brad and three others to stand guard. This portal had been active for a considerable time, requiring their handpicked vigilance.
* Hidden Invaders and Traitors: The escaped dungeon boss, or other invaders, could be hiding anywhere—among students, teachers, or even far beyond the school grounds. Compounding this threat were other creatures who had sided with the invaders. Maintaining a low profile was crucial, as revealing their identities could attract more danger and turn the portal into a gateway for an invading army.
Adam quickly asked if the portal contained mana, since he was unable to use his powers in this world due to the scarcity of it. Brad confirmed that mana was indeed present inside the portals, much to Adam's relief.
Brad then introduced the other student council members: Tsuyu, a bone woman known as a Hone Onna; Juro, a winged guardian known as a Tengu; and Akemi, a spider woman known as a Jorogumo.
Adam and Emily introduced themselves, with Emily quickly adding that they were married, a subtle warning to keep the beautiful girls away from Adam.
Tsuyu remarked on Emily's possessiveness with a smile, while Akemi provocatively licked her lips, looking at Adam, and stating that men were known to fall for beauty.
Emily's annoyance was evident on her face, though Juro simply smiled at the unfolding dynamic. Brad quickly coughed, redirecting the conversation before things escalated further.
The Hidden Portal and New Dangers
Brad dismissed the others and led Adam and Emily to a hidden passage beneath the school. Through concealed doors and an underground passage, they reached the portal. Brad instructed them to enter. As they stepped through, a familiar sensation washed over Adam—this place felt eerily similar to the dungeons he'd explored in the other world. He mused that if dungeons were formed from the deaths of otherworlders, then this portal might also be the result of an otherworlder's demise. He wished Lyra were there to analyze the dungeon.
Adam tested his powers, using different elements, and found they worked perfectly. Emily, eager to explore, asked if he was ready. Adam agreed, and with a series of quick teleports, they moved through multiple holes and entries within the dungeon. Brad, however, called for them to stop, pointing out fresh creature marks. He realized these were recently made, suggesting a creature might have escaped unnoticed.