KHR: Decimo Primo

Tsuna barely had time to take in the new surroundings before the unsettling sensation of teleportation ended. The vibrant hues of the teleportation spell faded, leaving him standing in the familiar yet intimidating office of Mephisto Pheles, the chairman of True Cross Academy. The whimsical yet eerie decor of the room immediately caught Tsuna's attention. From the eccentric trinkets displayed on the shelves to the vibrant and mismatched colors that adorned the walls, it was a room that spoke volumes about its owner's unique personality.

Mephisto, as always, was perched on his throne-like chair with a mischievous grin plastered across his face. Tsuna felt uneasy under his gaze, as though the man could see straight through him. Mephisto's flamboyant attire made Tsuna's own modest clothing seem out of place, but it wasn't just the appearance of the man that unsettled him—it was the aura he exuded, a mixture of power, mystery, and playful malice.

"Ah, Sawada Tsunayoshi," Mephisto began, clasping his hands together as he leaned forward. "Welcome to True Cross Academy. Quite the spectacle, no? But, alas, I am a busy man with a myriad of responsibilities, so I won't be able to personally guide you during your stay here."

Tsuna's heart sank at those words. The idea of navigating this strange place without someone as powerful as Mephisto to keep him safe was daunting.

Mephisto continued, his tone light but authoritative. "Fret not, young Vongola. I've arranged for you to be under the care of someone who is more than capable of overseeing your...education and integration. An expert in the field of magic circles and seals, a cornerstone of any exorcist's arsenal."

He picked up the phone on his desk, dialing with a theatrical flourish. Tsuna's unease grew as he watched Mephisto speak in hushed tones. The conversation was brief, and Mephisto's grin widened as he hung up the receiver.

"He'll be here shortly," Mephisto said, leaning back in his chair. "In the meantime, make yourself comfortable. Perhaps take in the...peculiarities of my humble abode."

Tsuna did as he was told, though he wasn't sure how comfortable he could be in a place that felt more like a trickster's lair than an office. His gaze wandered to a collection of clocks ticking in perfect harmony, their faces displaying times that made no sense. A framed photograph on the wall caught his attention—it was of Mephisto standing with a group of exorcists, all of whom looked equally peculiar in their own ways. He recognized none of them, but their confident postures made Tsuna feel even more out of his depth.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. The door creaked open, and in stepped a tall, imposing figure with sharp features and a stoic expression. He wore a dark coat adorned with intricate patterns that hinted at his expertise in magic. His piercing gaze immediately locked onto Tsuna, making the boy shrink back instinctively.

"Ah, Igor Neuhaus," Mephisto announced with a dramatic wave of his hand. "Right on time, as expected from someone of your diligence. Allow me to introduce Sawada Tsunayoshi, our guest and your new...assistant."

Neuhaus's expression remained unreadable as he studied Tsuna. After a moment, he gave a curt nod. "Understood. I'll take it from here."

Mephisto clapped his hands together, clearly pleased. "Splendid! Neuhaus here will be your mentor and guardian during your time at the academy. He's the resident expert on magic circles and seals, a field I'm sure you'll find fascinating. And as his assistant, you'll be helping him with his work—a perfect opportunity to learn and grow, don't you think?"

Tsuna wasn't sure if he agreed with that assessment, but he nodded nonetheless. He was hardly in a position to argue.

Neuhaus turned to leave, gesturing for Tsuna to follow. As they exited the office, Tsuna couldn't help but glance back at Mephisto, who waved them off with a grin that promised mischief. Once the door closed behind them, the atmosphere grew heavier. Neuhaus's stern demeanor left no room for small talk.

"You'll assist me with my work," Neuhaus began, his tone curt and to the point. "My schedule is packed, so don't expect me to hold your hand. But during evenings or any available time, I'll teach you the basics of spiritual magic and the tools exorcists use. Understood?"

"Y-Yes," Tsuna stammered, feeling more overwhelmed with each passing moment.

Neuhaus's sharp eyes softened ever so slightly. "Then let's not waste time."

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As they walked through the academy's labyrinthine halls, Neuhaus began a steady stream of instructions. The list of tasks he rattled off was daunting, from organizing research notes to preparing materials for upcoming lectures. Most children Tsuna's age would have been utterly lost, but his experience with CEDEF's rigorous information-gathering missions allowed him to absorb and retain the deluge of information.Neuhaus, perhaps noticing this, gave a small nod of approval before reaching into his coat and pulling out a small, intricately carved key. He handed it to Tsuna without breaking stride. "This key is imbued with magic. It will allow you to access the Cram School area of the academy from any door. Don't lose it. When your internship is over, you'll return it to me."

Tsuna accepted the key, the weight of responsibility settling on him anew. "Understood."

Neuhaus continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "Since you're still a child, you'll be staying with me for the time being. Mephisto's orders. Going back home every day would only diminish your learning time. And since we can't house you in the regular dormitories—they're full of rowdy teenagers—you'll stay at my dorm."

The thought of living with someone as intimidating as Neuhaus made Tsuna uneasy, but the instructor quickly added, "I'm rarely home due to work. You'll have plenty of privacy."

"Okay..." Tsuna mumbled, unsure if that was meant to be reassuring. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to become even more complicated.

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As they continued through the hallway, Tsuna's thoughts drifted to the events of the day. Neuhaus, with his curt and no-nonsense demeanor, seemed like someone who didn't particularly care about him personally. However, there was an undeniable loyalty to Mephisto in the way he carried out his orders. Tsuna murmured to himself about all the magical phenomena he'd witnessed since arriving. Although he had seen strange technologies and powers during his time with the Mafia—like Dying Will Flames—this was on another level entirely. The space manipulation that Mephisto had demonstrated earlier and the tiny monsters he spotted scuttling around Neuhaus carrying supplies amazed him.

Despite continuing his explanations, Neuhaus appeared to be working on something simultaneously, his hands occasionally moving in strange gestures as the little creatures obeyed his silent commands. It was a sight that left Tsuna both impressed and slightly unnerved.

His train of thought was abruptly interrupted when Neuhaus called out, "Kid, we're here."

Snapping back to reality, Tsuna looked up to see a plain wooden door. Neuhaus opened it without hesitation, revealing a classroom filled with teenagers who looked around eighteen or nineteen. The room was chaotic, with students chatting and laughing loudly. The moment Neuhaus stepped inside, however, the atmosphere shifted.

"Quiet down!" Neuhaus barked, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife. The students immediately returned to their seats, the chatter dying down to a murmur.

Neuhaus stepped to the front of the room, his imposing presence commanding attention. "Today, we'll continue with the advanced applications of sealing magic. Before that, however..." He gestured to Tsuna, who stood awkwardly near the door. "This is Sawada Tsunayoshi. He'll be assisting me for a short while. Don't bother him too much—he's here to learn."

The students exchanged curious glances, but none dared to speak out of turn. Tsuna gave a small bow, feeling the weight of their gazes on him. Neuhaus wasted no time diving into his lesson, leaving Tsuna to quietly find a seat at the back of the room, unsure of what the next chapter of his strange journey would bring.

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The day stretched on as Tsuna shadowed Neuhaus through the vast halls of True Cross Academy's Cram School, the section of the academy dedicated to training aspiring exorcists. Though the initial introduction had been jarring, Tsuna quickly realized that his role today was mostly observational. Neuhaus barely acknowledged him except when he needed something done, which suited Tsuna just fine. After all, he was here to learn.

The first class Neuhaus took him to was a lecture on magic circles and seals. The room was dimly lit, except for the glowing symbols inscribed on the walls and floor. As the students filed in, some greeted Neuhaus with stiff nods, while others eyed Tsuna curiously.

"Today, we'll be refining our understanding of seal applications," Neuhaus began in his usual stern tone, sweeping his gaze across the room. "For those of you struggling with containment fields, pay attention. A weak seal is the difference between life and death."

Tsuna took a seat at the side, watching as Neuhaus commanded the students to create a standard containment seal on the floor. Several students moved with practiced ease, drawing complex symbols in chalk while murmuring incantations. A few, however, struggled, their lines imperfect, their energy wavering.

"Your hands are too shaky," Neuhaus barked at one student. "If you lack precision, the demon won't stay trapped."

Tsuna was fascinated. He had seen complex barriers and energy-based techniques in the Mafia world using various types of dying will flames, but nothing quite like this. The way these seals glowed with mystical energy, the way they pulsed with barely restrained power—it was completely different from anything he had learned before. He could see the importance of precision in each movement, the necessity of absolute control.

Throughout the lesson, Neuhaus gave curt instructions while Tsuna assisted where he could—handing out materials, retrieving scrolls, and occasionally organizing documents. His presence remained largely unnoticed by the students, which he was grateful for. He wasn't ready for unnecessary attention.

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The afternoon passed in a blur as Tsuna accompanied Neuhaus to more classes. The subjects varied, but each revealed another aspect of what it meant to be an exorcist.

One class focused on the summoning arts. Tsuna watched in amazement as students used intricate magic circles to call forth demonic creatures under their control. He hadn't encountered supernatural creatures before aside maybe Leon and Enzo, but seeing people command them through contracts and seals was something else entirely. Some students struggled to maintain control over their summons, while others performed flawlessly. Neuhaus rarely gave praise, but when he did, it was brief and to the point.

Another class was dedicated to the use of sacred scripture as a weapon. The students known as Arias chanted verses from the Bible, their words glowing with power as they directed attacks at spectral targets. The air vibrated with energy as different students displayed their mastery over their chosen verses. The more experienced ones could banish lesser demons with a single phrase, while the newer students needed multiple attempts.

Neuhaus took a moment to explain to Tsuna, "Exorcists specialize in five categories, known as Meisters. The Knight wields a sword, the Dragoon fights with firearms, the Tamer summons demons, the Aria uses sacred verses, and the Doctor heals injuries."

Tsuna absorbed the information, making mental notes of everything he was witnessing. The structured approach to battle and exorcism was different from the Mafia's methods. Vongola relied on raw combat skill, tactics, and specialized Flames. Here, everything was categorized, studied, and methodically trained.

As the lessons continued, Tsuna continued his role as an assistant, handing Neuhaus documents, taking notes when asked, and observing as much as he could. Despite his initial nervousness, he found himself growing more comfortable with the routine, though the sheer amount of knowledge was overwhelming.

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Later in the day, Neuhaus led Tsuna to an area outside the main academy grounds—the Academy's Forest District. Unlike the pristine and structured environment of the classrooms, this area was wild and untamed, a dense expanse of trees and overgrowth that stretched for miles.

"This is where practical training takes place," Neuhaus explained as they entered. "Exorcists must be capable of handling themselves in the field, which means hunting down demons in their natural habitat."

A group of students was already gathered, dressed in practical combat attire. They carried weapons suited to their Meister classes—some with swords, others with firearms, a few clutching grimoires. Their expressions ranged from excitement to nervous determination.

Neuhaus addressed them in his usual no-nonsense tone. "Tonight's exercise is simple. You will enter the forest in small teams and neutralize any demons you encounter. Maintain formation, and do not engage beyond your capability. If you find anything unusual, report back immediately."

The students nodded, forming groups before moving out. Tsuna followed closely behind Neuhaus as they trailed one of the groups, observing how they worked. It wasn't long before they encountered their first creature—a low-level demon resembling a grotesque wolf with glowing red eyes.

One of the students, a Knight, stepped forward and unsheathed his sword. With a practiced movement, he slashed at the demon, the blade coated in an energy that burned on contact. The demon howled before collapsing into blackened ash.

"They make it look easy," Tsuna muttered to himself.

Neuhaus glanced at him. "Because they've trained for it. The creatures here are minor threats. The real dangers lie beyond these forests."

As they continued deeper, Tsuna saw more creatures—some resembling twisted versions of animals, others appearing more humanoid but with demonic features. Each time, the students worked together, employing their different Meisters' abilities to handle the situation. A Tamer successfully subdued a bat-like demon using his summon, while a Dragoon fired precision shots to weaken another creature from a distance.

Tsuna found himself unconsciously analyzing their tactics. The way they combined their skills reminded him of the teamwork he had seen in the Mafia. The biggest difference was that there was no room for error here—demons were unpredictable, and one mistake could be fatal.

By the time the exercise concluded, night had fallen, and the students returned to the meeting point. Some were exhausted, while others were exhilarated by the experience. Neuhaus gave brief feedback before dismissing them for the night.

Tsuna exhaled, feeling the weight of the long day settle on his shoulders. He had witnessed more today than he could have imagined—seals, magic, exorcism techniques, demon-hunting. The supernatural world was far more vast and structured than he had assumed.

As Neuhaus turned to him, he said, "Tomorrow, you'll be doing more than just observing. Be prepared."

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The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving the academy bathed in the glow of lamplights and scattered magical symbols illuminating the cobblestone paths. The sprawling city-sized campus stretched endlessly in every direction, its towering buildings looming over the winding streets.

And Tsuna was completely, utterly lost.

The map Neuhaus had given him earlier crinkled in his small hands as he stared at it with frustration. Despite studying it for the past fifteen minutes, he still had no idea where he was. He turned it left, then right, squinting at the tiny markings, hoping they'd suddenly make sense.

They didn't.

"This place is way too big," Tsuna muttered, rubbing his face. "How the hell does anyone memorize all this?"

Today had been stressful as hell.

He had spent hours shadowing Igor Neuhaus, assisting in his classes, fetching documents, and delivering materials. He had witnessed magic far beyond anything he'd seen in the Mafia world—students summoning demons, casting spells using holy scriptures, and engraving powerful sealing circles into the ground.

It had been fascinating—but also completely overwhelming.

Sure, compared to Reborn's insane training—which often involved near-death experiences—this was mild. But for his average day, where the worst thing he had to deal with was homework and annoying classmates, this had been a nightmare.

With a sigh, he folded the map and stuffed it in his pocket.

"Ugh… I should've just forced Neuhaus to walk me back before he left," he groaned.

Unfortunately, Neuhaus had been buried in paperwork and dismissed Tsuna with nothing but the map, a key, and a passcode to their shared dorm room. Now, armed with only those, he was left to wander the labyrinth that was True Cross Academy.

Just as Tsuna was about to give up, a voice called out from behind him.

"Oi, kid. You lost?"

Tsuna flinched slightly at the sudden voice and turned around to see two older students approaching.

He recognized them from one of Neuhaus's classes earlier. They looked way older than him—probably eighteen or nineteen.

The first was a tall, broad-shouldered young man with messy light brown hair and a confident grin. His uniform was slightly unkempt, his sleeves rolled up lazily, and he had a casual, laid-back air about him. Despite his relaxed demeanor, Tsuna could tell that he was strong—there was an ease in the way he carried himself, like someone who had seen plenty of real battles.

Beside him stood a girl with long, white hair, tied neatly into a high ponytail. Her sharp blue-gray eyes held a serious expression, and unlike her companion, her uniform was pristine and perfectly in place. She stood with an almost military-like discipline, though her gaze wasn't unkind—just strict.

Tsuna hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Yeah… I think I am."

The girl crossed her arms. "You're Neuhaus's assistant, aren't you?"

Tsuna nodded. "Uh, yeah. He told me I'd be staying at the teacher's dormitory, but…" He sighed. "This place is a maze."

The guy snorted. "Yeah, no kidding. You'd probably be wandering around until morning if we hadn't found you."

Tsuna groaned. "I was starting to think that, too…"

The girl gave a small nod. "Mamushi Hojo. Second Class Exorcist."

The guy grinned. "Juzo Shima. Also Second Class Exorcist. And you're the new kid, huh? Sawada Tsunayoshi, right?"

Tsuna nodded.

Juzo smirked. "Man, you got it rough. Neuhaus is a hard-ass."

Tsuna exhaled loudly. "You have no idea."

Mamushi shook her head. "The teacher's dormitory isn't far from here. You're going the wrong way, though."

Tsuna visibly deflated. "Of course I am."

Juzo clapped a hand on Tsuna's small shoulder. "You're lucky we like kids, y'know?"

Tsuna twitched. "I'm not a kid!"

Juzo barked out a laugh. "Buddy, you're tiny. What are you, nine? That's a kid."

Tsuna sulked. He hated how everyone kept pointing that out.

Mamushi rolled her eyes. "Juzo, stop teasing him."

"I'm just stating facts." Juzo grinned. "Alright, let's get you home before you accidentally walk into the training grounds or something."

Tsuna shuddered at the thought. "Please do."

With his two unexpected guides, Tsuna finally made actual progress through the twisting paths of the academy.

As they walked, Juzo and Mamushi casually chatted with him, filling in the gaps of what Neuhaus hadn't bothered to explain.

Mamushi gestured around. "True Cross Academy isn't just a school. There are real exorcist missions, training facilities, and even entire neighborhoods where exorcists and their families live."

Juzo nodded. "Yeah, it's basically a city. People train here from childhood to become full-fledged exorcists. Once you're out of here, you're expected to hold your own against demons."

Tsuna gulped. No pressure, huh…

Despite the age gap, Tsuna found himself warming up to them. Juzo was a bit of a tease, but he didn't seem mean-spirited. Mamushi, while strict, reminded Tsuna a little of Kyoko's older sister Haru—someone who took things seriously, but also looked out for others.

After a few more turns, they finally reached a tall, European-style building with large wooden doors.

Juzo smirked. "Here you go, kid. Home sweet home."

Tsuna let out a huge sigh of relief. "Finally…"

Mamushi crossed her arms. "Try to memorize the route. You don't want to get lost again."

Tsuna nodded quickly. "Trust me, I won't forget this path."

Juzo ruffled his hair. "Well, if you do get lost again, just look for us."

Mamushi gave him a small nod. "Good luck with Neuhaus."

Tsuna grimaced. "I'll need it."

With that, the two older exorcists waved him off and headed back towards the main campus.

As Tsuna stepped into the dormitory, he felt the weight of exhaustion settle on him.

Today had been stressful as hell, but… he had made it.

To Be Continued…