The city’s lights flickered in the distance, casting an unsettling glow as Chisaki walked down the alley. His pace was slow, unhurried, yet every step was purposeful. The sounds of the bustling streets grew muffled as the narrow space of the alley closed in around him.

As he turned a corner, his eyes fell upon a student crumpled at the foot of a brick wall. Blood smeared their face and hands, and their breaths came in ragged gasps. Chisaki paused for a moment, watching them struggle to stay conscious.

“What’s this?” he said, kneeling down to inspect the student more closely. “I suppose they’re not as strong as they think.” His fingers brushed the back of their neck as he assessed the severity of their injuries.

“You’re in no condition to be out here,” Chisaki remarked coldly, his eyes narrowed as he considered whether to leave them or take a different approach.