Dragon Across the Multiverse (Si-WC)

Chapter 11: Lines in the Sand

It didn’t take long for us to reach the bus, cutting down any undead that got in our way. I opened the door and silently signaled for everyone to get in.

“Quick,” I muttered, waving them through as I stood guard beside the entrance to make sure no one got left behind.

Within moments, everyone had boarded—just in time for one of the idiots trailing behind Shido to shout and ruin everything that was quickly followed by the others.

“WAIT!”

“PLEASE DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT US!”

“HELP!”

“Damn it. Fucking idiots,” I hissed under my breath, turning to Shizuka in the driver’s seat. “Sensei! Turn on the engine and be ready to leave as soon as possible.”

She looked a bit nervous being put on the spot, but to her credit, she nodded with a determined little pout and got to work.

“We should leave them!” Rei called from her seat at the front, glaring out the window with a rare venom in her voice as she spotted Shido among the approaching group.

I pretended to be surprised at her tone but said nothing, stepping outside with Saeko to clear a path for the incoming students.

Together, we moved as one, cutting down the nearest undead with fluid precision letting the students pass with only one or two offering thanks.

“Thanks for the backup, Saeko,” I said quietly as we finished off another wave.

“It was my pleasure,” she replied with a small smile. “I couldn’t let you face them alone. You are our leader, after all.”

“Leader, huh?” I echoed, a bit surprised at how quick she was to call me that especially since it had only been a few hours since our first meeting. Still, I shook it off and nodded. “Let’s get out of here before we get overrun. I’ll cover you.”

“Right.” She didn't argue and just moved, swift and silent.

I followed right behind her, dispatching another group of infected before leaping onto the steps and slamming the door shut behind me.

“Floor it, Sensei.”

“Okay~!” Shizuka chirped, pressing the pedal to the floor.

I watched with a blank expression as a few undead stumbled into our path. Shizuka, muttering something about how they "weren’t human anymore," floored the gas, and the bus jolted as she ran them over.

A moment later, she hit the school gates without hesitation, smashing through them with a metallic crash. I heard audible sighs of relief behind me as we finally left the campus.

“Looks like we can relax for a while,” I said, pretending to let out a breath of relief before turning to Shizuka with a smile. “Good job, Sensei~ We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Flustered, Shizuka lifted her hands from the wheel to hold her cheeks, wearing a pleased, giddy expression—only to yelp a second later and hurriedly grab the wheel again.

“Hihihi~ Thanks, Akari-kun~!”

A feminine hand touched my shoulder, and I turned my head to find Saeko beside me, her beautiful face composed yet warm as she regarded me with something like awe.

“She’s not the only one we owe our survival to,” Saeko said softly. “You played a critical role in ensuring everyone made it safely. I must reiterate—your swordsmanship is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks, Saeko, but we’re all here because everyone worked together,” I replied with a small smile. “And might I remind you that you're no slouch yourself? Seems my hunch about you was spot on.”

Her cheeks colored slightly at the praise, though her gaze didn’t waver.

“You’re going to regret letting Shido in,” Rei’s voice cut through the moment, sharp and irritated.

I turned to find her seated near the front, arms crossed beneath her chest, her eyes narrowed on me.

“Shido?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow as I glanced toward the back of the bus where a cluster of students were gathered—among them, a smug-looking man in glasses. “I’m guessing that’s someone we let in?”

“How can you not know who he is!?” Rei shot back, clearly agitated. Her cheeks were flushed in anger, though I could tell her frustration wasn’t aimed entirely at me.

“Maybe because Akari and Ciel-san are transfer students, and this is literally their first day?” Saya chimed in dryly, adjusting her glasses and giving Rei a flat look. She had switched to her glasses earlier after complaining about her eyes being too dry.

Rei blinked. Then again. Her eyes darted to me in realization before her expression softened into sheepish embarrassment.

“Right… sorry, Akari-kun. I completely forgot.” She gave me an apologetic smile. “It just… feels like I’ve known you longer than a day.”

“Think nothing of it.” I waved her off with a small shake of my head. “Honestly? I feel the same.”

That seemed to ease her guilt, and she relaxed.

“But this Shido guy,” I continued in a low voice, sliding into the seat beside her so we wouldn’t be overheard, “he’s trouble?”

Rei’s jaw tightened, her eyes flicking back toward the rear of the bus. “That’s an understatement. Trust me when I say he’s dangerous. A complete scumbag.”

“Got it,” I nodded immediately, surprising her with how fast I accepted her assessment.

“You believe me that easily?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“Of course. In a situation like this, we can’t afford internal threats. If he starts causing problems, I’ll deal with him.”

Rei stared at me for a beat, then smiled, visibly relieved. Her cheeks darkened with a faint blush.

“That’s a wise decision,” Saeko said, taking the seat across from us with a small smile of approval. “Seems I was right to follow your lead.”

“Hmph. I honestly couldn’t care less who leads,” Saya muttered with a pout as she crossed her arms, clearly not wanting to be left out. “But I do know I don’t want to be anywhere near those guys at the back. They’re already starting to sound like a cult.”

Looking toward the back of the bus for a moment, I saw the students who had followed Shido staring at him like he was some kind of savior. The bastard was already spouting nonsense, and they hung on to every word like sheep to a shepherd.

“I see what you mean now,” I muttered in understanding, then sighed and turned back to our group. “For now, though, I suggest everyone rest. I have a feeling we won’t be getting much of it in the coming days.”

I stood from my seat and moved to sit beside Ciel, who was just behind Saeko. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Rei lightly pouting at the seat switch.

I got a few half-hearted murmurs of agreement in return, with Keiko and her little group already passed out across their seats.

“Ciel, I’m going to take a quick nap. Wake me if anything happens,” I said, and with her soft nod, I let my head fall into her lap and closed my eyes—completely ignoring the bursts of jealousy I could feel radiating from around the bus.

Of course, I didn’t need to sleep. Or eat. Or even breathe, really. I was a digital being. This was just a convenient excuse to enjoy a lap pillow from my favorite Manas, and judging from the small blush on her cheeks, Ciel had realized that too.

“Of course, Master,” she said softly, her voice tender. “Leave everything to me. Please rest.”

One of her hands hesitantly descended to my hair, fingers threading through it with gentle care as she began caressing me.

I let out a quiet breath.

This was nice.

=====

An Hour Later — Ciel’s POV

‘Honestly, her Master could be such a child sometimes,’ Ciel thought to herself as she gently caressed his hair, all while ignoring the quiet, jealous glares coming from Saeko, Saya, Rei—and even Shizuka, who was pouting at her through the rearview mirror.

Pretending to be tired just to use her lap as a pillow. It was one silly excuse after another. If she didn’t love her Master with all her heart, Ciel would have long since pinched his cheek for pulling something like this in front of strangers.

‘Couldn’t he at least wait until we were alone for this sort of thing?’ Surely he knew she still wasn’t fully comfortable with public displays of affection… yet he seemed determined to embarrass her at every opportunity now that she had a real body.

Not that she didn’t enjoy the attention—or the warmth of his presence, or the feeling of his hair between her fingers.

For years, she had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, back when she was just a skill—nothing more than an extension of his will. Back then, her sole purpose had been to help him grow stronger, faster, more powerful. And she had done so without question.

But now… now she had a name. A body. An ego.

Now, Ciel could stand at his side—not just as an assistant or function—but as a person. As someone who could receive affection, not just give support. Someone who could be held.

The day her Master gave her a name would forever be her most cherished memory—second only to the moment he looked her in the eye and told her he loved her.

It was in that moment she became fully aware of her own feelings. That she, for longer than she could remember, had quietly yearned to be seen and cherished the same way his other lovers were.

So even if it embarrassed her—even if she could feel the weight of every envious glance in the room—she cherished moments like this, where her Master showed her, with actions and not just words, that she truly mattered.

‘Yes… a little embarrassment is a small price to pay, if it means I get to be at his side like this.’

“Ciel-san, how long have you known Akari-kun?”

Turning to the voice that called out to her, Ciel met the gaze of Rei Miyamoto. The girl tried to hide it, but the hint of jealousy in her eyes was clear—almost enough to make Ciel roll her own.

Not that she blamed the girl—or any of the others, really. Master Akari was… perfect. Even while suppressing most of his power, he still radiated a quiet, unconscious majesty that was too much for a couple of regular humans to resist.

Especially a bunch of teenagers with all their turbulent hormones. Or women like Shizuka and Kyoko, who were nearing their biologically clock of being able to reproduce.

Or as Master so aptly called them, Christmas Cakes.

And then, of course, there was the matter of him rescuing them all from certain death while taking charge as if it were the most natural thing in the world. That kind of presence… it made people want to follow him. Trust him. Even love him in quick order.

Humans Ciel found, were often very predictable especially when extenuating circumstances were involved like they were now.

Ciel was honestly a little surprised none of them had already tried to get into his bed.

Not that they would succeed, of course. She would never let these newcomers skip ahead. They had no idea how long she’d waited for her moment.

“For as long as I can remember,” Ciel finally answered Rei, aware that everyone else on the bus was also listening—yes, even the nurse who should have been focused on the road.

“You’ve been serving him for that long?” Saya asked next, her voice quieter—likely not wanting to disturb Akari, though she kept casting subtle glances at where her thighs with undisguised envy.

“Yes.” Ciel nodded simply, her hand continuing to glide gently through her Master’s hair.

“Was Akari-kun always interested in swordsmanship?” Saeko asked, her voice soft but curious as her eyes rested fondly on the peacefully sleeping boy.

“Master has trained in various forms of combat for as long as I’ve known him.” Ciel answered smoothly refusing to elaborate.

There was no need to mention those forms included something simple like manipulating the very elements, taming world ending beasts, or having control over all the laws of creation.

Besides, Master had not deemed to mark them yet so Ciel saw no need to reveal some of her Master’s secrets to people Ciel saw as not worthy of her Master’s attention.

“I see,” Saeko murmured, her gaze lingering on Akari with renewed respect. “Impressive.”

“Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention for a moment?”

The oily, self-important voice cut through the atmosphere like nails on a chalkboard.

Ciel turned her gaze, along with the others, to find the speaker: a middle-aged man with greasy glasses and a smug smile that only grew as he noticed all the female attention on him. His eyes scanned their faces, and Ciel instantly read his intent.

Disgusting. His thoughts were lecherous—especially when his gaze landed on her.

Only one person in all of existence was allowed to look at her like that, and that person was currently using her lap as a pillow. Anyone else would be erased.

Her fingers twitched at the thought, but before she could follow through on the idea, she felt Master shift slightly, burrowing deeper into her stomach.

He noticed…. She blinked once, returning to neutrality with practiced grace. Still, her eyes narrowed subtly, noting how the man eyed the sheathed katana resting at Master’s side, and then Saeko’s blade, with clear apprehension. Luckily the man had not noticed her tanto hidden on her back.

“What do you want?” Rei’s voice snapped, her tone filled with hostility. She didn’t even try to hide the sneer on her face as she glared at the man.

“Now now, Miss Miyamoto,” the man replied smoothly, clearly unfazed by the animosity. “There’s no need for hostility. In troubled times like these, unity is key to survival.” He placed a hand dramatically over his chest, giving the group a mock-earnest smile. “I was simply wondering—who among you is leading this little group?”

The silence lasted only a second.

“It’s him,” Saeko replied calmly, pointing to the peacefully sleeping Akari. Her tone was absolute.

“That’s right,” Saya added, arms crossed beneath her chest, eyes narrowed. “Akari is our leader.”

The man—Shido, if Ciel remembered correctly, deeming him unworthy to even look at—scanned the others. To his growing irritation, every girl present nodded in agreement. Even the more timid ones didn’t object.

A sneer twitched at the corner of his mouth before he forced another smile. “That’s strange,” he said. “I don’t recognize him. I thought the leader would either be you, Miss Busujima—or perhaps Marikawa-sensei, being an adult.”

He gave a glance to Hayashi-sensei as well, clearly fishing for support.

“Akari-kun is our leader,” Rei said again, louder this time. Her fists clenched in her lap.

Shido’s smile finally dropped into a frown, but only for a second. He straightened his back, clasped his hands, and smiled again.

“I’m sorry, but that simply won’t do. He’s a student—he’s not qualified to lead anyone.”

Ciel felt her eyes narrow at the audacity of the human. Her hand paused in Master’s hair.

“But not to worry!” Shido declared, spreading his arms. “If this group is leaderless, then I shall take on that responsibility. As an adult, a teacher, and a man of conviction—”

“No.” Ciel’s soft voice cut through like a blade.

All heads turned.

The expression on her face remained blank. Her voice was level. But the authority behind it made several students flinch. Even the air around her seemed to still.

Shido blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“You are not our leader,” Ciel said simply. “You are not even welcome to speak.”

The pathetic human, probably using the last of his remaining brain cells, froze as his gaze met Ciel’s. For a single, breathless moment, he stared into her eyes—only to quickly look away, sweat beading on his brow. Even the infinitesimal trace of killing intent she had let slip was enough to break whatever resolve he might’ve had.

“T-There’s no need for violence,” Shido stammered, his voice now cracking as he refused to meet her gaze. His eyes darted toward his gaggle of cult-like followers huddled at the back of the bus. “I know! How about we put this to a vote?”

The suggestion was met with immediate, enthusiastic nods from his brainwashed little flock. Their simpering agreement only served to stoke the growing ire of the others—especially Rei.

Ciel’s fingers twitched again. How dare he try to wrest control from Master like this?

Rei, who had been visibly seething for a while now, finally snapped. Standing up abruptly, she shouted, her voice full of fury.

“I will not be part of this a moment longer! I’d rather take my chances out there than be trapped in here with you—let alone letting you sink your claws into this group!”

With that, she stomped toward the front of the bus. Shizuka had stopped the vehicle due to the growing commotion, and Rei didn’t hesitate—she swung the door open and jumped out, her footsteps echoing against the pavement as she stalked away.

“Miyamoto! Where are you going, you idiot?!” Saya shouted, half-rising from her seat, eyes wide in disbelief.

Saeko opened her mouth, likely to reason with the girl, but Rei didn’t look back.

Meanwhile, Shido sat back, a smug smile pulling at the corners of his lips as he watched the drama unfold. He looked far too pleased with himself.

Just as Ciel was preparing to rise—intent on erasing that smile from existence and giving Rei a verbal lashing for her foolishness and not appreciating her Master’s kindness at keeping her safe—she froze.

Master…?

She felt it before she saw it. His energy shifted subtly, and she immediately knew: he had stopped pretending.

“I got this, Ciel,” his voice echoed smoothly in her mind, as calm as ever.

A heartbeat later, a sharp thud resounded through the bus, followed by a sudden cry of pain.

“Who the fuck are you?!”