Blue Archive: Miracle's End

Our Turn

"First of all, I want to apologize to everyone, especially you, Hoshino. When I made this decision, my intention was to avoid burdening anyone with this problem. However, after seeing how much it hurt the students who found out, I realized how wrong I truly was. In the end, I was running away from all of you, avoiding the responsibility of telling you the truth you deserved to know."

Taking a deep breath, Sensei slowly took out his "Adult Card" tucked inside his suit and presented it to both Shiroko and Hoshino.

"To make amends for my failure as a teacher, I will tell you both the entire truth right now. This is my responsibility."

Hoshino, who knew what Sensei was talking about, could only clench her fists in anticipation of hearing the truth in his words. Shiroko, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to everything, so she kept glancing between Sensei and Hoshino with a concerned and nervous look on her face. Despite this, she steeled herself and chose not to say a word, giving the full spotlight to Hoshino and Sensei.

" That card..." pointed out Hoshino, " I never understood how that card works, but that's the weapon Sensei uses to fight, right?"

Sensei nodded to confirm Hoshino's question, but before he could say anything else, Hoshino pointed out another question regarding the adult card Sensei was presenting to them. The card, usually just an ordinary item, now seemed eerily different.

"It looks... different than usual."

"Because it is," Sensei replied, running his fingers gently over the card, his face devoid of emotion. "After abusing its power so many times, the card began to corrupt, turning into something vile and revolting."

Hoshino seemingly couldn't bring herself to say anything in response. Trembling, she diverted her attention to Shiroko, who also seemed afraid of what would transpire.

Overshadowing their fears were a myriad of questions and uncertainties. Despite what Sensei had just said, neither students understood how his card related to him leaving Kivotos.

Sensing their confusion, Sensei continued his confession.

"As the sole user of this card, I will also soon begin to be corrupted by its power." Sensei pulled back his sleeve to reveal his bare arm, which was turning into pure darkness, slowly corrupting his entire body bit by bit. "This was the warning someone gave me a while ago, but despite knowing the consequences, I ignored everything and used its power regardless."

"But why...? Despite knowing what it would turn you into, why did you still choose to use it?" Shiroko finally spoke, her words shaking with distress.

"...for the sake of his students..." Hoshino answered, finally understanding the meaning behind Sensei's words. Hugging her stomach, she then placed a hand over her mouth, seemingly to stop herself from vomiting due to the initial shock. " We did this to Sensei..."

Shiroko felt the weight of her own body suddenly collapse on her, causing her to fall to her knees. She remembered Sensei saving her before, using his adult card to rescue her, not knowing that doing so would inevitably put his life in danger. A wave of guilt crawled through her skin as she lifelessly turned her gaze to her teacher, her eyes filled with emptiness.

"Don't be mistaken. None of this is your fault."

As he walked towards Shiroko, he gently pulled her up. Since her legs were too weak to support her, Sensei carefully leaned her body against his chest, wrapping his arm around her to keep her in place.

"If it meant saving everyone, I'd do it over and over again. This is my duty as your teacher."

"But Sensei..." Shiroko bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. "What's going to happen once it completely takes control of you?"