Contents
Chapter 3: The Roof
Overview
The headmaster reprimands Mamoru and Kwang, sentencing them to clean Kumono’s roof without powers. Mamoru apologizes, but Kwang reveals Yammanka memorials that contradict Kaigen’s official history, triggering Mamoru’s crisis. After silent classes, their tense cleanup turns disastrous when Kwang slips, the roof fixture breaks, and both boys plunge into the mist.
Summary
In the headmaster’s office, Mamoru is shamed for punching Kwang and warned that talent without discipline will prevent him from becoming a true Matsuda. The headmaster orders both boys to clean the school roof without using powers, allowing only ice anchors. Mamoru dreads his mother learning of his misconduct.
Outside, Kwang teases out that the headmaster is Mamoru’s uncle. In the washroom corridor, Mamoru masters his temper and kneels to apologize. Kwang refuses a duel he assumes is coming, then shows Mamoru holograms of Yammanka memorials honoring soldiers who died defending Kaigen—claims that contradict Hibiki Sensei’s teachings.
As Kwang explains that the Empire censors history to keep the Kusanagi Peninsula loyal and immovable, Mamoru’s faith falters. Overwhelmed, he staggers outside and vomits, then forces himself back into composure and ignores Kwang through the afternoon classes.
After school, tied together with a rope, they climb to clean the slick clay tiles without jiya. Kwang, terrified of heights and exhausted, struggles while Mamoru presses him to work faster before dark. Their argument resurfaces over honesty and the alleged lies, but Mamoru shuts it down.
As light fades, Mamoru moves without warning; Kwang slips, jerking the rope and dragging Mamoru off his footing. Mamoru catches a stone dragon’s jaw, orders Kwang to be still, and begins hauling them up. The carved jaw snaps in his hand, and both boys plunge from the roof into the mist.
Who Appears
- Matsuda MamoruGifted student reprimanded for striking Kwang; apologizes, then reels from evidence of imperial lies; anchors roof cleanup; falls after the dragonhead breaks.
- Kwang Chul-heeNew transfer; nose bloodied; presents Yammanka memorials challenging propaganda; fearful of heights; slips on the roof, pulling both boys over the edge.
- Headmaster TakashiMamoru’s uncle and Kumono headmaster; condemns brawling, mandates roof-cleaning punishment without powers, and vows to inform Mamoru’s mother.