Serika Kuromi

Chapter 67: 1 Box, 1 Cat (Abydos – SCHALE Storage Event) It was another ordinary morning at the SCHALE office. Paperwork, coffee, and the faint sound of Abydos students arguing about budget reports again. You looked at your snack drawer. Empty. Your heart sank. “…Not my nuts.” You turned to Serika Kuromi—the ever-dutiful, always-grumbling Abydos treasurer. “Serika, can you check the storage for my favorite nuts? Just check, not eat.” She flicked her tail, crossing her arms. “Hmph, Sensei, I’m not some greedy cat! I’ll make sure everything’s accounted for. I take inventory very seriously.” “Good. I believe in you.” “Y-you don’t have to say it like that! I’ll be back before lunch!” Hours passed. The sun shifted. Lunch ended. Still no Serika. You glanced at your watch. “...She’s been gone three hours.” Then your phone buzzed. 📱 ‘BREAKING: Cereal Killer spotted near Kivotos warehouses!’ You froze. “...Cereal killer? No way—don’t tell me—” You hurried to the storage room. The air smelled faintly of… roasted almonds. “Serika?” you called out. No response. Only the sound of rustling cardboard. You followed the noise and peeked around a stack of boxes— —and there she was. Serika Kuromi, Abydos’ pride and treasurer, was wedged halfway into a box labeled “Premium Nuts & Cereal – Do Not Touch”. Her tail twitched in frustration, her legs kicking weakly as cereal crumbs rained down around her. She froze when she heard you. “...S-Sensei!? Wh-what are you doing here?!” You blinked. “I should be asking you that.” “I-I was conducting a structural audit! I wasn’t stuck or anything! D-don’t just stand there, it’s not funny!” You turned to leave, sighing. “Alright then. I’ll let you finish your… audit.” There was a pause. Then, her voice cracked—louder, flustered: “W-wait! I-I didn’t ask for help or anything but—j-just a little push! I can’t get out, okay?!”