Chapter 253: The Origin of Yoshinon
"Mm, I will, Mom. When the time comes, I'll make sure Mom gets some too, and Yoshinon too. Thanks to Mom giving me Yoshinon, I can be this happy every day.
And thanks to Yoshinon keeping me company, I was able to get better so quickly. While I was in the hospital, Mom really lost a lot of weight…
When I'm discharged, I'll definitely help Mom with lots of things. I won't let Mom be this tired anymore."
Looking at how considerate Yoshino was, Nagisa's eyes instantly reddened. She forcefully held back her tears.
"Mm. When that time comes, Mom will rest properly too. Yoshino has to grow up quickly as well. Mom is really looking forward to that day."
Work—endless, day-and-night work. Every bit of pay was handed over to the hospital, just to ease Yoshino's pain and prolong her life for those final remaining days.
"You said that as long as I accept the power of this crystal, my illness will be cured, and I'll be able to stay with Mom, right?"
"That's right. Accept the power of this Spirit Crystal, and you'll never be tormented by pain again…"
At that moment, on the bustling city street, a light drizzle suddenly began to fall. Cold rain dripped onto her head and neck.
Himekawa Nagisa, who had been dazed from prolonged work, suddenly snapped awake. Looking at the traffic-filled street, she rushed toward the hospital.
The traffic light turned red. Just as she was thinking she would soon see Yoshino, all she saw was a blinding light—and everything ended.
"Yoshinon, I'll be able to see Mom soon. I have to surprise her properly. I can definitely help Mom with lots of things now."
Following the sensation carried by the rain, Yoshino—who had accepted the Spirit Crystal's power—arrived on the opposite side of the road.
Seeing Himekawa Nagisa lying in a pool of blood, Yoshino froze completely. She ran forward quickly.
Gently lifting Nagisa from the blood-soaked ground, feeling her body rapidly turning cold, the word "death" surfaced in Yoshino's mind.
"Mom!!!"
Her short blue hair rapidly turned gray-white, and terrifying freezing power spread outward at once.
The puppet Yoshinon, stained with Nagisa's blood, flashed with a blue light. Overwhelmed by grief, Yoshino instantly fell into a deep sleep.
Her white hair turned blue once more, and the puppet that should not have been able to move slightly opened its mouth.
A phantom appeared beside Yoshino, as if listening to Yoshinon's words. In the next instant, Yoshino disappeared—and so did Himekawa Nagisa.
Franklin suddenly jolted awake. In that world of memories, he had remained for nearly two years. Now, looking at everything around him, it felt like a lifetime had passed.
Yet upon closer inspection, only three or four seconds had actually gone by. Not far ahead of him, Yoshino and Yoshinon were playing and chatting happily.
The girls beside Franklin didn't urge him either, quietly waiting as they all headed toward the shopping mall together.
Letting out a slow breath, Franklin finally understood Yoshinon's origin. By cultivation standards, it could be considered an object that had gained sentience—
Born from a mother's love and longing, combined with Yoshino's emotional dependence, and finally formed through absorbing the inverted power of the Spirit Crystal.
"Let's go. First, we'll go to the mall and buy some suitable clothes. There are quite a few places to visit this afternoon, especially the amusement park—that's the real paradise for fun."
"Amusement park? Lin, what kind of place is that?"
"Tohka's curious? Then keep it that way. You'll find out when we get there. I guarantee it won't disappoint."
Seeing Tohka puff her cheeks slightly, Franklin affectionately rubbed her head.
"Let's go, Kotori, Origami, and Tohka. You need to be full of energy. Look at how lively Yoshino and Yoshinon are."
At this moment, Origami's heart was filled with conflict. Watching Yoshino and Yoshinon with their childlike behavior—their intense curiosity and fascination with unfamiliar things—
She simply couldn't reconcile that image with the idea of them being ruthless, murderous Spirits.
Contradiction filled her heart, but at Franklin's call, she still quickly followed along.
Feeling Franklin take her hand, Origami snapped back to her senses. Seeing his bright, sunny smile, she temporarily suppressed the conflict in her heart.
Stepping into the large shopping mall, with its dazzling displays and constant flow of people, Yoshino and Tohka cried out in amazement.
This was their first time in a place like this—and also the first time seeing so many people.
Previously, every time they appeared, the streets were completely empty, no different from the Neighboring World. Now, truly experiencing the presence of others, they finally felt the difference between the Real World and the Neighboring World.
Even though many of them were Ratatoskr members, it was more than enough.
Entering a familiar women's clothing store, Franklin recalled the last time he had gone shopping for Ikaros.
Seeing the curious expressions on the girls' faces as they stared at the dazzling array of clothes, Franklin lightly patted Kotori beside him.
"I'm not very good at choosing clothes. Leaving it to you should be fine, right?"
Kotori casually waved her hand.
"It's already arranged. The four of them were fully measured by Reine back at home.
Clothes suitable for each of their temperaments—and other private items—have already been prepared.
Now all you need to do, big brother, is praise them properly and raise their affection levels to the point where they'll never drop again."
Franklin scratched his head. As several female attendants suddenly appeared, the girls were quickly taken away—even Kotori.
Expanding his domain, Franklin scanned everything inside the mall. After confirming nothing unexpected would happen, he calmly sat down in front of the five fitting rooms to wait.
"Yoshino looks really cute in this one. It feels perfect. Yoshinon's is great too—this outfit really brings out both the loli charm and cuteness to the fullest."
Yoshinon pouted slightly.
"Pervert Lin, you're completely hopeless."
Yoshino's cheeks flushed lightly.
"Thank you… Lin… for the compliment…"
Origami silently stepped in front of the three of them. Her expression remained calm as ever, but Franklin could see a trace of anticipation in her eyes.
Faced with such an eye-catching scene, Franklin didn't hold back his praise.
"Mm, it suits Origami very well. Your proportions are shown perfectly—it really makes my heart race. Let's go with this one. I feel like I desperately need a full-body autographed photo. Thank you very much."
As Franklin finished speaking and gave a slight bow, Origami immediately walked out of the store.
At the same time, Tohka hurried over to Franklin.
"What about me, Lin? How do I look in this?"
Looking at Tohka crowding right up to him, Franklin smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.
"It feels like a complete transformation. I almost didn't recognize you. Very cute, very beautiful—perfectly suits Tohka's style."